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Heart and Soul Payal With Parag
Though doctors may be able to diagnose and know instinctively what is going on with the body, matters of the heart and love are entirely different. Ask Payal and Parag, who knew each other for months before they even began to date. Although both are doctors, the symptoms of love were not obvious to either. After a few months of friendship, Parag and Payal let it all go and went out on a date.On one of their many adventures together, Parag thought the destination – the San Diego Botanic Gardens – would be an appropriate setting to propose. Even though Payal suspected the proposal would be coming, she really had no idea exactly when. So, when Parag got down on one knee, the moment was nothing like Payal had imagined.
After an engagement that lasted for a little over a year, the wedding was finally drawing near. Relying on friends and family rather than a wedding consultant, Payal and her troop had plenty of work cut out for them. The most taxing part was for Payal, who had to make four trips to Orlando from Houston to get things in place. This was followed by countless emails and phone calls to ensure all details were finalized. With friends, aunts and uncles willing to step in for her, planning was made much easier.
With the bride’s family traveling from Alabama and the groom’s family flying in from Canada, the couple chose to have a destination wedding in Orlando. The Hilton Lake Buena Vista was chosen as the ideal wedding venue.
The first of the functions was the garba. With nearly 300 guests attending, the Rawal Brothers provided live music and encouraged all to sway in complete abandon. Fuschia parasols, blue and fushcia drapes, and amber lights provided a myriad of different shades that offset the mood. A statue of Radha-Krishna along with dancing Ganesh statues adorned the venue alongside peacock statues.
The wedding ceremony was held in the morning in the venue’s ballroom. The popular Jodha Akbar theme was chosen for the decor, and accentuated with drapes, flowers and lights. The bride came carried in adoli by her uncles, and before long, Parag and Payal were pronounced man and wife. With Ganesh motifs decorating the programs, each guest followed along the ceremony every step of the way. The newly married couple was then whisked away in a grand horse carriage.The reception was a sophisticated affair. With crystals and vases, flower arrangements and wreaths, LED lights and the predominant use of teal as the color of the evening, the atmosphere was surreal. The food was delectable, and a lavish spread ensured every taste bud in the room would be thrilled. Cocktails, a visual presentation, skit and dances were just some of the special moments. With grand music played by DJ Firoz throughout the events and creative conceptualization and execution by Suhaag Gardens on the decor, the event was seamless and smooth.
Payal opines that you leave things to chance eventually and sit back and enjoy it, or you will never have fun at your wedding. The wedding is not just about you, but also about the special people who have travel miles to be with you. Payal especially wants to remember all the special people who made this possible – the photographers Digital Dreams, make-up and hair stylists, and the team at the Hilton headed by Rachel Sitter, who coordinated all details. After all, a wedding is not a single-handed project, but the sum total of efforts put in by many tireless hands!
Photos Courtesy:
Digital Dream Studio407-791-6064
www.digitaldreamstudio.comVendors BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN
Alladins Magic 321-201-0518
www.alladinsmagic.vpweb.comQ Salon 407-253-2828
qsalonorlando@aol.comBRIDE AND GROOM CLOTHING
Preranas Boutique 407-240-7353
sagar05142@aol.comENTERTAINMENT
Fred Astaire Dance Studios
713-871-1300
www.fredastairehouston.comOrlando Belly Dance 407-579-9765
www.orlandobellydance.comSaree Palace Anand 011-91-269-2251003
info@sareepalaceanand.comCAKE
RW Chocolate Fountain 407-443-0779
www.rwchocolatefountains.comWhole Foods Market 407-355-7100
www.wholefoodsmarket.comDISC JOCKEY
Dudha Productions 727-523-0786
www.dudhaproductions.comHorse and Carriage
High Horse Carriage Rides Inc 386-334-4386
www.highhorsecarriagerides.comMANDAP/DECORATIONS
Suhaag Gardens 813-478-9283
www.suhaaggarden.comPHOTOGRAPHER
Digital Dream Studio 407-791-6064
www.digitaldreamstudio.comPRIEST/WORSHIP SERVICES
Mahesh Gor 407-699-7966
dharinigor_17@hotmail.comRESTAURANT/CATERING
Aashirwad Indian Cuisine 407-370-9830
www.aashirwadrestaurant.comKhasiyat 407-888-2147
bhanuchavda13@yahoo.comVENUE
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
407-827-4000
www.hiltonorlandolakebuenavista.comVIDEOGRAPHER
Digital Dream Studio 407-791-6064
www.digitaldreamstudio.comWEDDING INVITATIONS
Sarvoday Cards 011-91-269-6259401
www.sarvodaycard.com -
Love Keeps Us Alive Anuradha weds Avinash
Miles may separate lovelorn hearts, and years may pass before they even catch a glimpse of one another, but when love is meant to be – it will always find a reason and time. Though Anuradha and her family moved from Trinidad and found a new home in Florida, fate brought Anuradha and Avinash together, simply because true love is stronger than all else. One chance encounter at the Shiva temple and a simple exchange of glances was a sure sign that love had struck.Ten years after experiencing the bliss of togetherness, Avinash decided it was time to take the relationship to the next level. On the pretext of having Anuradha home for dinner, Avinash arranged for an elaborate candlelight dinner, complete with rose petals carpeting the floor, floating candles and soft music playing gently in the background. The most special snapshot was of Avinash waiting in readiness with a ring in his hand.
