Kruti and Nishant's destination Clearwater Beach wedding brought bright and colorful Indian traditions to the white sands of Tampa Bay. Taking a cue from the surrounding landscape, the bride chose a color palette that complimented her tropical surroundings.
“I chose pink, coral, and gold colors. I chose these colors because they looked amazing with the beach background!” the bride gushed.
The Houston couple chose the area because of Kruti's Tampa roots and because she loves the water and the beach. The pair wanted their wedding to be a vacation destination for their 350 guests. The Hilton Clearwater Beach offered the perfect combination of convenience and amenities, with a backdrop that made for stunning wedding photos.
“We chose Clearwater Beach, Florida, as a destination wedding spot. We wanted somewhere warm and on the beach. Holidays tend to be family time and what better way to celebrate than in a vacation spot!” Kruti beamed. “We choose the Hilton Clearwater Beach because of the beautiful wedding photos I saw on Instagram, and I knew this was the spot I wanted us to get married. Courtney and her wedding team are wonderful.”
While planning their Sangeet, Kruti and Nishant selected a unique waterfront venue large enough for all of their guests to enjoy food, dancing, and the Mendhi.
“I chose the Yacht StarShip because they created a fusion Indian/Mexican menu, and it was delicious! The service was awesome. We gave the DJ our playlist of Indian songs, and he mixed it up with our Top 40/hip hop playlist. The Yacht StarShip is a venue that is a hidden gem I think all brides should consider!” the bride raved. “Having the Sangeet on the yacht made our wedding festivities unique. It's a cool experience for your guests to experience the water views, too!”
When selecting a beauty team who would help her get wedding-ready, Kruti sought a hair and makeup artist with South Asian wedding experience.
“Michele Renee The Studio specializes in South Asian weddings and does a wonderful job. Having an extra makeup artist and hairstylist for mom, sister, and other family members helped everything run smoothly on the day of the wedding.”
Looking back, one the the groom's favorite memories was committing his love for his new bride during the ceremony
“The most memorable moment for me was being on the mandap (the stage where you get married) on the beach, and it was just me and my wife giving our vows to each other,” Nishant recalled.
“The most memorable moment was all of the dancing and laughter and seeing the family altogether because since then we haven't been able to see them due to COVID,” Kruti added.
What did you look for in a wedding hair and makeup artist?
I wanted someone who specialized in South Asian weddings.
Michele Renee The Studio specializes in South Asian weddings and does a wonderful job. Having an extra makeup artist and hairstylist for mom, sister, and other family members helped everything run smoothly on the day of the wedding.
The Proposal:
On our first date weekend, Nishant surprised me on a boat. We were in Miami for Valentine’s weekend. I am a Pisces and love the water and the beach. We both sat in the center of the boat while playing music. The captain mate was taking various photos and asked us to sit near the center of the boat for a photo. Around sunset time, Nishant held my hand and smiled. He told me how much he loved me and instead of talking on Facetime, he wanted to wake up daily together. He asked me to marry him. I couldn’t believe what was happening; I was shocked and excited and started to have tears of joy. After 20 months of a long-distance relationship, we were taking it to the next level and getting married!
What were your colors?
I chose pink coral and gold colors. I chose these colors because they looked amazing with the beach background!
What did you look for in a wedding venue?
We looked for beachfront properties.
We choose the Hilton Clearwater Beach because of the beautiful wedding photos I saw on Instagram. I knew this was the spot I wanted us to get married. Courtney and her wedding team are wonderful.
What did you look for in a wedding rehearsal space?
I chose the Yacht StarShip because they created a fusion Indian/Mexican menu and it was delicious! The space was huge! We had 350 guests, and we were able to space everyone out among the three levels. The Mendhi was on the first floor, the dinner was available on the first and second floors, and the bars were on all three floors. The service was awesome! We gave the DJ our playlist of Indian songs, and he mixed it up with our Top 40/hip hop playlist. Tampa Bay has a lot to offer, so consider the Yacht StarShip as a venue. It's a cool experience for your guests to experience the water views. The Yacht StarShip is a venue that is a hidden gem I think all brides should consider!
What advice would you give to other Tampa Bay couples?
Flowers will die, food will have been eaten, and people will come and go, so be in the moment and enjoy your special day!
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Hilton Clearwater Beach *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Venue
Photographer/ Videographer: Castaldo Studios
Planner: Apsara Events
Florist/Decor/Lighting: Nikun Events
Pundit & Officiant: Ramesh Mehta
Caterer: Khasiyat
Mehndi Artist/ Draping: Henna by Priya
Cake: Publix
DJ: Dudha Productions
Violin: Sunset Strings
Invitations: Mumbai, India
Baarat Vehicle: St. Petersburg Carriages
Dress: Roopkala Mumbai
Shoe Designer: Stuart Weitzman
Hair & Makeup: Michele Renee The Studio *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pro
Sangeet/Rehearsal Venue: Yacht StarShip *Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Venue
Photobooth: SnapShoot Photobooth
Live Painter: Jacob Event Painting
Ceremony Ice Cream: Ice Space Cafe
Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and brevity.
*Preferred Marry Me Tampa Bay Wedding Pros are highly respected by our local wedding community and have been personally vetted by our editor.
