Real Wedding

Sureena Patel, a Digital Content Coordinator, and Kishan Desai, Vice President of Acquisitions, embarked on a journey of love that culminated in a breathtaking wedding celebration. Their love story began at Six Flags in Atlanta during Halloween’s Fright Night. Kishan’s clever conversation starter about Sureena’s Stussy t-shirt sparked a connection that would shape their future.

The proposal was a meticulously planned affair in Houston, Texas, against the backdrop of the James Turrell Twilight Epiphany Skyspace. As the sun set and a stunning light show began, Kishan got down on one knee, and
Sureena said yes, enveloping the moment in pure joy.

With the help of a wedding planner, Sureena and Kishan orchestrated a destination wedding in Fort Myers, Florida,
mindful of the travel logistics for their international guests. The JW Marriott, with its proximity to the airport and flexibility with vendors, proved to be the perfect venue.

The wedding festivities kicked off with pre-wedding events adorned with elegant decor, leading to a ceremony filled with love and unique touches. The reception dazzled with its grand entrance, exquisite centerpieces, and a vibrant atmosphere.

BANQUET HALLS JW Marriott Tampa Water Street 813-613-0136 | BEAUTICIANS Michele Renee The Studio and Salon 813-531-7770 | CATERING Khasiyat Restaurant 407-252-8756 | Saffron Indian Cuisine-Orlando 407-674-8899 | DISC JOCKEY Dhol Beat International 281-808-3328 | EVENT PLANNER Legacy-Productions 951-897-9403 | LIMOUSINES Alpha limousine 813-247-6190 | MEHNDI Bridal Henna 01 727-459-6448 | PHOTOGRAPHER Andrew Kwak Photography 714-604-8226 | VIDEOGRAPHY Epique Cinema 832-487-5342

The couple’s first dance was to “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran, followed by heartfelt father/daughter and mother/son dances. Throughout the reception, a mix of music kept the energy high, culminating in unforgettable moments.

Sureena and Kishan incorporated personal touches into their wedding, ensuring every detail reflected their love story. From DIY projects to surprising performances, their wedding was a testament to their unique bond.  Their advice to couples planning their wedding: Get a planner and embrace the journey, even when faced with unexpected challenges. Despite initial hiccups, they found joy in every moment, cherishing the laughter and smiles that filled their special weekend.

In hindsight, they can now laugh about the power outage at the venue and the last-minute cancellation of Kishan’s baarat boat, turning unexpected setbacks into memorable anecdotes. Sureena and Kishan’s wedding was a celebration of love, laughter,  and overcoming obstacles, marking the beginning of a beautiful journey together.

Zinkal Bhutwala, a 33-year-old physician, and Ravindra Reddy Panumati, a 30-year-old business owner, tied the knot on April 22, 2023. Their wedding took place at the beautiful Florida Rustic Barn Weddings in Plant City, FL, where they also held their reception. They celebrated with 100 guests, sharing their joyous day through their wedding website.

The couple’s journey began through a mutual friend at a tennis court. Their bond grew stronger through regular gym meetings and dinners. Their first official date was a magical dinner cruise, followed by a memorable trip to the Smokey Mountains, which solidified their relationship. After dating for eight months, Ravi proposed on February 13, 2022.

The proposal was a beautiful surprise during a glamping trip at The Lodge @ Runaway Bay in Seville, FL, where they celebrated Ravi’s birthday and Valentine’s Day. Zinkal had planned a special dinner, but it was Ravi who created the unforgettable moment by proposing during the dinner, capturing the event with the help of the lodge owners. The moment was emotional and joyful for both.

The wedding planning was made easier with the help of a wedding planner provided by the venue. The couple had initially considered a beach wedding but found their perfect spot in a barn venue that combined their love for nature and water.

BANQUET HALLS Florida Rustic Barn Weddings
813-363-7935 | BEAUTICIANS Bridal Make Up By Jigna Patel 813-493-0625 | CATERING Khasiyat Restaurant 407-252-8756 | HORSE BFR Carriage Service LLC 863-409-8129 | MEHNDI Mittal Patel | PHOTOGRAPHER Fine Arts Photography 732-939-2104

Pre-wedding events, including haldi and mehndi, were held at home with close family and friends, with decorations done by Zinkal’s family. The wedding ceremony took place outdoors, surrounded by trees with a mandap decorated in pinkthemed real flowers. The groom arrived on a horse carriage, adding a traditional touch to the festivities. The reception was held indoors in the barn, featuring blue and white real flowers. The newlyweds made a grand entrance with their family, dancing their way in.

Music played a significant role in their celebrations, with a first dance medley of “Kashmir Main Tu Kanyakumari,” “Saami Saami,” and “Ranjhana Hua Me Tera,” followed by the father/daughter dance to “Papa Mummy” by Swasti Mehul. The couple added personal touches like a bridal dance entry and giving lottery tickets as return gifts.

