The Love Story
All the years while growing up, from going through middle school, then moving on to high school - to eventually moving away from home and going to college, it was almost as if no matter which path Faisal or Stephany took throughout their independent journey's to fulfill their dreams and find themselves as individuals, they just always seemed to cross paths. Faisal and Stephany decided to stop fighting destiny, and took a leap of faith to start dating in the fall of 2009. Five years later, Faisal took Stephany on a scavenger hunt down memory lane around Virginia Commonwealth University's campus where they both studied and their romance began. Faisal and Stephany revisited areas that were significant to both of them, and on that day of October 26, 2014 in Belle Isle, Faisal got down on one knee and proposed to Stephany.
The Planning Experience
A destination wedding is something they always wanted, especially because it was intimate and allowed them to enjoy a great vacation with our closest family and friends. When it came to choosing their destination, they dreamed of going somewhere different to explore the rainforest and Costa Rica sounded perfect.
The Celebration
Their special day was the perfect fusion of both of their cultures with Latin and Bengali traditions, while also keeping their faith in mind. The final result was magical and everything they could have ever imagined. One of the highlights of their time in Costa Rica was when they took their family on a deep sea fishing excursion. They enjoyed swimming, cliff jumping, and they even caught a huge tuna on the way back. When they returned to the resort, the on-site Hibachi chef was kind enough to make some delicious sushi out of it. "That was the freshest and most delicious tuna we have ever had," recalls Stephany.
The Memories
To surprise their guests, they invited everyone to join them outside for a spectacular fireworks show, a fantastic way to end their fairytale wedding. Stephany and Faisal describe their destination wedding as "thrilling, majestic, and flawless. All of their wedding dreams came to life! For their one-year anniversary, they plan on returning to Costa Rica. "It's only right!" Marisa and Faisall state.
Advice For Future Couples
Stephany and Faisal advise future couples to make decisions together, make a budget and stick to it, and make sure you're keeping all your vendors in the loop. Be open to suggestions from your vendor, after all, they are the experts!
Other Vendors:
- Photographer: Jonathan Yonkers Photography and also Adventure Photos
- Videographer: Adventure Photos
- Dress Boutique: Sophia Tolli ; Reception Dress: Red Bridal Lehenga from Reenas