Wedding Party

Miguel Gomez

Best Man

Miguel is my best friend and best man. After meeting at UT our freshman, our friendship deepened during the COVID pandemic. We live across the country from each other and talk on the phone weekly for hours at a time and have traveled across the country and world with each other. He is also served as my sounding board as I first began dating Priyanka and helped me to where I am today in my relationship with her. I've never met a man that better encompasses Proverbs 18:24. Love you bro, looking forward to hitting the ski slopes for the next 40 years.

Jayson Patel

Groomsman

Jayson and I have known each other since the day he was born. That's because of course... he's my brother. We live in different cities but enjoy texting each other goofy photos of our dog Maggie, bemoaning the Dallas Cowboy's playoff chances, and laughing about funny moments that happen in our family. When together, we enjoy attending church together as well as watching movies and NFL football. Jayson also strongly advocated to Priyanka that she take the "once in a lifetime opportunity" to take the last name Patel and I'm grateful to him for that. Love you Jayson.

Abraham Joshua Mathew

Groomsman

Josh is the most universally beloved person I've ever met. My college friends, med school friends, church friends, and my dad love talking about how much they enjoy getting to meet Josh. I shouldn't be surprised. He is one of the most genuine people I know and is me and Priyanka's favorite person to call when we're on road trips. He is a great mentor, both in my medical career and in my Christian life. Josh's greatest quality is his ability to rally himself for a McDonald's run at any moment. We lived together for a month in October of 2023 and managed to go to McDonald's almost every other night. Love you Josh! PS: Shoutout to Chynna for the knitting the positivity potatoes we're holding in the photos!

Sam Oshoba

Groomsman

Sam is me and Priyanka's closest mutual friend. The three of us formed a friend/study group at the beginning of med school and spent the majority of our time together through the first year and a half of medical school classes. Sam is the funniest guy in our class and his friendship was absolutely vital to making the first semester of medical school survivable. He and I have been through some high highs and some low lows and I can't imagine what the last 4 years would have looked like without him. Sam truly embodies the proverb "A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity." Love you Sam, we've come a long way from Briscoe.

Soham Dhar

Groomsman

Soham and I met in the 6th grade while walking/biking home from school. We played basketball together in middle school, ran cross country and track in high school, and through a suprising twist are both on journeys to become doctors. He and I somehow manage to discuss the same 7 things every time we talk on the phone and I feel like each time we do I only laugh harder. Soham actually had to force me to ask a girl out for the first time back in high school because I was so scared. Priyanka doesn't know this but I had an earbud in my ear with Soham giving me step-by-step instructions when I asked her out the first time. JUST KIDDING! Haha, but in all serious, Soham is a thoughtful and caring friend who I am very grateful for. Love you Soham! Don't let my smile in the photo fool you, I'm fighting for my life to keep this guy at an arm's length.

Shaan Lashari

Groomsman

Shaan and I first met when we were 5 year's old in Mrs. Charlotte Moore's 1st grade class in Sugar Land, TX. In 5th grade, we were on the same soccer team and carpooled to practice and games together. We then attended middle school, high school, and college together. Shaan is my oldest friend and I will always cherish the memories I have with him of playing 1 v 1 basketball to 50 in his driveway when we were 4th graders to playing NBA 2K at his apartment our senior year of college . Considering Shaan is more family than friend at this point, I had to talk about him. After all, "How can we not talk about family, when family is all that we got". Love you Shaan.

Shivam Patel

Groomsman

While Shivam is technically my 2nd cousin, he treats me like a brother. Growing up, he was the cool older brother who helped shape my love for Batman and sports. He took me to my one of my first and most memorable midnight premiers (The Dark Knight Rises), sends me fun Instagram reels, and checks in on me. I speak for our whole family when I say that we're all closer because of Shivam's presence. Love you big bro! This photo is of me (left), my older cousin Kushal (center), and Shivam (right). As you can tell, I was grinning ear to ear while hanging with my older brothers.

Ben Eappen

Groomsman

Ben and I met my junior year of college. I first saw him at a Habitat for Humanity meeting I was leading and thought he was a typical cocky college freshman. Thankfully I could not have been more wrong. I will always remember how quickly he agreed to come volunteer at the soup kitchen in the early mornings despite being a busy freshman and how he always seemed to make time for the 50,000 friends in his life. He is a true man of God who puts the needs of his friends and family before his own. Ben was also able to predict me and Priyanka's relationship before she or I even knew! Sadly, he's not able to predict my post-moves in basketball nearly as well. Love you Ben!

