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The Desert Drove The Aesthetic at This South Asian Wedding in Scottsdale

Shayna Seid

August 02, 2026

Saakshi Singhal and Alexander Lazich’s story began in 2019 with a Hinge match that quickly felt meant to be. Drawn in by shared “nerdy” interests—and a Star Wars reference—they soon realized they had grown up just ten minutes apart in the Bay Area. “We had this built-in foundation of shared places and experiences,” Saakshi says.

Their first date in Hayes Valley turned into four hours of effortless conversation, setting the tone for what followed. After briefly parting ways, they reconnected in 2020, and by 2021, their relationship became serious. Three years later, Alex planned a proposal on San Francisco’s Pier 7—one of their favorite spots—complete with family waiting just out of sight.

The couple married on April 19, 2025, following a sangeet the evening before. Arizona stood out immediately—not just for its desert landscape, but because it was where they had taken their first trip together and both said “I love you.”

With planner Shannon Leahy Events, they chose the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North and leaned fully into an organic, desert-driven aesthetic. A palette of yellows, sage greens, and warm browns came through wood, rattan, and clay textures, with paper goods by Lotus and Ash. “We wanted every element to feel like it belonged in the desert,” Saakshi says.

Fashion played a key role in telling that story across each event. For the sangeet, Saakshi wore a red Seema Gujral lehenga with mirror work—lightweight and made for dancing—while Alex complemented her in a navy look from the same designer.

For the ceremony, she chose a white and cream Manish Malhotra lehenga with delicate chikankari, paired with a long scalloped veil designed to move seamlessly through each ritual. Alex matched in a cream Manish Malhotra sherwani with geometric detailing. Jewelry and beauty, by Saltspell Beauty, remained intentionally minimal and modern. “We wanted a true fusion—honoring tradition while reflecting our lives in the U.S.,” Saakshi shares.

The wedding day began with a lively, all-inclusive baraat led by DJ Mistry, bringing guests from chai and masala popcorn to the ceremony lawn. Centered around a single tree, the mandap blended seamlessly into the landscape, with desert-toned florals and a wooden aisle grounding the space—beautifully captured by photographer Vinuthna Garidipuri.

The ceremony struck a balance between tradition and personalization. A female pandit guided guests through each step in English, while personal vows and a ring exchange added a modern layer. “Instead of just moving through tradition, we were present for it,” Saakshi says.

Music added another intimate layer—Alex walked in with his grandmother to a string cover of “I’m Yours,” while Saakshi entered with her parents to a custom arrangement of “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” arranged by her brother. Personal vows and a ring exchange brought a modern touch to the ceremony. “In that moment, it felt like the world narrowed to just us,” she reflects.

As the sun shifted, so did the celebration. Cocktail hour introduced deeper tones and signature drinks, followed by a reception that felt like an intimate dinner party under the desert sky. Layered linens, rattan details, and warm lighting set the scene, while Jalsa Catering served a family-style meal ending with saffron tres leches.

The toasts became a highlight. “They were heartfelt, funny, and all said the same thing—that we’re truly a good match,” Saakshi reflects.

After their first dance to "La Vie en Rose," choreographed by Srividya Eashwar of Xpressions Dance, the night shifted once more. Saakshi changed into a mirrored mini dress, and the after-party transformed into a futuristic desert scene with mirrored details, metallic accents, and a packed dance floor.

Looking back, it’s the feeling of the day that stands out most. “The day came together beautifully, but more importantly, so did the love in the room,” Saakshi says. The couple closed out the celebration with a mini-moon in Cabo San Lucas before a longer honeymoon in Africa.

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