The Background…
Originally from a small town in northwest Ohio, Touy is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in Network Administration. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Sejal later moved to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she received her doctor of pharmacy degree.
The Meeting…
Sejal and Touy initially met in 2003 while working together. Sejal says that friends and colleagues try to take credit for getting them together, but they’re convinced fate played a big part. Sejal and Touy are both employed by Elan, a biotechnology company located in San Francisco, Ca.
The Proposal…
Although the couple had talked about getting married, Touy surprised Sejal by proposing on their last night vacationing in the Dominican Republic. “It was very romantic and he was so cute,” Sejal says. “I think he was a bit nervous.”
Wedding Destination…
Sejal and Touy knew they wanted to have a destination wedding, and because they had always wanted to visit Barbados, they felt it was the perfect location. With the help of local wedding planner Paula Sheperd, the couple selected Barbados’ elegant, five-star restaurant Wispers on the Bay to host their romantic, oceanfront ceremony and reception. To represent Sejal’s heritage, the couple chose a Hindu ceremony. Surrounded by palm trees, flowing white fabric and candles, Sejal and Touy stood on a Mandap, or stage, covered with a beautiful, red canopy. Sejal describes the setting as warm, peaceful and relaxing.
And the Bride and Groom wore…
To honor Touy’s culture, Sejal and Touy exchanged vows wearing Laotian attire. Afterwards, the couple changed into traditional Indian clothing for the reception. “It was a great way to blend our two cultures and traditions,” Sejal says. “We chose colours that had the tropical look and feel of Barbados.”
Bridal Party…
Maid of Honour: Ami Doshi
Best Man: Ong Bouttamy
Emcee for the evening: Parul Vora
Flower girls: Sahanna Intwala; Kiran Goodfellow
Ring Bearer: Bodhi Bouttamy
Bride’s Parents: Prabodh and Lata Vora
Groom’s Parents: Joe and Khay Bouttamy
The Feast…
Wispers on the Bay prepared an eclectic menu of Barbadian and Indian cuisine, including vegetarian and non-vegetarian selections. From jerk pork and pineapple kabobs to spinach cake, there was something for everyone. Later in the evening, guests were treated to an assortment of desserts.
Unique wedding features…
To welcome their guests, Sejal and Touy made arrangements for their friends and family to enjoy a catamaran ride and sunset dinner the day before their wedding. Unlike traditional Indian weddings with a few hundred people in attendance, Sejal and Touy celebrated with approximately 40 of their closest loved ones. They surprised their guests at the reception by performing a choreographed dance incorporating everything from Hindu-style dance to salsa to hip-hop. Each guest was given a tip khao, a small bamboo box generally used to serve rice in Laotian culture. Instead of rice, each guest took home a box of candy and island treats.
The Honeymoon…
The newly-weds continued their celebration by spending three nights at a villa in Coral Cove, Barbados. They enjoyed home cooked meals, relaxing in the Jacuzzi on their balcony and zip-lining. “It was fabulous,” Sejal says.
Advice from the heart: a parting word from the bride…
Sejal encourages brides to plan a wedding that is not only manageable, but one that they can really enjoy. “If you really want and believe in something, take a chance on it and have faith that it will be everything you dreamed of!”
Congratulations Sejal & Touy!