Wedding Story:
When asked how they met, Michael and Anika will often say, “over a dead body”. As that may sound intriguing, the truth is that they met during their first year of dental school in anatomy lab where they were assigned to the same cadaver. From the moment they met, they clicked and became very close. As they navigated the intricacies of dental school, a friendship began to take root, founded on mutual respect, shared ambitions, and a healthy dose of humor and flirtation. As their final year approached, the nature of their relationship began to shift. What had once been a platonic bond evolved into something more profound. They realized that their feelings for each other extended beyond friendship, leading them to start dating. Fast forward a few years and Michael proposed at their favorite picnic spot where they had shared many light-hearted conversations and heartfelt confessions during their friendship. Anika joyfully said yes as she always believed the important message of her favorite Indian movie, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai – “Pyar is Dosti.”
The wedding celebrations were a beautiful fusion of Anika’s Indian-Hindu traditions and Michael’s Latin-Catholic culture. The couple started with traditional Hindu pre-wedding festivities such as the Grah Shanti and Pithi, followed by the Hindu Ceremony, Sangeet, Catholic Ceremony and Reception. Family and friends from both sides respectfully came together, celebrating the rich tapestry of their cultures and the deep bond that united them. The biggest gift given to the couple, was the way in which both sides of their family and friends really embraced each other and enthusiastically participated in all the weddings events, whether it was dancing in the baraat and learning a choreographed dance at the Sangeet, to coming up for blessings from the Priest at the Catholic Church during the ceremony. Anika and Michael’s wedding was more than just a celebration of their love; it was a testament to the power of unity and understanding. As they danced together for the first time as a married couple, surrounded by their loved ones, it was clear that their story was a beautiful example of how love can bridge cultures, merge traditions, and create something truly extraordinary.
