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Traditional Wedding Music

Our Story

September 5, 2021

First Meeting

Tushar and Krishna first met at a mutual friend's birthday party in San Francisco. Both being software engineers, they quickly bonded over their shared passion for technology and Indian classical music.

January 10, 2022

First Date

After months of friendship, they went on their first official date to the Legion of Honor museum, followed by dinner at a cozy Indian restaurant in Berkeley.

July 4, 2023

The Proposal

During a hike at Land's End with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background, Tushar surprised Krishna with a thoughtful proposal, complete with their favorite song playing from a portable speaker.

December 25, 2023

Families Meet

Both families gathered in Palo Alto for Christmas, where they officially blessed the union and began planning the wedding ceremonies.

August 17, 2025

Wedding Day

The day we officially become husband and wife, surrounded by our loved ones at Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery.

Join Us On Our Special Day

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Cultural Attire Guide

Wondering what to wear to our wedding events? Here's a guide to traditional and modern options!

Women's Attire

Women's

Men's Attire

Men's

Kids' Attire

Kids'

Western Formal

Western

Traditional Options

  • Saree: A 5-9 yard fabric draped elegantly around the body, paired with a blouse. Perfect for all wedding functions.
  • Lehenga: A long, embroidered skirt with a matching blouse and dupatta (scarf). Ideal for the wedding ceremony.
  • Salwar Kameez: A long tunic (kameez) with matching pants (salwar) and a scarf (dupatta). Great for pre-wedding events.
  • Anarkali Suit: A long, flared dress-like top with slim pants. Elegant for reception.

Colors: Bright, vibrant colors are encouraged. Red, pink, orange, purple, and gold are traditional wedding colors. Green is perfect for Mehendi.

Styling Tips

  • Gold or silver jewelry complements Indian outfits beautifully
  • Mehendi ceremony: Choose fabrics that are easy to handle as you'll get henna applied
  • Wedding ceremony: This is where you can wear your most formal outfit
  • Consider a bindi (forehead decoration) to complete your look
  • Comfortable footwear is recommended as some events require sitting on the floor

Where to Shop: Local Indian boutiques, online at Utsav Fashion, India Emporium, or borrow from friends for authenticity!

Traditional Options

  • Kurta Pajama: A long tunic with loose pants. Perfect for pre-wedding ceremonies.
  • Sherwani: A long coat-like garment with a collar and buttons down the front, worn with tight-fitting pants. Ideal for the wedding ceremony.
  • Nehru Jacket: A tailored, hip-length jacket with a mandarin collar. Can be worn over a kurta or a Western shirt.
  • Dhoti: Traditional draped lower garment, often paired with a kurta for a classic look.

Colors: Neutrals, pastels, and jewel tones all work well. Cream, beige, blue, maroon and gold are popular choices.

Styling Tips

  • Consider adding a matching or contrasting stole/dupatta for the wedding ceremony
  • Traditional mojari shoes (juttis) complete the look
  • For the reception, a Nehru jacket over a crisp white shirt and dark pants is elegant
  • You may add a turban (pagdi) for the wedding ceremony if you wish to embrace the full traditional look
  • Western suits in rich colors or with Indian-inspired details are also appropriate

Where to Shop: Manyavar, FabIndia, or local Indian clothing stores have good options for men!

For Girls

  • Lehenga Choli: A smaller version of the adult outfit, with a skirt, blouse, and small dupatta
  • Pattu Pavadai: South Indian traditional silk skirt with a blouse
  • Salwar Kameez: Comfortable and easy to wear for younger girls

Colors: Bright, festive colors like pink, orange, green, and gold are perfect.

For Boys

  • Kurta Pajama: Simple and comfortable for all ages
  • Sherwani: Mini versions for boys who want to match the adults
  • Dhoti or Kurta with Vest: Traditional yet comfortable

Tip: Choose comfortable fabrics and styles as children will be active throughout the events. Make sure they can move easily!