With ten months before the final wedding day, there was plenty to accomplish. The task was made even more difficult since the wedding was followed directly by the reception on the same day. Suhaag Gardens stepped in and took responsibility for all décor and overall arrangements, which eased a significant amount of stress.The wedding was held in Florida, with another reception planned in Trinidad. The Marriott Coral Springs was an ideal venue since the hotel could not only accommodate all guests, but also provided scenic beauty. Although there were smaller pujas and obligatory rituals performed in the days before the wedding, the main celebrations stretched over three days, beginning with a haldi ceremony and followed by a sangeet the following day.
A large Radha Krishna statue welcomed guests to the wedding venue. Upon entering, it was apparent that white was the color of the day, complemented with the use of gold, crystal and colorful flowers. The mandap drew much attention with the use of bright blue and purple drapes. While Avinash had an impressive entourage of cars, the bride came in under an exquisite canopy, while a live band created the right mood with its music.
At the reception, tables and chairs were decorated to feed into the predominant peacock theme. With purple and blue on the tables and matching flower arrangements, the sight was spectacular. Water fountains and rotating peacock statues made the arrangements unique and equally ornate. Even the lights were purple, green and blue. Highlights of the evening include introduction of the bride and groom, speeches, and the fine food.For those who missed out on the extravaganza in Florida, there was plenty to look forward to back home as the couple celebrated again with a reception in Trinidad. The Lakshmi Narayan Temple came alive with water fountains, tea gardens and fresh décor. This time around, there were even two live peacocks!
There is no shortage of wedding advice, but the couple offers a fresh perspective. They feel that once you have true friendship, love, honesty and respect for one another, all arrangements leading up to the wedding will become much easier and also more enjoyable. It also works when you keep each other well informed and communicate, which will ensure that everyone is heard. The couple stresses that no matter how stressful the event, and despite what may go wrong, you will certainly be left wanting to enjoy the celebrations all over again, so it is best that you take in every moment!Photos Courtesy:
Vanessa Hankins Photography
305-890-8536
www.vanessahankins.com
Tony E Photography
www.tonyephotography.comVendors BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN
Anju Thaker 954-554-8749BRIDE-GROOM CLOTHING
Frontier Heritage Artesia
562-653-9396
rasija@gmail.com
Letrend Boutique
407-288-3304
www.letrendboutique.comMANDAP/DECORATIONS
Suhaag Gardens 813-478-9283
www.suhaaggarden.comPHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER
Vanessa Hankins Photography
305-890-8536
www.vanessahankins.comTony E Photography
www.tonyephotography.comVENUE
Coral Spring Marriot
954-227-4122
www.marriott.com/fllmcWEDDING INVITATIONS
Invites Events 954-797-8022
www.invitesandevents.comAnuradha weds Avinash
Suhaag Gardens
The Marriott Coral Springs
the wedding venue
The mandap
The Lakshmi Narayan Temple
Vanessa Hankins Photography
BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN
BRIDE-GROOM CLOTHING
PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER
WEDDING INVITATIONS
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A Perfect Confluence of Love: The Esha Deol Bharat Takhtani Wedding
June 29 was a very special day for legendary stars Dharmendra and Hema Malini as their eldest daughter, Esha Deol, was bonded in holy matrimony to Bharat Takhtani. The ceremony matched perfectly with the people involved – glamorous, beautiful and opulent. The doting parents sent out wedding invitations accompanied by boxes of laddoos bursting with nuts. The week long ceremony culminated in an elegant wedding at the Iskcon Temple in Mumbai, followed by a grand reception at a five star hotel in the city. The days prior to the wedding were filled with lively events like the Mehndi and Sangeet ceremonies.The credit for Esha, Bharat’s, Aahna, and Hema Malini’s beautiful outfits goes to Neeta Lulla, a celebrated Bollywood designer. She truly worked her magic on the grand Kanchivaram saree that was specially ordered from Chennai for the bride. Hema Malini looked stunning, as usual, in her own toned down Kanchivaram saree that she wore with a heavily embroidered blouse and traditional gold jewelry. Aahna held her own amidst the glam exuded by her mother and sister. She looked sweet and very much like a younger version of Hema Malini. Esha was dolled up in a gorgeous dress designed by the same Sindhi designer. The groom looked dapper in a traditional beige sherwani.
