Melissa Miranda
Sharvan Chhabria
Melissa Miranda
Sharvan Chhabria
November 6 - 7, 2026
From Crossing Paths to Walking Together.
We officially met on the first day of our Clinical Psychology PsyD program in 2019 - two strangers walking into the same room, both chasing the same dream. What started as shared classes, long study days, and mutual support slowly grew into something deeper. But here’s the part that still makes us laugh: a few months after we met, we realized we had actually crossed paths three years earlier, in 2016 - unknowingly appearing in the background of each other’s photos, living separate lives and completely unaware that one day we’d become this important to each other. As we got to know each other, we also loved learning about each other’s families, cultures, traditions, and of course - the food. Those moments became such a meaningful part of our relationship, so it only felt right that our wedding reflect the stories that shaped us. Our celebration will blend traditions, music, and flavors from our cultures as we begin this next chapter together. We hope you’ll join us for this special weekend - it means so much to celebrate with the people we love most.
Schedule
Friday, November 6, 2026
Catholic Wedding Ceremony
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
509 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
Semi-Formal: Tuxes and gowns are welcome, and so are suits and cocktail dresses.
Friday Welcome at Armature Works
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
Immediately following the Catholic ceremony, all guests are welcome to gather at Armature Works’ food hall and bars to continue the evening together. Details to come!
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Barrat & Hindu Ceremony
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
211 N Tampa St, Tampa, FL 33602
Festive Formal: We invite guests to wear vibrant colors in celebration of our Hindu ceremony. Traditional Indian attire (such as saris, lehengas, or kurtas) is warmly welcomed but not required. Formal Western attire in bright or jewel tones is also perfect. Think celebration! Please avoid wearing white or red.
The Barrat includes the groom's wedding procession and music! The ceremony will include traditional rituals and may last approximately 60–90 minutes. After, light refreshments will be provided.
Cocktail Hour & Reception
5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
211 N Tampa St, Tampa, FL 33602
Formal / Black-Tie Optional: Guests are welcome to change into evening attire before the reception if they wish.
There may be a break between the ceremony and evening celebration. Final timing details will be shared closer to the date.
Travel
Hotel
Hilton Tampa Downtown
This is the hotel where our Hindu ceremony and reception will take place and where we will be staying! We’ve reserved a block of rooms at a discounted rate for our wedding guests. We recommend booking early, as rooms may fill before the deadline.
Hotel
Hyatt House Tampa Downtown
Hotel
Aloft Tampa Downtown
Hotel
Residence Inn by Marriott Tampa Downtown
Hotel
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Tampa Downtown
Wedding Party
Alissa Assad
The Bride’s Circle
Four Words: Grounded • Thoughtful • Loyal • Steady Traits We Love: We met Alissa during internship year in Ohio, and somehow a temporary season turned into lifelong friendship. We were living nearly the same life - navigating one of the hardest, most formative seasons side by side - and she felt every high and low with us. Alissa is one of the most validating and nonjudgmental people we know, a rare kind of presence that makes you feel safe just by being near her. She is quick to remind Mel of her growth, strength, and progress, especially in moments of doubt. She has also been a quiet motivator in Mel’s wellness journey, encouraging her to care for her mental, spiritual, and physical health - always rooting for the best version of her. Favorite Memories: Running the Midwest and Northeast together! Coffee runs, thrifting adventures, her trips to visit us in FL, and the inside jokes that made Ohio feel like home.
Megan Maloney
The Bride's Circle
Four Words: Real • Gentle • Loyal • Selfless Traits We Love: Melissa met Megan in kindergarten at five years old, and she has been family ever since. From elementary school through adulthood, Megan has been a protective, encouraging, and steady presence - always championing Mel to be fully herself. She is deeply reflective, creative at heart, and was Mel’s safe space growing up. An artist in spirit and a teacher in practice, Megan inspires through her passion for helping children and nurturing growth. She is humble, detail-oriented, and the kind of friend who anticipates what you need before you say it - a whole spectrum of color in Mel’s life, because she has lived through every season alongside her. Favorite Memories: Listening to and reviewing every Taylor Swift album together, endless childhood sleepovers, and watching Freaky Friday more times than we can count.
