Aayush Gabrani and Suman Pal’s relationship began in medical school in India, though not without a bit of persistence. Aayush first approached Suman on campus, striking up a conversation about his artwork—an introduction Suman admits he initially brushed off. “He did not give up,” Suman recalls. Eight months later, they were dating. What followed was a decade-long relationship shaped by distance, with years spent apart across cities and continents during their medical training. “We like to think of our love as a first date that never ends,” they share.
After 10 years together—“10 long years,” as Aayush puts it—Suman planned a proposal in New York City. Under the guise of meeting friends for a photoshoot, he brought Aayush to Central Park’s Bethesda Fountain. There, Suman went down on one knee, leaving Aayush momentarily speechless. The ring itself was deeply personal: a marquise diamond to represent “A,” set in a tension band symbolizing “S”—a design that quite literally intertwined their names.
On November 23, 2025, the couple gathered family and friends in Mérida, Mexico, for a destination wedding that brought together the many places and traditions that have shaped their lives. Working with Emmanuel Vega Events, they chose Hacienda San Pedro Ochil—a historic property surrounded by lush gardens and ancient trees. The setting aligned seamlessly with their shared vision: Aayush had always imagined a wedding that felt like a family gathering, while Suman was drawn to spaces with history and romance. “We wanted our guests to feel like they were coming home,” Aayush explains.
The ceremony unfolded beneath what the couple described as the “Tree of Light,” with the mandap set against the natural backdrop of a cenote, as designed by Minimal 4.0. Though rooted in Hindu tradition, the ceremony reflected both of their backgrounds, blending Punjabi and Bengali customs in a way that felt entirely their own. A priestess led the service, reciting Sanskrit hymns that have endured for centuries, their cadence echoing through the Mayan landscape. The result was a setting that felt both grounded and transportive—an intentional convergence of cultures and place.
Throughout the design, the couple incorporated deeply personal details that spoke to their shared history. The mandap was adorned with kaleere—ornamental jewelry traditionally worn by Punjabi brides as a symbol of blessings. In a meaningful departure from convention, Aayush wore a pair of kaleere on the wedding day, decorated with charms chosen by loved ones, each representing a memory or milestone, including a small blue door—a reference to Suman’s dorm room, which they describe as their “safe place.”
Fashion, too, reflected this spirit of reinterpretation. Both grooms chose androgynous looks that honored Indian craftsmanship while expressing their individuality. Aayush wore a dusky pink Anarkali-style ensemble with old gold trim by Siddhartha Tytler, while Suman selected a lehenga and angrakha by Fauzia Khan, featuring intricate Chikankari embroidery. Each look felt rooted in heritage, yet distinctly modern. Beauty was led by Veronica Galvan, who created a polished, understated look for both grooms.
Photographer Judson Rappaport documented the weekend’s events, with videography by Vishal Punjabi of The Wedding Filmer capturing the ceremony and celebrations that followed.
As the day transitioned into evening, guests gathered for a reception that continued the theme of cultural exchange. A live Mariachi band welcomed everyone into cocktail hour, where Mayan-inspired hors d’oeuvres were served. Dinner by Margo Amalia drew from the couple’s childhoods, featuring Punjabi and Bengali dishes, before giving way to dancing. The grooms shared their first dance to "Can’t Take My Eyes Off You," which seamlessly transitioned into Gloria Estefan’s "Conga" with the help from Robert Firth, who carried the celebration from cocktail hour into a lively dance floor.
For Aayush and Suman, the most memorable moment came during a surprise speech from Aayush’s parents. Delivered in Hindi, the message welcomed Suman into the family while reflecting on the significance of their union as a symbol of a changing world. Though not every guest understood the language, the emotion resonated throughout the room. “There was not a single dry eye,” Aayush recalls.
The evening concluded in true local fashion, with guests gathering for late-night chilaquiles before finally calling it a night. Rather than planning a traditional honeymoon, the couple has chosen to approach this next chapter differently. “Every vacation after the wedding will be a mini-moon,” they share—an extension of the life they’ve already built together, one defined by movement, connection, and a love that, as they describe it, still feels like it’s just beginning.
