KRIPA + DHANESH | CALIFORNIA

from The Annual Issue 2024

ANU + SHIVAM | GEORGIA

Ihave always known that I would get married by the age of 25-26. Why? How? Where? With whom? Those questions I cannot answer for you. However, I can tell you that I was determined. If you were to ask any of my friends who they would think would get married first, their answer was always: “Kripa”. And indeed, I was the first one of my friends to get married at 26 years old.

I’m not sure how to begin our story except that it was meant to be. Dhanesh and I met in 2020, aka during COVID, and let’s just say our relationship was the best thing to come out during the time. From the moment Dhanesh and I met, it was clear that we just fit perfectly together, like he was a missing piece in my puzzle and vice versa. Our connection felt effortless and natural, as if the universe had conspired to bring us together. If you ask anybody, whether it’s friends or family, they’ll tell you the same thing: we are made for one another. It’s not just that we love each other deeply, but we truly understand each other. We get each other in a way that makes our bond unshakeable. Our quirks, which might seem odd to others, are perfectly matched. We embrace each other’s eccentricities and find joy in them.

For instance, we have this endearing habit of calling each other quirky nicknames like “potato” or “tubby.” It’s our own little language of love that makes us smile and feel closer to each other. These small, silly moments highlight how we appreciate and cherish the little things that make us unique. Our shared sense of humor and our ability to laugh together, even at the silliest things, strengthens our relationship every day.

One of the most magical moments in our story happened in Paris. Ever since I was a kid, I dreamed of visiting the City of Love and the Eiffel Tower. Dhanesh made that dream come true in November 2022. Not only that, he went above and beyond to plan a beautiful proposal overlooking the Eiffel Tower. It was cute because the day of, we went were in the Uber on the way to go up the Eiffel Tower and then he told me he suddenly booked a reservation at a nice bar in a nice hotel and wouldn’t tell me any more information except for the fact that I needed to wear a dress and be ready to leave by 5pm. Of course, I knew what was going to happen (proposal), yet I was still nervous. The moment we got to the Peninsula Hotel in Paris and someone took us up the stairs to the rooftop where the proposal was set up, it felt like I was in a dream. A literal dream come true, not only going to Paris with someone I truly love and care about, but also being proposed there. How can it get any better? My 12-year-old self to this day is still very ecstatic. A dream come true, a perfect moment that seemed like it was plucked straight out of a fairy tale. Dhanesh surely knows how to always make me happy.

Our journey continued to unfold beautifully, culminating in our traditional Indian wedding. It was a grand celebration with friends and family, filled with love and laughter. We were incredibly grateful for all our loved ones around us and all the help from our wonderful, caring family and friends. I had always dreamed of a fairytale wedding, and that’s exactly what I got. Walking through a beautiful floral arch at the beginning of the golden mirrored walkway, towards a gorgeous mandap, felt like stepping into a dream. The entire venue was breathtaking, adorned with beautiful florals and intricate decor. Our Maharaj was delightful by keeping our family, friends, and guests entertained by cracking jokes here and there, which added a light-hearted touch to the solemn rituals.

I opted for a non-traditional route and felt like a golden princess on my wedding day wearing a stunning ivory and gold Manish Malhotra lehenga. It looked absolutely gorgeous, perfectly complementing the venue and all the florals and decor. It was everything I had ever imagined and more as I have always wanted to wear a Manish Malhotra lehenga for my wedding.

For my reception, I wore a beautiful blue Gaurav Gupta lehenga and could not be any more happier with my choice. The signature Gaurav Gupta dupatta was attached to my off the shoulder blouse giving such a graceful princess look. It was so light and flowy and a show stopper. I was able to freely move and dance.

Our wedding and reception were a true celebration of our love and the start of our life together. Surrounded by the people who mean the most to us, we danced, laughed, and made memories that will last a lifetime. Nothing would have been possible if it weren’t for my amazing hair and makeup team (Denise for wedding and Drea for reception), my event planner Vanessa, our caterer Mantra, and to top it off, our florals and decor person - Helen with Better Choice Flowers. Looking back, I am filled with gratitude for every moment, knowing that our story is a beautiful blend of dreams fulfilled and love celebrated.

