Neil KotikawatteNeil Kotikawatte
Parvaneh ShadkamParvaneh Shadkam
Neil KotikawatteNeil Kotikawatte
Parvaneh ShadkamParvaneh Shadkam
June 6, 2025June 6, 2025
How We Met: First Comes School, Then Comes MarriageHow We Met: First Comes School, Then Comes Marriage
Blue and Gold outline the tale that is told. UCLA is where N and P's heartstrings were pulled. Took four years of books and dorms, for these two to transform, From close friends to two entwined souls taking the world by storm. Alas, another four years were these two torn, As P became a Doctor while COVID was airborne. N took many flights between California and Ohio, Because their love continued to overflow. After P's Match day and graduation were these two united, Back in Los Angeles and completely delighted. The two moved together to Loma Linda for P's residency. N and P were glad to have some life consistency. Ten years after their first meeting, N dropped to one knee with a marriage greeting. Clad in blue on the outdoor perch of their first date, P had the foresight ten years ago of their expected fate. Now the two are excited to see their loved ones on their chosen date. Truly, cannot await to see you at the venue they indicate. Bring your smiles and dancing shoes, Because there will be a lot of rhythm and blues. A dinner and short feature Of their long and happy future.
First day:First day:
09/02/2016
Yes day:Yes day:
03/16/2024
Best day:Best day:
06/06/2025
ScheduleSchedule
Friday, June 6, 2025Friday, June 6, 2025
Church CeremonyChurch Ceremony
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
3774 Jackson St, Riverside, CA 92503
Garden Attire: Wear sundresses, floral prints, suits in lighter hues
Persian CeremonyPersian Ceremony
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
42149 Elm St, Murrieta, CA 92562
Garden Attire: Wear sundresses, floral prints, suits in lighter hues, navy blues, and fun hats and fascinators.
Guest arrival: 3:30pm Ceremony: 4:00-4:30pm Cocktail hour: 4:30-5:15pm
Neil and Parvaneh's ReceptionNeil and Parvaneh's Reception
5:15 pm - 10:00 pm
42149 Elm Street, Murrieta, CA 92562
Garden Attire: Wear sundresses, floral prints, suits in lighter hues, navy blues, and fun hats and fascinators.
There will be two ceremonies! One church ceremony and one Persian ceremony. Following cocktail hour, there will be dinner, cake cutting, and dancing! For dinner, we will have halal meat and vegan options and will ask those with dietary restrictions to get up first to get their food at the buffet style dinner area.
Wedding PartyWedding Party
Parvaneh ShadkamParvaneh Shadkam
Bride
Neil KotikawatteNeil Kotikawatte
Groom
Jerry KotikawatteJerry Kotikawatte
Best Man
Hajrah HussainHajrah Hussain
Bridesmaid
Samia SohailSamia Sohail
Bridesmaid
Armando PuenteArmando Puente
Groomsman
Matthew SwitzerMatthew Switzer
Groomsman
Amir ShadkamAmir Shadkam
Groomsman
Alexander LinAlexander Lin
Groomsman
Disni PereraDisni Perera
Flower Girl
Mansoureh Sayah-SinaMansoureh Sayah-Sina
Mother of the Bride
Newton KotikawatteNewton Kotikawatte
Father of the Groom
Petranila KotikawattePetranila Kotikawatte
Mother of the Groom
Sofreh Aghd & Persian Knife DanceSofreh Aghd & Persian Knife Dance
Travel Note
Sofreh Aghd informationSofreh Aghd information
Travel Note
Persian Knife Dance InformationPersian Knife Dance Information
Guests are very welcome and even encouraged to participate in the knife dance! There are several youtube videos on how it looks if you are interested in joining in!
RegistryRegistry
Crate and Barrel
FAQsFAQs
Question
Can I bring a date/plus one?Can I bring a date/plus one?
Answer
We are having a small, intimate gathering of our nearest and dearest. Due to limited space, invitations are intended only for the guests who are named on the envelope or have been informed by the bride and groom that they have a plus one. Don’t worry, we will be sure to seat you with people you know and love!
Question
Is there a dress code?Is there a dress code?
Answer
Yes! Garden Attire! Check out the RSVP for more information. It might be a hot day, so lighter color and fabric clothing would likely be the most comfortable for you. Sundresses, florals, light-colored suits, navy blue or other blue-colored linen items. Hats are okay! Please try to avoid wearing plain white or light lavender colors. Please avoid strapless and backless dresses for the church ceremony. Thank you! Examples can be found in the gallery section of this website.
Question
I have a food allergy, can I make a special request?I have a food allergy, can I make a special request?
Answer
Yes, please include it in your RSVP information.
Question
Will there be meal options for guests with dietary restrictions or allergies?Will there be meal options for guests with dietary restrictions or allergies?
Answer
Yes! We will attempt to meet all individual needs regarding diet/allergies. Please indicate your preferences/answer the questions on your RSVP. Thank you!
