In the bustling halls of Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston, the stars aligned for Dr. Devina & Dr. Russell. Both in their first year of residency, fate brought them together during a hectic day in the ICU. What started as a brief shift together soon became a deep connection. Sparks were flying," Devina fondly recalls, as they exchanged numbers under the guise of patient consultations but with hearts already intertwined.
Amidst the challenges of the COVID pandemic, their love story persevered. As frontline healthcare workers, their roles only solidified their bond. Despite the distance between New York City and Boston, every FaceTime call, train ride, and road trip to be together was a testament to their unwavering commitment and deepening connection.
Russell originally planned a grand affair with family and friends gathered on a rooftop in NYC; however, fate had other plans when he tested positive for COVID. Undeterred, he patiently waited two more months to recreate the magic. On a serene evening at the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, overlooking the New York skyline, Russell's heartfelt proposal unfolded amidst candles and rose petals.
Their journey to marriage took them to Cabo San Lucas, where the serenity of the Hilton Hotel captivated Devina and her father upon their first visit. The venue offered a perfect blend of elegance and tranquility, a fitting backdrop for their fusion wedding. Devina's meticulous planning, guided by Lee Del Lange of Del Cabo Weddings, seamlessly brought their vision to life. From vibrant Indian decor to understated elegance, every detail reflected their cultural fusion and personal style.
For her Indian wedding attire, Devina was inspired by her sister's pink lehenga, signifying family love and tradition and creating a deep bond, bridging memories with new beginnings. Devina chose Berta's modern designs for her American wedding dress, reflecting her Indian heritage through intricate embroidery and contemporary style.
Highlighting their Indian reception was a Bollywood dance performance by Devina & Russell, a surprise gesture from Russell that embodied their love for Bollywood films and cultural celebrations. His dedication to learning the dance moves and lyrics to Devina's favorite songs left an indelible mark on their guests, showcasing their union in a joyful spectacle of dance and romance.
From hospital corridors to rooftop proposals and sun-kissed beaches, Devina & Russell’s love story continues to inspire—a journey of resilience, love, and cultural fusion promising a lifetime of shared adventures and cherished memories.
How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Russell and I's paths crossed during a busy day in the ICU at the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston. Russell was in his first year as an emergency medicine resident, while I was also a first-year resident. I was in my preliminary medicine year before my dermatology training, which would take me to NYC. Russell had just been called into the ICU to cover a shift for a co-intern, and we only worked together for a few hours. We shared lunch at the cafeteria on what now feels like their "first date" - the sparks were flying! I gave him my number "in case he had any questions about the patients". He asked me out that night, and we have been together ever since.
We faced the first wave of the COVID pandemic as healthcare workers together and then went on to do two years apart, which were long with both being busy residents, but with each FaceTime, train ride, and road trip to see each other, we grew inseparable.
The way Russell and I have faced difficult situations together, as a true team and partnership, I knew he was the one I wanted to have by my side forever.
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Russell spent many months planning a beautiful surprise proposal for me, which included flying both sets of our parents and siblings out to NYC and a large rooftop party with all of our friends. However, two days before the proposal, he tested positive for COVID-19. He had to cancel! He was so upset, and knowing him so well along with his inability to lie, he told me all about the weekend he had planned.
As we were still long-distance, he had to wait another two months before he was able to coordinate the weekend again. While the surprise was ruined, it was even more beautiful and filled with love than I could have ever imagined!
After having a drink at my favorite rooftop (the 1 Hotel) in Brooklyn, Russell walked me out to Brooklyn Bridge Park, where the walkway was lined with candles and rose petals. After he asked the question, I looked over and saw our family, and we had a wonderful dinner at the hotel. The next night, Russell planned a beautiful rooftop party with our friends joining us in the celebration.
Tell us how you went about planning your wedding, and your overall experience with the Venues, Hair & Makeup, Outfits, Decor Theme, and all of the other important details.
Planning a fusion Indian and American wedding with our families on opposite coasts proved to be far more challenging than I had ever thought! We had to find a location that was reasonable for everyone to travel to, could host multiple days of festivities, and could cater Indian food that would impress my parents. We looked in New York, London, Miami and Los Angeles. Right as I started to give up on the idea of a big celebration, my mom told me she had found the most beautiful and elegant hotel in Cabo San Lucas. Cabo actually worked great for us! It was a short flight for Russell's family and there were direct flights out of NYC.
I was hesitant but decided to fly out with my dad to check it out. The moment we walked into the Hilton hotel in Cabo we both just knew it was perfect. It had the perfect balance of warmth and relaxation but also elegance and luxury. The views of the ocean from every corridor were breath taking! The beach was also stunning and quiet, with an incredible pre-built area for receptions. On top of that, the staff was incredible and so hospitable!
The kitchen had prepared an extensive tasting for us and blew us away with their Indian dishes. So many hotels we had visited prior had not allowed outside Indian catering but were also not capable of producing any traditional Indian dishes. We couldn't believe the expertise the chef had in creating some of our favorite dishes.
The stars really aligned in our favor, as they were hosting a wedding that weekend. We got to see each event space in its full beauty, and I couldn't help but notice how well-organized and seamless the wedding appeared to be going. We had a moment to say hi to the planner, Lee Del Lange, and I instantly knew she was the one I wanted to work with! Ambar Molina (Hilton Events) connected us, and it couldn't have been a better match.
We canceled our other hotel visits and selected a date! I couldn't believe how fast things had turned around.
Lee and her team at Del Cabo Weddings truly made the entire planning process a BREEZE! They were all so kind and patient and knew the best vendors. Their built-in decor and florist team blew us away with their designs! They truly understood our vision and brought it to life 100 times better. They captured the Indian essence - with all of its vibrancy and richness but then also turned around and beautifully executed the classic, simple elegance I wanted for the American wedding day.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
For my Indian wedding day, I knew I wanted shades of pink - from the flowers to the mandap to the dress. My inspiration drew from my sister's wedding day where she wore the most beautiful pink lengha. When it came time to buy my lengha, my sister graciously offered for me to wear hers so we could share that special day together and forever bonded.
The American wedding dress was a bit harder of a feat! I went to many, many stores but felt very out of place when I tried on more traditional white wedding dresses. After 6 or 7 stores, I thought maybe I would never feel comfortable in a white wedding dress as an Indian. Then I found Berta! Right when I stepped into their showroom, I couldn't get over their modern designs paired with their elaborate embroidery work (which reminded me of Indian clothing). I found my dream dress within a few minutes.
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
All of our guests have repeatedly brought up the love they felt all weekend long. Not only between us as a couple, but between our friends and family. Hosting all the events within the hotel allowed all of our guests to have so much bonding time before (pool and beachside) or after (every night guests hung out at the hot tubs to have night cap).
They also could not get over the beauty - the hotel itself, the beach, the decor and florals.
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Saying our personally written vows in front of all our family and friends against the backdrop of the most incredible floral arch and ocean truly felt like a pinch-me moment.
For events other than your ceremony, please tell us as much as you would like about the decor, style, dances, and all the special details.
At our Indian wedding reception, Russell and I performed a Bollywood newlywed dance. Growing up, I did a lot of Bollywood dancing and performances, and when I would go to weddings, this was always my favorite part. A Bollywood romance come to life! When we got engaged, I had let go of that fantasy, not expecting him to partake. However, when he found out about this tradition, he was adamant we do it! He threw himself into dance classes and even learned the words to all of my favorite Bollywood songs growing up. Performing that dance with him and seeing him put so much energy and love into it meant so much to myself and my family.
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