Interview Series #3: Suneel

If there's one thing Suneel is thankful for, it's surviving that historic, hectic, New York summer of 2009. The unprecedented heat. The economy in turmoil. More Disney on Broadway. 

Oh, yes ... and the planning. 

2E's and I had the pleasure of attending Lauren and Suneel's wedding this past October at the New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx. And as we sat there watching the events unfold, I thought, how on earth did they get this shindig together in 4 months and change?? It takes 2E's and I four months to decide where to go to dinner.

So, in true groom fashion, I thought I'd ask the cool, collected man behind the curtain, find out what he's thankful for on this post-wedding Thanksgiving and see if things were as smooth behind-the-scenes as they seemed from my chiavari chair. 


SUNEEL, YOU'RE A BANKER. HOW WOULD YOU CATEGORIZE YOUR MARRIAGE IN BANKING TERMS?

Well, to throw you some industry terminology, it's a merger of equals. With strong balance sheets and low leverage. And great cash flow.

CASH FLOW WE UNDERSTAND. NOW ... WE HEAR YOU POPPED THE QUESTION ON THE BROOKLYN BRIDGE. ANY SPECIAL REASON?

I'm just a hopeless romantic. I knew she'd love it.

DID LAUREN GIVE YOU ANY SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS FOR THE WEDDING, ASIDE FROM "SHOW UP"?
Nope, no special assignments ... but there was a lot of collaboration on various elements.

WEDDING PLANNING SOUNDS A LOT LIKE PASSING A HEALTH CARE REFORM BILL...

Indeed. Everything was thoroughly vetted by both parties.

WHAT'S THE SECRET TO PLEASING THE IN-LAWS DURING THE PLANNING PROCESS?

No communication.

NADA?

Complete radio silence.

HAD YOU TWO PLANNED ON A RAINY WEDDING DAY?

Obviously there was a contingency plan but we were hoping for a dry afternoon. No regrets though. It was just as nice inside as it would have been outside. And it's a good omen, apparently.

YES, THEY DO SAY "A WET KNOT IS HARDER TO UNTIE" (WE FOUND THAT ON WIKIPEDIA). WHAT'S YOUR STYLE - BOWTIE OR NECKTIE?

Bowtie. Without a doubt. It's classic.

WHAT DID YOU DECIDE ON FOR GROOMSMEN GIFTS? FREE INVESTMENT ADVICE?

Investment advice has always been free, and they never take it. So I decided on cigars, which they never got because there was just way too much going on.

SO WHAT WILL BE YOUR FIRST OFFICIAL ACT OF HUSBANDRY?

Going to the grocery store with my wife and picking up two weeks worth of groceries. 

MMM...FUN! WELL, ANY WISDOM FOR ALL THE FRESH-FACED GROOMS OUT THERE?

(A) Keep a confident face even though everything is falling apart, and (B) it's good to be married. Highly recommended.

 

Engagement portrait by Megyn Barroner Photography

 Reception photography by Joanna Wilson Photography