Welcome to Maharani Weddings

Angela & Sunjay’s began with a skeptical profile on Shaadi.com and a mother who said, “Just try it.” What was supposed to be one month of proving a point turned into virtual Netflix dates, long pandemic phone calls, and a friendship that quietly laid the strongest foundation. By the time they had their first in-person date, the connection was already undeniable. Sometimes “the one” doesn’t arrive with a dramatic entrance—sometimes he simply responds to your message.

When it came time to plan their wedding at the stunning Richard Nixon Library, a Platinum Guide venue and a true Southern California gem, the couple leaned into a vision that felt timeless and refined. With its grand architecture and manicured grounds, the venue provided a stately backdrop for both ceremony and reception—elevated yet warm, traditional yet modern. Angela, an emergency planner by profession, took the lead with calm precision, while Sunjay proudly selected the venue himself.

Under the thoughtful direction of SoCalEvents – Shumaila, who served as both planner and event designer, the wedding unfolded seamlessly. The décor by Deepti’s Florals embraced understated elegance—lush yet controlled, romantic without overwhelming the space. It was the kind of design that whispers luxury rather than shouts it. Rentals by Rosebud Rentals – Jessica Mora Casillas layered in softness and texture.

Angela made a bold and beautiful bridal choice—green. Though red is her favorite color, she had always envisioned herself as a green bride, long before meeting Sunjay. Working with Crossover Bollywood Se and Komal Creation – Komal Makkar, she brought that dream to life in a look that felt regal, intentional, and deeply personal. Her jewelry from IndiaTrend and Sokora Jewels added heirloom richness, while expert draping by Nisha Amin ensured every detail fell perfectly into place. Beauty by Dolled Up By Lulu gave Angela a polished, luminous finish that complemented the grandeur of the day without overpowering her natural elegance.

Sunjay looked effortlessly sharp in tuxedos from Nordstrom, embodying that classic groom energy we adore.

The culinary experience—an essential pillar of any unforgettable Indian wedding—was masterfully handled by White House Catering and Mantra Indian Cuisine, delivering flavors that guests are still talking about. The cake and sweet treats from the Richard Nixon Library and My Delight Cupcakery provided the perfect finale to an already indulgent celebration.

And then there was the energy. Dhamaka Productions kept the dance floor alive, proving once again why choosing the right DJ can define the night. (Fun fact: Angela’s sister meeting their DJ at another event sealed the deal. Sometimes fate handles vendor selection, too.)

Captured through the lens of KimFilms and Hollycal Production, every emotional glance, every joyful spin on the dance floor, and every quiet, reflective moment was preserved with cinematic grace. Their storytelling approach allowed the wedding to feel immersive—like you were right there in the ballroom, watching two resilient hearts choose joy after seasons of profound loss.

Because behind the elegance and celebration lies a deeper layer to Angela & Sunjay’s story. Over the course of five years, they experienced unimaginable grief—losing parents and beloved pets while planning their future together. They honored their loved ones with a memorial table, a quiet and meaningful tribute woven into a day centered on love.

This celebration was a reminder that weddings aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re about honoring the past, embracing the present, and stepping into the future hand in hand.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Sunjay and I met on Shaadi.com in 2020, on the eve of the pandemic. I was on shaadi.com because my mom kept telling me to go on there. I told her it would be pointless but signed up for a month to prove my point. I came across Sunjay’s profile a few times but didn’t interact with him until my last few days on the website. I ended up sending him a message and didn’t think he would respond. He did and the rest is history. Jk, he responded and then March came about and we went into shutdown. We ended up talking on the phone, watching Netflix virtually, and became really good friends over the course of the next 10 months. We went on our first date late in the year and have been together since then.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Sunjay had an elaborate set up for the proposal. We started talking about getting engaged and looking at rings in 2023, so I knew a proposal would be coming at some point but didn’t know when. Sunjay proposed in summer of 2023. Sunjay told me we would be going to a mixer type event for work. Prior to this event he took a keen interest in telling me to buy a nice dress and to get my nails done. So I thought ok this might be the proposal? We both met up in downtown and he made a big ordeal about forgetting to get his work name tag and went back to the car to get it. Once I saw the name tag I thought “oh ok we are going to a work event after all.” Once we got to the top floor and out of the elevator, an Ed Sheeran song started to play, til this day I can’t remember which one. We turned the corner and there was a whole set up with “Marry Me” letters, rose petals scattered all over the floor, and a photographer.

