INSIDE WEDDINGS
THE INSIDER’S GUIDE TO WEDDINGS WITH STYLE
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THE INSIDER’S GUIDE TO WEDDINGS WITH STYLE
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P O O J A D E S AI & MIT U SHAH JUNE 11, 2011 MIAMI, FLORIDA PHOTOGRAPHED 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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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 dÊcor 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 Venetiancrystal 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 NICOLE PALACIOS get to see that face every day – forever.”
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