As we were getting ready for our dream wedding, the COVID-19 pandemic came barging through like a tornado and changed all of our plans. More time went on and we realized that we just wanted to be together, and ended up getting married in the Vishnubhotla's backyard on July 26, 2020. While we so wish we could have celebrated our wedding with everyone, we are grateful that everyone was able to stay safe during these unprecedented times. And now that the world is slowly reopening after almost two years, we are more than ready to finally celebrate this milestone with all of our friends and family.

A young new nurse from Michigan and a pediatric hematology oncology fellow from California. Both at very different stages of their professional and personal lives, and yet once their paths crossed, there was no looking back. It's funny how fate brings things into your life when you need them, not necessarily when you want them. I had just graduated nursing school, with a world of opportunities at my feet. My sister Srivi and I decided to go down to California for a few days to kick back, relax, and celebrate this huge accomplishment. We stayed with some friends and while we were there met various people but didn't think much of it. It was a pretty uneventful trip, and we joked about how crazy it would be if we met the person we were going to marry on that trip. We both thought there was absolutely no way that would happen. Oh how wrong were we. The last day we were there, we were introduced to Madhav's parents. Soon enough, Madhav and I were introduced and started talking and the rest, as they say, is history. A few texts every so often turned to daily phone calls and FaceTime dates. Some words exchanged here and there quickly turned into conversations about life, our goals and dreams, plans for the future, our hardships and struggles, our successes, and what makes us who we are today. Every minute I spent with him felt natural and real, like we had known each other our entire lives. We quickly became best friends and I realized that I couldn't spend my life without him. Luckily Madhav felt the same way and put a ring on it! And now we're so excited as we get to take these next steps to our future side by side.

Annapurna had told me a long time ago that she hates surprises, but the one thing she had been thinking about since she was a little girl was how she dreamed of a surprise proposal. Annapurna also happens to be the most observant human of all time so this proved to be a challenge. I took on the challenge and sought the help of my sister and Annapurna's sisters to find the perfect ring and started making plans. I had already made plans to fly out to Detroit to watch Hamilton The Musical with Annapurna. I made kind of a big deal of getting all dressy for the show. I also enlisted the support of my parents, sister and brother-in-law who flew out on the same early morning flight as me and hid in the airport until Annapurna picked me up. Annapurna and I had a relatively ordinary morning and got all jazzed up for the show. Spoiler, it was awesome. I was sure Annapurna could tell I had something on my mind, but assumed I was just so mesmerized by the *AMAZING* show, even when I was shady and left her alone for a few after the show to make some calls. Little did she know that during the show, her sisters had ventured to a beautiful local park where they created an ideal scene for the perfect proposal. I was a little surprised that Annapurna wasn't more curious about the plans going forward and just assumed that she knew what was coming. Annapurna on the other hand was starting to get impatient. In any case, we made it to the park and eventually found the proposal scene where photos of Annapurna and I were strung along a tree lined with lights. I made a little speech and popped the question with a stealthy photographer capturing the whole thing. All parents and siblings joined to finish the surprise and capped off this special day with a delicious dinner (pizza! yummm).

1) Madhav has a passion for Indian classical dance and music, and actually completed his Bharatanatyam Arangetram in 2002. 2) He LOVES to bake. Whether its watching The Great British Baking show or Bon Appetite videos or trying new recipes, Madhav has a love for all things baking. His macarons, eclairs, and homemade bagels are to die for. 3) Madhav is so dedicated to everything and everyone in his life. He pours himself into his work, his patients, his family and friends and always makes everyone around him feel loved and special.

1) Annapurna equally has a passion for the Indian classical arts, and grew up learning Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Carnatic music. She completed her Kuchipudi Rangapravesam in 2015 with her sisters. 2) She is obsessed with photography and actually started her own small photography business taking pictures at family functions and events around the Metro Detroit area! 3) Despite being 5'10" Annapurna has a fear of heights

Your presence, blessings and well wishes are the greatest gifts we could ask for. We humbly request no boxed gifts, please. If you do wish to help us celebrate with a gift, a contribution to our new life together would be warmly appreciated!

We're so excited to celebrate this milestone and we'd love for you to be there for us too! Use the hashtag #MadhForPurna on your social media posts so we can see them too!