Priya’s Story

Our beautiful bride made her way to the world at Long Island Jewish Hospital to Vyas and Acklema Persaud on May 22, 1986.

Priya has always been in the spotlight, captivating anyone around her; especially when she’s dancing - one of her favorite ways to have fun. When Priya was 2 years old on a cruise with her family, music came on in the dining room and she began to dance catching the eye of one of the waiters nearby.  The waiter picked her up and placed her on the table to perform. People began to surround her clapping and cheering as they encouraged her on. This experience left quite an impression on her, and ever since then Priya has always been the first on dance floor. 

Priya spent her childhood full of love and laughter in Chappaqua as the oldest of 3 sisters. 

However, when Priya was 17 years old, her life changed forever: she was in a terrible car accident, something that even medical professionals couldn’t predict the outcome of. Although she survived, she had to learn how to walk, eat, and speak again. Her right arm and face would never be the same (thankfully she's a lefty). Although she was scared, Priya was equally determined to recover and rebuild herself. With the love and faith of her family and friends, and putting one foot in front of the other every day, she was able to progress and recover past her injuries and even went on to graduate with her high school class. 

Through her educational journey, Priya had several additional reconstructive surgeries, primarily on her face. It’s been a long road, with some bumps along the way, but Priya pursued her bachelors and then her masters in social work, a field which she is passionate about and currently is practicing her career in a family homeless shelter in the Bronx. It had taken Priya over 40 surgeries to get to where she is today.  Priya is proof that an open mind, full heart, and love of life can take anyone past their obstacles. 

Priya's life today is full to the brim! When she's not working, Priya likes to read, spend time with her many friends and cousins, as well as cook and bake with Jason (of course the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach).

Jason’s Story

1980 brought many amazing things to the world; from the Rubiks cube and Post-it Notes to The Empire Strikes Back, Flash Gordon and The Shining, but probably the most notable is the birth of our iconic groom, Mr. Jason Michael Xavier Williams. He was born to Philip and Moreen Williams on October 24th 1980.  

Of course, his entry to the world would not be a boring one, beginning immediately with his share of dramatic events. One evening in the Spring of 1981, Phil and Moreen sat enjoying a movie on TV, right after feeding Jason’s older brother Brian. Jason’s mother heard him let out a strange cry and went to check in on him. She found him bright blue and not breathing in his crib. In a panic, Moreen ran Jason over to his father (a Physician’s Assistant) who grabbed him and began performing CPR, reviving Jason. After Jason was rushed to his pediatrician for an emergency visit, it was determined that he needed to go to the hospital where he was given to doctors to perform an emergency tracheostomy. Jason would have a trach for the first two years of his life with the uncertainty if he would ever be able to speak. After having the trach removed, Jason had quite a difficult time talking and had to overcome a very bad stuttering problem. After five years of speech therapy and quite a bit of patience, Jason learned to speak quite well, and as many know it can be very difficult to shut him up. 

Jason has endured many challenges, but the most prominent has been his perseverance to stay sober one day at a time through the help of the fellowship, Alcoholics Anonymous. Jason has been able to stay sober for over 16 years and is an active member helping others recover from addiction to drugs and alcohol. Along with Alcoholics Anonymous, Jason stays sober practicing yoga and meditation. Jason found a life changing connection to his practice after he was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. He learned physically practicing yoga greatly helped his symptoms. Jason fell in love with Eastern philosophy studying the Yoga Sutras, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita. He has connected with gurus such as B.K.S. Iyengar, Sri Aurobindo and Sadhguru.

Growing up, Jason was known as quite the artist. Jason had a lot of encouragement to keep enriching his creativity. Jason was highly influenced first by his grandfather, Charles Williams, and then by his older brother, Brian. Jason would later take his talent into his professional life as a Web Designer. Jason is looking forward to beginning his life with his beautiful and inspiring bride Priya.

IT ALL STARTED WHEN…

Jason and Priya first met through a mutual friend at a gathering in Westchester, NY. Jason immediately took notice of Priya and got to hear her talk a little bit about her story amongst friends, which would leave quite an impression on him. They would both see each other a couple more times but then Jason would not hear from Priya for at least 4 years. In the age of social media, leave it to Facebook to bring these two lovebirds back together. Priya saw Jason come up as a recommended contact on Facebook and decided to send him a friend request. Jason was thrilled, of course, and messaged Priya to see how she was doing and they began talking again (however, Priya wasn’t really looking for a boyfriend). They made plans to hangout and before they knew it, they were staying out late talking for hours daily. It did not take long for them to officially become a couple.

AFTER THREE YEARS TOGETHER HERE IS HOW JASON POPPED THE QUESTION…

Jason knew very early on that Priya was going to be the woman with whom he was going to spend the rest of his life, if only she were to say yes. In August 2015, the Persauds wanted to head to Mexico for a family vacation. Jason saw this as a perfect opportunity to finally propose. The day everyone was leaving for Mexico, Jason and Priya’s sisters Tara and Divya were at the jewelry store rushing to get the ring ready to take on the trip. Jason gave the ring to Tara to transport to Mexico to avoid any mishaps at the airport that might ruin the surprise. At this time, Jason still had no idea how he was going to do the proposal. While touring the hills of Hualtulco, Jason found the perfect opportunity in front of a waterfall. He told the tour guide that when they were in front of the waterfall, the guide was to take a photo of Jason and Priya. When Jason gave the guide a thumbs up, the guide was instructed to begin recording while Jason got on bended knee and asked his beautiful girlfriend to be his bride. After a ton of tears, and thankfully a huge YES they officially became engaged!

