In the world of love stories, some encounters feel as if they are scripted by fate itself. Such was the case for marketing executive Elisa Crutchfield and filmmaker Angad Aulakh, who crossed paths in Los Angeles through a mutual friend back in 2017. From the moment they met, Elisa was captivated by Angad's sharp intellect, articulate manner, and undeniable charm. “As soon as I met Angad, I was immediately drawn in by his intellect, how well spoken he was, and, of course, his looks,” Elisa recalls fondly.

The chemistry between them was instantaneous, leading to an evening filled with deep conversation that seemed to stretch for hours. “It felt like talking to someone I had known for years—it was all so natural and organic,” she says. This serendipitous meeting quickly evolved into a romantic relationship, marking the beginning of an unforgettable journey together.

The couple soon discovered a shared passion for travel, making it a priority to explore the world despite their busy lives. “No matter how busy life gets, we always prioritize exploring new places, and mutually believe that experiencing other cultures and broadening your worldview is absolutely essential,” Elisa explains. Their first major trip as a couple took them to Japan, a destination they cherished enough to revisit four years later in March 2023.

While in Japan, Elisa had a feeling something special was on the horizon. “I was relatively certain that Angad was planning to ask me to marry him on that trip, but I didn’t know when and where it would happen,” she recalls. The moment came beneath the stunning blossoms of a cherry tree, perfectly timed with the peak of cherry blossom season. “He asked me underneath the blossoms of a beautiful cherry tree, as we had made it to Japan just in time for the cherry blossoms to be in bloom near the end of March.” To add a personal touch, Elisa’s sister, Francesca, had discreetly carried the engagement ring in her jacket and was nearby to capture the moment with photographs.

The engagement was a beautifully intimate affair. “The whole thing was beautifully low-key and perfect. That night, we all celebrated together with Champagne and desserts at our ryokan,” Elisa shares, reminiscing about the joy of that special day.

When it came to the design of her engagement ring, Elisa had previously expressed to Angad her desire for a three-stone ring, symbolizing her late maternal grandmother’s ring. “Before she passed, she told me the three stones on her ring resembled ‘ieri, oggi e domani,’ which means ‘yesterday, today, and tomorrow’ in Italian. It still makes me cry thinking about it,” she confides. Angad, attentive to this significance, chose a ring that mirrored the elegance of Grace Kelly with an exquisite emerald-cut diamond at its center, flanked by tapered baguette side stones.

As the couple began planning their wedding, choosing a venue was an effortless decision. Rome emerged as the ideal location for their nuptials. For Elisa, the choice was particularly meaningful; she spent her childhood summers visiting her family farm in Italy, and the couple's very first trip abroad occurred in this enchanting country. Moreover, Rome served as a central location, making it easier for Angad’s multi-continental family to attend. “But most importantly, we love the history and timeless beauty of the eternal city,” Elisa explains passionately. The couple envisioned welcoming their closest friends and family to Rome—one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the world—to celebrate this significant milestone in their lives. “This experience was something we’ll never forget,” she adds, capturing the essence of their love story.