Italian Summer Inspired California Wedding With A Very Vintage Vibe!

Our jaws dropped when we came across Pooja and Vijay's wedding photos, and we are sure you'll feel the same emotion! Everything about it was so striking and gorgeous- right from the simple yet stunning bridal looks to the dapper groom, and not to mention, the Italian summer inspired decor and the happy photos- when you look at them you really won't believe it happened in her uncle's backyard! Yep, they had their wedding planned in Italy, but when COVID didn't let that happen, they bought Italy to California! We love how the wedding is edgy and modern, yet has a beautiful vintage vibe to it. The photography by Vinuthna Garidipuri added to the charm of this pretty pandemic wedding. 

Meet Pooja and Vijay

Vijay and I met while we were both in college. It was a mutual friend's birthday on campus one night and once he walked through the doors we locked eyes and immediately started talking. After a few Facebook messages back and forth, a year of staying friends, and one sushi date later, we knew we were made for each other. 

Chunni & Sagan

Sangeet

Mehendi 

Haldi & Chura

Wedding

From The Bride

Our wedding style was very much Italian Summer inspired. We both wanted to have a destination wedding in Italy but due to COVID it wasn't possible. Having a lot of greenery and old vintage vibes was the look overall. We added vintage chandeliers to the mandap, and I've always wanted to drive off in a vintage car, so Vijay surprised me with the cutest blue thunderbird.

The venue for our wedding was my Uncle's Backyard! Haha, due to COVID, no venue was opening up to us. But with the help from our decorator and wedding planner everything came together so beautifully! You wouldn't even realize you were in a backyard.

My favorite moment was when I was walking down the aisle and I saw Vijay's face for the first time that date. We were both in awe of each other. You can't recreate that moment, it was breathtaking.

Vendor Reviews

Photography 

Vinuthna Garidipuri: I love this girl. I've known her since she did her first wedding, who happened to be my cousin, and since then I always told her she would have to be at my wedding! Love her to death! Besides being so fun to be around she is talented as hell.

Makeup & Hair 

My makeup was by Jax (@jaxvicious) and hair was by Farah (@farahwiththegoodhair). They both were amazing! Jax came up with a new lip color like on the spot and it was gorg! And Farah played around with flowers in my home to create a beautiful look. I love them both!

Wedding Planning

Blue Lotus: Amanda & Neha were amazing! We reached out to them 3 weeks before our wedding, and they were ready to hit the ground running!

Decor

Kismet (@hellokismet), the Kismet team definitely brought our dream wedding together! The florals, the mandap, the setup, everything was more than I could have imagined for a COVID wedding.

Henna Artist

Tulsi (@hennabytulsi), I don't know how to explain how talented this girl is. I was super extra with my henna, it took a full two days and she was so patient and also just as excited to be there with me.

Catering

Mantra Indian Cuisine: Mantra's food is to die for. Literally the best Indian food you'll ever have. Sumit Uncle is also so talented! Not only is he out here catering all this Indian food to all of SoCal, he's making brand new creations and fusions that are delicious!

Jewellery 

Manshaa The Designer Studio and Zevar by Archana: My aunt, Archna, designed all of my jewellery for the wedding, as well as Vijay's. Everything was so well thought out and complemented our outfits perfectly. It brought the whole look together. I don't know what I would've done without her help.

Vendors: Photography: Vinuthna Garidipuri; Makeup: Jax; Hairstyling: Farah; Wedding Planning: Blue Lotus; Decor: Kismet; Henna Artist: Tulsi; Bride and Groom's Jewellery: Zevar by Archana and Manshaa; Bridal Outfit: Anita Dongre★ 4.9 ; Groomwear: Anita Dongre★ 4.9 & Frontier Heritage; Catering: Mantra Indian Cuisine