Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Wedding

The first time Russell ever met Priya, he was helping her move in two doors down from where he lived. Even though he thought she was really pretty and didn't mind helping, he was left wondering how she got him to help her move in the the first place! ;)Russell was about to start his first year of medical school and Priya was starting her second year. Russell would often come over to hang out since he only lived two doors down. They discovered they had the same sense of (awful) humor and really enjoyed hanging out with each other. What began as an innocent and fun friendship, slowly and organically turned into a relationship with a solid foundation of trust and love. Going through medical school together, while enduring the cluster of opposite exam schedules and flip-flop everyday schedules meant they learned about compromising, trust, and cherishing the little things very early on in their relationship. Russell would often cook Priya dinner on her exam weekends and Priya on Russell's- thus division of labor and the abolition of gender roles was also established early. These little things Priya and Russell established really helped the relationship thrive and grow, even under the immense stress of medical school. The relationship turned into a safe and comforting haven from the outside stressors. They learned to be vulnerable to each other, while also maintaining their independent lives. A year and a half into their relationship, Russell and Priya decided to adopt the best rescue pup in the world (seriously she is) - Tina! Soon, they found Tina a sister and adopted Bailey a month later. Having two dogs together was a wonderful addition to their relationship! Together with Priya's cat Sphingo - they enjoyed a wonderful life enriched with the love of their three animals.

Medical School Neighbours

As Priya was completing her 2nd audition rotation, Russell requested that she take a few days off at the end to go on a trip with him - since they haven't spent much time together during those 2 months she has been away.Priya got a one way ticket to Atlanta, and flew down to meet up with Russell at a terminal she texted her. There, he gave her another ticket - to fly down to the US VIRGIN ISLANDS! Ecstatically, they both boarded and flew down to the islands together. It was spectacularly beautiful! During their 5 day stay, Russell had mini surprises planned - one day they went sailing, the next snorkeling in one of the world's most beautiful beaches, and the next they were diving to pet sea turtles. On their third day (and the day Russell proposed), Russell and Priya ferried over to another island - St. John. There they found the clearest water and the whitest sand, and spent all day swimming. That day, Priya had jokingly stated that if they ever got married it would be at the US Virgin Islands. After spending all day tanning, fishing, and enjoying the beaches of St. John, Russell decided they should go on a hike. Priya was tired and hungry and did not want to go. But with further nudging, grudgingly, Priya obliged. Once they got to the top of the hill, Priya was happy their hiked - the view of the St. John's beautiful and scenic bay area was worth the trek. As the sun was setting, Russell started talking about how nervous he was on their first date - so nervous, in fact, he didn't even hold her hand even though he wanted to. He stated, he promises our last date as boyfriend-girlfriend he will definitely hold my hand - and he reached out and grabbed my hand to hold. He then, got down on one knee and said the sweetest words - "Will you marry me". I, of course, broke down and cried from happiness and shock. And a photographer he had hired (Rebecca Ruth) jumped out from hiding in the bushes to take candid pictures of Russell proposing. Of course, I said, YES!

The Proposal 

Before I start this section, a little disclaimer: It's (obviously) not meant to come across as "showing off" or whatever.... I wanted to write this because I always get asked about my ring because it looks so different and unique, so I wanted to make a section about it! :DI always knew I wanted a very unique ring that you cannot find in a jewelry store! As Russell and I became more serious, he naturally, started inquiring upon my taste in engagement rings. I shared several pictures of rings - each ring always had a unique twist on the sides, encrusted with diamonds, and a uniquely colored stone on top. When I finally discovered aquamarine gemstone, I fell in love!! The brilliance and shine of the stone was spectacular and its hardness was comparable so I knew it would withstand being worn everyday. Andddddd it turns out it is Russell's birthstone (double win!) Russell found a family jeweler (John David Jewelers in Durham, NC) - they are WONDERFUL AND AMAZING btw! And they helped us design a completely unique band that twisted up, encrusted with diamonds on the sides, and held up a beautiful and brilliant aquamarine gemstone! Russell also engraved a sweet word in Tamil inside "kanman" - which means "apple of my eye". I didn't think Russel was going to propose when he did because he stated the ring is going is not going to be ready for another 6 months (so sly Russell), but when he opened that box it was the ring of my dreams!

Priyanka & Russell

Priyanka & Russell

Photos