Finding love through friendship

Newly weds, Shalendra and Caressa Ragunath’s love story began when they were youngsters, but it was only as adults they discovered how deep their love truly was.

Meeting

“Shalendra and I actually knew each other since primary school as his sister and I are childhood friends. It was only since 2010 that our friendship bloomed into an extraordinary journey of love,” said Caressa.

Proposing

While Shalendra and Caressa have now been together for three years, Caressa explained that Shalendra popped the big question two years ago.

“It was 2011 and we were having a New Year’s Eve party at my parents’ house in Durban. It was a few minutes to midnight and everyone was preparing to enter the new year, when Shalendra got down on his knees and said he wanted to spend an eternity with me by his side. Surprisingly enough, I said ‘yes’ just as we entered 2012.”

Knowing they were meant for each other

Caressa said she knew Shalendra was her soulmate by the way he made her feet.

“My prayer for the right partner had been answered the day Shalendra walked into my life. The love I felt and still feel for him is untouchable. I have always been proud to call him my boyfriend, fiancé and today, my husband. The sound of his voice and his smile always comforts me,” said Caressa.

Shalendra said he has known for years Caressa was the woman for him.

“I have loved this woman since I was nine years old. She was and is the love that inspires me to be more and to give more. I adore her in so many different ways. She is my blessing from God.

I look at her and see a special person; one of a kind. God has blessed us all, and me especially, with a wife so great.”

Wedding preparations

Caressa explained she experienced no stress at all during the wedding preparations, as her parents and sister were a tremendous help and ensured everything was organised.

“I actually got one better than what I had envisioned, thanks to my family. I only felt a little bit of stress two minutes before I walked down the aisle,” she said.

Wedding cards

Caressa’s wedding cards had a Western touch in gold and cream with shimmer, and a red and gold crushed organza with a traditional insert.

Shalendra opted for traditional Ganesha printed cards.

Wedding

With crystal stage décor and a colour scheme of red, gold and white, the couple tied the knot on March 15 this year in front of 300 guests at Pesco Conference Centre in Phoenix, Durban.

Shalendra wore a cream, gold and red sherwani with traditional bead work, tailormade in India.

Caressa wore a red, gold and silver bridal gharara, a skirt, top and scarf draped on her head, with a touch of blue in it, stone work and featuring Swarovski crystals.

Rings

Shalendra has a nine carat gold ring with cut work and a diamond in the centre, while Caressa has a nine carat gold ring with stones on either side and a diamond in the centre.

Food

Traditional vegetable breyani, dhal, salads, pickles and soji were served.

Guest souvenirs

Pyramid shaped cut work boxes in silver, gold, pink and blue with crystal candle holders inside, along with sweets in white and gold with white and silver, square, rectangle, flower and heart shaped boxes.

Honeymoon

Unfortunately, due to Shalendra’s work commitments, the couple had to postpone their honeymoon to November, when they will be cruising to the Portuguese Islands.

Settling down

The couple set up home in Newcastle.

Shalendra’s message to Caressa

“Together we have stood for each other,

I can only love you and never another.”

Caressa’s message to Shalendra

“A husband is the one special man who brings every happiness and shares every sweetness with the woman who is fortunate enough to be his wife. A husband is the one special soul who is the love of her life. For me that man is you. There is something wonderful about you that brightens the days and makes dreams come true.

You’re the only man in the world whom I want to walk with along life’s path. I love you with all my heart and soul.”