Multicultural Rancho Las Lomas Wedding

Rancho Las Lomas

Rancho Las Lomas is one of Southern California’s premier wedding venues, nestled in the scenic hills of Silverado. This private estate spans 32 acres and offers a unique blend of natural beauty and architectural charm, making it a sought-after location for weddings. Known for its lush botanical gardens, Spanish-style architecture, and resident wildlife, Rancho Las Lomas provides a stunning backdrop for any wedding celebration. One of the most appealing aspects of Rancho Las Lomas is its variety of event spaces, each offering a distinct atmosphere and accommodating different guest capacities.

A Variety of Event Spaces at Rancho Las Lomas:

1. El Teatro: This open-air theater is perfect for wedding ceremonies. Surrounded by vibrant greenery and featuring a stone stage, El Teatro provides a dramatic and enchanting setting. The space can accommodate up to 375 guests, making it ideal for larger ceremonies. The amphitheater-style seating ensures that all guests have a clear view of the ceremony.
2. La Terraza: A charming outdoor space, La Terraza is perfect for more intimate gatherings. It features beautiful tile murals, a tiled fountain, and garden views that create a serene and romantic atmosphere. La Terraza can accommodate up to 150 guests, making it suitable for smaller ceremonies or cocktail receptions. The ambiance is relaxed yet elegant, with the sound of flowing water adding to the tranquil setting.
3. The Grand Salon: For receptions, the Grand Salon offers an indoor space with a warm and inviting ambiance. The room features large windows, wood-beamed ceilings, and a grand fireplace, creating a cozy and sophisticated environment. The Grand Salon can accommodate up to 300 guests for a seated dinner. The space also includes an adjacent terrace, allowing for seamless indoor-outdoor flow.

Whether you’re planning a grand affair or an intimate gathering, Rancho Las Lomas provides a magical setting that will leave a lasting impression on you and your guests.

A Tale of Two Cultures

Gurjot, the groom, and Carmela, the bride, come from rich and diverse cultural backgrounds, bringing together Sikh Indian and Filipino Catholic traditions in their wedding. This multicultural union is a beautiful testament to the couple’s love and respect for each other’s heritage.

The Groom’s Sikh Heritage

Gurjot’s Sikh heritage is deeply rooted in the Punjab region of India. Sikhism, founded in the 15th century, emphasizes equality, service, and devotion to one God. Sikh weddings are vibrant and spiritual, often involving elaborate ceremonies and rituals that highlight the community’s rich cultural traditions. Key elements include the Anand Karaj, a blissful ceremony that involves the couple circling the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture, four times while hymns are sung.

The Bride’s Filipino Catholic Heritage

Carmela’s Filipino Catholic heritage brings its own unique traditions. The Philippines, predominantly Catholic due to Spanish colonization, celebrates weddings with a blend of religious and cultural practices. Filipino weddings often include the ceremony of the veil, cord, and coins, symbolizing unity, fidelity, and prosperity. The Catholic Mass, a central part of the wedding, reflects deep religious significance and family involvement.

As a photographer with a Filipino Catholic background, I feel incredibly fortunate to have known Gurjot and Carmela since capturing their vintage car engagement and their city hall wedding in San Francisco. I was ecstatic and grateful when they asked me to be their wedding photographer for their three-day Rancho Las Lomas wedding event. This opportunity has allowed me to witness firsthand the merging of their beautiful cultures, and it’s an honor to be part of their wedding story at such a stunning venue.

Filipino Church Ceremony at Lady Queen of Angels

Day one of the three-day wedding festivities began with a beautiful Filipino church ceremony at Lady Queen of Angels. The ceremony took place on a Wednesday, setting a spiritual and intimate tone for the celebrations to come. The bride and groom, along with their wedding party, wore traditional Filipino attire. Carmela looked stunning in a Filipiniana dress, featuring its iconic large butterfly sleeves. Gurjot and the groomsmen donned barongs, lightweight shirts perfect for the tropical climate of the Philippines. The traditional attire added a meaningful cultural touch to the solemn and heartfelt ceremony.