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.
I’d say I took the lead on wedding planning since I am an Emergency Planner by profession, it came easy to me. Sunjay was involved in the planning process, he actually picked out our venue Richard Nixon Library. We booked Dhamaka Productions as our DJ and it’s funny because while we were deciding on a DJ, my sister actually met our DJ at another event and that’s what sold us.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
Red is my favorite color but I always wanted to be a green bride. I decided this even before I met Sunjay, I think I was subconsciously drawn to the color because it’s my mom’s favorite color and turned out to also be Sunjays favorite color. I followed CrossoverBollywoodSe on instagram for some time, so when the time came to design outfits it was a no brainer that I wanted to work with them for both bride and groom outfits.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Honestly, it was very challenging given that Sunjay’s mother suddenly and unexpectedly passed as we were planning for the wedding. We had to move our date out and it was an extremely difficult time. Also over the span of 5 years my dad passed away, both of Sunjay’s parents passed away, 2 of my dogs passed away, as did Sunjay’s dog. So it was very heavy and full of grief but we made it through together.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
The venue, the food, and the overall vibe. The feedback we got from our guests seems that they were not underwhelmed nor overwhelmed, it seemed just right and enjoyable.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
During cocktail hour our planner pulled us aside to show us the reception ballroom where we had an opportunity to take it in and were able to take a moment for ourselves.

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 vendors worked really hard to pull something together that was representative of Sunjay and I. The wedding decor was understated, classic, and smooth just like us.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Plan early, step number 1 is pick the venue, and dates and everything will follow and fall into place.

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
We had a memorial table set aside to honor my dad, Sunjay’s parents, and our dogs.

Tag @MaharaniWeddings and let us know which moment made your heart skip a beat.

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Rupeshi & Manik’s Orlando wedding was the kind of celebration that feels polished yet joyful—elevated without ever losing its heart. Set against the refined backdrop of the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, their wedding unfolded as a thoughtfully designed experience where tradition, modern elegance, and high-energy celebration came together seamlessly.

From the very beginning, it was clear that this wedding was guided by intention. With White Wave Events leading planning and design, every event flowed effortlessly, allowing Rupeshi & Manik to stay fully present—exactly how a wedding day should feel. The spaces were transformed by Utopian Events, whose décor struck a beautiful balance between contemporary sophistication and rich South Asian detail. Think lush florals, layered textures, and a setting that felt both romantic and celebratory without ever trying too hard.

Rupeshi’s bridal glow deserved its own moment. Her beauty looks—crafted by the talented teams at Barbie Patell and Cinderella Bridez—were flawless from start to finish. Soft, radiant makeup paired with perfectly styled hair carried her seamlessly from ceremony to reception, surviving happy tears, endless hugs, and a very lively dance floor.

Guests were treated to a feast by Khasiyat Orlando, serving flavors that had everyone going back for seconds (and thirds—no judgment here). Once the music kicked in, Empire Entertainment took over, keeping the energy sky-high and the dance floor packed well into the night. The celebration was punctuated with personal details—from beautifully designed stationery by Srish Bish and Niyanta to intricate mehndi by Gokul's Henna Art, adding artistry to every pre-wedding moment.

All of it was captured cinematically by Diego Stuart Films, a Platinum Guide member whose storytelling approach goes far beyond documentation. Their film captures not just what the day looked like, but how it felt—the anticipation, the emotion, the quiet in-between moments, and the absolute joy once the party hit full stride. Complementing the motion was stunning photography by Charmi Peña, preserving every glance and celebration with warmth and clarity.

Rupeshi & Manik’s wedding is a beautiful reminder that when a couple trusts their creative partners and leads with authenticity, the result is a celebration that feels effortless, immersive, and unforgettable.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We matched on a dating app and for our first date, visited an art park in Astoria, Queens. It was the first summer of covid, so we were masked -- however, we knew we were both having a good time through laughter and bright eyes. It was a special bond from the start.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
My husband proposed at the very park we met at :) Prior to, we visited the Museum of Moving Image, one of my favorite places in the city. He had rented out a theater to play a fun video he had made that depicted us in various movie scenes -- it was HILARIOUS! Then we went over to the park, where he popped the question, with a live violinist, playing our favorite songs.

