Bimal & Truett: Fairy Tale Come True

We all need that friend who is willing to hold our hand as we take the leap that changes our life forever. Or in Truett’s case, the friend who swiped on Bimal’s profile on Bumble.

Despite having matched on the app, Truett had not taken much interest in Bimal’s, or anyone’s profile. In fact, he’d not even downloaded the app. It was his swiping friend, Marette, who had! As for Bimal, who at the time was running for congressional office, being on dating apps didn’t seem ideal for his campaign. Nonetheless, the two began chatting in November 2018 and a few weeks later they dined at True Food Kitchen in Houston for their first date.

“There was never a dull moment in our conversation,” Truett said of Bimal. “We found it so easy to talk to each other.” Bimal described Truett as having “a great personality and being so authentic.” The two knew the chemistry was there and that a second date would not be too far off. Another dinner, followed by ice-skating and dessert was set. So was Truett volunteering for Bimal’s campaign!

Two of the surefire tests of a potential couple’s future compatibility is travelling together and meeting family, which Truett and Bimal tackled in one go. Four months into dating, the two made their way to NYC for their first trip together, where they met Bimal’s closest relatives. “We had an epic time!” It was on this trip that the two realized they were meant for each other.

A few other surefire tests, all be these less common, living with your in-laws and weathering a pandemic together, were next up! Bimal and Truett moved in together during the pandemic. Shortly thereafter, Bimal’s parents moved in for 4-months following the major Texas freeze. Not long after that, a leak sprung from the roof in the master bedroom forcing them into the smaller guest room and setting off a 5-month construction project. And, most sadly, Truett’s dog passed away during this time, too. To say the two were indeed meant for each other, would be an understatement.

Getting engaged didn’t require the help of any friends! But it did rely on a ruse. Bimal planned their engagement under the auspices of needing new headshots for an article. The only night the photographer was available was the night before their 1-year anniversary. As the fake photography session was ending, the photographer who was in on the plan, asked Bimal and Truett if they wanted photos together, which they agreed to. Knowing it was their anniversary, she also asked if the two wanted to exchange any gifts.

Bimal had made a cartoon book of their relationship thus far, the last frames of which were of the two getting engaged. As Truett flipped to the last page—and Bimal got on one knee—he was overcome with tears. It was apt that they were on their newly finished roof deck! Bimal and Truett celebrated—both getting engaged and their first-year anniversary—nearby at a favorite restaurant where the staff awaited to celebrate.

A shared love of the series “The Crown” combined with Truett’s Irish ancestry pointed them to a wedding in a castle, Kilkea Castle, one of the oldest in Ireland, about an hour from Dublin. “We had a great wedding planner who is US and Ireland-based,” the two explained. Together, they decided on a wedding date far enough out for Covid to have sufficiently subsided.

Guests gathered in Dublin for a welcome reception the evening before the big day. The following morning all traveled to Kilkea Castle. “We met with our planner and wrapped up details. It was noteworthy how much more laid-back vendors are in Ireleand,” Truett mentioned, which proved a little challenging for Bimal’s type-A personality!

But, by afternoon, all was in order as the couple took photos and marveled at the fact that all their friends and family had traveled to be with them leaving astounded at the fact that “this was all really happening!” And what happened was a spectacular event. Theirs would be a wedding that combined the pageantry of a traditional Indian wedding, with the customs of a traditional Irish one.

Traditional Indian folk dancers started things off. The grooms each arrived on horse surrounded by yet more Indian dancers. “It was magical with the castle in the backdrop! Imagine a Bollywood movie set at a historic Irish castle!” A registered solemnizer officiated while Marette, the ‘swiper’ who gave reason for all 100 guests to gather in July this year, served as Truett’s maid of honor. The two exchanged flower garlands and had a Celtic handfasting ceremony, binding them together for a long life together. “There was nowhere we would have rather been.”

When it came time to the reception, their dance troupes roused the crowds. But it was Bimal and Truett’s father who brought down the house. Accompanied by Truett’s dad on guitar, Bimal sang Sam Smith’s Latch. The two had just walked down the aisle to an instrumental version of the song. A live band kept people on the dancefloor, and, in honor of July 4th, an epic fireworks display rounded out the evening.

When asked their favorite part of their big day, the two agreed, “the dances!” But one especially. As the two checked out the reception hall before everyone joined, the band played a song for the two to dance to by themselves.

The best way of summing up their big day, came in Truett’s vows: “Growing up, I figured the fairy tale life was not in the cards for me. Today is the fairy tale we deserve.” For some, a fairytale begins with a wish. For Truett and Bimal, a simple swipe set them on a life together.  

Credits

Ceremony & Reception Venue & Catering: Kilkea Castle
Photographer: Paul & Elaine; @moathillphotography
Videographer: Kevin Cafrey
Planner/Designer: Michelle Johnstone Clark for Waterlily Weddings
Officiant: Romy McAuley
Cake: Caroline Goulding
Floral Designer: Bella Botanica
DJ & Live Music: Empire Productions; Dream Band with Empire Productions

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