Kristen and Arpan
When Kristen Wellman met Arpan Patel for the first time, little did she know that they would build a lifetime of love and two different cultures together. Arpan was immediately smitten with Kristen when he met her at a New Year’s party thrown by his friend Andrew, who turned out to play innocent matchmaker for his twin sister! Kristen and Arpan only had time for a one date before Kristen had to return to Indiana for school. During a time of her life where she was traveling to a new city every month for work, Kristen was struck by how caring and supportive Arpan turned out to be and their relationship blossomed through many FaceTimes and phone calls. His consistency won her over, and after a little over a year of dating, Arpan proposed.
Arpan’s beautiful proposal took place at the Seven Mile Beach at the Grand Cayman Islands. The idyllic holiday planned in advance by common friends of the couple and Arpan included boating escapades, surfing with the stingrays and beach bathing. On the last leg of the trip, the couple dressed up prettily for some photo sessions and Arpan urged his lady love to walk through the waters with him and at a dreamy moment, he got down on one knee and asked that magical question “Will you marry me?” For Kristen, it was a moment full of certainty and peace as she had absolute faith in Arpan. The happy couple proceeded for a romantic dinner at the lighthouse and then went for a thrilling horseback ride through the waters, the next morning.
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The couple had planned an elaborate wedding that would include several ceremonies and 300 guests. However, the pandemic made them scale down the event to a single day and thirty guests!! Their wedding planner was immensely helpful in planning the event. Naturally, there were two ceremonies and the couple jointly chose the locations for both. While the Hindu ceremony was held at the outdoor Heritage Park in Canton, Michigan, the Catholic ceremony took place at the Old St Mary’s Catholic Church at Detroit, Michigan. The location worked for them as it was a mid point for both families and a convenient distance from the airport. Though most pre wedding events were cancelled, the couple did have a beautiful rehearsal dinner after the Church wedding rehearsal. The intimate dinner at Greek restaurant in Detroit was accentuated by lovely pink blooms, glimmering candles and palm plant decorations. Kirsten and Arpan’s wedding were a respectful immersion of both Catholic and Hindu cultures with beautiful ceremonies sourced from both religions. There was a miniature Baraat event where Hindi music was played while conventional catholic music was played at the Catholic wedding. In keeping with the norms of the pandemic, the bride and groom opted for carpool with their groomsmen and bridesmaids.
The couple originally planned an elaborate wedding that would include several ceremonies and 300 guests. However, due to Covid pandemic restrictions, they scaled down the event to a single day and thirty guests! The Hindu ceremony was held outdoors at Heritage Park in Canton, Michigan, and the Catholic ceremony took place at Old St Mary’s Catholic Church in Detroit, Michigan. The location worked for them as it was a mid point for both families and a convenient distance from the airport. Though most pre-wedding events were cancelled, the couple did have a beautiful, intimate rehearsal dinner at The Greek Restaurant in Detroit. The venue was accentuated by lovely pink blooms, glimmering candles and palm plant decorations. Kristen and Arpan’s wedding represented a respectful blend of both Catholic and Hindu cultures with beautiful ceremonies in accordance with both religions. There was a short, but lively Baraat where Bollywood music was played, while the Catholic ceremony featured traditional wedding music.
The couple also held a reception at The RattleSnake Club in Detroit. The couple opted to minimize Covid risks by hosting the reception at the club’s outdoor patio, which was located next to a beautiful river. Four to six people were seated at each table and the centerpieces of blooms, candy, shrubs and a gorgeous elephant name holder were handmade by the bride and her mom. Sparkling Edison lights set off reflections on the river water and accentuated the happy smiles of the small gathering filled with light and love. The couple had their dances at a small platform built in the middle of the park. While the bride and her father danced to Heartland’s “I loved her first,” the groom and his mom danced to Atif Aslam’s “Janam Janam.” The couple danced to a beautiful medley of romantic songs “Pehla Nasha” and “Speechless” by Dan+Shay.
Kristen and Arpan made sure that everyone who could not attend the wedding in person was still able to celebrate the lovely occasion through live streaming. Kristen also surprised Arpan with a video she made in collaboration with Arpan’s friends, something Arpan will always cherish.
Kristen and Arpan urge couples to not only enjoy every moment leading up to their wedding, but also enjoy the day to the fullest once it arrives.
The couple originally planned an elaborate wedding that would include several ceremonies and 300 guests. However, due to Covid pandemic restrictions, they scaled down the event to a single day and thirty guests! The Hindu ceremony was held outdoors at Heritage Park in Canton, Michigan, and the Catholic ceremony took place at Old St Mary’s Catholic Church in Detroit, Michigan. The location worked for them as it was a mid point for both families and a convenient distance from the airport. Though most pre-wedding events were cancelled, the couple did have a beautiful, intimate rehearsal dinner at The Greek Restaurant in Detroit. The venue was accentuated by lovely pink blooms, glimmering candles and palm plant decorations. Kristen and Arpan’s wedding represented a respectful blend of both Catholic and Hindu cultures with beautiful ceremonies in accordance with both religions. There was a short, but lively Baraat where Bollywood music was played, while the Catholic ceremony featured traditional wedding music.