Zach Frisbee

Groomsman

Zach and I spent the last year in a Bible study together through our church and have developed a close friendship. He's a great friend is always texting, calling, and keeping up with what's going on in my life. Zach is a talented artist and actually spent hours coaching me through the drawing I made for Priyanka's birthday this past year. He truly helped the piece become bold and brash, and thankfully it did not belong in the trash. We've been able to make some great memories this past year and I look forward to continuing our friendship in the years to come. This photo is from the Bible study group we met in called "Swords of San Antonio." From left to right: Zach, Nate, Luis, and me. I definitely miss these guys a lot but am looking forward to us reuniting at the wedding.

Aaron Pan

Groomsman

Aaron, along with Shaan, is my oldest friend. I still vividly remember the day he walked into Mrs. Moore's first grade class in the middle of the school year. She had asked what type of animal eats both plants and other animals and everyone wrongly answered "herbivores" and "carnivores". Aaron then raised his hand said omnivore and I was bewildered and thought he was the smartest human being on the planet earth. We built memories through the years from sports to our weekly math tutoring sessions in high school (the epitome of Sugar Land academic culture). Love you Aaron!

Enoch Wong

Groomsman

Enoch and I met on the first day of 6th grade in PE class. I commented on how his name sounded like Ewok from Star Wars, a reference he did not understand and perceived as bullying. Then as I was walking home from school he biked by me and made fun of me. I realized then we were neighbors and was worried we would be enemies. Eventually, we became close friends through our weekly Friday hangouts with Soham, Antoine, and Josh where we would play basketball, eat Chinese/Vietnamese Food, watch Youtube videos, and scroll iFunny. We reconnected in college while studying for our MCAT and have remained close friends since. I actually had the privilege of being a groomsman when he and Mallory got married in July of 2023. Love you Enoch!

Luis Carranza

Groomsman

Luis is a great friend, roommate, med school classmate, and brother in Christ. He actually tagged along with me in the car when I went to go ask Priyanka about for the first time. He prayed over me and confirmed for me that my hair looked solid before I walked up the stairs to her apartment. He grabbed the food for the engagement party and has always been willing to offer a hand when its needed. I'm grateful for our time living together and you should know that Priyanka has some big shoes to fill when it comes to being a meal prep buddy. As a wise man once said "This kitchen's not the same without you." Love you Luis!

Jack Chang

Groomsman

Jack was my first mentor in college and my life would be very different without him. He provided a lot of guidance during a pretty critical junction in my life and I would not be the man I am today without his love and support. God only knows how much better my life is because he took the time, money, and energy to help me navigate life. He is a consistent friend and makes an effort to check in even when he's all the way in rural Alaska. Love you Jack!

Niraj Patel

Father of the Groom

As cliche as it sounds, my dad truly is the person I most look up to. For those who know him well, he has had to fight through a lot of adversity in life and has managed to become the great husband, father, nephew, brother, doctor, and man of God that he is today. He is the one who first explained to me that God's love for me was based not on what I could accomplish but on Jesus's sacrifice in my place and the free gift of forgiveness for all the wrong I've done. This truth is the greatest gift a man can offer his children and it has been the anchor in my life for the past 2 decades. He has also served as a source of encouragement and support through the challenges of medical school. My first semester of med school he would call me everyday to check on me, send me random photos throughout the day to motivate me to keep pushing forward, and would always tell me that if it ever got too hard there would always be a place at home for me. I love you Dad, thanks for everything.

Shilpa Patel

Mother of the Groom

My mom is an incredible person and has been a source of love and support for me during my entire life. From making sure I was on time for soccer, karate, and swimming when I was kid to making the effort to throw me memorable birthday parties my mom has always gone above and beyond to make me feel loved. I challenge anyone to find a better post school snack giver than her. I've never told you this mom, but my favorite thing to do when I'm home is sitting and drinking chai with you in the mornings while we watch the dogs act a fool in the living room. Despite the short turnaround for this wedding you have gone above and beyond to help make this a wonderful event for our guests as well as make Priyanka and I feel supported. The only things our relationship is missing is a Cowboy's Super Bowl and Longhorn National Championship. Love you mom.

