Some love stories begin with fireworks. Shivani & Dhruv’s? It started with a “practice date” and a plate of Thai food. But what began as a casual outing quickly turned into a lifelong connection—one that would eventually lead to a wedding that looked like it leaped straight off a Sanjay Leela Bhansali set, then decided to sunbathe on the shores of California. From secret Instagram DMs to a masterfully orchestrated proposal under the Golden Gate Bridge (complete with fake flyers, party buses, and decoy farewell parties), this couple’s journey was nothing short of cinematic. But their wedding? Let’s say the sequel might need its own genre: Regal Romance, Beachside Edition.
It all began with a dream: a wedding by the water that could also embody the grandeur of royal Rajasthani tradition. Enter: Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa. This stunning beachfront venue checked every box on Shivani and Dhruv’s wish list. With its coastal charm and expansive ocean views, it served as the perfect backdrop for five days of vibrant traditions, emotional moments, and unforgettable celebrations. The resort’s team worked hand-in-hand with the couple and their planner, Shilpa Patel Events, to execute a seamless celebration that felt both majestic and warmly personal.
Shivani, inspired by the lavish elegance of Jodhaa Akbar, envisioned a mandap that would make even Mughal royalty do a double-take. With the help of Kismet, the decor dream team, she brought her vision to life, sketching out a fully custom setup reminiscent of ancient Rajput architecture. Gold detailing, carved pillars, floral canopies—it was a mandap that didn’t whisper elegance. It shouted it in Sanskrit. With each event came a new look—and we’re not talking a light change of lipstick. Shivani’s bridal beauty journey, courtesy of Dolled Up by Lulu, was a carefully curated lineup of statement styles. One standout? Her Haldi look features a fishtail braid adorned with real flowers and jewels created by artist Cat. The result? A goddess who walked out of mythology and into a Haldi ceremony. As for the bridal lehenga, this wasn’t just an outfit. It was a love letter to Rajasthani heritage. Custom-designed by Marwar Couture, the deep red masterpiece shimmered with gold embroidery and centuries of tradition. Shivani’s look was so regal that even the ocean paused to admire her.
One of the most beautiful aspects of Shivani & Dhruv’s celebration was how seamlessly it blended their Gujarati and Punjabi roots. The dance floor was never empty, especially with 3D Sounds DJ Nitro spinning beats and lighting up every moment (literally). And the food? Oh, the food. Let’s just say these two could start a catering review blog, and we’d all subscribe. With Mantra and BAPS leading the culinary charge, guests were treated to a diverse range of options, from Italian-Mexican fusion stations to traditional Gujarati breakfasts. A specialized sattvic station (no onion, no garlic) was even included—because love is in the details (and the dal).
Telling a story this grand requires a lens just as visionary, and Balerina Films delivered. Their cinematography and photography captured every stolen glance, every dance spin, every petal that drifted in the ocean breeze. A highlight of the celebration? A same-day edit was showcased during the reception, leaving guests teary-eyed and in awe. One of the most soul-stirring scenes of the wedding was Shivani’s bridal entrance: walking under a phoolon ka chaadar with her father and brothers, the veil lifted, vows beneath her feet, and the sound of “Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai” echoing in the air. As she twirled in her lehenga before entering the mandap, a conch rang in the distance. Cue: goosebumps.
How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Dhruv and I unknowingly shared the same undergraduate university, walking the same halls and having countless mutual friends, yet we never once crossed paths. It wasn’t until later, through those very mutual friends and an unexpected Instagram message from Dhruv, that our story truly began. At first, I had no real intention of meeting him or going on a date, but one of my best friends convinced me to give it a shot, calling it a “practice date.” With that mindset, I agreed, and we met for Thai food on our first date. The moment I saw Dhruv, something shifted—I immediately felt a special connection, almost like a deeply familiar feeling. It sounds cheesy, but in that instant, everything I hadn’t thought much of before suddenly felt different. From that night on, the rest was history.
I knew he was "the one" when he asked me to be his girlfriend. Early in our dating phase, he put in the effort to do something different, making origami rose petals that spelled out my name. He's consistently found a way to keep me on my toes!
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Oh man, where do I begin? We covered parts of the proposal on our wedding website: https://www.dhruvandshivani.com/us/dhruv-batta-and-shivani-barrot-sep-2024/the-proposal
Here is the scoop, The Proposal:
As a Bay Area girl, Shivani always dreamed of being proposed to in San Francisco, but getting her to the Golden Gate Bridge unnoticed was tricky—coordinating a surprise lunch and engagement party with 60+ friends and family was even harder.
