Mostly, this weekend was just a collection of soaking it in and being a whirlwind along with you and Jaya but mostly Jaya. My most memorable times were adorable little moments. Coming over beforehand and watching Jaya's mehndi get started, hanging out upstairs like high school but knowing that it was about to be Jaya's wedding, Shovaen's family greeting us outside in the street, meeting little Roma for the first time--still obsessed, Tara getting water from the neighbor's house hose, Hulle Hullare and other too hype songs for doing Haldi, Jack and Robby drinking Blue Label on the porch after everybody left, watching you guys do cute poses on the backyard swing, practicing the dance last minute, watching Jaya's parents get to do Jago, any dancing by Ravi, Navika saying some drunk aunty kept trying to dance with her but it was really Shetal, Halloween mask snap with Jaya getting ready on the day of, waiting in the holding room seeing all the guests on the side, listening to 90s and girlpower songs and drinking champagne while waiting for the entrance while listening to songs on a mini-speaker, telling Jaya the "advice from a married woman," which was really just me suggesting you put it in the butt--real mature, Jaya's vidai, me getting hyped about the vidai, jaya having a down time moment before the reception, trying to get jaya to sleep during the day for a little bit which was all but impossible, little purses for the bridesmaids, Jaya's outfit hung on the bathroom door all pretty, the amazing footsoak in the suite tub after the wedding, jump roping on the dance floor, Robby wearing a wig for both Jaya and Shovaen parts of the MCing, the GUJU SONG that fell so flat Robby and I may still never recover from the joke, Gogi's aunty's hilarious speech that was both heartfelt and unintentionally Punjabi mom, Bhasker's entrance dance that can NEVER be topped by anyone in the history of dances or seizures, attempting to steal Shovaens shoes unsuccessfully, the multi-talented Patel family variety show, bonding with Falguni Patel, Star Wars guys and them jump roping too, Backstreet Boys NSYNC Dance party, Thai food and Jaya newlywed aunty stage the next day, and the list can go on, and on, but each little moment was just such a sweet one. There's a reason I cried like a little bitch and honestly its because I couldnt be more happy to see Jaya get her happiness in Shovaen. Love you guys to pieces and can't wait to celebrate 1 year in Europe!!! <3

Courtesy of Asha

9/23/17, 2:34 PM - Messages to this group are now secured with end-to-end encryption. Tap for more info.

9/23/17, 2:34 PM - Survam Patel created group "#shojaya love"

9/23/17, 2:34 PM - Survam Patel added you

9/23/17, 2:34 PM - Survam Patel changed this group's icon

9/23/17, 2:38 PM - Akash Jhangiani: Wow android relief

9/23/17, 2:39 PM - Akash Jhangiani: Good.call on whatsapp

9/23/17, 2:41 PM - Survam Patel: I know! Like 8 threads going on

9/23/17, 2:41 PM - You're now an admin

9/23/17, 2:42 PM - Survam Patel: Please add anyone I forgot! I made all the ladies admins

9/23/17, 2:42 PM - Survam Patel: I'm going to send out some photogenic and not photogenic photos now 😘

9/23/17, 2:43 PM - Survam Patel: <Media omitted>

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9/23/17, 2:44 PM - Survam Patel: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 2:44 PM - Sherina Nainani: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 2:44 PM - Michelle Nainani: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 2:45 PM - Karishma Patel: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 2:45 PM - Karishma Patel: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 2:45 PM - Asita Vinayagalingam: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 2:46 PM - Shetal Patel: Awwww hiiii

9/23/17, 2:46 PM - Shivam Patel: Hello friends

9/23/17, 2:46 PM - Poonam Ruby Prasad: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 2:46 PM - Poonam Ruby Prasad: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 2:46 PM - Poonam Ruby Prasad: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 2:46 PM - Survam Patel added Sobia Ali and ‪+1 (214) 636-2558‬

9/23/17, 2:48 PM - Janie Asha Korah: "Don't forget the sex" -Pandit

9/23/17, 2:49 PM - Kaushiki Chowdhury: Who is Daria? And why she have a pic of priyanka

9/23/17, 2:49 PM - Misbah Moten: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 2:49 PM - Shelly Singh: Lolol I heard that Asha!!

9/23/17, 2:49 PM - Shelly Singh: Awk

9/23/17, 2:49 PM - Janie Asha Korah: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 2:49 PM - Kayal Rajendran: Where am I in one of those cute pics above

9/23/17, 2:49 PM - Survam Patel: One of our friends on another WhatsApp thread is there and I accidentally included it on this thread! My b

9/23/17, 2:49 PM - Kayal Rajendran: 😭

9/23/17, 2:50 PM - Survam Patel: I know I'm forgetting a lot of people so please continue adding them on!

9/23/17, 2:56 PM - Kaushiki Chowdhury: Is this asha singing? Row 17 needs to know.

9/23/17, 2:56 PM - Survam Patel: Should we add jaya and sho? Just so they can see all this for memories?

9/23/17, 2:56 PM - Janie Asha Korah: Yeah totally

9/23/17, 2:56 PM - Janie Asha Korah: Yes

9/23/17, 2:57 PM - Janie Asha Korah: I have her phone and have it silenced

9/23/17, 2:57 PM - You added Jaya Godhwani

9/23/17, 2:57 PM - You added Shovaen

9/23/17, 2:58 PM - Survam Patel: Hay there beautiful couple!

9/23/17, 2:58 PM - Karishma Patel: I think it's the masi that sang the song at the sangeet

9/23/17, 3:05 PM - Survam Patel: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 3:06 PM - Survam Patel: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 3:17 PM - Shelly Singh: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 3:21 PM - Shelly Singh: Guys they'll prob be walking down idle soon probably should come back

9/23/17, 3:21 PM - Shelly Singh: *isle

9/23/17, 3:22 PM - Survam Patel: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 3:23 PM - Shelly Singh: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 3:32 PM - Meera Patel: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 3:42 PM - Survam Patel: <Media omitted>

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9/23/17, 4:06 PM - Misbah Moten: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 4:06 PM - Misbah Moten: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 4:50 PM - Michelle Nainani: What time do we have to be ready by?

9/23/17, 5:34 PM - Asita Vinayagalingam: 6:30 is cocktail hour

9/23/17, 5:35 PM - Asita Vinayagalingam: So 7:30 Sindhi time 😋

9/23/17, 5:57 PM - Survam Patel: The boys rehearsal is At 6pm on first floor

9/23/17, 5:57 PM - Survam Patel: I'm taking elevator down now

9/23/17, 5:58 PM - Bina Patel: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 5:58 PM - Survam Patel: Tell him he's late for our drinking rehearsal 🍻🥂!!

