Danny: I knew it was going to be a long day since we did the Sikh and Hindu ceremonies back to back plus all the other wedding day stuff. My favorite part was seeing Shameeta to the left of me at the gurdwara, sitting next to me and just making everything make sense like she always does.
Q: How did you meet?
Shameeta: We met in high school through a mutual friend.
Q: What do you love most about one another?
Shameeta: Danny is my constant. He’s always been my guide. He has supported me through-out the years and has always been my corner. There are so many qualities that I love about him but what I love the most is that he has been understanding, dedicated, supportive and patient.
Danny: Her heart. She is always helping others, making everyone laugh and smile with her room-filling laugh; she cares for everyone. Her heart is so big and full and I love that about her.
She gives great advice and pep-talks when I need them, she’s like a coach, teammate, cheerleader and fan all wrapped up in one.
Q: Could you share your proposal story?
Danny: I had picked our anniversary as the perfect day for this. I came up with the entire plan while taking a study break. I have a friend who is a photographer, Shavneel, and I knew Shameeta hadn’t met him before. I walked him through the plan and he thought it was perfect. So, that day we made our way to Grouse mountain and I thought I was acting normal but she told me afterwards that she could tell something was up. Only a few family members and friends knew the plan and I was determined to keep the entire thing a secret from Shameeta. We got up to the mountain and just went about things normally but the whole time my friend and I were texting so I could let him know where we were on the mountain and he would be in the distance taking photos. He took some great shots of us ice skating. Finally, when it came time to propose, I texted him that we were at the light tunnel and I was ready.
This is the best part. My friend was there and we asked him to take a picture of us under the lights with our phones. He and I pretended we didn’t know each other. He took the picture with the phone and then said he worked for the mountain and could take a picture with his camera and email it to us, we agreed….and that was when I got down on one knee. I had this little speech memorized but couldn’t get a word out of my mouth because of all the emotions. After what felt like forever, I told Shameeta that my friend was in on the whole thing and we went to a few spots to take some more pictures. It’s funny thinking back at it but it was a memorable day for sure.
Q: Describe your wedding day. What was your favourite moment?
Shameeta: The morning of the wedding day was stressful for me but when I walked down the aisle in the temple and saw Danny, it all went away. That had to be my favourite moment.
Danny: I felt great in the morning, minus the extreme heat we were having in the area. I had thought I was going to be nervous but that didn’t happen. I knew it was going to be a long day since we did the Sikh and Hindu ceremonies back to back plus all the other wedding day stuff. It was a jam packed day from 6am to 12am. My favorite part was seeing Shameeta to the left of me at the gurdwara, sitting next to me and just making everything make sense like she always does.
Q: Could you tell us about your reception?
Shameeta: With all the Covid restrictions, we did not have a reception. We invited a few members of our family and friends over for dinner. The gathering was very intimate - it was exactly what we wanted. Danny: We had so many changes to our plans, but we decided to keep things small and intimate. We had a dinner on Saturday at my house with my family and then another dinner on Sunday at Shameeta’s house with her family. It was different from the receptions we are used to but it was still a blast. Q: Where did you honeymoon?
Shameeta: With the Covid restrictions, we weren’t able to travel internationally, so we went away to Summerland. While in Summerland we went jet skiing, visited a few wineries, and ate at some local restaurants. Danny: We spent four days in Summerland. Due to Covid, we wanted to go somewhere close but still far away. I love the Okanagan area so Summerland was a no brainer. We both wanted to have a few peaceful and relaxing days so we got a place near the lake and near some good restaurants and enjoyed each other’s company.
Q: What are your goals as a couple?
Shameeta: As a couple, our goals are to continue trying new things together and to keep growing together. We like to challenge each other and this supports our growth. Another goal that we have is to continue supporting each other in our careers and education.
Danny: Support one another in every endeavour - be it career, education, physical health, mental health, or financial health. I want us to keep trying new things and keep stepping out of our comfort zones, as a couple and as individuals.
Q: What are the strengths of your marriage?
Shameeta: In my opinion, because we’ve known each other for so long, it has helped us understand one another better and helped build a strong foundation. Respect is key in any relationship and I think it is one of our strengths. We have been in each other’s lives for 16 years, I would say that commitment is another strength. Lastly, we communicate very well with one another.
Danny: Communication for sure. We’ve never been scared to have those serious conversations that you have to eventually have with your partner. It allowed us to create and align our goals earlier on and grow together as well. Being open-minded to thoughts and ideas is another strength we share. That has definitely allowed us to experience new things that we normally wouldn’t have.
Q: If you could provide any advice to other married couples, what would it be?
Shameeta: Communication is key! Don’t be afraid to have those tough conversations and don’t be afraid to share your feelings. A great friend of mine gave me sound advice, “Don’t major on the minor.” From the minute I heard it, it has always been something I come back to. If it won’t matter tomorrow, work through it and learn from it. Most importantly, don’t forget to say ‘I love you’.
Danny: Time together is important, but self-care and taking time out for yourself is equally important. Always be open to new ideas, to suggestions, to new experiences, and to compromise.
Photos: AMASTERMEDIA, Shavneel (proposal)