Romance blends East with West

Midge Boardman, People

BURBANK -- Down on one knee in the basket of a hot-air balloon high

over Del Mar last March, Edward Headington asked Sasha Lala to become his

wife. Her childhood dream had come true.

The next day, family and friends gathered at a Los Angeles Hindu

temple to celebrate. The couple had planned their engagement for months,

but Sasha didn’t know how he would pop the question.

They exchanged rings, a diamond for Sasha, a platinum band for Edward,

who is a third-generation Burbanker and a product of Walt Disney

Elementary, David Starr Jordan Middle and John Burroughs High schools.

Next was a reception at the New Delhi Palace on Glendale’s Brand

Boulevard. The Lala family had wrapped vividly colored Indian scarves,

fabrics and ribbons around a wooden swing where the couple sat.

Sasha’s family presented gifts of jewelry, clothing and money to

Edward. Patricia, his mother, and Lisa, his sister, gave Sasha the

traditional set of jewelry, placing the pearl, gold and diamond necklace

around her neck. Friends also participated.

“God has blessed me with the best of friends,” Sasha said.

The Lalas placed sweets in Edward’s mouth; the Headington family did

the same for Sasha. Guests danced a lively Bhangra, especially enjoyed by

Sasha’s mother, a native of Lahore in Punjab, where the dance originated.

Both families wore Eastern dress. Sasha’s gold and burgundy long

skirt, shirt and scarf (chuni) came from India and Pakistan.

Edward, born and raised a Christian, chose cream-colored,

loose-fitting pants, long shirt and long burgundy and gold vest.

The meal was strictly vegetarian, in accordance with Hindu dietary

laws. Even Edward has not tasted meat or fish for eight years. They will

raise their children as Hindus and vegetarians.

In India and Pakistan, Sasha said, marriages are arranged and happy,

as evidenced by her mother and father, Karuna and Gopal. But the 21-year

Granada Hills resident has modified some customs.

Sasha was born in London, where her father, a native of Hyerdabad near

Karachi, India, was educated. He returned after marriage to work as an

engineer.

She met Edward in 1991, when she was chosen Valley League Sweetheart

of the Daughters of Demolay and Edward was elected president of the young

men’s group. The organization is associated with the Masonic Order.

Since Hindus do not approve of dating, Edward was introduced as a

friend of the family until their engagement became official.

“She is my first love,” he said, “my only love.”

Sasha declared Edward has “the most amazing heart -- honest and true.”

For the August wedding, Sasha will wear a brightly colored dress

(linga) chosen by her mother, who recently returned to her native land.

Sasha approved.

“My mother has the most incredible taste!” she said.

White is reserved for funerals.

Again bending tradition, she will have 10 attendants, including close

American friends. The couple will circle a fire (representing complete

purity and holiness) seven times to symbolize their seven vows. Different

ceremonies will fill the wedding week with vows taken the next to the

last day.

Edward, a former field representative for former Assemblyman Scott

Wildman, is public affairs manager of National Small Business United.

Sasha is a legal professional for the County of Los Angeles.

Eventually, both plan to enter law school in the District of Columbia,

Virginia or California.

Then, to quote Edward, “With God’s graces, we will welcome a fourth

generation of Headington Burbankers beginning the following year.”

Another chapter in this East loves West romance.