Siena and Anjay
Siena and Anjay’s Miami Wedding Blended Love, Family, and Two Cultures
Siena Vadakal, a pediatrician, and Anjay Shah, an ophthalmologist, began their love story in the most fitting place for two future doctors: medical school. The couple first met during orientation at the University of Florida, standing next to each other in line for photographs. What began as an easy conversation slowly developed into a close friendship.
Anjay soon began joining game nights with Siena’s friends and finding excuses to spend more time with her. Siena, meanwhile, was unsure whether he was simply being friendly or trying to make his feelings known. The answer came the night before winter break, when Anjay finally confessed how he felt. Caught off guard, Siena replied, “I don’t not like you.” That playful response marked the beginning of something much deeper.
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The couple spent the next four years dating throughout medical school, supporting each other through the challenges and milestones of their demanding education. Eventually, as they considered where they would complete their residencies, they realized that their futures were already intertwined.
Their engagement story was equally memorable. After Anjay hinted that he was thinking about proposing, Siena jokingly told him that he would first need her father’s approval. During a weekend visit to Siena’s family home, Anjay asked her parents for their blessing early one Saturday morning. They immediately said yes. What they did not know was that Siena was awake in her room and heard the entire conversation. For her, that became the real proposal—a moment when she knew Anjay was truly committed to building a life with her.
The official proposal took place in Cancun, Mexico, during a beach photoshoot. As Anjay got down on one knee, Siena smiled, laughed, and twirled with excitement. Anjay, meanwhile, could finally breathe a sigh of relief. The couple celebrated afterward with a candlelit beachside dinner.
The wedding took place on June 6, 2026, at the Miami Marriott Dadeland in Miami, Florida, with 240 guests. Miami was a natural choice for the celebration. Siena was born and raised there and has always considered it home, while Anjay’s grandfather lives nearby in Orlando.
The festivities began with an intimate Mehndi Night at Siena’s home, followed by a cheerful Haldi decorated in orange, yellow, white, and marigold flowers. The Sangeet became a vibrant celebration of both backgrounds, featuring colorful linens, South Indian-inspired elements, banana leaves, uruli dishes filled with floating flowers, Garba, Sangeet performances, Mehndi stations, and the Malayali tradition of Madharam Veppa. Cuban food also gave guests a taste of Miami.
The wedding itself featured both a Hindu and Catholic ceremony. The Hindu ceremony was held indoors in the morning with light floral arrangements and gold accents, while the Catholic ceremony took place at St. Catherine of Siena Church, Siena’s home church since childhood.
Anjay’s Florida roots made his Baraat entrance particularly memorable. He arrived in a bright orange Jeep, waving a giant Florida Gator flag, accompanied by upbeat Bollywood hits and Western favorites.
The reception transformed the ballroom into an elegant night under the stars, with starry draping, blush pink and white flowers, and gold Chiavari chairs. Entrances began with the couple’s parents, followed by cousins and the bridal party before Siena and Anjay made their grand entrance.
One of the evening’s most touching moments came through a video prepared by Anjay’s father, Prerak. The video featured separate interviews with Siena and Anjay answering questions about each other and their relationship. Hearing their answers for the first time brought laughter, surprises, and heartfelt emotions.
The couple also added deeply personal touches to their celebration. Knowing they might not get enough one-on-one time with every guest, they wrote personal letters to each guest or family, sharing their gratitude and favorite memories. “Seeing their reactions—the laughter, tears, and appreciation—filled our hearts,” they recalled.
Family involvement extended to the details, including assembling the traditional Mantrakodi tray. In another serendipitous moment, the venue hosted a flower show the night before the wedding. Rather than allowing the flowers to go to waste, the family collected them and created additional bouquets for the celebration.
Perhaps the biggest “wow” moment was seeing guests from different backgrounds embrace each other’s traditions. “It was so beautiful to see both sides enjoying our celebration,” the couple shared. From participating in Madharam Veppa to learning Garba steps, their guests became part of a celebration that truly reflected their shared life.
Their advice to other couples is simple: “Limit any ego and be flexible.” For Siena and Anjay, the wedding was ultimately not about perfect details, but about creating an experience where everyone felt loved, included, and celebrated.