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.
I'm a producer so planning came naturally! We started with venue, followed by the rest of vendors. Shopping for outfits was done in India by me and my family, which allowed for a great opportunity to celebrate with loved ones who would not be able to make it to the States for the wedding. We worked with a planner, White Wave Events who helped ensure all stages were smooth.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
We found the dress at the first store we went to! My mom and I were just window shopping, doing a cursory look and then.... I saw it. The "Gujarati panetar" style lehengha that met both my requirements and my mom's. But we couldn't buy the outfit at the first store we visited, we hadn't explored our options yet. After two days of checking out the competition, we came back to the dress we say originally. Nothing else lived up to it.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Writing my vows and planning out personal gifts to give my husband at the start of each event. I even recorded a song as one of the gifts! I'm a writer, so the vows were very important to me. And I'm proud of how they came out!

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Overall, everyone felt connected throughout the weekend. We were able to bring a large group together through activities like a voicemail recording phonebooth, photo slideshows, personal touches in our communications. Strangers left as friends, and that was awesome for us. There was a lot of love around all weekend.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Being on the dance floor for our first dance -- our rendition of "More Than A Woman" from the movie Saturday Night Fever. I remember just having so much fun and being in the moment with my husband. I think the dance turned out really well!

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Prioritize guest experience throughout the process. Happy guests mean good vibes all around. Yes, it's your special day and do all that's in your dreams too, but ensure your guests will be well rested, fed, and entertained at your events :)

Come back for more inspiring South Asian weddings and incredible love stories.

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Mehak & Bhavin’s Southern California wedding was a masterclass in balance—where sacred tradition, modern glamour, and effortless West Coast energy came together with absolute intention. Spanning multiple venues and moods, their celebration unfolded like a perfectly edited film (fitting, considering who was behind the lens), with each event feeling distinct yet beautifully connected.

The festivities kicked off at R Banquet, where the sangeet set the tone for what was to come: high energy, heartfelt moments, and a dance floor that didn’t believe in closing early. With planning and design led by Preevents, every transition felt seamless—proof that when a planning team is locked in, the couple gets to stay present (and actually enjoy their own wedding).

The ceremony at the serene BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir was a striking contrast in the most beautiful way. Surrounded by intricate architecture and spiritual stillness, Mehak & Bhavin’s vows felt grounded, reverent, and deeply meaningful. It was one of those moments where everything slows down—and no one feels the need to check their phone.

Then came the reception glow-up. Hosted at the iconic The Waterfront Beach Resort a Hilton Hotel, the celebration shifted into full coastal glamour. Think ocean breezes, elevated design, and a party that knew exactly when to turn up the volume. Flower Allie brought the spaces to life with florals that felt lush yet refined, striking the perfect balance between romance and modern elegance.

Mehak’s bridal style was unforgettable. Dressed in couture by Anita Dongre, she embodied timeless sophistication with a fresh, contemporary edge. Her beauty looks—crafted by a powerhouse glam team including Makeup by Dina, Drea V Makeup, and Farah with the Good Hair—were flawless from ceremony to final dance, surviving happy tears, nonstop hugs, and a very enthusiastic dance floor.

Guests were treated to a culinary experience by Natraj, delivering flavors that felt comforting, celebratory, and absolutely wedding-worthy. Add in beats by DJ Fresh, and you had a reception that didn’t just invite dancing—it demanded it. Intricate mehndi by Neha Assar added the final layer of artistry, tying tradition into every detail.

Capturing it all was Balerina Films, whose storytelling elevated the entire weekend into something cinematic, emotional, and timeless. Every glance, every laugh, every unscripted moment was preserved with intention—exactly what makes their work stand out as Platinum Guide–level artistry.

Mehak & Bhavin’s wedding is proof that when tradition is honored, vendors are trusted, and the couple leads with clarity, the result is a celebration that feels both elevated and deeply personal.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Some love stories begin with grand gestures. Ours began quietly with a swipe, a typo, and perfect timing.
We met the way many modern love stories do: online. When Bhavin’s profile first appeared on my screen, his name actually read “Bryan.” It was almost a miss, but something about him felt genuine and familiar. Our conversation flowed effortlessly, and what began as casual messages soon turned into something we both looked forward to each day.

