Joanne + Manan
July 5, 2014
Stories
So it began...
After 4 years of roaming the halls of Stuyvesant H.S., Manan and Joanne's paths finally crossed their senior year. However, they didn't get to know each other well until a senior year trip to Mexico a few months short of graduation. Due to their mutual friend Mamta, they ended up hanging out a lot on the trip. Depending on who you ask, both Manan and Joanne will say that the other person liked them first. This culminated into Manan gathering the courage to ask Joanne to prom and eventually their first date.
The college years
The next 4 years in Maryland and Michigan consisted of college football games, college basketball games, greek life, shenanigans and high cell phone bills and airfare. Joanne and Manan would like to thank AT&T, Verizon, and Spirit Air for keeping their relationship alive.
Back home in NYC
Both hardcore New Yorkers, Joanne and Manan were happy to finally be back home in the Big Apple after graduation. They now reside in Brooklyn, spreading love because its the BK way.
The proposal
After a 8 month planning process, Manan surprised (shocked) Joanne with a romantic proposal in Koh Samui, Thailand on August 29, 2013.
The proposal happened the first night they were in Thailand. Having just endured a long flight from NYC, Joanne was extremely jet-lagged and exhausted when they landed. Any one close to Joanne knows she gets extremely grumpy when she's sleepy. After multiple protests, she begrudgingly agreed to go out to dinner at Manan's continuous urging that same evening. He whisked her to a waterfront restaurant and proposed under the stars and soft breeze wafting from the gulf of Thailand. The ring was tucked inside a carved-out book to throw Joanne off (check out the gallery).
And when the whole thing couldn't feel more surreal, both their families flew out and surprised Joanne the next morning during brunch. They spent the next two weeks celebrating and soaking up the beautiful Thai culture.
Save The Date Video
Wedding Day Video
Events
Thu
Jul 3
2014
Jul 3
2014
7:30 pm
TO 11:00 pm
TO 11:00 pm
Haveli Restaurant
116-29/35 Queens Blvd.
Forrest Hills, NY 11375
United States
(718) 261-8880
Sat
Jul 5
2014
Jul 5
2014
1:00 pm
TO 2:00 pm
TO 2:00 pm
Sat
Jul 5
2014
Jul 5
2014
2:30 pm
TO 3:45 pm
TO 3:45 pm
Sat
Jul 5
2014
Jul 5
2014
4:00 pm
TO 4:15 pm
TO 4:15 pm
Sat
Jul 5
2014
Jul 5
2014
4:15 pm
TO 5:30 pm
TO 5:30 pm
Sat
Jul 5
2014
Jul 5
2014
5:30 pm
TO 6:45 pm
TO 6:45 pm
Sat
Jul 5
2014
Jul 5
2014
7:00 pm
TO 12:00 am
TO 12:00 am
Key People
Bridesmaids
Judy Sun
Maid of Honor
Joanne and I met almost 12 years ago in Ann Arbor, where we were both freshmen at the one and only BIG TEN CHAMP (sorry, not sorry, Terps!), University of Michigan, GO BLUE!!! =) Jo and I are pledge sisters in our sorority (KDPhi)! Meaning we went through some, let’s just say, SERIOUS "sisterhood building" experiences, out of which some I may still want to block out til this day. Besides KDPhi and Michigan, Jo and I have many more things in common - from Jo/Manan/my fiance's Stuy alum relationships to our love for travel, nice things, and even more importantly, VALUE - Deal Club shout out!
So, I honestly can’t remember the very first time I met Manan.... I know it was definitely sometime in college and there were many funny stories about that, including people mistaking Manan for a different person/race that Jo was dating each time he visited due to his ever-changing hair and look (can we say cornrows?!). What’s so great about the friendship Jo and I have is the fact that it kept growing throughout the years, possibly with accelerating growth trajectory even out of college. Jo and I have established our ritual, fondly called our “meat dates;” you all know Manan is vegetarian and Jo, well, is a carnivore! Our first meat date, to me, marked a new phase of our friendship. Ever since then, we started hanging out and spending a lot more time with each other on a regular basis, this time around in NYC, the playground for adults as opposed to our innocent college days.
Also, everyone knows Manan is a planner, right? Did you know this guy planned his proposal for a good 8+ months?!??? I have to say I’m honored to have received many emails over the years from Manan (mostly around January so he can plan for Jo's bday that April) asking about plans for Jo, and I remember screaming at the top of my lungs, all the way in Beijing, when he told me he was ready to propose. Maybe because I knew if they would get engaged me and my fiancé couldn’t be much behind ourselves, hahahaha, j/k!!!
