About the Couple
Roopal Shah and Robert Bachmann met through a friend in college (University of California at Berkeley) on St. Patrick's day. "We hit it off well that night but it didn't register that we wanted our friendship to go further until we met the next time. Our conversations just seemed very regular and incessant". Rob is a MBA student at University of Chicago and Roopal is a consultant at Accenture. They live in Chicago but Roopal commutes for work to California every week.

Wedding Details
Says Roopal: "We were married on August 6th, 2005 at the Golden Peacock Banquet hall in Fremont, CA. On Friday, the Ganesh Puja, Griha Shanti, Mandap Mahurat and Pithi ceremonies were held, followed by a Ras Garba on in the evening at Mehran Restaurant.

The wedding colors were Red and Gold. "We had everything in Red or Gold-- the programs, place cards, table name easels, Bridesmaids' Saris, the Groomsmen's ties etc."

The Mantras before the Antarpat is lifted

The Pheras

The couple with the parents
The bridal party in their matching outfits
Matron of Honor and Bride's mother getting the place cards ready for the reception
The couple entering the reception venue
First Dance to the song "Ek Pyar Ka Nagma Hai" from the movie "Shor"	The couple cutting the fresh mango cake with mehndi patterns
Rob & Roopal getting lifted during the reception dancing

Wedding Outfits
"I wore a traditional Gujarati panetar sari, a gift from my Maama's (mother's brother) family as my Mausala present. The reception lengha (a peach colored lengha with golden embroidery), the Groom's wedding Sherwani (cream and red) and Raas night's Kurta Pajama were from Shakuntal (C.G.Road, Ahmedabad). The groom's reception tuxedo was from Selix Formal wear. The bride's Raas lehenga was a traditional green and gold Chaniya Choli from Gujarat and the mehndi outfit was a red and black dress with a modern halter and traditional Indian patterns. The other wedding event outfits and jewelery were purchased from various shops on C.G. Road in Ahmedabad", says Roopal.

The couple and their outfits

Wedding Planning Advice
Says Roopal: "I was frustrated because I wanted a very traditional Indian wedding. But I was marrying a non-Indian and hence could not implement all that I wanted. I really had to learn to let go of elements which meant a lot to me, but which I couldn't incorporate in the functions due to the practical constraints factor- so while wedding planning is fun, there are many trials and tribulations too-but remember, it's only one day of your life and keep in mind that being married is much more fun then getting married!"

"We had a website which was greatly helpful- www.roopal-rob.com. Get web-wise, develop your wedding website. It showcases your relationship and also saves you the phone calls from out-of-towners trying to figure out accommodations."

"Lastly, hire a coordinator. I realize that this may not be a thing with Indian weddings but for us, having our Coordinator, Michelle, there during the wedding saved so much time and effort. She was a life saver and did a phenomenal job."

Wedding Decor	The Cake Details
Reception table decor

"We loved our photographers and videographers-- JSM Photography for the Raas and American Photobank for the Wedding and Reception. The videographer was New Age Entertainment. They listened to our requests and were easy to work with and very friendly. Our mandap and decor were rented from Bazaar of India in Berkeley and they were very professional. And of course, our wedding coordinator, Michelle Francia."

My husband danced to "Mujse Shaadi Karoge"
"My most memorable moment was the four pheras we took and the seven steps during saptapadi. I had imagined this since I was a little girl and it was one of those moments where I wish time had frozen so I could savour every moment. Overall we had a very smooth wedding. We had a few mishaps- one was when the Panditji was late. Fortunately, we had someone recite some prayers as a timesaver. A big surprise was when my husband got up and started dancing to the song "Mujse Shaadi Karoge" and ended the song on both knees. It was such a wonderful surprise and really sweet because he knew about my love for Hindi movies!"