Destination wedding

from The Annual Issue 2024

KRISHNA + PRASHAY | TEXAS

When you say, “I DO!” at El Dorado Spa Resorts, Azul Beach Resort or Generations Riviera Maya, you are in expert hands. Our team of specially trained wedding designers are well versed with the needs of South Asian weddings; working hand in hand with you to ensure your wedding dreams, become a reality. Your destination wedding at our resorts will be a celebration of pure joy, sure to set the tone for a long and happy life together.

Our love story began at a cozy downtown patisserie called Thierry on February 10, 2017, as we embarked on a journey that would forever shape our lives. It all began with a simple greeting and a shared smile, but as we settled into our seats and our conversation flowed, time seemed to slip away.

Our stories intertwined effortlessly, revealing layers of shared values, beliefs, aspirations, and a deep-seated love for family. In those hours of conversation, over the smallest pieces of cake that should not have taken over three hours to eat, we quickly realized our strong connection that came from our shared values, beliefs, goals and dreams.

One unforgettable first date turned into quickly moving in together within the year, starting our family by adding a playful puppy into our lives, and then getting engaged in the most breathtakingly romantic experience on top of a mountain in Maui at sunset on September 4, 2022.

When it came to planning our wedding for July 28, 2023, we envisioned an intimate and romantic outdoor ceremony to celebrate our love, as we walked back down the aisle to a song that quickly became the theme to our big day, “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love).” The lyrics perfectly captured the essence of our journey together — filled with moments of laughter, shared dreams and a love that grows stronger with each passing day. We paired this with an elegant, modern-day Gatsby reception to show our love for style and sophistication.

In the warm glow of a breathtakingly beautiful sunny Vancouver day, under a romantic archway full of lush white blossoms, we sealed our forever among an outpouring of love and joy from 80 of our closest family and friends who have witnessed our growth as individuals and as a couple.

We made the heartfelt decision to have a dear family friend officiate our wedding, to ensure our ceremony was personal, authentic, and filled with love and cherished memories. Other special aspects we included in our wedding day to help create a wonderfully relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for our guests were a live singer, lawn games galore, and a dessert cart with delicious bite sized treats and traditional chai.

Devon and I wanted to be able to gaze into each other’s eyes, hold hands, exchange heartfelt vows and share kisses and intimate embraces during our wedding ceremony. Recognizing that these intimate moments wouldn’t align with the customs of a Gurdwaras setting, we opted instead for an outdoor ceremony. This choice allowed us

RUMEN + DEVON | VANCOUVER

the freedom to express our love and commitment to each other in a way that was deeply meaningful and personal to both of us.

Another big factor that played a part in us wanting to have a western style wedding ceremony was the deep bond we have with our dog Chloe, who we wanted to integrate into our special day. We decided on not having a large bridal party at all, and only had Chloe there beside us as our flower girl. Chloe’s matching lace and pearl dress to my wedding gown definitely stole the show, as she ran down the aisle into Devon’s arms. She even had two custom made lehengas for the maiyan and choora ceremony that complimented my traditional outfits. Ultimately, our wedding day was made even more meaningful and memorable with Chloe by our side. She brought a sense of comfort, happiness, and completeness to our celebration, reminding us of the simple joys and unconditional love that enrich our lives everyday.

When it came to our wedding reception, we aimed to create a joyful and inclusive atmosphere, uniting our friends and family together for the first time. We chose to mark our first moments as being announced husband and wife by entering the reception and signaling all of our 200 guests to join us on the dance floor. This truly was one of the biggest highlights of our evening, with almost every single guest in attendance having the time of their lives alongside us to the song “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”. This truly set the tone for a very memorable and festive occasion.

Devon and I wanted to honor the love and inspiration provided by our parents and grandparents, who have served as strong role models in our lives. To commemorate this, we set up a special entrance table at our reception. On this table, we displayed photos of our parents and grandparents from either their own weddings or their initial meetings and memorable moments. This gesture not only celebrated the enduring love in our families but also paid tribute to the foundations of love and commitment that shaped our own relationship.

As we embark on this new chapter of our lives, we carry with us the belief that our love story is just beginning. In of all our wedding events as a celebration of love’s ability to transform ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. In each other we have found our forever home — a place where love booms endlessly, joy knows no bounds, and our happily ever after unfolds with each passing day.

-@rum_luv