If the story is about an arbitrary encounter that manifested a meaningful bond, you can be sure there was some divine intervention. It’s a credence as old as time, but totally true for Rahul Luthra, head designer at RaAbta by Rahul, and Sameep Ved, marketing head at the celebrity-loved jewellery brand and podcaster, who found each other in a twist of fate that feels straight out of a Netflix rom-com. “We met almost 9 years back at a staycation planned by our common friends,” shares New Delhi-based Rahul about his meet-cute with Sameep who is originally from Mumbai. “Our first meeting was a total coincidence. I still remember coming late to venue, and in my gym clothes. Everyone was waiting for me as we had to head out for a party. I rang the doorbell only to have Sam opened the door for me, and that was our first cold surprisal gaze at each other,” he laughs. It wasn’t love at first sight as the duo admits, but they sparked an instant connection as the evening progressed.
Coming Out Of A Shell
Their connection grew over time, much like a slow-burn romance in your favourite series. Sameep was deeply moved by Rahul’s unwavering support through life’s ups and downs, while Rahul was inspired by Sameep’s ability to juggle work with a zest for adventure—think of it as the perfect blend of heartfelt drama and charming wit. “The proposal came much much later after multiple meetings and confusion. But given our unshakable bond, it deemed natural to take the step of being together. It has almost been a decade, and we are still getting to know each other,” says Sameep.
The exciting decision to tie the knot also meant dealing with the complexities of coming out to their families, who had adjusted to the idea of the pair as best friends, but not to the reality of them as romantic partners. Sameep’s extended family welcomed Rahul with open arms but coming out to his parents was more like a season finale. Rahul’s family, especially his mother, had their own emotional arc. But as they say, at the end of the day, family always want us to not just live but thrive. “Of course, the wedding announcement came in as a shock to our families. But after heartfelt conversation and our commitment towards each other, they came around despite their initial resistance. My sisters were a supportive pillar at that point of time,” recalls Rahul.
The Regency Era Epic Vision
With unwavering love and support from loved ones, the pair went on to plan the biggest day of their lives. “Our walk down to the aisle was a whirlwind of planning and emotion, reminiscent of the high-stakes special. Rahul had initially planned a trip to the US, and seized the chance to exchange vows,” says Sameep. “I had expressed my desire to a dear friend that during this trip, we wished to exchange rings. She proposed this idea of a civil ceremony at San Francisco City Hall. I saw some photos of the venue and it fell in love with it,” adds Rahul. With its majestic staircase and rich history of queer couples, it was the perfect stage for their grand love story to culminate. “My friend and I were the wedding planners, from our attires and jewellery to the wedding cake and wedding feast. Surprisingly, this all was planned in just 15 days. But the best part for me was Sameep being on the same page as me.”
A Haldi To Remember
The couple didn’t have a typical line-up of a traditional Indian wedding events, since only a civil ceremony was planned. But a heartwarming haldi ceremony kicked off the celebrations. A friend’s residence in San Francisco served as a beautiful backdrop for the festivities. The at-home ceremony was filled with lots of love and playful moments as loved ones smeared turmeric on the couple, symbolising prosperity and auspiciousness. The grooms-to-be also got each other’s initials hennaed on their palms.
The Fairytale Wedding Unfolds
For the duo, who meanders the fast-paced labyrinth of fashion in their professional space, their wedding was a crystal-clear path of towards love, legacy, and the life are building together. As they took the leap into their union, they brought their loved ones along for a multi-layered experience that intertwined a vow and ring exchange with personal touches, all set against the regal backdrop of the iconic venue. “It was just an eventful day, which started with a long drive to reach the city court. We were about 15 minutes late for our court marriage. It caused a lot of stress, but when we exchanged our vows and said ‘I Do’, the moment was very emotional for both of us, we forgot everything. Tears of happiness rolled down our eyes,” they reveal. The celebrations concluded with a lavish dinner party with the loved ones who witnessed the magical matrimony.
The Regal Wedding Wardrobe
Real and regal, the grooms’ wedding wardrobe was a reflection of their Regency vision. “I designed our outfits with empire waists, puffed sleeves and sumptuous laced sleeves,” says Rahul. “He conceptualised and designed their entire look in just 25 days, which made it all the more memorable,” adds Sameep. They cut a dapper figure in complementing navy-blue tailcoats, white shirts with lace detailing layered with beige waist coats, and white trousers. A pair of matching loafers with crown motifs completed their looks.
The Grooms Jewellery: A Personalised Parade
Every detail was a tribute to the couple’s personal and professional lives. Their roots, their respect for each other, and above all, the reverence for their brand House of RaAbta permeated through and through, especially when it came to the final flourishes to their looks. Considering the brand has decked up some of the country’s biggest stars and brides over the years with its gorgeous ornaments, for their wedding jewellery, the couple went all out with personalised pieces.
“We accessorised with one of the finely handcrafted Lion Brooches and crown-shaped custom wedding bands from House of RaAbta. In 18-carat gold and encrusted with princess cut diamonds, the bands were designed in a shape of a crown. Both bands also bear our initials on the inside with the infinity sign and our pets name, Simmba engraved with fine enamels. We were living our fairytale fantasy, where we felt as if we were like two princes getting married in a royal court and enjoyed every bit of the ceremony,” they conclude.
The Groom’s Checklist
The Venue: The City Hall, San Francisco
Photography & Videography: Vicethvong
Wedding Planner: Self
Wedding Décor: Lovely Moments California
Grooms Outfits: Self
Grooms Jewellery & Accessories: House of RaAbta
Catering: The Palm Court at RH SFO
Cake: Clover Bakery