From the very beginning, there was an ease between us, laughter, honesty, and a sense of comfort that didn’t need explanation. As time passed, it became clear that what we were building was more than romance. Bhavin was steady, thoughtful, and deeply supportive, the kind of partner who feels like home. We grew together through shared values, everyday moments, and a bond rooted in trust and friendship.

When Bhavin proposed, it felt less like a surprise and more like a natural continuation of a journey that had always felt aligned. What began with a simple swipe and a miswritten name had quietly grown into a love filled with intention, patience, and partnership.

During our wedding ceremony, one moment captured the essence of everything we believe marriage to be. We touched each other’s feet, a ritual traditionally symbolic of respect and humility. But for us, it held a deeper meaning. It was a mutual gesture, an unspoken promise that there would be no hierarchy between us. Only equality, gratitude, and reverence. In that moment, we honored not just tradition, but each other, choosing to bow not out of obligation, but out of love.

Today, as husband and wife, we carry that same quiet certainty forward — grateful that our story began in the most modern of ways, yet led us to something timeless, sacred, and deeply rooted in respect.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
We wanted to create something that felt intentional and deeply meaningful rather than just visually beautiful. The inspiration behind our Singapore mandap was rooted in the idea of welcome a space where every guest felt embraced, united, and genuinely happy to be together. While aesthetics naturally mattered, our true focus was on creating an atmosphere filled with warmth, love, and connection. During this time, I was balancing two jobs, and we had just welcomed a new puppy into our lives, making the planning process one of the most demanding seasons we’ve experienced yet, also one of the most rewarding. Bhavin was deeply involved every step of the way, thoughtfully supporting and shaping our vision alongside me. My mother-in-law and father-in-law were equally involved, with countless conversations and shared excitement as we brought the details to life together. Meanwhile, my parents stood firmly behind us, ensuring that any support we needed, emotional or financial, was given wholeheartedly.

Darlings, follow along on Instagram for more unforgettable South Asian weddings.

Some love stories unfold slowly, while others arrive with a ping notification and a smile that feels like destiny. For Ashwin & Destry, it was the latter. In the summer of 2022, while Ashwin was traveling in Portugal with his family, a Hinge match connected them across continents. Destry's warm smile and charm captured his attention instantly. One conversation led to countless more, with them talking every day. When someone feels like home even before you meet, it’s a sign that something special is happening. By their first official date—after their board exams—it felt more like a reunion than a new encounter. Each date revealed shared values and a natural connection. Their relationship solidified at a cozy Christmas pop-up bar when Destry asked Ashwin to make it official. Their proposal, planned together in Chicago, involved them exchanging rings and reading vows over cocktails. There was no pressure, just two people confidently choosing each other. It was an iconic moment.

When it came time to plan their wedding, the same thoughtful approach guided every decision. Drawing on recommendations from loved ones in the Chicagoland area and their own deep-dive research, they curated a dream team that balanced expertise with heart. Lincolnshire Marriott Resort offered convenience for traveling guests and flexibility for a multi-event celebration. From impeccable South Asian catering that guests are still dreaming about to seasoned creative partners behind the lens and on the dance floor, every vendor felt like a natural extension of the couple’s vision. A special nod goes to Events by Shaun Rajah, whose organization, calm confidence, and trusted recommendations tied it all together seamlessly—proof that a great planner is worth their weight in gold (or at least crystal chai glasses).

Fashion lovers, take note. A visit to Sabyasachi in New York City set the tone for a wardrobe that was equal parts romantic and refined. Guided by a stylist who truly understood their aesthetic, Ashwin & Destry embraced a pastel peacock palette—lavender, dusty rose, and mint green weaving through their looks and décor. The result? Soft, elegant, and quietly show-stopping, with hues that felt fresh yet deeply symbolic. While many couples bond over seating charts and spreadsheets,

The ceremony itself was the kind that stays with you long after the last song fades. A fusion Christian-Hindu celebration, lovingly crafted and led by family and friends, honored both Ashwin’s Hindu roots and Destry’s Methodist background. Rituals blended seamlessly, not as a compromise, but as a celebration of unity. It was emotional, joyful, and deeply affirming—a true testament to love in all its forms.

