Intimate yet familial, cozy yet extravagant, and theatric yet raw, such was the style of Nivek and Neha’s evocative wedding, filmed by Paul Ortiz Films and shot by Matei Horvath. Every detail about this wedding was executed to perfection thanks to Bobby Bhogal who was the Day of Coordinator, but it's the film that simply swept us off our feet. With the sounds of the ocean amidst the sands of Monterey Bay, Nivek and Neha tied the knot at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa on Del Monte Golf Course. The video opened with glimpses of private moments of the couple right before the ceremony, where Nivek made our hearts melt with a tear-jerking “you ready to start the rest of our lives?” We got to see Neha in all her bridal glory, in an embellished coral lehenga, and a matching tulle dupatta that was draped like a veil. Nivek entered on a horse, courtesy of Vintage Carriage Company, in a traditional cream sherwani and a silk turban finished with a brooch. SB Arts did a terrific job with the outdoor mandap with a havan kund, that featured white and peach drapes, matching bouquets, and regal chairs in burgundy and gold. Using classic aerial videos of the beach, Ortiz transitioned to the elegant, joyous reception at Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa On Del Monte Golf Course, once again opening with cinematic and scenic shots of the couple. The sumptuous cake was made by Layers Sensational Cakes, and Turmeric catered world-class Indian cuisine to the guests. Neha looked like the showstopper of our dreams in a sensual-meets-sassy diaphanous cream sari-gown, and Nivek, like a superstar in a flattering, well-tailored black suit. SB Arts shone through in the decor department, especially with the stage: deep purple curtains against a metallic grey backdrop and silver sequined panels. Damask prints and the words “Nivek and Neha” shadowed the ballroom and it was evident that the DJs from NorCal Event Specialists made sure that everyone had a ball!
We sat down to ask Neha all about her big day, and here are excerpts from our talk:
How did you meet your Raja and when did you know he was "the one"?
After I graduated law school and started working, I had a strong impulse to move to San Diego, CA. However, circumstances led me to choose staying in the Bay Area. In my late twenties, a desire to live life to the fullest lead me to follow my heart and make the move to beautiful San Diego. Nivek, on the other hand, left behind the rigours of residency and Manhattan winters for a one year regional anesthesia fellowship at UCSD. Never would we both have thought that we’d look back one day and say, “Thank you Match.com.” A few weeks of exchanging messages and texts lead to a first date, which ended up being our “last first date” ever. When I met Nivek I realized that he was the reason that I was so drawn to move to San Diego.
How did you choose your lengha or lenghas? Did you work with a certain designer? Did you spend hours on the internet first?
I wanted my wedding lengha and reception outfit to be different, and looked to Instagram to research the styles of different designers! Thankfully, I found Well Groomed, Inc., who did a great job customizing both my outfits! My wedding lengha is inspired by the designer Tarun Tahiliani. I love how his designs blend a variety of colors together in such an intricate fashion. My reception saree-gown was inspired by the designer Gaurav Gupta. His designs caught my eye because they manage to fuse Indian intricacies with a western twist, while maintaining an overall elegant appeal.
Looking back, was there a really special moment that you remember from your wedding that stands out as the most magical?
It's hard to choose!! Definitely when we recited the vows we wrote for each other after we took our saat pheere are moments that Nivek and I will cherish.
Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details!
It was really important for me to wear my mother's antique naath for the wedding ceremony. My grandmother, who had passed away many years ago, had it made. My mother wore it for her wedding, and ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to wear it for my wedding. Wearing the naath that day made me feel as if my Nani was there by our side, showering her blessings upon us!
We seldom require reminders about why we love weddings, but Nivek and Neha’s vows to each other sure made us realize just how precious weddings are. Come back tomorrow to indulge in wedding galore with us!