9/23/17, 6:08 PM - Survam Patel: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 6:08 PM - Survam Patel: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 6:10 PM - Shelly Singh: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 6:10 PM - Shelly Singh: 😂

9/23/17, 6:12 PM - Shivam Patel: Patel brothers are waiting on yall

9/23/17, 6:16 PM - Bina Patel: Lmao 😂

9/23/17, 6:16 PM - Bina Patel: These fools

9/23/17, 6:21 PM - Sruthy Pulijal: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 6:21 PM - Sruthy Pulijal: Anky right there with them

9/23/17, 6:22 PM - Shelly Singh: Hahaha

9/23/17, 6:23 PM - Shivam Patel added Esha Gupta, Suma Ananthaswamy, ‪+1 (214) 906-2972‬, ‪+1 (713) 494-4869‬, and ‪+1 (972) 896-1819‬

9/23/17, 6:27 PM - Sobia Ali: Omggg too funny

9/23/17, 6:41 PM - Bina Patel: Hahahaha

9/23/17, 6:41 PM - Sobia Ali: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 6:42 PM - Janie Asha Korah: Lolll

9/23/17, 6:45 PM - Survam Patel: Hahahaha

9/23/17, 6:46 PM - Survam Patel: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 6:46 PM - Survam Patel: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 6:46 PM - Survam Patel: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 6:49 PM - Shetal Patel: 🤣😂🤣

9/23/17, 6:50 PM - Sobia Ali: Omg Shetal!! You look hot

9/23/17, 6:50 PM - Michelle Nainani: How are y'all ready already?

9/23/17, 6:51 PM - Sherina Nainani: Wow shetal 😍

9/23/17, 6:54 PM - Shetal Patel: Awww thanks guys! 😘

9/23/17, 6:54 PM - Sruthy Pulijal: Love the outfit!!

9/23/17, 6:54 PM - Sruthy Pulijal: Boys looking nice too

9/23/17, 6:55 PM - Shelly Singh: Going down now too

9/23/17, 6:55 PM - Sruthy Pulijal: Shelly can u bring me a bindi

9/23/17, 6:55 PM - Sruthy Pulijal: Light pink or gold

9/23/17, 6:56 PM - Shelly Singh: Yes

9/23/17, 6:57 PM - Sruthy Pulijal: Thanks

9/23/17, 7:13 PM - Bina Patel: Anyone seen Meera?

9/23/17, 7:13 PM - Bina Patel: Lmao

9/23/17, 7:14 PM - Shivam Patel: No but my guess is she's doctoring

9/23/17, 7:16 PM - Suma Ananthaswamy: 👍🏽

9/23/17, 7:16 PM - Survam Patel: She was by elevators a minute or so ago

9/23/17, 7:16 PM - Suma Ananthaswamy: The Ruth's have arrived

9/23/17, 7:18 PM - Kaushiki Chowdhury: Lol

9/23/17, 7:19 PM - Kaushiki Chowdhury: Roommates 1721 headed there now

9/23/17, 7:35 PM - Usha Ananthaswamy: Thanks 👍🏽

9/23/17, 7:42 PM - Survam Patel added ‪+1 (210) 326-9449‬

9/23/17, 7:42 PM - Survam Patel: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 7:45 PM - ‪+1 (210) 326-9449‬: Oh shittttt!! lol gonna have to bring it tonight

9/23/17, 9:12 PM - Shivam Patel: GUJJU!

9/23/17, 9:26 PM - Akash Jhangiani: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 10:06 PM - ‪+1 (713) 494-4869‬: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 10:07 PM - Shivam Patel added Nikhil Patel

9/23/17, 10:08 PM - Suma Ananthaswamy: He felt left out

9/23/17, 10:08 PM - Nikhil Patel: Crying on the inside

9/23/17, 10:10 PM - Alok: <Media omitted>

9/23/17, 10:10 PM - Kaushiki Chowdhury: God who invited this fool 🙄

9/23/17, 10:11 PM - Kaushiki Chowdhury: Premonition for tonight

9/23/17, 10:57 PM - Akash Jhangiani: <Media omitted>

9/24/17, 12:01 PM - Survam Patel: <Media omitted>

9/24/17, 12:01 PM - Survam Patel: <Media omitted>

9/24/17, 12:01 PM - Survam Patel: Vs how we felt last night

9/24/17, 12:41 PM - ‪+1 (214) 636-2558‬: Lolll

9/24/17, 12:42 PM - Akash Jhangiani: #ffaaddeedd

9/24/17, 1:02 PM - Survam Patel: <Media omitted>

9/24/17, 1:02 PM - Survam Patel: <Media omitted>

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9/24/17, 1:03 PM - Survam Patel: <Media omitted>

9/24/17, 1:50 PM - Misbah Moten: <Media omitted>

9/24/17, 1:50 PM - Misbah Moten: <Media omitted>

9/24/17, 1:51 PM - Misbah Moten: <Media omitted>

9/24/17, 1:53 PM - Akash Jhangiani: <Media omitted>

9/24/17, 1:53 PM - Nikhil Patel: Hahahaha

9/24/17, 1:54 PM - Asita Vinayagalingam: That should be the only picture Akash contributes to the thread haha

9/24/17, 2:40 PM - Janie Asha Korah: Does anyone know where shovaen's watch could be? Did he hand it to anyone last night?

9/24/17, 8:00 PM - Asita Vinayagalingam: Did yall find the watch?

9/24/17, 8:01 PM - Janie Asha Korah: @19726933273 any luck?

