Navya and Sai’s serene South Indian wedding in New Jersey

On a beautiful day at The Rockleigh in New Jersey, Navya and Sai tied the knot in a ceremony that felt like a heartfelt promise more than just an event. The couple chose this venue for its lush outdoor setting, fountains that reminded them of their engagement at Lake Como, and its bright, airy interiors—perfect for a celebration that was timeless, elegant, and intimate. Having celebrated their engagement in St. Louis, where Sai’s family lives, they wanted to honour Navya’s New Jersey roots by hosting the wedding close to home, surrounded by family and friends.

How they met and fell in love

Navya and Sai’s story began in Philadelphia, where a mutual friend played matchmaker under the guise of a birthday dinner. Although they barely spoke that evening, they both remember exactly what the other was wearing, a sign of the impression they had already made on each other. It wasn’t until Labour Day 2020, at a post-COVID reunion in Philadelphia, that sparks truly flew. Sai, who had been too shy to speak much the first time, spent the evening talking to Navya and telling her his life story in a single night, realising she was everything he had dreamed of. When he delayed his Amtrak to stay another day, Navya knew the feeling was mutual.

Within a week, Sai invited Navya to visit him in Washington, DC, for their first official date. Sai, believing it was his one chance to win her over, meticulously planned a weekend of rooftop dinners and sightseeing around the city. But what he soon realised was that Navya would have been just as happy sharing pizza on the couch. That weekend, filled with laughter and quiet moments, laid the foundation for a love that felt natural, certain, and steady. After that weekend, Sai knew he would one day call Navya his wife.

Wedding functions and themes

The couple’s wedding embraced traditional South Indian elements with timeless elegance, reflecting their shared Telugu heritage across thoughtfully curated functions. The celebrations began with a vibrant Haldi, where yellow, orange, and pink florals brought joyful warmth to the morning, followed by a Mehndi that channelled an “Arabian Nights” inspired pre-wedding welcome with jewel tones of blue, pink, and purple, setting a festive tone for the weekend. Their wedding ceremony featured a spirited baraat, leading into a traditional South Indian ceremony with a neutral palette of green, white, and gold that allowed the rituals to shine with grace. The festivities concluded with a reception that exuded a classy, rustic elegance, featuring gold accents and peacock motifs, seamlessly blending heritage with the couple’s refined aesthetic.

What they wore

Navya embraced her heritage in traditional South Indian bridal attire, draped in rich silks paired with timeless temple jewellery, while fresh jasmine woven into her hair completed her graceful, classic look. Her gentle warmth and quiet confidence radiated through every frame, capturing not just how beautiful she looked, but who she is. Sai complemented her presence with calm confidence, donning traditional attire that reflected the essence of their cultural celebrations while allowing his love to shine through every gesture.

A wedding rooted in grace

Navya and Sai’s celebration was never about grand displays; it was about moments that mattered. From the laughter shared during the Haldi to the stillness in the mandap during their vows, each moment felt like an extension of who they are—elegant, rooted, and full of grace. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, they honoured their traditions while creating a space that felt intimate and genuine.

Their wedding at The Rockleigh was a reminder that some love stories don’t need grand declarations. Sometimes, it’s two people deeply connected, celebrating their heritage and their future in the soft glow of a New Jersey evening, promising to continue building a life filled with respect, joy, and quiet, enduring love.

All images: Team Knotting Bells

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