For Women

  • Formal Gown: Floor-length or cocktail dresses in jewel tones
  • Elegant Jumpsuit: Modern alternative with subtle embellishments
  • Two-piece Sets: Coordinated top and skirt in rich fabrics

Colors: Jewel tones like emerald, sapphire, ruby, and gold accents work beautifully with the wedding palette.

For Men

  • Suit: Dark or neutral colors with a festive tie or pocket square
  • Dress Shirt & Trousers: With a vest or stylish blazer
  • Tuxedo: For the most formal option (wedding ceremony and reception)

Tip: Indian weddings tend to be more colorful than Western ones, so don't be afraid to incorporate color through accessories even with Western attire!

Mehendi

Friday, August 15, 2025

Time: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Venue: 220 Curtner Avenue, E, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Attire: Wear festive, comfortable attire for easy henna application

Celebrate with us as we embrace the age-old tradition of Mehendi. Our talented henna artists will create intricate designs symbolizing joy, beauty, and spiritual awakening. Join us for an afternoon filled with music, delicious snacks, laughter, and the excitement of wedding anticipation as we adorn the bride's hands and feet with beautiful patterns believed to bring good fortune to the couple's new journey together.

The Mehendi ceremony is a joyful pre-wedding tradition. It usually takes place a day or two before the wedding, where henna paste is applied in intricate designs on the bride's hands and feet, and sometimes on guests' hands. Culturally, Mehendi represents good luck and is believed to bring the bride prosperity and relieve her stress before the big day. The event often feels like a fun party – traditionally women-centric, but nowadays both women and men join in after the henna application, with music and dancing to celebrate the upcoming wedding.

Mehendi Ceremony - Intricate henna designs being applied on hands

Try Different Mehendi Designs

Mehendi Design 1
Mehendi Design 2
Mehendi Design 3
Mehendi Design 4
Hand Outline Mehendi Design 1 Mehendi Design 2 Mehendi Design 3 Mehendi Design 4

Click on a design to see how it looks!

Graha Shanti

Saturday, August 16, 2025

Graha Shanti - A priest performing traditional Hindu planetary peace ritual
The Navagraha (Nine Planets)

In Hindu astrology, the Navagraha (nine celestial bodies) are believed to influence human life. During Graha Shanti, we seek blessings from:

Surya

Sun

Chandra

Moon

Mangala

Mars

Budha

Mercury

Brihaspati

Jupiter

Shukra

Venus

Shani

Saturn

Rahu

North Node

Ketu

South Node

Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Venue: Shiva-Vishnu Temple, 1232 Arrowhead Ave, Livermore, CA 94550

Attire: Please wear comfortable and respectful attire with light or bright colors; traditional Indian wear is welcome

Experience the serene and auspicious atmosphere of our Graha Shanti ceremony. This sacred ritual aims to bring balance and tranquility by seeking blessings from the Navagraha (nine planets) in Hindu astrology. Join us in this meaningful ceremony as we offer prayers to remove astrological obstacles and create an auspicious, peaceful foundation for our marriage and new life together.

Graha Shanti (also spelled Grah Shanti) is a sacred pre-wedding puja (prayer) performed to ensure an auspicious start for the couple. In Hindu belief, the alignment of the stars and planets can influence married life, so this ceremony seeks blessings from the Navagraha (nine planets) to remove obstacles and bring peace and prosperity. The word "Graha" means planets or house and "Shanti" means peace.

This ceremony is typically conducted by a priest at the bride's or groom's home (or a venue) the day before the wedding. Family members participate separately in this ritual, and it marks an emotional final step before the couple unites. During the ritual, offerings are made to the planets, and specific mantras are recited to invoke their blessings for the couple's future.

Note: Lunch will be served from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm.

