Full Names
Sanjana Kumar & Neal Patel
Occupations
Sanjana — Psychologist
Neal — Law Associate
Cultural Backgrounds
Sanjana — Indian (Punjabi)
Neal — Indian (Gujarati)
Where & How Did You Meet?
We began our journey as friends in college, which laid the foundation for our relationship. From the start, we could have fun and joke around together, while also engaging in deep, meaningful conversations for hours on end. As our relationship evolved, we gained a deeper understanding of each other’s needs and learned how to respond to them effectively.
Where Did You Get Married & Why Did You Pick That Location?
We were married at the Banyan Tree Dubai, and it truly fulfilled our dreams. Our ceremony unfolded on Bluewaters Island, with the beach as our backdrop and the setting sun casting a magical glow over the proceedings.
The venue provided a perfect blend of indoor and outdoor spaces, offering flexibility for our guests to seamlessly transition between different parts of the celebration. In the vibrant and bustling city of Dubai, Banyan Tree felt like an oasis. Its lush greenery, exceptional event spaces, and unparalleled hospitality made it the ideal choice for our wedding. The serene ambiance of Banyan Tree allowed us to enjoy the best of both worlds—the dynamic energy of Dubai and the tranquility of a secluded retreat.
Our special day at this stunning location will remain unforgettable.
What Was The Most Important Thing To Each Of You When Planning Your Wedding?
“Neal and I come from different Indian cultural backgrounds; Neal is Gujarati, and I have a mix of Punjabi, Bengali, and Uttar Pradesh heritage. It was essential for us to honor and incorporate traditions from all of our cultures throughout our wedding. Each ceremony, from the pre-wedding events to the main celebration, included unique elements representing our diverse backgrounds.
After being together for 10 years, we wanted our wedding to reflect our journey and story. We integrated personal touches into the decor, invitations, photo displays, and videos, allowing our loved ones to experience the highlights of our relationship.
What Does Family Mean To You?
Family, to us, means unwavering support, unconditional love, and a shared commitment to making dreams come true. With friends and family spread all over the world, it was incredibly meaningful to have everyone we love and hold dear under one roof for three magical days.
Our parents played a pivotal role in our wedding planning process. We wouldn’t have been able to plan our wedding without them. They provided not only emotional support when things got stressful but also made every vision and dream element we had come to life. Both sets of parents were dedicated to giving us the wedding we wanted. Their active involvement and support ensured that our dream wedding became a reality, allowing us to enjoy every moment of the planning process without feeling overwhelmed.
Having our family so deeply involved was crucial. Their love and support enabled us to experience the joy of our special day fully and made the entire journey unforgettable. For us, family means being there for each other, turning dreams into reality, and sharing in the happiness of life’s most significant moments.
What Tips Would You Give To A Couple Planning Their Wedding?
If we were to offer advice to other couples, it would be to not strive for perfection. Remember, there is no such thing as an objectively perfect wedding, and there will always be things that can go wrong. Embrace these imperfections, as they are what make your wedding unique and truly yours.
Here are a few key tips to keep in mind:
Focus on Enjoyment, Not Perfection: Enjoy every minute of the process, including the planning and your wedding day(s). Instead of stressing over everything being flawless, focus on the joy of each moment. The day passes quickly, and it’s the moments of happiness and love that you’ll cherish the most.
Prioritize What Matters: Identify the elements most important to you and your partner. Invest your time and resources in those areas, and be flexible with the rest. This will reduce stress and ensure the most meaningful aspects of your wedding shine through.
Trust Your Wedding Planner: Have faith in the team bringing your vision to life. We entrusted Vivaah Weddings with our special day, and they exceeded our expectations, ensuring unforgettable celebrations for our families and us. They meticulously attended to every detail, large and small. Their dedication not only lightened our workload but also allowed us to share the excitement and responsibilities of our big day.
Stay Present: On your wedding day, make a conscious effort to stay present and soak in the experience. It’s easy to get caught up in logistics and minor details, but remember to step back and appreciate the love and celebration around you.
By focusing on enjoyment, prioritizing what matters, trusting your team, and staying present, you’ll create a wedding that is uniquely yours, filled with cherished memories. Enjoy the journey, and remember that imperfections often make the day unforgettable.
