Shantel Vachani and Audel De La Torre

Shantel Vachani and Audel De La Torre first met on MySpace in 2006, but when it was time to think about commitment, Vachani wasn’t sure they had enough in common. “Don’t worry,” De La Torre told her, “In 50 years we’ll have everything in common.”

In 2010, De La Torre proposed at the Taj Mahal in India. Then on July 23, the Indian-American bride and Mexican-American groom tied the knot at Pasadena City Hall — twice. First came a Hindu ceremony in honor of Vachani’s roots, where De La Torre made the traditional entrance on horseback. During the second ceremony they were married again — by a Buddhist minister.

The reception was the first one ever held at Madame Tussauds Hollywood. Two hundred fifty friends and family attended, as well as Lady Gaga and Johnny Depp — or at least lifelike wax replicas of them. And as guests walked an awards-style red carpet to the rooftop gala, a photographer snapped their photos paparazzi style.

Coordination of both ceremonies and the reception was smoothly achieved by Beverly Harris Weddings & Events. “This couple is so vibrant,” said Harris, “and it was so touching to see the different cultures coming together so beautifully.”

Vachani, 32, is a lawyer for Public Counsel, a nonprofit public interest firm. De La Torre, 32, is an engineer with Southern California Edison.

—Maxine Nunes
Custom Publishing Writer