Temple Etiquette for Our Guests
  • Remove your shoes before entering the temple
  • Maintain a respectful volume inside the temple premises
  • Please silence your phones during the ceremony
  • Photography is allowed, but please be respectful of the sacred space
  • It's customary to receive prasad (blessed food) with your right hand

Pithi Ceremony

Saturday, August 16, 2025

Time: 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Venue: Shiva-Vishnu Temple, 1232 Arrowhead Ave, Livermore, CA 94550

Attire: Wear comfortable attire in festive, bright colors as the ritual may involve turmeric (Haldi)

Experience the warmth and joy of our Pithi ceremony! This lively ritual involves applying a sacred paste made of turmeric, chickpea flour, and rose water, believed to cleanse, purify, and bring a natural glow to the bride and groom. Join us for this fun-filled celebration where family and friends playfully apply the yellow paste while sharing laughter, blessings, and well-wishes. Prepare for a colorful, joyous, and memorable celebration!

The Pithi (or Haldi) ceremony is a lively pre-wedding ritual where a turmeric-based paste is applied to the bride and groom by their loved ones. The special paste, made from turmeric, chickpea flour, and rose water, is believed to cleanse and brighten the couple before the wedding day.

During this fun and lighthearted ceremony, guests often laugh and enjoy themselves as they gently rub the yellow paste on the couple's face and arms. The yellow color of turmeric symbolizes good luck and is believed to ward off evil spirits, while also giving the bride and groom a natural glow for their big day. This ceremony is filled with playful moments, and traditionally, unmarried friends and siblings are encouraged to participate for their own good fortune in finding a spouse.

Traditional Pithi (Haldi) Paste Recipe
Ingredients:
  • 2 tbsp Turmeric powder (Haldi)
  • 2 tbsp Gram flour (Besan)
  • 2 tbsp Sandalwood powder (Chandan)
  • 2 tbsp Rose water
  • 1 tbsp Raw milk
  • A few drops of almond oil
Preparation:
  1. Mix all the dry ingredients in a bowl
  2. Slowly add rose water and milk to form a smooth paste
  3. Add a few drops of almond oil for moisture
  4. Mix well until a consistent paste forms
  5. The paste should be thick enough to apply but not too runny
This paste has been used traditionally for its skin-brightening, antiseptic, and auspicious properties. It's applied with love and blessings by family members.
Pithi Ceremony - Family applying turmeric paste during the traditional ceremony
Significance of Yellow in Hindu Weddings

Wedding Ceremony

Sunday, August 17, 2025

Hindu Wedding Ceremony - Couple taking sacred seven steps around the fire (Saptapadi)
Wedding Venue Explorer
Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery

Click on the highlighted areas to explore our wedding venue. Casa Real offers a beautiful blend of Spanish-influenced architecture with elegant event spaces perfect for our ceremony and reception.

Ceremony Space

This is where our wedding ceremony will take place. The mandap (wedding canopy) will be set up here, with seating arranged for all our guests to witness the sacred rituals.

Reception Hall

After the ceremony, we'll celebrate in this beautiful reception hall. This is where dinner will be served and where we'll enjoy dancing and festivities well into the evening.

Grand Entrance

The stunning entrance to Casa Real welcomes our guests. When you arrive, you'll check in at the welcome table located here to receive your seating assignment and a special welcome gift.

Time: 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm

Venue: Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery, 410 Vineyard Avenue, Pleasanton, CA 94566

Attire: Wear Indian or Western formal attire; vibrant colors are encouraged

We are honored to invite you to our Hindu wedding ceremony, a beautiful and sacred ritual symbolizing the union of two souls and two families. The ceremony will take place under a decorated mandap with a sacred fire serving as the divine witness to our vows. Please be seated outdoors to witness Tushar and Krishna as they partake in the Kanyadaan (bride's giving away), exchange of garlands, the Saptapadi (seven circles around the sacred fire), the Mangalsutra ceremony, and other meaningful rituals guided by our long-time friend and respected priest, Devendra.