Bhavna and Vidyut Bhakta

Mother and Father of the Bride

My parents are the best that I could have ever asked for. They loved us so incredibly well and they also loved the people around us so well! My dad is truly an inspiration in the way he shows up for his family and community. I've never met anyone who is as generous with his time and resources and someone who does not think twice before giving away the shirt on his back. He's also a fantastic dad. I still fondly remember playing ghost in the middle, freeze tag, baseball, dodgeball, and every other game there is on a daily basis. He included all the neighborhood kids and truly was the best dad to all of us. He might have been incredibly busy but he always shows up and truly was such a present father. I truly can say I have the best dad and even though we don't say I love you often, I really do love him. My mom is also such a pillar in our community. Many of you might know her for her delicious cooking, but behind each dish is so much love, energy, and time. She spends so much of her time making food for other people because that's how she cares for those around her. She always makes sure we have hot rotli and will make five different sabzis because everyone has a different preference. She's the one who made sure we got to where we need to go everyday and she's the one who taught me how to love and serve the people around me. She's incredibly funny, always full of fun, drop dead gorgeous, and brings people together in a special way. So thankful to call you mom and I love you!

Padma and Pankaj Bhakta

Moti Mummy and Mota Papa

I am incredibly lucky and thankful to have two sets of moms and two sets of dads. Moti Mummy and Mota Papa are truly my second mother and father and I can't imagine life any different. From growing up in the same house together to being one family unit, family means something different to me because of them. They have always treated me as a daughter and have given me so much love. I can recall Moti Mummy rocking me to sleep on the ehcko while singing bhajans and Mota Papa taking me under his wings as we folded hundreds of motel sheets on the weekend. Moti Mummy is the most gentle and patient person I know. She treats everyone with love, respect, and care. Everyone who meets her knows that her soul is genuinely pure and tender. She's always willing to help someone in need and her and my mom make the best team when it comes to feeding our people. Mota Papa likewise is full of love for those around him and always remembers the smallest details to ask after. He's the best companion and very easy going. Everyone in our family and our community can attest that our lives are better off because they are in them. To my second mom and dad all I can say is I love you and I'm so thankful for you guys.

Radhika "Radhi" Bhakta

Maid of Honor

Radhi has been my best friend and partner in crime since January of 1999. She might be my younger sister, but in many ways she's the older one. She's always been the one bringing our family together, pushing us to be better, and never letting us settle. She might seem soft and sweet, but that little girl sure has a lot of grit, determination, and sass. All of that and more is why she was always the first person I wanted to call when I was happy, excited, frustrated, bored, anxious, and just not sure what to do with my life. I'm a little biased, but I think God gave me the best sister. Thanks for always being there through each moment. I always knew that whoever I brought home would have to get along with her and it's been beautiful to see the bond between Radhi and Deven form. Fun fact Radhi was the first Bhakta sister Deven charmed but certainly not the last. With his upcoming rap song and infectious personality and her bubbly support camaraderie came easily. Little did they know this would be the basis of their future relationship as brother and sister in law in the years to come.

Pooja Bhakta

Bridesmaid

Pooja ben was my first older sister and has been there since the beginning. She has certainly showed extreme bouts of patience for the never ending fights between my sister and I, plus she has always had just the perfect amount of friendly spice during the Red River Rivalry (She unfortunately went to OU). She brings our family together and we all look up to her. She's been my Dallas driving buddy, late night chatter companion, and fellow watcher of Indian dance competitions for all this time, and I'm looking forward to even more of these memories in the future. Thanks for being the best older sister a girl could ask for.

Ashley Chacko

Bridesmaid

From roommates to long distance besties Ashley has been by my side through it all. We met in college and a friendship quickly formed. In the last eight years we went through college, grad school, first jobs, Ashley's marriage, and all kinds of life changes. She's been the best sister in Christ a girl could ask for and a wonderful person to run this race with. In 2020 we formed a group chat with Anita Durairaj, and even through the three of us have not lived in the same city since, we have kept up through thick and thin. There are no better friends a girl could ask for.

