Published on October 26, 2026
Read the full exclusive feature on PEOPLE.com.
“It was very important for us to touch on all aspects of who we are and our different cultures,” the bride tells PEOPLE
Professional golfer Sahith Theegala‘s latest milestone happened off the course.
The PGA Tour star, 28, said “I do” to content creator Julianna “Juju” Chan, 29. The couple wed in a Hindu ceremony on Friday, Oct. 23, and in a Western ceremony the next day on Saturday, Oct. 24, at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, a luxury resort nestled on the northwestern shore of Maui in Hawaii.
“Getting married on Maui, my favorite island, is my absolute dream,” the bride exclusively tells PEOPLE. “It is such a special place to both of us.”
Theegala and Chan, who celebrated four years together in September, met as student athletes at Pepperdine University in California in 2015. At the time, Theegala was on the golf team while Chan was on the swim and dive team. The two had the same major, sport administration, and, therefore, the same classes, so they quickly connected.
“We were really close friends for about seven years before we started dating in 2022,” Chan shares. “We got engaged in October 2025 on the island of Kauai. It was so special and he flew out our family to share that moment with us as well.”
After getting engaged, Chan asked Theegala if there was any possibility they could marry in Hawaii. Without a second thought, he said yes.
“We have both spent a lot of time in Hawaii both together and growing up in California,” Chan says. “It is our favorite place in the world and we are so excited to be able to bring all our favorite people to our favorite place for this special week!”
The pair were “really drawn to the natural beauty of Hawaii,” so they leaned into “tropical elements” while remaining “pretty modern.” They worked with Hawaiian Islands wedding producer Mauna Creative.
“I wanted it to feel very authentic to our style which is very clean and modern while still allowing the natural Hawaiian aspects to shine,” Chan explains.
Wedding ceremony setup.Credit: CHRIS J. EVANS
Wedding reception tablescapes.Credit: CHRIS J. EVANS
The Western wedding ceremony had a green and neutral color palette while the Hindu ceremony incorporated yellow and light pink hues.
The festivities began with a “Dumplings and Dosas” welcome party that blended the bride and groom’s cultures. Dumplings are traditional Chinese cuisine while dosas are a common South Indian dish.
“It was very important for us to touch on all aspects of who we are and our different cultures,” Chan tells PEOPLE. “We have some nods to Sahith’s Indian and Hindu heritage, my Chinese American heritage, and the local Hawaiian culture. We really envisioned having all these parts of who we are feeling like they blend together throughout the weekend.”
Theegala adds, “My Indian heritage and Hindu culture is really important to me and having the Hindu ceremony along with our Western ceremony feels like such a great blend of our two cultures that have shaped my life. It’s really special to have our families come together in two separate settings and share the one thing that is most important to us, which is love for each other and them.”
Rain was forecast throughout the day on Oct. 24, and it “rained quite heavily” as Theegala and Chan were finishing getting dressed, says Jennifer Pletcher, founder and creative director of Mauna Creative. She was greeted by “dark skies and waterspouts surrounding the island” when she arrived. But just as the couple departed for their first look, the skies began to clear, right when the forecast had called for the heaviest rainfall.
“What followed was nothing short of extraordinary: a glorious ceremony, the air cooled by the passing rain, and the couple seemingly blessed by the Hawaiian skies at this historic and deeply meaningful location,” Pletcher shares.
She continues, “The ceremony itself was equally special, led by a respected Maui elder whose presence brought such sincerity, cultural depth, and a wonderful sense of joy to the moment. It was a beautiful reminder that some of the most meaningful parts of a wedding day are the ones no amount of planning can create, only the ones you get to experience when everything comes together.”
The intimate destination celebration featured live ukulele music and was attended by 115 guests, including professional golfer Akshay Bhatia with wife Presleigh Bhatia, Theegala’s longtime caddie Carl Smith, and Full Swing producer Ella Briscoe. Rev. Adam Gomes, who was born and raised on the island of Maui, officiated.
The newlyweds are “so excited” to continue to “grow together” as husband and wife, and, eventually, as parents.
“I know Sahith is going to be the best dad and we are both feel really lucky to be able build a family together,” Chan shares.
Additional Credits:
Florals: March Floral Design
Videography: Emma K Films
Content Creation: The Sienic Journey
Hair and Makeup: Maui Makeup Artistry
Ceremony Music: Akoni
Reception Music: Garman
Rentals: Artisan Events Maui
Tent: Let’s Entertain Maui
Paperie: Kelly Kristin Design
Bridal Attendant: Courtney Cole
Dosa Bar: Cutting Edge Catering
Photo Bus: The Maui Photo Bus