The Ceremony

Welcoming of the Groom/Prayer at the Entrance

Priya’s family formally welcomes Jason and his processions in a Baraat.

A short prayer known as a pooja to Lord Ganesh takes place to purify and bless the site,

providing a tranquil atmosphere for the ceremonies to come.

Tilak

(Mark of Auspiciousness)

Priya’s father presents gifts to Jason and places a mark of auspiciousness known

as the tilak on his forehead as a sign of welcome.

Parchhan

(Blessing of the Groom)

Priya’s mother and her relatives give Jason a special welcome by performing an aarti.

At this point, a flame and water are passed over his body and flowers are sprinkled, beseeching God’s grace and blessings.

Kanya Daan

(Giving Away the Bride)

Kanya translates to “maiden” and Daan means to give. As she sits beside her parents, Priya’s family places their right

hands on her, then Priya places her hands in Jason’s. This symbolizes their approval and blessing for this union.

Priya’s brother pours water over their hands as the Pandit recites the kanya daan sankalpa mantras

Jai Mala

(Exchange of Garlands)

Priya and Jason exchange malas (garlands) of fresh flowers, indicating their acceptance

of each other as life-long companions.

Taag-paath or Raksha Sutra

(Garland of Thread)

Jason’s older brother places a taag-path (garland of woolen thread) around the bride’s neck, promising

to protect her at all times and presents her with gifts from the groom

Gaath Bandhan

(Tying the Knot)

The ends of Priya’s and Jason’s garments are tied in a knot containing betel nuts, coins, rice, grass, and flowers.

These signify fertility, prosperity, and happiness as they are now bound into an eternal relationship.

Devta Pooja

(Prayers to the Gods and Goddesses)

Priya takes her seat under the Mandap and prays for blessings from Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles,

and Mother Lakshmi, goddess of happiness. They then make offerings to Agni Hotra (the fire) as a form of

purification and thanksgiving.

Paani Grahana and Laja Homa

(Offerings)

Jason takes Priyas’ right hand and prays, “I take your hand in happiness and love. May God grant us long,

happy, healthy and fulfilling life together.” They both make an offering into the fire.

Laawa Bhawar and Agni Pradaksina

Rice, symbolizing fertility and prosperity, are offered by Priya and Jason to Agni (god of fire) to bear witness to their marriage.

Priya then leads Jason around the fire four times followed by Jason leading Priya around the fire three times, leaving

offerings at each revolution. This signifies the times in marriage in which both take turns leading and accepting guidance

and support from one another. At the end of this ceremony, Priya will stand on Jason’s left side.

Sapta-Padi

(Seven Steps)

There is a saying in Hinduism that if you walk seven steps with someone, they will become your friend.

Together, Priya and Jason take Sapta Padi (seven steps) forward north together.

With each step, the couple seeks the universe’s guidance in making vows that bind them in marriage.

Step 1

Together, we will acquire energy to share the responsibilities of married life.

Step 2

Together, we will obtain the strength, courage and wisdom to fulfill all the needs of life.

Step 3

Together, we will respect each other, communicate effectively, and learn to compromise.

Step 4

Together, we will cherish each other, developing trust, understanding and harmony.

Step 5

Together, we will raise and nourish strong and healthy children.

Step 6

Together, we will fill our hearts with happiness and peace.

Step 7

Together, we will nurture a friendship that will last a lifetime.

Shila Rohan

(Stepping Stone)

Shila means rock, rohan means stone. Jason requests that Priya place her right foot on a stone,

proclaiming her devotion to be rock steady.

Saat Vachan

(Priya’s Seven Requests)

The Pandit, on behalf of Priya, makes seven requests of Jason.

Sindoor Daan and Mangalsutrasharan

Under a sacred cloth, Jason applies sindoor (vermillion) to the part in Priya’s hair.

Jason then places a mangalsutra around Priya’s neck, symbolizing his enduring commitment to their marriage.

These two items are symbolic of her status as a newly married woman.

Surya Darshan

Looking towards the sun, Jason asks Priya to be committed to her duties, consistent in her

devotion to him, and to never lose sight of their goals in life.

Hriday Saprsh

(Touching the Heart)

Jason places his hand on Priya’s heart, praying for their hearts to beat in sync, their minds to be one,

and their thoughts to lead them to the highest realms of peace.

Wedding Rings

The wedding rings are blessed by the Pandit and exchanged between Priya and Jason.

Ashirvad

(Blessing)

The Pandit blesses the newlyweds, bringing the ceremony to a close.

He asks the family and friends to offer blessings to the couple by reciting a prayer for health and prosperity.