a colorful, multi-cultural affair: Angela and Ashvind's wedding

 

I’d never heard of the Hsi Lai Temple until I was contacted by Angela and Ashvind. Immediately, I googled it and my jaw hit my desk. I was not looking at a Buddhist Temple in China, but a Buddhist Temple here in Southern California set in the hills in Hacienda Heights. As it turns out, it is the largest Buddhist Temple in the Western Hemisphere and this is where they were going to wed. AMAZING.

 

  sidenote: how gorgeous is Angela in her red sari? Rooooowwrr!

 Angela and Ashvind did not want a traditional reception. They wanted more of a comfortable, cocktail party atmosphere where their guests could mingle and enjoy the evening. Instead of a sit down dinner or a regular buffet at the Pacific Palms Resort, we had multiple food stations throughout the tent where the reception was held with international flavors such as Sushi, Thai food, Mediterranean food, southern comfort food, a spicy chili bar, a martini bar, a dessert buffet, and a coffee and tea bar.

Instead of standard sized tables for all of the guests I brought in a mixture of 60” rounds, 36” rounds, stand-up cocktail tables, and sofas configured in lounges. For entertainment we had the flamenco fusion band Cale perform, a photobooth with a scrapbook station, a kid’s corner with activities, and the highlight of the evening: the NDM Bollywood dance troupe that performed an exciting 10 minute performance. If you ever want to bring some major excitement to a party, bring in some sparkly Bollywood dancers!

 

 

The team who made the magic:

Amber Events - planning & coordination (thanks to my assistants Nira, Michelle, Mahogany, and Annie!)
Next Exit Photography - photography
Hsi Lai Temple - ceremony venue
Pacific Palms Resort - reception venue
Redshoe - DJ
Buckley Videography - videoraphy 
Cale - cocktail hour entertainment
Peony and Plum - floral
Aspect Lighting -lighting
Town and Country - rentals
Susie Chhuor - bridal beauty
Red Cheese - photobooth
Elegant Event Sitters - kid's corner activities
NDM Dance Productions - Bollywood Troupe