Sarah Dada and Shawn Harris’ fall fete was steeped in tradition, drawing on Sarah’s South Asian heritage and uniting it with Shawn’s hometown of Los Angeles. Vibrant, rich colors of deep red and gold filled The Garden at Redbird, and colorful organic florals ebulliently reflected the wedding’s theme of joy. A baraat, a traditional Indian wedding procession involving the groom, kicked off the festivities. In a humorous take on this custom in which the groom rides in on a horse, Shawn arrived on a stick horse crafted by his godmother, a 6-foot version of a childhood hobbyhorse. Two brothers played dhols, a type of double-sided drum, and the Hindu priest from Sarah’s childhood married the couple. The vow ceremony was officiated by Brian Sonia-Wallace, Shawn’s childhood friend and the poet laureate of West Hollywood. Sarah and Shawn both wore traditional South Asian attire—as did most of the guests. Sarah wore a red and gold lehenga and accessories made by artisans in India; and Shawn, a gold and red velvet sherwani. The day incorporated Shawn’s love of music (he’s been a musician since age 10) and Sarah’s infectious love of food, which the culinary team at Redbird aced.
