PART 2 OF THE “Viral Wedding“
A Love That Found Its Way
Monica & Viral — Part 2 of the “Viral Wedding”
Some love stories arrive loudly, announced by fireworks and certainty. Others arrive quietly — disguised as coincidence, friendship, and laughter — only later revealing that they were always meant to be.
Monica and Viral’s story belongs to the second kind.
Monica & Viral hugging each other
Roots, Beginnings & Unexpected Timing
Both born and raised in the United Kingdom, Monica and Viral carry rich cultural roots that stretch back to India — Viral’s family originating from Gujarat and Monica’s from Punjab. Two histories, two cultures, and eventually, one shared future.
When their paths crossed in 2023, love was the last thing either of them was searching for. They had both just come out of long-term relationships — hearts still healing, minds firmly set on independence and fresh starts. They worked together, and despite relentless matchmaking attempts from colleagues, both insisted — rather convincingly — that romance was not on the agenda.
(Though Monica will tell you that Viral may have been a little less convincing than he thought.)
What started instead was something far simpler: coffee. Viral began bringing Monica a coffee every morning — a quiet, thoughtful ritual for someone who openly admits she is not a morning person. From there came conversation, laughter, and inside jokes — the kind that slip in unnoticed and slowly become essential.
There was no pressure. No expectations. Just ease.
Their chats grew longer. Their coffee breaks turned into moments neither wanted to end. Then came a spontaneous Bollywood night — music, dancing, joy — a moment when something quietly shifted. Watching Viral move freely to the rhythm (even if his moves were questionable), loving the same music she did, Monica found herself thinking: Could he be the one?
Without either of them planning it, friendship softened into something deeper. What began unexpectedly became undeniable — a connection that felt effortless, genuine, and quietly extraordinary. In hindsight, it felt less like coincidence and more like destiny finally finding its timing.
Monica & Viral walking in the beautiful garden at Palácio de Estoi in the Algarve.
The Proposal That Took Her Breath Away
In 2024, love met adventure in the most unforgettable way.
Monica and Viral had travelled to Mombasa for a friend’s wedding, followed by a three-day safari in the Masai Mara. Because their friends had just gotten married — and because it was their final night on safari — Monica genuinely believed the hotel had organised a romantic picnic for the newlyweds, with the two of them simply tagging along.
She couldn’t have been more wrong.
They were taken to a breathtaking, secluded spot overlooking the vast savannah — golden skies stretching endlessly, nature humming softly in the background. A private butler served them while six rangers stood watch around the perimeter, protecting them from the surrounding wildlife — equal parts terrifying and reassuring.
As the sun began to dip, Monica was her usual playful self — singing, dancing, completely unaware that her life was about to change.
Then Viral got down on one knee.
She doesn’t remember a single word he said. Her mind raced with one thought on repeat: This isn’t happening… don’t cry, don’t cry.
And then, through tears and disbelief, she said yes.
Even though the ring didn’t fit, their friend was determined to make it work — desperately trying to force it on using handwash. Unapologetic. Slightly painful. Entirely unforgettable.
It was perfect in every imperfect way.
Love, In Their Own Words
From Viral
Monica leaves her signature on everything she touches. Whether she’s hosting, caring for others, or simply tidying up, there’s always that unmistakable “Monica touch” — thoughtful, intentional, and done to perfection.
She remembers moments, marks them, and makes people feel seen. Even on her grumpiest days, her love shows up in the quietest ways: a uniform pressed and ready, a meal waiting, a steady sense that I am always taken care of.
I knew she was my person in the stillness of an ordinary moment — sitting in the car after a meal, neither of us wanting the night to end. She hugged me just a second longer than necessary, and somehow, that was everything.
With Monica, love is growth. She challenges me to be better, to live up to my potential, and to see myself clearly. Forever, to us, isn’t about perfection — it’s about doing life side by side. The adventures, the chaos, the quiet, and growing old together.
Loving her is the greatest gift of my life.