9/24/17, 8:03 PM - Suma Ananthaswamy: Yea hope y'all found it

9/24/17, 8:03 PM - Suma Ananthaswamy: @19726933273 can you send your address for cards etc.? Thanks 😘

9/24/17, 8:07 PM - Jaya Godhwani: We are gonna unpack everything

9/24/17, 8:07 PM - Jaya Godhwani: And keep looking

9/24/17, 8:07 PM - Jaya Godhwani: 1715 Barclay Dr Richardson TX 75081

9/24/17, 8:08 PM - Jaya Godhwani: Or 15826 Breedlove Place Addison TX 75001

9/24/17, 8:08 PM - Asita Vinayagalingam: New digs! 🙌

9/24/17, 8:09 PM - Jaya Godhwani: Also...thank you guys for making our wedding the best fucking party!!! Dance floor was lit, I love y'all

9/24/17, 8:09 PM - Jaya Godhwani: You guys are the best. I wanna do it all over again

9/24/17, 8:12 PM - Asita Vinayagalingam: We love y'all ❤ thanks for hosting such an awesome wedding! Last night's fitness classes has me all sorts of sore lol. Have fun in Thailand 😘

9/24/17, 8:19 PM - Janie Asha Korah: Best Backstreet Boys/Nsync dance party EVERR

9/24/17, 8:21 PM - Neha Gehi: Dude we had so much fun!!! Y'all did a great job planning and hosting. So happy for you two! Love y'all ❤😘

9/24/17, 8:21 PM - Neha Gehi: My Snapchat game was on another level last night 🙈

9/24/17, 8:28 PM - Janie Asha Korah: Also shout-out to DJ gehi #deeplife

9/24/17, 9:23 PM - Kayal Rajendran: I already have withdrawal

9/24/17, 9:23 PM - Kayal Rajendran: So tomorrow is going to be the worst

9/24/17, 9:23 PM - Kayal Rajendran: Amazing weekend

9/24/17, 9:24 PM - Janie Asha Korah: Tomorrow is going to be the pits

9/24/17, 10:27 PM - Bina Patel: <Media omitted>

10/7/17, 11:22 PM - Jaya Godhwani: Looking through all these pics and videos, y'all all looked so good!!! I wish we got to spend more time kicking it but thank you for making the weekend so fun!!!! We love you guys 💜💜💜

10/7/17, 11:25 PM - Kayal Rajendran: ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

10/7/17, 11:26 PM - Jaya Godhwani: And for learning dances for our asses. Loved all of them. Can't wait for the raw footage to see what was going on the whole weekend

10/7/17, 11:32 PM - Shovaen: 👍🏽👍🏽Thanks for bringing the party! Thailand and Cambodia have been awesome and we will see all y'all soon

10/25/17, 4:02 PM - Jaya Godhwani: <Media omitted>

10/25/17, 4:03 PM - Jaya Godhwani: <Media omitted>

10/25/17, 4:03 PM - Jaya Godhwani: <Media omitted>

10/25/17, 4:23 PM - Karishma Patel: Omg asha 😂😭😭😂

10/25/17, 4:39 PM - Jaya Godhwani: <Media omitted>

10/25/17, 4:39 PM - Jaya Godhwani: <Media omitted>

10/25/17, 4:39 PM - Jaya Godhwani: <Media omitted>

5/31/18, 7:51 PM - Kaushiki Chowdhury left

From multiple dance practices and early wake up calls, being a bridesmaid is tough work! But, it’s all completely worth it when you get to share the most joyful day with your bestie and her Prince Charming. And, having morning champagne to kick things off doesn’t hurt.  

Happy anniversary to a beautiful and kind-hearted couple!

Below are some BTS from our POV.

I was trying to find dresses to wear for Jaya and Shovaen's big day but was having a little trouble finding something that fit. I thought I just needed to hit the gym harder. As it turns out I was pregnant with our daughter Payton and didn't know it yet :) I love that Payton was a part of y'all's love story too. 

When Jaya walked down the aisle with her parents I got goose bumps. She was so beautiful and looked so happy. It was incredible to witness the support and love that surrounded you both on the most important weekend of your lives. 

The rest of the evening was the most fun I've ever had at any wedding... even my own. Pretty sure I went back to the buffet for food three separate times (sorry I was really hungry I guess), danced until my feet hurt and watched Jaya be a badass and jump rope in her wedding dress. 

I can't believe it's already your anniversary. I wish you many many more years of happiness to come. Love you!

Kelley & Jim

I have never been to an Indian wedding so I was SO excited to finall be invited to one, especially considering how close of friends we are! Thank you so much to Jaya for letting me borrow these beautiful gowns. I felt like a real princess, and being part of your big day was so special. Here a few memories!

It started with her amazing bridal shower, which I will admit I got super drunk at. While drunk, I was convinced (not like it takes a lot), to sing to the beautiful bride. I've attached a clip of it.

One of my favorite parts of the wedding was walking with the groom's side to the grand entrance where the parents exchange gifts. That was so much fun and I captured a lot of clips.

Love y'all!
Rania

Jaya and Shovaen's wedding will always hold a special place in my heart, for multiple reasons. Not only was it one of my best friend's weddings, but I was so excited to be apart of Jaya and Shovaen's day as a bridesmaid!

- Sheena

Eclectic food stations (including some fantastic shrimp!)...great booze...music and dancing...and obviously, good people! A celebration doesn’t need more than that!

Happy Anniversary!

- Raoul

Friday September 22nd:

Annie and I have a morning flight out of DCA that should put us into Dallas with time to make the rehearsal dinner without problems. We get up in the morning (packed the night before) and rush out to the airport. Annie and I have an ongoing joke/dispute about the proper time to arrive at the airport before a flight. I prefer to leave extra early and even though we both have PreCheck, I'd rather sit at the gate and relax (or grab a beer) before the flight rather than risk rushing. Annie would rather arrive as the plane is boarding and just walk right on. However, if anything goes wrong, she has had some close calls on missing a flight. All of this is to say that I won the debate and we arrived at the airport early. We are sitting at the gate as Annie comments that the plane is just arriving at the gate and still has to deplane the previous passengers before we can even start boarding. Suddenly I realize, I although I had my carry on, I didn't bring my suit back. The lack of a suit itself would have been inconvenient but the wedding outfit was packed with my suit, in the suit bag, under the guise of, I would never forget this bag. So starts my race against the clock of the now deplaning plane.