When asked for words of wisdom, Ashwin & Destry offered something refreshingly real: learn how to communicate—really communicate—before marriage. Understanding each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and rhythms is key, whether through daily check-ins or shared rituals. Their favorite tool? A simple app that sparks meaningful conversations, one prompt at a time.

Above all, their wedding weekend felt like a pause button on the chaos of everyday life—a space where love, intention, and community took center stage.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We met like many other couples in their 30s do these days—online, through Hinge.

It was the summer of 2022, and after 33 years, we had both finally mastered the art of being happily single. Ashwin was traveling in Portugal with his mom and sister when he received a notification: “You have a match with Destry.” Curious, he opened Hinge to find a message waiting from a charming guy with a huge, infectious smile.

We exchanged numbers soon after, and from that day on, we haven’t gone a single day without talking, even while continents apart on various trips. After patiently waiting for Ashwin to complete his board exams, we finally went on our first date a month after matching. It felt like our souls had already known each other for ages. As fall unfolded, each date grew more interesting with our interests, values and goals aligning seamlessly.

Then, one evening at a cozy Christmas pop-up bar, Destry asked Ashwin to make it official—and the rest is history.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
While a bit unconventional, we actually planned our proposal and exchanged rings! We each prepared vows ahead of time and spent the evening at a cocktail bar in Chicago.

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.
My husband and I discussed vendor options with his friends and family members that were previously married in the Chicagoland region. We had specific vendors in mind after researching online and approached them directly. We choose the Marriott Lincolnshire due to ease of access from O'Hare airport for out-of-town guests and the various venue options they had on site. We knew we wanted catering from the incomparable Anu Sharma, owner of Mantra in Chicago. We also wanted the expertise of Wynn Films, Joseph Kang Photography and DJ Krush. After these initial decisions, we connected with Shaun Rajah. We are so thankful we spent the year prior coordinating through him. He was very organized and truly pulled everything together recommending additional vendors & services. We are so grateful for our team!

How did you select your outfit? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
We visited Sabyasachi in New York City and fell in love with their designs. We partnered with a stylist, Alex, and he walked us through our events, themes and potential options. We choose a pastel peacock theme with lavender, dusty rose and mint green anchoring the color palette.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part of the planning process was learning our unique opinions and styles. The most enjoyable task was most definitely our private dance lessons with Cesar Salinas! We spent 12 hours with him over the course of 3 months preparing a stellar first dance with an upbeat foxtrot with two grand lifts!

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Our guests were appreciative of the guest-centric nature of our weekend. All events were on site, meals were provided and personal touches were featured at each event. We had art made by friends and family designed as prints and acrylics as party favors. We also incorporated hand-written thank you notes in our seating chart for the reception.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
We had a fusion Christian-Hindu LGBTQIA ceremony with family and friends presiding over the ceremony. We crafted a blended ceremony with rituals from both Hinduism, Ashwin's background, and Methodism, Destry's background. The entire ceremony was a testament of love, joy and celebration!

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 weekend was comprised of two days' worth of events. On Friday night, we hosted a Sangeet for guests at the Lakeside Pavilion. Friends and family wowed us with beautiful performances, and we both surprised each other with our talents as well! We chose a Spain-themed aesthetic with Indian-inspired Spanish cuisine such as Indian paella. Our Saturday events started at 3:30PM with the Baraat and flowed seamlessly into the ceremony, cocktail hour and the reception. Our color palette emulated the colors of the peacock, a symbol of our time spent together in India - specifically a beautiful memory in Jaipur at the Rambagh Palace.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
If you are not able to communicate both the strengths and weaknesses of your relationship with your spouse, attempt to resolve this prior to marriage. Understanding how each partner communicates is key. Set aside time to learn more about one another whether it be a small daily or larger monthly ritual. For example, we use the Paired App which is a free application that provides a daily prompt that we both answer covering many topics that revolve around relationships.

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
We truly felt our weekend provided respite to our guests from the hectic world that we live in. We were able to enjoy this ourselves as well! We had such a wonderful time and encourage couples to keep the guests in mind when planning their wedding. If the guests have an amazing time, you will too!

