True Love Tuesday Annalisa Misra & Christopher Aranha... - Getting Married in Northern Ireland Magazine

A Love Story from Belfast to Paris

“In the heart of chaos, we found each other; in the calm of love, we built our forever”

Once upon a time, in the heart of Belfast, lived Annalisa Misra, a vibrant and meticulous software tester and scrum master. Just a short drive away in Carrickfergus, resided Christopher Aranha, a brilliant software engineer with a penchant for creativity. Their love story, like all great tales, began in the most unexpected of places—while working at Tesco.

Annalisa and Christopher’s first encounter was anything but ordinary. Amidst the hustle and bustle of Tesco, they found themselves working side by side. Annalisa’s wit and intelligence intrigued Christopher, while his easy-going nature and charm captivated her. Their connection grew stronger with every shared laugh and every exchange of glances.

After three years of blissful companionship, Christopher decided to take their relationship to the next level. The perfect setting for this monumental moment? Paris, the city of love. The journey to Paris was not without its challenges; a delayed Eurostar journey tested their patience. But nothing could dampen their spirits. They wandered through the enchanting streets of Paris, soaking in the romance that enveloped the city.

Christopher had planned to propose at the Basilica Sacré-Cœur, but the setting wasn’t quite right. He then tried to pop the question at the Arc de Triomphe, yet something still felt off. Determined to make the moment perfect, they finally found themselves in a small park with a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower. It was there, on the evening of 13 February 2023, that Christopher knelt on one knee, presenting a stunning pear-shaped ring from Ernest Jones, and asked Annalisa to be his forever. Overwhelmed with joy, Annalisa said yes, sealing their love with the magic of Paris as their witness.

The wedding preparations were nothing short of an adventure. Annalisa chose her wedding dress, an exquisite Indian-style lehenga, during a delightful shopping trip to Dubai. She was accompanied by her three bridesmaids, her dear friends Amy Boyd, Clare Joy Mills, and Apoorva Kashyap. The experience was unforgettable, filled with laughter and the joy of finding the perfect dress.

Christopher and his groomsmen—Gareth Frazer, Aaron Beattie, and Thomas Livings—also opted for traditional Indian attire, sourced from Dubai. The excitement of planning was matched by the occasional stress, particularly when making 500 chocolates for guests just two days before the wedding or decorating the venue until the early hours.

The big day arrived on 2 September 2023. the Crowne Plaza Belfast was transformed into a vibrant celebration of love and culture, with 240 guests donning colourful Indian attire. The wedding theme embraced their heritage with bright decorations, maroon wedding apparel, and a cake adorned with intricate henna designs.

The day was a whirlwind of emotions and beautiful moments. From the Indian-style group dance intro to the personalised glow sticks and handmade chocolates, every detail was a testament to their love and creativity. The ceremonies—both Indian and humanist—were a blend of traditions, culminating in a heartfelt union.

There were moments of laughter, like when Christopher’s nephew Cole loudly protested being taken outside during the ceremony or when Leonie, Christopher’s sister, accidentally knocked over decorations during her reading. The highlight for both Annalisa and Christopher was the magical moment they first saw each other at the altar, a memory etched in their hearts forever.

As the night drew to a close, the newlyweds shared their first dances—first to “You are my Soniya” by Sonu Nigam, then to “Amazed” by Lonestar. Surrounded by friends and family, they danced the night away, the last ones on the floor, revelling in the joy of their union.

Their advice to other couples ~ “Utilize the support of friends and family, don’t sweat the small stuff, and most importantly, enjoy every moment”

Their honeymoon took them on a dreamy adventure through San Francisco, Honolulu, and Los Angeles.

Now, as they navigate the exciting journey of married life, Annalisa and Christopher continue to find joy and adventure in each day, cherishing the love that brought them together and the future they will build together.

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