Q: How did you meet?
Allan & Sheetal : We met through work
Q: What do you love most about one another?
Allan & Sheetal : We both share strong family values and exhibit unconditional love/support for one another. These mutual characteristics are the foundation of our relationship.
Q: Could you share your proposal story?
Allan : On our first date we went for a walk to a small park over looking English bay. We enjoyed the sunset over a glass of wine. As we sat getting to know each other, a violinist unexpectedly started playing near us. The moment was so perfect Sheetal jokingly asked if I had hired him to serenade us. It took weeks of planning and keeping secrets to recreate that very moment for the proposal. I told her that my aunt was coming to town and that we would be doing family photos. This ensured she would fit me into her busy schedule and would also be dressed up. The plan was to meet at the same park. When my family was “running late” and the violinist started playing our song, Sheetal realized that it wasn’t just a coincidence: I was proposing. She immediately started crying: mission accomplished. Afterwards, she thought we were just going to dinner. However, I surprised her with a private party at Vistas restaurant rotating club floor at the Renaissance Vancouver Harbourside where all of our families and her friends were there to celebrate with us.
Q: Describe your wedding day. What was your favourite moment?
Allan & Sheetal : Everything went perfectly according to plan. We organized it to start in the late afternoon. In the morning we whisked off to Queen’s Park for a small private civil ceremony before our Hindu ceremony. We specifically chose Aria Banquet Hall because it’s layout made it easy for us to transition our wedding straight into our reception. It was a bonus that the venue is new and few people have seen the beautiful interior. We were blessed to have so many of our family members attend from all over the world. The best part of our wedding was being able to see all those family members and friends from all cultures come together to celebrate our love.
Q: Could you tell us about your reception?
Allan & Sheetal : Since the reception started immediately following the ceremony, everyone was already in position and ready to party.
We quickly changed into our reception outfits and made our re-entry. The food was great, bar was flowing and dance floor filled up as soon as we finished our first dance. Our photographer seemed to be everywhere we looked and we had many shots of us with friends throughout.
Q: Can you describe your outfits?
Allan & Sheetal : Simple, elegant and classy.
Q: Where did you honeymoon?
Allan & Sheetal : We splurged on our honeymoon. Dubai & the Maldives were the perfect blend of exciting city life and relaxing tropical paradise. The emirates airline hostess on the flight back from the Maldives joked that usually
couples ask to be seated apart on the way back: not us. The whole trip was spectacular and amazing: once in a lifetime.
Q: What are your goals as a couple?
Allan & Sheetal : We hope to find a good balance of practicality whilst enjoying the luxuries of life.
Q: What are your favourite quotes?
Allan & Sheetal : “In struggle you will find strength.”
Q: What are the strengths of your marriage?
Allan & Sheetal : We faced many challenges in making our relationship possible. The love from our families eventually made it possible. Therefore, our major strength is unconditional love.
Q: If you could provide any advice to other married couples, what would it be?
Allan & Sheetal : Focus on the big picture and the goals you have together. Life gets busy, small things always come up; always check in with each other to ensure you’re on track.
