Darshana & Krunal
Wedding Party
Bodalia Family
Krunal's Parents
Krunal's Dad, Pareshbhai and Krunal's Mom, Neelaben
Patel Family
Darshana's Parents
Darshana's Dad, Umeshkumar and Darshana’s Mom, Bhagvatiben
Bodalia Family
Krunal's Siblings
Krunal's Older Sister, Prerna; Brother-In-Law, Abhishek; Niece, Sahana; Nephew, Keshav
Patel Family
Darshana's Sibling
Darshana's Younger Brother, Punit
Ravi Bodalia
Best Man
Ravi is Krunal's first cousin but more so his younger protective brother. Growing up Krunal and Ravi always fought about little things and competed on who was cooler, which Ravi wins that battle. Despite the four year gap, they always motivate to stay true to their self, support one another and hang out watching sports whenever they get a chance. The two share the same passions so they find ways to spend time together, by trying out new spots in Chicago, give sound relationship advice while always making sure they hit their gym goals. They share a lot of things so if Amazon basically says tomorrow that they cannot shop using the same Prime account, they definitely will be in trouble. Jokes aside, Krunal always is inspired by how many more risks that Ravi takes while Krunal plays the safe side. I guess they truly complement each other well. Krunal wouldn't go anywhere without Ravi by his side so Darshana prepare for the lifetime third-wheel.
Mackenzee Gresziak
Maid of Honor
Mackenzee is Darshana's best friend and sister she never had. They met 15 years ago in 7th grade Art class and they hit it off ever since. Mackenzee always keeps it real and is very meticulous and organized, which balances out Darsh's spontaneous and free-spirited self well. She is caring, thoughtful, the best confidant, and always has the best advice. Darsh can always count on Mackenzee. You can find us walking around the mall, trying to get brunch and everything else in between. No matter where they are and what they are doing, they always make sure to check in on each other. From growing into adults to standing by her side for her big day, Darsh can't wait to have Mackenzee by her side on her big day!
Ronak Gandhi
Groomsman
Ronak and Krunal are first cousins on his mom's side as their parents literally got married on the same day. Despite the two year age gap, Krunal and Ronak are best friends and have spent most of their childhood and teenager years growing up as brothers. Through riding bikes to the movie theaters, shooting amateur basketball videos in their backyard and taking many trips together - Krunal couldn't be ever so grateful for all the things that he probably shouldn't do based on Ronak's sound "mature" advice. Despite all the trouble that they caused, they always found a way to support one another through their love for sports, family and for their elder siblings. Last year, Krunal got the opportunity to be right along side Ronak when he got married to the love of his life, Krishna as his groomsman. This year, life works in full circles as Krunal was the first to tell Ronak about Darshana and how he was going to get married to her one day. Hence why he can't wait to call Ronak his groomsman for his wedding in July.
Kruti Merchant
Bridesmaid
Kruti is Darsh’s longest friend. Kruti and Darsh’s parents are family friends before Kruti was even born! Kruti and Darsh grew up together, living on the same street, 2 houses away for years. From playing dress up and always crafting something, to cooking new recipes to playing outside every summer to riding the bus from elementary to high school they’ve been through it all, including going to college together! Kruti is the bold go getter, but also the sweet creative soul that Darsh needs in her life. From being little girls to adulthood, Kruti away at med school and Darsh in Illinois, both find time to catch up with each other.
Punit Modi
Groomsman
Punit and Krunal are also first cousins from his mom's side and literally grew up together only living a street apart. Like most kids, they would go play basketball at the park from dawn to dusk, watch Power Rangers all-day while finding ways to get in trouble and yelled at by their moms. Punit was and still is the crazy one from the two but deep down they have each other's backs throughout their childhood and young adult lives figuring out their careers and motivating each other to focus on the positives. Their love for fantasy sports, the stock market and the most miscellaneous facts are reasons why Krunal and Punit share a lot of good jokes but also made their brotherhood stronger. Therefore, as they get geared for Summer 2023, Krunal is definitely excited to call Punit his groomsman, to create new memories, as they both are getting married within two months of one another.
