Two families traveled to The Dolce Hayes Mansion in San Jose for several days of glamorous and colorful celebration. Jessica and Ganesh’s week-long wedding was a fusion of their North and South Indian cultures with sentimental elements and a touch of Western style. Sarah Maren Photography captured the extraordinary wedding, including two ceremonies, four outfit changes, and one bright red vintage convertible. We love that the couple honored the vibrancy of traditional Indian weddings by maintaining the same lively color palette throughout the various parts of the celebration over the course of the week.
The Couple:
Jessica and Ganesh
The Wedding:
The Dolce Hayes Mansion, San Jose, California
The Inspiration:
We had a fusion North and South Indian wedding so our families and cultures were the true inspiration for our décor and fashion. Six months before the wedding, we made a trip to India, both to North India and South India, with our parents to find all the garb and traditional items for the wedding. Because Indian weddings have so many colors that come through in the various events, we didn’t really have specific wedding colors. We love fuchsia, gold and teal so we had our bridal party and parents rock the colors throughout the weekend, both in the traditional Indian kurtas and saris and western outfits for the men at the reception.
As for the decor, we wanted people to feel like they were attending our Indian wedding in Northern California. We were going for a magical, rustic ambiance despite the super energy and bright colors of an Indian wedding; not to mention, we had a lot to think about given we had two ceremonies representing both our Sikh and Hindu faiths. It was a destination wedding for 90% of our guests so we wanted to be outdoors as much as possible. We also hoped for both of our quirks and personalities to show through the little things. We had post cards instead of a guest book to show the nostalgia and playfulness of who we are. We served wine that we cherish that is grown by dear family friends to show our connectedness to our guests. The wine labels were designed by one of Jessica‘s close friends who melded the look of henna and California flowers in the drawing. We wanted people to feel our love for each other and for our guests in the smallest of places throughout the many events of the weekend.
The Moments:
The wedding began a week before the actual ceremony and for both of us, the week long celebration was so special. As for our actual wedding day, we both loved sitting at the Mandap during the Hindu ceremony. We were outside in the sun on the perfect day sitting next to each other, staring out into a group of family and friends who care about us so much and who we love. Similarly, the moment the reception doors opened and being introduced as husband and wife was such a treasured moment. And of course, the dance party represented so much of who Ganesh and I are as a couple!! Two people who like to have fun with their community of rock star human beings. In other words, the dance floor was full of lots of sweaty people of all ages having a great time! For such a big wedding, we were surprised at how many intimate moments we were able to have with our friends and family throughout the weekend and even with each other.
The Wedding Team:
Photography – Sarah Maren Photography
Event Planning – Anais Events
Designer – Della Leapman
Venue – The Dolce Hayes Mansion
Floral Design – Anais Events
Catering – Silverspoon
DJ – AVL123
Videography – Hitmaker Films
A big thank you to Sarah Maren Photography for sharing Jessica and Ganesh’s gorgeous Indian wedding with Junebug! For inspiration for your Indian wedding with a twist, be sure to check out Sharla and Jide’s circus inspired wedding at Red Rose Convention Centre.
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