Joseph & Tharexa

Joseph and Tharexa were introduced through mutual friends over 7 years ago. Slowly, this relationship blossomed from being acquaintances into one of love, trust and support. Joseph (finally) proposed on a trip to Italy, in the picturesque town of Riomaggiore, in Cinque Terre, Italy on May 11, 2016.

The initial plan was to do a very small wedding of fewer than 40 people. With both sides of the family accustomed to 400-600 guest weddings this would prove to be quite the challenge (and expensive!). Plans of a destination wedding or even eloping to Las Vegas became very real possibilities. After much deliberation and to ensure close family and friends could attend, a local venue was chosen. This would also make it easy for Tharexa and Joseph’s grandmothers, the matriarchs and oldest living members of the family, to attend. Their presence at the wedding was important.

They planned the wedding over the course of 6 months after selecting an auspicious wedding date (based on the Hindu calendar). They agreed on keeping the wedding simple, traditional and intimate. The wedding took place at the Richmond Hill Hindu Temple on May 22, 2017, followed by a traditional vegetarian luncheon. The wedding was planned, coordinated and executed with the help of family and friends. They incorporated a live “Nadaswaram” (traditional musical instruments played at Hindu weddings) to capture the divinity of the sacred vows of a Hindu marriage.

Their wedding was a testament to how a life of partnership should begin, with the incorporation of the 7 vows of a traditional Hindu marriage: (i) to be helpful to each other in every way, (ii) protect each other and provide courage and strength, (iii) grow wealthy and prosperous together, (iv) be faithful to each other, increase love and respect for each other and our families, (v) pray to be blessed with healthy children, (vi) pray for a life of joy, prosperity and peace, (vii) pray and ask for patience and maturity to make a lasting bond.

In the end 40 guests did indeed prove to be a challenge – there were approximately 125 people in attendance. The intimate ceremony, along with their closest friends and family, highlighted the love and togetherness of their community and union of marriage.