Kirstie & Nishanth's Elegant Old Hollywood-Inspired Wedding at a Private Estate in Santa Ynez

Love Story

Kirstie and Nishanth's journey began not with fireworks or grand gestures, but with the quiet charm of mutual friends. "We met through friends I went to college with who he knew from high school," Kirstie shares. Their connection blossomed slowly, like something out of a classic film. After years of friendship, Kirstie decided to make the first move, inviting Nishanth on a date to Rose Cafe in Venice Beach. One date turned into two, two turned into countless moments together. After five and a half years, they’ve built a life rich in love, laughter, and shared dreams.

About Your Wedding

The couple chose Swell Press, a Los Angeles-based studio, to create their wedding stationery. With a clean black-and-white aesthetic, the invitations set the tone for a timeless affair. “I found my wedding band while my husband and I were on a trip in New York City at Fana Jewelry,” the bride shares. “My husband designed his with a family friend who is a jewelry designer, Beau Staley.”

Jewelry was kept classic with A.B. Elle pearl drop earrings, echoing the bride’s taste for simplicity and elegance. Every piece of the morning carried intention and sentiment.

Bride getting ready

Kirstie prepared for her big day at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern, surrounded by her closest people. Her dress—a stunning creation from NEWHITE in Downtown LA—was love at first sight. “I spent two seperate days looking for my dress, and the one I chose felt right the moment I put it on,” she recalls.

Her accessories added the perfect finishing touches: a cathedral-length veil, Betsey Johnson shoes, and her delicate A.B. Elle earrings. Charmain of Emblem Flowers created a dreamy bouquet with peonies, calla lilies, garden roses, and cascading greenery. Kirstie’s bridesmaids, dressed in sleek black, added a modern edge to the classic aesthetic.

Groom getting ready

Nishanth looked effortlessly dashing in a custom Enzo tuxedo from Beverly Hills. The sharp all-white ensemble with black detailing was bold and refined, embodying the Old Hollywood theme. He got ready for the big moment just steps away, also at Mattei’s Inn, with his closest people by his side.

First Look

The first look took place just outside the doors of their private venue—a moment neither of them will ever forget. "It was very special to see him in his tuxedo for the first time," Kirstie shared. The photos captured every ounce of emotion, nerves, and anticipation. It was a quiet, sacred pause before the day swept them into its rhythm.

Ceremony

The ceremony was held at the back of a breathtaking Italian-style villa, overlooking rolling hills and vineyards. As a string quartet played Coldplay’s "Yellow," Kirstie walked down the aisle. “The one thing that unexpectedly worked out well was that I kind of threw my veil back behind me to get it out of the way, and the wind picked it up and blew it beautifully up,” she shared. “I wasn't expecting that!”

Kirstie and Nishanth focused only on each other, exchanging vows that brought tears to many eyes. "The ceremony was all-consuming but in the best way," Kirstie remembers. Every word, every glance, was steeped in meaning.

Photoshoot after the ceremony

Wedding Venue & Decor

The wedding was held at a private residence in Santa Ynez, transformed into a monochrome fairytale. The palette was minimal and striking: black, white, and neutral tones. White florals spilled from every surface, and a marble-checkered dance floor stole the show. Everything—from the place settings to the floral design—spoke to their love of refined design.

Reception

Kirstie and Nishanth surprised their guests with a non-traditional first dance that turned out to be one of the night’s most unforgettable moments. “We chose With You by Sum41,” Kirstie shared. “We used a company that created a custom first dance to that song for us, and my husband and I practiced it at home for over a month, almost every day, before the wedding. We were nervous about landing the lifts, but it turned out amazing.”

The reception dinner was a culinary delight. Guests chose from an elevated menu featuring steak, chicken, fish, and vegan options, all beautifully prepared by a top-tier caterer. Later in the evening, as laughter echoed under the stars, a local restaurant took over for the late-night party, crafting fresh pizza, handmade pastas, and warm cookies right on site.

The wedding cake, created by the pastry chef at Willows Restaurant in Santa Ynez, was both elegant and deeply personal. It featured two decadent flavors: chocolate with chocolate ganache, Nishanth’s favorite, and vanilla with salted caramel ganache, Kirstie’s top pick.

Reflecting on the entire experience, the couple had nothing but praise for their wedding team: “We were very lucky to have kind and communicative vendors for our wedding. Everyone listened to our concerns and really understood the vision for our wedding. That made things so much easier for us and less stressful the day of our wedding.”