Finance

Poppy Thekdi and Ajay Mehta embarked on a four-day wedding celebration in Oaxaca City, Mexico, a destination deeply significant to their love story. Their journey began in 2020 during the global lockdown, with a serendipitous meeting at Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles. What started as an exchange of thoughts on world events and film recommendations blossomed into a profound connection, culminating in a surprise proposal at their first meeting spot. This meticulously planned destination wedding beautifully intertwined their Indian heritage with the vibrant local traditions of Oaxaca, creating an unforgettable experience for all who attended.

The couple's love story commenced in the unique circumstances of the 2020 lockdown. Poppy, a marketing professional at A24, and Ajay, a tech entrepreneur, initially connected through thoughtful messages. Their first in-person encounter was a picnic at Echo Park Lake, where they spent hours discussing their aspirations, families, and artistic passions. This instant rapport made them feel as if they had known each other forever. Following that initial meeting, they continued to meet weekly, often cooking together, hiking in the Angeles Forest, and taking weekend trips across Southern California. Poppy humorously noted that this period served as excellent preparation for retirement, given their shared enjoyment of each other's company.

Four years into their relationship, Ajay orchestrated a memorable proposal back at Echo Park Lake. Despite having frequented the park countless times, they had never indulged in the charming swan boats. Ajay's spontaneous suggestion for a boat ride set the scene. Once on the water, he knelt and proposed, much to Poppy's surprise and delight. Her joyful acceptance led to an enthusiastic kiss, momentarily leaving their swan boat adrift among the water lilies. After swiftly navigating back to safety, a passerby reportedly witnessed a fish jumping from the lake, a sign Poppy interpreted as good fortune. The couple then celebrated their engagement properly, cherishing the magical moment.

Oaxaca City held a special place in their hearts, having been the destination for their first Valentine's Day trip, where they were captivated by its art, cuisine, and culture. This made it an obvious choice for their wedding, transforming the event into a holiday for their guests during Valentine's weekend in 2026. Poppy emphasized the joy of a destination wedding, allowing everyone to relax, explore Mexico, and fully immerse themselves in the festivities. Their extensive four-day itinerary included welcome drinks, an excursion to Monte Alban, a sangeet-inspired dinner, the main wedding ceremony and reception at the Jardín Etnobotánico, and a farewell brunch. Coming from Indian-origin families, Poppy highlighted that extended celebrations were inherent to their cultural background. To ensure a seamless guest experience, they visited Oaxaca City multiple times, curating recommendations and itineraries. They even developed a personalized website featuring a digital map of all wedding locations and local attractions, aiming to make guests feel welcomed and at home.

The couple's wedding was a beautiful tribute to cultural fusion. As first and second-generation Indian-Americans, they sought to harmonize their heritage with the rich traditions of Oaxaca. They enlisted Mexico City-based wedding planner Lupita Tirado, who played a pivotal role in realizing their vision. Collaborating with the non-profit Cosa Buena, they sourced authentic local textiles, pottery, and mezcal for their guests. Their paper goods designer and friend, Linsey Fields, arrived early to find additional decorative elements from local artisans, further personalizing the celebration.

Their wedding attire also reflected this blend of cultures, showcasing Indian craftsmanship within modern designs. Poppy and Ajay explored both Indian and American brands to find pieces that genuinely represented their individual styles. For the initial celebrations, Ajay wore an off-white ensemble from Kartik Research, adorned with intricate Indian embroidery, while Poppy chose a silk Dries Van Noten creation, accessorized with a bag from Tigra Tigra, a brand known for its collaborations with Indian weavers. At the welcome party sangeet, Poppy, with the help of stylist Keerit Kaur, selected a blue pearl skirt set and dupatta from Kynah, calling it her "something blue." Ajay opted for a hand-painted vest from Anita Dongre and gemstone-embellished trousers from Bode for the event. For the ceremony, Poppy initially envisioned a traditional red sari but was swayed by a Vivienne Westwood Nova Cocotte gown she discovered in Los Angeles. She found its classic corsetry, matte fabric, and organic drapery perfectly suited to their historic venue. She complemented the gown with pearl earrings—a birthday gift from Ajay—and a gold bangle inherited from her grandmother. Her bridal beauty look featured a simple up-do adorned with gajra, a traditional Indian jasmine flower garland. Later, for the reception, she changed into an embellished crimson sari from Matsya, draped in a classic Gujarati style with her mother's assistance, allowing for greater freedom of movement.

