Two months into the COVID lockdown, Victoria and Avlok decided they didn’t want to wait any longer to get married, and in that moment they decided to pick out their rings. Victoria says how they were discouraged by the whole pandemic and the uncertainty of when they could get married and start a family- so they just took the leap of faith and went for it! By November the couple had a dual ceremony celebration planned; two days, 18 guests, an 8-course dinner and their dog. They held both a western wedding on a beach with views of the Golden Gate Bridge that they often visit with their dog, and an Indian wedding on the rooftop of their house.This way, they were able to fully celebrate both cultures in one incredible wedding weekend. Of course, every step of the way they had to keep COVID protocols in mind, which also incurred extra expenses. Avlok’s sister was unable to join due to the Canadian quarantine restrictions and other family members had to fly private to avoid COVID exposure at airports. But in the end, it was all worth it.
The couple included their pup Tipsy in the most adorable way, having him walk down the aisle with them. Tipsy also got a custom box full of treats and personalised dog toys.
Victoria chose a beautiful gown from Grace Loves Lace for the Western ceremony, which was held on the first day. She accessorised with pearls, and had her Mehendi done before the weekend so she could have the designs for both ceremonies. Avlok’s name was romantically hidden in the Mehendi design, a small detail that the bride loved.
To accent the natural tones of the beach, pampas grass was the main floral decoration at the ceremony. However, Victoria held a beautiful wildflower-box bouquet that added a touch of colour.
The ceremony at Crissy Field was perfect for the couple, who frequent the beach with their dog. It made the whole weekend so personal, especially with the following day’s venue being their home.
For those family members who couldn’t attend, Victoria and Avlok live-streamed the ceremony on Zoom.
For the reception dinner on the first night, their wedding planner set up a beautiful, intimate table on their home’s rooftop. An 8-course dinner was served by private chef Andre Villahermosa, who created a menu inspired by Diwali and San Francisco.
The following day for the Indian ceremony, Victoria was dressed in a red and gold lehenga.
Avlok wore a coordinating sherwani and the couple had a photo shoot around the city before the ceremony.
Victoria noted how magical it was to see how their rooftop was completely transformed. The couple wed under a beautiful and ornate mandap which was covered in red and yellow flowers.
The couple beautifully celebrated both of their cultures in one incredible wedding weekend.
After the ceremony, the couple and their guests dined on the rooftop with a lunch provided by Amber Indian Restaurant, Avlok’s favourite and also the spot of the couples’ first date.
The couples’ rooftop was the perfect spot for a Covid-friendly wedding, with beautiful views of the city and an intimate atmosphere.
Wedding Team:
Ceremony Venue: Crissy Field; Private Residence // Reception Venue: Private Residence // Wedding Planner: Lally Events // Bridal Attire: Grace Loves Lace; Varsha Patel // Bridal Salon: Grace Loves Lace // Jewellery: David Yurman; Grace Loves Lace; Varsha Patel // MUAH: Sherrie Long // Mehendi: Ritual by Design // Groom’s Attire: Tom Ford; Varsha Patel // Floral Design: Hawthorn Flower Studio // Stationary: Love Notes Paper // Rentals: Hensley Event Resources; JL Imagination; La Tavola Fine Linen; Theoni Collection // Catering: Andre Villahermosa; Amber India Restaurant // Transport: Bauer’s Transportation; EvoJets // Live Stream: Zoom // Videography: Reel Eyes Media // Photography: Larissa Cleveland