Classy, Grand, and Colorful Indian Wedding at the Hilton Santa Barbara

Blue Lotus InsightsShawna Yamamoto EventMPSingh PhotographyAvec Lumiere ProductionsSpecial Occasions DJRachana DesaiRoyal Style TurbanMasala Spice SBLele PatisserieTaruniManyavarIndira BishenSari PalaceMichael Andrews BespokeHilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort

Jul 7

Written By Megan Hageman

Today’s couple shared their incredible and extravagant wedding at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort with Santa Barbara Wedding Style. The day was full of bright vivid colors, multiple outfit changes, and a wonderful group of wedding vendors who made the event possible—these included Blue Lotus Insights who provided full coordination and Shawna Yamamoto who additionally added to well-thought out design of the entire day.

The bride and groom dressed in white for the ceremony, and following Indian wedding customs, the groom arrived at the venue in style. The ceremony, as well as the first leg of the reception, took place in the hotel’s Plaza del Sol. Guests sat underneath red canopies during the ceremony and the bride and groom chose lush green, orange, and pink florals to hang over head as they tied the knot. Blue was the theme for the outdoor part of the reception and festivities included choreographed dances on the set up dance floor, with help from Special Occasions DJ & Lighting.

Later on, the couple changed clothes again and met guests inside the Grand Ballroom. The room was decorated this time in classic black and white with gold accents. Masala Spice Indian Restaurant catered the event and Lele Patisserie made sure there was something sweet to end the night with. MPSingh Photography captured the whole event.

The bride and groom additionally shared some inside information about their love story and some of the inspiration behind their big day.

From the Couple:

Proposal:

Initially, Ankit was going to propose at our favorite wine bar in NYC, but Covid had other plans. So he spent all of summer 2020 meeting with his parents and Saniya's parents over zoom (strategically scheduled during her summer internship hours) to plan an outdoor picnic surprise at Liberty State Park. Little did she know this picnic would turn out to be a proposal!

When they got to the park, Ankit said "Well, I actually didn't bring any food.” To which Saniya said “Wait, but I'm hungry!” Then he said, "…but I have this". He pulled out the ring, a photographer popped out, and our families were there to celebrate the moment.

Why Santa Barbara:

During our years of living in LA early in our relationship, we celebrated as many dating anniversaries as we could in Santa Barbara. When it came time to choose our wedding venue, we thought what better place to celebrate this next step in our lives with all the people we love?

Outfit Story:
My dear family friend Indira Bishen had (in a wonderful happenstance) begun following her own lifelong passion for designing Chikankari outfits in the time leading up to our wedding. When I wasn't finding exactly what I wanted elsewhere, I discussed my vision with her for an elegant white lehenga with mirror-work that wouldn't feel too heavy, but still add a 'bridal' touch. She took my thoughts and turned it into the lehenga of my dreams. She continued this theme with the groom's sherwani as well, adding intricate beading that complemented the style we were hoping for, all the way down to his shoes.

Guest’s Favorite Part:
Our guests absolutely loved the atmosphere we created - classy and grand, yet intimate enough for everyone to bond and just have a good time. We tried hard to strike this balance, and were so happy when we saw everyone naturally coming together to celebrate. This city exudes warmth, and we were so happy to be able to host our friends and family here!

Other:
Truly ALL of our vendors were wonderful, and we felt like we had landed upon the 'dream team'. None of this would have been possible without them, our families/friends, and all the people who have supported us along this crazy wedding planning ride, and we feel so lucky to have had the weekend that we did!