A Disco Dappled Desi Wedding at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront

I was looking forward to Radhi and Neal’s wedding for SO LONG and now that it’s happened and past, I want it to come back!!!! As a candid wedding photographer, Indian weddings are often everything I’ve ever dreamed of. And this one…. THIS one had me at hello and completed me.

Their vibrant, San Diego bayside celebration was a beautiful blend of Indian traditions, destination wedding fun, and pure, unadulterated loOOooove. (The vendors were an absolute dream as well. Check out the list at the bottom of this post for everyone)!

Haldi in the San Diego Sun

The festivities kicked off at the stunning Hilton San Diego Bayfront with the Haldi ceremony, a fun and messy ritual where the bride and groom are showered with blessings (and turmeric!). Dharmasetu Das, the priest, conducted the beautiful Mandvo ceremony just before the Haldi, filling the air with spiritual healing and incense.

All those SoCal Haldi Details:

The bride and groom, looking fabulous in custom shoes by Zubiya, embraced the playful spirit with gusto. Synx Events created a beautiful, playful backdrop for the more traditional elements of the day. The cutest little taco truck ever, Taco Love Mobile Catering, fueled the party.

Now that’s a Welcome Party, San Diego!

Next up was the Welcome Party at Julep in San Diego. Radhi looked like a vision in a stunning blue floral number, while Neal sported a suave suit. Expertly planned by Priya Patel, and inspired by the Italian countryside, the venue transformed into a whimsical escape. Check out that amazing dancefloor backdrop!!!

Finer Events & Co. created the idyllic setting, complete with an incredible dessert table by Bethlehem Baking Co. This wasn’t your average dessert spread though – it featured a delightful mix of Indian and Italian treats!

Snake Oil Cocktail‘s signature drinks added a playful touch with adorable “cocktail graffiti,” and the aroma of scrumptious wood-fired pizza from Criscito Pizza (who brought a whole darn oven!) filled the air.

And the real showstopper was DJ, Sound Nation, whose exceptional beats kept the party rocking all night long.

Sweet Sangeet at Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Back at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, the Sangeet was a sensory explosion of vibrant colors, infectious joy, and that beautiful “organized chaos” that makes Indian weddings so much fun; SoCal Event Planners took care and attention and ran the show smooth as butter.

Chez Rose truly outdid themselves with their modern and tropical floral arrangements, accented by disco balls for a touch of glam. The photo backdrop was a masterpiece – a fusion of mirrors, palm fronds, and a neon sign that declared “Cheers to Love!”

The dance floor, a sea of palm frond vinyl, was the center of attention. The couple, perched on a neon pink love seat, were the heart of the party.

Wedding Day Bliss

Radhi and Neal were both complete stunners on their wedding morning. Radhi was surreal and non-traditionally elegant in white with red embroidery, and Neal’s traditional sherwani and turban complemented her style perfectly. There were tears. I have photographic evidence.

Baraat on the bayfront

Forget the horse, this baraat had a ship! The groom’s friends and family partied on a vessel provided by Flagship Cruises, making the bay their personal dance floor. Imagine the scene: bangin’ music, laughter, and a giant banner emblazoned with the groom’s face. When they arrived at the dock, colorful smoke curled through the air and joined with 3D Sounds’ badass baraat beats as the crowd made their way to the ceremony!

Romantic Seaside Hindu Wedding Ceremony

The wedding ceremony was a picture-perfect collection of moments, surrounded by the floral, tropical, palmy, breezy wonderland (thanks, Chez Rose).

The whimsical mandap, adorned with deep reds and light pinks and whites, stood majestically against the backdrop of palm trees and that gorgeous San Diego Bay. The program fans, designed with love by the couple themselves, added a personal touch. Luxurious florals lined the aisle, creating a breathtaking garden atmosphere.

The gentle ocean breeze kept the guests cool and added a touch of romantic whimsy. Live wedding painter, Agnes Russo was there to paint the magic with her artistic touch, creating a lasting memory of the ceremony.

The couple’s massive wedding party was somehow rowdy and attentive at the same time! And damn, were they stylish.

Luxury Wedding Reception at San Diego Bayfront Hilton

The reception was a luxurious and classy affair to behold. Radhi surprised Neal (and everyone else) with a whole freaking HAIR CUT to go with her stunning second look – an ice blue, feathery masterpiece by Amrin Khan.

We captured some breathtaking photos of the couple as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the bay in a kaleidoscope of colors.

The high-class cocktail hour was filled with the smooth sounds of Amy Serrano’s electric violin, setting the mood for a magical evening.

The reception decor was classic elegance with a twist. Big white blooms adorned the space, while the black and gold bar, laden with flowers and candles, became a focal point. The bar proudly displayed the couple’s initials, “R + N,” in a stylish design. And let’s not forget the dance floor – a checkerboard masterpiece that beckoned everyone to get their groove on.

The couple’s first dance was nothing short of spectacular. Cloud and fire effects added a dramatic touch, symbolizing the elemental and transcendent nature of their love .

Radhi and her family surprised everyone with a funny and touching dance routine, which Neal (sporting a huge grin) gladly joined in on. The party continued with high-energy performances by friends and family, keeping the guests entertained throughout the night. Tandoori Group‘s delicious food ensured everyone was well-fueled for the dance marathon, and soon, 3D Sounds had the entire place moving and grooving. The music echoed across the San Diego Bay, a fitting end to a truly unforgettable celebration.

— TLDR: Or, The Finer Details—

Photographer:
Soda Fountain Photography

Videographer:
Paraagon Films

Planning:
Priya Patel (Haldi/Welcome Party)
SoCal Event Planners (Sangeet/Wedding)

Venue:
Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Julep (Welcome Party)

Decor:
Synx Events (Haldi)
Finer Events & Co. (Welcome Party)
Chez Rose (Sangeet/Wedding)

HMU:
Reveal Hair and Makeup (Haldi/Welcome Party)
Dolled up by Lulu (Sangeet/Wedding)
Hair by Kate Frances (Haircut)

Henna artists
Radhi’s Henna: Gopi Henna
Mehndi Party Henna: Miracle Mehndi

Boat:
Flagship Cruises

Priest:
Dharmasetu Das

Tacos:
Taco Love Mobile Catering 

Wood Fired Pizza:
Criscito Pizza

Dessert Table:
Bethlehem Baking Co

Snacks and drinks:
Jay B Bharat

Catering:
Tandoori Group

Signage:
Zee’s Engraving

Cocktails + Cocktail Graffiti:
Snake Oil Cocktail Co.

Live Painter:
Event Painting By Agnes

Violinist:
Amy Serrano

DJs:
Radhi’s brother, Rohan
Sound Nation
3D Sounds

Radhi’s Reception Dress:
Amrin Khan

Custom kicks:
Zubiya