Sabah Islam
The Bride's Circle
Four Words: Adorable • Strong • Validating • Inspiring Traits We Love: Sabah met Sharvan and Mel while they were living in the Northeast and worked alongside Mel at Yale during her postdoctoral training. She is the kind of friend you can have the deepest vent session with and leave feeling stronger. When Sabah validates you, she validates every part - your emotions, your experiences, and even your choices. Warm and magnetic, she radiates energy; when she starts speaking, you are immediately engaged and attuned to her. A fierce woman and psychologist, she is passionate, driven, and deeply invested in others’ growth - and somehow makes intimacy and honesty feel effortless. Favorite Memories: Supporting each other at Yale, shared gym sessions, and the kind of vulnerable, honest heart-to-hearts that only real girls’ girls can have.
Ariel Fethiere
Bride's Circle
Four Words: Bubbly • Hilarious • Fearless • Magnetic Traits We Love: Whenever Ariel is around, you know it’s going to be a good time. She is unapologetically herself - expressive, creative, and full of life. Ariel has a way of gently pushing Mel out of her comfort zone, always keeping the focus on growth and possibility. She is down for any adventure, her humor and sarcasm unmatched, and she somehow makes time for everything — because she truly values people. Beneath the sparkle is resilience: Ariel pushes through hardship without complaining or giving up, modeling strength in her own unique way. A true fashionista with an eye for beauty, she romanticizes the everyday and reminds us not to take life too seriously. She is, simply, the human version of sparkle. Favorite Memories: Showing her the ropes of the Midwest, chasing the aurora across Ohio skies, training together in graduate school, and seeing Inside Out 2 together and bawling our eyes out.
Celine Atkinson
Bride's Circle
Four Words: Authentic • Timeless • Relatable • Joyful Traits We Love: Celine and Mel became close in high school, where Melissa remembers laughing endlessly as teenagers. She helped Mel grow into her confidence and always made her feel loved and celebrated. Bubbly and effortlessly funny, Celine is the kind of person who makes sure no one is left out. Sentimental at heart, she values vulnerability and real connection - something she and Mel have always shared. She even introduced Mel to makeup - falsies mascara and all. Today, she leads with both heart and brilliance in her research, and we know she is going to change the world. Favorite Memories: Making a scrapbook after freshman year filled with inside jokes, the strawberry birthday cake she baked with love, and reconnecting years later like no time has passed.
Franklin Alzate
Groom's Circle
Four Words: Honest • Hilarious • Intentional • Loyal Traits We Love: Sharvan met Franklin at summer camp when they were neighbors growing up, and their friendship has been steady ever since. Frankie is the kind of person you can be completely unhinged with and fully yourself - no judgment, just realness. He works incredibly hard and somehow manages to balance everything on his plate with intention and focus. Reliable to his core, he’s the friend who can plan the whole thing so you don’t have to overthink it. He shows up, pays attention to the details, and quietly cheers you on while handling business. Favorite Memory: Growing up side by side as neighbors, summer camp chaos, and the kind of lifelong friendship that only comes from shared childhood.
Matthew Alzate
Groom's Circle
Four Words: Relaxed • Adventurous • Loyal • Steady Traits We Love: Matt brings a calm, laid-back presence that makes everything feel easy. He keeps a tight-knit circle and you realize he’s one of the coolest, most genuine people in the room. He’s always down for the adventure - no excuses, just follow-through. Whether it’s traveling, catching away games, or showing up to visit, Matt is consistent and solid. With him, you can just be yourself - no pressure, no performance - just real friendship. Favorite Memory: Spending time together in Ohio, reminiscing on middle and high school memories, and unforgettable South Florida food moments.