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If there’s one word to describe Ruhi & Akash’s wedding, it’s intentional—every event, every design choice, and every emotion felt thoughtfully curated to reflect who they are as a couple. This was a South Asian wedding weekend that balanced tradition and modern flair, personal history and elevated production, all wrapped in color, joy, and heartfelt moments.

The celebrations began where Ruhi’s story started: her childhood home in Irvine, CA. Hosting the mehndi and haldi there added a deeply emotional layer to the festivities, especially when Ruhi had her mehndi applied on the same green bench she once played on as a child.

For the larger wedding events, Ruhi & Akash chose Omni La Costa, a venue that delivered a true resort-style experience while offering multiple scenic backdrops. The planning and design by Eventspell brought structure, flow, and polish to the entire weekend, ensuring that each event felt distinct while still cohesive. From logistics to creative execution, the celebrations unfolded seamlessly.

The floral vision by JnJ Florals played a major role throughout the weekend, layering vibrant colors and lush arrangements that enhanced each space without overpowering it. From ceremony florals to statement installations, the décor struck the perfect balance between bold and refined.

The ceremony beautifully blended Marathi traditions with Rajasthani elements, culminating in the exchange of handwritten vows. And just when guests thought the moment couldn’t get more memorable, the ceremony concluded with a color cannon finale, filling the air with celebration and leaving guests in awe.

Ruhi’s bridal fashion journey was equally stunning and thoughtfully planned. From a traditional green mehndi outfit styled with a voluminous braid, pink florals, and a pearl paranda, to a bold orange sharara for haldi, each look felt intentional and expressive. Her coral red sangeet ensemble stood out beautifully against blue-and-white European-inspired décor, while her pink bridal lehenga—rich with intricate embroidery of florals and birds—felt regal and romantic. Paired with emerald green jewelry and delicate butterfly kaleera, it was a look that balanced softness and royalty. The weekend ended with a striking royal blue reception look that made a powerful statement.

Hair and makeup evolved effortlessly throughout the weekend thanks to Drea V Makeup and Makiaj, who worked closely with Ruhi’s vision while adding their own professional artistry. Using two different teams allowed each look to feel fresh and unique, perfectly matched to the mood of each event.

One of the most memorable aspects of the celebration was the dancing. powered by the high-energy beats of 3D Sounds. From joyful family performances at the haldi to a heartfelt dance with her mom to a surprise bridal solo that left Akash beaming, each performance carried emotion. Akash even stepped out of his comfort zone, learning multiple dances for the sangeet and reception—a true crowd favorite and a testament to his love and commitment.

The celebrations were beautifully captured by Balerina Films, whose cinematography and photography preserved every vibrant detail—from the quiet, emotional moments to the high-energy dance floor scenes. Their storytelling ensured that the emotions of the weekend will live on long after the music faded.

Before the reception officially began, Ruhi & Akash shared a champagne tower pour with their closest friends, cheering them on—a high-energy, celebratory moment that perfectly set the tone for the night ahead.

At its core, Ruhi & Akash’s wedding wasn’t about perfection—it was about feeling. The colors, the vows, the dances, the thoughtful details all came together to create a celebration that guests truly experienced. As Ruhi beautifully shared, trends may fade, but the emotions you create will stay forever—and this wedding was overflowing with them.

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
In 2021, we were both busy in medical residency while also trying to date. I was in coastal Ventura while Akash was living in Las Vegas. We matched on Hinge and met up at a Mexican restaurant in Costa Mesa for our first date. The conversation lasted hours and we felt like we had known each other forever. We vowed during that date that we would see each other every 2 weeks and make long distance work. Soon, the only thing getting me through residency was his facetimes at the end of the long day. I had never met someone so caring, funny, genuine and I knew that this was a once in a lifetime type of love.

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Akash knew he wanted to propose to me before we finished residency, which was a whole operation as Akash was still living in Las Vegas. Akash teamed up with one of my best friends to create a plan. My friend who recently got engaged told me she wanted to do a photoshoot with her closest friends in Palos Verdes. This was believable because she was also a professional photographer and seemed like something she would do. I, fully believing I was there for her photoshoot, arrived at this beautiful location with my 3 best friends greeting me. My friends then walked me to the proposal spot, a gazebo full of flowers and candles overlooking the ocean. Akash was waiting for me underneath and I could not believe this was my proposal. My family and friends then surprised me with champagne and flowers and we enjoyed the beautiful sunny day with stunning ocean views. It was such a beautiful moment having my 3 best friends walk me over to my future husband at our proposal spot – such a good blend of a romantic moment with my husband as well as a culmination of all of the feelings with my best friends being with me through all of the years.

