Nirali and Alfonso – Jaipur, Rajasthan

Nirali and Alfonso met in Los Angeles during their undergraduate years at USC. To celebrate their Indian and Mexican heritage, they decided to have two ceremonies, a Catholic ceremony at the San Fernando Mission in Calfornia, followed by a two day wedding extravaganza at Samode Palace in Jaipur.

Samode Palace, Jaipur

Nirali and Alfonso met in Los Angeles during their undergraduate years at USC. After four beautiful years together, Alfonso proposed at the Taj Mahal, the ultimate testament to love. To celebrate their Indian and Mexican heritage they decided to have two ceremonies, a Catholic ceremony at the San Fernando Mission in Calfornia, followed by a two day wedding extravaganza at Samode Palace in Jaipur.

Los Angeles Wedding

The backdrop for this wedding was an 18th century Spanish Catholic Church. Nirali wore a beautiful custom designed white gown by Kazamiir (Haasya Chandna). The glamorous red bridesmaid gowns, also designed by Haasya Chandna, complimented the elegant white decor at the reception.

Nirali at the Los Angeles Wedding

Mother of the bride helping put on the veil before the ceremony

The Bride and Groom exchanging vows at 18th century Spanish church

Bride, Groom and the bridal party post wedding ceremony

Jaipur Wedding

After scouting several locations in Jaipur, the 300-year-old Samode Palace was chosen. Right in the heart of Rajasthan, it is home to mirror-tiled halls and mural-lined walls, marble swimming pools and regal, antique-filled suites; this walled desert wonderland was the perfect setting for Nirali and Alfonso’s Indian wedding ceremony.

Mehndi

The mela themed Mehndi brought with it snake charmers, puppeteers and other myriad folk artisans who entranced the Indian and foreign guests alike with their traditionally captivating work.

Bride, her brother and family at the Mela themed Mehndi

Kanderp and Tehmina Khandwala (parents of the bride) enjoying the festivities at the Mehndi.

Sangeet

The Sangeet, which had the Palace’s beautiful facade as its backdrop, was themed as a Hollywood/Bollywood night and guests were invited to dress up as their favourite movie celebrity.

Bride, groom and friends at the Holly/Bollywood themed sangeet

Friends taking photographs at Samode Palace during the sangeet

Bride and Groom’s grand entrance at the sangeet

Nirali and Alfonso taking a bow after their sangeet performance

Wedding Ceremony:

The highlight of the wedding festivities was the stunning wedding ceremony, which took place at the palace poolside. Classical singers singing traditional Sanskrit verses during the ceremony created a beautiful and emotional ambiance. The ceremony ended with fireworks and lanterns released into the sky.

The Baraat enters the Palace followed by the Groom on an elephant