Jaya and Alex, Palos Verdes Estates, California

A fairytale told in florals – Jaya and Alex’s wedding was an elegant, opulent, glamorous day of love and laughter.

How they met
I was introduced to Alex by common friends while at medical school (Thomas Jefferson University) in Philadelphia, PA. I was a first-year student, Alex was one year senior. We got talking and months later Alex asked me out on a date and I instantly agreed! We went to the oldest candy shop in the country and then to Franklin Fountain, an iconic ice-cream spot in old town Philadelphia. It is funny, but it is the little things that attracted us towards each other. While I loved the purple sweatshirt he wore on our first date, he found my awkward sitting position in class very endearing.

The Proposal
Alex also knew my affinity for flowers and incorporated that into his plan to propose to me. He invited me over to his place for Christmas and bluffed me into believing that it was some kind of a school reunion. He suggested we stop by the Phipps Conservatory for a short time to which I happily agreed. Minutes later, he whisked me into an empty room of the conservatory which was filled with poinsettias and surprised me with a most beautiful proposal! He had arranged for both our families to be flown to the venue and even hired a photographer to capture this magical moment.

Wedding Planning
We are both resident physicians in Phoenix and therefore had very little time to plan our wedding. I’m originally from Los Angeles and always wanted to host a wedding at the expansive lawns of the beautiful Golf Club at the Palos Verdes Estate. And so our amazing wedding planner – Flavia Lamoglia – went ahead and created a beautiful wedding there for us. Our florist Celio made sure that each and every nook was decorated with my favorite flowers. I’m also really grateful to my parents who arranged the entire wedding for us. I, on the other hand, concentrated on designing my trousseau for each event. I love bright hues, and designed a gorgeous neon pink and gold zardozi lehenga which I accessorized with heirloom gold jewellery.

Wedding
Our wedding day was stress-free. While I got my hair and makeup done in my house, Alex and his family got ready in a nearby hotel located minutes away from the venue. Our décor was very chic and included flowy nude drapes which contrasted with the red florals. The baraat was the most fun part of the wedding. Alex came in on a horse to escort me. We got married in a Hindu ceremony at dusk, while the melodic sitar music of Ronobir Lahiri filled the air. Then there were family dance-offs and the celebrations continued with a starry cocktail and reception party at twilight.

Reception
There was magic in the air at our reception and I like to think that the evening resonated with our own effortless style and elegance. The entire Palos Verdes Golf Club ballroom was decorated with nude drapes and pink flowers. The chandelier in the center looked mystical with the fabric and the flowers. We chose to present an exquisite dessert table instead of a wedding cake. I picked a shimmery gold lehenga for the reception and Alex wore a black tux. We closed the evening with two dance performances. My father and I danced to my favorite song, ‘Stawberry Fields Forever’ by the Beatles and Alex and his mother danced to Van Morrison’s ‘Mama Told Me’. And then, my new husband and I danced to ‘This Must Be the Place’ which was magical. Great music and emotional speeches followed and it was such a memorable set of moments for us.

The Wedding Makers
Wedding Venue – Palos Verdes Golf Club, Palos Verdes Estates, CA
Wedding Planning – Allure Events Atelier
Florist – Celio’s Designs
Photography – Duke Photography

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