Real Weddings: HE said Yes!

How did you two meet? Tell us about your love story.

Aditya Shah, a Data Scientist at a healthcare company in US, grew up in Mumbai; while Pragya Saboo, a Product Manager at a health-tech company in New York and Founder of Non Profit ‘PROJECT XXI’, grew up in Kolkata. They first met at college, while they were both pursuing Industrial Engineering. 

From acquaintances to good friends, it wasn’t long before they realized that their friendship had gradually evolved into love. From that day on they were committed to each other and found themselves in a long-distance relationship, as Aditya was working in Boston and Pragya was in New York.

Was there a formal proposal? What was it like?

It was all planned and he was waiting to pop the question! However, Aditya was recovering from a knee surgery and wanted to wait until he could literally go-down-on-one-knee. Little did he know that Pragya would make the first move and propose to him instead! She definitely had a few tricks up her sleeve. She managed to get his measurement for the ring and it turned out to be just perfect. So much so that he’s worn that ring ever since and they never needed to get the size changed. The official proposal took place in front of the iconic Duomo in Milan, where both the families were in attendance. 

Yes, the girl proposed first! How absolutely amazing is that? Pragya ditched the norm and chose to follow her heart instead. But mind you, things didn't end just there. After Pragya’s move, it was Aditya’s turn to finally get down on one knee. He planned two spectacular proposals, one in Mumbai and the other in Ludhiana. As they promised to love one another for a lifetime, nostalgia, laughter, dance performances, and fire crackers followed.

How would you describe your wedding? Tell us your overall vision and sources of inspiration.

The wedding took place at the family-owned Corporate Park in Mumbai, while a few other functions were held at The Oberoi Trident. Since the couple was based in New York, the cocktail theme was ‘Once upon a time in NY’. After all, their love story flourished in NY! The overall ceremony, decor accents, and vibe drew on the unique elements of the city—from Central Park to the famous New York skyline. Additionally, a special performance by Pragya’s friends on 'I’ll be there for you' totally stole the show!

The Mehendi and Myra ceremony was an intimate affair that was themed around Bandhani and the vibrant colours that exploded and fluttered in all their bright glory. The marigold flowers festooned across the venue and definitely took things up a notch!

The Sangeet ceremony was themed around ‘The Great 90’s Show’. The bride and groom being 90’s kids danced to popular hit songs from the 90s and early 2000s, and also recreated a few iconic Bollywood acts! Instead of having someone formally compare at the function, they shot introduction videos that were showcased as a prolusion to each performance.

The wedding ceremony took place in the presence of family, friends, VIPs and even celebrities. Aditya’s family is originally from Gujarat, while Pragya’s family is from Rajasthan. This prompted the theme, ‘A Tale of Two Cities’, reflecting both the cultures and their amalgamations at their best. Aditya made a grand entry with his baraat in a vintage green Bentley, as DJ AJ got everyone dancing to his tunes. The decor predominantly showcased shades of pink and red, perfectly complementing Pragya’s gorgeous bridal lehenga. A personalised wedding book was also created for their pheras, providing elaborate details about the rituals and ceremonies conducted.

The wedding ceremony was followed by Flower Holi, a flower-shower demonstrating gratitude to the Gods. Prabhuji Gaur Gopal Das also blessed the ceremony with a beautiful kirtan. The vividly colourful patterns against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset aroused a soulful, divine feeling one hadn't experienced before.

Photography: The Photo Diary by Monisha Ajgaonkar