Sejal & Karan
Bridal Party
ALYSSA CANTAL
Bridesmaid
I’m Alyssa and I've been friends with Sejal for 14 years! We started in middle school, running from honors classes to band practice where Sejal rocked the flute! From then, we were the best of friends, "the Slim to my George." By senior year, we joked that between us, we knew the whole school through our extracurriculars and sports. Sejal was always the responsible, logical, AND sassy one, who knew how to drive a point across. Looking back, she was always a lawyer! Some of my favorite memories with Sejal include late-night physics projects, discussing books, and of course, talking about boys. Now, years later and definitely wiser, you've found Karan! He is a kind and fun soul and is absolutely perfect for you. Cheers to the forever double dates, I am so happy for you both!
KHALED EID
Best Man
We must now find out how Karan and I know each other, which means handing it over to our tamed history… Some say this brotherhood began when a couple kids found similarity during the inauspicious start at a new high school. Some say we quickly grew the ranks incorporating others from the continent and were mistaken as the cast of heroes. Some say we ended up going to the same university where we enjoyed pseudo-intellectual discussions at drake stadium. Some say we still vigorously debate the merits of Jose’s Blues and Arsene’s Gunners. Some say we are still wanted by Catalan and French authorities for hiding travel documents and are banned from a Redlands chick-fil-a for wearing too much fur. All I know is, we are called brothers, and I am glad to have him as a friend all these years.
SARENA MINAWALA
Bridesmaid
Hello my name is Sarena Minawala. Sejal is my first cousin and a fantastic older sister who has always been supportive and knows how to have a fun time! As a bridesmaid, I am very excited to be a part of Sejal and Karan's wedding as they start this new life together! p.s. I can run a half marathon, 13.1 miles, NO TRAINING NEEDED.
SHERVIN GHANOONGOOI
Groomsman
Over two decades ago in a multi-purpose room at Rio Vista Elementary two brown boys would meet and forever change the course of history. Little did I know that a new friend in 4th grade would become like my brother. We conquered high school like champs, got into UCLA, and became roommates in De Neve. Karan has always been there, not only to support me and cheer me on, but to help lift me even higher and push me to be better. Karan isn’t a friend - he’s a brother to me. In 1998 two kids would sit next to each other at an assembly. Twenty-three years later, one of those kids is getting married to an incredible woman, while the other kid is fortunate enough to be apart of that epic moment. Love you brother and excited for this new chapter in you and Sejal’s life.
SHANE PATEL
Bridesman
My name is Shane and I’m the annoying younger brother Sejal always wishes she had. Sejal has been one of my longest and closest friends - from sitting next to each other in PE in 7th grade and planning high school culture show together, to competing against each other on Bollywood dance teams in college and now Temecula trips with our families - I am so thankful for our friendship! It’s been an honor to witness the endless love that Sejal and Karan have for each other, and I can’t wait to be a part of their special day!
RICHARD HONG
Groomsman
I met Ken in high school and we, along with 3 browner kids (Khaled, Sammy and Shervin), quickly became a wolf pack of 5. Ken was usually the calm one of the group, unless anyone mentioned Tom Brady. He's always been a great, loyal friend and I'm honored he asked me to take part in his once-in-a-lifetime (hopefully) event. I'm grateful our high school friendship developed into the strong brotherhood we share today. The Kumar to my Harold, congratulations brother!
TROY CZEGLEDY
Bridesman
Hi I'm Troy. I met Sejal in the seventh grade. I was a cheeky kid with shoulder length hair and a mustache, and she was already a teen mom. Not literally, but she had a very motherly way of being both firm and encouraging, with a cautious approach to middle school, and life in general. Then in highschool she became the mother of about 30, her children consisting of the entire girls cross country team. Since then I've made more mom jokes than I care to admit, but I'm proud to have called her my friend just as often. I'm thankful to have gotten to know her and her fiance as a couple over the last couple years, and I hope that he will gracefully accept his honorary title in my heart, as Papa Karan. I love you both, and I wish you all the best!
HIRAL PATEL
Groomsman
My name is Hiral, hail from the cold lands of England - God save the Queen. Im an engineer but not the my wifi is broken kind. I met Karan within like a week of moving to the States. Funny how brown people just attract each other (Dilmil should just be run by the aunties of the world). Then the story just builds.. from playing video games as kids to taking on Vegas in college to finally surviving the lands of Cuba. Can say we still got a lot more adventure left in us! Congrats buddy!
ALEJANDRA SOTO
Bridesmaid
My name is Alejandra and I’m best friends with Sejal. Meeting Sejal in middle school was one of the best things that could have happened to me as I gained an amazing running buddy, but most importantly, a sister for life! Sejal has been there for me when I’ve fallen, literally and figuratively (she has helped me heal a couple cuts and bruises) and I know I can always count on her if I need anything. I’m incredibly happy that she has found her soulmate in Karan because I can see how happy he makes her. Wishing them both the very best today and always!
HENAL PATEL
Groomsman
'88, year of the dragon, Gemini, Panch Gam. Birth Stone - Pearl. Lucky Numbers 6, 13, 17, 29, 34, 2 (updated Nov 16, Panda Express) I met "Ken" when I was 12 - my parents saw an Indian family in the distance, and so started our friendship, a failed attempt at raising culturally diverse children. Karan (and Kevin) are not direct blood but were always introduced as such, and are cherished by me as my brothers to this day"
CLARE WERNET
Bridesmaid
Sejal and I met at the beginning of law school, where we commiserated over having civil procedure at 8:30 a.m., strategized for applying to law clerk jobs, enjoyed (and complained about) our professors, and celebrated at graduation. I’ve gotten to know Karan along the way, who is wonderful for Sejal, and I am so excited for them! When she was one my bridesmaids, Sejal helped me plan and stood by my side on one of the best days of my life. I can’t wait to do the same for her on her wedding day.
SAMMY
Groomsman
Hi all my name is Sammy. I'm a veterinarian and I've known Ken since his baby face days as a sophomore in high school. We've built some great memories and have basically endless stories, especially from our high school/college years. Soooo many. From cheering him on when he was briefly the best FIFA player in the world before he started sucking, to complaining to each other about how annoying school is when we just want to get our degrees by partying, to watching each other succeed in life, I am honored to be his groomsman.
NEELAM PATEL
Sister of the Bride
My name is Neelam, and Sejal is my older sister! While we grew up as complete opposites, we can both agree that Karan is the absolute best life partner for her 💕 I’ve enjoyed watching them fall in love and can’t wait to welcome Karan into the family!
SEJAL'S PARENTS
BRIDE'S PARENTS
Simanta and Kirit Patel are Sejal’s parents. They are college sweethearts, who married and started their life in Placentia, CA over 30 years ago. They both work as engineers but in their free time they love to travel, cook together and spend time with their family and friends. For so many years, their favorite part of the weekend was watching Sejal play soccer. Her motivation, drive, and competitive spirit translated to the soccer field, where she effortlessly outplayed most others. They were always so ecstatic when she scored, a happiness that they experienced once again when she brought Karan home.