l and Mihir Shah’s wedding was a beautiful blend of tradition, personal history, and a deep connection to their roots. Instead of opting for a distant destination, the couple chose to celebrate their union at Tarsadia Farms in Riverside, California, a place close to their hearts. The farm has been in Nishta’s family for three generations, and it felt like the perfect place to host this special occasion. “We were just like, ‘Wait. We have such a special farm. Why wouldn’t we do it where we’re based and share with our friends and family something that connected both of us?’” Nishta explained. The decision was even more meaningful given that Mihir’s father has a background in farming, which was one of the connections that brought the couple closer when they began dating.
Choosing Tarsadia Farms for their wedding meant that the entire area had to be reinvented. For Nishta and Mihir, this was a first-time effort needing major change. Mihir, co-founder of Shah Capital Ventures, found the process fascinating. “Everything was absolutely fresh; we actually created that acre,” he said. Just days before the wedding, he was astounded to observe how the area had changed from a tennis court to a glasshouse. Nishta saw this as the chance to fulfill her goal of a greenhouse on the property. “This was our picture of the future and what life might become for us. Finally, it came true; I had always fantasized of doing something like that. Originally a site of daily labor, the farm became a stage for events they would treasure always.
Nishta and Mihir wanted to keep things simple while yet honoring their Indian background. Although Indian weddings usually last several days, the couple chose a more private celebration on a Thursday. “Indian weddings usually last three or four days, but I believe we both have gone to so many that we were just like, ‘We don’t want to do that,’ Nishta said. Rather, they combined the customary ceremonies rather than doing them individually and shortened the daily rites into one day. “It was perfect,” she said. Mihir found it to be a stress-free approach to start their celebration. “And it created space for us to spend the rest of the weekend free from anxiety. Since at that moment we were technically married.
Friday’s welcome party provided an opportunity for the couple to spend quality time with their guests before the big day. Held at Nishta’s father’s golf course, the event had an intimate yet elegant vibe. “It was beautiful and not drawn-out,” Mihir remarked. They set up a cigar lounge and an outdoor area, creating a relaxed environment for everyone to mingle. It was a non-traditional approach that perfectly matched the couple’s vision for the weekend.
Nishta, a fashion enthusiast, took full advantage of the opportunity to express her style throughout the wedding celebrations. For her Indian ceremony, she wore a sari that was both unique and practical, designed to be worn again in the future. Her love for fashion shone through in her collaboration with Wiederhoeft, a designer she met during a visit to New York City with her bridal stylist, Tara Maietta. Wiederhoeft created a stunning custom pink dress for her. “It turned out stunning and I was so happy with it,” Nishta shared, describing how the dress’s layered design allowed her to create multiple looks throughout the weekend. For the welcome party, she chose a gold gown that made her feel radiant. “I just felt so beautiful in it, and I don’t typically feel that way in dresses like that,” she said.
Mihir, on the other hand, opted for a classic look, wearing a custom tuxedo from Klein Epstein Parker with Christian Louboutin shoes. The fitting process was simple and efficient. “I went there a week before the wedding, tried it on, and was like, ‘All right. It fits. Okay.’ It was a non-issue,” he shared. His brother and both fathers also wore custom suits from the same designer, adding a coordinated touch to the family’s look.
Turning the farm into a wedding venue involved considerable effort, but the results exceeded the couple’s expectations. Nishta avoided seeing the setup on the morning of the wedding to preserve the surprise. “Walking into the tent and just seeing all of it come to life [was] just so unreal to me. All of my dreams came to life,” she recalled. Mihir, who had stayed hands-off during much of the planning, was equally amazed. “Walking into this venue that I did not even know was a possibility an hour before…I thought, Wow, this is going to be the most epic night,” he said.
The couple’s personal touches made the celebration feel like an extension of their home. During the cocktail hour, framed photos of their families adorned the space, lending a warm and intimate atmosphere. “It really felt like you were arriving at a dinner party at our home. It was an experience the whole way through,” Mihir described.
One of the most special moments for Nishta was seeing guests enjoy the farm’s fresh produce. “One of Mihir’s mom’s best friends was picking strawberries and eating them, and she came to me and said, ‘These are the best strawberries.’ Having people experience what I planted and grew and seeing it just fill everyone up was very special,” she shared.
All Image credits: Sarah Falugo