The Sell
A close friend in NorCal hosted a fake, extravagant farewell event for Shivani’s upcoming MBA program in NYC. Guests were told to dress up and meet at a designated location before taking a party bus from SF to Napa. A group chat was created with mutual friends (for outfit coordination) and 10 others were added to the plan.
To make it convincing, Shivani was encouraged to bring a plus one—meaning she unknowingly convinced Dhruv to fly up for his own proposal, which was already booked. Dhruv carefully chose a meeting point she wouldn’t question (a trampoline park near the Golden Gate Bridge), crafted a believable group message, designed a fake flyer, and even researched real party bus companies in case anyone asked.
Hiding Location Clues
With so many friends and family in SF, Dhruv turned his location on and off sporadically and asked others to do the same, making it seem like her phone’s tracking was glitching. Even if she checked, she wouldn’t believe what she saw.
The Details
Dhruv first asked Shivani to be his girlfriend with an origami rose—so for the proposal, he recreated the same roses to mark their next chapter as fiancés. Two side tables were adorned with framed pictures of their journey together, from their first photo to their most recent. The setup included floating candles, 100 sets of red roses, their names on the walkway, and a full photography and videography team to capture the moment.
The Moment
It felt surreal. My heart was racing—I was shocked, overjoyed, anxious, and excited all at once. As I stepped into the heart-shaped setup with the Golden Gate Bridge behind us, I was overwhelmed by the memories displayed around me. Dhruv spoke about our journey, then got down on one knee and pulled out my dream ring. I melted. It felt like a dream, a haze of emotions, as life shifted beautifully forward.
The Celebrations
Afterward, we had a photoshoot (we now have a full photo album from it!). Shivani’s brother, Neil, picked us up for a celebratory lunch with both families, where they sat across a table filled with cakes and food. Even her cousin flew in for just a few hours to be there.
Later, Shivani thought she was going to dinner with 10 close friends, but when she arrived, she walked into a speakeasy-style wine bar, where 60+ friends and family, who had flown or driven in, were waiting to celebrate. She even had fresh dresses picked out just for her (courtesy of Dhruv and her friends).
The night was filled with love, laughter, and memories we’ll cherish forever. The video summary is on our Instagram!
We even have a video of Shivani watching all the reactions of everyone who was invited to the proposal, including those who couldn't make it!
Tell us how you went about planning your wedding, and your overall experience with the Venues, Hair & Makeup, Outfits, Decor Theme, and all of the other important details.
Planning our wedding was a journey filled with vision, dedication, and countless hours of virtual collaboration. Both Dhruv and I always dreamed of a wedding by a body of water, which led us on an extensive venue hunt across California. With my roots in Northern California and Dhruv’s in Southern California, we took advantage of our different backgrounds and finally landed on the breathtaking Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort. The beachfront property provided the perfect backdrop for our dream wedding, where we fused the grandeur of Rajasthani royalty with the serene beauty of the ocean. Inspired by the majestic aesthetics of Jodhaa Akbar, we worked closely with our décor team, Kismet, spending hours sketching and designing a fully personalized mandap that brought ancient Rajasthan to the modern shores.
Every detail of our wedding was carefully curated, including my hair and makeup, which I envisioned uniquely for each event. Working closely with dolledupbylulu’s team, we designed distinct looks that matched the essence of every ceremony. One of my absolute favorites was my Haldi ceremony hair look—an ethereal fishtail braid adorned with natural jewels and flowers, brought to life beautifully by Cat’s artistry. This added an enchanting, almost mythical touch to one of the most vibrant and joyful events.
Our wedding was also a beautiful blend of our cultures—Gujarati and Punjabi—ensuring that both traditions were thoughtfully incorporated. One of our favorite events was our Garba/Jaggo night, where our shared love for dance shone through—my deep-rooted passion for competitive Garba and Dhruv’s long history with Bhangra made this night especially unforgettable. To complement the energy of the night, we worked with Mantra catering to create a diverse culinary experience, featuring six live food stations with Indian, Italian, and Mexican fusion cuisine, alongside a colorful dessert station that was a huge hit with our guests. Food played a significant role throughout our wedding, and we took great care in designing menus that reflected both our tastes and our guests' preferences. For our wedding lunch, BAPS catered a full Gujarati menu with live food stations, and they also provided fresh Indian breakfast each morning at the hotel to ensure our guests started their day with warm, comforting flavors. Additionally, we worked with both BAPS and Mantra to ensure there was a specialized seventh station offering vegetarian dishes without onion or garlic to accommodate all dietary preferences. For our reception, Mantra crafted a stunning Punjabi menu featuring unique dishes that added a bold and flavorful finale to our wedding celebrations.
