Ankita and Akshan, San Jose, USA
This couple tied the knot in a boho-chic backyard wedding as their family virtually witnessed the magical moment from thousands of miles away.
Amidst the global pandemic, Ankita and Akshan stepped into matrimony by tying the knot in an intimate home celebration in San Jose, California. Here, bride Ankita shares some highlights of the picture-perfect that was attended virtually by their families back home in India.
How they met
Ankita shares, “Akshan and I first met in San Francisco in July 2018. As we got to know each other, we discovered that we shared such a surprising number of coincidences and commonalities that it all felt like destiny. While we lived a block away in San Francisco, we realized even our families lived no more than two blocks apart in Chandigarh! We shared the same passion for movies and so much more, and even started commuting to work together. Very soon, we knew we had found our soulmates in each other.”
The Proposal
Akshan and Ankita’s relationship deepened over multiple dates, traveling to work together and frequent calls. He proposed to her at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art where they were surrounded by gorgeous works of art. He went down on one knee to pop the all-important question, and she replied with a delighted “Yes!”
The couple formalized their engagement with a lovely roka function in January 2020. They planned to tie the knot in India in November. However, faced with the uncertainty of the Covid-19 pandemic that hit soon after, they decided to tie the knot sooner in an intimate ceremony in the US itself, with their families attending virtually.
Wedding Planning
Hosted at Ankita’s uncle and aunt’s place in San Jose, the intimate wedding was designed and planned by them and her cousins completely. Chic bohemian decor enhanced the natural beauty of the home and backyard, which was set against the breathtaking backdrop of the valley. Teal Mandzik captured all their precious moments in soulful clicks.
Wedding Functions
Mehndi
The mehendi ceremony had a bohemian vibe, with decor elements that included pastel drapes and pretty lights. Ankita donned a green silk suit with a rich yellow Banarasi dupatta. Her henna patterns were applied by a cousin who was not a professional yet still managed to impress everyone with her beautiful designs.
Wedding
With their families being thousands of miles away in India, Ankita’s uncle, aunt and cousins shouldered the responsibility of following all the traditions and customs of the nuptials. The couple tied the knot in a charming home ceremony that was organized completely by their family members in the US , from the decor to the mandap and the rituals, as their parents witnessed the proceedings virtually. The groom looked dapper in an ivory and pink Sabyasachi Mukherjee ensemble, while the bride looked divine in a champagne pink lehenga by Astha Narang. They cut a gorgeous white and gold cake and toasted their wedding with fine wine.
Advice for couples
“Weddings during the COVID-19 pandemic can be challenging and stressful, but it is also the best way to make the most of every moment and make it count. You can go as big as you want on certain things like outfits, jewellery and photography since you are now no longer catering to a large crowd. In the end, have fun and take a deep breath because it all works out.”
The Wedding Makers
Groom’s Outfit: Sabyasachi Mukherjee
Bride’s Outfit: Astha Narang
Makeup: Olivia E
Hair: Cassie Raimond
Photography: Teal Mandzik
