“As the world became an unnerving and unfamiliar place, it was increasingly clear how familiar we were to one another, and what really mattered to us,” shared one of the grooms.
Los Angeles-based couple Neil Chawla and Hemang Saraiya first met over a “friendly hike” back in 2019 after matching online via Bumble BFF. “But we soon found various commonalities that led us to realize that this was more than a platonic bond,” says Neil, who is a primary care physician in Hollywood. From traveling and veganism to their shared drive to live a greener life, they discovered many similar inclinations along the way. The pandemic only made their bond stronger.
Neil also proposed, in Griffith Park following a trek over the Hollywood sign. When it came to the wedding planning, Hemang naturally took the lead. After attending many extravagant, the couple wanted to host an antithesis to it with “a truly one-of-its-kind, intimate gathering by the beach where there were no ballrooms or ‘South Asian’ wedding packages!” says Hemang. Tulum checked every box on their list.
The three-day celebration was spread across multiple venues in the beach town. The common factor? Each spot afforded them a clean, minimalist and timeless aesthetic that was central to their wedding moodboard. Guests received a leather and woven fabric bracelet as their entry wristband to all events, purchased from a local shop in Tulum. A mehendi mixer at their boutique villa, Nest, kicked off the festivities.
The wedding day started with dueling baraats on opposite sides of the property, with dhol drummers and music from Ohm Mexico. “Guests paraded their way through the jungle environs to the beachfront area, where both our baraats collided in a frenzy of cheers and competition,” recalls Neil. They then walked down the aisle towards their rainbow mandap with their respective mothers, where priestess Hersh Khetarpal from Chicago performed a modernized Hindu ceremony.
“She is a trailblazer who performed her daughter’s same-sex wedding over 10 years ago when it was only allowed in Massachusetts,” says Hemang of their choice. The reception that evening started with cocktails and a performance by musician Miguel Hiroshi on the rooftop of the restaurant Nü Tulum. The guests then made their way downstairs to the main verandah for a night of revelry.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban Celebrate 16th Wedding Anniversary: See Their Sweetest Moments - E! OnlineNicole Kidman and Keith Urban shared tributes to one another on their 16th wedding anniversary. See their posts and the couple's cutest pics over the years.
Read more »
They Do! Every Bachelor Nation Wedding in 2022: JoJo Fletcher and MoreRelive the biggest Bachelor Nation weddings of 2022, including JoJo Fletcher, Hayley Ferguson and more ‘Bachelor’ brides — details
Read more »
100 same-sex couples get married in Mexico City mass weddingThe capital of Mexico hosted a mass wedding ceremony for gay couples as part of celebrations for Pride Month.
Read more »
Taylor Lautner Splits His Pants Dancing to Mulan Soundtrack While Attending Friend's Wedding'Don’t invite me to your wedding, play the Mulan soundtrack and expect THIS not to happen' (via toofab)
Read more »
Lizzo Is A Walking Disco Ball In Joy-Fueled BET Awards PerformanceThe music superstar opened the ceremony with a rendition of her smash single, 'About Damn Time.'
Read more »