A deeply personal touch was having our vows printed on the aisle leading up to our royal mandap, allowing us to read them to each other for the first time as we walked down. For our reception, we envisioned an elegant "Heaven on Earth" theme, filled with ethereal floral clouds, white and gold accents, and just a touch of black for sophistication. Capturing every moment of our wedding in its full regal essence was Balerina Films, our incredible photo and video team. They fully embraced our royal Indian vision and brought it to life through breathtaking drone shots, intimate close-ups, and creative filming techniques that highlighted the magic of our beachfront venue. One of the most special moments was our same-day edit, which played live at our reception and left us and our guests in awe—it was an emotional, beautifully crafted highlight reel that perfectly encapsulated all five of our wedding events in a way that felt cinematic and timeless.
Remarkably, given that I was in Northern California and Dhruv was in Southern California, we planned the entire wedding virtually—countless FaceTime calls with our planners and vendors brought our dream celebration to life. From the décor to the food, fashion, photography, and cultural traditions, our wedding was a perfect reflection of our love, creativity, and commitment to making every detail uniquely ours.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
Since I was a little girl, I was fascinated by the Bollywood movie *Jodhaa Akbar*—the grandeur, the romance, and most of all, the breathtaking royal Rajasthani Jodhpuri lehenga designs with their intricate handwork. The regal elegance of those ensembles left an imprint on my heart, and I knew long before I was even engaged that my wedding lehenga would embody that same artistry and heritage. When the time came, I traveled to New Delhi, India, to find my dream lehenga at Marwar Couture—a designer I had been obsessed with for years. Their craftsmanship, rich embroidery, and attention to detail captured everything I had ever envisioned. Slipping into my lehenga felt like stepping into a dream—a perfect blend of tradition, royalty, and personal nostalgia.
Our wedding itself was a reflection of this royal theme, bringing to life the grandeur I had always admired. From the custom-designed mandap inspired by Rajput palaces to our exquisite Rajasthani royal wedding box invitations, every detail paid homage to the opulence and heritage that had captivated me for so long. It was more than just a wedding—it was a celebration of timeless beauty, tradition, and a love story that felt straight out of history.
At the heart of it all was my lehenga, the masterpiece that tied everything together. I knew I wanted it to reflect all these elements—regal, intricate, and steeped in heritage—while also embracing the richness of a deep red hue and breathtaking gold embroidery. It was everything I had dreamed of and more, a vision of elegance and tradition that made me feel like a true queen on the most special day of my life.
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part of planning our wedding was weaving together the personal details that truly made it *ours*—a beautiful blend of our cultures, traditions, and shared passions. Bringing together Gujarati and Punjabi customs was incredibly special to us, as we wanted every moment to reflect both of our heritages in a way that felt meaningful and seamless. From a vibrant Garba/Jaggo night that honored both sides of our families to a mandap we personally designed, inspired by the beauty of royal Rajasthan, every detail was crafted with intention and love.
One of the most memorable touches was having our vows written on the aisle itself, a deeply personal reminder of the promises we made to each other as we walked toward our future together. We also spent time curating dance performances that celebrated not only our love for music and movement but also the joy and spirit of our families coming together. Working alongside my husband to infuse our wedding with these special moments made the entire journey even more meaningful. It wasn’t just about planning a wedding—it was about creating an experience that told *our* story, in every detail, every tradition, and every celebration.
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Our guests absolutely loved how our wedding was a true fusion of cultures, energy, and unforgettable experiences. One of the most special aspects was how both sides got to immerse themselves in each other’s traditions—our Gujarati guests got to experience the high-energy Jaggo night, while our Punjabi guests joined in on the vibrant Raas Garba. Seeing everyone come together, learning and celebrating both traditions with such enthusiasm, was truly heartwarming.
Another highlight was the incredible food experience, something Dhruv and I were especially passionate about as self-proclaimed foodies. We made sure to curate a menu that catered to all tastes, incorporating unique dishes that reflected both of our backgrounds and our love for diverse flavors. Guests raved about the carefully crafted selections, enjoying everything from traditional favorites to unexpected delights that made each meal a memorable experience.