Joanne and
Janet Hsueh
College Friend and Sorority Sis
Joanne & I first met each other at Stuyvesant High. Our paths again crossed at Michigan where we became sorority sisters. From very early on, we shared a proud New York City connection and through countless sorority shenanigans, late night high energy dance practices and an innumerable number of visits to Bubble Island, Joanne and I lived out the best of our college heydays. That's not to say Manan wasn't there in spirit all along.
Despite spending the greater half of their college years apart, Joanne and Manan always managed to stay connected. I first met Manan during one of his many visits to Michigan, back when he still sported cornrows, baggy clothes, and encouraged Joanne to wear ghetto fabulous clothes. One of my favorite times spent with the couple after returning to New York, was when we all took a trip down memory lane back to our high school alma mater to watch SING! We went back to our high school as "adults" to support what is known as the biggest student production of the year. True to self, Manan did not hold back his sentiments and heckled from the crowd multiple times. I remember sitting next to him and wanting to hide. It was so embarrassing yet wildly hilarious at the same. Some things/people never change (much).
Throughout the years, I've had the privilege of seeing Joanne and Manan's relationship endure and withstand the test of time. Together and with their families, they've grown tremendously and it is so endearing to know that time has not distilled their love, admiration, dedication, commitment and friendship towards each other in the least. Their love story is the kind of thing fairy tales are made out of. Manan is the master of all things romantic and thoughtful, and never ceases to pull out all the stops for Joanne. Joanne, with her ever so kind and gracious ways is the perfect gal who knows how to expertly navigate Manan's particular ways. Nuptials for these two fun lovebirds have been a long time coming, and I absolutely cannot wait to celebrate their happily ever after!!!
Nidhi Shah
Soon to be Sis-in-law
The first time I met Jo was at the restaurant called Zen Palate without Manan, when I first started dating Kunal, Manan’s older brother. Zen Palate is an all vegetarian restaurant - we even commented on how bad the veggie food was not knowing at the time she would be signing up for a lifetime of vegetarianism with Manan!
One story that has repeated itself year over year is that usually, on one's birthday, you are allowed to drink to your hearts content and can be rest-assured that you will not be the designated driver. However, since our Groom-to-be chooses a dry lifestyle every year on his birthday he has to deal with at least 3 drunk fools, endless driving and pulling over, prevent actual physical fights from happening, carry purses, hold up hair, while finally declaring it another successful birthday celebration!!!
Mamta Shah
High School Friend & Introducer
Joanne was the first member of FRESH I met. What's FRESH? 5 very cool girls, who did everything and nothing together. These were the girls that made high school fun. Joanne and I bonded over our shared hyperness, never-ending AIM chats and our post eating workouts of laughing crunches. We had aliases, jilly milly tilly, and codenames based on foods of course, and even our own hand language. I guess you could call us a sophisticated secret society, which roamed the streets, parks and malls every chance we got, and never missed a meal. In a sea of Stuyvies, we found each other.
I've known Manan longer than I've known Joanne, as we have the Jain connection. Before Stuy, I thought Manan must've been the scariest Jain kid in NYC. It wasn’t until I actually started talking to the guy that I realized he wouldn't even harm a potato.
I played an essential role in getting these two together. What if I hadn't gotten up on that seat on the bus? And what if I didn't tell Manan, and the rest of the bus, that my girl liked him? It was my loud mouth that blew Joanne's spot, and I'm so glad I did. You're welcome guys!
Since then, we've inaugurated Manan as an honorary member of our group, and it's always a blast to have his unique perspective at our girly get-togethers over the years. I couldn't be happier to celebrate two of my favorite people getting married, finally.
Carrie Chang
High School Friend
I first noticed Joanne in my Global History class Sophomore year with Mr. Badgley. She always wore a bouncy ponytail, gold hoop earrings, bootcut blue jeans, and a black North Face butt-pack. I have a pretty horrible memory, but one thing I distinctly recall liking then about Joanne was her voice - it was sweet and girly, but get her debating on the right history topic and there was no denying her nerdiness.
You could guess from my description that she was obviously destined to be Manan's ideal woman, but I'm not sure they even knew each other then. In fact, I never spoke to her throughout that class - we sat two rows away from each other, I was often sleeping through class, and we didn't have any mutual friends.