I literally am sprinting back through the airport to the metro. Nothing suspicious about someone flat running away from the airport with no bags... I get to the metro platform and luckily a metro (the one towards my apartment) is pulling up. I continue my sprint into the train car and start texting Annie to keep her updated. Of course, this is when the metro is doing repairs in the DC area and so the metro takes a few additional pauses along the route due to maintenance as I am now panicking. I finally reach my metro stop and its back to sprinting to my apartment. I'm calling an uber as I run to my apartment. I rush in, grab the suit bag, back down the elevator and an uber driver pulls up. Oh thank god! I immediately tell the driver I'm in a rush, that my plane has already been boarding and that I need to get to the airport ASAP. The driver, reminds me of my dad in that he is a grumpy older man who does not give two cents that I am in a rush and is driving sloooooow. I'm texting with Annie who is still at the gate and trying to get the people at the counter to hold the plane. The drive to the airport is painfully slow. The guy also seems like the kind of person who as I prod to drive a little faster, hinting that I'm really in a rush, that he will drive slower. In the uber I'm texting with Annie and agree she should get on the plane with out bags and I start pricing the next flights out to Dallas. I get dropped at the airport and its back to living my best imitation of a movie scene. I'm full sprinting through the airport, back to security (thanks PreCheck) but even there is a line now. I do the yell out that I'm late and that the gate is closing and if people are ok if I cut the line. People thankfully agree and I move to the front. I go through the metal detector, toss the suit bag on the x-ray and of course, the security person pulls me aside for a random screen. I point out that my gate (the first gate from security) and the plane is about to leave. The security person agrees that its unfortunate timing but of course still has to wand me and pat me down. Finally I run to the gate and Annie and the gate attendants cheer that I made it. Huge shout out to Annie for smooth talking the people for letting us board. We board and the entire rest of the plane is seated and looks pissed, but we made it with wedding outfit in hand!

Sadly there are no photos from that, but I did learn that from the time the plane pulled up at the gate, I could make it home and back to the gate. Ironically, while the extra time saved us my take away has been that I was arriving at the airport a bit early. 

I've included a few photos from throughout the wedding.

We had an amazing time at your wedding throughout. I didn't have photos of it, but the Baraat was probably my personal favorite part. It was tons of fun to see everyone dancing and having a great time. Plus it was a great chance to use the dance moves we learned for a second (and maybe third) time. I particularly enjoyed watching your family join in. Everyone was really in the moment and full of smiles. 

Thanks again for inviting us and for asking me to participate. When we graduated high school I remember your dad saying something along the lines of moving through phases of life and staying close with only a few friends from each phase and how those relationships were important. I'm glad that we have kept in touch through the last 15 (holy crap!) years. I wish you both all the best and all my love. Congratulations one 1 year together and here is to many more.

For us, the excitement of Shovaen and Jaya’s wedding began months prior, when Rex got the call from Shovaen asking him to be a part of the ceremony. This would be our first traditional Indian wedding as well as our first weekend away without Nova. While super excited to have some adult time and join in on this event, I was extremely apprehensive about leaving her. 

Figuring out appropriate attire caused a tiny bit of anxiety for me. I didn’t want to hound Jaya with questions like “is this good?” or “will this work?” for every dress I liked - but also didn’t want to offend by showing up in the wrong color or style! Eventually, I was confident enough in my options that I was able to enjoy the process. It was so much fun getting to dress up in such beautiful gowns! I never get the opportunity to get dolled up - definitely not on this scale. 

Our experience in prepping for the wedding may have been a little different than most of the other guests in that Rex was participating in a dance. (WHAT?!) Rex …. center stage …. DANCING …. in front of a crowd of people?! Those of you who know him - know how much of a big deal this was. I was fortunate enough to have witnessed the rehearsal of the dance in the weeks leading up to the event (a big Thank You to Mausami for the video!). It’s too bad we didn’t get any footage of that! 

We were immediately blown away by the tradition and elegance of the wedding events. When we first arrived on Friday, we were welcomed into the Vidhi where we were pleasantly surprised to watch and contribute to Shovaen being painted with a golden yellow paste. (Shovaen, I do believe that it DID make you glow a little more the next day!) I’m sure we stood out like a sore thumb being the only two (until Daniel arrived) ghostly white caucasians in the room, which is most certainly why Mayuri Aunty and Monique felt compelled to approach and introduce themselves to us. They endured our many questions about the ceremony and those in attendance without complaint. Mayuri Aunty even offered to help me with my Saree before the Wedding the next day. Again… such amazingly kind people!

The Sangeet Friday evening really set the tone for the weekend. You guys certainly know how to keep the party going! It was the first of many amazing food opportunities; I will not limit the amount of times it is mentioned here. After the fantastic entrance made by the wedding party, Cillian and I prepared ourselves for the performance that was to come, finding a spot with a clear view of Rex and Daniel. The food (the shrimp tacos!) was unbelievable…and I’m sure you’ll hear that from most everyone! The lights, the clothes, the music….the dancing! We still have… and will always…the beautiful sticks from the Raas. 

Saturday morning was a little bit of sleeping in and then breakfast. Rex was gone most of the day doing stuff with Shovaen and the other guys: whiskey shots, gift exchange, etc. I spent that time resting up for another long evening before heading to Mayuri Aunty’s room to dress for the ceremony. I cannot say enough how welcoming she was and how at ease she made me/us feel. She was a life saver with that gown and even offered me a chanlo! It took her 10 minutes to do what would’ve taken me hours. 

Cillian and Michael met me in the lobby to join Rex and the others who had begun to line up for the Baraat. I hadn’t realized before then that we would actually get to participate! I couldn’t take enough pictures or enough video. It was sticky hot outside in the Texas sun and the humidity was not very kind to my hair - but oh the fun! I felt terrible for all of you guys in the long sleeves. Maybe the excitement of it all took away from the heat…?? :) You can see by the photos included that Daniel certainly had a great time! Haha! 

Everything involved with the Ceremony was beautiful and extremely sweet: the joining of families at the end of the Baraat, the blessings and prayers over the Bride and Groom, the flowers, the suits, the gowns. Rex was so honored to be a part of it all. From the keeping of Shovaen’s shoes, to all of the time with the guys, even down to the dancing. It was a ton of fun to see how much fun he was having! And let me say a huge THANK YOU for the finger foods at the start of the Ceremony; much needed and much appreciated. 

The Reception did not fall short of the charm and elegance of the preceding events. We had the pleasure of entertaining Sushrut’s baby girl (Layla? Please correct if incorrect) for a short while. Not to take away from the awe of the Wedding weekend - but what an adorable little girl! Again…I’ll mention the deliciousness of the food! You would think that after an entire weekend of nothing but Indian cuisine we would tire of it. However, we’ve probably had it more often at home since the Wedding than we did before! It always takes us back. In addition to the light up stick - that thing is indestructible. Nova STILL plays with it!

This entire weekend pushed my stamina to the max. Rex is used to being up past 9:30 every night. :P I managed to keep my eyes open into the late hours - and am certainly glad that I did! It’s not often that a person gets to dance next to Darth Vader. 

Looking back at my photos and videos, the colors and excitement make it all look a bit unreal; it’s like something out of a magazine. The involvement and support of family and friends was overwhelming even for an outsider. Shovaen and Jaya being surrounded by so much love from so many generations was an incredible thing to see. I’ve never experienced anything like it and telling the stories once home brings tears to my eyes even now. It was an unforgettable experience and we are so grateful that you allowed us to be a part of it. Best wishes and much love to the happy couple. Happy Anniversary!

