This was a wedding for the ages! True loves Alexa and Anuj celebrated their wedding in a vibrant and unique way with a hybrid ceremony and reception. While Anuj comes from an Indian background and Alexa is American, the two didn’t want either partner to have to give up their own wedding traditions. So, they blended them all together!
Wedding planner Kelsey Rae Designs was tasked with bringing these two different cultures to life in a cohesive way. While it was no small feat, she nailed it! Florist Native Poppy did an incredible job at crafting the most visually interesting and colorful floral arrangements. Seriously – just wait until you see them! Finally, photographer Emma Hopp captured the most timeless and elegant photos a couple could ask for. Dying to see how this multicultural wedding turned out? Let’s get into it!
Two Is Better Than One
Every aspect of this wedding was beautifully curated to cater to the lovely couple’s cultural differences. No detail was spared – even in the invitations!
Alexa was adorned with traditional Indian bridal jewelry for the first ceremony of the day. Each and every piece looked amazing!
Anuj and Alexa looked nothing short of spectacular together in their traditional wedding day garments. Anuj’s turban was a highlight of his look, along with his sword used to ward off evil spirits. Alexa’s navy and gold lehenga suited her absolutely perfectly!
We can’t get enough of these gorgeous jewels, including Alexa’s engagement ring!
A Traditional Celebration
The beautiful venue, L’Auberge Del Mar, was the perfect fit for this multicultural wedding. Who doesn’t love a seaside locale?!
The decor for the ceremony was unbelievable! Each element glistened beautifully and meshed together just right.
It doesn’t stop there – The florals for the mandap were on a whole other level!
In Hindu weddings, the bride gets to pick the color she wants for her gown. I decided on this beautiful navy blue lehenga with light pink accents that we ordered custom from a dressmaker in India.
Anuj’s groomsmen were dressed to the nines. Their traditionally-American gray suits coordinated effortlessly with their bright orange turbans.
Let’s hear it for the girls! Alexa and her bridesmaids looked absolutely stunning in their multicolored garments.
We had a traditional Hindu ceremony including a Bharat (parade for the groom) where he rode on the back of a classic red convertible Mustang!
All we can say is…WOW.
For the Indian ceremony, the processional music was all Bollywood hits!
If you’re anything like me (AKA planning things is not your deal) then hire a planner. It saves you a lot of time and is worth the money.
Other advice- don’t worry so much about what people are going to like or not like. They’re there because they love you and they’re going to enjoy themselves no matter what!
During the Granthi Bandhanam, the couple literally ‘ties the knot’ to indicate the bond between each other and their families.
Congratulations to the bride and groom!
The American Tradition
One ceremony down, one to go! Alexa changed into a stunning white wedding gown for the remainder of the day.
I found my white wedding gown designed by Blue at a wonderful salon in San Diego called Here Comes the Bride. I actually found it at my first appointment!
The outfit changed applied to the bridesmaids as well! Alexa’s closest friends changed into dresses that were the most romantic shade of blue we’ve seen.
We told you those gray suits were versatile!
Processional: I’m Yours by Jason Mraz (played on instrumental guitar)
Recessional: Better Together by Jack Johnson (played on instrumental guitar)
First Dance: I’m With You by Vance Joy
The best part of having a fusion wedding was we got to celebrate the more traditional step of becoming husband and wife through the Hindu ceremony, as well as celebrate our love story in a more sentimental way with the Western ceremony. At the end of the day, there wasn’t anything we would have changed.
The bride and groom were a picture of true love.
We started the day off with vibrant pinks, oranges, and peach colors on the mandap, then moved to more pastel versions of the seafoam, pink and peach colors for the Western ceremony at the beach. Then we moved into the reception where we married both bright and softer color palettes. It was so insanely pretty and nothing can ever beat the views at L’Auberge Del Mar.
How cute is this location-themed seating chart?!
Lucky for the couple, the mandap also made a beautiful backdrop to the sweetheart table!
The most memorable moment was when we had our grand entrance into the reception where we surprised everyone by performing a Bollywood dance. The looks on everyone’s faces were priceless.
Congratulations to Alexa and Anuj on your spectacular wedding! May your marriage be even better!
photography: Emma Hopp // venue name: L'Auberge Del Mar, Del Mar, CA, United States // event design: Kelsey Rae Designs // planning: Kelsey Rae Designs // florals: Native Poppy // hair stylist: Face by Raymie // makeup artist: Face by Raymie // videography: Amari Productions // paper goods: Twinkle + Toast // cake: Kuba Kreations // tabletop rentals: Adore Folklore // furniture rentals: Adore Folklore // linen rentals: BBJ Linen // music: Second Song
