Doctors Tina and Steven met in medical school, and after four years together, he proposed along the beach in La Jolla Shores in her hometown of San Diego, California. “He played our song, as a photographer captured the magical moment,” Tina remembers. “A few sea lions even crashed our photos!”
Having grown up in Southern California, the bride wanted a “colorful coastal wedding,” she explains. The couple fell in love with Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes with unobstructed ocean views for their springtime nuptials. Weddings by Susan Dunne brought their vision to life, as Anya Kernes was behind the lens and Tim and Co. filmed it all. And Inquisited set the tone for guests with a beautiful invitation suite.
For their wedding weekend wardrobe, Tina and Steven favored traditional designs with a touch of modernity. The Sangeet brought out bright, metallic ensembles created by a local designer, while the ceremony called for looks by Mayyur Girortra.
On the day-of, Tina got ready with hairstylist and makeup artist Loan- Lulu Nguyen and accessorized with jewelry from her mother, which carries special meaning within her family. Then, she changed into an off-white lehenga from Falguni Shane Peacock adorned with images of the Taj Mahal for the reception.
On April 9, 2023, the ceremony began with the Baraat, the groom’s procession. “Steven embraced the tradition of getting on a horse and parading with all of our loved ones dancing alongside,” Tina explains. The bride is usually hidden during this part, but she didn’t want to miss anything, so Tina surprised Steven and joined in.
The two were wed in a traditional Hindu ceremony with their parents onstage, under a beautiful structure decorated with florals by Nicole Chapman Design. Tina’s priest, Shrikantha Shastri, who is also a family friend, officiated the service. “We felt an inexplicable joy in knowing our loved ones were able to witness our ceremony,” the bride recalls.
Once married, Tina and Steven wanted to share their love of music and dance with their guests and opened the floor with a first dance to the same Lane 8 song that was played during Steven’s proposal. Dancers of Karmagraphy Entertainment followed them with a performance to one of the couple’s favorite Hindi songs.
After dining on the resort’s American fare and Indian favorites dishes from Vishnu, everyone danced late into the night with deejay Second Song. The newlyweds spent the early hours of the next morning reminiscing on the weekend with their family and friends.