Tiff and Rex

Wedding weekends are fleeting moments; however, your wedding was certainly one of the most memorable ones but not because of the Star Wars characters, or the delicious food, and the best music at any wedding ever (90s Hip Hop - yes!!!). It was memorable because two amazing people - who I have loved to get to know these past few years - got together, forever. The picture below is from the Mavs game right after you two got engaged. It was the first time we had spent time together outside of large events. Jaya, it didn't take long for me to see you as the most authentic, funny, and reliable friend and I'm so glad you brought me Shovaen (ha!). Im excited for all of the great years we have together ahead and am excited to celebrate you (soon I hope!) for your birthday. Love you both!

-Rajiv, Nitu and Neeraj

I can't believe it's been a year since yalls EPIC wedding!!!  I remember it like it was yesterday.  

The first event I remember was the bridal shower for Jaya at Tara's House.  What was crazy to me is the video game Jaya played and how she scored a 10/10 on the answers.  She literally knew every answer Shovaen had =)  It was adorable... as was the floral frame that was made for the pics!!! Gulgul was also super pumped that she got her own invite for this... she felt like a "big kid".  

I'm sad I missed the Jaya's entourage bridal shower cuz I was in NYC/DC... MAJOR FOMO.  

Next it was the Pooja at Jaya's house a month before the wedding.  I put Gagaloo in his little kurt pajama and he clapped along to all the bhajans and songs =) Jaya and Shovaen looked like bollywood celebs!  

Wedding weekend finally arrived!  Mehndi night at Jaya's... I got there just in time to see the huge coach bus struggle to find parking,  i remember being stuck behind it and being like PARK QUICKLY SO I CAN GO GET MY MEHNDI ON! This was also the night we had dance practice with out two left feet for the sangeet dance =) Food was also delicious!!!! Also #ShoJayaLove and the Snap Filters were also on point =)

Sangeet Night was awesome... we did our dance and forced Gagaloo to participate too, even tho I think he had major stage fright and cried through the whole thing...oops!  The DJ was on point with his Bollywood Grooves =) We boogie woogied away!

Wedding Day!  We were stuck on the tollway traffic trying to make it for the baraat on time... after some weaving and skillful driving we made it just in time for the Baraat!  Loved seeing the family garland exchanges and got some yummy Mango Lassi before getting some front row seats for the main event!  

Reception night!!! I had my mommy help put on a sari as did Gulgul... which made us run late cuz two saris and only one mommy.  But we were in time for the tail end of the cocktail hour.  We ate some snacks and mingled...and were so pumped to see we got such Prime seating for the reception (Thanks! we felt honored!!!).  Reception program was awesome, especially your family speeches.  My favorite part was how your mom always wanted to have one of her kids married at the Intercontinental and you had your reception/wedding there years later!  I also remember going to weddings at the intercontinental as a kid and thinking WOW what an amazing wedding venue!!!  Reception was awesome and then it was time for the dance party... which felt like a high end vegas club!!! From light sticks to Star wars to jump ropes the night was unforgettable...especially the moving group photo the DJs got on the dance floor! SOO SOOO SOOOOO COOL!  

After the party is the AFTER PARTY!  not gonna lie we got to the afterparty and battery power hit zero (I blame gagaloo he sucks the battery life out of us).  We hung out for a bit and then planned to make our sneak out, we looked out the door and saw Ravi by the elevators... plan was for us to go one by one non chalantly... Rajiv went first, then gulgul, then me... we weren't supposed to make eye contact with him .... but Ravi being the astute man he is caught on and caught us red handed LOL.   He bid us farewell like the amazing Brother of the Bride that he was and wrapped up the amazing weekend!  

Can't believe it's been one year! Rajiv and I are so lucky to be friends with y'all and are so thankful to Jaya for bringing Shovaen into our lives =)  Happy Happy Happy FIRST wedding anniversaries. Wishing you many, many, many more anniversaries and years filled with memories and kitty parties ahead! 

With Lots of Love,

Nitu 

Jaya & Shovaen - Let me start by saying how lucky I am to have you two in my life. I always wanted a big sister and I got her in college, and I always wanted her to find the all the love she gave out into the world given back to her ten fold and she did. You're the only wedding I've cried at. I cried when Jaya walked down the isle. I cried when Ravi talked about how Jaya held his family together. I cried when Jaya's parents talked about how happy they were for both of yall and how happy they were you were in staying in Dallas. I cried when Yash talked about the first time he met Jaya and her hounding him about girls. And most importantly, I cried when Shovaen talked about how much Jaya meant to him and how everyone who was at the reception should put a reminder in their phone to call them a year from today if they had not heard from them. See whats the most beautiful thing about the both of you: it's never about yall, it's about the collective. You both are so unselfish and unyielding in your love for those around you and it shows so effortlessly. In every relationship, in every conversation, and even in your wedding it was a constant reminder that yalls love was not just meant for the both of you, it was meant for all of us to feel and be apart of. Thats what your wedding will always reminds me of. Every detail from the countries showcased by food at your sangeet to the stromtroopers at the reception was just a projection of the time, love, and care yall not only put into one another but to the people around you. You both always put everyone else first and i'm so happy yall found each other to make sure someone puts you first in life.

With love, light, and more memories together,

Nida

Happy 1st Anniversary Jaya & Shovaen!

This is my favorite picture from your wedding day!

Congrats on your first year of marriage! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your wedding weekend. We made so many friends that weekend which goes to show each of your character. You are both phenomenal people and an amazing couple and I look forward to seeing how your love story continues over the years! Congratulations! - Chris and Becca Wilkins

The first picture is of Gagaloo crying because it’s Jaya Aunty’s Vidai (and not because his Mausie kissed him too much). The second picture was when I thought my feet hurt from dancing too much but then suddenly there were storm troopers and light sticks and a jump rope and I knew my feet had a lot more to give! Favorite memory of the weekend was definitely just seeing how happy Jaya was because she’s always been an incredible part of our extended Dallas Framily and she finally found her perfect soulmate! You two planned an amazing weekend and everything from the dancing at the Sangeet to the moment when Ravi realized me/Nitu/Rajiv were trying to tiptoe out of the afterparty and brought us back in to rally was completely epic.

Happy first anniversary you two!! 

