Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/619218
realweddings.ca 21 After meeting through mutual friends at a local pub, Chantel Dulay and Rajen Janda's love blossomed while they were studying together at college. "We became very close friends and things just grew from there," says Rajen. After eight years of dating, Rajen knew that it was time to propose. "For years people had been asking me, 'When are you going to ask her to marry you? She's the best. Get married already!' " he laughs. Although the couple had already talked about having a surprise wedding – and even their parents were aware of their plans to marry – Rajen still wanted to take Chantel's breath away with his proposal. On her birthday, he planned a special night that started at the pub where they first met. From there, Rajen arranged for a car to pick up Chantel and take her to the Rosewood Hotel Georgia in downtown Vancouver. On the way, she looked through a scrapbook of their photos, listened to a special mixed CD and read love poems Rajen had written for her. At the hotel, "when she came into the room, I was there on one knee with candles lit," says Rajen. "Before she could even turn the corner to where I was able to see her, I quickly blurted out, 'Chantel, will you marry me?' " Chantel responded with a resounding "Of course, yes!" Once the couple began their official wedding preparations, their first step was to hire a professional planner. "Since we had four months to plan a surprise wedding for 450 guests, we needed help," admits Rajen. "Sandy Pandher came highly recommended, and we are so glad she did because she was a godsend," says Chantel of their event planner from DreamGroup Productions. Next, Chantel needed to find the perfect wedding dress. At Vancouver's Bisou Bridal, she fell in love with the first dress she saw – but it was strapless. "I had always envisioned myself in a long-sleeved gown, like Grace Kelly," says Chantel. "Her dress was so timeless and elegant." Fortunately, Bisou's seamstress was able to add custom sleeves. "Her workmanship was Guests were blown away when Chantel made her appearance at their "engagement" party in a wedding gown. The dress was a Monique Lhuillier stunner that she'd had customized by adding sheer sleeves reminiscent of Grace Kelly's wedding gown. Remember to laugh. If you find yourself arguing, take a step back, recharge and have a good laugh with your partner, advise Chantel and Rajen. Don't forget why you're doing this. It's easy to get caught up in the rush of details, notes the couple, but it's important not to lose sight of the fact that you are planning a very meaningful day. Be true to you. Trends come and go, say Chantel and Rajen, and some may look appealing in the moment, but stay true to your personal style and you'll have no regrets. WORDS OF ADVICE