Triple S Ranch Wedding Kiss — *The Indi Collective at Triple S Ranch*

There’s a special kind of magic when close friends tie the knot, and Shomik and Catalina's wedding at Triple S Ranch in Napa, CA was nothing short of enchanting. As their friend and floral designer, it was an honor to contribute to the beauty of their special day.

Food: the Third Character in This Love Story

Catalina and I collaborated on a concept for the tables that interwove food and florals—food being one of her and Shomik’s love languages. We incorporated elements like artichokes, citrus, baby bell peppers, long branches of green figs, and grapevines interspersed with air plants and bud vases, which she and Shomik spent months collecting in advance. These touches were not only a nod to Catalina’s long professional culinary history but also a beautiful tribute to the Napa wine region.

A Blend of Traditions

The wedding was a stunning multi-day affair that perfectly reflected the couple’s cultural backgrounds and unique personalities. Catalina looked resplendent in a traditional Indian wedding gown, her hands adorned with intricate henna, and her hair beautifully styled with a gajra. Instead of the traditional jasmine, we used white hypericum berries, wax flower, and nigella, creating a unique blend of textures.

Both Shomik and Catalina wore jaimala garlands, symbolizing respect, devotion, and the cyclical nature of life and death in the Hindu tradition.

The couple exchanged vows under a majestic black walnut tree on the Triple S property. We adorned the tree with lush greenery garlands dotted with fresh flowers and elegant swaths of white fabric. Their close friend Zeina officiated the ceremony, and I crafted a beautiful corsage cuff for her. The ceremony itself was a blend of Hindu and Catholic traditions with heartfelt passages read by family and friends.

Our festivities began with a welcome party featuring traditional Indian cuisine paired with an impressive selection of wine, beer, and cocktails. The second day was a delightful family-style affair showcasing California cuisine. In a thoughtful gesture true to Shomik's personality, the couple curated specific bottles of wine for each group of guests, ensuring everyone felt appreciated and celebrated.

Triple S Ranch, with its charming lodging, allowed us to celebrate well into the night. The sense of community and joy was palpable, with everyone cherishing the opportunity to stay over and continue the festivities into the morning.

Special Roles for Special Friends

Personal touches and contributions from so many friends made the wedding especially memorable. Zeina’s role as the officiant was a touching tribute to their friendship. Michelle, a fellow foodie and expert pastry chef, created a stunning dessert for just under 200 guests—a delectable pavlova with fresh fruit and candied nuts. All of the table numbers and food signage was created by Ilana, a great friend and talented cartoonist and illustrator. And of course, I got to do the flowers.

pavlova and wedding flowers — *The Indi Collective at Triple S Ranch*

One of the most heartwarming stories about Shomik and Catalina’s journey as a couple is their first anniversary gift exchange. Unknowingly, they both created a scrapbook of food photos and recipes of meals they shared during their first year together, memorializing their love of food and each other. It cemented for both of them that they’d found their match.

The best man—Shomik’s brother— as well as a few other key friends and cousins, shared hilarious stories that really highlighted Shomik’s quirky personality, all coming to the conclusion that Catalina was an incredible influence on him.

Gratitude and Joyful Friendship

Shomik and Catalina’s wedding was a celebration of love, culture, and friendship—a perfect reflection of their journey together. As their friend, I feel incredibly blessed to have witnessed and contributed to their unforgettable day. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and shared meals for the beautiful couple!