Kanakavalli Bride : Deepa

Deepa weds Thomas

Kanakavalli Bride Deepa and Thomas met at Vanderbilt Business School where their friendship in public speaking class slowly evolved into an incredible love story. Between late-night study sessions, coffee breaks that turned into deep conversations, and an easy sense of humour that made everything feel light, they quickly realised they had something special. Deepa and Thomas bonded over a shared love of sports, travel and music – she’s a tennis player and he’s a skier so everything they do turns into a friendly competition! They both love alternative music, and both work in finance. They love to travel and it was on a trip to Tenerife, surrounded by stunning views of the Atlantic and volcanic mountains, that Tom proposed to Deepa. They now live in New York, spending weekends playing tennis, planning their next trip and finding joy in the perfect combination of structure, spontaneity and shared laughter.

Deepa’s favorite part of planning was weaving together two different worlds – the South Indian traditions she grew up with and the contemporary aesthetic that reflects who both Tom and she are today. The wedding was rooted in the beauty of Kerala-inspired rituals, yet was  shaped in a way that felt modern and true to their personalities.

 The wedding ceremony took place on a sunny morning, surrounded by the couple’s closest family and friends. The space felt magical – golden light streaming through the glass ceiling, jasmine and orchids cascading from above, and a mandap glistening with brass lamps and lush florals in shades of red, white and green. After the ceremony, everyone gathered for a South Indian thali lunch that was as joyful as it was delicious. Plates were filled with favourites from the bride’s home – avial, lemon rice and sweet payasam – served on golden thalis. The room was filled with live music: the perfect way to end a morning that was  both sacred and celebratory. 

For Deepa, the most memorable moment from the wedding was their first look, and the first time Tom ever saw her in a kanjivaram sari. From the very beginning of their relationship, Tom embraced Deepa’s culture with openness and respect, so seeing his reaction – a mix of awe, pride and pure joy – was a powerful confirmation of the way he has always accepted and celebrated her South Indian roots.

Growing up, the women in Deepa’s family wore Kanakavalli, especially for their most meaningful celebrations. She says there is something magical about the way the rich silks with handwoven zari felt – timeless, elegant and deeply rooted in heritage. For her wedding, Deepa wanted her attire to be more than beautiful: she wanted to honour the women who came before her and the traditions that shaped her. Deepa says Kanakavalli’s craftsmanship perfectly aligned with this vision.

Deepa says shopping at Kanakavalli in Chennai was one of the most meaningful experiences of her entire wedding journey. Visiting the store with family felt more like a gathering and a celebration than just a shopping experience. She says from the moment they stepped in, they were welcomed with warmth and joy; the team took the time to understand their stories and helped them explore saris that felt personal. The experience became one filled with culture, laughter and shared memories.

A big thank you to Deepa for being a beautiful Kanakavalli Bride and sharing the story of her wedding with us. We wish her and Thomas a lifetime of love and laughter.