Crystal and Manasa fell in love on the central coast of California, making a lush and hilly winery the perfect venue for their wedding weekend. And full of lots of dancing!
The 3-day celebration began with a mehindi/sangeet event at Manasa’s parents’ Spanish style rental home embedded inside a beautiful family owned winery, Broken Earth! The evening was filled with henna and food prepared by Manasa’s mother and family from India.
Friends and family also treated the bride and groom to a “wedding sari fashion show” (see pic below!), where all the young women dressed the young men up in their finest party streamer saris. Plus, the bridesmaids performed a special fusion Hindi/Latino dance. As a dancer all her life, Crystal of course snuck in a secret little dance for Manasa.
All the excitement and love from the mehindi/sangeet carried over to the next day for the South Indian, Karnataka style, wedding ceremony. Crystal wore a classic kanjivaram sari, and both wore mundavalayas (the pearl headpiece) as a fun accessory.
The ceremony took place outside the winery with a beautiful pink and blue mandap covered in flowers. With over 250 guests, the ceremony still felt intimate and special to the couple.
The reception followed soon after inside the barrel room covered in draping fabric, gold and silver accents and colorful lights. The night was started with a bang when Crystal and Manasa entered with a choreographed dance number. The night continued on with delicious food, wine and lots and lots and lots of dancing!
The next day, the whole venue changed decorations to soft whites, ambers and crystals. The civil ceremony was officiated by Manasa’s roommate in college and a dear friend to them both. The sweet and personalized ceremony was the first American wedding experienced by most of Manasa’s family, making it all a truly special moment.
The lunch reception featured father/daughter, mother/daughter and mother/son dances, a photo booth, bouquet toss and many other fun elements traditional to an American wedding.
What was your favorite part of the wedding?
Bride: The ceremonies – being surrounded by all of our closest friends and family as we made vows to each was a moment so surreal and special.
Groom: The families-having two different families come together and have them instantly love each other and becoming one family was overwhelmingly awesome.
What was the hardest part about wedding planning?
Bride: Balancing what family wants and what you as a couple want – We were lucky to be able to reach compromises on many elements of the wedding but also glad we put our foot down when we felt the need to and released all control to our excited family and friends other times.
Groom: Being realistic about what can and can’t be done. It’s important to realize that regardless of the decorations or the food at the ceremony and/or the reception, what really matters is that you and your partner are happy and excited to be married. Everything else is details.
What advice do you have for future brides/grooms-to-be?
Bride: Be in the moment – It took me some serious pep talks and energy to let go of all the little minute details that didn’t work out as planned and just enjoy the days leading up to the wedding and the actual wedding weekend. Whatever you need to do to put your mind and spirit into the moment, harness it and maintain it. I had the support of my family and friends to make sure everything went perfectly and I am truly thankful for every hand they lent to make our wedding absolutely priceless.
Groom: Don’t get led astray from what you see in magazines and movies and especially Pinterest. Have an idea first, then go out and look for examples.
Thank you so much Crystal for sharing your wedding with us! Wish you both the best in life!
{Wedding Vendors}
Venue: Broken Earth Winery
Wedding Planner: CJN Planning
Photography: John Patrick Images
Flowers and decorations: Flowers by Kim
DJ: AMS Entertainment
Lighting and Photo Booth: Epic Entertainment
Catering for Indian Wedding: Brahma Bull
Catering for American Wedding: Chef’s Table Catering
Hair and Makeup: Mia Espinoza
