Neela & Phillip
Neela & Phillip
Our Story
The Happy Couple
Blindian (n): A person of mixed Indian and black heritage; A couple where one person is black and the other is Indian.
Communication is key in any relationship. Beyond the obvious differences, we also have different ways of expressing ourselves based on our cultures. Thus allowing us to connect on various levels including emotionally and intellectually.
It is never too late to fall deeply (or compassionately, even sacredly) in love. Our tale was far from traditional, yet it began innocently with being colleagues in our profession and evolved into a friendship, passion, and love that can only be defined as "NeePhi".
Neela
Neela was born and raised in Clifton, New Jersey by her parents, Kamalkanta and the late Chatur Patel of Gujarat, which is located in India. As a child, she was part of a competitive dancing company and also hit the dirt diamond as an avid softball player, where she discovered her love for sports. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Rutgers University. Her interest in working with college-aged students was discovered as a college student, and it has led to a nearly 25-year career serving this population.
Phillip
Phillip was born and raised in Shaker Heights, a suburb south of Cleveland, Ohio, by his single mother, the late Marilyn Smith. He was a Boy Scout and a prodigy youth baseball and football player, but he also enjoyed computer robotics and programming. Following some early life struggles, he graduated from high school and attended Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina. He went on to further his studies, earning a master's degree and, most recently, a doctorate in education from Temple University. Like his future wife, he enjoys working with college-aged students on a college campus. He currently works at Rutgers, where he provides assistance to students with basic needs challenges.
Our Story...
The happy couple enjoys watching all forms of amateur and professional sports. You may find them tailgating at Rutgers football games or watching the Ohio State Buckeyes on television during the fall. During the winter, you may find them at the RAC cheering on the hardwood Knights. Aside from sports, they enjoy taking their dog, Kobe, to local breweries and wineries. They are passionate about discovering new foods, spirits, and wines while also traveling the world together both professionally and leisurely.
Family is significant to both of them since the holidays are filled with laughing and good cheer, as there are dozens of shoes left at the door, reflecting the love and happiness that being in community with others offers to them. Summers and holidays include Phillip's kids Kiara, Isaiah, and Lyniah coming up from Atlanta, GA, and spending time with the Patel family, particularly nieces and nephews, Diya, Shaan, Syan, and Sahali.
As these two families are now becoming one, we are excited to share this momentous occasion with you all. We are excited to share our vows in the presence of you all. Thank you for the love, guidance, and commitment you have given us. We look forward to celebrating with you this summer in New Jersey!