I love Payal Singhal and back in summer of 2022, saw that she was going to be in LA hosting a trunk show at Kynah. I hadn't heard of Kynah before then, but was very happy to discover it - finally, a place for high-end Indian clothes in LA! My experience in-store was really great. Everyone was so nice and encouraging and helpful, and even though it was very busy because of the trunk show, I felt well cared-for. I think Layan helped me, and I was lucky enough to find two gorgeous Payal Singhal outfits! I was also really happy with the buying/shipping process - my items arrived fairly quickly and in perfect condition!
I had seen it on Payal Singhal's instagram and immediately fell in love with it, but never imagined being able to see it in person, let alone wearing it. I thought it was a perfect mix of Indian and Western fashion, and I loved the muted colors and the delicate, detailed embroidery. Then when I attended the trunk show, I was so excited to see it hanging on the rack! However it looked too small for me, and I wasn't sure I'd be able to make it work. But Payal herself encouraged me to try it on, saying it would definitely work - so I did, and she was right! It fit me perfectly and felt amazing - so many people in the store told me I had to buy it! I had also just started planning my wedding reception (which was in 10 months), and knew the dress would be perfect for the party - after trying on a lot of traditional wedding dresses and feeling disappointed, I knew I wanted something that incorporated my Indian heritage, while also having elements of Western formal wear.
A few days after Christmas 2021, Brian and I spent a cozy night at home, drinking wine and watching "Insecure" while lounging in a bath-bomb-filled bathtub (we had never used the brand new tub before!). Sweet lovey-dovey-let's-do-this-forever words were exchanged, then we headed upstairs for more TV and more wine. Next thing you know, Brian is standing next to me with a cute wooden box with a gold cheese ring in it!! (I love cheese so much, I have a wedge of cheese tattooed on my arm!) I blacked out temporarily and didn't actually hear what Brian said. Then after a moment, I said, "Is this what I think it is?" and Brian says yes, and then I said yes! I put the ring on, asked Brian to pop the question again so I had a memory of him saying it, and we exchanged hugs and kisses and tears. It was perfect!
The ceremony! We had an intimate courthouse ceremony with just immediate family, and it was really sweet and low-key. Our court officiant was super nice and funny, and it was just a perfect day. We wrote our own vows and everything felt really genuine and fun. I'll never forget how happy we were in that moment!
What is one think you wish you knew before you started planning your wedding?
I wish I knew how many little details were involved! It ended up being really fun to plan and I had an incredible planner, but it was a lot of work! Who knew picking out napkins and signage fonts would be so labor-intensive!?
