Kanakavalli Bride : Yashaswini

Yashaswini weds Sunjay

Kanakavalli Bride Yashaswini and Sunjay had their first date at a very quiet bar in New York City. Yashu was five minutes early and Sunjay arrived two minutes later, and they both thought their shared punctuality was a good sign! After a second date a week later, Sunjay knew he had found someone special, but unfortunately, their travel plans derailed their ability to meet for the next few weeks. Sunjay spent his 30th birthday in Berlin wondering if Yashu had forgotten about him, but luckily for them both she had not – and agreed to a third date. The next few months were a whirlwind. Sunjay met Yashu’s dog Ellie and won her approval.

They met each other’s families and travelled across the world together, and Yashu even managed to convince Sunjay to join her on a 19-mile hike. In return, Yashu tried to learn more about Michigan football! In October 2024, Sunjay joined Yashu in London. On a visit to Bath, in the shade of a beautiful old tree in a quiet little garden, he got down on one knee and proposed, barely making it through his speech before Yashu shouted, “Yes!”

The wedding was the brainchild of Yashu’s family, who painstakingly and lovingly designed every detail of the weekend. For the ceremony, the couple wanted a traditional South Indian feel to reflect their heritage. The décor was filled with classic elements like banana leaves, brass urlis, marigolds and kolams. The wedding honoured their culture while still feeling fresh and sophisticated. 

Yashu says she will cherish their wedding day forever, and two of her favourite moments were the Malai Maatal and the Oonjal ceremony. She loved sitting beside Sunjay, surrounded by all their family and friends, showered with so much love. Yashu’s father surprised them with a beautiful floral walkway and sparklers – a thoughtful touch on a wedding weekend they will never forget.

Yashu says that Kanakavalli was at the top of her list from the moment she started wedding shopping because the designs are one of a kind and the workmanship is unmatched. She didn’t want to be a traditional bride in a red sari and was looking for a bold shade instead. The sari she finally picked was unlike anything she has ever seen; the detailed zari reflecting the light beautifully and the silk so soft she felt as though she were wearing butter dipped in gold. What set her experience at Kingsley apart, says Yashu, was the exceptional service. The team was patient, listening to the family and showing them endless options before blessing and presenting the bride-to-be with the sari she chose. This marked a beautiful milestone and made the kanjivaram feel like a true heirloom before she even left the store.

A big thank you to Yashaswini for being a beautiful bride and sharing the story of her wedding with us. We wish her and Sunjay a lifetime of love and laughter.