The wedding was held at the Iskon temple, and it was a simple affair with just close family and friends in attendance. The reception was the exact opposite, and the grandeur was stunning. Equally stunning were sweethearts and newlyweds,Esha and Bharat Takhtani. Esha wore a pink lehnga studded with Swaroski crystals designed by Rocky S, and Bharat matched her beauty in a dark suit, designed by Simone Khambatta. Hema Malini stole the show at the reception dressed in a silver and soft white lenhga saree, while Dharmendra played the perfect host. Aahna, the baby of the Deol family, looked very pretty in a bright pink traditional lehnga.Apart from the beautiful costumes, colors and glitter, what really shone through all the ceremonies was the lovely warm bond that Esha and Bharat Takhtani share. The groom seemed very proud of his wife as he called her his “princess for life.” Bharat also said that he was looking forward to a great life ahead with the most wondrous life partner. The bride was definitely blushing crimson.
Hema Malini and Dharmendra elegantly managed everything during the wedding ensuring the day would be perfect for Esha. The wedding went off without a hitch and will remain one of the most talked about celebrations of the year.
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Hidden Love – Nilam Weds Jetash
Love does not always hit you in the face. You may not notice the love of your live, even if he or she is right there by your side. If you are lucky, you may someday realize where love lurks, while some tragically let it go away. Luckily for Nilam, she eventually found she had a soft spot for Jetash, who was meant to be her true love. Despite being friends and the fact that Jetash was obviously fond of her, Nilam was reluctant to believe that she felt the same way. After willing to give them a chance, Nilam and Jetash began dating, and before long, they were engaged to be married.The actual proposal came when Jetash called Nilam over for a home cooked meal. This had to be special, considering he had never done this for her before. A three course meal was waiting – as the saying goes, sometimes the quickest way to the heart is through the stomach! Jetash claimed full rights to her heart by asking Nilam to marry him. With all her senses appeased by the delightful meal and heartwarming proposal, Nilam really had no reason to refuse. Although it seemed like a breeze, things were not as easy for Jetash. For one, he had to struggle with getting together this special meal. Then he had to battle his nerves. He was so nervous with the whole prospect of proposing that he forgot to pull the ring from his pocket. It was only when Nilam believed him to be joking that he remembered to present the ring.
With four trusted family members by her side (her mom, dad, aunt, and uncle), Nilam formed a special team to take charge of all wedding related issues. Handling vendors and looking for possible venues topped the list of priorities. Six months before the big day, Nilam decided to hire a wedding consultant to handle intricate details.
Lake Lanier Islands Resort was the venue of choice for the couple. For its proximity to the bride and groom’s homes, it was a unanimous choice. The couple also liked the fact that the resort had the feel of a destination wedding without having to go too far from home.
A Moroccan/Indian theme was chosen as the backdrop for the sangeet. Bold colors, low, Indian-style seating, candles and umbrellas, and live singers set the mood for a grand beginning to the festivities.The lawns and gazebo were prepared for the wedding ceremony. With the lake completing the picture in the background, only the bride and groom were missing. Flowers burst open exposing a colorful palette with delicate fragrances, and every table was decorated with careful detail. Handmade ceremony programs added a personal touch, and special songs were played as the bride and groom entered. A grand baraat ushered in the arrival of the groom, who came in on a horse. After the wedding ceremony, the newly married couple left together in a horse carriage.
The colors for the reception were mainly black with distinct hints of fuschia and silver to add to the elegance. Judicious use of crystals and drapes, candles, beads and stones added to the splendor. The entire wedding party began the celebration with a flashmob to the popular song, “Ainvayi Ainvayi.” Nilam and Jetash even joined in! The couple then enjoyed their first dance, which ended with the bride’s father and groom’s mother joining in. Cake, food and drinks flowed easily, completing a truly memorable affair.The now experienced and wise Nilam says that no matter how well prepared you may be, there are bound to be some hiccups, which in the end, do not matter too much. Her biggest nightmare was that the flower girls would freeze and never get down the aisle. With the wedding over, Nilam can put her biggest fears to rest, and look forward to a lifetime of happiness with Jetash.
