A traditional South Indian wedding ceremony is rooted in sacred rituals performed before the fire, including the exchange of garlands, offerings for blessings, and vows that join two families for life.

For Shivaani and Vishaal, the ceremony unfolded on the oceanfront lawn at Pasea Hotel, under an ivory draped canopy with the Pacific as the backdrop. Shivaani wore a red-and-gold silk saree with temple jewelry and a sweeping red veil, draped so perfectly by her makeup artist that there wasn’t a single wrinkle all day. Vishaal wore a blush sherwani and safa. They exchanged garlands of white roses, baby’s breath and deep red roses beneath brass temple bells, and their mandap remains one of Vidhi’s all-time favorites, and one of the most-saved on Pinterest.