Sangeet at Mountain Meadows

Day two of the wedding festivities brought everyone together for a vibrant Sangeet at Mountain Meadows. The night buzzed with energy as friends and family celebrated through music, dance, and cultural rituals. Gurjot’s family incorporated several traditional elements, making the evening both meaningful and memorable.

Dholki and Boliyan:

The celebration started with the Dholki, where women gathered to sing traditional Punjabi folk songs known as Boliyan while playing the dholak, a two-headed drum. The rhythmic beats and spirited songs created a joyful atmosphere, setting the tone for the night.

Jaggo

Another vibrant tradition celebrated during the Sangeet was the Jaggo. During this ritual, copper or brass pots decorated with lit candles are carried on the heads of female relatives, who then dance and sing through the streets, waking up the neighbors to join the celebration. This ritual symbolizes the joy and excitement of the upcoming wedding, and it added an extra layer of festivity to the evening.

Henna artists were present, adorning guests with intricate designs, adding to the festive atmosphere. Dance performances by family members showcased their talents and enthusiasm, culminating in a coordinated dance by the bride and groom. The Sangeet at Mountain Meadows was a perfect blend of tradition, celebration, and personal touches, making it an unforgettable part of the three-day wedding event.

Watna Ceremony

One of the highlights of the evening, the Watna ceremony involves applying a paste made of turmeric, chickpea flour, and mustard oil to the bride and groom. This paste is traditionally believed to cleanse and beautify the couple before their wedding day. Gurjot and Carmela initially wore green wedding attire and then transitioned to vibrant yellow outfits for the Watna. The ceremony was incredibly lively and wonderfully chaotic. Family and friends enthusiastically applied the paste, covering Gurjot and Carmela in bright yellow. The energy in the room was electric, and as the ceremony progressed, things got a bit wild. At one point, Gurjot and Carmela even had alcohol poured on them, adding a playful twist to the tradition. This ceremony not only highlighted the couple’s connection to their cultural roots but also created a fun and memorable experience for everyone involved.

Main Wedding Day at Rancho Las Lomas

Serahbandhi, Barat, and Milni at Rancho Las Lomas

The wedding day began with several important Sikh rituals:

• Serahbandhi: The groom’s family ties a decorative turban (serabandh) around his head. This symbolizes his readiness for marriage and protection.
• Barat: Gurjot arrived at the venue in a grand procession called the Barat. Family and friends danced around him, celebrating his arrival.
• Milni: The families met and exchanged garlands in a ceremony called Milni. This symbolizes the union of two families and mutual respect.

These vibrant rituals set the tone for a joyous celebration.

Sikh Ceremony Anand Karaj at El Teatro at Rancho Las Lomas

The Ceremony

The Anand Karaj, the Sikh wedding ceremony, took place under the serene open-air Teatro at Rancho Las Lomas. The bride and groom sat before the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture. Family and friends gathered, creating a warm and supportive atmosphere. Gurjot and Carmela circled the Guru Granth Sahib four times, each round representing a vow of love and commitment. The ceremony was filled with hymns, prayers, and blessings. At the end, the Guru distributed a sweet substance called Karah Prasad to the bride, groom, and guests, symbolizing unity and equality.

Attire and Decorations

Gurjot wore a cream-colored sherwani with intricate embroidery and a matching turban. Carmela looked stunning in an embroidered red and gold lehenga, adorned with traditional jewelry and a red dupatta. Guests dressed in vibrant Punjabi suits and saris, adding to the festive atmosphere. The venue was decorated with beautiful floral arrangements, enhancing the natural beauty of the setting. Guests typically sat on rugs, with chairs provided for those needing additional support.

Filipino Ceremony at Rancho Las Lomas

Attire

Carmela looked breathtaking in her Galia Lahav dress, a stunning creation with intricate lace details and a flowing veil. The dress accentuated her elegance and beauty, making her the epitome of a radiant bride. Gurjot complemented her perfectly in a classic black suit paired with a turban, blending traditional and modern styles seamlessly.