Zinkal and Ravindra’s wedding was a blend of tradition and personal style, making it a memorable day for all involved. They advise other couples to enjoy the planning process and consider a wedding planner to alleviate stress unless they have a family member who can take charge.

Aarti Patel, an Accountant, and Nir Mistry, an Athletic Trainer, embarked on a whirlwind journey of love that culminated in a grand wedding celebration at the Le Meridien Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina. Their love story began when Aarti, in Las Vegas for a friend’s birthday, matched with Nir on DilMil, a dating app. Despite the initial distance, they soon discovered they both lived just an hour and a half apart in North Carolina. Two weeks of exchanging heartfelt messages led to their first date at Nir’s gym, followed by a sweet visit to a cookie dough
place.

The proposal was a picturesque mountain sunrise in Asheville, North Carolina, where Nir surprised Aarti with a ring amidst their shared love for hiking and sunrises. With friends hiding behind trees to capture the moment, the proposal left them both overjoyed and surprised.

With the help of a wedding planner, Aarti and Nir meticulously planned their wedding at Le Meridien Hotel, a venue that perfectly accommodated their 800 guests. Despite both being from nearby cities, they chose Charlotte for its vibrant atmosphere.

The wedding festivities included a series of prewedding events, each adorned with unique decor and outfits designed by Annu Creation, Perinaspopup, and others. From Aarti’s personalized Mendhi party to Nir’s colorful celebration at his house, each event was filled with joy and love.

BANQUET HALLS Le Meridien Charlotte Hotel 704-372-9610 | BEAUTICIANS Makeup By Pallak Manocha | CATERING Zayka Indian Cuisine – Raleigh 919-361-5370 | DECORATOR Prashe Decor 972-980-4483 | DISC JOCKEY M4U Events 732-771-9648 | FLORIST Stringed Petals 770-367-5290 | MEHNDI Henna4Happiness by Minaz 704-724-8084 | MUSICIAN DJ NIK 908-636-1765 | PHOTOGRAPHER Bhowmik Dave Photography 980-446-9449 Catch Motion Studio 571-446-0004

The wedding ceremony took place indoors in the morning, with music ranging from Bollywood to Hispanic, reflecting the couple’s diverse tastes. A highlight was their baaraat, with Nir arriving in a McClaren and Aarti in a Lambo. The reception dazzled with its pink-themed decor, with the bride in a stunning Manish Malhotra outfit and the groom in a tuxedo. The evening was filled with heartfelt dances and speeches, including surprise performances from both the bride and groom’s sides.

As for advice to couples planning their wedding, Aarti and Nir emphasize the importance of taking one step at a time, not procrastinating, and, most importantly, enjoying every moment. Despite any funny dreams or calamities leading up to the day, their wedding was a beautiful celebration of love and laughter, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Ashima Madan, a dentist specializing in orthodontics, and Gautam Anand, a physician training in gastroenterology,
embarked on a journey that culminated in a beautiful wedding celebration on December 16, 2023, in St. Petersburg, FL, at The Vinoy. With 400 guests in attendance, their love story unfolded in a series of memorable events.

Their modern romance began on the online platform DilMil. After a week of incessant texting, they had their first Facetime date. Despite the virtual setting, Gautam’s thoughtful gestures, like sending roses and Thai food via UberEats, sparked a connection. Meeting in person on Labor Day weekend in 2021 sealed their fate, and they knew they had found something special.

Gautam orchestrated a pictureperfect proposal during his Internal Medicine residency graduation in June 2022. With meticulous planning, he arranged for a rooftop setting adorned with a glowing “MARRY ME” sign and showered rose petals. Ashima was swept off her feet, and amidst awe, she happily accepted his proposal.

To navigate the complexities of wedding planning, the couple enlisted the help of Premini Events. Choosing The Vinoy in St. Petersburg, FL, was an easy decision, resonating with Ashima’s Florida roots and the venue’s iconic pink façade, matching her favorite color. The wedding festivities commenced with a vibrant Mehndi at Ashima’s parents’ home, followed by a warm welcome party at The Vinoy. The Haldi event and Sangeet were lively affairs, filled with music, dancing, and cherished performances from both sides.