Ajay, in a nod to Poppy's choice of a white gown, opted for a classic black tuxedo for the ceremony. He collaborated with High Society, a second-generation Korean-American-owned bespoke tailor in Los Angeles. Brandon from High Society crafted a custom shirt, bowtie, and cummerbund from imported Indian dupioni silk, adding a unique texture and subtle shimmer that honored Ajay's heritage. This thoughtful detail made his seemingly standard tuxedo deeply personal.

For the evening's dancing, Poppy chose a custom mini-dress from Portuguese brand Béhen, made from vintage Varanasi silk sari fabric and adorned with "abhla" mirror embroidery from her parents' home state of Gujarat. She paired this with mirrored stockings from Yoshita 1967 and white leather pumps from Maison Margiela, expressing her admiration for both contemporary brands. The festivities began with a rehearsal dinner at Las Danzantes and welcome drinks at Selva Bar, where mezcal-based cocktails were a highlight, celebrating Oaxaca's renowned spirit. The next morning, guests toured the ancient city of Monte Alban. The welcome dinner at Criollo, Enrique Olvera’s restaurant, coincided with Valentine's Day and included a three-course meal, a henna artist, piñatas, and curated welcome bags. The evening transformed into an energetic sangeet with Indian music, featuring a talented DJ who had everyone, from children to elders, on the dance floor.

The wedding ceremony was held at Patio del Huaje, a stone-paved passage adjacent to Jardín Etnobotánico. Poppy was captivated by the space's beauty and the seamless transition it offered to the reception area through the garden. Embracing simplicity, they minimally decorated the area, focusing on a custom oak mandap, a stone havan fire pit, and tuberose garlands created by their florist, Dia Uno, all honoring traditional Indian wedding aesthetics. The couple chose a fusion ceremony, blending Western and Indian customs. Officiated by Poppy’s cousins, Seema and Nishant, the ceremony included readings of poems by Ada Limon and excerpts from the Bhagavad Gita. Sitar and tabla players from Mexico City added an authentic Indian musical touch. Following the four pheras, the couple exchanged personal vows, making the ceremony truly magical.

Ajay shared his deep emotion as Poppy walked down the aisle to Zeca Veloso’s “Todo Homen,” reflecting on his profound connection to his 94-year-old grandfather, a significant role model in his life. The ceremony culminated in a joyous cocktail hour in a Brutalist courtyard, where the couple's curated playlist of Brazilian tropicalia, West African funk, Jamaican dancehall, and American soul set a vibrant mood. A traditional Oaxacan brass band procession led guests to the reception tent, where a Bossa Nova trio continued the musical journey. The evening featured dinner, touching speeches from their families, and spirited Bollywood dance performances, including an elaborate, choreographed routine by the mothers, described by Poppy as something out of a Bollywood film. The reception also included a mezcal tasting table adorned with local textiles and pottery, and a dessert spread by Maria Amaria offering Indian-inspired treats like gulab jamun and cardamom-infused choux towers. DJ Charles Moon and the groom's best friend Eli kept the dance floor lively, with late-night tacos and chilaquiles fueling the celebration. The following morning, a farewell Indian brunch at Quinta Real, with chai, mango lassi, and chole bhature, provided a final, delightful gathering for their guests.

Ultimately, the couple reflected on their wedding as a profound experience, not just for them but for the opportunity to unite their loved ones in a beautiful new setting. They expressed gratitude for the collective effort and joy, wishing they could relive every moment of the thoughtfully planned and culturally rich celebration.

