Welcome, darlings! Pooja & Neil's wedding was a glorious celebration of love, filled with vibrant colors and joyous melodies. The ceremony took place at the luxurious and captivating The Westin Charlotte, where they exchanged their heartfelt vows amidst a stunning backdrop created by Wedding Design & Decor. Ribha Events meticulously planned and designed every aspect of the wedding, ensuring that every detail reflected the couple's unique love story. As Pooja prepared to embark on this new chapter of her life, the talented Jenny Le Makeup Artist and Anna Pham Hair worked their magic, enhancing her natural beauty and creating a look that left everyone in awe. The intricate henna designs, crafted by the talented Henna4Happiness by Minaz, adorned Pooja's hands and feet, symbolizing beauty, joy, and blessings for her journey as a bride. Her expertise and attention to detail added a touch of elegance to the festivities, leaving everyone mesmerized by the beauty and significance of the Mehndi ceremony. DJ Rang's seamless transitions between tracks kept the momentum high, and the crowd was completely immersed in the music, moving and grooving with sheer joy. Capturing every precious moment of this grand celebration was the talented Danny K Photography. As we conclude this captivating tale of love, we invite you to immerse in the gallery.
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
We met in high school and quickly became close friends. After a lot of late-night Skype chats, Neil asked me to prom. Since we went to two different high schools, we went to both! We went our separate ways when I started undergrad at the University of North Carolina. Little did I know that Neil would be joining me the very next year. After re-establishing our friendship, we began dating at the end of college!
I had moved to New York to start business school, and one of my close friends invited me to Valentine’s Day party. I was so excited to get dressed up after months of living in my sweatpants during the COVID lockdowns. When I arrived at the venue, the doorman escorted me to the roof, where I walked into a bed of rose petals lined with candles. The most romantic music was playing, and when I turned the corner, I saw Neil standing there, and he said, “I have a lot of explaining to do,” in the sweetest way.
He pulled out a letter and asked me to open it. It had my signature, and I had dated it on his graduation day. He asked, “Do you know what this letter is?” When he graduated from undergrad, I suggested that he write his future self a letter of all his goals and aspirations for the next few years. So, he did. Little did I know that he wrote two letters: a goals letter and a proposal letter. He had me sign the front of the proposal letter, while I thought it was the goals letter.
He read the letter aloud, and we both laughed, cried, and felt every emotion that had taken place during the eight years we had known each other: from prom to proposal. And just like that, he got on one knee and asked, “Will you marry me?” and I said, “Yes.”
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Spending time with my parents and fiance to bring the vision to life. It was by far the best group project I've ever been a part of!
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
Our first look is something we both hold close to our hearts. It was an incredibly cold November morning, and I met Neil in a park near our wedding venue. When I arrived, he was holding a bouquet of balloons, which he let go of when I was right in Infront of him. That feeling when the balloons flew up, and we saw each other for the first time on our special day is a feeling I'll never forget.
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.
Pithi | November 17th
We kicked off wedding week with a Ganesh Pooja & Pithi. Truly the happiest of mornings surrounded by family, friends, and an abundance of love.
Mehndi | November 17th
An evening by the water filled with our favorite snacks and Mexican food, dances by the cutest nieces and nephews, games put on by my sisters, and a traditional chuni ceremony to get me ready for the upcoming ceremonies. One of my all-time favorite outfits represents my and Neil’s favorite colors, purple and yellow, and symbolic Mehndi green.
Grah Shantek | November 18th
Before our wedding ceremony could take place, we had our Grah Shantek, where we prayed for peace and bliss during married life. The most special of moments was the Mosalu, where my maternal uncles officially joined the festivities with an abundance of blessings and wish for happiness.
Garba & Sangeet | November 18th
The night before our wedding was my absolute dream come true. We blended our two Indian cultures to have a mixed Garba & Sangeet in a mela theme. The evening was filled with incredible performances, Gujarati garba, Punjabi jaggo, and SO much dancing. Our family and friends went above and beyond to make it the stuff of filmy dreams.
Wedding | November 19th
Marrying my best friend in front of all the people we adore most. Love was in the air with a flower girl who gave the best hugs, my Masis singing the Mangla pheras, and giggles to last a lifetime.
Reception | November 19th
The finale to the most magical weekend. A cheers to our incredible, fun-loving bridal party, speeches and dances that warmed the heart, and an endless amount of dancing.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Think of the things that matter most to you and focus on them. There's a strong likelihood that you can't plan every detail of your wedding, but make it known to all your vendors the things that matter most to you. Besides that, enjoy every minute of the process. It truly is the most magical few days.
Let the intricate details and romantic moments inspire you and joyfully fill your heart until the next!