From Monica
At the beginning, I honestly found Viral annoying and would actively avoid him whenever I saw him at work. But somewhere along the line, he became the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
Now, he is my rock, my soulmate, my safe place — my therapist and counsellor on the days I need guidance — and the one who still gets my attitude when I’m grumpy and loves me through it anyway. He genuinely makes me happy.
Viral is one of the most caring and loving people I’ve ever known — the kind of person who makes life feel lighter simply by being in it.
He’s always full of surprises (even though I insist I hate surprises), yet somehow he still manages to catch me off guard every time — in the sweetest ways.
He’s the first person I want to share everything with — the one I love travelling and creating memories with, and the person who makes me feel completely at home.
We work together, live together, and spend most of our time side by side, yet it never feels like too much. If anything, it just feels right. I genuinely can’t imagine my life without him.
Loving him feels natural, grounding, and deeply comforting in a way I never knew I needed. I’m endlessly grateful for the life, the blessings, and the memories we continue to build together.
Choosing Portugal & A Palace by the Sea
While Monica had visited the Algarve during her student years, Portugal was entirely new to Viral. They weren’t set on a specific destination — only a feeling.
They dreamed of a palace, but wanted the sea nearby. Somewhere regal, yet relaxed. Somewhere their guests could all stay together.
Palácio de Estoi offered everything they were looking for: grandeur, intimacy, proximity to the beach, and the rare ability to host all their loved ones under one roof.
Recommended by their first wedding planner, it was a venue they had never heard of — yet it quickly felt like home.
What followed, however, was far from smooth.
Just two days before their celebrations were due to begin, Monica and Viral were told their wedding could not go ahead unless they paid for everything again, due to mismanaged funds by their previous planner. Guests were already travelling from around the world. The heartbreak was overwhelming.
And then — a miracle.
Through a recommendation from their cake designer, Claudia and Cassandra stepped in less than 24 hours before the festivities began, rebuilding the entire wedding from the ground up. What could have been a disaster became one of the most magical weekends of their lives.
Their guests never suspected a thing.
Sometimes, the most beautiful stories are born from the hardest moments.
A stunning outdoor wedding ceremony set against a picturesque backdrop, filled with love and elegance.
Fashion, Meaning & Moments
Every look across the weekend was intentional — designed to reflect the mood, energy, and story of each event.
The welcome party embraced a playful Hawaiian theme, with florals and relaxed silhouettes. Viral took it one step further, designing and hand-painting his own shirt — complete with Monica’s portrait on the back.
For the Haldi, the couple chose green against a yellow theme, prioritising comfort and joy over perfection.
Their Sangeet honoured their roots — Gujarati versus Punjabi — a celebration of heritage, family, and tradition before stepping into something more modern.
On their wedding day, they chose regal white, blending royalty with contemporary elegance. Monica’s veil added a modern touch to her Indian ensemble — timeless yet fresh.
The reception closed the weekend with an “old money” aesthetic — refined, understated, and effortlessly elegant.
Each outfit told a story. Each moment felt deliberate.
Monica & Viral sharing a romantic moment during their wedding reception at Palácio de Estoi
Three Days That Changed Everything
Their three-day exclusive wedding weekend in Portugal became more than a celebration — it became a testament to trust, resilience, and love.
Five events. Three days. Each with its own atmosphere. Each with its own transformation.
Despite intense pressure and impossible timelines, everything unfolded seamlessly. What began as one of the most stressful experiences of their lives became one of the most extraordinary.
With the right people by their side, Monica and Viral were able to let go, be present, and truly soak in every moment.
And in the end, that’s what their love story has always been about — not perfection, but presence. Not planning, but trust. Not searching, but finding each other exactly when they needed to.
A love that arrived quietly — and stayed forever. 💫
Tell us your story
You’re invited to share your unique love story with us. We would love to turn it into a beautiful celebration like Monica & Viral’s.
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Photography & Videography: Autograph Weddings
Wedding planning: Algarve Dream Weddings
Wedding Design & Styling: CM Wedding & Events Styling