DUE TO CORONAVIRUS, WE HAVE RESCHEDULED TO MARCH 6, 2021.

It was the last day before classes started for Lexi, and just another hot August day in 2015 when Lexi and Shabbir had their first date on August 31, 2015. Lexi had told Shabbir that eating at an Indian restaurant would be fine - she loved Indian food. So, naturally, the pair headed to Akbar Indian Restaurant, where fragrant biriyani and spicy chili chicken were served. However, Lexi failed to disclose her nut allergy to Shabbir, and was quickly suffering from what she thought was food poisoning, ultimately cutting their first date short. Upon returning home, Shabbir continued to text Lexi through the night to ensure she was okay despite knowing her for less than a few days, and he had genuine concern for her well-being. It was at this moment that Lexi realized Shabbir is a great guy, and the rest is history!

Being in an intercultural relationship has opened up a whole new world of hobbies, likes, and interests for the happy couple. Prior to meeting, Lexi was not the least bit interested in going to the movie theater, let alone watching Bollywood movies. Now it has become her favorite past time, and the pair visit the movies at least once a week, sometimes twice or even thrice. Shabbir also discovered a new world of flavors and foods. If you asked him in 2015 what his favorite foods were, many of what he eats today would not be on the list. But, today, the couple both enjoy Mediterranean food, and can often be found frequenting local Halal spots, or venturing into other towns and cities to try a suggested Middle Eastern restaurant.

It is no secret that Lexi comes from a major European background (Ciao, Italians!), and that Shabbir is a typical Muslim, Gujarati boy (Salaam, Indians!). These two cultures couldn't be anymore different, but it is their differences that make this relationship unique and beautiful. Together, the happy couple has learned how to navigate different cultures, and along the way have acquired vast knowledge of two very different worlds. The theme for the wedding is all things colorful with inspiration drawn from Lexi's favorite movie, Aladdin. At the wedding you can expect to see vibrant colors, golds and silvers, magic genie lamps, lanterns, and just about everything in between. Our hashtag to be used on social media draws from the lyrics of "A Whole New World" mixed with some Indian flavor. The word "Shaadi" is the Hindi word for wedding/marriage, and you can expect to hear this word throughout the night when the DJ treats you all to some Bollywood music. Don't worry - you don't need to be a Bollywood Prince or Princess to dance to these songs. Just move with the beat and you'll be fine. Then, dazzle everyone the rest of the night with your awesome dance skills for the Cha-Cha Slide. We are Muslims, but are having a non-secular ceremony. No need to fret - just show up as you normally would for any other American-style wedding. Not much is different here! Most importantly, sit back, eat, drink, dance, and have FUN!