Reena Dhawan and Zach Watts’ Temecula Wedding Blended Indian and Western Traditions

Reena Dhawan and Zach Watts shaped their Temecula wedding around the things that matter to them: Indian and Western traditions, food, travel, Disney and time with family and friends. Their celebrations moved between Randhawa Ranch and Europa Village, with each event given its own theme and atmosphere. The result was personal rather than uniform, and offered guests a series of distinct ways to join in.

From a work trip to a shared home

The couple met on October 15, 2018, during a training session in Milford, Ohio. Reena, a product manager and Realtor, noticed Zach’s rebellious charisma. Their connection grew during a Wine Wednesday gathering, where a lingering goodbye hug hinted that the evening had become more than a work event.

When the training ended, Reena returned to California while Zach remained in Ohio. They continued their relationship across the distance, and Zach eventually moved to California. In September 2021, he proposed at Walt Disney World, choosing the Moroccan Pavilion as the setting. Reena said yes amid the crowd’s cheers. She later recalled that the moment stayed with her, adding that she “ugly-cry”ed as people celebrated with them.

Planning through real-life complications

The couple balanced busy careers with the work of creating several themed events. They chose Randhawa Ranch for the Mehndi, Haldi, Sangeet and Indian wedding, and Europa Village Resort for their symbolic ceremony and reception. The ranch’s philanthropic work related to rare diseases aligned with their own wish to make a positive difference.

Planning was not without strain. Temecula county rules nearly led them to cancel the ranch wedding twice. Cross-country moves, a family health crisis and a personal loss added further pressure. Reena led the creative vision, while High Touch Event handled the coordination. Photographer Shiv Reddy documented the celebration, and Symboll made the wedding film. Their experience is a reminder that a strong plan can still need flexibility when logistics and personal circumstances shift.

Mehndi: personal details among the traditions

The wedding week began with an intimate Mehndi gathering for close friends and family at the vineyard. Phil’s BBQ supplied a local favorite for the evening, while Reena wore a vibrant outfit by Mrunalini Rao and Zach chose a pastel floral kurta.

Reena’s henna brought their interests into the designs: a magic castle nodded to her love of Disney, while a dragon represented Zach’s affection for magic and mythical creatures. Guests also joined a playful search for Zach’s name hidden in the artwork. Zach had henna of his own, with Reena’s name tucked into the design; she found it quickly, despite his efforts to make the challenge difficult.

Haldi with a Palm Springs mood

The next day’s Haldi drew on Palm Springs style and opened with a scavenger hunt. Sip Sip Mobile Bar served Indian-inspired mocktails named “DDLJ,” “Summer in Amber Palace,” “Sweet SRK” and “Passion Pataka.” Lunch paired small Indian bites with In-N-Out burgers, a distinctly California addition to the menu.

Reena wore yellow Rahul Mishra with floral jewelry from The Vintage Snob; Zach wore a white kurta. The ceremony’s calm start gave way to a water-balloon fight, and guests ended up soaked and laughing. Shell pools and pink palm-tree backdrops completed the setting, keeping the event’s relaxed, playful character in focus.

Sangeet inspired by the proposal

The Moroccan Pavilion proposal inspired a Mediterranean theme for the Sangeet. Shawarma Shack SD served gyro meats, fries, hummus and Greek salads. Horse to Water poured “Santorini Mule” and “Moroccan Mojito” from a red vintage horse trailer, while an all-evening dessert station featured the couple’s favorite sweets. Elizabethan Desserts was also part of the Sangeet catering team.

Guests moved through a lively market using “RACH” money printed with Reena and Zach’s faces to purchase keepsakes. Blue-and-yellow tiles covered the dance floor, with hanging blue frills and lemon-and-olive-leaf centerpieces adding color overhead and around the tables. Performances by loved ones kept the night centered on the people closest to the couple.

Two ceremonies, two distinct looks

The Indian wedding morning began with an emotional first look in a rustic barn. Reena arrived by golf cart, and the doors opened for the couple to see each other. Zach wore a Jodhpuri sherwani by Mahavir Collections with a red mala. Reena’s custom red lehenga was by Ridhima Bhasin, paired with jewelry from Anaqa Jewelers.

Mountain views framed the ceremony. Roses lined the aisle to a flower-covered mandap, while French-inspired chairs and sun umbrellas shaped the guest seating. Snack-filled goody bags and lassi offered guests a thoughtful refreshment. Zach joined the baraat in a white car; Reena, veiled beneath a long train and accompanied by her bridesmaids, walked the floral aisle.

A traditional wedding game took an unexpected turn when Zach fell from the mandap and headed toward the hills. Guests were alarmed, but he felt calm and later connected that feeling to the protective presence of his late grandmother. Once everyone knew he was well, the celebration continued. The meal included live dosa stations, Indian favorites such as Reena’s preferred goat biryani, and a coffee cart serving summer-inspired iced drinks.

For their Western ceremony, the couple chose Europa Village’s European-inspired vineyard setting. This time, they skipped a first look and saved their reunion for the altar, accompanied by musicians playing aisle songs. Zach wore a classic tuxedo and Reena a white gown. Their officiant, Bethel, shaped the ceremony around their story. They also included an Irish handfasting: Zach’s father tied their hands as they exchanged vows.

Reena changed into a glittering Seema Gujral lehenga for the reception. The couple’s first dances took place beneath an artfully designed fig-tree dance floor. Dinner included short rib with paella, and Doh Creamery served ice cream and edible cookie dough. The evening wound down with an intimate after-party back at the ranch.

Wedding team

Randhawa Ranch hosted the Mehndi, Haldi, Sangeet and Indian wedding; Europa Village Resort hosted the symbolic ceremony and reception. High Touch Event planned the wedding, with floral decor by Simply Chesca. Reena’s outfits came from Mrunalini Rao, Rahul Mishra, Aisha Rao, Ridhima Bhasin, Luv Bridal and Seema Gujral. Zach’s outfits were by Mahavir Collections. Drea Makeup provided makeup, and Gopi Henna handled Mehndi. DJ Kush and String Poets supplied music and entertainment.

Catering credits include Chaatcuterie for the Haldi; Shawarma Shack SD and Elizabethan Desserts for the Sangeet; Charminar and Good Coffee Co for the Indian wedding; and Europa Village Resort and Doh Creamery for the symbolic ceremony and reception. Shiv Reddy photographed the events, and Symboll filmed them.

The wedding’s many visual themes never obscured its central idea: give each tradition room, make the details personal and let loved ones take part. For couples planning celebrations with multiple events, Reena and Zach’s approach shows how distinct menus, settings and attire can make each gathering feel connected without making every day look the same.

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