Finding romance in the library of love
Neriyan and Sheethal met as students
WHEN Neriyan Nadasen went to the library at the University of KwaZuluNatal, his research project had nothing to do with books.
A friend told Neriyan, 29, who was studying for a BSc in computer science, that a “very hot girl” had gone into the library. When he spotted Sheethal Maharaj, 28, he wasted no time in approaching her.
This was in July 2007. The following month Neriyan and Sheethal, who was pursuing a BCom, began dating.
“From the time I met Neriyan, I have always been attracted to his shy smile,” said Sheethal.
Two days before their fifth anniversary of dating, Neriyan planned a romantic picnic at Chris Saunders Park, where he proposed.
Neriyan had laid out a blanket and cushions, placed roses and scattered petals all over. In a basket was a variety of breads, dips and patés.
“It was so perfectly planned with him not forgetting a thing. He whispered sweet nothings in my ear before going down on one knee and giving me a ring that I had been hinting about for months,” said Sheethal.
Because spring is a time of new beginnings, the couple looked for a date close to when they had first started going out and close to the start of spring. They settled on September 7, when the Shree Veeraboga Emperumal Temple Hall in Tongaat was available.
Sheethal took charge of the planning and consulted Neriyan before any final decisions were made.
Weeks before the wedding, 500 guests were handed invites — silver cards with a rose print and black text. The cards were sealed in a green envelope tied with a black ribbon and crystal beads.
The week leading up to the big day was a hive of activity with prayers and pre-wedding rituals.
On the day itself, Sheethal was dressed in a cream blouse and skirt, embellished with Swarovski crystals. Her scarf was deep red with gold embroidery.
Neriyan complemented his bride in a cream sherwani with deep red velvet patterns on the collar and down the sides of the buttons. He finished his outfit off with a deep red scarf and a red velvet turban.
The hall was decked out in green and white. The tables were covered in white table cloths. Around the white chair covers were olive green tie-backs. The serviettes alternated between green, and black and white.
The centrepieces were floral arrangements in different vases. At each place setting was a vanilla cupcake in a green cupcake holder.
The couple took their place on the stage in front of a Ganesha statue and water feature. Around the mandap were crystals and white drapes with white and silver balls hanging from the ceiling. Two Ganesha statues stood on either side of the stage. There were also green Chinese lanterns hanging from the ceiling throughout the hall.
During the southIndian ceremony, the guests were served starters of potato samoosas and vegetable spring rolls as well as sev and nuts and chevda.
After the newlyweds were pronounced man and wife, the main course of vegetable biryani and dhal, accompanied by salad and vegetable pickle, was served. For dessert there were soji and cupcakes.
During the cutting of the four-tier cake, Westlife’s song I Want to Grow Old With You was played. The cake was covered in plastic icing, marzipan and Nutella white chocolate. It had an intricate design embossed on the icing as well as handmade butterflies. It was topped with white and green roses and lilies. Wrapped around it was a green ribbon.
In need of a break after all the planning, the Nadasens, who have now settled in Umhlanga, spent two nights at Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom and the rest of the honeymoon in Thailand.
How he describes her: My wife is a bubbly, friendly and loving human being. She is cute with her funny names and her made-up language. She is my best friend and I love her to bits.
How she describes him: Neriyan is intelligent, witty, funny and extremely charming. He is extremely understanding and always helps me to find my way. He is supportive and I would be lost without him. What she thought when she saw him on the
wedding day: Neriyan is extremely handsome, and when I saw him on our wedding day I was truly mesmerised. All he needed was a white horse because he looked even more gorgeous than Prince Charming.
Neriyan has the most adorable smile and when he smiled at me, I just melted and the world around me stood still for a minute. What he thought when he saw her on the wedding
day: I was awe-struck at how perfect she looked and at that moment I knew it was going to be an amazing day and forever-after.