Your wedding weekend was actually one of the first big events I flew solo at after Veral left for Providence! I remember being a little anxious but still super excited

... especially

 because I got to room with Sherina!! (btw, she has this really funny video of me from the day after the wedding when i was DYING in the car, sleeping with a sweater draped over my face. Epic hangover.) The sangeet was incredible!! Loved all the food, dances, mendhi, and Ravi dancing with the pillow lmao. (Video attached). Shetal also found herself the dhol, which is a tradition at this point! I also had Taco Bueno for the first time that night and it changed my life. The wedding and reception were perfect! Loved loved loved the venue, so much natural light (I know, I notice the weirdest things.). I loved the Star Wars characters at the reception, and particularly enjoyed playing jump rope with them (and Jay). The after party was probably one of the best I've been to... the N'Sync/BSB/Britney dance party was EVERYTHING!!!! Overall, such a great weekend. I am so so so happy I got to be a part of it, and see you two cuties get married. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY GUYS!

(: happy anniversary!

Cheers

We had SUCH a wonderful time! The weekend was spectacular and fun and full of firsts for us, like Sondra's first time eating Indian food, yum! Also, Thomas is happier in his picture with Darth Vader than in our wedding pictures. 

Hey Shovaen and Jaya!

So my memory of the wedding weekend starts with the Mendhi.

I remember coming into the mendhi and seeing Jaya and thinking wow she looks beautiful! I believe Asha and Kayal were there & we had just a few minutes to talk before everyone started to arrive.  Much of the night was filled with music, singing, delicious food, & lol maybe a few shots?! 

The next night was the garba & I remember coming in and seeing the around the world theme and loved the different cuisines. We were all a little nervous to perform our dance and were trying to practice up until the performance! The night was great and all the dances were so much fun to watch! 

The next day was the wedding and I remember feeling a little emotional during the wedding puja. I was so happy that Jaya had found Shovaen to be her companion in life. 

Later that day was the reception, I remember coming in and enjoying time to chit chat with everyone. We took our seats and after the entrances (Jaya was breathtaking) we began to hear the speeches.  The speeches were incredible and definitely written from the heart & I definitely cried a ton! We ate some yummy food, danced until my feet hurt & just got to hang with some of my favorite people! It was an incredible weekend that was filled with so much love & joy!! I love y’all so much, happy anniversary! ️

Will always be there to help my little sister!

I had so much fun at yall's wedding, it's hard to pick out a specific favorite moment! But I do remember going back to Jaya's suite after the Sangeet with Asha and Angela to help Jaya change into pjs. It was so fun having that intimate moment the night before the wedding. I also can't forget dance practice...especially Jaya teaching us dances for her own wedding lol. Thanks again for making sure we didn't look like idiots!

I think my favorite part about weddings is seeing all the friends and family that travel to celebrate with the couple - and yall's wedding had family and close friends from all over. It really speaks to how much you and yall's families mean to them (and us!).

I attached a few pics from the weekend!

Congratulations and Happy 1st wedding anniversary! I'm so lucky to call yall family and so happy that we live so close together.

Love you both,

Usha

All the food at the Sangeet and the reception was fantastic. Easily the fullest we've ever been leaving a wedding! 

Your family and friend's energy level for all the dances and speeches was awe inspiring. So much planning and love went into the whole thing, we should all be so lucky.  We were only attendees and only went to a few events. After y'all's *week* of parties and events I bet you slept super well on that plane ride to your honeymoon!

Also that Darth Vader appearance, so great lol.

I shoulda taken a Robot selfie but the huge (essentially) Robot-only table was great. A lot of 'OMG this is so much stuff they had to plan for' and 'this is the loudest dance ever' lol. We were all glad to be there though and everyone had a wonderful time. We felt very honored to be included in your special day, thank you so much for having us!

My favorite pic from the weekend. Also ignore Nazish’s chucks 

Congratulations on your Anniversary!! 

1 year down, forever to go and we will always reminisce all the fun we had celebrating you both at #shojayalove  

Love, 

Nazish and Sagun 

P.S. I have a distinct memory of arguing with Nazish about him wearing his chucks while we walked around and enjoyed all the snacks at the Sangeet; we decided to call it truce at the pani puri station while we consumed 17 pani puris each (so delicious)

Enjoy Europe!!

It was nostalgic landing in DFW again after being away for so long. When we first arrived at the hotel, we decided to check out the hospitality suite; what luck, it was right as Shovaen showed up! It was great to catch up with you when there was so much stuff going on! We had a blast at the Sangeet; never one to shy away from dancing, Amanda joined the circle.

Of course it was just a matter of time before I was "invited" to join as well, but I had a bang-up time dancing with sticks (pun intended). I definitely made a few mistakes, but at least I followed the advice of "join and leave in pairs" which appeared to be the downfall of many a dance line.

The morning of the wedding, Amanda and I joined C4 and Raimy for Whiskey Cake. The wedding itself was amazing, so many things going on, it's hard to recount them all. It was great to see a lot of old friends, watch cool skits and dances, see videos for (and of!) the wedding, eat delicious delicious Indian food, and catch a glimpse of Darth Vader just before clocking out (we were on the sleep schedule of our 6-month-old at the time). 

Thanks for having us and congratulations on your anniversary! 

Mike and Amanda

I really enjoyed all the bonding time that your wedding allowed me with my sister-in-law, Ashley.  We enjoyed learning about the styles of Indian dressing, shopping and getting ready.  It was a total blast!  We also had fun dancing and meeting new people at each of the events.  I was so happy to be apart your wedding.  Congrats on getting through a busy first year and best wishes on the next 80 years to come!

Love to you both!

Amanda Barb

Dear Jaya and Shovaen, 

What I will remember from your wedding is your family's extraordinary generosity!  From the venue, to the food, to the entertainment, literally even the shirt of your back! Ok at least out of your closet, like this beautiful dress here.  Bless you and yours. 

Adam and Amanda

One of the things Eva and I remember was all the awesome food the first night of the wedding.  We made sure to go try something from every station, starting with Texas, and working our way around the room.  So much delicious food!  I'm not quite sure how we managed to make it all the way around without popping, but we made it!  We then enjoyed all the dancing and celebrating.  It was the start of an awesomely fun weekend. :)

Hope ya'll are doing well, and happy 1st anniversary!
Chris and Eva

Happy Anniversary Patel-ani's!

We love you guys so so much and wish you lots of love, laughter, and happiness for the years to come!

Jaya, I will always be there to put a smile on your face and give you a hug! We are sindhi soul sisters for life!

