Bright + Colorful Indian / American Wedding: Sarah + Sunny – Part 1
Happy Monday, guys + gals! We’re starting the week off in such a gorgeous way, with Sarah + Sunny’s stunning two part Indian / American wedding feature, captured by the ever-lovely Danielle Poff!
Sarah + Sunny debated all the pros + cons of having a two-day wedding, in order to make sure to both of their cultures felt represented in all the best ways. In the end, they decided on one big, beautiful day-long celebration since they knew if they had everything in one day, no matter how tiresome it may be, that it would be the easiest way for everyone to enjoy and appreciate both cultures. Sarah explains, We made a point of adding in a little something of both of us to each ceremony to make it more ‘us’ and we did a lot ourselves. Instead of trying to find things that encompassed both of us and our cultures, we made them together. Both officiants explained the meaning behind the minute details of both Hindu & Catholic ceremony and even the bakery was able to mimic the look of our invitation on the second tier of our cake. Our hope was that we could mesh everything together enough that during the weekend, each side would feel as comfortable as we do with each other’s traditions— especially since so many people made a pretty long journey out there for us.
Sarah wore a few super stunning dresses throughout the day, and we’re just loving this gorge two-piece number she chose for her first look with Sunny!
Tai, the elephant, was hands-down 100% a favorite aspect of the day for both Sarah + Sunny and all their guests! We love these shots Danielle captured of the wedding party and Sarah + Sunny with Tai. So, so gorgeous and fun!
One of Sarah’s fave moments of the day was when her friends and family surprised Sunny with a coordinated dance during the Sangeet – and seeing the look on his face knowing they’d been practicing for months!
The Indian ceremony looked so incredibly gorgeous! It must have been so special for all of Sarah + Sunny’s guests to partake in both their Indian Hindu celebration and their Catholic American ceremony, which you’ll see in a bit in Part 2!
Welcome back, lovelies! If you didn’t already catch Part 1 of Sarah + Sunny’s amazing Indian / American wedding celebration, be sure to check that out before moving on to Part 2 with us! Part 1 is all about their gorgeous Indian Hindu ceremony – with jaw-dropping images captured by Danielle Poff Photography of all the beauty, plus the sweetest elephant ever named Tai! In Part 2, you’ll see their beautiful sunset Catholic ceremony, along with a boho-inspired reception dinner that we think you’re going to fall in love with BIG time.
We love how this adorable duo had such a big hand in designing their day, making sure to show off both cultures throughout the entire celebration. Sarah designed the invitations + programs for both ceremonies, the table numbers, the watercolor and calligraphy escort cards and more. Sunny spray-painted ball canning jars for the Catholic ceremony, baskets for the Hindu ceremony, the card box and wine bottles for the table numbers. Together, they designed and put together the flower-girl pails and signs – and Sarah’s dad even hand-cut every cork for each placecard! To top it off, Sunny’s family put together the guest welcome bags, making the day a true family affair and celebration of love!
For their American ceremony, Sarah wore a stunning Vera Wang dress paired with glittery, gold Jimmy Choo shoes! To add a perfect pop of color, she carried a super bright and beautiful rose, peony and protea bouquet by Noonan’s Wine Country Designs!
The guys looked ultra-dapper in blue suits with fun wooden bow ties!
Sunny: When I read the storybook that Sarah wrote for me about us meeting and the nervousness I felt before she walked down the aisle during the Catholic ceremony. It just all of a sudden felt real when I saw her.
Sarah: There are so many! I am torn. But one has to be the fact that there was a hawk tailing me from the moment I stepped foot in California that I knew had to be my grandfather (he absolutely would have come back as a hawk). Once my brother told the story in his speech at the Sangeet that I thought he was with us, I got texts of pictures before the Hindu and Catholic ceremonies as the same hawk circled overhead watching. My heart was so full that everybody just understood how meaningful it was to me.
Processional: All of Me – John Legend (played live by the Aurora Ensemble)
Recessional: Marry You – Bruno Mars (played live by the Aurora Ensemble)
First Dance: Ho Hey – The Lumineers (played live by The Brambles)
The tablescapes featured beyond-gorgeous blooms and a relaxed, yet polished, bohemian vibe.
Everybody says it and nobody is able to do it, but hang on to every second. Let go of what is going wrong when you are there (there will be a ton of it) and just enjoy every second.
photography: Danielle Poff Photography // venue: Monarch Club, Presqui’le Winery Santa Maria, California // event design: Sangeet: The Tent Merchant // wedding planning + design: Donna Romani Events // florals: Noonan’s Wine Country Designs // barat gateway, mandap + lighting: Bella Vista Designs // wedding dress: Vera Wang // hairpieces: Glimour, Eden Luxe Bridal // bride’s shoes: Jimmy Choo // bridesmaid dresses: Various Palomino dresses by Lela Rose and Alfred Sung // hair + makeup:Bluebird Salon, TEAM Hair & Makeup // groom suit: Knot Standard //photobooth + lounge: Tinker Tin Trailer Co // videography: Brinton Films // paper goods: The bride // catering: Jay Bharat,Omni // cake: Frost It Cakery // rentals: Classic Party Rentals // hindu officiant: Bhagirath Raval // catholic officiant: Alfred Burnham // music: Epic Entertainment
We just loved tagging along for Part 1 of Sarah + Sunny’s beautiful, beautiful day! Be sure to stop by again in a bit because we have Part 2 – their stunning, colorful American ceremony + celebration – coming up soon!
photography: Danielle Poff Photography // venue: Monarch Club, Presqui’le Winery Santa Maria, California // event design: Sangeet: The Tent Merchant // wedding planning + design: Donna Romani Events // florals: Noonan’s Wine Country Designs // barat gateway, mandap + lighting: Bella Vista Designs // wedding dress: Vera Wang // hairpieces: Glimour, Eden Luxe Bridal // bride’s shoes: Jimmy Choo // bridesmaid dresses: Various Palomino dresses by Lela Rose and Alfred Sung // hair + makeup:Bluebird Salon, TEAM Hair & Makeup // groom suit: Knot Standard //photobooth + lounge: Tinker Tin Trailer Co // videography: Brinton Films // paper goods: The bride // elephant: Have Trunk Will Travel// catering: Jay Bharat, Omni // cake: Frost It Cakery // rentals: Classic Party Rentals // hindu officiant: Bhagirath Raval // catholic officiant: Alfred Burnham // music: Epic Entertainment