A Luxurious Traditional Indian Wedding in Rancho Santa Fe California

Aishya first met Rohan when she was touring UC Berkeley, where Rohan was a junior. He showed her around campus the next day, during which they exchanged phone numbers and kept in touch. When Aishya decided to attend UC Berkeley, the two began hanging out more frequently; and once she moved there for school, they quickly became inseparable.

The couple was hiking up Mt. Tamalpais one day, when they stopped for a picnic. While sitting under a tree on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Rohan popped the question.

During the wedding planning process, Aishya and Rohan decided they wanted each of their wedding locations to have a special meaning. The Chart House in Cardiff – where they had their first date – was chosen for their Sangeet, the ceremony was held in the meadows of Aishya’s childhood backyard, and the reception took place at the Rancho Santa Fe Country Club, where she enjoyed spending time when she was younger.

“I would lay there on my trampoline from the late afternoon to early evening, watching the sky change colors,” says Aishya, reminiscing about her backyard. “I would wonder about what the future had in store for me and fantasize about the adventures I would have. Once we were engaged, I couldn’t think of a more perfect location to commemorate this new chapter in our lives.”

The wedding planning process also involved a mother-daughter trip to India to find the right bridal gown. “My wedding gown was a glittering gold and white lengha (three-piece Indian outfit) with hints of light pink and mint,” Aishya describes. “My mom and I went to countless stores in New Delhi and finally found the perfect dress when visiting Sabyasachi’s bridal boutique.” With the help of Nikki and Madiha Khan of Exquisite Events, the rest of the details and design concepts were put together for a romantic, creative, and unique wedding.

Walking down the aisle was one of the most memorable moments of the wedding day. “Just as my dad and I were about to start our walk, an unexpected wave of emotions suddenly hit me,” says the bride. “A mix of excitement, nostalgia, and happiness surged through me.” The ceremony aisle was a long, six-inch-deep bed of rose petals. As the bride made her way towards the Mandap where the groom, his parents, and her mother were waiting, an acoustic version of “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles played.

For their first dance, the bride and groom chose the song “Beyond the Sea” by Django Reinhardt. “We chose this song because it is romantic and playful, like our relationship,” the bride says. Just after their grand entrance and first dance, the dinner space was opened. Inside, the newlyweds were greeted by a beautiful candlelit room filled with grand bouquets, crystal decorations, and mirror-topped tables. Music from Midnight in Paris played, setting a tone of romance with a hint of mystery. Aishya and Rohan were “pleasantly overwhelmed” by the gorgeous reception space, and a wonderful time was had by all.