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Many believe that when you encounter your soulmate, it’s as if you’ve known them forever. This sentiment perfectly describes the story of Elisa Crutchfield, a marketing executive, and Angad Aulakh, a filmmaker, who first crossed paths in Los Angeles in 2017 through a mutual friend. “The moment I met Angad, I was captivated by his intelligence, eloquence, and, of course, his charm,” Elisa recalls. “There was an immediate spark, and we ended up talking for hours that night. It felt so natural, like reconnecting with someone I’d known for years. That instant connection led us to start dating right away, and our journey together began.”
As their relationship blossomed, the couple shared a passion for travel, making it a priority to explore new destinations together. “No matter how hectic life gets, we always carve out time for adventures, believing that immersing ourselves in different cultures and expanding our perspectives is vital,” Elisa explains. Their early travels took them to Japan, a country they loved so much they returned four years later in March 2023. “I suspected Angad was planning to propose during that trip, but I didn’t know exactly when or where,” Elisa shares. “He proposed beneath a stunning cherry blossom tree, just as the blooms were reaching their peak in late March. My sister Francesca, who had been carrying the ring in her jacket, hid nearby to capture the moment. It was a simple, intimate scene-absolutely perfect. That evening, we celebrated with champagne and sweets at our traditional Japanese inn, or ryokan.”
For her engagement ring, Elisa had previously expressed her desire for a three-stone design, inspired by her late maternal grandmother’s ring. “Before she passed, she told me the three stones represented ‘ieri, oggi e domani‘-which translates to ‘yesterday, today, and tomorrow’ in Italian. That memory still brings tears to my eyes,” she says. Angad honored this sentiment by selecting a ring reminiscent of Grace Kelly’s style, featuring an emerald-cut diamond flanked by tapered baguette side stones.
Choosing a wedding location was straightforward for the couple. Rome, a city rich in history and timeless beauty, was the ideal setting. Elisa grew up spending summers at her family’s farm in Italy, and the couple’s first international trip together was there as well. “Most importantly, we adore the city’s historic charm and eternal allure,” Elisa notes. “Hosting our wedding in Rome, with all our loved ones gathered in one of the world’s most beautiful and storied cities, was an unforgettable experience that we will cherish forever.”
The celebration was anything but modest. The couple embraced their diverse cultural backgrounds by organizing a vibrant, multi-day wedding that combined Sikh and Roman Catholic traditions, welcoming 300 guests over four days of festivities. The itinerary included a mehndi, a sangeet, a tholi ceremony, a baraat, an Anand Karaj ceremony, and a Catholic wedding at the historic Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, a church dating back to the third century B.C. Planning such a comprehensive event took nearly two years, with the assistance of wedding planner Emma Docwra from Love Italy Weddings.
“Planning a multicultural destination wedding involves meticulous detail,” Elisa explains. “We made multiple trips to Rome and India for vendor meetings, venue tastings, and planning sessions. We wanted everything to run smoothly and to create unforgettable memories for everyone involved. Our families played a significant role in the process, making the entire journey even more meaningful.”
The sangeet night, held on September 21 at Palazzo Brancaccio-a historic residence nestled in the heart of Rome-featured lush gardens and opulent interiors. The evening began with a tholi ceremony, a Sikh tradition symbolizing the bride’s departure from her family home and her new life with her husband. “We made our grand entrance into the gardens to Frank Sinatra’s ‘All or Nothing at All,’ setting the tone for the weekend,” the couple recalls. “Following the tholi procession, we surprised our guests with a private performance by Jaz Dhami, a renowned Punjabi R&B artist flown in from London. His appearance sparked incredible energy and excitement-an unforgettable highlight of the night.”
Elisa chose a modern Indian sharara set for the sangeet, aiming to express her personality and have fun. “This was the event where I wanted to feel glamorous and a bit daring,” she says. “I selected an off-shoulder, embroidered white ensemble with silver sequins and crystals from Indian designer Seema Gujral. It draped beautifully, making me feel both elegant and comfortable. The ornate interiors of Palazzo Brancaccio complemented the look perfectly.” She accessorized with embroidered shoes from Mach & Mach and jewelry borrowed from Angad’s family, adding sentimental value to her ensemble. “Wearing pieces with such significance meant a lot to me, especially as a way to honor loved ones who couldn’t be with us,” she shares. Angad opted for a tailored black suit by Canali, paired with an Hermès tie and pocket square, and finished with Tom Ford shoes. “He also wore my late grandfather’s tie clip, a cherished gift from him before he passed,” Elisa adds.
