Payal & Saurabh
Wedding Party
Lisa
Maid of Honor
She’s literally the most perfect human being and is my ENTIRE world (besides Saurabh). I wished for a baby sister every day, and despite not being able to name her Payal Jr., I couldn’t be happier. What started as me being “sistermom” giving her fun time outs (cause I can’t bear to see her sad), progressed to staying up all night doing ugly makeovers and having to learn sign language because we would laugh too loud and wake up our parents while sleeping. She quietly listened to my dramatized Bollywood versions of meeting saurabh and how his arm brushing against mine meant he liked me (FYI i was right this time). She’s a genius, an incredible artist, a piano wizard, a gamer dork, my best friend, and so much more that this little blurb can’t encompass.
Kevin
Bridesman
Kevin is an Irish-Puerto Rican adonis, a natural born businessman, once a Titanic aficionado, and my eternal brother. We met when we were 3, and he’s been my best friend ever since. Our friendship involved digging holes to China, various secret handshakes, many dark pranks, him holding up my braids during class and screaming antelope, exploring every nyc museum, and having classy dinner parties. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him (quite literally since he saved me from getting run over while crossing the street many times).
Shivam
Bridesman
Shivam is a badass drummer, animal lover, puzzle master, and annoying brother I never asked for. I met him in high school at the peak of his emo phase, and despite being polar opposites and arguing all the time, we quickly became friends and each other’s go-to fashion and relationship consultant. Through all the years, Shivam has always left work, stepped out of a party, or woken up mid sleep to be there for me. Most importantly, it’s because of him, I met Saurabh and for that I’ll forever be grateful.
Ryan
Bridesman
Ryan is a dolphin out of water, a master chef, a doctor, and a sharp-witted sarcastic soul. We met in med school and the first thing he said to me was an insult. Who would have thought that the same guy who constantly tormented me by throwing my boots and sweater somewhere unreachable, would be the same person who knew exactly how to console me when I was at my lowest. Without Ryan cooking for me, I probably would have died of starvation. Prepare to see him tearing up the dance floor while pretending to be unhappy about it :p
Alisa
Bridesmaid
Alisa is a bubbly California beauty, a kickass doctor with a zest for life, and the only girl who has as much black in their wardobe as me. We met in medical school in Grenada. The first time I met her she literally skipped over to me with a giant smile and said HEY I’m going to be your roommate! Little did I know she would be so much more to me than that. She was there for the best and worst moments of the island, left me treats and cute notes when I was down, pulled me out of my room to get fresh air, and was the best dance buddy a girl could ask for. She’s my ultimate ride or die.
Cat
Bridesmaid
Cat is the jack of all trades, a financial wizard, Catan queen, travel expert, animal whisperer, skilled bartender, world traveling beauty, and machete owning badass. Our nerdy souls connected in 9th grade chemistry class, where our unsanctioned “let there be POP!” experiments began, and we soon became inseparable. She’s the girl I spent night and day building two robots with, the only person I sang solo with, the girl who made a life size cutout of me for her wedding, and my forever protector. She’s the Turk to my JD; Eagle forever.
Jankee
Bridesmaid
Jankee is a badass lawyer, businesswoman, world-traveler, and curator of her own private apartment jungle. We met through our soon to be husbands, decided to become gym buddies, but then quickly became close friends (who hung out anywhere but the gym). Her love of board games, hiking, axe throwing, and feisty competitive nature, made us the fastest of friends. She’s the type of girl who will go out of her way to help someone, someone who will rally even after working days on end, and by far the easiest person to talk to. Together we make 4/6ths of the real life FRIENDS cast.
Jess
Bridesmaid
Jess is hands down the hardest working girl I know, and is extremely dedicated those who she values. We met when she asked to sit with me first day of high shcool, and because i liked her signature hoops and makeup, I said “sure”, and the rest is history. Through the years she has attempted to teach me how to ride a bike (at the expense of her toe which bled all over her driveway), wore matching prom dresses, and made me sit on ezpass to get into the state fair without her parents knowing. In the 15 years I’ve known her, I don’t think we have had a phone conversation that lasted less than 2 hours.
Prachi
Bridesmaid
Prachi is a future curer of pediatric cancers, my TikTok dance partner, and overall the sweetest, purest soul, who gives absolutely transformative hugs. We met in residency, and she quickly became my work little sister, whose incessant whining at 630am will drive me up the wall, but whom i simply can’t live without. Our month on the floors together was the best month in residency thus far, and it practically gave me a six pack from the constant laughter. As true siblings, she lets me give her makeovers, playfully bully her with hidden rubber chickens and jump scares, but I’d fight everyone to protect her.
