Shaila Abbott and Dhruv Patel’s Boston-made love story is one for the big screen
Brides Today gets the details of their wedding, every element of which oozed the essence of their relationship.
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Brides Today gets the details of their wedding, every element of which oozed the essence of their relationship.
Healthcare professional Shaila Abbott and entrepreneur Dhruv Patel’s Boston-made love story is one for the big screen—where eyes meet across the library and fate does the rest. Brides Today gets the details of their wedding, every element of which oozed the essence of their relationship.
How we met
“Our story began one fateful morning in our high school library, when we were just 14-15. I had caught Dhruv’s eye, which prompted him to ask a mutual friend for my number. In a playful attempt to break the ice, Dhruv sent me a prank text, the quintessential ‘cool’ move of our teenage years. As an unbreakable bond formed, we became best friends, falling into an innocent love that neither truly understood at the time.
But as life led us down separate paths, we lost touch until two years later when Dhruv mustered the courage to ask me to junior prom. After spending the evening together, we realised we wanted more from the rekindled friendship. Fast forward nearly nine years, in a stunning private château in France—our first international trip together—Dhruv proposed to me, surrounded by our families. He truly is my best friend before anything. He brings me back home to myself and has taught me what it means to feel beautiful and loved.”
The next step
“At first, we dreamed of a destination wedding that would capture our passion for travel, but as we began planning, we realised how overwhelming it could be. We doubted whether travelling far would be convenient for our elderly family and friends. The realisation struck us that the heart of our celebration was to have our nearest and dearest present for this pivotal moment in our lives—which brought us to Boston, a city that holds special meaning for us. It’s where our journey began, where we shared our first home, and where we’ve created countless memories over the past 11 years. It felt only right to celebrate this milestone in a place so deeply intertwined with our story.”
Leading up to the big day
“As we prepared for our wedding, it was essential to us that the celebration authentically represent who we are as a couple and the essence of our relationship. During moments of decision fatigue, we’d remind ourselves of what makes us ‘us.’ We travelled to India with both sets of parents, where we immersed ourselves in the vibrant culture while shopping for our outfits. We made a conscious choice to support a mix of local and well-established designers, prioritising comfort and personal style. Taking on the planning ourselves allowed our families to fully enjoy the moment. We also involved them in designing ceremonies that honoured both our cultures—Punjabi and Gujarati. We spoke with our priest to ensure that only rituals that resonated with our beliefs were incorporated into the ceremony. We decided on a joint baraat and chose to forgo the vidai as I didn't view it as a farewell to my parents.”
Memories that will last a lifestime
“A few highlights stand out… Like the time we spent apart at our respective marital homes before the formal wedding festivities began. With guests arriving from around the world, it was a heartwarming experience to connect with and honour the family and friends who helped shape us into the individuals we are today. We sang traditional songs, danced, embraced and shared countless laughs. A nother cherished memory were the sweet moments we spent together on the morning of our wedding. With the backdrop of the Boston skyline, we exchanged our vows over coffee and breakfast in our home. It was an emotional experience that beautifully set the tone for the rest of our day.”
My advice
“Select vendors who align with your vision and values, who are not only skilled but also easy to work with. It’s essential to have mutual understanding and respect for each other’s expectations—it’ll make the process
of creating a personalised celebration that much easier. On your wedding day, focus on being present. No matter how much you plan, the day will never go exactly as expected. Spend time with those who came to celebrate you. And remember, the day is yours. Create moments for just the two of you and allow yourself the space and time to
soak it all in.”
The details
Wedding Photography: The Photo Lab
Wedding Day Coordinator: Blueprint Occasions
Hair & Makeup: Kholmatova Romina (Romina Hairstyles) & Jenner Kennedy
Entertainment: Ashish Mehta, Ravi Patel (DJ RVP) & D&S Event Solutions
Venues: State Room (Longwood Venues + Destinations) & Hilton Boston Park Plaza
This article originally appeared in Brides Today, Jan-March 2025 print edition.
Also read: Zaeden and DJ Nina Shah's love story from colleagues to life partners