To preserve the magic and to bring tears of happiness in the years to come, Ineffable Photography created a downright awesome wedding film for Shivangi and Vikram. This heavenly south Indian wedding started in the magical atmosphere of The Richard Nixon Library’s gardens were, surrounded by an open mandap, Shivangi and Vikram were united in marriage! With a classic Maharashtrian bridal look, Shivangi made all the heads turn as she walked down the aisle looking like a princess in a silk saree and with an ecstatic jasmine hair updo created by the beauty expert My Fair Bride! From formal portraits to candid shots, Aaroneye Photography snapped all that could be captured on a wedding day. Among the many moments shot, the peak moment of the event, the reception, was also recorded by the cameras and turned out to be a huge success thanks to the best hits played by Riamu Entertainment. The big night was unforgettable thanks to the music but also to the delightful selection of dishes created by Manohar's Delhi Palace, who made sure everyone remembered what the new husband and wife had on the menu for their wedding banquet! There is so much more to see about this elegant south Indian wedding and you can discover it all in the video below!  

How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
I met Vikram in 2011 through a nonprofit organization we both volunteered for. We formed a friendship, and over the years the friendship turned into love. We finally made things official in 2015, and never looked back! I knew he was the one after we met each other's families shortly after we started dating. It was then that I knew we share the same values, and that our families and lives fit perfectly together. 

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Vikram proposed to me on December 30, 2016. The day before, we did a Pacific coast drive from LA to San Francisco (where we both live) with a couple of close friends which was beautiful and so much fun! The next day was the day of the proposal. Vikram convinced me that we were just going to grab some brunch in a new neighborhood we hadn't yet explored. He told me we had a reservation so we got there a bit early and had some time to kill. He took me to a nearby beach looking out at the Golden Gate Bridge. 

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.
All of my vendors were amazing! My hair & makeup artist was my favorite: Farah Manekia from My Fair Bride. My decorator was incredible and truly made the venue look even more dazzling thanks to her classic and breathtaking style for the mandap that was blush pink and nude with classic white and pink roses and hydrangeas, and the reception was even more stunning from big candles and white floral centerpieces. It matched the classic ballroom look that the venue offered with chandeliers and soft, warm lighting. Our DJ, DJ Umair from Riamu Entertainment, definitely turned our baraat and reception into a party and was so easy and accommodating. Our caterer, Manohar Delhi Palace, was incredible and I still have friends and family talking about the food. The venue we selected, the Richard Nixon Presidential Library in Yorba Linda, CA, was the best decision we made, and the staff was incredible. Our friends and family said it was the most unique and beautiful venue they had ever been to - we thought so, too!

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I did a ton of Pinterest searching, but in the end, I definitely had a vision. I wanted to reflect where my husband and I are from for the wedding ceremony so went with a traditional silk saree, and gave it my own touch by finding a gorgeous veil to go with it which made it a bit more modern, too. My reception dress really fit the venue. The reception was held in a ballroom that was a replica of the White House ballroom, so I wanted to go with a really deep, royal outfit. I ended up getting a custom-made outfit that was midnight blue in raw silk and had gold work all over it. I wanted an accent color so ended up doing a hot pink border and a light gold dupatta to bring it all together. 

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Figuring out how to involve our loved ones on the wedding day. I wanted my closest family members and friends to have a part in our day because they've really been the biggest support and influence on our lives. Having them be there and be involved in the process was really special. From our siblings and dads giving speeches at the reception, to two of our closest friends singing our first dance song live, to our best friends getting ready with us in the morning, to our cousins and extended family being involved in the nights leading up to the wedding, it really felt like our entire family and friends became one big family that weekend.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
They loved the venue and the food the most! The venue was so beautiful, and we had picture perfect southern California weather which allowed for an amazing outdoor ceremony and a really pleasant evening cocktail hour. They loved the variety and quality of food, citing the appetizers to be the best! 

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
The ceremony was probably my favorite part. It allowed my husband and I to sit down with our parents next to us and really be present in the moment, and give each other our full attention as we engaged in the ceremony and exchanged our vows. After a year of planning, sometimes you lose sight of why you're doing everything. So seeing our closest friends and family members in the audience showering us with their love and support made it even more special.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Just enjoy the day. It flies by and before you know it, it'll be over! So take in every moment and be present. :)

We've picked out fabulous wedding stories for you to get inspiration! Check more fairytales on Monday!

STYLE
GUIDE
style
Outdoor
South Indian
season
Autumn
color
DJ: Riamu Entertainment | Venues: The Richard Nixon Library | Hair & Makeup: My Fair Bride | Photography: Aaroneye Photography | Cinematography: Ineffable Photography | Planning & Design: Simply A Soiree | Catering: White House Catering