THE INSIDER’S GUIDE TO WEDDINGS WITH STYLE SPRING 2012

DISPLAY UNTIL JUNE 4, 2012

INSIDE W

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STHE IN

SIDER’S GUIDE TO

WEDDIN

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ITH STYLESPRIN

G 2012

436 + new gownsfrom 43 of the best bridal designers

GORGEOUSRECEPTIONS CAKES, BOUQUETS & DÉCOR

illuminating pages of74

etiquette expertAnna Postoffers advice to

encore brides

the couture runway issue

Celebrity StyleMiranda Lambert

& Blake Shelton

AMAZINGBRIDAL

SHOWERINSPIRATION SEXY

SHOESGLAM BAGS

C1_InsideWeddings_US_SP12.indd 1 1/30/12 12:37 PM

POOJA DESAI & MITU SHAH JUNE 11, 2011 MIAMI, FLORIDAPHOTOGRAPHED BY MALOMAN PHOTOGRAPHERS

BEAUTIFUL DAY

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Although Pooja Desai never expected the process to be easy, she quickly found that arranging a three-day celebration from a distance was much more complex than she initially imagined. The organized account executive is normally keen on planning, and enthusiastically oversees details with a perfectionist’s touch. However, a guest list that peaked at 300 people further complicated the process of coordinating her nuptials to Mitu Shah. “I don’t think anyone can prepare you for how much work it is to plan a destination wedding of that size,” admits the bride. “I quickly learned it’s not something you can do alone.” Pooja and Mitu wisely enlisted the help of others, including loved ones and an expert consultant. With friends and family traveling from around the world to the celebration, the New York-based couple elected to host their nuptials in sunny Florida. “We settled on Miami because it’s one of our favorite places,” shares Mitu, “and we have traveled there many times.” The grounds of a legendary resort overlooking the sparkling waters of

Miami Beach proved ideal for the contemporary pair. “The emerald-green waters were a perfect backdrop for the wedding mandap,” describes Pooja, who opted for a more neutral color scheme than one typically associated with an Indian wedding. Mitu and his groomsmen arrived via yacht to the ceremony (a surprise arranged by the bride). “We enjoyed the sun, music, and each other’s company [on the way there],” shares the groom, who donned an eggshell sherwani with gilded stitching and a matching turban. When the group arrived on land, Mitu mounted a statuesque horse for his grand entrance. Sweet coconut water and yogurt parfaits were presented as refreshing amenities to attendees as they found their seats. The ceremony took place on a foundation of plexiglass set atop a swimming pool. Punchy pomanders dangled from alternating rows of chairs. The aisle was showered in fuchsia rose petals, and bright pink parasols were on hand to shield guests from the warm rays of the sun.

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INS

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BeautySushmita Patel for Studio Sush

Bridal Gown/SalonShantanu & Nikhil

CakeElegant Temptations

CateringMoghul Catering

ConsultingSonal J. Shah Event Consultants, LLC

EntertainmentDJ Juicy & MC Max for DJUSA

FavorsLovely Daze Desserts

Floral DesignXquisite Events

FormalwearVictor Talbots - reception

HoneymoonThe St. Regis Bali ResortAYANA Resort and Spa, Bali

InvitationsMalhotra Card Manufacturers

Lighting DesignFrost Productions

Rentals/LinensXquisite Events

PhotographyMaloman Photographers

RegistriesCrate and Barrel

ShoesBadgley MischkaJimmy Choo

TransportationMiami Jet ToursReel Deal Yachts

VenueEden Rock Renaissance

VideographyMemories in Motion

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The long, flowing skirt of the bride’s garnet-and-gold silk lehenga fell beautifully from her petite frame. Pooja’s brunette locks were arranged in a neat upsweep, and anchored a veil featuring bullion threadwork. Gorgeous henna artwork with intricate paisley patterns adorned the bride’s hands, and bunches of glimmering gold-and-red bangles decorated her wrists. Though it is Hindu tradition for a maternal uncle to walk the bride down the aisle, Pooja elected to have her uncle and her father escort her. “My dad and I are very close, so it meant a lot that he walked with me,” recalls the bride. “He never looked happier or prouder than he did that day.”

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For the couple’s extravagant reception, the ballroom of the posh hotel was draped in alabaster fabric, adding an air of romance to the sophisticated décor of the room. Dinner tables were covered in shimmery silver linens that sparkled beneath the glowing centerpieces. Mirrored boxes filled with low arrangements of white hydrangeas and fuchsia blossoms adorned long tables, while illuminated Venetian-crystal globes were stationed amid petite assemblies of flowers on square tables. Transparent chairs and a modern white dance floor contributed to the contemporary glamour of the room.

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The couple’s menu featured a scrumptious blend of international fare and traditional comfort food. For dessert, they served a marble red velvet wedding cake that featured four handsome tiers adorned with cascading ribbons and blossoms in fuchsia and white. Every exquisite detail of the grand celebration met with the pair’s glowing approval. At the conclusion of the evening, the newlyweds could hardly contain their gratitude. “The entire weekend, Mitu and I couldn’t stop thinking

about how lucky we were,” says the bride. “We felt so much love, the weather was perfect, and our planner never skipped a beat!” For his part, Mitu was delighted to see his beloved bride relax and enjoy herself at the reception. “I will always remember seeing the joy in Pooja’s face while dancing with friends and family after a year of planning,” says Mitu. “She looked beautiful, and I was happy knowing that I’d get to see that face every day – forever.” NICOLE PALACIOS

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