The Bride, Deepika, 26, is Hindu Punjabi and loves travel, fashion, graphics/art, Photoshop, shopping and spending time with her family. The Groom, Rinku, 30, is Sikh Punjabi and loves travel, sports, music and computers. Deepika is a graphic and web designer and Rinku is a Systems Engineer. Both live in Northern Virginia.
How They Met
Deepika and Rinku met on October 29, 1994 at a Sikh Cultural Program held at Oakton High School in Oakton, Virginia. “We walked by each other in the hallway in between performances and we both turned around at the same time to get another look at each other! That’s when we knew there was something special between us. We officially started dating on November 8, 1994.”
The Engagement
“We went for a romantic Dinner Cruise in Alexandria, Virginia on our 10 year anniversary! Right before dessert, Rinku popped the question with a gorgeous ring! Later that month we had a formal engagement at Deepika’s house with close family and friends.”
Photo by Glenn Barnett Photography
Pre-Wedding Events
Deepika’s sister and best friend, Ekta, planned a “Pretty in Pink” Bridal Shower. All the ladies wore different shades of pink and there was pink food, pink drinks and pink decorations. The evening really kicked off when Rinku and his friends arrived (in pink!) and played entertaining bride/groom games.
The Sangeet was held at Foxchase Manor, Manassas, VA on November 22, 2006. The ballroom was beautifully decorated with bright, colorful gerber daisies. There were romantic love quotes and every table had a mehndi station for the ladies to get their hands painted with henna. The bride and groom sat on a traditional Indian swing decorated with hanging gerber daisies. Family and friends performed special dances, did giddha and sang songs. “This was a wonderful way to kick of the big wedding to follow!”
Photo by Glenn Barnett Photography
The Wedding
The Sikh Ceremony was held on Friday, November 24, 2006 at the Burke Gurudwara in Fairfax Station, VA with 200 guests. Rinku wore a beautiful white Diwan Saheb sherwani with gold and purple accents and crystal work on the sleeves and borders. He arrived on a beautifully decorated horse with his family and friends dancing around him. Deepika wore a traditional Punjabi suit in a vibrant purple color with heavy work on the dupatta. Her hair was set in a pirandi and she looked like a traditional Punjabi Bride. The bridesmaids wore contrasting green suits to complement the bride. Deepika’s mother and sister wore shades of purple to accent the Bride.
The Hindu Ceremony was held on Saturday, November 25, 2006 at the Westfields Marriott in Chantilly, Virginia with 200 guests. Rinku wore a beautiful cream Diwan Saheb sherwani with gold and red accents and crystal work. Deepkia wore a shimmering red lehnga with a peach border which was covered in heavy crystal work. The bridesmaids wore peach suits to complement the Bride and the mother and sister of the bride wore red sarees. The ballroom was amazingly decorated with a pink theme and a zig-zag aisle led the way to the Mandap which was a white, elegant structure draped with flowers and pink lights. There were tall cylinders filled with water and orchids leading the way to the ceremony. The ballroom was lightly dimmed to evoke a romantic feeling.
Photo by Glenn Barnett Photography
Photo by Glenn Barnett Photography
The Reception
The reception was held on Saturday, November 25, 2006 at the Westfields Marriott in Chantilly, VA. The Groom wore a Ralph Lauren black tuxedo with silver vest and tie and looked “absolutely handsome!” He also wore a purple and pink orchid for his boutonnière.
The Bride wore a very sexy bright fuchsia and silver fish-cut langha covered with shimmery crystals. It was form fitting and very elegant. The blouse had beads draping from the arms and the back. She also wore a Victorian style diamond and pearl necklace and earrings.
The ballroom had a pink hue and a gorgeously decorated head table. The centerpieces at each table were tall cylinders filled with water and orchids that were glowing pink. The ballroom was exactly what the Bride had envisioned from the beginning. The night included speeches followed by performances from family and a professional Bhangra team. After the first dance and the cake cutting, guests danced the night away!
Photo by Glenn Barnett Photography
Photo by Glenn Barnett Photography
The Honeymoon
Deepika and Rinku flew to Los Cabos, Mexico for their honeymoon. “This was probably the MOST relaxing, romantic and unforgettable trip that we have made in 12 years. Our resort absolutely spoiled us and the beaches were so romantic. Our favorite was the Lovers Beach where you could go and spend a nice romantic afternoon sipping on champagne!”
Unique Touches
Since the Bride is a graphic designer, the wedding was very detailed oriented. The bride created the following: website, stamps with pictures, programs, water bottles, CD cover and the guestbook. The guestbook was a crowd favorite, as it contained pictures of the bride and groom along with their favorite love quotes. The CD’s were also a big hit!
Bridal Wisdom
“Enjoy your day! No matter what happens on the day of the wedding, just smile and enjoy it, because you will never have this day again. And remember there is no such thing as a perfect wedding, so don’t stress yourself out trying to be so perfect.”
To read more details and view more pictures of the wedding, visit the couple's website.
