Joanna's journey to finding the perfect wedding outfits took her from San Francisco to LA, with her supportive family and friends by her side. Despite not being Indian, she embraced the cultural significance of her attire with the help of the KYNAH team, who guided her through every step. Her wedding beautifully blended her Chinese-American heritage with traditional Indian elements, creating a truly unique and personal celebration. From a heartfelt proposal atop a mountain to a ceremony that honored both their families' traditions, Joanna and Mehul's wedding was a testament to love and cultural fusion. Read on to discover more about Joanna's unforgettable wedding experience and the special moments that made her day extraordinary.
Our beautiful KYNAH bride Joanna, was truly glowing in the Amber Lehenga and White Calico Lehenga by Chamee and Palak! Congratulations to this lovely couple - the KYNAH team couldn't be happier for the both of you!
As said by Joanna:
How was your experience working with KYNAH?
I had a great experience! I live in SF and flew down to LA with my mom (who lives in Reno) to shop for both my Sangeet and Ceremony outfits at the KYNAH store in LA. My friend, who is half-Indian and lives in LA, also came to help us shop! Because I'm not Indian, I really didn't know where to start with shopping for my own wedding (the first Indian wedding I ever attended was my own), so the KYNAH team explained what it means to have a lot of 'work' and answered all my questions. I ended up buying two Chamee and Palak outfits through KYNAH and absolutely loved both!
What stood out to you the most about your outfit from KYNAH? How did you know it was the one for you?
For my white floral Sangeet outfit, I loved the dramatic cape-like sleeves and that it was white but not plain white. I'm Chinese-American, and my mom didn't want me to wear all white because she found it inauspicious. For my ceremony outfit, I really loved the green dupatta as a pop of color, the brightness of the shade of red, and the very modern and colorful floral embroidery. It just felt so me, both honoring the traditional Indian bridal look but also modern!
How did your partner propose? Tell us more about the relationship!
Our ceremony was one of my favorite parts because it was truly a fusion of all of our cultures and a great way to honor our parents and their sacrifices (both of our parents immigrated to the US). We had a Hindu priest do an abridged (50-minute) ceremony, then had a Chinese tea ceremony, then had our best friend from college officiate a Western portion where we had two readings (one from When Harry Met Sally as a nod to us being best friends before we started dating and a Mary Oliver poem) and wrote our own vows. We also made the wedding personal by writing personalized notes to each of our guests (including the children) that we put in Chinese red envelopes.
What is one thing you wish you knew before you started planning your wedding?
It rained and was very cold on our wedding day (which was not our vision, and we ended up getting a clear tent, which actually made the twinkle lights look like a ceiling of stars), and I wish I knew that on the day of, nothing would be able to change what a great mood I was in and how much fun it was to have our communities and loved ones all in one place!
If you and your husband could have invited any celebrity to your wedding, who would it be and why?
Vendors:
Planner: Behl Events
Photographer and Videographer: Apollo Fotografie
Florals: Found Floral
Sangeet Decor: Paradise Parkway
Rings: Laura Preshong and Automic Gold
Hair and Makeup: Bun Bun Bridal Lab
Live Band: Lucky Devils Band
DJ for Sangeet, Baraat, and Afterparty: DJ Love
Groom's Hair: Shine Forth
Venues: Charles Krug and Carneros Resort