Mehak Chopra Patel and Bhavin Patel, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Los Angeles
Inspired by Singapore’s Supertree Grove, this wedding mandap exuded modern-glam vibes!
Mehak Chopra Patel and Bhavin Patel’s wedding unfolded as a celebration shaped by intention, emotion, and shared values. Rooted in meaningful rituals and layered with contemporary elegance, every event reflected the couple’s belief that beauty lies not only in design but in connection. From intimate family moments to spirited gatherings, the celebrations came together as a seamless expression of love and equality.
How They Met
“Some love stories begin with grand gestures. Ours began quietly with a swipe, a typo, and perfect timing,” shares Mehak. Like many modern love stories, theirs began online. When Bhavin’s profile first appeared on her screen, his name read ‘Bryan’, almost making it a miss. Yet, something about him felt genuine and familiar to Mehak. “The conversation flowed effortlessly,” she recalls, “and what began as casual messages soon turned into something I looked forward to every day.”
From the very beginning, there was an undeniable ease between them. “There was laughter, honesty, and a comfort that didn’t need explanation,” Mehak shares. As time passed, it became clear that what they were building extended far beyond romance. Bhavin’s steady, thoughtful nature and quiet support anchored their bond. “He felt like home,” she adds.
When Bhavin proposed, it felt less like a surprise and more like a natural continuation of their journey. “It felt aligned, like the next step in something that had always been meant to be,” Mehak says.
Wedding Planning
From the outset, the couple wanted their wedding to feel intentional and deeply meaningful, rather than simply visually striking. “The inspiration behind the Singapore mandap was rooted in the idea of welcome,” Mehak shares. “We wanted it to feel like a space where every guest felt embraced.” While aesthetics naturally mattered, the true focus was on creating an atmosphere filled with warmth, love, and connection.
One moment during the wedding ceremony captured the essence of everything Mehak and Bhavin believe marriage to be. They touched each other’s feet, a ritual traditionally symbolic of respect and humility. “For us, it held a deeper meaning,” Mehak explains. “It was a mutual gesture, an unspoken promise that there would be no hierarchy, only equality, gratitude, and reverence.”
Wedding Functions
Grah Shanti
Mehak shares, “The Grah Shanti ceremony was conducted by Bhavin’s family in preparation for the wedding. Rooted in prayers for peace, protection, and harmony, the ritual held deep significance for them as they sought blessings for our marriage. Led by Bhavin’s brother and sister-in-law, the ceremony reflected the love, intention, and family support that surrounded us from the very beginning, even in moments I wasn’t physically present.”
Haldi
The Haldi unfolded as a joyful, sun-drenched outdoor celebration. A lavender palette reimagined through oversized florals brought a refreshing softness to the décor, while guests dressed in yellow added bursts of cheer. Live dosa and pav bhaji stations kept the mood relaxed and welcoming, complemented by playful games that encouraged laughter.
Mehendi
The mehendi was an intimate gathering at Mehak’s maternal uncle’s home, styled with a traditional backdrop and intentionally kept simple. The focus remained on emotion rather than embellishment. Bhavin surprised her by stopping by, turning the afternoon into a moment she holds especially close. Wearing her mother’s wedding chunni added a deeply sentimental layer. “That moment felt incredibly grounding for me, and I cherish it deeply,” she shares.
Sangeet
Envisioned as a vibrant Bollywood celebration with a modern sensibility, the Sangeet brought the spirit of India to America. Inspired by Mehak’s dream of getting married in India, bold colours, dynamic lighting, and a statement backdrop set the stage. “We loved seeing everyone dance their hearts out,” she says.
Wedding
Set within the historic BAPS temple, the wedding ceremony was serene and soulful. The Singapore-inspired mandap stood apart with its clean architectural lines and scale, a design more commonly seen in India and rarely paired with a mandir backdrop. Bathed in the glow of the setting sun, the space felt both sacred and contemporary. “For us, it perfectly reflected our union, which was rooted in tradition, yet looking forward”, Mehak shares.
Reception
The reception unfolded with a midnight blue colour palette, setting the stage for an elegant, high-energy evening. A dramatic backdrop framed the couple’s entrance as elite dancers welcomed guests into the celebration. The atmosphere was glamorous and spirited. “We wanted the night to feel like a true celebration,” Mehak says.
Advice For Couples
Sharing her advice for couples planning their wedding, Mehak says, “Things will go wrong, and that’s okay. You’ve planned, you’ve invested, and by the time your wedding arrives, everything that can be done is already done. Instead of stressing over small issues, focus on the moments of happiness and the people around you. No matter how much planning goes into it, what truly matters is enjoying the celebration with the people you love most.”
She goes on to reflect, “With a large wedding like ours, it can be difficult to spend time with everyone, which is why the smaller events became so meaningful. They allowed us to connect with close family and friends before dancing the night away. In the end, those are the moments you’ll remember long after the details fade.”
The Wedding Makers
Venues: BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, California (Wedding); The Waterfront Beach Resort, California
Wedding Planner: Preeevents
Florist: Flower Allie
Bride’s Outfits: Anita Dongre
Makeup: Dreavmakeup, Makeup by Dina
Mehendi: Neha Assar Artistry
DJ: DJ O Fresh
Photography and Videography: Balerina Films
