Garba: Diamond Bar Community Center, Diamond Bar, CA
Hindu Ceremony: BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, Chino Hills, CA
Reception: Pacific Palms Resort, City of Industry, CA
Bride and Groom: both are Gujarati-Hindu
Photography: Lin and Jirsa

Was it easy to set up everything at the Diamond Bar Community Center?

It was really easy. Hetal from Kumba took care of all décor and music. We already had a relationship with a company that does all the serving and clean up and catering was done by Jay Bharat.

 What was it like getting married at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills?

I really wanted an India feel for the wedding and an outdoor ceremony, so it was perfect. Plus the BAPS mandir allows unlimited guests. We couldn’t play any Bollywood music at the mandir and had restrictions on the food but overall it was really great getting married there.

What was the hardest part about wedding planning?

Getting guests to RSVP. We couldn’t make the reception table seating until the day before the wedding.

 What advice would you give to couples just starting out with wedding planning?

1. Enjoy the moments! I was more in the background of planning, my parents and family did most of it and I just had fun. I found out afterwards that a few things didn’t go according to plans but during the weekend, I had no idea. It was all really smooth and great to me. 
2. Bring a bridal emergency kit! It has your essentials – band aids, super glue, nail clippers, nail file, the night before your wedding it’s hard to fall asleep so a sleeping aid can be helpful.
3. I also recommend having the details down for each event/tradition. Have both families talk through all the steps of the ceremony and make sure everyone’s on the same wavelength. Decide beforehand what gifts are going to be exchanged and at what point during the weekend. Have lists of the items needed for each event/day and pack it accordingly. 

Where did you get your clothes?

My clothes and jewelry were a combo of stuff from here and India.  I don’t think going to India is necessary. Everything is available here or you can get anything made from here.

Brinda wanted her wedding to have an “India-feel” to it. What better than to get married at the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir.

Lin and Jirsa beautifully captured their special day

The ceremony was outdoors. The temple has no guest restriction.

This long, narrow path is perfect for a baraat.

Their reception was at Pacific Palms, a stunning resort that does several desi weddings every year.

Check out these other weddings at Pacific Palms