FLORIDA

from The Annual Issue 2024

KRIPA + DHANESH | CALIFORNIA

In the bustling streets of San Francisco, amidst the hum of urban life and the serendipitous meetings of modern romance, Priya Boyington and Tushar Gupta’s journey began. Like many couples today, their initial connection sparked through a dating app, a digital thread that wove its way into the fabric of their lives. It wasn’t until a chance encounter at a party later that their virtual connection turned into something tangible—a shared laugh, a meaningful conversation, and the start of something beautiful.

Their relationship blossomed over shared passions and dreams, culminating in a romantic engagement amidst the vineyards of Napa Valley. Dinner at the Michelin-starred Single Thread Farms set the stage for Tushar’s heartfelt proposal, marking the beginning of their journey towards marriage.

As Priya and Tushar embarked on planning their wedding, they sought a place that held deep sentimental value and was easy to travel to. Tampa, Florida, where Priya’s family roots ran deep, emerged as the perfect setting. It was here that her parents had exchanged vows almost four decades ago, and now, it would witness the union of their daughter and Tushar.

The wedding festivities were a vibrant tapestry of tradition and celebration, expertly woven together by planner Natalia Day of @daysrememberednd. Utopian Events transformed each venue with their exquisite décor, creating spaces that exuded elegance and charm.

The journey began with the Mehendi at Steinbrenner Field, the spring training home of the NY Mets, a nod to the couple’s time in New York and themed with baseball and Tushar’s love for cricket. Here, Priya’s hands and feet were adorned with intricate henna designs, symbolizing joy and the coming together of families.

The wedding ceremony took place at Waterworks Park, where a beautiful Mandap adorned with flowers awaited the couple and Priya wore a traditional Marathi red sari. Tushar made a unique and unforgettable entrance on a yacht with his parents, who had traveled from India to be part of this special occasion. The sight of the yacht gliding gracefully along the Tampa River was a breathtaking moment, symbolizing the merging of cultures and families.

The Garba was held at the Tampa Convention Center, resonating deeply with family history. This very hall had witnessed the marriage of Priya’s aunt and uncle, making it a poignant setting for celebrating love, culture, and tradition. Dances were performed and amazing Marathi food by Moghul Caterers from New Jersey was had by all.

The reception at JW Marriott Tampa was a memorable affair, enlivened by a 20-piece band from Party on the Moon, ensuring that guests danced the night away to lively tunes and unforgettable melodies.

Priya’s designer outfits included Garba outfits for Priya and her sister, Nisha, were made by Priya Chhabria. Priya, Nisha and their mom all wore Falguni Shane for the reception.

Priya and Tushar’s wedding was more than a union of two individuals; it was a celebration of heritage, family bonds, and the enduring power of love. Their journey from a chance online encounter to a glamorous wedding in Tampa exemplifies the modern love story—where digital connections forge real-world relationships and tradition harmonizes with contemporary life.

As the festivities drew to a close, Priya and Tushar stood together, surrounded by loved ones and the shimmering lights of Tampa Bay. In that moment, they reflected on their journey—the serendipity of their meeting, the depth of their love, and the promise of a future filled with happiness and shared dreams.

Their wedding in Tampa was not just a celebration of their love, but a tribute to the paths they had traveled to find each other and the rich tapestry of their cultural heritage. All of this was captured by Gaciel Santana Photography and Iris Films. This wedding was a testament to the power of love to transcend boundaries and bring together families, friends, and communities in joyous harmony.