Yay for Brides of 2017,  hopefully we will be Mothers together too, Shovaen start working! ;)

-Michelle and Lavin

HAPPY 1st ANNIVERSARY Jaya and Shovaen! Looking back at photos, it brings make fond memories on how much fun we had celebrating your big weekend! The whole weekend was filled with so much fun, love and happiness - and Star Wars awesomeness!  :) We have had so much fun getting to know you, Shovaen, over the last year and can't wait to continue to grow our friendship and make new memories in the many years to come. Cheers to one year in the books and to many many more to come in the future!

Best Wishes,

Kevika

Happy One Year Anniversary Jaya and Shovaen!!! Y’alls wedding was so much fun and our fondest memory would be nerding out to the most epic wedding crash ever by Darth Vader and the Storm Troopers!!  Wish you guys many many more years of happiness!  -Love, Shelly and Alok

Happy Anniversary!!

Congratulations again Jaya and Shovaen and happy one year anniversary with many more to come! It was an unforgettable weekend creating memories with the usual suspects as another one of our girls gets married off to an outstanding gentleman. We can't wait to host you guys in Austin soon enough -- Poonam and Survam

This is by far the sweetest thing I’ve seen someone do for their anniversary!!  I'm not sure if you know this, but Imran and I base our anniversary off your birthday.  We don’t really remember the date, but we know we started dating "officially" in October and always say "around Jaya's birthday".

Anyways, were not here to talk about random memories.  Were here to discuss yalls WEDDING!  

I remember being so pumped for this wedding!!!  Seeing the gehlz after so long and you getting married was wild.  I flew in from client and casually strolled to your house to find out that we were dancing at the SANGEET instead of the reception.  When all the other gehlz were chatting/catching up I was panicking in your childhood room trying to learn the dance.  This in general has always been our theme (talent shows, strolls at DPO conference and any good friend's weddings) of me last minute trying to cram in a dance session.  Of course, I loved every moment to be doing it for you and Shov!  I am so happy for you both.  

I remember it being a quick trip in TX.  I had booked a 7am flight on Sunday back to Indy.  It was SO painful after that amazing reception/afterparty.  

I think my favorite part of the whole weekend was by far getting ready with you before the wedding.  It was probably the only time we got to spend inanimately that weekend.  I remember getting our hair/makeup done then going down in preparation for the wedding.  We had some time to kill so, of course, we started drinking champs and taking fun pics!  How do you think we have these gems...

I cannot believe it has already been a year since that day.  I was so lucky to be a part of it.  I have loved being able to see you both grow as a couple and cannot wait to see what the future holds for you both. 

Happy Anniversary!

#whatwouldwehavedonewithoutanandbazaar2005

#shojayalove was too much fun! I especially enjoyed dance practice with the gehlz! The one memory (or lack thereof) I still laugh about is forgetting my shoes at the Sangeet! Yep, I went home barefoot after that amazing dance party! Alikhan had to awkwardly ask the front desk the next day at the reception if they found some shoes. They sure did! Haha! You two are such great and kind-hearted people and we are so happy that you found each other! Thanks for letting us be part of your special day! Happy anniversary, cuties! 

Happy One year anniversary Jaya! I'm so happy I got to spend that special day with you and Shovaen last year! Time flies! I was going through pics from that night and I don't have any with you.. Pretty depressing.. You were pretty busy that night lol I found this gem though! Congratulations!

Happy 1st Anniversary to such a fun and loving couple! Can’t believe a year has already flew by!  

Jaya, remember when the after party was over and you were dying to get those extension out of your hair!?! Hahaha... I’m glad I could help get those millions of pins out while you sat on the floor outside the after party room! 

— Ang 

Jaya, remember coming into the after party and darting towards the chairs and laying down across them!?! That mini power nap must have helped because you crushed it on the dance floor... well, for a bit, before you rolled on the ground!

—Neal

Cheers to many more years and a lifetime of love and laughter! Love you guys! 

Xoxo

“The After Party Crew” aka Neal & Ang

Congrats my Sindhi Soul Sister! One year down, infinity to go. You two are perfection together :)

Faisal’s most memorable memories 

“Oh weird, that guy looks so much like one of the partners I work with, Rajeev. Oh shit, that IS Rajeev.” 

Misbah’s memories:

Friday night we had picked up food after we landed at the airport because I was 7 months pregnant and constantly thinking about food and we weren’t sure when food would be served and if we would miss dinner by the time we got to the wedding. Sure enough, we get there and there is SO MUCH food. I hit up all the food stations, more than once, lol. 

Funny moment:

I didn’t fit into my blouse for the reception outfit and had to leave the zip on the side open! I just wore a black cami  underneath and hoped that people wouldn’t call out a massively pregnant woman! Lol. (They didn’t. ️) 

So many old friends and new friends all under one roof, having a wonderful time. Spending the weekend celebrating the two of you was beautiful! 

Fun times! Had so much fun dressing up and Ryan got excited for us to put on more of a show! Still jelly of that gold dress!!!

Sushi:

There was a lot of mixed emotions going into the Epic wedding weekend. Excitement at being a member of the wedding party, our first BIG Indian wedding, getting to hang out with the towers crew. And then there were the fears of being discovered as a fraudulent brown person who knows NUFFIN about Indian customs, the constant worry of being chastised by Gramps for very minor infractions on my part (Mostly for delivering the whiskey over latter than he would have liked).

But I think the biggest challenge probably would have been the one on Shoaven’s and Mausmi’s shoulders of bringing this rag tag group of grooms men together to perform as one well-oiled dancing machine! I vividly remember our not so sober practice sessions and Adam’s ability to sing bachna ae haseeno word for word. But through sheer persistence Shoaven was able to get us to a respectable quality level with our performance.

Now we were set and awaiting for our cue to go on after the Baccha Walla dance. Waiting… waiting… waiting some more…. till we are getting signaled on by some worried aunties that the grooms men have completely dropped the ball on their cue to get on stage and do the dance. Now rushing to the stage in a scramble like fish flopping on the deck of the boat, with some crazy help from Krishna we all get our act together and get through the dance without any more drama (Sorry for my dancing face, hopefully the videographer cut that out during the edit).

In the end we did it and with all the practice had gained some muscle memory to the song too. Enough that the next day at the Barrat too the rag tag’s were able to perform the dance moves when the song came on. It was definitely a great wedding, with two beautiful individuals, and we couldn’t be happier that we can say we were a part of it. Congratulations on a year completed you guys make a great couple and we hope to see more of you two FOOOO SHOOO.