Jeslyn Chamakalayil Joseph
Bridesmaid
Jeslyn and Darsh met freshman year of college. They both joined the Pre-Med club and would occasionally run into each other on campus. Junior year, Darsh moved in with Jeslyn plus Karishma and Vaidehi. Being roommates and becoming close friends, Jeslyn introduced Darsh to the world of Korean Dramas and all things BTS. From jamming to BTS songs on repeat, to going on their spontaneous trips to Chinatown, and making their way to 3 BTS concerts together, it has never been a dull moment. Jeslyn is the ultimate hype woman and has a heart of gold. She always shows up for her friends and is your biggest supporter. P.S. she knows how to party.
Tejas Parmar
Groomsman
Tejas and Krunal met during their childhood years through their cultural school, Swadhyay. Being in the same age group, Tejas and Krunal did a lot of BSK (Little Kids) skits, sang, while also getting in trouble with a lot of the aunties during programs. What made their friendship strong through the years is that despite going to different colleges they both share their love for God's work, family and their passion for sports. Tejas's way to always think through the tough times always helped Krunal get through some of his hurdles in life but more so Tejas and Krunal share a lot of memories taking trips and for some reason always calling one another during long car trips. When Krunal had told Tejas about Darshana for the first time, all Tejas could do was smile and say "Lets GOOOOOO!" like Krunal was getting married tomorrow. But in hindsight, despite all the inside jokes they have Krunal couldn't be happier than to call Tejas his groomsman and to share Krunal's special day with him together as best friends.
Karishma Patel
Bridesmaid
Darshana first heard about Karishma through her Mamas friend. He had known Darshana since she was a child and right before college he told Darsh his niece was going to UIC just like her. Darshana met Karishma right after moving into her dorm. The first time they walked right past each other, but eventually the one meeting turned into the girls ending up as roommates. Karishma is the funny, outgoing, and the sweetest friend. From being roommates to now Karishma is always there. Darsh is truly grateful to have met Karishma and can’t wait to have her be there on her big day!
Darpan Patel
Groomsman
Darpan and Krunal had also met through their cultural school, Swadhyay, during their yearly youth camp back when they were teenagers. Being the same age, Krunal and Darpan shared a lot of hobbies in common, being involved in the audio/video work of programs while also enjoying playing the dhol (Krunal)/tabla (Darpan). Darpan is by far one of the hardest working people that Krunal has met as he works for Disney as a sound engineer while also having Krunal testing all his apps he would make for their phones. Darpan always pushed Krunal to follow his dreams and to make sure that he stays happy with everyone. Despite them living literally 2,000 miles apart, Darpan and Krunal would definitely share tweets and memes about something funny or about life to make sure they stay in touch. This being one of the biggest life events for Krunal, Darpan made it clear he would drop everything for Krunal's wedding despite his busy schedule, so Krunal is truly grateful to call Darps one of his groomsmen.
Vaidehi Patel
Bridesmaid
Just like Jeslyn and Karishma, Darsh met Vaidehi freshmen year as well. Throughout their freshmen year, the two would always run into each on campus and catch up. Junior year, the two got to really develop their friendship when they became roommates. Darsh and Vaidehi always had their daily decompression sessions with Jeslyn after a long day of classes and always found a way to enjoy their Friday movie nights. One of the most fond memories Darsh has with Vaidehi is meeting her on campus before their classes and always cooking together at least once a week. You could find them making guac on taco night, exploring new places around the city, and doing home paint nights. Vaidehi is an amazing, caring, and sweet friend and Darsh can’t wait to celebrate with her in July!
Shivam Parikh
Groomsman
Shivam and Krunal met during their first week of undergrad at U of I after Krunal's freshman roommate, Kushal and Shivam had known each through their orders brothers. But after the first week of college, they all began to hang out everyday as they literally were roommates living next to one another. From spending time watching Illini sports, studying long hours at Granger and going to Legends every week, Krunal and Shivam shared a lot of great laughs and memories. Shivam was the life of the party, dancing on tables while also getting every chance to take a picture with Krunal hugging him. Today, Shivam is the all-time commissioner of their fantasy football league and they talk about how Illini sports will continue to be mediocre year after year. Needless to say, Krunal couldn't be happier to have Shivam by his side and to give him one last big hug before he gets married to Darshana (or will it be his last hug).