BANQUET HALLS The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club – Autograph Collection 727-894-1000 | BEAUTICIANS Henna Allure 321-444-5911 Renata Estepan Makeup and Hair 305-903-3989 | BOUTIQUES Falguni Shane Peacock India 91 9004765981 Sabayasachi 91 9830593953 | CAKE Sweet Divas Cakery 727-498-6323 | CATERING Chef Gaurav Anand 212-683-4228 | DECORATOR Prashe Decor 972-980-4483 | EVENT PLANNER Premini Events 908-591-4050 | HORSE – CARRIAGE Wind Chase Farm 772-285-3480 | MEHNDI Bridal Henna 01 727-459-6448 Henna Allure 321-444-5911 | MUSICIAN DJ Shilpa 908-227-5795 | PHOTOGRAPHER Dukes Images by Duke Khodaverdian 626-744-9695 | PRIEST Pundit Manikya Sharma 813-484-9568 | VIDEOGRAPHY P. Taufiq Photography 617-407-3700

Despite unexpected rain, the wedding ceremony at The Vinoy exuded magic. Vibrant pink décor adorned the indoor setting, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Traditional Punjabi music filled the air as Gautam made a grand entrance on horseback. The reception dazzled with blue and gold décor, featuring stunning floral arrangements and thematic elements. Ashima and Gautam’s first dance to “Dil Diyan Gallan” set the tone for an evening of celebration, with DJ Shilpa spinning a fusion of Bollywood, Bhangra, Spanish, and English music.

Personalized cocktail napkins featuring their family dogs added a charming touch to the festivities. Ashima’s entrance under a floral canopy held by her brothers and uncles was a breathtaking moment, along with witnessing the live painting by Allison Allianic. The couple advises future brides and grooms to enjoy the wedding planning process and cherish every moment. Thankfully, they didn’t experience any funny dreams or nightmares leading up to the big day, nor any calamities to laugh about afterward. Ashima and Gautam’s wedding was a beautiful blend of tradition, love, and joy, creating unforgettable memories for themselves and their loved ones.

In the heart of Orlando, Florida, amid the lush surroundings of the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort, Shreni Shah and Jay Gopal embarked on a journey of love and celebration on November 25, 2023. The union of these two remarkable individuals, both resident physicians deeply committed to their medical careers, was a testament to their enduring bond and shared aspirations.

BANQUET HALLS Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress 904-360-8672 | BARTENDING SERVICE Double Down Bartenders & Event Staff LLC 772-521-1630 | BEAUTICIANS C’ Minerva s Looks 813-830-3323 | Tejal Henna 407-415-7994 | DECORATOR Confetti Balloons Orlando 516-655-5922 | Dreams To Reality 407-592-9261 | DISC JOCKEY  Awaaz Entertainment 407-902-9639 | Krish Entertainment Inc. 352-299-0743  |  EVENT PLANNER Elite Dream Creations 407-733-2597 | ICE SCULPTURE Kellys Homemade Ice Cream 407-900-7198 | MEHNDI Gokul’s Henna Art 407-264-1932 | Tejal Henna 407-415-7994  | MUSICIAN Surbaahar Group of Melbourne 321-543-7639 | PHOTO BOOTH 360 Flix LLC 352-617-1626 | PHOTOGRAPHER Joshua Kane Photography 561-801-4660 | PRIEST OM VIPRA 813-900-0190 | RENTAL SERVICES Stages Plus LLC 407-442-0254 | CATERING Khasiyat Indian Restaurant 407-252-8756 | Saffron Indian Cuisines 407-674-8899 | WEDDING SERVICES Just the 2 of us 703-479-9890

Their story began with a chance encounter at a dinner just before medical school orientation. Despite the initial spark, they started as friends, spending weekends in Tampa and weekdays buried in medical books. It wasn’t until a hesitant first date and a subsequent game night that their romance blossomed. Through the challenges of long-distance and the tumult of a global pandemic, their love endured, culminating in a joyous engagement in the picturesque setting of Capri, Italy.

Against the backdrop of Capri’s azure waters, Jay orchestrated a surprise proposal on a private gozzo, capturing Shreni’s heart with a heartfelt declaration of love. As they plunged into the sea in celebration, their bond grew stronger, foreshadowing the joyous journey that lay ahead.

With demanding residency schedules, Shreni and Jay wisely enlisted the expertise of a wedding planner, ensuring a seamless experience from venue selection to day-of coordination. Their decision to wed in Florida, blending Shreni’s roots with Jay’s Californian heritage, underscored their commitment to family and tradition.

Their wedding festivities were a fusion of cultural traditions and personal touches, from the boho-themed Mehndi to the vibrant Garba night, each event exuded warmth and joy. Against the verdant backdrop of a golf course, their enchanting garden ceremony unfolded, marked by personalized touches and heartfelt tributes to loved ones.

Under the starlit sky, the reception dazzled with its enchanting decor and personalized touches. From mirror tables adorned with candles and roses to towering cherry blossom trees, every detail reflected Shreni and Jay’s love story. Guests were treated to a sensory feast, from the vibrant dance performances to the soulful melodies that filled the air.

As they reflect on their wedding journey, Shreni and Jay offer sage advice to couples embarking on their own matrimonial adventure: cherish every moment, embrace the unexpected, and above all, stay true to your love.

Shreni and Jay’s wedding was more than a celebration of love; it was a testament to resilience, unity, and the power of shared dreams. As they embark on their journey together, hand in hand, their love story serves as an inspiration to all who believe in the enduring power of love.