Rida
Bridesmaid
Rida is a fearless advocate for those without a voice, the protector of our NBI peds crew, and an overall headstrong woman who spreads positivity on all platforms. She is a budding florist, event decorator, gorgeous model, and yet also the kookiest girl I know. Months before i met her, her impeccable eye for all things aesthetic caught my attention, and her ever rising presence on Ig makes her the most famous person I know. She is hands down the best person to be on nights with because she has an endless supply of snacks in hand, and is one person i could literally never run out of things to talk about. She is someone I could rely on to be there for me at any time of day, and I’m lucky to have her in my life.
Sabrina
Bridesmaid
Sabrina is my day 1 BFF at NBI, whose radiant aura in PALS class compelled me to sit next to her. She is a poised ballerina with a fiery spirit, who carries the wisdom of the world in her perfect curly locks; essentially the Hermione Granger in my life. Her calm presence and utmost beautiful smile relentlessly brighten long and stressful days at work. Her intuition is incredibly strong as she's always able to sense how I feel and how to cheer me up, without having to ask. She cares deeply for everyone in her life, is an amazing chef, speaks for the trees, and is an overall magical unicorn.
Sejal
Bridesmaid
Sejal is a Bollywood queen, trendy cafe & instaworthy hotspot connoisseur, and simply the sweetest soul. We met in sophomore year of high school, she taught me about my culture, brought me temple hopping, explored the city with me, and was my motivational gap year gym buddy. Over the years there have been many moments where she fell to the floor crying of laughter while watching me dance, and countless sleepovers and car rides delving into our deepest dreams and fears. She’s my Shah sister from another mister <3
Sherelle
Bridesmaid
Sherelle is a newly minted lawyer, the most meticulous person I know, an expert at re-enacting SNL skits, and the only girl who loves babies as much as I do. We lived on the same floor freshman year of NYU, instantly became friends, annoyed people with our ability to communicate without words, and were practically twins at everything. She’s my long distance BFF, with whom conversations often devolve into laughter about absolutely anything and everything.
Steph
Bridesmaid
Steph is a vibrant soul, an angelic vocalist, a poet, and a fearless free spirit who travels the world with a unique lens. We met during my gap year while working in health insurance, where in classic Steph style she bombarded me with 100 thought provoking questions about myself within 10 minutes of meeting her. Her bubbly spirit and playful antics made us instant friends, who had many secret office dance parties, music powwows, and slang lessons (I was cluelessly lame). Our endless creative energies harmonized to create artistic photoshoots, products, and crafts. She taught me how to be more confident and bold, and had unwavering faith in my success even when I lost sight of it.
Archit
Groomsman
The guy who's always down to chill no matter what time of day or night. I can count on this guy to be there to lift the mood and figure out plans when I'm busy as hell. We've known each other for a decade or so. Bro. He's also adept at anything finance, so I run to him when I'm fumbling with investments. He puts his money where his mouth is.
Nimesh
Groomsman
Literal blood line over here. He's my cousin lol. Dude got into lifting after I did and went way above and beyond what I did. I guess that speaks to his nature. Growing up together we did all the crazy things. As we matured we shared more real life moments that made us grow closer. We've made memories that I'll never forget, bro. Don't know what I'd do without this guy in my life.
Ronak
Groomsman
Thissssssssss guy. Late night chill sesh was our go to. I met Ronak through Archit but he became just as much a bro as Archit. Real down to earth kinda guy. Truly cares about people and goes above and beyond to show it. He's there for you no matter what. He's been growing his beard out since in utero. If you know, you know. LOL.
Sameer
Groomsman
He's the dancer of the group, with some slick moves, and the ability to make anyone laugh. We used to chill and talk about life with Archit while playing COD during summer nights. Had the pleasure of attending his wedding last year in Mexico! Straight outta JC but def an LA broseph for sure.
Sarvagna
Groomsman
He's my clone. Literally since high school we've been confused for each other (our high schools even sent each other our acceptance letters). Finish each other's sentences, think the same thoughts, do the same things, whatever it might be, I'm sure we share a line of genetic code. Can always count on this guy to bounce life ideas off. He's been nothing but a supportive friend who's level headed and loves to laugh. Can see ourselves when we’re 70 still meeting up somewhere in the middle to grab a brew.
Shammi
Groomsman
Met this guy during first year of residency and our bond was basically immediate. Maybe it was that we had the same name, same car, same "gaam", same whatever, but so glad I met this dude. We became close really quickly and now we're basically brothers. That's probably why they called us the "Patel Brothers" at work; I'm sure it had nothing to do with the supermarket chain.