California Wedding Fuses South Asian Traditions with Surrealist Art

On a warm evening in June, Madeleine Kelley and Amar Singh celebrated their union in a unique wedding held at Kelley’s family home in Calistoga, California. The event, which took place over the weekend of June 14, 2025, beautifully blended South Asian cultural traditions with elements inspired by surrealist art, reflecting the couple's diverse backgrounds and personal interests.

The couple, who met during a fateful encounter in Brooklyn, New York, quickly developed a long-distance relationship between Los Angeles and New York City. Amar Singh, a product manager at Google, proposed to Kelley during a surprise visit to Rome, showcasing his commitment to creating memorable experiences for their relationship. The couple chose to marry at Kelley’s family home, a decision made shortly after the proposal, emphasizing the significance of familial ties in their celebration.

The wedding festivities included a sangeet at The Estate Yountville and a rehearsal dinner at The Charter Oak in St. Helena, the same venue where Kelley’s parents held their rehearsal dinner 33 years prior. The couple enlisted the help of Shannon Leahy Events, known for her expertise in orchestrating weddings that balance creative vision with logistical ease. According to Shannon Leahy, founder of Shannon Leahy Events, "The couple's vision was both ambitious and inspiring, merging cultural traditions with artistic expression."

The aesthetic of the wedding was a direct reflection of the couple's interests, particularly their love for surrealist art. “Inspired by magic, dreams, and ceremony, we worked to craft an aesthetic that married South Asian traditions with surrealist flourishes,” Kelley explained. This theme was introduced to guests through the wedding invitation suite designed by Emily Baird, culminating in a surrealist afterparty in a barn on their property. Amar Singh, who has a deep appreciation for surrealist artists such as Joan Miró and Salvador Dalí, highlighted the importance of incorporating these artistic elements into their wedding celebration.

Fashion played a significant role in depicting their cultural backgrounds. Kelley collaborated with bridal stylist Alisha Datwani, who specializes in cross-cultural wedding styling, to curate a wardrobe that reflected both South Asian traditions and Kelley's personal style. Kelley wore a vintage 1990s Max Mara dress for the rehearsal dinner, inspired by Sofia Loren’s look in the film *The Black Orchid*. The couple ensured that their clothing choices resonated with their heritage, exemplified by Singh's modern tuxedo shirt designed by Antar-Agni, adorned with a floral boutonniere that matched Kelley's hair accessories.

The wedding not only celebrated their union but also served as a platform to honor their family histories and cultures. The incorporation of traditional elements, such as the sangeet and baraat, allowed the couple to engage their guests in a meaningful cultural experience.

As the event drew to a close, guests reflected on the seamless blend of traditions and artistic expression that defined Kelley and Singh’s wedding. The couple's unique approach to their celebration has set a precedent for future weddings, demonstrating that love can indeed transcend cultural boundaries while paying homage to one's roots. With their journey just beginning, Kelley and Singh's wedding marks a significant moment in their lives, filled with creativity, love, and the promise of a shared future.