Meena and I first met after being introduced via a mutual friend, Neetul. After much nagging from Neetul and my sister-in-law, whom Neetul had cunningly told his plans, we arranged to go on a blind date. This went relatively well, although I did try four doors before finding the correct entrance (much to the amusement of everyone inside the bar) and then proceeded to go up to the wrong girl. Meena of course witnessed this but did not let on. She later told me that she was worried about Neetul’s original description, as the girl had not been blessed in the looks department. In fact, I remember thinking about how I was going to make my excuses before Meena came forward and I realised it was a case of mistaken identity.

 After that we dated for several months before finding the courage to tell each other that we actually quite liked one another and could see this getting more serious. Soon after that we went public (much to the relief of our parents) and were officially taken off the “market”. 

Although, we knew that we would eventually wed, I decided to surprise her and bought an engagement ring (after a sly fact finding mission in Hatton Garden) and proposed to her in a hot air balloon.

 We eventually married eighteen months after we first met. Our registry wedding was held at an old mansion in Finchley, with beautiful gardens. Two weeks later we had our Indian ceremony at “The Centre” In Slough.  

Meena and her family had done an amazing job in organising every aspect of the wedding. It was simply perfect and proceeded with no hitches. “Eastern Mandaps”, organised the flowers, table decoration and ornate wooden mandap. Both the photography (Harpal photography) and videography (Shaadi) were extremely tasteful, stylish and different and a far cry from the cheesy visual effects seen in many Indian wedding videos that I’ve seen in the past. After the ceremony we were whisked back home so Meena could be welcomed formally into my family and receive all her “bling”

 We both changed into our evening outfits. Meena looked gorgeous in a unique elegant jewel encrusted backless khaki outfit and I wore some funky formal evening wear. 

The evening reception was a chance to wind down and celebrate with friends and family alike. Everyone had a great time (aided by the free bar) and the music (Entasia) was a good mix of both eastern and western to suit all tastes.

 After the wedding we spent the night in a local country manor before flying out to Thailand on our honeymoon.