Afterwards, Akash added more to the surprise and had an after party at my childhood home in Irvine with all of my closest family and friends with a live pasta station and an open bar. I could not believe Akash pulled this all off!

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.
When I envisioned our wedding, I dreamed of a joyous experience that felt like us in every detail. I wanted a mehndi and haldi in my childhood home in Irvine, CA. I got my mehndi done on the same outdoor green bench that I grew up playing on, which was such a special moment.

Since our proposal was overlooking the ocean, I wanted a different more green, nature filled vibe for our wedding. I immediately loved Omni La Costa in Carlsbad because it allowed us to have 3 different beautiful locations for all of our events. It was also nice as it felt like a mini destination as most family and friends were from Orange County. I knew I wanted an outdoor sangeet where guests felt like they were dancing under the stars. For the wedding, I knew I wanted vibrant colored decor and a color cannon along with a raised aisle. It was so beautiful seeing the color cannon amongst the palm trees and the ponds in the background.

For my mehndi I wore a traditional green outfit but I added a flare with a voluminous braid with pink flowers and a pearl paranda.

For my other outfit choices, I chose non-traditional choices. For haldi, I wore an orange sharara with a dupatta flowing from the back of it. For sangeet, I wore a coral red outfit that was perfect for sangeet as it stood out amongst our blue and white European inspired decor and the outfit flared so beautifully during all of the dance turns. For my wedding, I chose pink and for the reception I chose royal blue.

For my hair and makeup looks, I came in with specific pictures of hair and makeup but I also did let the hair and makeup artists give their own input as well which I think in turn created such a variety of looks. I also had two different hair and makeup teams for my events which I think ended up working out so beautifully as every look felt really unique.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I knew I wanted a pink bridal lehenga but I wanted it to still look very royal. The lehenga had intricate embroidery that featured flowers and birds which I felt was so unique. When I wore it for the first time, both of our parents and my sister in law could not stop looking at it and I knew it was the one. I combined light emerald green jewelry which gave a beautiful contrast. The dupatta was a slightly darker shade of pink and featured embroidery on it. My favorite element was the dainty kaleera which had butterflies falling from it which felt so elegant.

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
I loved planning all of the dance performances  at our wedding. We even did a dance at our Haldi with my cousin sister and my sister in law which was so special. I loved doing a dance with my mom and then also performing my bridal solo dance which was a surprise for my husband, Akash. I loved seeing his face in excitement and surprise. Akash even learned multiple dances with me for sangeet and reception and he is not a dancer at all but he did an amazing job and it was so sweet of him to be so involved in dances for me.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
My guests loved the wedding ceremony and the vibrant colored decor, the exchange of personal vows and the color cannon at the end. They cannot stop talking about the color cannon and how it was the perfect finale for the wedding ceremony.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
On our wedding day, I entered with my brothers under a floral canopy down a set of stairs which was so special. Our ceremony combined both our traditions of Marathi culture with Rajasthani elements. Exchanging handwritten vows was my favorite moment—it was deeply personal, grounding us in the midst of tradition.

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.
The Haldi was so special to me because my mother DIY'd all of the decor in the courtyard of my childhood home and it turned out so so beautiful! She ordered wooden planks, nailed them together, and painted them white herself. She then adorned flowers to strings and hung them on the structures. She ordered beautiful florals and a platform stage to complete the look. Then her friends came over and decorated the house with flower pots and other beautiful decor.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Looking back, I realize our wedding was less about perfect décor or timelines and more about the feelings we created.  My advice to future brides is simple: design for the emotions you want people to carry home. Trends fade, but the magic of shared laughter, happy tears, and a packed dance floor—that will stay with you forever.

Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
We loved doing a champagne tower pouring with our closest friends cheering us on in the background. It was such a high-energy moment and so perfect sharing an intimate moment with them before the reception begun.

See you tomorrow, ladies—more love, more details, and more beautiful stories await.