An industry on the rise.
The South Asian wedding industry is evolving — and together, we’re raising the bar.
Refining Industry Standards & Experiences.
WHY WE EXIST
RISE was born from a simple but powerful idea: that the South Asian wedding industry deserves a space to learn, grow, and rise together.
Our purpose is to unite South Asian wedding professionals by creating a supportive and inclusive space where growth, collaboration, and cultural excellence can thrive.
We exist to foster authentic connections, provide actionable tools for both business and well-being, and to celebrate the diverse voices that elevate our industry.
The women behind RISE.
OUR FOUNDERS
Behind RISE are three women who collectively share over four decades of experience in the event planning world: Sejal Bhakta, founder of The One Event, Shelley Kurian, founder of Shelley K. Events, and Christina Thomas, founder of Elaan Events. Individually, they’ve produced hundreds of weddings and celebrations across the country and around the globe. Together, they recognized the need for a space where South Asian wedding professionals could collaborate authentically and grow as a community.
SEJAL BHAKTA
SHELLEY KURIAN
CHRISTINA THOMAS
What We Stand For.
OUR CORE VALUES
REPRESENTATION
We champion visibility, inclusion, and meaningful representation for South Asian professionals across the industry.
INNOVATION
We challenge convention and embrace bold, forward-thinking ideas in creativity and business.
SYNERGY
We believe in the power of collaboration, shared vision, and an inclusive community.
EMPOWERMENT
We cultivate personal and professional growth by creating opportunities to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
Elevating the South Asian wedding industry - together.
RISE is more than just a summit. It's a movement built on collaboration over competition, that fosters belonging, support, and partnership among South Asian wedding professionals.