Sonia & Salil

Anoop has had the pleasure of knowing Salil for almost 15 years. Their friendship has consistently grown stronger throughout this time, to the point where Anoop not only considers Salil a close friend, but thinks of him as a brother. Salil is an individual that Anoop can rely on and trust to always come through any time he personally needs a favour, from some simple advice or just to have a good time. They have travelled extensively throughout the world and have cultivated some great memories.  Anoop is thrilled to be able to share in the honour of being one of Salil’s groomsmen as he embarks on the next chapter of his life with Sonia.

Rob first met Salil at a mutual friend's wedding six years ago. Over the years, they knew each other, but with Rob living in NYC and Salil living in Vancouver not too many opportunities presented themselves for them to get to know each other. Their friendship really didn't develop until Sal invited Rob to his sister's wedding in Rochester. The drive from NYC to Rochester showed Rob why everyone raved about Sal being a fun loving guy and a great friend. Their friendship grew even more when they decided to travel together two years ago. From visiting the Gaudí landmarks and Camp Nou in Barcelona to riding on camels through the deserts of Morocco, they bonded on the trip and Sal proved to be a friend, a brother and confidant. Since then, Sal has visited NYC a few times and they have gone on a few more memorable trips. Rob has the privilege to call Sal one of his closest friends and is thrilled that Sal is about to embark on a different chapter in his life with Sonia.

Bharet and Salil met through their mutual friend Praneil on the volleyball courts roughly 7 years ago.  Sal and Bharet hit it off right away as they have many things in common: hockey, golf, volleyball and of course being DGU. Over the years their friendship has grown to brotherhood and Bharet knows he can count on Sal for anything. He also knows this is one of the reasons Sonia has decided to spend the rest of her life with Salil, as well as many other great characteristics. He is honoured to be a part of this chapter with Salil and Sonia.

Introduced through his cousins Praneil and Amit, Lokesh first caught wind of “The Blonde Angel” (self-given nickname in reference to his hair ) at Praneil’s stag in May 2017. This was the fist time Lokesh and Salil spent an extended period of time together, realizing they had a lot in common.  Fast forward a year, to an event where Sonia was first introduced to a small portion of the DGU - which then led to Lokesh introducing Sonia to everyone at the event as Salil's girlfriend. I guess you could say, Salil really embraced the label!
Although only meeting a few years back, their friendship is that of one that spawned during their childhood years.

My name is Ravi and although I’ve been friends with Salil for years, I would hardly consider him one until many years after meeting him—that is, when he finally got a decent haircut.

I first met Sal at Southridge when I was in my senior year and he had just entered the school as a delightfully awkward junior. When we found out that he was from New Foundland, just about everything about him seemed to make sense: from the way he would “th-peak” to his interesting sense of style—which was something akin to an “ethnic Napoleon Dynamite”.

It wasn’t long before we were on several senior sport teams together, which Sal managed to squeeze himself into due to his “high degree of effort” and “can-do attitude”. It was during this time that I took him under my wing, and not a day goes by where I don’t curse myself for the monster I’ve created: rugged good looks, endless charm, superior intelligence—these are just a few of the traits I failed to pass onto my young protégée. Alas, I was young and naive to think I could change him for the better, but by the time I had realized this the damage was already done. His delusions of grandeur manifested into YSL t-shirts, diamond-encrusted dog tags and Gucci loafers.

Notwithstanding his vanity, anyone who knows Sal also knows that his positive traits far outweigh his questionable ones (for which there are many). Always up for a good time and always by your side when you need him, Sal will never let you down. He’s the Golden Retriever of yuppies and over the years he’s come to be a brother to me. I’m extremely proud and grateful to be one of his groomsmen and to call him family.

I chose this photo for 3 reasons:
#1 look at how good looking my friends are, right?
#2 although I’m sitting incredibly awkwardly (I don’t know what to do with my hands!) this is the last photo I have of myself before putting on that stubborn baby weight.
#3 look at Sal: to know everything you need to know about Sal, you need only look at this photo. This was taken on my wedding day, and he (as a groomsmen) was given explicit instructions to be in a blue suit (for which he clearly is not). When confronted on this matter, he couldn’t even bother with a pitiful excuse like, “Masti ate my suit”. He simply said “yeah, but this looks better”. But like I said, notwithstanding his vanity, he’s right where I needed him.

Amit and Salil met back in high school. Despite being a year older than Salil, they became very close during their time at UBC. They participated in multiple successful sports teams as well as living together. Salil is one of Amit’s closest friends and he is so excited to be a part of their special day!

Pran and Salil first met in high school, and their friendship has only grown stronger over the years. The two of them can often be found working out, hitting the slopes, or playing volleyball, golf or squash. They spend a lot of time together, in fact so much that Pran’s wife Kimberley has affectionately dubbed Salil “Pran’s second wife.” 

Not all of Salil’s ideas have been advisable—his questionable decision to dye his hair blonde during Pran’s wedding resulted in some pretty memorable photos. But there is no questioning that, in Sonia, he has found an incredible partner.

Pran is so happy for Salil, and he looks forward to creating many more amazing memories with the beautiful couple.

Salil and Pavan met after Salil's family made the move west and he entered Pavan's life as a shy teenager from Newfoundland. Little did Pavan know that the two of them would go on the become the closest of friends. Salil's ability to brighten a room is second to none and speaks to his charming personality, kind character and adventurous spirit. After years of road trips, inside jokes and unforgettable memories, they have created friendship that will last forever.

