Ruchi & Walter

November 3, 2024

Photography: Quy Tran and Bubble Love Photography

When Ruchi met Walter in the summer of 2020, it was an instant connection. She had always dreamed of finding a true partner, someone who would understand her passion for journalism, fashion, and her love for life. Walter, a New York fashion photographer turned firefighter, seemed like an unexpected match, but their hearts aligned from the very beginning. "At first glance, we’re worlds apart, but our hearts and souls are so together," Ruchi shared.

Their love story took a magical turn in Banff, Canada, where Walter surprised Ruchi with a breathtaking proposal inside a gondola. The moment was perfect, just like something out of a Bollywood film.

Fast forward to November 3, 2024, and their wedding was nothing short of a grand Bollywood spectacle. Held at the historic Bryan Museum in Galveston, the venue’s stunning architecture reminded Ruchi of Calcutta, India, making it the perfect setting to celebrate their love.

The pre-wedding festivities were a month-long affair, filled with cherished Indian traditions. The Henna Ceremony and the Sangeet, held at Indian Summers Restaurant in Sugarland, were a vibrant celebration of music, dance, and culture. Guests were treated to an afternoon of live music by Rashmi Panikar and Shayan, setting the tone for the joyous days ahead.

Ruchi’s bridesmaids, including her maid of honor Toni Tate and dear friends Sippi Khurana, Rita Garcia, Sadaf Choudhury, Meka Coxon, Sneha Merchant, Teresa Reading, Purva Patel, and Pooja Lodhia, along with her daughter Aryika, all wore stunning white saris with red borders. Their outfits, designed by Ramesh of Sari Sapne in Houston, were inspired by the legendary Bollywood film Devdas, adding a timeless, cinematic touch to the celebration.

The wedding ceremony itself was a breathtaking traditional Hindu affair. As part of the festivities, Ruchi’s TV friends, adorned in beautiful Indian attire, danced their hearts out to Bollywood beats in a dazzling procession. It was a moment straight out of a movie, full of energy, color, and pure joy.

Ruchi’s wedding outfit was custom-made in India, while Walter’s wedding and reception ensembles were from Sari Sapne. Every detail reflected a perfect blend of heritage and elegance. Their blended family celebrated the union with love, as Ruchi’s daughter Aryika embraced Walter as a father figure, and Walter’s children, Luella and Felix, welcomed Ruchi with open arms.

As the couple celebrated their new beginning, every detail of the wedding reflected the beauty of Indian culture, the richness of tradition, and the love that brought them together. It was more than just a wedding, it was a dream come true, a dazzling Bollywood love story brought to life.

After the grand festivities, Ruchi and Walter jetted off to St. Lucia for their honeymoon, ready to begin their next chapter in paradise.

Reflecting on their journey, Ruchi shared a message close to her heart: “Never lose hope for true love, while also continuing to improve yourself.” Their love story, filled with serendipity, culture, and unwavering devotion, was proof that true love always finds its way.

Bridal advice: Seriously enjoy the day and take pictures with your bridesmaids and groom before the ceremony.

Written by Amelia Hall

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