Question
Is there parking for the ceremony or reception?Is there parking for the ceremony or reception?
Answer
Yes! The Hawk Ranch Venue has ample amount of parking with an attendant.
Question
Will your wedding be indoors or outdoors?Will your wedding be indoors or outdoors?
Answer
The church ceremony will be indoors. The Persian ceremony and reception area will be outdoors. A tent will be provided if there is a chance of rain and there is a specific indoor location with air conditioning for children and elderly/heat intolerant individuals at higher risk for heat stroke. If it gets cold at night, the venue will be providing heaters and we will bring along some blankets for those who need them.
Question
Will there be refreshments during the persian ceremony?Will there be refreshments during the persian ceremony?
Answer
Given that the Persian ceremony will be outdoors, a water station will be nearby. Please stay hydrated! Otherwise, there will be iced tea and lemonade by the cocktail hour area.
Question
Will there be an open bar?Will there be an open bar?
Answer
Yes! We will be providing the alcohol to the venue and will try to account for everyone. Our bar menu consists of 2 signature drinks, 2 wine options, a beer option, and soft drinks/mocktails.
Question
What are the addresses of the wedding ceremony and reception venues? Are they wheelchair accessible?What are the addresses of the wedding ceremony and reception venues? Are they wheelchair accessible?
Answer
Ceremony and reception locations can be found on the "Schedule" section of the website. If you need wheelchair accommodations, please let us know, as the venue is willing to provide golf carts to transport you.
Question
What time should I arrive to the ceremony?What time should I arrive to the ceremony?
Answer
For the church ceremony, please arrive at 12pm and be in your seat by 12:45pm. For the Persian ceremony, please arrive by 3:30pm and be in your seat by 3:40pm. Thank you!
Question
Where should I sit?Where should I sit?
Answer
You can sit anywhere for the church ceremony. For the Persian ceremony, the first two aisles will be reserved for the wedding party and family. Otherwise, you can sit anywhere. For the reception, there will be a seating chart and name cards at the table to help you out.
Question
What time should I go home?What time should I go home?
Answer
We will start wrapping things up at 9:30pm and the event will be completely over by 10pm. The open bar will close at 45 minutes before 10pm.
Question
Are kids welcome?Are kids welcome?
Answer
When creating the guestlist, families with children were accounted for. If not indicated in the invitation, please let us know.
Question
Do you have any hotel accommodations?Do you have any hotel accommodations?
Answer
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide hotel accommodations for all our guests.
Question
Is there transportation to and from the hotels to the ceremony?Is there transportation to and from the hotels to the ceremony?
Answer
Unfortunately, we are unable to cover the cost of transportation from guest's hotels to the venue sites.
Question
Are there any colors or styles you'd prefer me to wear?Are there any colors or styles you'd prefer me to wear?
Answer
Our wedding theme colors are light blue, white, cream, greens, and peaches. Feel free to dress to match the coloring or anything else that is pastels/light colored or blues!
Question
Where should we bring/send our wedding gift?Where should we bring/send our wedding gift?
Answer
Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for! If you would like to honor us with a gift, you can refer to our registry or you can have a gift of your choice delivered to our home: 246 E Fern Ave Apt 107, Redlands, CA, 92373. A wedding card box will be at our reception. We prefer if cash donations be made as a gift so that we can utilize it for our honeymoon fund! We have mostly everything else we need for our home.
Question
Am I allowed to take photos at your wedding?Am I allowed to take photos at your wedding?
Answer
We ask that phones be put away during the wedding ceremony entry and exit! We have booked a wonderful photography and videography team who will be taking pictures throughout the event. We have also booked a photo booth so that everyone has a chance to take photos with us and everyone else throughout the day at Hawk Ranch. The cocktail hour and reception time are free time for any photos! We encourage it during that time.
Question
Can I post wedding photos on social media? What is your wedding hashtag?Can I post wedding photos on social media? What is your wedding hashtag?
Answer
Sure thing! Can tag us at @nearvanagotsummalove or use #nearvanagotsummalove. (Please use your best discretion to not interrupt the ceremony.) Also, please upload to our shared album where everyone can see the photos: https://guestcam.co/guest/JnpYNOL76Z?code=6LzUR0
Question
Where can I find the photos afterward?Where can I find the photos afterward?
Answer
We will upload photos to a website and share the link with you. We will also have some photos on the instagram we have created for the wedding. We will also be using an app that everyone will have access to a shared folder. KRUU is the photobooth that has an app. Here is the link to our shared photo album that everyone will have immediate access to and see photos/videos in real time: https://guestcam.co/guest/JnpYNOL76Z?code=6LzUR0
Question
I can't attend the wedding in person. Will there be a virtual wedding celebration? Will you be live streaming your wedding?I can't attend the wedding in person. Will there be a virtual wedding celebration? Will you be live streaming your wedding?
