Sonia and I had first met what I originally thought was January of 2018. A mutual friend of ours introduced us via Instagram. Considering it was the new year and that I wanted to try new things, I thought what the hell, why not message her and see what happens.
So, I went ahead and messaged her, I believe my first line was something along the lines of “how social media can bring two strangers together like that”, how corny right?! But somehow it worked, and she agreed to have brunch with me, I thought what a lucky guy I was!
On our first date at Chambar, a popular brunch spot in Vancouver, we hit it off immediately and realized we had so much in common. Little did I know that Sonia had recognized me as we had crossed paths before a few months ago! I had bought her a drink and asked for her #. Her response to me at that time was “If it’s meant to be, you will get it eventually” (I guess it was meant to be).
We continued to bond over brunch, and I can truly say it was one of the best days of my life. I left the date thinking “how did I live my life without this person for so long and that I needed to make her a part of my life going forward”. I went on to do just that and the rest is history!
- Salil
Dating Salil has been nothing less than a fairy-tale! In a matter of a year he has managed to bring so much joy, excitement, laughter, love and happiness into my life. I constantly pinch myself thinking that I will wake up from this everlasting dream and then realize that this is my reality and I am truly blessed.
Before meeting Salil, I was timid and shied away from social interactions and found it difficult to venture out of my comfort zone, its safe to say that has definitely changed. Salil has managed to fill every void in my life and encompassed every role; he is my best friend, family, confidant and most importantly the love of my life.
However, that didn’t happen overnight, after countless days and nights of partying, which usually started on Thursdays, to being hung-over at work, to one too many Jameson shots, Salil with the help of our friend Lokesh Nair built the courage to finally introduce me as his girlfriend.
This picture signifies that very day and moment and for that reason will always be a special memory.
- Sonia
The Summer of 2018 was filled with so many memorable moments. It began with us going to Whistler for Canada Day with some friends. This was our first getaway together and I can honestly say it was when I knew that I loved Sonia and wanted to spend the rest of my life with her.
Everyone says to travel with your significant other before settling down, and after just a few days In Whistler I knew she was special. We spent the whole weekend having fun celebrating Canada’s birthday, definitely consuming one too many Jameson’s along the way.
Canada Day marked the first time she would meet my family in a formal setting at one of my best friend’s weddings. Talk about throwing her right into the fire!!! It could not have gone any better, it felt like she had been around my family and friends forever as she spent the entire night getting to know everyone at the party. This only solidified what I already knew, and it would become the first time I told her that I was in love with her!
This picture is from that very day, and I will always remember it has one of the best days of my life.
- Salil
Our first trip away as a couple to NYC was an adventure and an unforgettable experience. Although Salil had visited NYC several times, it was my first time in the Big Apple.
We shared so many great moments on this trip, attending the GNY dental conference, to dining with Trevor Noah, to our first concert where we saw Rufus Du Sol, to a horse drawn carriage ride around Central Park and the list goes on…...
However, the most magical part of all was being in NYC during the holidays, it was everything and more than I could have ever imagined. Together we checked off items from our bucket list, got lost and figured our way around on the subways and most importantly learned to truly enjoy one another’s company.
This trip was a milestone in our relationship and further solidified our bond and love for one another.
- Sonia
For New Year’s Eve, Sonia and Salil escaped to the most magical place on earth – Hawaii. Both of us wanted an escape from the cold so Salil without consulting with Sonia booked a weeklong getaway to Maui! Sonia was ecstatic but little did she know what Salil really had up his sleeve….
In the weeks prior to them leaving for Hawaii Salil came to the realization that he would propose to Sonia on New Year’s Eve during sunset on a beach in Maui. It would be the perfect setting for the proposal!
Trying to find an engagement ring in just a few shorts week was no easy task but with the instrumental help of his friends Lok and Pran, Salil was able to do just that. Not only did he find a ring, he was able to find the exact one Sonia had her eye on!
Travelling with the ring without Sonia noticing proved to be another tall task as Sonia almost discovered the ring! Salil had also misplaced the ring a few times! Many heart attacks later they finally made it to Hawaii with the ring in Salil’s care.
Salil had also planned a photoshoot to capture their time in Hawaii but did not tell Sonia this was much more than just a vacation photoshoot. Halfway through the photoshoot, while Sonia was taking in the beautiful scenery Salil got down on one knee and asked the love of his life to marry him. After a brief pause (the longest 30 second of Salil’s life) Sonia thankfully said “YES”!!!
This picture was the first photo taken just after they got engaged, to say the least the photoshoot was a great success!!!
Salil and I would like to take a moment to express our heart felt thank you to each and every individual who are taking time out of their days and lives to be apart of our special day.
To our family and friends, thank-you, it means the world to us to have you in our lives. Thank you for being our support system, our encouragement, our partners in crime, for loving us through the ups and downs in life, for being our mentors, teachers and guides. You have helped to make us who we are and for that we are forever grateful.
To our amazing wedding planner, Kavita Mohan, without whom are wedding would not be possible. To the countless days and nights, you put into making our day special and forever memorable. We knew planning this wedding in 3 months would bring tons of challenges, struggles and disagreements but you made sure both Salil and I came through stronger and if its even possible enjoy the planning. Kavita, you will forever hold a very dear and special place in both our hearts and most importantly have become a dear friend. There are not enough words to express how thankful we are to have met you and have you plan the most special day of our lives.
To our most talented photographer and videographer, Ellen Ho of Hong Photography and Cinema Inc., @hongphotography, where to start, you are a true visionary. You captured our moments more beautifully than we could have imagined and we will treasure our photos forever.
Xoxoxo Sonia & Salil