Weddings and Events
Andrew and Mischelle were raised in Southern California and India respectively. They met through a mutual friend in 2013 while Mischelle was working in Newport Beach. Since the first night they went out for sushi and a movie, the couple has been inseparable.
Andrew’s wedding proposal came in the form of a box-within-a-box-within-an-Oakley-sunglasses-box three years later on Christmas Day, which he was spending with Mischelle and her family in northeast India. An unsuspecting Mischelle, clad in pajamas (“I was wearing a 15-year-old Donald Duck sweatshirt and red socks!” she chuckles) opened each box gamely. The innermost box contained an engagement ring. When she opened that box, Andrew got down on one knee and proposed to Mischelle in front of her family.
To accommodate both of their families, Andrew and Mischelle had two weddings! The first one was held in India, and the second one was to be held in Southern California. When they looked for a venue to host their California wedding, they fell in love with Casa Romantica’s stylish, romantic atmosphere. Its oceanfront location reflected Andrew’s “beach boy” upbringing, and traditions, cultures, and values from both families could be harmoniously celebrated in the idyllic setting.
As part of their ceremony, Andrew and Mischelle performed a ritual called “pouring of the sand” with tall glasses of Indian and Californian sand, which represented the joining of two families.
Other details included a fingerprint guest book, and a welcome mirror for guests to sign. A memorial candle was lit at the ceremony site in memory of Mischelle’s beloved uncle, who had passed away earlier that year.
The wedding’s color palette of soft pink, gold and navy was a nod to Mischelle’s Indian background weaved into Andrew’s SoCal canvas.
“Weddings can happen anywhere and at any time, but it can only be a true celebration when all the people you love are there to share it with you,” Mischelle remarks. One of the most touching aspects of the wedding were the friends and family members that gathered from over 15 different cities including Toronto, Delhi, and New York in order to celebrate the couple.
Andrew’s Uncle Mike and Aunt Deanna provided wine from their own Northern California winery, fit with custom labels for the occasion. Before dinner, Andrew’s younger sister Elyse, best man John, and Mischelle’s father all delivered speeches that they had written, leaving guests teary-eyed and sentimental.
The floral decor, skillfully crafted by Bonnie with The Tangled Vine, gave modern yet romantic vibes, and consisted of Italian ruscus garlands, luscious peonies, and pretty spray roses.
Expert wedding planner Cori Sponagle of Events by Cori kept calm despite the flurry of hectic activities throughout the day, and made sure everything ran smoothly from start to finish.
Plumeria Cakes crafted the spectacular three-tiered cake, along with a host of other desserts including cookies and milk shooters, lemon bars, and mini cupcakes.
Thanks to DJ Alan from APC Entertainment, there was no shortage of good times. He kept the dance floor busy until the very last second, ensuring that everyone had feet tapping and hands clapping.
Be it the beaches of Southern California or the mountains of India, Andrew and Mischelle will surely flourish anyplace that they find themselves. We wish the happy couple all the best for the future.
Vendors
Wedding Planner: Cori Sponagle / Events by Cori
Photographer: Janet Wheeland / Wheeland Photography
Caterer: Sundried Tomato American Bistro
Wedding Cake and Dessert: Plumeria Cakes
Officiant: John Dahlem
Bride’s Dress: Panache Costa Mesa
Groom’s Tuxedo: Brooks Brothers
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Vera Wang
Groomsmen’s Tuxedos: Friar Tux
Florist: Bonnie with The Tangled Vine
DJ: DJ Alan with APC Entertainment
Rentals: Signature Party Rentals
Hair and Makeup: Flawless Faces
