Despite growing up within five miles of one another, Anika Ayyar and Akshat Agrawal only first crossed paths as 21-year-old summer interns at Google. Sparks flew amidst the buzzing office, and after staying in touch post-graduation, a series of fortuitous moves brought them both to San Francisco. It was there, where they made it official.
A year and a half later, just before the couple set off for Harvard Business School, Akshat dropped to one knee at the Castello di Amorosa winery in Calistoga. He proposed with a Tiffany & Co. diamond—one he caught Anika eyeing a few months prior. Under the guise of a private tour that he playfully claimed to have “won” in a lottery, he led her to the top of the North Tower, where the proposal scene awaited: fresh roses, a bottle of the winery’s finest Champagne, and a Tiffany blue box engraved with their initials. Once she said “yes,” the surprises continued—a celebration with both of their families, who joined them at the castle to share in the merriment. The following day, the couple’s closest friends arrived to extend the celebration with a brunch, followed by a weekend of wine tasting and revisiting the moments of the proposal.
Once the whirlwind settled, the couple looked to Elegant Events for guidance in the planning process and swiftly reserved The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel for the spring wedding. “We wanted to stay in California to ensure our grandparents didn’t have to travel far to attend,” Anika says. “Laguna Niguel felt like the perfect balance between a true vacation destination for guests and a beach that wasn’t too far from home. We wanted to stay tethered to traditional rituals while adapting them to modern sensibilities, and sourced each vendor with immense purpose.”
Invitations by Izzhaar Coredesigns informed guests of each of the weekend’s events which held distinct design themes with attire requests to match. “We researched Indian designers and picked mainly female designers who focused on reviving ancient, age-old Indian weaving techniques, used sustainable fabrics, and supported local artisans and weavers,” the bride notes.
It all began in the plaza at The Ritz-Carlton. Heather Kincaid was on hand to photograph it all, as artist Neha Assar added personal touches to the traditional design elements in Anika’s intricate mehndi. “The highlight of the event was Akshat trying to find his name cleverly hidden in the mehendi design!” she exclaims. The soon-to-be-weds coordinated in custom green silk outfits designed by Mumbai-based designer Anushree Parekh of Label Anushree.
“Rajasthani Carnival meets Bollywood Musical” details the motif for the sangeet to which Anika donned an Anita Dongre lehenga inspired by Sindh architecture. Intricate floral and bird embroidery and embellished pearls decorated the silhouette which was crafted courtesy of master artisans from northern India. As for Akshat, he chose a silk Kurta-Shrug set from Delhi-based designer Jatin Malik.
Tent canopies scattered the lawn, each offering hors d’oeuvres of everything from Mumbai street food to cotton candy. Inside, guests were treated to Bollywood dance performances, many of which were choreographed by the bride and groom, storying the couple’s commitment to one another.
The following evening, the couple hosted the haldi. “The outdoor floral haldi was an event soaked in hues of yellow and white,” she recalls. “Akshat and I both picked Label Anushree for our Haldi attire to keep it understated, breezy and comfortable.” Guests also sported yellow in celebration of the ceremonial moment, and after florals were tossed and the speeches shared everyone spent the night dancing by the water.
On May 28, 2023, the bride dressed in a Kanchipuram silk saree and—as a traditional South Indian Tamilian bride—topped her look with a tikka headpiece that matched a choker necklace set in rubies, emeralds, and pearls. Drea Vlavich applied a radiant makeup look and styled a delicate braid completing her ensemble. For an added touch of old world charm, a burgundy bindi seamlessly tied her entire bridal look together.
The ceremony was a vibrant blend of Anika’s and Akshat’s Tamil and Marwari traditions. Akshat entered the Pacific Promenade lawn on a horse, leading the baraat. Dhol music guided the groom’s procession of loved ones down the aisle. Anika’s bridal entrance started with her sisters escorting her to the lawn. As the melodies of a live Nadhaswaram player filled the air, she danced on her own to meet Akshat. “The ceremony was an incredibly special event for us because of how carefully we had crafted each ritual,” the bride shares. “We had worked with our priestess to ensure that everything from our vows to the explanation of cultural rituals reflected both of our backgrounds. Seeing everything come together on a crisp, bright morning with the Laguna Niguel cliffside as the backdrop felt surreal.”
For the finale event, as the post-ceremony liveliness swept the crowd, the newlyweds turned heads in Manish Malhotra—Anika in an embellished pastel lehenga and Akshat in a tailored silk jacket, suited for a night filled with dancing.
The reception was nothing short of a Eucharis Studio floral dream—soft-hued drapery and a painted dance floor adorned with floral designs set the scene. Chef Sanjay Rawat plated a four-course Indian menu ending with a gulab jamun cake and mango rabdi for dessert. Adding to it all, masala chai was served throughout the evening.
The newlyweds entered to Lil Wayne’s “Uproar” before sharing their first dance to “Hawayein.” Afterward, Anika and Akshat took the floor with their parents. The evening’s speeches—delivered by each set of parents and siblings—were anything but traditional. “We had shared one rule with their family for the speeches—instead of toasts and compliments, stick to roasts, funny stories, and jokes. Everyone delivered!” the bride laughs. The DJ and saxophonist kept the dance floor buzzing, and before they knew it, the night flew by with the celebrations continuing until the clock struck 1 a.m. “Seeing everyone we love celebrating together in one room brought us so much happiness!”
