The Journey To 'I Do'
'Recollections may vary...'
Sabbi's Story
Ashley's Story
Circumstance and geography brought us together.
We met on the bridge outside college, but ‘Coffee with Art’ on Bedford High Street was the scene of the interrogation. One of the first questions I asked Sabbi was ‘Do you see yourself getting married?’
‘Absolutely not’ he said
He asked me if I wanted children one day.
‘No way’ I said.
An intense first date. But here we are.
In 2016 Sabbi was in his horoscope era. I remember him reading one out to me ‘Libra and Scorpio make a formidable couple’. I liked the sound of that. The early relationship was fresh and fiery, but we just knew we were deep in something unique. We wanted to challenge the path that was set out for us - neither of us growing up believing we would walk down the aisle, have a family - or especially be supported or applauded for doing so.
Our wedding will be a celebration of 10 years of love and family in all its forms. Especially chosen family. In those 10 years we came second on Come Dine With Me (should’ve won), built our dream house, started Doorstep Cocktails, LGBT Bedfordshire and Pride in Dunstable. We never say no to a party and we can host with the best of them. Everything we did, we did together. And at every stage somebody somewhere would say ‘you won’t be able to do that’. But we wanted to do a couple more things. In Covid we realised we could do something very special.
When we chose Kieran in 2023 we were shot out of the most amazing cannon. ‘You won’t cope’, ‘Everything will change’ said the voices again. There have been many difficult moments, but through the help and support of our family and chosen family we’ve been blessed with a wholly positive experience. Parenthood has added new dimensions to our relationship. We just find joy in more stuff now.
This wedding is the pinnacle of it all. It certifies that the three of us are an official unit; something I never thought would happen for me.
It all started with our first date/interview. I always say it felt like Ash had a long list of questions for me. Ash would tell you I set expectations low, by saying I’m not a big talker - so he brought along his interview questions. “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” was one that stood out …… Those 5 years flew by and neither of us remember what the answer was!
Fast forward 5 years (remember that first date interview question earlier)…. After living at home for a few years and Ash being fully immersed in the big Indian family life, we’d moved into our first home together. The time living at home had strengthened our relationship, and the pandemic gave us a sustained period of being together, along with a lot of reflection. We discovered joy in simple things and enjoyed being at home. These months laid the foundations for the biggest joy in our lives - that was yet to come.
When the world opened up we started to think about becoming a family again (“Do you see yourself with kids?” had been another of Ash’s interview questions, but we hadn’t come to a conclusive answer). We decided the time was right to start our journey and almost 2 years later we were sent details of “K”. His profile gave all the basics and pictures of a little boy with a mass of curls on his head, but we didn’t know what to expect when we knocked on the door and waited to meet him. As soon as we laid eyes on Kieran we were greeted with his infectious personality. He climbed on us, forced us to play, gave plenty of giggles and has continued to ever since. He’s a headstrong boy with a beautiful heart and brings joy to our lives every day. We are the luckiest Daddy and Dadda in the world to call him ours.
By now you might be wondering how we got here (and why it took so long)! Back to our first date - Ash asked “Would you ever get married?”. Again I was non-comital but insisted I would never ask to be married. This didn’t stop Ash dropping hints for me to propose - even roping in friends and family to persuade me. But Kieran’s Daddy was headstrong just like him, and I didn’t give in. After almost a decade of waiting Ash gave in - he surprised me with an intimate proposal at home on my 40th birthday - truly a shock for Me, who prides myself on not missing a thing! And the rest is history….well nearly.
Both of us grew up in a time where we could never have imagined, as children, that this day would be possible. Coming from different cultures and being same sex was always going to be a challenge. However, thanks to you all, our friends and family, we are where we are today. We’d love you all to be a part of this celebration with us. A celebration of us, our family, of unity, diversity, and most importantly Love ♥️
Our Music
'From Bollywood to West Hollywood...'
These are the songs that have inspired our wedding, and reflect the vibe and style of our day. We hope you enjoy listening to this special playlist - curated and mixed by the grooms. Best enjoyed sloshed on cava.
We are proud of the diversity of the people we love. We would be delighted if you give us some song suggestions for our party. We want eclectic vibes from start to finish. What would you like to hear?
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