Alisha and Kanhai, Bacara Resort & Spa, Santa Barbara, US
From red floral motifs on the floor of the reception hall to a striking mandap adorned with bright white blooms, Alisha and Kanhai's wedding in California was an enchanting event.
A fairytale told in florals – that was the vibe of Alisha and Kanhai’s wedding celebrations in sunny California which included outdoor pheras and an elegant indoor reception. Here, the couple share details of how they planned their picture-perfect wedding.
How We Met
“Kanhai and I first met on a ski trip when we were six years old. Our dads were close friends so they always planned trips together. We then met again when we were 10 on a cruise ship. After that, we never really saw each other or spoke for a long time. Ten years later we reconnected at a wedding and from that moment we both had an eye on each other. After the wedding, a group of our friends decided to go to Las Vegas. We really bonded and enjoyed each other’s company there. We felt really connected, and after the trip, Kanhai went back to Belgium where he resides, and I headed back to college in Los Angeles. We spoke constantly over the next month and Kanhai decided to come to LA to see me. We spent a week together and got to know each other so much that we grew even closer! We really fell in love with each other after that trip and decided to start officially dating.”
Wedding Venue
“We knew we wanted to get married at a location overlooking serene waters, and Bacara Resort & Spa in Santa Barbara in California was the perfect venue for our destination wedding.”
Wedding Planning
“We left our full planning and design to the genius that is Nutan Shah of Elegant Events and White Lilac. She and her team came up with an incredible design that was beyond our imaginations. They did a complete transformation of the ballroom for our reception and we couldn’t have been happier.”
Wedding Functions
Wedding
The mandap by the beach and overlooking the blue ocean featured an elegant white and gold color scheme. The pillars and ceiling bars were golden and profuse white floral arrangements were artfully arranged over and around the mandap. This minimalist color palette was a perfect match for Alisha’s vibrant red wedding lehenga which stood out in contrast. The purpose behind the entire set-up and design was all about transporting the guests to a place that was special and magical. Alisha looked regal in her red Sabyasachi lehenga which she paired with a kundan neckpiece, earrings and a ‘maang tikka’ (forehead ornament). Kanhai’s gold and white sherwani accented with red turban complemented the setup and Alisha’s look perfectly. Their red garlands and crimson petals strewed on the bright white aisle and platform added further vibrancy.
Reception
The reception had a theme that was similar to an ‘Enchanted Garden’ and the decor was incorporated lots of jewel-colored hues, roses, peonies and hydrangeas that amplified the gorgeous vibe of the occasion. The stage was set for the couple with a white backdrop, lustrous floral strands and a pretty floral cake that was placed on the table right next to the seating area. An assortment of lanterns, tea lights and decorative was used to illuminate the ballroom creatively. The gorgeous cutlery was also carefully chosen to add a special touch to the beautiful tables. The floor of the reception hall had bright red floral motifs which looked striking. Alisha wore a pristine white lehenga with gold embroidery and a long net jacket with a beautiful border. Kanhai wore a three-piece black suit with a white shirt and slim black tie for this event which saw him and Alisha twirling on the floral floor with elan.
The Wedding Makers
Location: Bacara Resort & Spa, Santa Barbara, US
Decor: Elegant Events by Nutan (Fullerton, CA)
Florist: White Lilac (Costa Mesa, CA)
Bride’s Outfit: Sabyasachi Mukherjee (Wedding) and Anamika Khanna (Reception)
Makeup Artist: Dolled up by Lulu (Orange County, CA)
Cake: Joanie and Leigh’s Cakes (Los angeles, CA)
Videographer: Impressive Creations
Photographer: Duke Photography
