Happy Friday, Maharanis! It's that time of the week for some major wedding film fabulousness, and we're starting things off with this breathtaking highlight reel, shot and edited by Aperina Studios, at the Nella Terra Cellars in Sunol, California! This inspiring same-day edit features newlyweds, Shivani and Umang, and their unforgettable nuptials, planned and designed by Ajooba Events. We were seriously charmed by the picturesque shots of the venue and the happy couple sharing the letters they had written one another — major heart melts, my dears! Our Indian bride was beautified flawlessly by hair and makeup artist, Elegant Looks, and she rocked some stunning wedding day fashions. Her traditional cream and red bridal lengha was to-die-for, and her navy and hot pink reception ensemble truly dazzled. Check it all out for yourself!
The bride, on how she met the Raja of her dreams:
"Umang and I were introduced through a mutual family friend. We were both originally opposed to the idea of being set up, but decided to at least reach out to one another to make our parents happy. Gradually we became friend, then best friends, then started dating, and the rest is history.
As corny as it may sound, I think it was "love at first sight." Now before you judge, keep in mind that we became good friends, spoke on the phone, texted, e-mailed for months before we had the chance to meet in person. Our first date was as if it were our 50th date. But, the first time I knew he was the one was when he wanted to meet my nephew for our second date. Now, some background is that my nephew is literally the absolute love of my life. Umang knew this about me and wanted my nephew to be just a big a part of his life. Our second date was at Chuck E Cheese. Watching the two of them play together melted my heart, and I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him."
On her Raja's romantic proposal:
"Umang planned the proposal for months in advance. I am not an easy person to surprise, and he went out of his way to reach out to my best friends and make sure all of them could fly in and be present for the big day. He spoke with staff at the Ritz Carlton in Half Moon Bay and planned an elaborate day. He made a scrapbook with all of our memories, had my friends scatter along this long pathway. Each friend had a short letter that Umang has written about different pivotal memories from our relationship. Then once I had seen each of my friends, his best friend walked me to this bridge covered in rose pedals and candles where Umang was waiting for me alongside our family and closest friends. As our song was playing in the background, he got down on one knee and popped the question. It was so romantic."
On her wedding style:
"Umang and I were looking to do an outdoor wedding. Both of us are very grounded with our values. The most important factor of the wedding day was to make sure all of our guests were taken care of. We wanted to make sure people had enough shade and enough food to eat. We started there and worked our way through the rest of the details. I loved the idea of a coral and gold wedding and a blue and pink reception. Umang was big on the lighting and music. We split up details based on our passions, but to be quite honest, our inspiration was really each other. I think we both wanted to make the day perfect for one another and for our families."
On what she enjoyed most about planning her dream wedding:
"The best part of the wedding planning was the late nights of drinking wine, or eating ice cream with Umang while we worked out the little details."
On shopping for her dream wedding lengha(s):
"I asked my two maids of honor, my mom, and a few of my cousins to spend the day shopping with me. I had done some research online in trying to find the style I liked. I was not too picky when it came to designers, I just wanted to find something that was perfect for me. I shopped in Berkeley and Sunnyvale. After trying on multiple outfits, I found the one."
On her most memorable wedding day moment:
"I think the most exciting and magical moment was walking down the massive staircase to the mandap. I was accompanied by my brother and my cousin. Both have been like second dad's to me growing up and there is no one else I would have wanted walking by my side. As we walked down the staircase, I could see ALL of my closest friends and family with tears in their eyes, and I could see my parents at the mandap with Umang. I could not have been smiling bigger even if I tried. Knowing that I was literally getting closer and closer to marrying my best friend."
On her and her Raja's first dance song selection:
"Yes, we both love Michael Buble and wanted to have a bit of a light hearted song. We both heard the song and were singing along to it on the radio one day and literally, at the exact same moment, we both said that this should be our first song. Everything by Michael Buble."
On her hair and makeup:
"I worked with my specialist to find the perfect look. I told her what I had in mind, and let her have the creative freedom to try the look she thought would best suit me."
On the role that family and friends played:
"Our families helped with more than we could possibly list. There is not one specific thing. We could not have made our special day nearly as special without all of them."
Stick around with us all day for more Filmy Friday fun!
