Wedding | Shahana & Joey

Tell us a little about yourselves!

We met in college and live in Los Angeles, we love to cook and travel!

Why did you decide to get married where you did?

I (Shahana) grew up in LA and that’s where we met, and most of our friends live here so we knew we would do it here. We decided to do the Nikkah (muslim wedding ceremony) and Sangeet at my parents house because I wanted it to feel intimate and homey, even with 200 people there. We knew we wanted our wedding ceremony/reception to be in a garden, so when we first saw The Descanso Gardens, we knew it was the place!

How many guests did you have?

Each day was different (we had 5 days!), but between 180-220.

Tell us about your outfits.

For the Nikkah/Sangeet, I wore a red lengha by Seema Gujral via Kynah. I was searching for a while, because I wanted something a little different than the red bridal lenghas I’d seen. Same with Joey’s outfit, we are both fans of well made but understated apparel, so he didn’t want something too flashy. This cream suit from Shyamal & Bhumika was perfect, and of course my mom dressed it up with a red shawl and pearls.

On the wedding day, I wore an off shoulder dress by Milla Nova, and paired with a detachable overskirt that I took off for the dinner and reception. Joey wore a beautiful double breasted suit with wide leg trousers and dress shirt by a sweet local shop in Echo Park called Goodfight.

What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?

We wanted it to feel like us, while respecting all of the traditions and customs of a Pakistani/American wedding.

Were there any elements that were important for you to incorporate?

Food was a top priority - we love to eat. At the Nikkah/Sangeet, we had food stations throughout the house and backyard - fresh naan from the tandoor, minis dosas made to order, chaat, lamb chops… It was amazing! At the garden wedding, we had soft serve by Creamy Boys.

Any tips for couples getting married?

Be patient, have fun, good luck!

Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?

All of our vendors, including Caleb Gaskins Photo, were incredible and made the wedding week a breeze. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the incredible village of family that made it all possible.

Photographer & Super 8: Caleb Gaskins Photo @calebgaskinsphotos | Planning: Saveen Ramzan (for the Sangeet); Deanna Nash Events @deannanashevents | Flora: Blooming Flowers LA | Bouquet: Little Sister @fromlittlesister | Videographer: Annabel Lee @annabelistic | Ceremony Locations:Private Residence in LA (Childhood home of bride) (Sangeet); Garden Ceremony: Descanso Gardens @descansogarden | Celebrant: Shahana’s friend Kahjal | HMUA: Denisse Villalvazo Gutierrez @denisse.villa | Cake: Doubting Thomas @doubtingthomala | Entertainment: Eli Freshmode @elifreshmode (DJ); (Live Brand) Andy Clockwise, Tejas Leier Heyden, Danny Austin Manning, Mac Hanson, Logan Baudean, Kit Perkins, Ishaan Jaffer, Maya Batra, Eric Arndt, Anwar Glenn, Tyler Murphy | Dresses: Sangeet: Lengha: Seema Gujral via Kynah; Ilenia by Milla Nova via Luv Bridal; Luv Bridal Paola Overskirt | Suits: Sangeet: Shyamal & Bhumika suit; Winston Shirt, Florider Trousers, Goodfight Los Angeles Blazer @goodfight | Shoes: Solovair (Joey) | Jewellery: (Sangeet Necklace) Malabar; (Earrings & Necklaces) Yasmin Boutique, Artesia