Sejal and Darshan Patel
September 4, 2004
San Francisco, CA
Sejal and Darshan both went to the University of Michigan and had mutual friends, but ironically never crossed paths in school. In fact, it wasn't until after graduation, in Chicago, that the two met and eventually fell in love. As part of his proposal scheme, Darshan took Sejal to the restaurant where they had their first date and proposed at the Peninsula Hotel, complete with roses, candles, chocolate-covered strawberries, and champagne.
Sejal and Darshan wanted to incorporate their Indian heritage with Western overtones and their own personal flair. In line with Indian wedding tradition, their festivities included a party called a "Garba Raas," which took place on the evening before their actual ceremony.
The ceremony itself was performed in Sanskrit (but translated in English) before the Sacred Fire called the Agni Deva. They exchanged garlands, signifying the unification of their hearts. The traditional aspects also carried over to the clothing of the bride and her wedding party. Sejal wore an intricate "lehnga cholis" dress, and even her bridesmaids walked down the aisle in saris! Sejal had almost everything custom-made straight from India, including her dresses, jewelry, and invitations.
At the reception, guests dined on Indian fare, such as chicken tikka masala and naan, and danced the night away to Indian and Western hits. The couple added their unique details by serving a three-tiered cheesecake iced with a chocolate henna pattern. They also personalized the tables by naming them with cities that held special meaning to them.
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