Blog Ria + Arjun, A Scottsdale, Arizona Wedding
Arjun and I had been together for over seven years before we got married, and during that time, our families and friends had seamlessly blended into one big, loving community. At the heart of our relationship is a deep love for our people, and we knew from the beginning that our wedding wouldn’t just be about us—it would be a celebration of everyone who had shaped and supported our journey together. Though the guest list was long, our goal was to make every person feel personally cherished, with thoughtful touches woven throughout.
We chose Arizona for our destination wedding, drawn to its dramatic red rock mountains, golden desert light, and the rustic elegance of the resort’s Western charm. Our welcome party set the tone—a Western-themed evening complete with cigars, henna, bonfires, s’mores, a beer burro, and a magical sunset filled with heartfelt speeches and flowing drinks. The ceremony was non-traditional and deeply intimate, officiated by my sister, anchored in our personal vows, with just the varmala to honor Indian tradition. We wore custom-designed Indian outfits from Gujarat. As a gesture of gratitude, each guest received a handwritten letter. Our black-tie reception brought old Hollywood glamour to the desert—Ralph Lauren elegance meets Tiffany & Co. sparkle. The night ended in an epic, joy-filled, rave-like dance party under the stars.