Salil and Baldeep have known each other since their younger years, from being teammates on the Southridge soccer and basketball teams to living together at UBC and everything in between. There is truly no shortage of good memories or epic times that they have experienced. Baldeep couldn’t be happier to see Salil take this step into marriage with Sonia and he knows that they will continue to share many more milestones together.
Pro tip: ask Salil to sing I’m Sprung by T-Pain.

Sonia’s father, Gurjit and mother Sukvir are also over the moon to celebrate the union of the two families.

They can’t wait to welcome the Manga side with open arms and to reconnect with all their family and friends from far and near.

It was a rainy Sunday afternoon and I was heading back to Calgary when Sonia calls and says she's on the way to see me and is bringing Salil. I said "sure", and then as I hung up, I realized we only have 20 minutes. I thought to myself, what will we even talk about for such a brief period of time?

Putting that aside, we decided to meet up at White Spot. There I was, wondering how this individual would be and what would I even talk to him about? Will he even talk or would he be shy? Should I be that protective brother and interrogate him.

As they arrived, I saw them smiling from afar and that energy carried into our conversation. Even though we only had 20 minutes, it felt like plenty. Most importantly, I didn't even need or want to interrogate him as I felt the conversation to be genuine.

As I was waiting for my plane to take off, I was reflecting and remembered how happy my sister seemed and how excited she was for me to meet Salil. I texted Sonia and told her how happy I was for and excited to see where this journey will take them.

Reflecting back, here we are and I couldn't be happier for both Salil and Sonia! Congratulations!!

I’ve literally been waiting for this day for so long and I’m beyond excited to celebrate this auspicious occasion with my amazing sister Sonia! Ever since I could remember I have looked up to you, you’re the hardest working person I know and I am incredibly proud to call you my big sister. Throughout the years you have taught me so much and have shaped me to be the person I am today. You truly deserve the world and more.

When I first met Salil I knew from the way that he looked at my sister that he was the one for her. He treated her with such love and respect that I knew they were meant to be. Despite our distance apart, I knew my sister was in good hands with Salil. To be honest, the both of them are such weirdos and at times so annoying to be around but that’s okay because I love them so very much.

I’m so excited to be a part of this amazing journey Salil and Sonia are about to embark on and can't wait for all the new stories and experiences married life will bring.

Salil’s father, Ashok and mother Vimmi are excited to celebrate this special time in their families lives.

They have been looking forward to the union of the two families!

I’m Salil’s older “cooler” sister.  Jk, anyone that knows us, knows the cooler part is not true. Salil has always been the cooler one! And sometimes I feel that the older part may not be true, because he is always looking out for me.

But it hasn’t been all rainbows and sunshine. Growing up with a younger brother has had its challenges, as do all younger siblings, especially when they are spoiled little brats :). But he is truly the best brother a sister can ask for. He is the kindest, honest and the most genuine person most of you have probably met. He is always there for his family and friends.

Now that he’s marrying Sonia I couldn’t be happier. Now he has another female figure in his life to annoy, which will take some of the pressure off me. And I know she’ll keep him in check. But seeing them together, I know they are meant to be, and I’m so happy for them. I’m also ecstatic to be gaining a sister like Sonia. She has so effortlessly become a party of our family and our hearts. I can’t wait to celebrate their special day with them.

The first time I met Salil was in New York City for New Year's Eve the year before I married his sister. When I first met Vaishaali I knew it was meant to be and it was the same feeling when I met Salil. I don’t refer or think of Salil as my brother-in-law, I think of him as my little brother. I’m so grateful to have gained a brother like him and look forward to the time we spend together. Anytime we are together it’s like we didn’t skip a beat and we’re inseparable.

When I first had the chance to meet Sonia, I knew she was perfect for him. The fact of how perfect they are is evident in the metamorphosis of single Salil to present day Salil. He used to claim, he would be a bachelor for life and called us married guys “whipped”. That quickly changed when he met Sonia.

An incident comes to mind to paint the picture of just how much Salil has changed. We were walking through an extremely crowded Scotiabank arena when I realized we lost view of Salil and Sonia. We frantically went back to look for them, pushing through the masses, only to realize they were lagging behind because they were walking and cuddling (whip emoji). After I got over my astonishment of the “walk cuddle”, something that defied all laws of physics and did not know was humanly possible. A big smile came to my face and I realized just how perfect they are for each other.

Moral of the story, if your walking with them, budget in some extra time for the “walk cuddle”. Most important moral of the story, when you find that special person, never let go.

We can’t wait to celebrate their special day, when they are united as “walk cuddle” partners for life.

My name is Masti and I am the queen of my house! Despite my title, I’m very easy going. I’m also my daddy’s favourite girl; sorry Vaishaali!

I love mostly everyone and everything. I’m also spiritual and often go on fasts for my family’s well being but my parents make me break my Vrat and eat because they worry too much. But not before I make them do a little song and dance, hee hee. I have everyone wrapped around my little paw. After all, I am the Queen!

You see, I am Salil’s eldest sister and I guess we have a typical sibling relationship. I love him but sometimes he’s a bit much. I’m getting old and he still tries to play with me as if I were a puppy. You can ask Vaishaali; we talk about this often. She’s my second favourite after dad of course!

When I met Sonia for the first time, I absolutely loved her, even more than I love Salil. I can’t wait for her to join my family. More family equals more belly rubs. If you see me at the wedding don’t be shy, rub away!

xoxo
Masti Manga

Woof woof!  My sister is getting married!

Woof woof!  Everyone at home is super excited and seeing them happy makes me happy, because I get more treats and walks!

Woof woof! I’ve met Salil and I’m not sure how I feel about him, I don’t like the idea of sharing my sister. As long as he doesn’t steal my belly rub time I will try to love him!

Woof woof!  Salil don’t ever hurt my sister otherwise I’ll pee on you!

Woof woof!