Anita Durairaj

Bridesmaid

Anita might just be one of the sweetest friends I have and I'm so thankful to have had her in my life since college. She's also one of the coolest people I know and truly filled with the Spirit. I truly could not imagine my life without her. Fun fact, her and Ashley were the first people I called after Deven asked me out and they've been along for the whole journey. Thankful for all the memories we've shared since college and eagerly awaiting all the future ones as well.

Raquel Elias

Bridesmaid

Raquel and I met as 14 years old as fellow tennis players for Gainesville Middle School and although we were clearly in different skill leagues, our differences did not stop us from sparking up a connection. We've cried together, laughed together, hoped together, and worked towards better for our lives together. Even though we don't get to talk as often as either of us like, as soon as we do call it's like no time has passed at all. Our local Chilli's is a favorite hang out spot with our best local gals (shout out to Itzel, Mel, and Olga). Thanks for being the best person to grow with Raquel; I think the 14 year old versions of ourselves would be proud of present day us :)

Jasmine Anand

Bridesmaid

Jasmine and I met through a funny twist of events, but I'm so glad that things played out exactly the way they did. Our circumstances meant that I was pretty nervous going into our first meeting, but we completely hit it off! The second I met her I knew that she was my kind of person. Yes we both bonded over our shared love for k-dramas, Bollywood movies, and 2010 pop music, but our friendship was also so much more. She's been one of my best friends in medical school and I truly could not have gone through the last few years without her. I'm going to miss you so much Jasmine, but wow I'm so thankful that we met in the first place.

Erin An

Bridesmaid

Erin is truly one of the sweetest people I know. She genuinely loves, cares, and serves everyone in her life with such a full heart. She is a true picture of what it looks like to reflect the love of Christ to the people around her. In addition to her sweet soul, she also has a great sense of humor and brings joy to us all. Medical school would not have been the same without her. From on campus bible studies, dinners with the gang, to hot girl walks with Bethanne I've cherished our time together and embraced sisterhood that much more.

Bethanne Bradshaw

Bridesmaid

Bethanne Elizabeth Bradshaw is a bold, unforgettable force of nature—equal parts sugar, spice, and everything nice. With her sharp humor and open heart, she lights up every moment, from wine nights at Postino to cozying up on her couch. Bethanne is the ultimate girl’s girl, the friend you want by your side in life’s highs, lows, and in-betweens. From blasting One Direction to bonding over rom-coms and fanfiction, she’s taught me to embrace my quirks unapologetically. I’m so grateful for her friendship and promise she’ll always have a guest room with her name on it wherever life takes us.

Riddhi Patel

Bridesmaid

Riddhi is my cousin on my mom’s side and I'm so glad she'll be by my side as I get married. She's the ultimate bundle of energy and fun—a true force in our family who keeps us all connected. She brings everyone together with her warmth, enthusiasm, and incredible knack for making every moment feel special. Even though we don’t get to see each other as much as we’d like, we always look forward to the times we can spend together. From her amazing hosting skills—taking us to the best spots across New York and New Jersey—to her dedication to our family, she’s someone who makes every visit unforgettable. Weddings are a time for reunions, joy, and bringing loved ones together, and we both couldn’t be more excited to celebrate and create new memories with everyone at the wedding. She truly embodies the spirit of family, and I’m so lucky to have her in my life.

Siddhi Patel

Bridesmaid

Krupa Patel

Bridesmaid

Khyati Patel

Bridesmaid

Khyatiben has been like the best older sister Radhi and I could have ever asked for. From painting our nails and hosting the most fun sleepovers to taking us to see everything from the final Harry Potter movie to the One Direction movie, she’s always been there to make our childhood full of love and joy. Her selflessness, kindness, and beauty shine in everything she does, and she’s always looked out for us in the most thoughtful ways. I’m so thankful for her constant love and support and wouldn’t be the person I am today without her. Having her by my side during this special time means the world to me.

Dhwani Kumar

Bridesmaid

Dhwani, whose name means thunder, has always been a force of nature in my life. She’s lively, vibrant, and effortlessly lights up every room she walks into. I met Dhwani when I was just 3 and she was 7. From the start, she became so much more than a playmate—she’s been an older sister, a best friend, and our role model. From late-night Sonic talks to endless photoshoots and hair/makeup sessions, she’s always lifted those around her, making us feel beautiful both inside and out. I’m so grateful to have her by my side during this special season, and I can’t wait to celebrate this next big milestone together!