Amidst the stunning beauty of Riviera Maya, where crystal-clear waters meet soft, golden sands, Krina and Jon celebrated their love in a magical wedding. Hosted at the picturesque Generations Resorts and El Dorado Resorts, their Indian wedding seamlessly intertwined timeless traditions with contemporary elegance, crafting unforgettable moments that perfectly reflected their one-of-a-kind love story.
Krina, a spirited Gujarati woman, and Jon, a calm Taiwanese Michigander, met on a frosty January day at a medical school interview. Krina recalls spotting Jon sitting quietly and thinking she'd shine next to him (classic confidence!). Little did she know, this quiet man would one day promise her parents to keep her happy forever. Jon's sweet proposal at Torrey Pines, complete with her favorite snacks and a sweeping ocean view, sealed their forever—a love story as sweet as a charcuterie board. From a traditional Gujarati shrikhand to Indo-Chinese delicacies, the couple poured their love for food into a menu that delighted their guests. And the nerdy cocktails? Iconic! "Code Blue" and "Pink Eye" added a humorous nod to their medical professions—Krina, a cardiologist thriving in the ICU chaos, and Jon, an ophthalmologist enjoying clinic calm.
Jhankarlo Photography brought this wedding to life with a masterful eye for detail and storytelling. Every angle felt intentional, capturing the intricate embroidery of Krina's exquisite bridal lehenga and the vibrant energy of the baraat as it danced across the sandy shores. The photos reflect a cinematic charm, especially during the first look—where Krina, glowing under the Riviera sun, approaches Jon with a palpable emotional depth through the lens. From sweeping wide shots showcasing Etirios Floral Atelier's stunning decor to intimate close-ups that revealed the couple's raw emotions, every frame told a story of love, tradition, and joy in breathtaking style.
The planning and design for Krina & Jon's wedding were exceptional, thanks to the talented collaboration of Beloved Planners, Jennyfer Reyes Wedding, and Lilly Cruz Weddings. Their expertise ensured that every moment was thoughtfully curated, from the breathtaking ceremony setup on the sandy shores to the vibrant reception brimming with energy and elegance. Each detail was perfectly tailored, seamlessly blending cultural traditions with a modern twist. For Krina's stunning Mehndi, Loto Mehndi worked their magic, adorning her hands with intricate designs that told a story of love and tradition. The delicate patterns were a work of art, perfectly complementing the vibrant colors of the celebration.
Behind the scenes, Shaadi Destinations played a pivotal role as the travel concierge, ensuring every guest's journey to Riviera Maya was as seamless as the wedding itself. From coordinating accommodations to providing personalized assistance, they ensured that Krina & Jon's loved ones could fully immerse themselves in the joyous festivities without worry.
How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
I met Jonathan on a cold January day. I had driven from Boston to Michigan for a medical school interview. I saw a quiet man sitting alone and immediately thought to myself that I would definitely shine next to him. We ended up both getting accepted to the same medical school,l and the rest is history.
I was raised in a traditional Gujarati household and never thought I would fall in love with a Taiwanese Michigander. On the surface, there were significant cultural differences but when I got to know Jonathan more, I realized that an individual's cultural and religious background does not matter as much as their personality. The more I got to know Jonathan, the more I realized that we had a lot in common with similar upbringings. I knew Jonathan was the one when he flew to Boston to meet my parents and promised them that he would do anything to keep me happy for the rest of his life.
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Jonathan knew I always loved a romantic picnic but we never had much time as we were in a long-distance relationship. One of of our trips to San Diego, Jonathan drove me to one of our favorite locations, Torrey Pines, for a picnic. He had all my favorite snacks, which basically make up a charcuterie board. In true Jonathan fashion, he asked me to pose for a picture facing the water and when I turned around, he was down on one knee!
I honestly cannot tell you what he said next because I immediately started crying. The next few moments were such a blur but the perfect start to our forever.
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Food tasting has to be the best part of any planning process. We have always bonded on their love for food. We both love trying new cuisines and making Indian and Asian delicacies. The best part of wedding planning was creating a fusion menu that highlighted our favorite meals growing up. It was so fun to work with the chef and create fun dessert flavors and a cocktail menu. As two doctors in vastly different medical fields, we knew they HAD to have nerdy cocktail names. I am a cardiologist who thrives in the chaos of an ICU, whereas Jonathan is an ophthalmologist who enjoys the routine in his clinic. Their specialty drinks were called Code Blue and Pink Eye.
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
One thing we have constantly heard from our guests was how special they felt. They received constant communication from our planners and did not have to worry about getting to and fro the wedding venues. They felt like the wedding was very intimate even though the guest size was ~140 guests.
Despite all the traditional aspects of the wedding, they felt very included and enjoyed being involved. They loved how much our families danced and wanted everyone to be on the dance floor at all times. Lastly, we have heard from sooo many people that the food was incredible. Everything from the traditional Gujarati srikhand to the indo-Chinese was top-notch and one of theri best wedding meals.
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Growing up, every girl dreams of their wedding day. I was raised in Gujarat and had always thought I would get married in the traditional manner somewhere in India. Never in a million years did I think I would be having not one but two wedding ceremonies on a beach surrounded by our loved ones. I could not have imagined having a fusion wedding that equally celebrated and respected Krina and Jonathan's upbringing.
One of my favorite moments was walking down to the beach for our first look. Jonathan was waiting by the beach. I could hear him holding his breath as he heard me getting closer. Seeing each other that morning made it all real. Through the tears, we looked at each other and knew that we had made it.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Remember to eat. Indian weddings are long and stressful. I did not sleep until probably midnight after our Sangeet and had to be up at 3:30 for hair and makeup. I had no appetite and did not eat a big breakfast prior to getting into my wedding outfit. my lehnga weighed >40 lbs and I was minutes from passing out before my entrance towards the mandap. My advise-EAT and stay hydrated!
Despite all the planning, things will go wrong, and things will happen out of your control. Your loved ones will spend more time on ceremonies that may not be as important to you. Remember that this may be your wedding, but it also is a very important day for your parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and wedding party. Let them celebrate you!
Plan your hair and makeup trial on a humid/hot day and keep it on for the rest of the day. This way, you can prepare for the worst and see what adjustments need to be made. During my makeup trial, it incidentally happened to be a rainy day. I noticed that my undereye makeup got very cakey in the humidity. I spent the next few months finding a primer and setting powder that worked for my skin, and my makeup was truly flawless.
This Riviera Maya celebration was a true testament to love crossing all boundaries.