Vendors

Wedding Planner @vanessadomenechevents

Photo, Video & Same Day Edit @peternguyenstudio

Venue @veanewportbeach

Bride’s HMUA @artistrybydenise

Groom’s HMUA family @dreavmakeup

Bridal Couture @manishmalhotraworld and @guaravguptaofficial

Caterers @jaybharatfoodsla@sumitsharma_mantra

Florals @betterchoiceflowers

Rentals, Custom Mandap and Gold Gates @abovethetopevents

Linens @stephanieslinens

Mandap chairs @mtb_event_rentals

Baraat horse @horseforwedding

Bride Mehndi @nehaassar

Sign @herestous_design

Chairs @chiavarichairrentals

DJ @3dsounds

Bride’s wedding outfit: @manishmalhotra, @gauravgupta

Groom @dhanesh.solanki

VRITTI + ANKIT | FLORIDA

Here’s our unlikely love story: I was a girl in Detroit and Ankit was a guy in Atlanta, both trying our luck on a dating app. Amidst a sea of faces, we stumbled upon each other. Weeks of texting and facetiming transformed us from strangers into potential soulmates, our connection seemingly defying the 720-mile distance. Ankit, a neuroradiologist who had recently moved to Atlanta after finishing his fellowship, and I, an advanced bronchoscopist who decided to stay in Detroit after my fellowship, were excited to meet in person.

After initially talking and facetiming for a few weeks, Ankit made plans to visit me in Detroit amidst the glacial 0-degree weather. However, the week before our planned date, he had to reschedule last minute because of “friends coming to town.” I had almost written him off as a flake, but he called me three days before saying his “friends had canceled” and he was available last minute. True to his word, Ankit did meet me in Detroit, which was the beginning of our magical journey.

Despite the miles between us, our connection grew stronger with each passing day. We found ways to make it work, visiting each other whenever possible and making every moment count. Each trip was filled with adventure, from exploring the vibrant streets of Atlanta to enjoying the rich cultural tapestry of Detroit.

Deciding to get married, we knew it would be a grand affair. Organizing a Hindu wedding, known for its grandeur and multiple ceremonies, was no small feat, especially from a long distance. We chose Orlando, Florida, for its magical venues and beautiful March weather, making it a perfect central location for our friends and loved ones to gather.

Blending Punjabi and Gujarati cultures, we combined rituals and customs that were dear to both of us. Our parents’ involvement was pivotal. They handled countless phone calls with vendors and provided invaluable guidance on traditional rituals. Their experience and insight ensured that every detail, from the intricate mehndi designs to the elaborate mandap decorations, was perfect.

The wedding festivities spanned several days, filled with joy, laughter, and heartfelt moments. The Haldi ceremony was intimate and joyous, with everyone applying turmeric paste, symbolizing blessings and purification.

Unexpectedly, spontaneous bhangra dancing broke out amongst our families, filling the air with excitement and energy. For the Sangeet, I wanted to blend the traditional Punjabi customs of Jago with the Gujarati garba-raas, finishing with bhangra. It was a riot of colors and music, as family and friends performed choreographed dances, celebrating our union with exuberance.

Our wedding day was nothing short of magical. The vibrant colors and smoke-bombs at the baraat, along with color-smoke cannons at the wedding, created iconic moments for the entire wedding week. We worked closely with our decorator to create a unique floral mandap design and had customized matching outfits for the groomsmen, bridesmaids, and even cousins. The reception had an EDM vibe with LED light displays from our mandap, an LED screen, and a mentalist to give our guests a unique experience. The entertainment and element of surprise captivated our guests, setting our wedding apart from many other Indian weddings they had attended.

Even with the physical distance and logistical challenges, our wedding was a testament to love, resilience, and the power of family. Our parents’ unwavering support and the tireless efforts of our vendors made it possible for us to have the wedding of our dreams. It was a celebration not just of our love, but of the community that came together to support us.

As I look back on our journey, I am filled with gratitude for everyone who played a part in our story. From our initial match on a dating app to our magnificent wedding, every moment has been a testament to love’s ability to transcend boundaries. Our wedding was a beautiful culmination of our journey, a blend of tradition and modernity, and a celebration of the love and support that surrounded us.

Our story is a reminder that with love, determination, and the support of family and friends, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome. I am eternally grateful to our parents, whose vision and dedication made our dreams come true, and to our vendors, whose hard work and efforts ensured that every detail was perfect. Our wedding was more than just a ceremony; it was a celebration of love, unity, and the beginning of a new chapter in our lives.