1. Real Weddings

A Colorful Multicultural Wedding at the Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater Beach, Florida

Monika Bajaj, a project manager, 38, and Derek Banks, a senior IT recruiter, 45, met while working on a project at their job. “We became best friends

Monika Bajaj, a project manager, 38, and Derek Banks, a senior IT recruiter, 45, met while working on a project at their job. “We became best friends and realized that we had something special,” says Monika. Derek proposed with a music video on Thanksgiving Day that included both his and Monika’s families. Their wedding was held about one year later at the Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater Beach, Florida. The theme and color scheme for the wedding were altered after Monika found her silver Vera Wang wedding dress. “We went from a laid back beach theme to a sophisticated wedding with a tropical twist,” says Monika. Silver, black and purple were used as their wedding colors. The couple had an Indian Sangeet party the night before their ceremony so both cultural backgrounds would be included in the celebration. They were wed on the pool lawn of the resort where a heart shaped white flower petal design along the aisle served as their main decor. Monika, Derek and their guests then moved inside for a cocktail hour and reception. The couple served multiple appetizers and dinner entrees that were enjoyed by their friends and family. “Our guests could not stop talking about the fried lobster macaroni, the grouper fish, and the filet mignon,” says Monika. The couple decorated their reception with amber lighting, tropical floral centerpieces, white linens, silver chargers and bright purple napkins. Monika and Derek as well as their guests enjoyed a night of dancing to music played by the couple’s DJ. “Our goal for our wedding was to make it fun and a non-stop party for three days, which I believe we accomplished,” says Monika.

The couple decorated their reception with a white flower petal heart decoration along the aisle, arrangements of white calla lilies and palm tree leaves tied to certain chairs as well as purple ribbon.
Monika chose a strapless silver A-line dress by Vera Wang from David’s Bridal with a beaded sash. “My Vera Wang dress inspired the whole color palette and wedding,” says Monika
The couple’s wedding weekend included an Indian Sangeet party as well as a traditional American ceremony, says Monika.
The groomsmen were dressed in bright fuchsia vests and black tuxedos by Vera Wang that complemented the bridesmaids dresses. “He had no idea my dress was silver, and he chose a gray tux for himself,” says Monika.
Monika chose fuschia bridesmaid dresses by Vera Wang from David’s Bridal with black sashes. Each carried bouquets of white calla lilies.
Henna Hand Decoration and Wedding Rings
Monika carried a cream and purple bouquet with calla lilies that complemented the bridesmaids white calla lily bouquets.
Elegant Black Framed Photo Guest Book
The couple had tropical inspired centerpieces designed by The Bride's Bouquet with purple cymbidium orchids and palm tree leaves. They were accented with small tea light candles surrounded by sand and seashells.
The couple and their guests gathered on the dance floor for a football huddle to discuss their teams as well as dance during the reception. “We had so much fun dancing the night away,” says Monika.
The couple chose a three-tier silver wedding cake from Let Them Eat Cake with a modern circular detail draped or placed on each tier.