When it comes to men's fashion, the choice of footwear plays a crucial role in defining the overall impression of an outfit, especially when donning a gray suit. This comprehensive guide, informed by insights from leading tailoring experts, emphasizes that successful shoe pairing extends far beyond mere color matching. It’s an intricate dance between the suit's shade, fabric texture, and overall formality, all contributing to a harmonious and polished appearance.

The Nuances of Pairing Footwear with Gray Suits

Selecting the ideal shoes for a gray suit involves a sophisticated understanding of several factors, as highlighted by fashion authorities like Chase Winfrey, editorial director of J. Mueser, and Mark Cho, co-founder of The Armoury. Their collective wisdom underscores the importance of the suit's material and cut in dictating footwear choices. According to Winfrey, “The biggest determining factor in finding the right footwear for a gray suit is going to be your cloth,” noting that a worsted wool charcoal suit projects a more formal aura than a linen one.

The journey begins with color. Lighter gray suits, typically perceived as more casual, pair exquisitely with softer, lighter shoes such as tan leather, suede, or loafers. In contrast, dark gray suits, including charcoal, demand more subdued footwear. Black is a timeless choice for these darker shades, though dark brown can also be an excellent option, particularly when the ensemble leans slightly more relaxed. Cho elaborates, “With dark gray, I like darker colors such as black, dark brown, or navy,” while for lighter grays, he suggests tan or even white nubuck for a distinctly summery vibe. The experts unanimously caution against the high-contrast look of chestnut leather shoes with dark suits, a trend from the late 2000s, advocating for darker tones that maintain sartorial elegance.

Beyond color, fabric texture is paramount. A smooth, finely woven worsted wool suit, inherently formal, calls for sleek, polished leather shoes, perhaps in black, dark brown, or even a rich cordovan like burgundy or oxblood. The goal is to avoid anything overly casual or soft. Conversely, suits with tactile qualities, such as flannel or tweed, which possess greater volume and depth, benefit from shoes that echo this texture. Suede, grained leather, or shoes with chunkier soles can create a cohesive look. Winfrey advises, “Something with a little bit of texture that’s going to echo what your suit has.” The principle here is completion, not imitation; a soft suit with overly shiny shoes can create a discordant visual.

Finally, the suit's cut and intended formality significantly influence shoe selection. Structured tailoring, often featuring pleated or cuffed trousers, demands classic footwear. Lace-ups, brogues, or shoes with substantial presence are ideal companions. Mark Cho, known for his preference for cuffed and pleated trousers for comfort and drape, consistently pairs such tailoring with traditional shoes. For more relaxed suits, particularly those made from linen, a lighter, more forgiving fabric, the footwear can follow suit. Winfrey suggests, “A suede loafer… something with a little bit of texture,” encouraging a more playful approach. The overarching message is to maintain consistency between the suit's structure and the shoe's formality to avoid a mismatched appearance.

In essence, while guidelines regarding color, texture, and formality provide a strong framework, personal intuition remains a valuable tool. As Winfrey wisely concludes, if you find yourself overthinking, simply choose your favorite shoes. This sentiment underscores that fashion, while guided by principles, ultimately thrives on individual expression and confidence.

Reflecting on Personal Style and Confidence

This exploration into shoe and suit pairing offers more than just fashion rules; it's a lesson in understanding how subtle details can profoundly impact one's presentation. It highlights that true style emanates from a thoughtful consideration of every element, ensuring that each piece not only complements the others but also reflects the wearer's personality and the occasion. The advice from these tailoring masters reminds us that while trends come and go, timeless elegance is achieved through an appreciation for fabric, form, and harmony. Ultimately, dressing well is not about rigidly adhering to dictates but about cultivating an informed sensibility that allows for both adherence to tradition and confident personal flair. It's about knowing when to follow the guidelines and when to trust your gut, creating a look that is both impeccable and authentically you.