We didn't become fully acquainted until Junior year, when our motley crew of FRESH began around 2001 amidst a sea of hundreds of students, test-cramming, and with teenage angst. The five of us couldn't be more different, but somehow our unique characteristics melded naturally into this tight-knit group of girls that would wander the streets aimlessly together, enjoying whatever fell into our paths as it came. What did we do together? Pretty much nothing. We'd go out to lunch, sit on the grass for awhile...and go out to lunch again. We'd go to Sephora, lose ourselves in eye shadows and lip glosses and then go out to dinner. We'd spend all day at Toys R' Us posing stuffed animals in offensive acts, wander around the arcades at Times Square without playing any of the games, and literally choke on our laughter. We would have intense conversations in quickly-spoken Pig Latin, mask the names of our crushes by nicknaming them foods we liked (because our love of food was undeniable and shameless), and just chat for hours on end at our lockers on the 2nd floor. Senior year should have been a difficult journey to navigate through, but together we created a sense of home out of these reckless and hilarious moments.
I don't remember how I met Manan, but I believe the reason he was destined to meet Joanne is t
Jen Corredor
High School Friend
Showing up to high school gym class in a bathing suit every other morning sucked. A lot. No other way to put it. Welcome to Stuy, alma mater to some of the best and brightest in the country. All of whom had to pass a damn swimming test in order to graduate. The dreaded 'swim gym' is where I first met Joanne. We met one of those days that consisted of running up 9 flights (on the escalator) to make it on time to Chemistry class. Where "on time" meant only 10 minutes late, with dripping wet hair. We bonded over our penchant for nerdy science puns and love of food, and other assorted girly things.
Fast forward to senior year where there was this thuggy guy (yes, we used the word thuggy) who Joanne had a crush on. He wore baggy clothes and said "yo" a lot. Little did we know at that time what lay ahead. They went to Cancun and the rest was history. Jo was the apple of his eye, and their days spent together turned into weeks, then months, and later on years. We would listen to Manan refer to Joanne as if she was the only girl in the world. We could tell it was 100% sincere. There's something to be said when all 4 of your closest HS friends immediately and unquestionably give the stamp of approval to your new boyfriend. Their relationship was something straight out of a movie, a happily ever after tale, that's about to enter its next chapter. Are Joanne and Manan meant for each other? I must be missing an electron. I'm positive.
Groomsmen
Kunal Shah
Best Man/Older Brother
I first met Manan when my mom and dad decided to bring him home from the hospital, still don’t know why I wasn’t consulted in that decision. I first met Joanne on Manan's prom day with a 'who the heck is this girl' look, not knowing that this amazing girl would eventually be my sister one day.
There are so many stories that I could pick from, but I’m going to save the juicy ones for the speech, or after a few drinks at the bar! So, I was a big party animal during my early years, before I turned 30 and I would drag Manan and Joanne to the clubs every weekend. I would not want to leave until the last song was over, the lights were up, or get kicked out. I would then go looking for them and I would find the lovebirds passed out together on a couch or speaker like an old married couple.
Lester Leong
Future Brother-in-law
As Joanne’s younger brother, I met Joanne one day when I landed in the Philippines from America and thought she was awesome! Over the years we have hung out not just like brother and sister but like biffles, true story.
Then one day I met Manan and thought he was the realest dude I met. Eventually I found out he was a vegetarian and couldn't hang with us steak eaters aka Filipinos. But we were able to bond over our other love in life, DMX, no really, so it was OK.
I don't really have a crazy story about either of them but that's because to me they have always both been slightly crazy, which makes them perfect for each other. DO NOT MESS WITH THEM!
Mehul Shah
Cousin
Manan was actually "cool" growing up - people revered him (partially out of fear for their lives) but I knew that behind those braids and ever changing hair styles, there was a big teddy bear that observed every detail and cared about the people around him. There are many facets of Manan, from the intimidating high school stories about Manan's leadership in the 3W crew, to the religious Jain man not eating potatoes, and learning principals from the Elders.
When Manan was younger he somehow always got himself into a jam. I remember being at the temple one day and somehow he managed to get his head stuck between iron rails of a gate. I am still perplexed on how his head slipped in because there was no easy way to get his head out. Let's just say the fire department and a lot of machinery was required to free Manan.
Manan is now a mature man who is settling down. Over the years as I have gotten to know Joanne better, I've witnessed how patient and smart and wonderful of a person she is. Only she could tolerate Manan's endless questions and debates about the meaning of life, what he ate for breakfast, and everything in between...of course in hip hop slang.