Answer
The church ceremony will be livestreamed. However, we are unable to properly live stream the remainder of the wedding day.
Question
I'm visiting from out of town. What can I do while I'm in Murrieta?I'm visiting from out of town. What can I do while I'm in Murrieta?
Answer
Welcome! You can check out all our recommendations in the "Things to Do" section of our website. We've listed our favorite places in Murrieta, Temecula, Redlands, Los Angeles, Irvine, and San Diego. Go ahead and have some fun!
Question
Which airport is closest?Which airport is closest?
Answer
Ontario International Airport John Wayne Airport Los Angeles International Airport
Question
Will there be baby changing tables in the bathroom?Will there be baby changing tables in the bathroom?
Answer
Unfortunately, the venue does not have changing tables within the bathroom. However, there are tables outside the bathroom with a changing pad for you to utilize if you wish.
Question
Where will I be sitting for the reception?Where will I be sitting for the reception?
Answer
https://docs.google.com/document/d/12H-xkwjJqNKTT20-IdBM5MvrA1iJBDMiXBvxNqVsdiA/edit?usp=sharing
GalleryGallery
Things To Do in the AreaThings To Do in the Area
Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological PreserveSanta Rosa Plateau Ecological Preserve
Sunmist Tangerine FarmSunmist Tangerine Farm
Ricardo Breceda's Art GalleryRicardo Breceda's Art Gallery
The Alpaca Hacienda, by Appointment ONLYThe Alpaca Hacienda, by Appointment ONLY
Temecula Berry CoTemecula Berry Co
Wilson Creek WineryWilson Creek Winery
One of the venues we were looking at. It has awesome vibes and great tasting wine!
Temecula Wine Trolley Wine ToursTemecula Wine Trolley Wine Tours
Temecula Valley Cable Car Wine ToursTemecula Valley Cable Car Wine Tours
Grapeline Wine ToursGrapeline Wine Tours
1909 Temecula1909 Temecula
Went here after viewing our current wedding venue and it was absolutely delicious!
Swing Inn Cafe & BBQSwing Inn Cafe & BBQ
E.A.T MarketplaceE.A.T Marketplace
Promenade TemeculaPromenade Temecula
Mulligan Family Fun Center- MurrietaMulligan Family Fun Center- Murrieta
Aria KitchenAria Kitchen
One of our favorite Persian/Mexican Fusion Restaurants that serves halal meat/tacos and a superb saffron cardamom flan.
San Diego Zoo Safari ParkSan Diego Zoo Safari Park
Such a cool experience to do the car tour of the safari space!
Old TownOld Town
One of the places we visited while Parvaneh was doing a rotation in San Diego. Such an awesome historic area of San Deigo. Has bus tours!
Balboa ParkBalboa Park
If you are planning to visit San Diego, this is must visit place with a lot of different museums including the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Japanese Friendship Garden and MuseumJapanese Friendship Garden and Museum
Just an absolutely beautiful place! Highly recommend!
The Outlets at OrangeThe Outlets at Orange
Fun shopping area with great deals!
University of California, Los AngelesUniversity of California, Los Angeles
Not just where we met, but also just a beautiful campus in general!
The GettyThe Getty
Where we went on our first date!
The Getty VillaThe Getty Villa
Absolutely gorgeous roman/greek inspired museum.
Walt Disney Concert HallWalt Disney Concert Hall
Where we had one of our many dates. If there is a concert available, highly recommend as the acoustics are amazing inside. There's also a free rose garden upstairs. Just ask to see it.
Santa Monica PierSanta Monica Pier
Where we went for our second date! The amusement park and the ferris wheel at sunset are breathtaking.
Oak Glen PreserveOak Glen Preserve
Fun hiking area!
Big Falls TrailBig Falls Trail
Easy to hike to waterfalls!
Griffith ObservatoryGriffith Observatory
Star and city gazing of Los Angeles and Hollywood sign!
Joshua Tree National ParkJoshua Tree National Park
Universal Studios HollywoodUniversal Studios Hollywood
Where we went for some of our first dates!
La Brea Tar Pits and MuseumLa Brea Tar Pits and Museum
Parvaneh's favorite museum in CA! An actual living fossil excavation site.
Little TokyoLittle Tokyo
Good asian food!
Point LomaPoint Loma
Petersen Automotive MuseumPetersen Automotive Museum
If you're a fan of cars, this is a must see, especially The Vault!
The GroveThe Grove
Farmer's Market and High End store/shopping mall area.
California Science CenterCalifornia Science Center
Space ship in a museum. Need I say more?
The Last BookstoreThe Last Bookstore
Where we had our first date (Parvaneh was crushing hard) before we were actually dating.
Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Cal State FullertonArboretum and Botanical Garden at Cal State Fullerton
Fantastic botanical garden area where we went with friends and could never forget about. Wild peacocks!
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation AreaKenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
One of our favorite parks!