Ceremony Elements

The Filipino ceremony at La Terraza at Rancho Las Lomas included several traditional elements, each rich in symbolism:

• Veil: Draped over the couple to symbolize unity and being “clothed as one.”
• Coins (Arras): Symbolize prosperity and the couple’s commitment to share their wealth and resources.
• Cord: Placed around the couple in a figure-eight shape, representing everlasting fidelity and the bond of marriage.
• Candles: Their mothers lit candles, symbolizing the light of Christ and the union of two families.

When Carmela reached the altar, Gurjot performed the “Mano Po” tradition, showing respect to her father by gently pressing his hand to his forehead. This heartfelt gesture added a deeply personal touch to the proceedings. The ceremony itself was heartwarming, filled with touching moments that brought tears to many eyes. Parents and guests were visibly moved, shedding tears of joy and pride as they witnessed the union of Carmela and Gurjot. This blending of meaningful traditions made the ceremony at Rancho Las Lomas not only beautiful but also profoundly heartfelt.

Bridal and Wedding Party Portraits at Rancho Las Lomas

The bridal portraits captured the essence of tradition and modernity, featuring the couple in both traditional Sikh attire and elegant Western wear. Carmela dazzled in a stunning Galia Lahav dress adorned with intricate lace and crystals, showcasing their unique blend of cultures beautifully. The bridal party also embraced both traditions, wearing matching outfits for each attire, adding to the celebration’s rich cultural tapestry.

Reception at El Teatro at Rancho Las Lomas

Decorations and Ambiance

The reception at El Teatro was a grand and luxurious affair. Tables were adorned with vibrant floral arrangements of blush-colored roses and carnations, complemented by gold-rimmed plates and crystal glassware. Lush floral installations and twinkling lights hung above, creating a magical glow. The menus doubled as seating charts, each topped with a single chocolate wrapped in gold with the couple’s initials embroidered. The attention to detail in the decor, combined with the natural beauty of the venue, created an unforgettable setting. All the details were well designed and eloquently presented.

Desserts

As foodies, Carmela and Gurjot curated a delightful dessert spread. Carmela included various ube snacks, reflecting her love for this unique flavor. The highlight was a beautiful three-tier cake adorned with white roses. Additionally, they offered Afters Ice Cream, a favorite in the LA area, ensuring a memorable dessert experience with Filipino flavored ice creams. Guests at them as a single ice cream or in the famous Afters Milky Bun!

Festivities

The reception featured amazing dance performances, an exquisite plated meal, and moving speeches. Guests then transitioned to dancing the night away to a live band and a mix of modern dance music and Punjabi tunes, creating an electrifying atmosphere.

Ranchos Las Lomas Wedding Captured via 35mm Film Photography

Capturing their wedding on 35mm film brought a nostalgic and timeless charm to their special day. The grainy texture and unique tones of the film photos created an ethereal quality, preserving the emotions and beauty of each moment in a classic, enduring style.

A heartfelt thank you to Carmela and Gurjot for entrusting me to capture their multiday celebration. It was an honor to witness their love, and a privilege to capture memories for their families and friends. Your beautiful journey together has been an inspiration. Thank you for letting me be a part of your special days. Also a huge shoutout to all the amazing vendors who made this wedding possible

Vendor Team:
Venue: @Rancholaslomas
Planner: @EventistaLA
Decor: @threepetalsdesign
Photography: @ariannamaddoxphoto
Videography: @amariproductions
Bridal Hair and Makeup: @dolledupbylulu, @jasminechangstudio
Dupatta Draping: @nishamin20
DJ/ Sound and Lighting: @DjScorpioLA
Band: @goldenbellmusic
Catering- @manoharsdelhipalace, @24carrotscatering
Cake- @simplysweetcakery
Desserts: @ubesnacks
Dessert: @aftersicecream
Dress: @galialahav

Need a California Wedding Photographer?

Connect with Arianna

This blog post of, Multicultural Rancho Las Lomas Wedding, was written by California wedding photographer Arianna Maddox.