And of course, the breathtaking setting of our wedding left everyone in awe. With stunning beach access, our guests could soak in the romance of the ocean while still feeling the grandeur of our royal Rajasthani-inspired theme. The combination of a dreamy seaside backdrop with the richness of our decor created a truly magical atmosphere—one that made our wedding not just a celebration, but an experience our guests will cherish forever.
But what truly touched us was how many of our guests mentioned, time and time again, how much happiness and love Dhruv and I exuded throughout the entire wedding. They could see it in the way we looked at each other, in the personal details woven into every event, and in the way our love story was expressed throughout the week. Knowing that our guests not only celebrated with us but also *felt* the depth of our love made our wedding all the more special.
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
One moment from my wedding that keeps replaying in my mind is when I walked down the aisle—it was absolutely magical. It started with my brother and cousin brothers walking me to the raised aisle under the beautiful phoolon ka chaadar, which was intricately embroidered with flowers, a detail that felt like it came straight from a dream. As I walked down the long aisle, I was overwhelmed with emotion, especially when I saw Dhruv’s vows written on the ground for the first time. Holding my elegant Marwar veil over my face, I was also walking beside my father—my best friend—making it even more special. The feeling of his presence and support meant everything to me.
As I reached the entrance of our royal mandap, the chorus of our special song, "Tujh Mein Rab Dikhta Hai," began to play. It’s a song that Dhruv and I both cherish deeply, and hearing it at that exact moment felt surreal. At the same time, a conch rang, and in that instant, I danced and spun in my fully embroidered lehenga, feeling like the world had come alive. As I spun, I put my hands together and bowed to the crowd, seeking their blessings as I entered the mandap.
When I sat down and the *antarpat*—the thin sheet used in Gujarati culture to block Dhruv from seeing me—was finally lifted, seeing him for the first time as I sat down still fills me with butterflies. It was a moment of pure love and connection, and it still takes me back to that feeling of anticipation, excitement, and sheer happiness.
For events other than your ceremony, please tell us as much as you would like about the decor, style, dances, and all the special details.
Our wedding was a celebration of love, culture, and personal touches, with every event carefully curated to reflect our story and heritage. From the very beginning, we wanted each moment to feel unique while embodying the elegance and grace that Dhruv and I both adore—a seamless blend of classic American and Indian aesthetics.
For our pre-wedding events, we chose a decor palette of elegant gold accents, soft creams, and delicate light pinks, creating an atmosphere of warmth and sophistication. Our Garba/Jaggo night was a stunning fusion of Gujarati and Punjabi traditions, where pink, gold, and blue lanterns illuminated the space, and a vibrant dance floor decal featuring our custom *DS* logo became the centerpiece of the celebration. The energy was infectious as guests from both sides immersed themselves in the joy of Garba and Jaggo dancing, making it a truly unforgettable evening filled with culture, excitement, and love.
For our reception, we envisioned a *Heaven on Earth* theme, moving away from the typical black-and-white checkered dance floors and instead creating a dreamy, ethereal ambiance with white and gold elements, giving the feeling of being among the clouds. The entire setting radiated elegance, with floral designs that felt heavenly and breathtaking. As we made our grand entrance to Michael Bublé’s *Feeling Good*, we took our time walking in, waving to our smiling family and friends, and truly savoring the magic of the moment. To make the evening even more personal and engaging, my brother, Neil, and Dhruv’s cousin, Rajat, served as the MCs, bringing warmth, humor, and familiarity that made our guests feel even more connected to the celebration.
Beyond the grandeur of the events, it was the deeply personal details that made our wedding truly special. During the most sacred part of our wedding ceremony—the *Pheras*—rather than playing a song over the speakers, my maternal aunts sang, filling the moment with raw emotion and familial love. It was a breathtaking experience, one that felt far more intimate and meaningful than any recorded music ever could.
Dance was a huge part of our celebrations, and we infused performances throughout the wedding week to reflect culture, excitement, and the love our families and friends have for us. Dhruv and I performed together, and each side put on beautifully choreographed dances, showcasing tradition and joy. One of the most special performances came from our childhood friends, including our Bridesmaids and Groomsmen, who put on a stellar performance at our reception. In a moment of pure joy, we even joined them on the dance floor, creating an unforgettable memory of laughter, movement, and shared happiness.
Our individual at-home events also carried deep significance—mine in Northern California and Dhruv’s in Southern California. One of my most cherished moments was wearing my mother’s 30-year-old wedding lehenga for my Gujarati Brahmin *Grah Shanti Puja*, a ceremony filled with blessings and cultural customs passed down through generations. Meanwhile, Dhruv’s family hosted a very traditional Punjabi *Mehndi* night, where his immediate family gathered for a Punjabi *Ladies Sangeet*, singing folk songs to bless the wedding week ahead.