This is us trying to figure out how to get ready for the wedding!

Shu:

This was Shu's first real large-scale Indian wedding. And Layla's first Indian wedding in.her.life. The pressure was obviously on.

Shu got her yearly dolled-up treatment from Sushis Aunt and cousins, and then were informed that some Oriyas they'd met the previous year at an Oriya party would be there too. Sushi and Shu and especially Layla were challenged with the task of finding and greeting these Oriyas. Layla was especially squirrelly but loved playing with all the bangles. Shu and Sushi tried putting on a very ornate sari for the wedding reception dinner, and after over an hour of YouTube tutorials and sweating and Layla unravelling any progress...they gave up and outfitted Shu in a lengha. And collectively breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Layla went on a sleeping strike at the hotel but there was no shortage of people wanting to play with her. Layla accompanied Shu in the afternoon of the (forgot name of it, but it's the actual religious wedding ceremony after the Bharat) and Shu was wearing a pretty chiffon sari. At the mehendi, Shu and Sushi stood up Amanda accidentally because Sushi told Shu that all the friends wouldn't be going til later. Amanda had already left and we felt soooooo bad but Amanda used her awesome socialization powers and got some badass mehendi on her hands. At the mehendi, Jaya kissed Layla on the cheek and Laylee was MARKED!

Congrats on y'alls first wedding anniversary! Here's to many more years with fun, loving memories!

Love, Meera 

You both looked incredibly happy and I only hope that happiness increases exponentially on a daily basis. I loved everything about the wedding from seeing old friends to the personal touches with Star Wars theme and seeing our goon friends jump rope at the reception. What a memorable weekend and I’m just glad no one lost a layer of skin on their middle finger from jumping up and down. Love y’all! 

M

One of my favorite memories is breaking down dance moves with you both to old school songs at the reception.   Congrats to the first year of love, journey and beyond !!!

- Akash

Miss y'all and congratulations on your first year together

- Nisha

For the best part of the wedding, it was obvs how gorgeous Jaya was throughout. And you were very handsome too, but you know... Jaya rocked <3 I love how happy you two are.

Anyway, congrats! Enjoy your big Euro-vacay :)

Best,

C

Happy One Year Anniversary you two! 

Best Wishes, 

Divya 

From the actual wedding ceremony I distinctly remember these burrito-noodle rolled dhoklas. I'd only had the cake like dhokla prior to this. Wowsers. The burrito dhoklas were game changers, I had like 50....probably like 10 but still. 

- Manu

Seeing one of my oldest friends get married was surreal, but I am incredibly lucky that we never lost touch. I honestly felt so special to be included in your wedding celebration. It has been and probably will the most amazing wedding I’ve ever attended 13/10. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY YALL!!! 

1)      Parsa and I arrived early on Friday and we decided to pound down some expensive drinks at the hotel bar just to impress ….no one, really. 

2)      The food carts were amazing! 

3)      There is a video of me and Nirav who escaped from the ballroom and went to a back corner of the hotel.  We found 3-4 chairs (nice chairs…not the ballroom chairs…but like couch chairs) and we started jumping over them pretending like we were NBA stars dunking on people.  I may or may not have ripped my shirt in the process of doing this.   Then we walked back into the party!

4)      The Star Wars moments were surreal.  Well done, Jaya!  As a guy who has never watched Star Wars, it even made me excited!

5)      The dance floor felt like a NYE party and was so amazing.

6)      The boys (Ravi’s groomsmen) were all about to call it after the reception but we rallied and went upstairs to the After party / pizza room and oh man…talk about a fun group in there (all parties)

7)      When Ravi and Jaya’s mom started crying and talking about having both of her children married and living in Dallas, that hit the feels!  

I’m sure I’m missing so many more memories and forgetting some awesome stories but overall, such a tremendous wedding and I feel honored to be able to share it with both of y’all!

I love Jaya. She’s amazing and so apparently are you. 

Some of my favorite memories, besides however awesome it is to see the family and meet the new member, were Darth Vader & friends, amazing food & dance, also seeing the next gen cousins together.

We loved the decor and set up at the reception. It was a blast celebrating your big day. I am glad Jaya trusted us for Shovaen’s suit! =)”

Cheer to making more memories and happy anniversary.

Loves
Radz & Kris

Jaya,

Michelle and I had absolutely no idea what to expect when we were invited to the Sangeet.  We had never been to any events surrounding an Indian wedding before and were excited to go!  We figured it would be pretty much like a reception at the many other weddings we have been to over the years.  Boy were we WRONG!   We knew we were going to a party but were blown away when it turned out to also be dinner AND a SHOW!  It was so much cooler and more fun than the "traditional american" wedding.

As Shovaen can attest, I am not a very adventurous person when it comes to cuisine but I stretched out and tried a bunch of the more traditional fare that you guys provided (although I also had some tacos).  It was all wonderful and we really like how you had food from so many different regions that were important to your families.

We spent most of the night ogling at all of the amazing outfits that everyone was wearing.  I, for one, felt like a schlub since everyone looked so fantastic.  Your formal wear is just a million times more vibrant and exciting to look at than your usual fancy dress or tuxedo.  Michelle enjoyed getting her first Henna tattoo as well.  

What to say about the dancing?  It was definitely the most unexpected portion of the evening.  We had no idea that there would be all of these intricately choreographed numbers!  We were blown away by the commitment of your friends and family to perform for you and all of us.  Not only was it amazing how much time everyone must have spent preparing the numbers, but everyone was great (or did a marvelous job at faking it)!

We just had the most amazing time and it was so wonderful to be there.  The exposure to your love for each other, your families, and your heritage was welcome, eye-opening, and exhilarating.

Best of luck to you and Shovaen in your many happy years to come,

Paul and Michelle Hellquist

I have known Jaya for almost 15 years and haven't seen her smile as much as she was during that weekend.  My memory is remembering the amount of effort her brother also put into making sure his big sister's wedding goes without a hitch, really showing how close and amazing they are.  Great humor, great personalities -- that's what makes them such great friends and great people!  Happy Anniversary!

My favorite memory of the whole weekend was just seeing you and Jaya together. It was obvious that y’all have such a deep connection and love for each other! You but understand other so well! The fact that Jaya surprised you with Storm Troopers and Darth Vader showed me a lot. I have known Jaya my whole life and never once has she had any interest in Star Wars... so that says a lot. It was a great weekend and fun, really cool getting to see the families come together. 

-Nirav