THE RP REPORT | Five Minutes With Sonal J. Shah!

Sonal J. Shah’s name has become synonymous with high quality, platinum weddings, particularly in the South Asian community. Indian weddings can occasional font the better part of a week, with different events on each day. Such high end productions require high end event producers, and Sonal is just that. Her flair for design and her high level of organization ensure that any client of hers is going to have the wedding of her dreams… no matter what Sonal has to do to make it happen! I asked Sonal RP Report’s favorite five questions during a recent chat. Take a look!

RP Report: What is your favorite trend in our industry?

Sonal J. Shah: I really like the trend of brides opting to pass on giving out little remembrance items and instead making donation to a charity on their guests’ behalf. Every couple has a charity that is close to their heart, and when they include in their thank you speech that they will be making a donation to that charity, in honor of their guests and in thanks of their special day, they always get an enthusiast response for their family and friends.

RP Report: What trend do you wish would go away?

Sonal J. Shah: In two words: Place Cards. Weddings bring together hundreds of people, from extended families to friends, who often haven’t seen each other for years. Instead on being assigned a specific seat, I think that guests really enjoy the opportunity to mingle and reconnect with other guest on the kind of casual level that only open seating provides.

RP Report: What do you think will be the next “big thing” in special events (does not need to be in your area, but can be)?

Sonal J. Shah: The unpredictable is always appreciated. Innovative entertainment, such as dance groups and bands can add a very unique and memorable element to an event.

RP Report: What is your favorite event that you have ever worked on and why?

Sonal J. Shah: Last year I planned and coordinated a fairy-tale destination wedding in Jamaica that struck the perfect balance this tropical island’s relaxed, calm atmosphere and an exciting and fun event.

RP Report: If you had to recommend one vendor or venue who you think does fabulous work, who would it be and why?

Sonal J. Shah: I would recommend Janice, a professional photographer from Celeste Studios. Her work captures the essence of every wedding and event and achieves an artistic level that dazzles our clients. Janice has a great eye for not only shooting the obvious traditional and ‘beauty’ shots, but also focuses in on the small details - decorative elements, accessories, etc.- that sometimes get lost in the other photos.
A photographer really can maximize their efforts by taking advantage of the detailed timelines that we prepare for each event so that a great photo opportunity is never missed – and Janice does just that. She’s always a step ahead of the action.

—Anjali Ramasunder