Sarika and Zach’s wedding was a dream celebration that beautifully merged Indian traditions with Western elegance. Hosted at the opulent Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco, the two-day affair beautifully planned, designed and decorated by Dazzling Streaks was a vibrant showcase of their love story, shared cultures, and joyful union of families.
Their journey began in Boston in 2019, where Sarika, fresh from California to attend Harvard Business School, decided to stay in town for Thanksgiving. A chance swipe on a dating app led her to Zach. Despite showing up 45 minutes late for their date, Sarika was captivated the moment she spotted Zach at their table in The Alibi bar. Hours of heartfelt conversation later, she knew she had found someone extraordinary.
Fast forward to their proposal, and Zach left no stone unturned to create a moment that perfectly reflected their bond. Disguised as a birthday celebration for a friend, Sarika was led to Boston Common’s Public Garden, where Zach awaited her with a life-changing question. He proposed at a spot they frequented during their relationship, adding a deeply personal touch. What followed was an incredible surprise celebration with 50 of their closest friends and family at the Boston Public Library.
Sarika and her mother worked tirelessly to design a wedding that honored their Tamil roots while embracing Western customs. San Francisco was the ideal location for its proximity to her family in Sacramento and the city’s vibrant charm. The Ritz-Carlton, with its luxurious amenities and ability to host four distinct events seamlessly, became the perfect venue for their vision.
The festivities kicked off with a lively Mehndi, where guests were immersed in a Garba celebration led by Sarika’s best friend, a former Raas-Garba dancer. Dressed in a playful Papa Don’t Preach lehenga and hands adorned with henna by Neeta Desai Sharma, Sarika radiated joy as friends and family joined in the dancing.
The Sangeet was a night to remember, with performances by family and friends, including a Bollywood-style dance by Zach and his groomsmen. Sarika stunned in a contemporary Gaurav Gupta ensemble, perfectly embodying the fusion theme of the wedding. Amber India catered the event, delighting guests with a flavorful spread of Indian delicacies.
The Tamil wedding ceremony on The Ritz-Carlton’s terrace was a true celebration of tradition.
Sarika looked resplendent in a hot pink Anushree Reddy lehenga, a bold departure from traditional red, while Zach donned an elegant Shyamal & Bhumika sherwani. The ritual of Malai Maathal, where the bride and groom playfully competed to garland each other first, had everyone cheering.
The weekend concluded with a stunning Western reception, where Sarika dazzled in a shimmering Gaurav Gupta gown. Guests reveled in the chic decor, delicious cuisine, and an impromptu flip-cup game organized by Zach’s friends. At the reception, Zach's friends brought beer pong/flip cup supplies and for ~30 minutes in the middle of the party, almost all the guests played a long-line game of flip cup.
The couple’s thoughtful touches left a lasting impression on their guests. At the Sangeet, the seating chart was presented as jewelry boxes, each containing a piece of Indian jewelry for guests to wear. At the wedding, a photo wall featuring Sarika and Zach with individual guests doubled as the seating arrangement.
The emotional highlight came during the Western ceremony when Sarika’s sister sang 'Can’t Help Falling in Love' as their father walked her down the aisle. The heartfelt performance added a layer of intimacy to an already magical moment.
Sarika and Zach’s wedding was a true celebration of love, family, and culture. Every detail, from the joyful Baraat procession through the streets of San Francisco to the personalized decor, reflected their personalities and the beauty of their union.
Sarika and Zach’s wedding captured beautifully by Gautam Khullar Photography was a heartfelt celebration of two cultures and one incredible love story—a weekend their guests will cherish forever.
How did you choose your wedding outfits?
I always imagined wearing a red lehenga, but when I tried the pink Anushree Reddy piece, I instantly knew it was the one—it felt bridal yet unique. For Zach, we focused on outfits that complemented mine while reflecting his personality.
What advice would you give future couples?
A: Invest in personal touches that reflect your relationship—they make the experience memorable for everyone.
What was your favorite part of the wedding?
The Sangeet! Zach’s Bollywood dance with 20 of his friends was a crowd favorite, and seeing everyone’s energy made it unforgettable. At our Sangeet, the groomsmen dance was a huge standout! Zach and 20+ of his mostly non-Indian friends went all out on a full bollywood dance! They brought so much energy that all the guests were up out of the chair cheering!
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