Bride: Neha Varshneya
Groom: Vinay Sohal
Photography: Alpha Video and Photography
Q: How did you two meet, and what was your first impression of each other?
Neha: We met the good ol’ fashioned way—swiping right on Bumble! Neha, from Vancouver, had turned on Travel Mode when she matched with Vinay, a proud Calgarian. What was supposed to be a quick FaceTime intro turned into an eight-hour marathon. No breaks, no awkward pauses—just an easy, natural connection. When we finally hung up, we both knew this was more than just another app match. A couple of weeks later, Vinay flew to Vancouver to meet me in person, and from that very first moment, everything just clicked. What stood out to me right away was how grounded Vinay was. He made me feel safe and truly understood.
Vinay: I was instantly drawn to Neha’s warmth and energy. She was full of life and had this completely magnetic spark. And the way she talked about her family and friends, her work, her passions—I knew right away she was someone special.
Q: Can you share the story of your proposal/engagement?
It was exactly how I’d always imagined it. We were in Los Cabos with our closest friends when he secretly planned a private dinner at Sunset Monalisa, this stunning cliffside restaurant with incredible ocean views. I thought we were just dressing up for a fancy night out with the group. But as the sky turned golden and the waves crashed below, Vinay got down on one knee right as the sun was setting on April 19, 2022.
When we got home, we did our engagement shoot at the Fairmont Banff Springs—one of our favorite places, and now one of our favorite memories too.
Q: Describe your wedding day for us. Did you have a favorite part of the wedding?
Our Hindu ceremony was everything we hoped for—meaningful, personal, and totally us. We made little booklets for our guests so they could follow along with the rituals. We also had a live painter capturing a scene from our ceremony. That painting now hangs in our home, and every time we walk by it, it brings us right back to that day.
Q: Tell us more about your reception.
We wanted the reception to feel like a true celebration, and it absolutely delivered. It kicked off with a fun cocktail hour, a 360-video booth, and CO2 guns lighting up the dance floor. Our first dance was to Neha’s all-time favorite song, Pehla Nasha, played live by a violinist. It was so dreamy and romantic. But the part that really stayed with us? The speeches. Our parents, siblings, and closest friends shared the most heartfelt stories. We’ve watched those clips more times than we can count… and yes, we still tear up every single time.
Q: Were any traditions or customs particularly important to include in your wedding?
We wanted to embrace all the traditions—mehndi, haldi, doli—each one full of love and meaning. What made it even more special was hosting those rituals in the home we bought together. We also surprised our parents by displaying their wedding photos at the entrance of the ceremony. It was such a special full-circle moment and a reminder that our story is rooted in the love and legacy they built.
Q: Where did you honeymoon?
We went to Belize—and it was honestly the adventure of a lifetime! We snorkeled in the open ocean, swam with hammerhead sharks (still can't believe we did that), explored the islands by golf cart, sailed on a catamaran, flew over the Great Blue Hole, and ate some of the best food ever.
Q: What do you love the most about one another?
Neha: I love how Vinay shows up in every part of life—with intention, heart, and integrity. He gives everything to the people and things he cares about, and I really admire that. He’s super hardworking—you never have to ask or remind him to do anything. He leads with steady strength, and it’s so comforting to know he always has our backs.
Vinay: Neha has this amazing way of pouring into everyone around her. She’s confident, fiercely loyal, and always thinking about how to make life better or more joyful for others. She’s the glue in every group—the person everyone turns to—and the biggest joy in my life.
Q: How does it feel to be married, and what are you most looking forward to in this new chapter together?
It feels amazing. We’re officially each other’s forever teammates. Neha made the move to Calgary, and we’ve been settling into married life—cooking dinners, going to weddings, debating throw pillow colors. What we’re really excited about is building this life together—traveling, making new memories, and growing side by side.
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to couples planning their wedding, what would it be?
Communicate way more than you think you need to with your vendors. Don’t expect them to read your mind—send over vision boards, notes, inspiration photos, and feedback as early as possible. If you have a clear vision, own it. The clearer you are, the smoother and more magical your day will turn out!