Through every carefully chosen detail—whether it was the decor, the heartfelt singing, or the vibrant performances—our wedding wasn’t just an event; it was a reflection of our love story, our families, and the joy of two worlds coming together in the most beautiful way.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
One of the most beautiful parts of wedding planning is embracing the journey with your partner. For me, having Dhruv by my side throughout the entire process made everything more exciting and enjoyable. His involvement wasn’t just about logistics—it was about dreaming together, making decisions as a team, and truly creating a celebration that reflected *us.* My advice to future brides is to lean on your partner; let this be an experience you both cherish, rather than a task you take on alone.
Another important lesson I learned is to never be afraid to communicate your vision to your vendors. Your wedding is *your* story, and the people helping you bring it to life want to understand what makes it special. Be open, be detailed, and don’t hesitate to ask for what you truly want—it’s those personal touches that make a wedding unforgettable.
Everyone has their own style, and for me, I was determined to have the elegant, royal Indian aesthetic seamlessly meet a modern-day California beachside wedding. It was a vision that blended grandeur with the serene beauty of the coast, and through the dedication of our vendors and our own attention to detail, we made it happen. Watching that dream unfold was surreal—proof that with the right planning, you *can* bring even the most unique ideas to life.
And most importantly, don’t be afraid to incorporate unconventional elements that hold deep meaning to you. Tradition is beautiful, but so is making space for moments that feel personal. For my Haldi, I had my sisters walk me down a long aisle, honoring the strong women in my life, just as I had my brother and cousin brothers walk me down the aisle at my wedding ceremony. It was a powerful, emotional moment that felt uniquely *mine.*
Your wedding should be a reflection of *you*—your love, your values, your story. So trust yourself, embrace the process, and remember that at the heart of it all is the incredible journey you’re beginning with the person you love.
Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
Every element of our wedding was carefully chosen to reflect the love, traditions, and dreams that Dhruv and I shared. From the grandeur of our celebrations to the tiniest details, everything came together in the most magical way, making our wedding week truly unforgettable.
My *Mehndi* was one of the most sentimental parts of my wedding journey. Instead of a large event, I had a beautiful and intimate *Family & Friends Mehndi Night* at my home in Northern California. The evening felt warm and full of love, with a special performance from my Maid of Honor and all of my childhood close girlfriends—moments that truly made my heart full. One of my favorite parts of the night was the live singing in my backyard of classic Bollywood songs, which set the perfect mood for the celebration. A *live dosa station* was an absolute hit among my guests, adding a unique and delicious touch to the evening. But what made this night even more special was that my wedding *Mehndi* was done by my college roommate, Karishma (*MiracleMehndi*). This was something we had talked about for years, and finally seeing it happen felt like a beautiful full-circle moment.
Our wedding venue itself was a dream come true—bringing together the regal elegance of a royal Indian wedding with the serene beauty of a California beachside setting. The golden hues of our decor blended effortlessly with the soft ocean breeze, creating an ambiance that felt both luxurious and deeply personal. It was a stunning backdrop for the wedding of our dreams, where every moment felt like a fairytale.
Jewelry played a significant role in bringing my bridal vision to life. Every piece I wore was thoughtfully selected, each carrying meaning and tradition. My wedding jewelry was a mix of heirloom pieces and custom designs that perfectly complemented my *Marwar Couture* lehenga. The intricate gold detailing and gemstones reflected the royal aesthetic I had always envisioned, adding that final touch of grandeur.
Throughout our events, every detail was designed to reflect elegance, grace, and our love story. Our cake was a masterpiece, crafted with delicate gold accents and soft floral elements, mirroring the heavenly, airy theme of our reception. The florals throughout the wedding were breathtaking—bouquets and arrangements that felt dreamy, timeless, and elegant, just as I had imagined.
Looking back, every moment-every carefully curated detail—came together in the most spectacular way. From the intimate Mehndi night with my closest friends to the grandeur of our wedding mandap, to the personal touches throughout the events, our wedding was a reflection of *us*. It was filled with culture, love, and memories that will stay with us forever. If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that every little detail matters. Whether it’s the people who surround you, the music that sets the tone, or the elements that make the day uniquely yours—those are the things that make a wedding truly magical.
A stunning fusion of heritage, ocean views, and heartfelt details made this wedding unforgettable.