Explore Key Wedding Rituals
Ganesh Puja
Kanyadan
Mangal Phera
Saptapadi
Mangalsutra
Ganesh Puja
Ganesh Puja (Invocation to Lord Ganesha)

Every Hindu ceremony begins with prayers to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and harbinger of good fortune. This ritual sets a positive tone for the ceremony and invites blessings for a smooth wedding and marriage.

The priest will chant mantras to invoke Lord Ganesha's presence, while the couple offers flowers, fruits, and sweets to the deity. This ritual reminds us to approach new beginnings with humility and devotion.

Takes place at the beginning of the ceremony
Kanyadan Ceremony
Kanyadan (Giving Away the Bride)

Considered one of the most auspicious and emotional moments, Kanyadan is when the bride's parents give their daughter away to the groom. The word 'Kanya' means daughter and 'Dan' means donation or gift.

During this ritual, the bride's father places his daughter's hand in the groom's hand, entrusting him with her care and well-being. The mother of the bride pours water over the couple's hands to bless the union. This ceremony signifies the acceptance of new relationships and responsibilities.

This is often an emotional moment for the bride's family
Mangal Phera
Mangal Phera (Circling the Sacred Fire)

The Mangal Phera, or the walking around the sacred fire, is a central ritual in the Hindu wedding ceremony. The couple circles the sacred fire (Agni) four times, with the bride leading the first three rounds and the groom leading the fourth.

Each circle represents the four aims of life: Dharma (righteousness), Artha (prosperity), Kama (personal fulfillment), and Moksha (spiritual liberation). As they circle, the couple makes promises to each other and seeks blessings from Agni, who serves as the divine witness to their vows.

The sacred fire symbolizes the divine presence
Saptapadi Seven Steps
Saptapadi (Seven Steps)

The Saptapadi, or seven steps, is the most important ritual in a Hindu wedding. The couple walks seven steps together around the sacred fire, each step representing a specific vow or promise to each other.

These seven vows encompass their commitment to provide for each other, grow together in strength, prosper together, share joys and sorrows, care for children and family, remain lifelong companions, and maintain eternal friendship and harmony.

According to Hindu tradition, after completing the seven steps, the couple is officially recognized as husband and wife.

  1. First Step: We will provide for and support each other.
  2. Second Step: We will develop mental, physical, and spiritual strength together.
  3. Third Step: We will share our wealth and prosperity.
  4. Fourth Step: We will share our joys and sorrows.
  5. Fifth Step: We will care for our children and family.
  6. Sixth Step: We will be together in all seasons of life.
  7. Seventh Step: We will remain true and loyal to each other.
Mangalsutra Ceremony
Mangalsutra (Sacred Necklace)

The Mangalsutra is a sacred necklace that the groom ties around the bride's neck, symbolizing their marital status. In Sanskrit, 'Mangal' means auspicious and 'Sutra' means thread, making it a thread of goodwill and luck.

The design typically features black beads believed to ward off evil, along with a gold pendant. After the ceremony, wearing the Mangalsutra becomes a daily practice for married women, similar to a wedding ring in Western cultures.

This sacred ornament is considered a symbol of the bride's married status, the groom's love, and the couple's commitment to each other for a lifetime.

A cherished symbol of married life
Barat

The Barat is a joyous procession where the groom, mounted on a decorated horse or in a luxury car, arrives at the wedding venue accompanied by his family and friends. This procession includes dancing to dhol (drum) beats and celebrating the groom's journey to his bride.