Maulin Shah
Cousin
I'm Manan's cousin and have known him since birth. I first met Joanne when the two started dating while attending Stuyvesant High School. I'd describe Manan as a smart, charismatic and strong willed person who has always been determined to pursue his own path in life. Whether it was giving up potatoes to generate some good karma for intimidating too many freshmen or choosing not to drink alcohol in order to take on the responsibilities of being a permanent designated driver, Manan has always shown great resolve.
I'd say the craziest early moment I shared with Manan was meeting him at his house shortly after he'd been hit by a taxi cab at the age of five. Manan had suffered multiple injuries to his head and hand but showed minimal signs of pain or shock, all he wanted to do was go out and play. This was the first time I realized Manan had gorilla strength and would grow up a lot tougher than the rest of us.
Ravi Pathak
High School Friend
Manan and I were friends since freshman year of high school and became close wilin’ out as 3W back in the day. I have been involved in a lot of craziness with Manan (and Joanne too since the two have been together forever) but I will start by saying that I was there when it all started. We had gone to Cancun for senior year spring break. I remember Manan and Joanne hanging out quite a bit during the trip especially pool side. Manan was hush hush about it but I even knew back then that it was the start of something special.
A story I will never forget is when I helped plan a surprise anniversary dinner in Central Park. We ordered Italian food from a nice restaurant and secured a gazebo by one of the ponds (I had to regulate on several people!). Manan and Joanne walked up and I remember she was very surprised by the food and candles. I remember thinking to myself “wow, this guy actually has a romantic side, haha”. A few years ago Manan and I lived together for a year and Joanne became my defacto 3rd roommate. I will take credit for becoming their first counselor during this year. Even though they never had any real issues just watching their banter on a daily basis was highly entertaining. Joanne kudos to you for having infinite patience!
Nikhil Kishore
College Friend & Fraternity Bro
Manan and I have been friends since our freshman year of college and he was also my roommate for a year. Besides going to Maryland together and being in the same fraternity, Manan and I both love our hip hop! I met Joanne my freshman year of college but I felt like I already knew her pretty well because Manan would be on the phone with her 24/7.
I have many anecdotes about Manan, but probably one of the funniest involving Joanne happened during our time at Maryland. Manan was bad with remembering birthdays and Joanne was not excluded from this. During our freshman and sophomore years he forgot and didn't immediately say happy birthday to Joanne when he called her the day of. So Manan, being the nice guy, that he is would literally say "happy belated birthday!" instead of "hello" to Joanne for the next two months every single time he called or saw her.
Mudassir Khan
High School Friend
I met Manan sophomore year in high school. I was hanging out by the locker area where all the Desi people were and then suddenly got "stamped" into 3W (our High School crew). I met Joanne in senior year while our friends and I were laughing at Manan attempt to ask Joanne to prom.
The biggest memory I have is when Ravi, Danny and I went to help out Manan to surprise Joanne on their anniversary for a dinner at Central Park. We set up the table but forgot matches for the candles so we snuck up behind and tried throwing the matches to him when Joanne wasn’t looking. It ended up being too windy for the matches to work anyway so the candles just kept blowing out.
Rahul Sood
College Friend & Fraternity Bro
We first met back during our glory days as freshmen on campus at our Alma Mater. I was walking up with my then girlfriend (now wife), towards Stamp Student Union when we were confronted/accosted by this boisterous young dude wearing a bright yellow jacket, fitted hat, and Timbs. Manan was just being the friendly guy that he was, attempting to engage in conversation and meet new people, but my immediate reaction was to power walk away, naturally fearing for my safety. However, it was only after a few tense/awkward minutes of conversation that I was able to see through his Queens-born mannerisms and truly appreciate Manan for the dichotomy that he was - on one hand a clearly intimidating guy who looked like he had roughed up a few people in his time, and yet coming to learn that he was really a kind and compassionate individual. I was fascinated with the guy and slowly starting to loosen my grip on my girlfriend's arms -- figuring that, worst case scenario, walking with the dude around campus would probably increase my street cred. We shared a commitment to our girlfriends (Manan had also begun dating his girlfriend since high school) and a strong moral compass (which, obviously, wavers from time to time), and a common passion for a good everything bagel with cream cheese (although I certainly don't put as many additional toppings on mine as he does).
For over a semester, I always wondered about the mysterious person Manan was always talking on the phone with, the girl who always made sure to wake Manan up in the morning to make his 8 AM classes (I can't say that you were very successful, Joanne), sang lullabies to him at night, proofread his essays, etc. When Manan wasn't on the phone with Joanne (it never took long to figure out who Manan was on the phone with -- every 5 seconds Manan would yell out "buuttttt JOANNE!")
