When Rahim Ali planned to propose to his girlfriend Tanya Hussain, he set out to recreate their first date. He took her to Hermosa Beach to dine at the same restaurant, pick up dessert at the same yogurt shop, and take a leisurely walk on the pier. When they reached the end and gazed out at the ocean, Rahim expressed sweet words and got down on one knee. “I was in absolute shock!” recalls Tanya. “I don’t even think I said ‘yes,’ but my expression and excitement gave away my obvious answer!”

A luxury hotel was selected as the setting for the bridal festivities, which began with a traditional Pithi-Sangeet, or pre-wedding ceremony. Varied blossoms in yellow, green, and orange hues festooned a gilded structure in the center of a space with mirrored walls. Naturally, marigolds – a symbol of prosperity and good fortune – were also included. In addition to performances by singers and a dhol player, both families participated in customary dances as a tribute to the bride and groom.

For the vow exchange, guests took their seats on the lawn of a lush garden that faced a stone fountain. A fuchsia canopy adorned with crystal strands and topped with red roses, set upon a tufted ivory platform, marked the altar. Crimson floral arrangements on vanilla risers lined the aisleway.

Walking down the aisle with her father is a moment that stands out in Tanya’s memory. “All I could think about was how thankful I was to have found such an amazing man and how excited I was to spend the rest of my life with my best friend,” she says. The bride was radiant in an exquisite ruby sari with intricate silver embroidery and a bejeweled veil. The vibrant color was echoed in the groom's pocket square and boutonniere.

The celebration moved into a ballroom for a heavenly reception with pearl draping. “We had an ivory carpet and a dance floor with a monogram installed, which made the room look very clean and fresh,” observes Tanya. Ebony chairs and lace accents offset the pristine background. Likewise, two floral designs reflecting the shade of the bride’s sari decorated tables. Tall centerpieces containing submerged fuchsia tulips were topped with ruby roses, while similar-toned bouquets in varied onyx vases served as table runners. The five-layer wedding cake was also embellished with black lace and crimson roses.

And if guests had not gotten their fill at the expansive, decadent dessert bar, an In-N-Out Burger truck was on hand at the end of the reception. “Guests loved that they had a delicious late-night meal after all that dancing!” Tanya notes.

From the planning to the big day, the involvement and support of family and friends was much appreciated by the couple, and was what truly helped make it all so special.