Time: Begins at 2:30 pm

Main Ceremony

The Hindu wedding ceremony formally unites the bride and groom under a decorated mandap (a canopy-like structure), where a sacred fire acts as divine witness to the marriage. The ceremony is rich with symbolism and sacred rituals. Key elements include:

  • Kanyadaan: A deeply emotional moment where the bride's parents give away their daughter to the groom, symbolizing the acceptance of new responsibilities
  • Mangalsutra: The groom ties this sacred necklace around the bride's neck, symbolizing their marital status
  • Sindoor: The groom applies red vermilion powder in the parting of the bride's hair, signifying her status as a married woman
  • Saptapadi (Seven Steps): The couple takes seven circles around the sacred fire, making seven vows to each other that form the foundation of their marriage
  • Garland Exchange: The couple exchanges flower garlands as a sign of mutual acceptance and respect

The ceremony includes prayers in Sanskrit and blessings from family members, creating a deeply spiritual and emotional experience. The sacred fire (Agni) serves as the primary witness to the wedding vows.

Time: 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm

Post-Ceremony Celebrations

Sunday, August 17, 2025

Cocktail Hour

Time: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

Venue: Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery, 410 Vineyard Avenue, Pleasanton, CA 94566

After the ceremony, join us for cocktails and appetizers while we transition to the reception. This is a perfect time to mingle with other guests, enjoy refreshments, and share in the joy of the newly wedded couple.

Cocktail hour at Casa Real featuring elegant ambiance and refreshments
Reception
Reception hall decorated for celebration with elegant table settings

Time: 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Venue: Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery, 410 Vineyard Avenue, Pleasanton, CA 94566

Attire: Wear Indian or Western formal attire; vibrant colors are welcome

Prepare for a night of celebration as the newlywed couple makes their grand entrance, marking the beginning of an evening filled with heartwarming toasts, delightful cuisine, and music to dance the night away. We are excited to share this joyous occasion with you.

The Reception is a time of joyous celebration after the formal ceremony. It typically includes:

  • Grand entrance of the newlyweds
  • Dinner service featuring both Indian and international cuisine
  • Toasts and speeches from family and friends
  • First dance and other wedding traditions
  • Music and dancing to celebrate the new union
Reception Menu Preview
We will accommodate dietary restrictions. Please mention any allergies or special dietary needs in your RSVP.

Traditional Wedding Rituals

Pre-Wedding Rituals

Hindu weddings are not just a day-long affair but a series of ceremonies that begin days before the main wedding.

The Roka is usually the first ceremony that marks the beginning of the wedding celebrations. It signifies that the bride and groom are committed to each other and the wedding preparations can begin.

During this ceremony, both families exchange gifts and sweets to formalize the relationship. The word 'Roka' literally means 'to stop,' signifying that the bride and groom are now reserved for each other.

The Sangeet is one of the most entertaining pre-wedding events. 'Sangeet' means 'music' in Sanskrit, and true to its name, this ceremony is filled with music, dance, and celebration.

Both families come together to perform choreographed dances, sing traditional songs, and enjoy a night of entertainment. It's essentially a pre-wedding party where relatives can bond and get to know each other better.

The Mehendi ceremony is a colorful event where intricate henna designs are applied to the bride's hands and feet. These designs are not just decorative but symbolize joy, beauty, and spiritual awakening.

According to tradition, the darker the color of the Mehendi on the bride's hands, the stronger her husband's love for her. It's also believed that the Mehendi brings good luck and wards off evil spirits.

The Haldi or Pithi ceremony involves applying a paste of turmeric (haldi) mixed with other ingredients like sandalwood powder and rose water to the bride and groom's bodies.

This ritual is believed to cleanse and purify the couple before their wedding. Turmeric also has natural antiseptic properties and gives a healthy glow to the skin, preparing the couple to look their best on their wedding day.

Wedding Day Rituals

The main wedding ceremony is rich with symbolic rituals that celebrate the union of two souls.

The Baraat is the groom's wedding procession. Traditionally, the groom arrives at the wedding venue on a decorated horse, accompanied by his family and friends dancing to music.

In modern times, the horse might be replaced with a luxury car or other creative transportation. The procession is lively and joyful, with music, dancing, and celebration, symbolizing the happiness of the groom's family in welcoming a new member.

