REAL WEDDING

  • Photography By:

    Nadia D. Photography

    DR. DIVYA SADHWANI & DR. ANAND HARYANI

    November 27, 2015 in Riviera Maya, Mexico

    Not only can Anand Haryani claim he met his intended at age five, but he has the video to prove it. The footage shows a shy dark-haired boy running away from the feisty young Divya Sadhwani as she tries to drag him onto a dance floor.

    Their fathers had met in medical school in India, and the families kept in touch when they came to the United States. Divya and Anand, who always knew they wanted to be doctors, reconnected during a college Red Cross volunteer program in Peru. 

    “SHE WAS MY ROCK AND I KNEW I HAD TO BE WITH HER”

    “Something clicked in the spirituality of Machu Picchu,” says Anand, and they soon began what would be a lengthy long distance relationship. 

    During the stressful time of applying for a dermatology residency, Anand realized that Divya brought peace to his chaos. “She was my rock and I knew I had to be with her,” he says.

    One year later, as Divya finished her residency applications, Anand whisked her away to Cabo. On arrival, they were met by 18 close family members. “I thought, ‘how nice to spend time with the people I care about,’” says Divya.

    One year later, as Divya finished her residency applications, Anand whisked her away to Cabo. On arrival, they were met by 18 close family members. “I thought, ‘how nice to spend time with the people I care about,’” says Divya.

    While there, Divya and Anand’s mothers surprised her with a spa trip. She was pampered and dressed in a formal gown and led to the beach where Anand was waiting. “Anand got down on his knee, said wonderful things and of course I said yes,” says Divya. A family dinner allowed them to share their happiness. Anand addressed the gathering, quoting one of Divya’s favorite poems. As he finished, pre-planned fireworks exploded overhead.

    The hands-on couple were involved in every aspect of the destination wedding for 200 guests in Cancun. Anand credits Divya with creating and guiding the event with her “excellent” sense of style.

    Many traditional Hindu customs were observed over the five-day event. The Sangeet, a joyous evening of celebration, took place Thursday night before the ceremony. 

    On Friday afternoon, the groom’s baraat, or processional, traveled in six boats on a lagoon to the Rosewood Mayakoba resort for the ceremony. Anand’s face was covered with strands of rice to ward off evil spirits, while garlands of money with blessings for prosperity hung around his neck. 

    At the ceremony, Divya and Anand provided guests with maracas. As the couple circled a consecrated fire, prayers were offered for a good life together while family and friends cheered them on with the noisemakers. 

    The formal reception on Saturday evening was held at the Rosewood palapa, an open-air beachside venue with endless views of the Caribbean. At the cocktail hour, an aerial acrobat descended from above carrying drinks for guests. Other entertainment included an electric violinist playing Indian songs, a live singer crooning the couple’s favorite romantic numbers and a DJ. “Both of our families love dancing,” says Anand, “and it was a wild party with dinner and speeches from our brothers and parents.”

    Three months later, Anand and Divya flew to South Africa, visiting the St. Regis Mauritius and the Ivory Lodge at Lion Sands Game Reserve for a safari.

    Ambitious plans will keep these two dermatologists busy for the foreseeable future as they work on their recently created Divani Dermatology. “Our passion for each other and our work is the glue in our relationship,” says Divya. “Giving back is an important part of who we are together.”


    WEDDING TALENT

    Location and Cake: Rosewood Mayakoba Riviera, Maya, Mexico: Planner: L’Escape Destination Weddings, Toronto, ON, Canada; Floral and Event Design, Linen, Menus: Prashe Décor, Dallas, TX; Wedding Dress, Veil and Groom Ceremony Attire: Archana Kochhar; Groom’s Reception Attire: Zeglio; Invitations: Varda Mumbai India; Hair and Makeup: Amplified Soul, Toronto, ON, Canada

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