Photos Courtesy:
Vendors BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN
Angela Moceri 810-623-3871
Noor Farooq 678-472-5292DISCJOCKEY
Concerts By Tanweer 770-355-6503
www.tanweermian.comPrime DJ 404-510-6325
www.prime-djs.comHORSE AND CARRIAGE
Nottingham Shire &
Carriage for Hire LLC 404-622-0526JEWELERS
Tacori 888-741-7615
www.tacori.comMANDAP/DECORATIONS
Weddings In Style 678-907-6547
www.weddingsinstyle.netMEHNDI
Aarti Amin-Henna Hair
And Makeup 678-717-7303
www.aartiamin.comPHOTOGRAPHER
Zamana Photo & Videography 678-860-2921
www.zamanaphoto.comPRIEST/WORSHIP SERVICES
Ravindra Dave 770-840-0390
www.panditravindradave.comRESTAURANT/CATERING
Bukharaa Indian Restaurant 770-817-1371
www.burkaraa.comRaval Foods 256-349-0512Tadka 770-622-1445
www.tadkarestaurant.comVENUE
Lake Lanier Islands Resort 770-945-8787
www.lakelanierislands.comVIDEOGRAPHER
Zamana Photo & Videography 678-860-2921
www.zamanaphoto.comWEDDING PLANNER
Reveology Events 321-223-4715
www.reveologyevents.comHidden Love – Nilam Weds Jetash
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Hema weds Anand – There’s Always Room For Love
When love strikes, though you may be an accomplished individual dedicated to pursuing a successful career, you will gladly make room in your life. Love is not like a job that can burden the mind, an unwanted chore left unattended, or heartache that leaves your heart heavier. Rather, love acts as a catalyst that brings out the best in you, and makes you do everything in your life in a happier, more refined way.Although Hema and Anand had known each other for a long time, it took three years of spending time together and getting to know one other for the two to take a step toward wedded bliss. After coming up with a few different surprise proposal scenarios, Anand finally decided to propose at a mutual friend’s house. There he arrived on a boat and took Hema for a ride. Once out on the water, Anand got down on one knee and proposed with a full audience waiting ashore.
Hema and her family did the initial wedding planning, but along the way, they decided to hire professionals Eventually Yours to handle intricate details, negotiate better with vendors, and handle the day-to-day wedding coordination.In May, Orlando became the center of activity as close to five hundred guests descended on the city to wish the couple well. Celebrations began with a sangeet where grandeur and enjoyment were the clear highlights. A vibrant Moroccan theme, low seating, rich fabrics and hand painted backdrops were just some of the elements that went into the first of many special events.
The day of the wedding was bound to be special when the couple, so much in love, made a life-altering promise to love, live, and enjoy their lives together. In almost characteristic fashion, the hall in the hotel was transformed into a palatial setting, with a special raised platform and pedestals. The colors for the occasion were rust, red and matted gold. There were also generous amounts of rose petals and floating candles strewn about to add to the surreal effect. Ceremony programs made in beige gold were placed at all tables detailing each step of the rituals. With a DJ playing music and family and friends singing auspicious songs through the wedding, the bride arrived and the ceremony was underway.
At the reception later that evening, flowers, crystals and candles set the mood for what the celebration to come. Neutral lights, with vases that were tall, delicately shaped and small all added special touches and added spark to the atmosphere in many places. With curtains completing the cascading look, the area was a sight to behold. Indian and American music welcomed everyone warmly, with a special father/daughter dance and a mother/son dance too.While planning for a wedding is not simple, Hema suggests that you look forward to the wedding, remember that everything will go well, and everything in which you have invested will pay off. Although you may envision some nightmare scenarios, only sweet dreams followed by a magical wedding will regale everyone present.
Photos Courtesy:
Vendors BEAUTICIANS/COSMETICIAN
Lejune Artistry 407-625-9556
www.lejeuneartistry.com
EVENT PLANNER
Event Fully Yours 407-489-7699
www.eventfully-yours.comLIGHTING
PSAV Presentation Services 407-996-7220MANDAP/DECORATIONS
Occasions By Shangri-La 407-963-6720
www.occasionsbyshangrila.comPHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER
Sona Photography 407-694-6032
www.sonaphotography.comRENTAL SERVICES
A Chair Affair Inc 386-479-4308
www.chairaffairrentals.com
RESTAURANT/CATERING
Tabla Bar And Grill 407-248-9400
www.tablabar.comVENUE
Hilton-Orlando 407-313-8458
www.thehiltonorlando.comVIDEOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY
760 Studios 772-559-7388
www.760studios.com
