Paulina Munroe and Arjun Chelliah’s relationship began with an unconventional start after an initial match on the dating app Hinge in September 2023 that quickly stalled. Munroe, 36, did not respond to Chelliah’s follow-up message, resulting in them unmatching. However, they reconnected a few weeks later, leading to a first date at Astoria, a bar on Toronto’s Queen Street West, where they discovered their shared values and cultural backgrounds.
Munroe, originally from Nova Scotia, and Chelliah, 39, of Hindu Sri Lankan heritage, found common ground in their close family ties and entrepreneurial spirits. Munroe works as a lawyer and life coach, while Chelliah is an accountant and real estate investor. Early conversations revealed their mutual interest in marriage and children, setting a foundation for their relationship.
The couple’s bond strengthened through thoughtfully planned dates at Chelliah’s home, where he prepared elaborate meals and cocktails. By March 2024, six months after their initial reunion, they officially began dating. Over the following months, they integrated their families, spending holidays together and noting the alignment of their values.
In February 2025, Chelliah proposed at the Toronto Reference Library, a location meaningful to both—Munroe having studied there for her bar exams and Chelliah frequenting during his workday. The proposal involved a creative surprise: a book safe containing the engagement ring was hidden on a library shelf, unlocked only after Chelliah and Munroe returned together. The ring was an oval solitaire diamond set on a thin gold band.
Following the engagement, the couple quickly moved into wedding planning. Chelliah took an active role early, researching venues and comparing costs. They chose the Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex for its scenic lakeside setting and secured a date in September 2026.
Their wedding included both a Hindu ceremony, honoring Chelliah’s heritage, and a traditional Western ceremony. Both events were held in the Liberty Grand’s private courtyard, separated by a Champagne intermission and followed by cocktail hour and dinner. Munroe and Chelliah personally crafted several decorations, sourcing lilies and candles, and creating seating arrangements themselves.
The festivities began with a welcome dinner at the CN Tower, coinciding with a Toronto Blue Jays playoff game. On the wedding day, Munroe wore a deep pink sari and bridal jewelry sourced with help from Chelliah’s sister, while Chelliah donned a Champagne sherwani and matching trousers. The Hindu ceremony featured ten traditional rituals, including symbolic acts of love, acceptance, and fertility.
For the Western ceremony, Munroe changed into a ball gown donated by the Brides’ Project, an organization supporting cancer charities, while Chelliah wore an ivory jacket and black pants. Justice Gloria Epstein, known for her role in advancing same-sex marriage rights in Canada, officiated. The couple exchanged personally written vows during an emotional ceremony attended by many tearful guests.
The reception included coastal-inspired dishes such as oysters and lobster rolls, reflecting Munroe’s East Coast roots, followed by classic fare and a chocolate hazelnut cake. The evening concluded with a lively dance party featuring glowsticks and atmospheric fog generated by a handheld carbon dioxide blaster.
After the wedding, the newlyweds spent three weeks honeymooning in the south of France and Italy’s Dolomites. Now settled in Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood, they describe married life as comfortable and joyful, often enjoying simple moments together. The couple is preparing to welcome their first child, due in March 2027, with Munroe noting the baby’s room is already ready, and both expressing excitement about the new chapter ahead.