A Stately Wedding at Park Chateau Estate and Gardens in East Brunswick, New Jersey

Many years ago, Richa and Kiran met while taking a molecular biology class in college. They originally exchanged phone numbers to keep in touch about lectures and exams but continued talking to each other long after the class had ended. After a few months of calls and text messages, the two students finally decided to hang out. Fortunately, it was one of the few times Kiran showed up on time for a date.

“If you asked either of us then about being together forever, both of us would have laughed and said, ‘Impossible,’” he states. “We were polar opposites in terms of personalities, passions and interests. Furthermore, neither of us have ever had an issue with expressing our opinions outright. But we have always loved each other, and we have strived to make that the focal point of our relationship. 

Looking back on the roller coaster of a ride it’s been since our first date, our differences have enhanced each other’s lives for the better, and our free expression has evolved into a foundation for open communication and trust. I think what we love about the time we’ve had together is that we were able to grow separately as individuals, and together as a couple.”

The proposal took place on Easter Sunday of 2016 at Kiran’s parents’ house. “My family was hosting her family for the first time,” Kiran describes. “With the stress of our families meeting, I knew the thought of getting engaged on that day would be far from her mind. Generally, on Easter, we have an Easter egg hunt for our younger family members. My plan was to hide the engagement ring in an egg, have my baby cousin find it, and then ask her for help opening it. I can’t say that it went off without a hitch, but I don’t think I have ever seen Richa lost for words in my entire life.”

Despite the stress of the wedding planning process, Richa and Kiran agreed on one principle – on their wedding day, they wanted to show their love and appreciation for the people who added so much meaning to their lives. Almost every decision and detail was planned with their guests in mind, and they wanted the entire wedding experience to be unique and special for their friends and family.

“The wedding day was truly surreal,” Kiran reflects. “The ceremony was amazingly poignant – I don’t think I let go of Richa’s hands for more than a few seconds. The reception was magnificent and a total blast. The dance floor was packed the entire time and we have never felt closer to our loved ones.

Richa and I set the tone for the party by ending our vote of thanks with an invitation for all of our guests to take a shot with us on the dance floor before kicking off the party! While we have yet to go on our honeymoon, we’ve been lucky to travel around the world twice. No matter where we end up going, I think we both agree that it will be a roller coaster of a time.”