Justyn Frost
Groom's Circle
Four Words: Laid-Back • Poised • Unfiltered • Grounding Traits We Love: Mel and Sharvan met Justyn in Ohio and what a ride it was. Justyn has a calming presence that makes everything feel less overwhelming. If you’re stressed, he’s the person you go to - somehow he makes things feel manageable without making a big deal about it. Laid-back but sharp, he’s effortlessly funny in a way that sneaks up on you - unfiltered, quick-witted, and often hilarious without even trying. He’s one of the boys through and through, and also carries himself with poise. With Justyn, there are unspoken rules - he just gets it. Clean, composed, and solid, he doesn’t need attention to command respect. Favorite memory: Basically living together for two years in Ohio and Connecticut, so many laughs, and infamous Chicago trip
Shawn Mines
Groom's Circle
Four Words: Eloquent • Resilient • Grounded • Smooth Traits We Love: Shawn and Mel completed postdoctoral fellowship together at Yale. Shawn carries himself with a calm confidence that makes him easy to trust. Well-spoken and thoughtful, he has a quiet depth - a little mysterious until you really get to know him. He moves effortlessly in any room, fitting into every group without ever losing who he is. Shawn has persevered through a lot and built a career you can genuinely look up to, which makes his presence both grounding and inspiring. His humor is subtle and low-key, but when it lands, it lands. Shawn is also the most relaxed, "vibes always on point" person we know. Favorite Memory: Shawn's surprise visit to Tampa, spending endless time together in the Northeast
Austin Drabek
Groom's Circle
Four Words: Electric • Free-Spirited • Wise • Dynamic Traits We Love: Austin brings an energy you can feel the second he walks into a room. He’s high-energy, in the best way, and completely himself - which makes him magnetic. When he’s lit, it’s infectious; you don’t just hang out with Austin, you experience him. Beneath the electricity is real intelligence and wisdom - he thinks deeply, moves freely, and lives on his own terms. Dynamic in every setting, he can handle himself anywhere while still keeping everyone on their toes. With Austin, there's always a meme at the end of the weekend. Never boring, always original. Favorite Memory: Austin met Mel at the University of Florida when they were sophomores. So many college memories, and then recently, hangouts in Boston, NYC, and Gator Games.
Gallery
Things To Do
Hyde Park Village
Must Visit: The Salty (such good coffee and donuts!)
Water Street
Must Visit: Chill Bros Ice Cream, Naked Farmer
Armature Works
Must Get: The Cuban sandwich at Flan Factory is phenomenal & Buddy Brew - their iced flat white!
Sparkman Wharf
Must Visit: Shortwave Coffee!
International Plaza and Bay Street
FAQs
Question
When and where is the wedding?
Answer
Our wedding weekend will take place in Tampa, Florida on November 6–7, 2026. Friday will include our Catholic ceremony and (possible!) Welcome Night at Armature Works (more details to come). Saturday will feature our Hindu ceremony and full reception. Full event details can be found on the Schedule page. The final schedule of events with times will be updated in the coming months.
Question
Do I need to attend both days?
Answer
We would love to celebrate with you throughout the weekend! When RSVP details are released, you’ll have the option to confirm the events you’re able to attend.
Question
What can I expect at each ceremony?
Answer
Our wedding weekend will begin with a traditional Catholic ceremony held inside the church. The ceremony will include readings, vows, and blessings in a reverent and meaningful setting. The ceremony is expected to last approximately one hour. Our Hindu ceremony will honor Hindu heritage and include vibrant traditions, sacred rituals, music, and symbolic elements that represent unity and family. It will be joyful, colorful, and deeply meaningful. The ceremony may last approximately 60–90 minutes and will be followed by an evening celebration. Programs will be available to guide guests through the rituals and their significance.
Question
Will there be a gap between the ceremony and reception on Saturday?
Answer
There may be a break between events on Saturday. Final timing details will be shared closer to the date.
Question
Where can I buy Indian attire for the wedding?
Answer
For guests who would like to wear traditional Indian attire (such as kurtas, saris, or lehengas), there are many great online shops that ship to the U.S. Below are a few options at different price points. We encourage guests to wear whatever makes them feel comfortable - traditional Indian attire is completely optional, but it’s a fun way to celebrate the cultural elements of our wedding! Recommended websites: • Pernia’s Pop-Up Shop – https://www.perniaspopupshop.com • Kalki Fashion – https://www.kalkifashion.com • Lashkaraa – https://www.lashkaraa.com • Mirraw – https://www.mirraw.com You can also try searching “Indian boutique near me” or “Indian clothing store near me” on Google - many major cities have boutiques where you can try on, rent, or purchase outfits in person. If you have questions about attire or want help picking something out, feel free to reach out - we’re happy to help!
Question
Which airport should I fly into?
Answer
We recommend flying into Tampa International Airport (TPA), which is about a 10–15 minute drive from downtown Tampa and the downtown hotels.
Question
Where should I stay?
Answer
We listed some hotels near our venue! Anywhere in the downtown Tampa area is close to our venues!
Question
Do I need to rent a car?
Answer
A rental car is not necessary for most guests if you are staying near downtown Tampa. The ceremony, reception, and many restaurants and attractions are nearby, and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available. If you plan to explore more of Tampa during your stay (such as beaches or areas outside of downtown), you may prefer renting a car.
Question
When should I RSVP?
Answer
RSVPs will open closer to the wedding date once event times are finalized.
RSVP
Please enter the first and last name of one member of your party below.
If you're responding for you and a guest (or your family), you'll be able to RSVP for your entire group on the next page.