I was born and raised in Durban. My entire schooling career took place in Westville, from pre-primary school to University - where I was fortunate enough to meet my husband. I graduated from UKZN in 2014 where I completed my Bachelor of Pharmacy degree. I was sent to Johannesburg to complete my community service in 2015 and I currently reside and work there today.
Our story began in early 2010 at the University of Kwazulu Natal. Having always been terrible with directions I got myself lost and just as I started panicking I bumped into Nadij, who kindly took me into my first lecture and made sure I was alright. We exchanged numbers and became close friends, after which we began going out and seeing each other more often. I soon met his family,we began dating and here we are today..
There was no proposal as such. One day my husband went to see my father at his shop and asked if he could have my hand in marriage. My father naturally said no, me being the only daughter in the family. Persistent as always, my husband sat in my father's practice till he eventually gave in and said he will discuss it with my mother and come to a decision shortly. That night during dinner, my father casually asked me if I was ready to get married. The rest as they say, is now history.
My day began very early at about 7am when I was surprised with beautiful roses and chocolates and driven to the make up artist. I was very excited to get my hair and makeup done as this is not something I do often. My favourite moment was walking down the aisle and seeing my husband waiting for me at the end of the red carpet, where he got down on one knee and I was surprised with yet another rose. It was heartwarming seeing so many people support us and offering us their best wishes as many of them I have not seen since I was a little girl and a few I had just met from his side of the family. Another highlight was the look on the guests' faces as we performed a surprise dance item as we ended the wedding rituals. I will also never forget the speech my husband gave in which he read me an incredibly sweet poem which almost brought me to tears.
We recently had a wonderful trip to Mauritius and stayed in Grand Baie
I opted for the traditional Hindu bride look. I wore a red sari with heavily embroidered skirt as well as a veil. My hair was done up in a high bun and my make up artist chose a bold look for my make up in order to match my outfit which he described as 'royal.' I wore traditional red and gold bangles as well as a necklace. My sari was purchased in India. For my wedding shoes I wore simple gold 'juttis' which are known as ballet pumps in english.
The wedding took place at Coastlands Hotel in Umhlanga, where we were lucky enough to have the Sky room as a venue which had a beautiful view of the ocean from all sides.
For about a year leading up to the wedding I joined the gym and made sure I went regularly. I made sure to drink plenty of water and tried to get as much sleep as possible to ensure my skin looked good.
Ever since we got engaged in 2014, I had always dreamed of having a Peacock themed wedding. On stage we had large Peacocks as well as Peacock centre pieces on the guests tables. Down the aisle we chose to have Ganesha idols as this is my favourite deity and He also represents the Remover of Obstacles. On each table we placed a printed copy of the Hindi marriage rituals as well as wedding steps wrapped in the form of a scroll. We also placed a piece of wrapped coconut ice in the shape of a peacock feather on each guests plate. This was painstakingly wrapped and tied with ribbon by my now mother in law, brother in law my best friend Shaveer and I a few days before the wedding took place. Having both recently lost people close to us, we placed a tag on each one saying "Because some one we love is in heaven, there is small a piece of heaven at our wedding" in order to commemorate them. We opted for a pink and purple colour wash to go with the theme, as well as gold tableware.
The groom wore a traditional red and gold Sherwani suit which was designed and all accessories purchased in India.
Pundit Kasoo Panday
The photographer was the talented Jay Pillay from Jay Pillay photography.
I did not hire a wedding planner, however our MC helped out with co ordination.
My best friend from university, Shaveer drove me to the venue in his BMW 428i Gran Coupe.
As it was a Hindu wedding we opted to not have a wedding cake, however we did have traditional Indian sweetmeats such as burfee and jalebi. The food for the wedding was all vegetarian and made by the chefs at Coastlands itself.
My husband and I designed our stationery in India and had it printed there as well.
I did not take dance lessons. We had dance items and music after the wedding provided by Tharana Productions.
