Nidhi Kasireddy and Evan Terrell first met outside Apotheke bar in Manhattan's Chinatown. That night ended with dancing, laughter, and an impromptu vinyl session at Nidhi’s apartment, where they discovered a shared love of music. “Our first date—Lady Gaga at the Apollo—was unforgettable,” Nidhi says. “We both distinctly remember seeing each other outside the venue, mesmerized.”
After a month of seeing each other almost daily, they parted ways at the subway, assuming it was goodbye. “But fate had other plans,” Nidhi says. Two years later, Nidhi relocated to Los Angeles during the pandemic, and the pair reconnected. Four years after they first met, Evan proposed during a trip to Australia, kneeling before the Sydney Harbor Bridge, after carrying the ring for the entire 15-hour flight.
For their wedding, the couple envisioned a quintessential California experience for their predominantly out-of-state guests. “The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara embodied everything we loved about the charming coastal town, from its unique spaces that highlighted Spanish Revival architecture—white stucco buildings with red-tiled roofs—to the stunning views,” she says. Working with Erika Bellitt ofArray Creative Design, they planned a four-day celebration blending vibrant Telugu traditions with coastal elegance.
Festivities began with a mehndi night, during whichHenna Me Beautiful created intricate designs for guests’ hands. “I wore a playful rose pink Payal Singhal, and Evan wore a yellow Aisha Rao kurta to reflect the vibrant, festive energy of the night,” Nidhi says. Rentals fromFound Rental Co.,Theoni Collection, and Elan Event Rentals gave the evening a warm, welcoming feel.
The next morning, the lawn overlooking the Pacific Ocean hosted a haldi and Telugu Pelli Kuthuru ceremony. “They are sacred pre-wedding rituals that celebrate the bride’s transition into marriage with meaningful rituals and family blessings,” Nidhi explains. She wore a lavender Gaurang Shah saree with a Vaishali Agarwal blouse, paired with antique gold and diamond jewelry, while Evan wore an Anushree Reddy kurta. That evening, guests gathered in a Mediterranean-style courtyard for a welcome party. To this, the bride wore a purple Lanvin style and Christian Louboutin shoes.
On August 17th, 2024, Nidhi walked the aisle in a custom Tarun Tahiliani lehenga, designed to highlight the diamond and emerald jewelry gifted by her parents. “I am a long-time fan of Tarun’s meticulous craftsmanship and ethereal style, which beautifully accentuates the female form,” she says.
Over The Moon The List Photographer Heather Waraksa captured portraits as the morning fog lifted, revealing the ocean behind the mandap.Plenty of Petals adorned the space with lush floral arrangements. Tabla and sitar from the musicians ofRock N Dhol Band filled the air during their traditional Telugu ceremony. “I was nervous at first, but as I sat down looking into Evan’s eyes, I felt calm and ready to get married!” the bride exclaims.
Cocktail hour unfolded on an oceanfront terrace at sunset. Deep red couches and sculptural seating framed the bar, while flamenco guitarists played.
Dinner was served alfresco on the terrace, dressed in vibrant greenBBJ La Tavola linens with candles and hanging greenery overhead. Stationery fromAerialist Press andWendy Nooney completed the tablescapes. “Our guests couldn’t stop raving about the food, making it a standout part of the evening,” Nidhi says.
For the reception in the rotunda, the bride changed into a Pamella Roland dress.Marla & Co. had created her polished look earlier in the day, carrying it seamlessly into the evening. Their first dance was to “Find Someone Like You” by Snoh Aalegra. “It was so special to sing along to the lyrics with each other while surrounded by our parents, close friends, and family—everyone cheering us on and celebrating the moment with us. It felt like the perfect way to kick off the rest of our lives together,” she says.
American Events Network kept the floor full until the after-party began in a space transformed with black velvet walls, a disco ball, and a black-and-white dance floor.DJ Priyanka Vigneswaran’s Bollywood-inspired Amapiano set kept guests moving until the very last song.