The Jaimala is the exchange of flower garlands between the bride and groom. This is the first ritual where they both see each other on their wedding day.

The exchange of garlands symbolizes the acceptance of one another and marks the beginning of their union. Often, family members playfully lift the bride and groom up to make it difficult for them to garland each other, adding a fun element to the ceremony.

The main wedding ceremony takes place under a mandap, which is a four-pillared canopy or altar representing the four goals of life according to Hinduism: Dharma (duty), Artha (prosperity), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation).

During this ceremony, various rituals like Kanyadaan, Mangalphera, and Saptapadi take place in the presence of a sacred fire (Agni), which serves as the witness to the marriage vows.

The Vidaai is the emotional ceremony where the bride bids farewell to her family and leaves for her husband's home. This is often a teary moment as the bride throws back fistfuls of rice and coins over her head towards her parents' home.

This gesture symbolizes that she is repaying her parents for all they have given her and wishing them prosperity. The groom's family then welcomes the bride to their home with various rituals, marking the beginning of her new life.

Create Your Own Rangoli

Rangoli is a colorful art form created on the floor using colored powders, flower petals, or other materials to welcome guests and bring good fortune. Try creating your own digital rangoli below!

Click and drag to draw. Try creating a traditional pattern or design your own!

Indian Wedding Cultural Guide

Wedding Terminology Glossary

Familiarize yourself with common terms you'll hear during our wedding celebrations!

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Aashirwad

The blessing ceremony where elders from both families bless the newlyweds for a happy married life.

Baraat

The procession of the groom and his family to the wedding venue, traditionally on horseback or in a decorated vehicle, accompanied by music and dancing.

Chuda

A set of red and white bangles that the bride wears during the wedding ceremony and for a period afterward, symbolizing her newly married status.

Graha Shanti

A pre-wedding ritual performed to appease the nine planets (Navagraha) and remove obstacles for a harmonious married life.

Haldi (Pithi)

A pre-wedding ceremony where turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom to cleanse and purify them, bringing a healthy glow to their skin.

Kanyadaan

The sacred ritual where the bride's parents give her away to the groom, entrusting him with her care and well-being. 'Kanya' means daughter and 'Daan' means gift.

Mandap

The decorated canopy or altar under which the wedding ceremony takes place, typically with four pillars representing the four goals of life.

Mangalsutra

A sacred necklace that the groom ties around the bride's neck, symbolizing her married status. 'Mangal' means auspicious and 'Sutra' means thread.

Mehendi

The application of henna designs on the bride's hands and feet during a pre-wedding celebration. These designs symbolize joy, beauty, and spiritual awakening.

Pandit

A Hindu priest who performs the wedding ceremonies and rituals, guiding the couple through their vows and traditional practices.

Phera

The circling of the sacred fire by the bride and groom, making vows to each other. Also known as Mangal Phera.

Saptapadi

The seven steps taken by the bride and groom around the sacred fire, each representing a specific vow or blessing. This is the most important ritual in a Hindu wedding.

Sindoor

The vermilion powder that the groom applies in the parting of the bride's hair, symbolizing her status as a married woman.

Vidaai

The emotional farewell ceremony where the bride leaves her parental home to start her new life with her husband and his family.

Wedding Guest Book

Leave Us a Message

Share your wishes, advice, or memories with us!


Messages from Loved Ones

Ananya & Raj Shah
March 15, 2025

Wishing you both a lifetime of love, laughter, and countless beautiful moments together. May your marriage be blessed with joy and prosperity! Looking forward to celebrating with you.

Priya & Michael Thompson
March 10, 2025

So excited for your big day! May your love story continue to grow more beautiful with each passing day. Marriage advice: Always keep your sense of humor and never go to bed angry. Can't wait to dance at your wedding!

The Patels
March 5, 2025

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Remember that a successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. Wishing you a lifetime of rediscovering each other. We are honored to be part of your celebration.