Roohi & Safir’s Story

Roohi and Safir met back in high school on Facebook before that was something EVERYBODY was on. They started dating and stayed together through it all — even a college rivalry! Roohi went to the University of Texas (hook ‘em horns!) while Safir attended A&M … it was a house divided from the beginning. Ten years later, Safir hand-picked a gorgeous engagement ring and popped the question while they strolled the beach in Miami, Florida. He even planned for a photographer to capture the moment — props to Safir for his A-game!

 

Traditional Indian Engagement Ceremony

In the Indian culture, it is traditional to hold an engagement ceremony where the two families of the couple meet for the very first time and bless the marriage. They exchange gifts, food, and lots of laughter! Roohi’s parents hosted the ceremony in Port Neches, Texas, while Safir’s family travelled far and wide for the occasion. Between the two families, there were around 100 people there to shower Roohi and Safir with love and congratulations!

 

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Welcome to our beginning…

The appetizer and dessert table was to die for!

And I absolutely loved the Polaroid cutout for photo ops!

Before it all started, Roohi and her mother snuck away for a quick picture together

The celebration began with the men greeting one another

Next came the women bearing gifts!

Once everyone arrived, the families mixed and mingled, introducing one another and sharing stories

While the families got comfortable, Roohi & Safir snuck off to snap a few traditional portraits of just the two of them

Once we were done, it was time for the ceremony

They exchanged rings, fed each other matai, and accepted gifts from both families!

Safir let his guard down and Roohi’s family jumped at the opportunity to practice Joota Chupai, an Indian tradition where the female relatives of the bride discreetly steal the groom’s shoes and hide them…

…holding them for ransom and insisting on money in exchange for information on the shoes’ whereabouts!

After some negotiating, Safir finally gave in and gave the girls what they were asking for … $$$! This tradition is meant to instill familial acceptance and encourage playfulness as the couple embarks on their future together

 

Congratulations again, Roohi & Safir! And thank you for including me in your celebration!