No you dont! However it is closest to the venue. But, there are plenty of other options as well as AirBnBs. If you need help finding somewhere to stay, just let us know!
We will be shuttling guests to and from the hotel - feel free to park at the hotel and catch a ride. Otherwise, there is a big parking lot at the venue, with free parking.
Unfortunately, no. All have prior engagements that they cannot reschedule. They are sad to miss out on the special event, but we understand they are very busy animals and have other obligations.
Wear whatever semi-formal/cocktail attire you would like! You can wear Cocktail attire or Indian dress. Either is appropriate and appreciated! If you want to wear Indian clothes, it's seen as acceptable for non-Indians to wear. Men can wear what is called a kurta pajama. It is a loose long shirt with some tighter fitting pants. A button down shirt with pants and a tie is perfectly acceptable as well. Ladies - If you've never tried a saree or a lehenga, this is a good occasion to wear one! Not feeling the saree - no problem, a dress is perfectly appropriate. Regular cocktail attire is not a problem - just stay away from black and white, if you can. Also, we love color! Don't be shy to pull out that hot pink, orange, or bright blue dress. There is no expectation that our guests go out of their way to acquire Indian clothing for our wedding. However, if you are interested, there are options. Just ask us!
Both! Our baraat and ceremony will be held outdoors (weather permitting). Cocktail hour will be both indoors and outdoors, and then our reception will be indoors (COVID-permitting)
On our website (click RSVP) or by phone at 609.379.2091
The baraat is the groom’s procession as he arrives to the scene of the wedding. Traditionally, weddings would take place at the bride's home and the groom would arrive on horse or elephant with his entourage, complete with loud drums, trumpets, and all his family members dancing down the street to make their arrival known to the bride's family. Our version won’t involve an elephant, but we hope it will be just as epic! Wayne will arrive surrounded by YOU, the “baraatis,” forming a large dance party leading him to Anisha's family. Traditionally only the groom’s side dances during the Baraat, but we encourage guests from both sides to join Wayne. Here is a youtube video to give you an example of what to expect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=faUqPAYjAaQ
The wedding ceremony commences with special prayers to Lord Ganesh to seek his blessings and remove all obstacles. Why Ganesh? Ganesh is widely revered as the remover of obstacles, the patron of arts and sciences and the deva of intellect and wisdom. As the god of beginnings, he is honored at the start of rites and ceremonies. After the blessings to Ganesh, the Jaimala occurs. This is where the priest recites prayers to bless the couple's union. The Bride and Groom exchange flower garlands, signifying the couple's mutual acceptance, respect and love for each other. Then the Kanyadaan is performed. This is where Anisha's father, Sunil, symbolizes giving Anisha away in the Hindu culture by placing her right hand in Wayne's right hand and holy water is poured over their clasped hands to symbolize the transition of families.
Mehndi is a temporary natural dye used as an adornment by women, and is often associated with special celebrations such as weddings. It is put on the bride's hands and feet a day or two before the wedding in intricate patterns to symbolize various blessings, luck, joy, and love and sometimes the groom's name is hidden in the intricate pattern. It is also common for women to apply mehndi when attending a wedding.