If you are anything like me and love the magic of imagination and creativity, then you are going to love the quaint charm and utter romance of Aksha and Raj. Frontier Heritage and Manyavar both blessed this event with some of the hottest Indian wedding designs to hit 2018! The Hyatt Regency Valencia had all the romantic touches of a traditional Indian wedding with a modern, sophisticated twist. Surabhi Event Decor created a classic, playfully elegant, wedding theme bouquets tied with blooming florets. Each step of the way Sameer Soorma Studios was there to help capture all the fine moments. In our gallery, you will find all the special moments and with DJ Tanveer rocking out the beats, you won't want to miss the reception!
How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Raj and I were Facebook friends before we met. We also had mutual friends. When I asked raj how he found me he said it was through a common friend. We would randomly chat here and there, until one of the days I happened to say, "I feel so tired, I couldn't sleep all night." Raj happened to say, "why didn't you call me. I said, "I didn't have your number". He gave me his number. I was a bit coy and reserved. I gave him my number too and we texted until he asked permission to call me on one of the days. I thought to myself what a gentleman and within that conversation he randomly said will you marry me? and I said what?! and then he replied oh nothing. We continued to talk, having no intention of getting into a relationship, but Raj seemed more determined than I was. As each day passed we spent more time talking to each other. One of the nights he called and decided to say I love you over the phone. I just said okay, I wasn't really sure if he was even in his senses. So I decided to ask him the next day if he remembers what he said. And he said, "Of course I do, I said, I love you." After 4 months of talking nonstop Raj decided to give me a surprise and meet me at the Disney Store. He planned this surprise with my sister Raina. I had no idea what was happening all I remember is that I walked into the Disney Store and I thought I saw Raj passing by and of course I was taken away by surprise, instead of running towards him I ended up walking out of the store and Raina pushed me back into the store. I knew he was the one when he surprised me for the second time at my 21st birthday in Vegas where he met my entire family.
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
My proposal was also another beautiful surprise organized by Raj in Pismo. It was not just a fun day, but a fun weekend with friends. Thanks to all our friends that helped out as well and kept the secret along with our parents. I just thought we were going living in the dunes at Pismo beach. The next day after breakfast Raj told me he had to go meet his friends and told me to get ready because we will be doing a photo shoot at the beach. I put on a dress and started getting ready. My best friend showed up at the door blindfolded me and took me to Margo Dodd Park. I got out of the car without a clue they took off the blindfold and there he was waiting for me at the end of the cliff with the ocean waves crashing against the rocks down below. And of course, that's when I knew it was truly happening! I was getting proposed to after 6 years of being together.
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.
Venues were the first thing we booked, followed by makeup and hair artists. Then came the decor theme, cards, and outfits.
Reception venue: Hyatt Valencia as a venue was already an extremely beautiful venue and their staff is just as amazing. Cristina and Katie both went above and beyond including the rest of the staff to make our Reception day perfect. Not only did they take care of our needs during the days of the event, but even after the event.
Wedding Venue: Castaway as a venue was also an amazing venue with beautiful views. The day of coordinator Christina and her manager were amazing. They fixed all the last minute glitches that came up on the day of the wedding.
Makeup- My makeup was done by Shabnam Hossine. She is a sweetheart with an amazing personality. She did my mom's makeup during my engagement back in 2016. I felt extremely comfortable with her and I feel like that's really important for brides to have that kind of relationship with her vendors so that they don't shy away from their vendors if they don't like something in particular. She did my makeup and also my mom's makeup for all four days.
Hair- Farah was by Farah Shaikh. I also knew her from the time of my engagement. She is so sweet and a gem of a person. I can't begin to tell you how talented she is. She did my hair and makeup for all four days along with moms. She also did my bridesmaids hair on the day of the wedding.
Bridal Outfit: Sham Mall & Frontier Heritage. I traveled all the way to India to find a beautiful outfit and since I couldn't really find the perfect outfit I created it with the help of Frontier Heritage Artesia by customizing a 15ft transparent veil with the vision of my bridesmaids holding my veil behind me as I walk down the aisle.
Reception Outfit: Saree Palace Artesia Heeral was so warm and welcoming. I described what I was looking for and in a couple of minutes she had already picked out two lehengas she knew I would fall in love with. I picked the peach cold shoulder lehenga from them. The thing I love about them is that they sell 1 item per piece.
My wedding decor was inspired by pastel colors. Since my husband knows I truly love pastel colors with forest green which was the color for my bridesmaids.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I honestly did not want to wear red because it was such a common bridal color, but as I was selecting my bridal clothes I saw other brides choosing different colors and came to realize that red was timeless. It will always be the color of the traditional Indian bride and I didn't want to have any regrets. I bought my outfit from sham mall in Chandigarh, but had it customized. I had the vision to get a custom veil placed on top of my original veil including a side dupatta which was designed by Neetu ji at Frontier Heritage. I was so impressed with how they designed the rest of my bridal outfit.
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Deciding my home decor and taking a wedding trip to India with my massi's. I spent a lot of time with my mom, dad, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. It truly brings the family together no matter how many miles apart we are.
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
The food which was catered by Royal Tandoor. And the decor by Surabhi event decor.
And last, but not least the dance floor and custom Bitmojis by music mantra.
Was there a really special moment at your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Yes, the time when I walked the aisle and when Raj lifted my veil.
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.
For my mehendi and haldi events. I had envisioned pom style hanging decor and my mom decided to hand make those and bring my vision to life. It turned out amazing and I can't remember how many compliments we got for our home decor.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Stay calm! I know it can be really hard especially since it's your big day. Also, if you want to work on details it's never too early. I started planning my wedding a year early and I still feel like that wasn't enough time.
Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
The decor: SurabhiEventDecor - Suma took the time out to create this beautiful pastel floral mandap along with a matching sankedha that was designed by my mom and me with periwinkle blue and blush satin tablecloths to tie in the theme.
My jewelry was all the way from India- Manimuktaa jewelers
Mehendi- In 2016 I had already decided that divyhenna by prashanta was going to be my henna artist and I had kept a special design from 2016 inspired by bridalmehendiqueen from India. I ended up showing that design to prashanta and she added her personal touch to the design as well.
A piece of Cake by Pavani- We had a small cake and cupcakes. The cupcakes were made with real fruit-strawberry, pineapple, chocolate and red velvet with edible toppers.
The love doesn't end just yet!
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