Stephanie and Devendra
Stephanie Motilall and Devendra Heman’s journey from childhood friends to life partners is a testament to enduring love. Their story began in 2002 when Stephanie’s family moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, and they joined a local Hindu Mandir where Devendra’s mother was involved. Growing up together, they performed at religious events and dance shows. Their paths crossed again at the University of Florida, where Devendra was a year ahead of Stephanie. After completing their studies—Devendra with a master’s in Electrical Engineering and Stephanie with a bachelor’s degree—they started dating, marking a decade of commitment despite periods of longdistance.
In January 2023, Devendra proposed to Stephanie on top of Georgia Pass in Breckenridge, Colorado, exactly one year before their wedding date. This proposal, set against the stunning backdrop of the Rockies, was a perfect prelude to their wedding celebrations.
Their wedding, held on January 12-13, 2024, at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center, was a heartfelt homage to their shared past. The venue, where they had once performed together, was the perfect setting for their nuptials. With 300 guests in attendance, the ceremony and reception unfolded in the same location, adding to the event’s intimacy and significance.
Stephanie and Devendra managed the planning themselves with the assistance of their families and a day-of coordinator. They utilized their sisters’ experience and met key vendors at the MyShaadi Wedding expo. The choice of venue reflected their deep connection to the area, with both families being local.
BANQUET HALLS Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center 561-790-5192 | Bartending Service Splash Enterprise Inc 561-282-8934 | BEAUTICIANS-COSMETICIAN RT Beauty Designers 561-289-9672 | CAKE Publix 407-226-9754 | DECORATOR Shyne Event Services 352-321-7673 | EVENT PLANNER Superior Serving 561-531-9761 | INVITATIONS Indian Weddings Cards 888-742-8555 | MEHNDI Henna by Amna 954-759-1331 | MUSICIAN Powerhouse International Djs 518-881-7906 | PHOTOGRAPHER Fine Art Productions 407-979-4749 | PRIEST Pandit Durga Chajulal 561-985-8708 | RENTAL SERVICES MPH Club 305-330-6322 | RESTAURANT/CATERING Lucky City Restaurant 954-972-1871 | TEMPLE Vishnu Sharma 561-632-1861 | VIDEOGRAPHY Fine Art Productions 407-979-4749
Pre-wedding events included a henna ceremony and a maticoor—a religious purification ceremony. Stephanie’s family decorated their home with yellow and white, featuring a Radha Krishna backdrop, while Devendra’s family’s ceremony was adorned with vibrant marigold garlands. During these ceremonies, the couple wore humorous shirts that read “Dyeing to marry Devendra” and “Dying to marry Stephanie.”
The wedding day featured a Caribbean blue and gold theme, with lavish decor provided by Shyne Event Services. Personalized touches included custom water bottles and a dessert table. The baarat was accompanied by Tassa music, and the ceremony featured a mix of live musicians and Bollywood tunes. The bride’s entrance under a golden floral dholi was a memorable moment.
The reception the following day embraced a Caribbean blue and silver theme, with elegant centerpieces alternating between floating candles and silver birch trees with hanging crystals. The ballroom was enhanced by blue uplighting, and the night included personalized party favors and a photobooth. Special touches included the bride and groom’s humorous wedding night refreshments: pizza and McDonald’s for their guests.
Musical selections for the reception included Bollywood, modern hip hop, and West Indian music. While the couple did not perform, they enjoyed dancing on stage throughout the night. Personalized elements were evident, from the welcome signs to the customized photobooth and favors featuring their dog’s face.
The most touching moment for Stephanie and Devendra was their first sight of each other during the Hindu ceremony. Their wedding was a beautiful blend of personal touches and cherished traditions, creating a day that perfectly reflected their love and shared history. For couples planning their own celebrations, Stephanie’s advice is to ensure at least a day-of coordinator to ease the stress and fully enjoy the wedding experience.
