A week of symbolic Hindu celebrations and parties led up to a noontime ceremony on Saturday at the Monarch Beach Resort. “It was the perfect setting,” says Nirali, “romantic and beautiful with a timeless beach backdrop and space enough for all our guests.”
During the traditional rites, a picture of Nirali’s dad was displayed, assuring that his spirit was with them. Breaking from the usual riotous color of Hindu wedding garb, Nirali and Avinash dressed in elegant cream and gold embellished attire. A sketch artist captured essential moments live on canvas at the ceremony.
“IT ALL FELT VERY NATURAL, AND WE SLOWLY FELL IN LOVE.”
Instead of waiting for their grand entrance during the reception, the newlyweds enjoyed cocktail hour with their guests, then ran back to their room to change for the evening. “It was amazing to hear the emcee say, ‘Presenting Dr. and Mrs. Sharma,’ before the doors swung open,” says Nirali, “and the day just got better and better.”
The couple kept the program “short and sweet” so they could get to the dancing. Even so, the speeches were “emotional and hilarious” and just what the bride had envisioned. A same-day video wrapped up the presentations.
Nonstop dancing followed and was interrupted only when Avi, a talented drummer, surprised the gathering by accompanying the DJ for three of Nirali’s favorite songs. “He got the whole party pumped, and I felt like a groupie, front and center, waving my arms in the air,” she says. A late night pizza truck made sure no one went home hungry.
The bride and groom honeymooned in Santorini and Mykonos, Greece, to relax and recover from their many wedding events and steel themselves for their upcoming cross-country move to Washington, D.C. for Avi’s residency.
WEDDING TALENT
Location: Monarch Beach Resort Dana Point, CA ;Planner: Elegant Events, Orange County, CA; Ceremony Dress and Groom’s Attire: Sabyasachi Couture; Reception Dress: Jade Couture; Bride’s Shoes: Giuseppe Zanotti Design