Jill Patel
Bridesmaid
Darshana met Jill through Jeslyn, Vaidehi, and Karishma. They all grew up together and Darsh always heard stories about Jill. Jill’s sister also went to UIC and so when they actually met it wasn’t weird at all. Despite meeting Jill only a handful number of years ago, it’s as if they’ve been friends forever. Jill is fun, loves bubble tea just like Darsh, and always keeps it real. Jill’s bubbly, truthful, and straightforward personality are just some of the things that Darsh appreciates about Jill.Darsh is happy that she’s gotten to know Jill over the years and excited to have her as her bridesmaid!
Kushal Thakkar
Groomsman
Krunal had met Kushal on their first day of college despite hearing of one another through their older siblings beforehand. In fact, both Kushal and Krunal had done random room assignments and what were the chances that they put two Gujarati South Asian kids together. Needless to say, it was by far one of the best decisions as Kushal and Krunal definitely shared a lot of great college memories and still share the same passion for watching sports, Illini basketball and on working out/playing basketball. Kushal would always remind Krunal to stay motivated, be positive and continue to keep your head high and still does so till this day. He actually use to tell Krunal to take breaks and enjoy college as you won't get these four years back and Krunal can't thank Kushal enough for that. Kushal was the class clown of the group as he would make up things to make people laugh but it definitely was good times as we all spent almost everyday together. Even as time has gone by, Krunal and Kushal stay in touch so definitely excited to be able to call Kushal one of his groomsman and to get the same energy as they celebrate in July.
Janki Patel
Bridesmaid
Darshana met Janki the same time she met Nikita. Darsh knew of Janki as her cousins girlfriend (now fiancé!) and was finally glad to meet her at Tejas’s sisters wedding. The two spent time that week with each other and of course hit it off. They formed their little group and became friends over their love of food, late night snacks, and just having fun together! Janki is doing her residency right now and out saving lives! Janki is caring, sweet, and compassionate. Her gentle personality and warm smile always luminate any room that she walks into. Darsh can’t wait to celebrate with her in July!
Megh Patel
Groomsman
Krunal had met Megh during their first week of college during freshman orientation for their Forbes dorm (RIP) in the six-pack. In fact, Megh had lived a few doors down so a lot of time was spent together in our little gham, room 252. Krunal had gotten closer to Megh as they both were in the same program, Liberal Arts and Sciences studying MCB together. Throughout their time in college, they studied together for exams, worked out together at the ARC and all hung out everyday going for walks around the campus. Krunal and Megh share the same love for sports, family and for eating good food as they continue to have good laughs and grab drinks when they can. Despite them working in different fields today, Megh always continues to motivate Krunal and to keep the work hard mentality at a high. Krunal is definitely excited to call Megh one of his groomsman and can't wait to get the group back together.
Nikita Patel
Bridesmaid
Darshana met Nikita about 2 years ago at a mutual family wedding. The two didn’t know each other, but Darshana’s mami and Nikita’s mom are cousins. After their first encounter the two became close friends bonding during the week long wedding events. From going to pick up their cousin at school and stopping to grab coffee to sharing their love of food, it was as if they knew each other their whole life! Darshana even told Nikita about Krunal two days after meeting her! After the initial wedding, Nikita visited Chicago and even met Krunal while we ate the famous Chicago stuffed pizza! Darsh is so glad to have met Nikita and can’t wait to have her be apart of her wedding!
Samip Shah
Groomsman
Krunal had met Samip initially through their cultural divine school, Swadhyay during their teenager years but it wasn't until their freshman year of college where their friendship grew to what it is today. Samip literally had become their unofficial third roommate in their freshman dorm first semester and through their four years of undergrad remained as roommates trying out new recipes, hanging out and spending late nights at the library all studying together. Samip always was the one who enlightened the group on new technology and on cool gadgets. Samip, however, was also the one who studied the least but did better than everyone at school. But they definitely shared a lot of great laughs and memories and remained as close friends all these years after undergrad. Krunal is definitely excited to call Samip one of his groomsman as they celebrate his wedding on making new memories.