Seema Patel and Amish Aghera
Saturday, May 25, 2003
Renaissance Hotel - St. Louis, Missouri

ABOUT THE BRIDE: Seema was raised in smalltown Rolla, Missouri. She graduated from Boston University in January 2000 and now works as a consultant for Accenture based out of the Boston office.

ABOUT THE GROOM: Amish grew up in Laurel, Maryland and has lived in Boston for the past eight years. He graduated from Boston University School of Medicine in May 2003 and is currently doing his internship at Boston Medical Center. Next year, he will begin his Emergency Medicine residency in the Bronx.

HOW WE MET: We met at Boston University on the engineering floor in the dorms. We hung out in a group with other freshmen going to dinner, watching movies, and exploring Boston. And so the romance developed as we spent more and more time together. We haven't looked back since!

ENGAGEMENT: On Christmas Eve 2001, we were getting ready for our trip to visit Seema's parents. We were originally going to take our presents to exchange in Rolla to celebrate with the family. Instead, Seema was persistent in opening her present before they left. Amish had wrapped the engagement ring in a large box with a teddy bear. When Seema opened the gift, she said "Thanks for the camera" but when she looked inside the box there was a ring on the teddy bear's neck. By that time, Amish was on one knee proposing!

PLANNING: Since we lived in Boston and the wedding was going to be in Missouri, the planning had to begin immediately. The first question was whether Rolla was going to be able to accommodate the expected 500 plus guests. In addition, we had to find vendors which would accommodate our traditional Hindu wedding ceremonies, and serve Indian food. As a result, we decided St.Louis was the best place to have the wedding.

ATTIRE: The bride's gown was a traditional bridal lenga in red, white, and gold purchased in India. Seema and her family traveled to India to purchase all of the attire. The bridesmaids dresses were blue and purple embroidered sarees handmade in India. The groom's outfits were purchased in Edison, New Jersey and Chicago, Illinois.

THE CEREMONY: The ceremony was held at the Renaissance Hotel. It began with Amish arriving in a horse and carriage with his family dancing around him. Seema and her family then greeted Amish before he entered the Mandap, a traditional wedding stage, and she was lifted by her brothers into the air to put the sacred garland on Amish. Seema then was escorted to the waiting room, while Amish entered the Mandap. A live band played instrumental music throughout the ceremony. Seema then arrived to the Mandap accompanied by her dad and uncle. Multiple religious ceremonies were conducted over the next hour. The ceremony concluded with Amish and Seema leaving the Mandap together as they received blessings from their family.

THE RECEPTION: The reception was also held at the Renaissance Hotel. A cocktail hour was held in the 12th floor ballroom overlooking the airport. The evening started with toasts and speeches by family and friends. In addition, Amish's family performed and danced to choreographed Hindu songs. A delicious Indian dinner buffet was provided by India Rasoi after the performances. After we did our first dance to Janet Jackson, the live DJ started with a great selection of music. Our parents and elder guests enjoyed traditional Hindi music at a separate location by a live band.

VENDORS WE USED:
American Theatre - May 24
Flower Depot - May 24 and May 25
AJ's Photography Int - May 24 and May 25
Suzy Myers Photography - May 24 and May 25
St. Louis Carriage Co. - May 25
Kraus Katering - May 25
Renaissance Hotel - May 25

If you have questions or comments for Seema and Amish please e-mail them at seemabpatel@yahoo.com.