Wedgewood Weddings | Karisa & Vinay

Karisa and Vinay packed so much love and so much color into one single day, and I am still smiling thinking about it! They celebrated with two ceremonies, a vibrant traditional Indian ceremony in the morning and a Western ceremony on the beach later on, and every moment in between was full of family, laughter, and joy. What an absolute honor it was to photograph it all.

Their palette shifted beautifully from one celebration to the next. The morning was rich and joyful, deep maroon and gold silks, marigold and rose garlands in red, orange, and yellow, with the bridal party in the prettiest soft peach saris. By the beach ceremony everything turned light and airy, a crisp lace gown, blush bridesmaid dresses, and slate blue suits against the sand and sea.

The first half of the day was the traditional ceremony, held under a draped mandap out on the green with the hills rolling out behind it. The details were stunning, a silver kalash crowned with a coconut and leaves, brass trays heaped with flower petals, and Vinay handsome in his cream kurta and maroon sash.

I loved watching every ritual unfold, the blessings, the exchange of fragrant flower garlands, and the steps the two of them took together with their families gathered close. There were so many tender, meaningful moments woven through it, and you could feel the generations of tradition behind each one.

What really made this part of the day was the people. Family and friends pressed in close around the mandap, cheering, laughing, and showering Karisa and Vinay with petals and so much love, and then sending them off down the aisle as a married couple.

We pulled the two of them and their bridal party aside for a few portraits in their traditional attire, the bridesmaids glowing in their peach saris and Karisa and Vinay just radiant together. Honestly, that maroon and gold against the green of the trees was a dream to photograph.

Then came a sweet first look before the second ceremony, with Vinay sharp in a slate blue Nehru-collar suit and Karisa in her lace gown. The two of them held on tight and laughed under the canopy of old oaks, and it was such a quiet, happy little breather in the middle of a big day.

For the Western ceremony we headed down to the beach, and what a setting it was! A simple floral arch framed the ocean, a welcome sign greeted everyone at the sand, and the waves and rocky Monterey coastline made the most gorgeous backdrop you could ask for.

The blush bridesmaids made their way down the boardwalk aisle, and Vinay waited at the front while Karisa came toward him with her parents. The light was golden, the sea breeze caught her veil, and everyone was beaming.

They said their vows right there with the ocean behind them, exchanged rings, and sealed it all with a kiss as their guests rose to cheer. Walking back up that aisle together, married twice over in one day, the joy on their faces said everything.

As the sun dropped low we stole a few last minutes with just the two of them, dancing at the water's edge, a quiet veil-wrapped moment, and a grand exit in a gorgeous vintage teal convertible. That golden Central Coast light is just unbeatable.

Inside, the reception kept the celebration rolling, soft teal linens and blush blooms, a tiered cake, heartfelt toasts, and a first dance that opened up into a packed, joy-filled dance floor that did not let up all night.

Karisa and Vinay, thank you for letting me be part of such a full, colorful, love-soaked day. Two ceremonies, so many traditions, and one beautiful family coming together, I will treasure these images and I am so happy for you both!

The Dream Team

• Venue: Wedgewood Weddings
• Photography: De Joy Photography
• Coordination: Cedar and Stone Events
• Florals: Flor de Monterey
• DJ & Entertainment: Central Coast Entertainment
• Videography: Sound Originals
• Cake: I Do Wedding Cakes
• Beauty: Hair and Makeup by Kat