Pro golfer Sahith Theegala and influencer Julianna “Juju” Chan recently celebrated a significant milestone in their lives, tying the knot in a two-part ceremony that beautifully blended their diverse cultural backgrounds. This special occasion took place at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, with a Hindu ceremony on October 23 and a Western ceremony on October 24.
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The couple, both 28 and 29 years old respectively, first met as student athletes at Pepperdine University in California in 2015. Theegala played for the golf team while Chan competed in swimming and diving. Their shared major in sport administration facilitated their initial connection, allowing them to forge a close friendship over the years. According to Chan, it wasn’t until 2022 that their relationship evolved into romance after seven years of camaraderie.
In a heartfelt revelation, Chan reflected on their engagement in October 2025 on the island of Kauai, where the couple celebrated with their families in attendance. The couple’s decision to wed in Hawaii stemmed from their mutual love for the islands, a sentiment that Chan expressed in an exclusive interview. “Getting married on Maui, my favourite island, is my absolute dream,” she shared. Both have spent considerable time in Hawaii and cherish it as a special place for their relationship.
The wedding was thoughtfully curated to encapsulate various cultural aspects reflective of the couple’s heritage, incorporating Indian, Chinese American, and local Hawaiian traditions. Wedding producer Mauna Creative was enlisted to help blend these elements while keeping the event modern and authentic to their style. “It was very important for us to touch on all aspects of who we are and our different cultures,” Chan explained.
The pre-wedding festivities included a “Dumplings and Dosas” welcome party, showcasing dishes that epitomised their heritage—dumplings, a staple in Chinese cuisine, and dosas, a popular South Indian food. “We envisioned having all these parts of who we are feeling like they blend together throughout the weekend,” Chan added, underscoring the couple’s desire for a cohesive celebration of their backgrounds.
On the day of the Western ceremony, weather conditions posed a challenge, with predictions of heavy rain dampening spirits. However, as Chan and Theegala prepared for their first look, the weather miraculously shifted, allowing for a spectacular ceremony set against a picturesque backdrop. Jennifer Pletcher, the founder and creative director of Mauna Creative, noted the extraordinary timing, as the rain subsided just in time for their vows.
The ceremony itself was led by a respected elder from Maui, adding a rich layer of cultural significance to the event. The blend of Hawaiians skies, a heartfelt service, and live ukulele music created a magical atmosphere for the intimate gathering of 115 guests. Among those in attendance were fellow professional golfer Akshay Bhatia and notable industry figures.
As they embark on their journey as a married couple, both Theegala and Chan expressed excitement about their future together. Chan conveyed her belief in Theegala’s capabilities as a father, stating, “I know Sahith is going to be the best dad, and we both feel really lucky to be able to build a family together.”
In a spirit of gratitude, the couple acknowledged the support from their families and friends who celebrated this life-changing moment with them, reflecting on the joy that comes from merging two identities into one loving partnership. The newlyweds look forward to growing together and creating lasting memories in the years to come.
The beautifully orchestrated wedding not only celebrated love but also illustrated the importance of cultural representation, showcasing how two distinct traditions can come together to create something truly unique and special.