Real Wedding: Meghavi and Ketul, New Jersey
Meghavi Parekh and Ketul Shah’s love story is one that is full of surprises and romantic gestures. Though the two both lived in Parsippany, New Jersey, they first met during a video conference with mutual friends in 2011. Recognizing a special connection at that virtual meeting, Ketul instantly sent a Facebook friend request to Meghavi that she accepted. The virtual friendship led to a real life one when the two started meeting in person.
Meghavi and Ketul began dating in earnest in September of 2012. After dating for five years, Ketul proposed and Meghavi happily accepted! Meghavi was overwhelmed by the way Ketul proposed, which took place in phases. First, the couple went on a sunset helicopter trip of New York and witnessed the mesmerizing sights together. The next weekend was the eventful one.
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Ketul sent a surprise package to Meghavi, a box on which “I love you” was written in 10 different languages. There was a beautiful red dress in it with a note to be ready by 12:30pm. The blushing Meghavi dressed in red went on a lunch date with her true love. Just after lunch, Ketul hurried to a ferry ride in New York. Just when they reached the pier, Meghavi was awestruck to find all their close friends carrying a banner that read “Baku (my dear) will you marry me?.” Meghavi was sincerely touched by Ketul’s romantic gesture and the presence of friends during the great moment of her life.
The couple decided to marry in May 2019. Meghavi and Ketul did not want a wedding planner, and instead, they decided to plan the details themselves with the help of their family and close friends. The couple wanted to enjoy every bit of the planning, and according to Meghavi, it was a huge task, but the process and the successful execution of the plans made them truly content.
They chose a venue close to Parsippany as both families and their friends lived nearby. Just like their personal chemistry, the choice of venue also stroked a chord of unity and romanticism together. During their search for the perfect venue, Meghavi and Ketul visited The Mansion at Mountain Lakes and were overwhelmed by its rustic elegance. The two agreed that it was the perfect location for their dream marriage.
Friends and family offered references for different vendors, and the couple they met with them personally. Impressed by their genuine wishes to plan everything themselves, the vendors extended exceptional cooperation in all aspects of planning.
Before tying the knot, the couple visited India to shop and for a pre-wedding shoot. Finally, the big day arrived. Three pre-wedding ceremonies – the Kickoff Party, Mehndi and Pithi – were celebrated at home. The Kickoff Party and Mehndi were celebrated together, while the Pithi took place at the bride and groom’s respective homes.
Meghavi is a henna artist herself, so she designed her own mehndi. Her henna artist fulfilled her expectations more than perfectly. The pithi jewelry was handmade by Meghavi’s aunt, who also made floral jhumkas and veils for the same event. At the Mehndi, a swing was decorated with floral veils. It was an intimate ceremony with the participation of the family members along with touches of love everywhere.
The wedding ceremony was in the morning and inside the venue. The couple loved the venue so much that the decor was simply meant to complement the existing ambiance and grace of the room. The mandap was draped with pink fabric with a chandelier in the center and a floral hedge with white hydrangea and pink and peach roses adorned the top.
Ketul arrived on a horse carriage to the festive occasion. Hit dance numbers were played for the baraat, and during the marriage ceremony, the music choice was traditional Shehnai and Gujarati Lagan geet to fully embrace culture and heritage.
The reception continued with the simple, yet elegant theme. The couple’s love for white hydrangea and pink and peach roses continued here too with the stage centrepieces made of these flowers. There was beautiful silk fabric draping for the backdrop adding to the romantic ambience perfectly. The centrepieces of the guests’ tables included silver crystal goblets with votive candles inside and pink rose petals around the base.
A fog machine was used for the first dance number to create a surreal feeling of dancing on the clouds. Songs included the title track from film Dhadak and “Ek Ladki ko Dekha to Aisa Laga.” The 250 guests partied along with the bride and groom into the night as top dance numbers along and remixes played throughout the reception.
The reception featured dance recitals by the family and friends. There were even three surprise performances from the groom, his family and the bride’s family. It was indeed a pleasant surprise for Meghavi and the other guests. The couple was overwhelmed to see the beautiful decor at the reception and happily thank the decorators for bringing their ideas to life.
Simple but elegant was what Meghavi and Ketul hoped for their wedding, and they were happy it came about through their planning. Cherishing the beautiful and happy memories of their wedding, the couple advises everyone not to get too stressed or occupied by the planning process. There is stress, but couples’ should not forget to enjoy the fun of beginning a new journey in life.
