Wedding Information

Who: Rupal D Bhatt & Frank J Weichmann
When: March 17, 2007
Where: Ahmedabad, India
Parents of the Bride: Dinker & Vibhuti Bhatt
Parents of the Groom: Robert & Judith Weichmann

About Us

HOW THEY MET:

"We worked together at KMC Telecom. We were both working in the Information Technology department. When you looked at us you saw two completely different people on the surface."

This quote could not be truer. Frank is a big guy and has a personality of the same size to match. Rupal is a fraction of the size of Frank and is more reserved and quiet. The two of them seemed to be a case of opposites attract but as they were around each other more, it was apparent that the moon and stars were aligning. The event that started the confirmation was a friendly trip to the movies one afternoon. Rupal discussed her liking of Indian movies and Frank (an avid fan of the movie industry himself) inquired about what the whole "Bollywood" thing was about. She explained and he wanted to experience. So the unknowing couple attended the screening of a Bollywood blockbuster, "Main Hoon Na". Frank loved the movie and realized it wasn't just the movie that captured his thoughts. Over the next couple of weeks an innocent but directed feeling was in the air and a simple Text Message between the two started the couple's path to this wedding.

THE ENGAGEMENT:

Their engagement was announced on December 26,2005.

HOW THEY GOT ENGAGED:

After Frank had ideas to plan the moment with a marching band all the way to a ring delivered by an elephant, he came back to simply being on one knee. It might sound like a basic proposal but add a Birthday, a little family, a palace and Frank's first trip to India - Proposal Magic!

Rupal and Frank were taking their first international trip together and Frank's first time to India. The first leg of the trip took them to Bangalore. Her sister and her family were there by way of her Husband taking an assignment from the U.S. company he worked for. It was perfect for them to go and visit them.

The day of the proposal happened to be Rupal's birthday. After having a Birthday cake at her Sisters home with everyone, they went out for a nice birthday dinner. Rupal's sisters' husband helped Frank arrange for dinner reservations at an amazing Hotel/Resort in the area called The Leela Palace, picture one of the new Las Vegas resorts. It had a serene waterfall and an elegant garden area that would prove to be a great backdrop for the special occasion. They had a nice dinner and after the meal Frank asked Rupal to take a walk with him through the garden area (He used some lame excuse like he was very full and needed to take a walk) Rupal joined him. When the pathway led to the front of the waterfall, Frank plunged his knee down and asked Rupal to marry him. (He said more than that but a person's proposal has to be kept confidential :) ) She said, "Yes!".

The Wedding

Pre-wedding consists of decorating the mandap, a place setting where the bride and groom will be married by the priest on the wedding day. Then, at the bride's home, "Griha Shanti" puja is conducted in the early morning. The purpose of the puja is to bring peace among the stars. The puja for Griha Shanti is conducted by a guru with the family members and relatives of the bride's with the father participating in the rituals. A day or two before the wedding, the bride has her hands painted with henna (Mehndi).

The day of the wedding, the bride and groom approach the wedding hall separately accompanied by family and friends. The bride wears a traditional red and white sari adorned with beads, gold thread and embroidery. The groom wears a traditional Sherwani suit which is knee length with narrow pants, a head-dress and a matching scarf. The wedding ceremony begins and lasts for about 1 to 2 hours. Afterwards, the bride and groom will take a break to change into their reception attire which is appropriate for a party. At the reception, family, friends and guests will congratulate the couple. Dinner is served and entertainment follows.