Liz and Sai
Some love stories are written in the stars, and Liz and Sai’s wedding was the perfect testament to that. A beautiful blend of South Indian and Southeast Asian traditions, their union felt nothing short of magical.
The pre-wedding celebrations kicked off in Cupertino the night before their grand reception. Liz, glowing in a mauve suit with mehndi delicately tracing her hands, carried herself with such grace. There was something serene and enchanting about watching Liz and Sai, calm and collected, waiting together before the event—like two lovebirds, lost in their own world.
A touching moment was when Liz received her wedding attire from Sai’s parents as part of a special ritual. Her eyes sparkled as she admired the attire, a true reflection of her joy. Meanwhile, Sai's Mangala Snanam—a turmeric-infused purification ritual—was a playful, heartwarming affair. With laughter and smiles all around, Sai was drenched in tradition and love, a moment enjoyed by everyone.
Their reception at The Ranch Golf Club the following day was equally stunning. As the sun gently kissed the landscape, Liz and Sai gravitated toward each other effortlessly, completely unaware of the world around them. We captured some of the dreamiest, airy portraits as they embraced this intimate connection. The evening unfolded with heartfelt speeches, cake-cutting, and energetic Bollywood and Tollywood dance numbers that kept the vibe alive—a night filled with joy and celebration.
The next day, the most important moment arrived: their traditional Telugu wedding ceremony at the serene Shiva-Vishnu Temple in Livermore. Liz looked breathtaking in a vibrant orange Pattu saree, and Sai complemented her perfectly in a yellow sherwani. The warmth of their families added an extra layer of comfort, especially as Liz’s family embraced Indian traditions wholeheartedly, dressed in beautiful ethnic attire.
The heart of the ceremony was when Liz and Sai performed the Bellam-jeelakarra ritual, smearing cumin and jaggery on each other’s heads, symbolizing the merging of two souls for life. It was an emotional moment—Liz couldn’t hold back her tears, and the love and devotion between them were contagious, touching everyone present. The joy and excitement continued with the Talambralu, where they showered each other with a mix of rice, saffron, and turmeric for happiness, and the fun Sthalipakkam ritual, where they playfully fished for a ring in water, surrounded by cheers and laughter.
Liz, although not Indian by birth, embraced every Telugu ritual with sincerity and reverence. Her commitment to the traditions was awe-inspiring, and it was clear that this couple’s promise to fall in love with each other every day was already well in place.
As we captured these moments, it was impossible not to feel the love, joy, and cultural richness in the air. Liz and Sai’s wedding was a celebration of two worlds coming together—an unforgettable union filled with emotion, tradition, and, most importantly, love.