It wasn't until second semester of freshman year when Manan finally flew Joanne out to visit. I remember the lead up to her visit, how excited Manan was to finally have her visit after spending
Ashley John
Fraternity Bro
I have known Manan and Joanne for over 14 years and I will never forget the first time I met him. Me and my crew had been invited to a BBQ at a park. It was a 3W BBQ. I had no idea what they were at the time......I still have no idea what they are. When I got there with 10 other guys I realized that there were maybe 5 girls there and 30 guys. Little did I know that would be a repetitive theme with all the parties I would attend with Manan for the next 14 years.
I remember having no idea Manan was Indian because he was wearing a jersey and had braids. I remember him screaming at people, which now I know is his normal speech. I kept asking who is this kid. At that same BBQ, there was an intense “incident” and Manan ended up being involved. It could have ended up really bad due to the amount of people involved but he mediated the situation to make it fair and got everyone on board. He did it will such a straight face that we all believed it. I remember leaving that BBQ thinking that Manan was just a weird Indian hooligan and that I will probably never see him again but I was so wrong. It took me years to realize that what I witnessed was a glimpse of the Man that I respect so much today, I person that does what is right no matter the situation. Over the next 14 years I would see him make those tough choices over and over again.
The Little Ones
Alina Shah
Niece
Madison Montemayor
Cousin
Tyler Leong
Nephew
Deven Shah
Nephew
Dilan Shah
Nephew
Siyona Mehta
Niece
Foxy Leong
Furry Little One
Woof woof woof woof!!!
Our Parents
Gina Leong
Mother of the Bride
Ranjan Shah
Mother of the Groom
Leobert Leong
Father of the Bride
Shirish Shah
Late Father of the Groom
Special Thanks
Closer to Love Photography
Photographer
After searching endlessly for photographers, we were lucky to find this talented husband and wife duo's work. When we saw CTL's blog, we were immediately drawn to their unique style - not cliched, but airy and beautifully edited with each set a perfect combo of details and emotional moments. Furthermore, Sammy and Natalia are extremely enthusiastic and passionate about their craft. We are looking forward to having them capture all of our wedding events!
CTL's work has been featured on various blogs, including StyleMePretty and Green Wedding Shoes.
www.closertolovephotography.com
Printerette via Lion in the Sun
Invitations and Paperie
Catherine Polacek of Printerette Press is a designer based out of Minneapolis, Minnesota . When Joanne first saw her work at Lion in the Sun, an invitations boutique in Brooklyn, she fell in love with Catherine's charming, whimsical designs. We have been fortunate to work with her and Lion in the Sun on our wedding paperie, as they ensured all of the special details were met for our paper goods.
www.printerettepress.com
Corner Stone Caterers & RMV
Caterer and Venue
The minute we stepped foot at Red Maple Vineyard and met Gary, its owner as well as head of Corner Stone Caterers, we knew that we had found our wedding venue. The venue lent the fun, romantic, and elegant-yet-relaxed feel we were going for for our wedding day. Gary is so flexible with our fusion wedding and all of the complexities that accompany it, including coming up with a menu very specific to our needs. We can't wait to see it all come to life!
www.cornerstonecaterers.com
Tinsel and Twine
Florist and Day of Coordinators
These ladies are crafty, creative and just downright fun to work with. When we first verbalized our vision to them, it sounded so incoherent to us, but they somehow understood exactly what we were trying to say right away. They've been so patient with all of our questions and we feel rest assured that all of our florals and details will be well taken care of on our special day!
www.tinseltwine.com
DJ Amrit
Garba and Wedding DJ
Amrit has always been close to our family, and he is a fraternity brother first and then a DJ second in our eyes. He has not only rocked the house with amazing music at family and friend's weddings, but also at numerous clubs, parties, and galas. He knows how to get the party going and he makes it real hard to leave the dance floor!
www.bollywooddjs.com
emma chao luk
Close Friend and Calligrapher
Emma is Joanne's close friend, sorority sister, and fellow Brooklynite. We are truly lucky to have Emma lovingly letter our wedding paperie with her talented calligraphy skills!
MPW
Videographer
They were the last but not the least! They were the last vendor we picked but we are so happy we found them. Their professionalism started with thier detailed prep to invisability on the day of the wedding, to thier quick turnaround of the amazing highligh clip!
blog.mypinoywedding.com
Poughkeepsie, NY
Gallery
Manan & Joanne
Gallery