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Carthic and Meg met on a dating app called Coffee Meets Bagel in November 2020. They decided to go on their first date at a Mexican restaurant in Toledo, Ohio, where they enjoyed a meal together. They hit it off and continued talking on the phone and through text messages daily. However, one weekend, Meg didn’t feel well and took a COVID test, which returned positive the next day. Carthic was very supportive and talked to Meg daily while in isolation. They planned their next date two and a half weeks after their first meeting at the Toledo Zoo. Despite living 4.5 hours apart, they cherished their time together and had many meaningful conversations.
In the fall of 2021, Meg and Carthic went to a jewelry store called Keva Jewelry to design an engagement ring together. The ring they created had a diamond from Meg’s grandmother’s engagement ring and a perfect diamond in the center of the pear design. A few weeks before Christmas, they went to Mexico, and Meg was wondering when the proposal would come. However, Christmas came and went, and Meg continued to be patient. They celebrated New Year’s and Meg’s birthday in January. Carthic said he needed to visit his mother, Latha, in Canada. The weekend after, Meg was excited and ready to spend time with Carthic, wearing a nice outfit and getting her nails done. They planned to visit a museum and take a walk together. As they walked towards the bridge, Carthic got down on one knee and proposed to Meg. She said yes and was amazed by the beautiful ring. Carthic had gone to Canada the previous weekend to show the ring to his mom, and that same morning, he asked Meg’s parents for their permission to marry her. They then spent the day together, visiting the museum, having dinner, and celebrating with their parents.
Their wedding was a testament to their unique journey, blending two distinct cultures: Carthic, a member of a Hindu, Sri Lankan family in Canada, also had a Christian background as a Reverend. Their ceremony and reception were a beautiful fusion of these two cultures, reflecting their diverse identities.
A significant moment unfolded the day before the wedding as their families gathered at her favorite coffee shop, Coffee Exchange, to sign the marriage certificate. Applying henna on their hands, a symbol of good health and prosperity within marriage, was a poignant cultural ritual. Afterward, Carthic and she indulged in a relaxing session at Massage Envy, sipping champagne and eagerly anticipating their big day.
On the wedding day, she donned a red dress, incorporating Carthic’s tradition of the bride wearing red. They held their rehearsal at the Cincinnati Nature Center’s Rose Garden despite concerns about the weather.
Their friends and family, coming from various places, gathered for a family-style dinner at Wild Ginger, enjoying their favorite dishes. Despite a slight hiccup of forgetting an item, they arrived at the nature center on time, ready for the day’s events.
The morning progressed smoothly, with hair and makeup completed ahead of schedule. Meanwhile, Carthic and his groomsmen enjoyed lunch before taking pictures, including a poignant moment with Carthic’s late father.
At four o’clock, the prelude began with live music, setting the stage for the ceremony. They exchanged vows, incorporating personal touches and cultural elements, before walking out to their favorite song.
The reception featured a seated meal with various dishes inspired by their favorite foods. The couple created signature drinks and added a wine bar to the festivities.
They danced the night away, enjoying the intimate celebration with their 85 guests. The wedding stayed within budget and embraced sustainability, aligning with the mission of the Cincinnati Nature Center.
Following the wedding, they spent time together in Hocking Hills before Carthic moved to Cincinnati for work. They cherish their unique wedding experience and continue building their life together, enjoying workouts, movie dates, and exploring their shared interests in Christianity and Hinduism.
I planned to visit the Bridal & Formal with my best friend Kelly and my future family and mom. Based on them, I chose Bridal & Formal, offering the designer I had always wanted for my wedding, the Maggie Sottero design! My mother- Karen Salisbury, and mother-in-law, Latha Rajagopalan, met for the first time at the bridal and formal. I worked with an advanced bridal consultant who had worked with David T. I tried on under 10 dresses; everyone thinks they need many options, but when you know what you’re looking for, seek it about finding your dress, not creating many experiences when it comes to a dress. When you see your dress, that is the experience! The last dress I tried on was the dress! It had embellished leaves on the torso, matched my love for nature, and pulled in our theme of nature in my dress. The dress also captured the theme my Fiance was going for James Bond.
After our morning at the Bridal & Formal boutique, we went to the Montgomery Inn for our engagement party. We brought our families together for the first time and celebrated the Catholic family’s first visit to Cincinnati, Ohio. The whole day was perfect!
Wedding Location – Milford, Ohio
Ceremony & Reception Location – Cincinnati Nature Center
Bridal Gown – Maggie Sottero, style Baxley
Bridal Veil – Bel Aire Bridal, style V7646C
Photographer – Hannah Williams Photography
Wedding Planner of Event – Meg Rajagopalan
Cater – Delish Dish
Cake – Mad Piper Bakery
Videographer – Studio58
Photo Booth – Signature Photo Booth
Linens & Place Settings – All Occasions Event Rental
Henna – Henna by Rashida
DJ – Maize Music
