Puja and Anuj’s love story was written well before they were ever born. Their love story was written by two men who neither of them ever spoke to about their love lives (because that would be weird). They were introduced to each other by their fathers; who went to college together in India, got jobs in the US together and gave the same advice (“Father knows best”). Puja and Anuj’s dads stayed in touch when they both immigrated to the US around the same time. And their fathers friendships grew based on the trajectory of their lives; their parallel life experiences continued as they both married, purchased homes and had children roughly around the same time. As their fathers friendship grew stronger as did their families.
Puja and Anuj spent countless road trips, vacations and weekends together as children from seeing the Lincoln Memorial to the Grand Canyon together. To say they have known each other since birth would be an understatement. They were childhood friends who went to cultural event together, went through their awkward teenage years together and even congratulated each other as they went to separate colleges. They grew up side by side spending countless weekends, road trips and summers together – and yet they were simply friends
As distance and time got between them; their desire to see each other and stay in touch grew. When freshman year of college was winding down; Anuj invited Puja to Penn State for the weekend to attend a fundraiser that he thought she would enjoy (as friends). This one moment was the catalyst that ignited a long-distance friendship that turned into their love story. Puja began to see Anuj as a funny, caring and loving man who would do anything to help his friends and family. Puja’s laughter, giddiness and compassion made Anuj realize how truly special she was and how excited he was to spend time with the girl now woman he grew up with. Slowly but surely their friendship turned into a crush and then a full-blown love story. A love story with roots could be traced back to a friendship that started 10 years before either of them were born.
Puja and Anuj had a beautiful two-day Gujarati wedding which included a Garba, Hindu Wedding and Reception all taking place at Fox Chase Manor in Chantilly, VA. Their Garba kicked off with beautiful choreographed dances, amazing speeches and tons of laughter. After the program they proceeded to dance the night away with a live band playing Garba music, Raas and Sanedo. The next day was the wedding day which included a Rikshaw Baraat, over 600 friends and family, a heartfelt ceremony and an epic reception as they danced the night away.
Puja and Anuj thank you for allowing us to capture such a spectacular moment in both of your lives and introducing you to the amazing people who shaped your lives.
Northern Virginia Indian Wedding Photography
Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Foxchase Manor
Wedding Planner: Project Bride DC
Makeup Artist: Makeup By Mala
Decorator: Yaadein Weddings
Caterer: Bollywood Bistro
DJ: Planet DJ’s