Ann Arbor, Michigan · August 2026
we're getting married!!!!

Rahul & Radhika

August 7 & 8, 2026
A celebration of family, tradition, and the start of forever.
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Our Story

A journey that began on a trail in San Francisco and led to a castle on the Danube.

Rahul and Radhika on a hike in San Francisco
How it began

A hike, a conversation

San Francisco, California

We met on a trail above the city, both showed up for the view, both stayed for the conversation. By the time we reached the top, we had a feeling this wasn't going to be a one-time hike.

Rahul and Radhika after a scuba dive
The first adventure

Beneath the surface

Our first dive

Scuba diving became our official first adventure together. A quiet agreement that neither of us was scared of going somewhere new, as long as we went together. It set the tone for everything that came after.

Rahul and Radhika in New York City
Building a life

The New York chapter

Brooklyn & Manhattan

We moved across the country together, found our pizza spot, learned each other's rhythms, and discovered that pickleball lines on a Brooklyn court count as date night.

Rahul and Radhika at a winery
The world together

Fifteen countries, one passport stamp at a time

Everywhere we could fit on a long weekend

Tennis in California, board games on long flights, hikes in Portugal, hot springs in Iceland, family in India, ramen in Japan, tulips in the Netherlands. The best souvenirs were always the inside jokes we brought home.

Rahul and Radhika back in California
Home again

Back to the Bay

San Francisco

The city where it all started welcomed us back. Same hills, same fog, more memories. We came home to mentor, to volunteer, to play, and to figure out the next adventure.

Rahul and Radhika at Fisherman's Bastion, Budapest
The proposal

A castle on the Danube

Fisherman's Bastion · Budapest, Hungary

On the white stone terraces of Fisherman's Bastion, with arched turrets framing the river below, Rahul asked the question. Radhika said yes before he was fully done asking. The fairytale, in every sense, became real.

Passport, stamped

Fifteen countries, five years, one favorite travel partner

United States Mexico Canada Costa Rica Iceland United Kingdom Portugal Netherlands Belgium Germany Switzerland Hungary Czech Republic Japan India
August 7 & 8, 2026 · Ann Arbor

The Celebration

Three events, three venues, two days, one wedding. We can't wait to dance with you.

Sangeet
a night of music & dance
Friday, August 7
6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Venue
500 E Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor
Contemporary Indian or Smart Casual.
Bring your dance moves.
The Wedding
the ceremony
Saturday, August 8
9:45 AM – 2:00 PM
Venue
3110 W Ellsworth Rd, Ann Arbor
Traditional Indian or Garden Party.
An Indian ceremony guide is in our FAQ.
Reception
dinner, drinks & dancing
Saturday, August 8
6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Venue
1201 S Main St, Ann Arbor
Formal Indian or Elegant Cocktail.
Both are wonderful.
Coming to celebrate

Travel & Stay

Ann Arbor in August is leafy, warm, and made for long weekends.

Ann Arbor is a college town with the heart of a small city: tree-lined streets, independent bookstores, farmers' markets, and dinner spots that punch well above their weight. Whether you're flying in from across the country or driving in from across the state, plan for a Friday-through-Sunday and let the weekend stretch a little.

Each of our three events is at a different venue, all within the Ann Arbor area. The hotel block is set up so you don't have to think about transportation. See below.

"We're so glad we get to share this place, and these days, with you."

Rahul and Radhika walking together

Where to stay

We've reserved a discounted room block at the Vanguard Hotel in Ann Arbor for Friday, August 7 and Saturday, August 8. The same group rate applies if you arrive a day early or stay a day later.

Book your room

Getting here

The closest airport is Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), about 25 minutes from Ann Arbor by car. Uber, Lyft, and rental cars are all easy from the terminal.

Shuttles & parking

Shuttle transportation will be provided to all venues from the Vanguard Hotel. If you're driving yourself, all three venues have free parking on site.

The weather

August in Ann Arbor is typically 75–85°F (24–29°C), warm days, cooler evenings. Outdoor moments are likely. A light layer for the evening events is a good call.

Good to know

Questions & Ceremony Guide

For our guests joining an Indian ceremony for the first time: welcome. Here's what to expect, what to wear, and what to ask us if it's not below.

Each event has its own dress code listed in the Schedule section. Either Indian or non-Indian (e.g. American) clothes are appropriate, and we'd love for you to wear Indian clothes if you'd like to.

See the Attire tab for shopping and rental recommendations.

The closest airport is Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), about a 25-minute drive from Ann Arbor.

Yes, shuttle transportation will be provided to all venues from the Vanguard Hotel for all three events.

Yes, all three venues have free parking.

We've reserved a discounted block of rooms at the Vanguard Hotel in Ann Arbor for Friday, August 7 and Saturday, August 8. You'll receive the same discounted rate if you arrive a day early or depart a day later.

Book your hotel reservation here.

Either Indian or non-Indian (American) clothes are appropriate for every event, but if you've ever wanted to wear Indian clothes, this is the weekend. Lots of dancing, so bring your dancing shoes and your best moves.

Shopping & rentals

where to find Indian attire

We don't have personal experience with any of these, but they're popular options:

Rentals in the U.S.

ship to you, return when you're back

Both Borrow the Bazaar and Preserve ship within the US and were written up in the New York Times. Order, wear, return, no closet commitment required.

Sangeet · Friday

contemporary Indian or smart casual

Bright colors, easy to move in. Lehengas, kurtas, or a sharp shirt with chinos all work. The dance floor will open early.

Wedding · Saturday morning

traditional Indian or garden party

Saris and sherwanis are the classic choice. If you're going non-Indian, think garden party: florals, sundresses, light suits, breathable fabrics.

Reception · Saturday evening

formal Indian or elegant cocktail

Dress it up. Formal Indian wear or an elegant cocktail dress and suit are equally welcome.

An Indian wedding is part ritual, part poetry, part party. Here's a friendly map of what you'll see, hear, and (often) eat.

Sangeet

sahn-geet, "sung together"

An evening of music, dance, and storytelling. Friends and family perform choreographed numbers, share toasts, and roast the couple lovingly. Expect bright outfits, a packed dance floor, and an open bar. No specific rituals, just joy.

Baraat

bah-raat, the groom's procession

Right before the ceremony, Rahul arrives in a joyful procession with music, dancing, and his side of the family escorting him to the venue. Guests are invited to join in. If you're feeling shy, just walk along; if you're feeling brave, dance.

The Mandap & Vows

muhn-dahp, the sacred canopy

The ceremony itself takes place under a four-pillared canopy called a mandap. A priest guides us through ancient Sanskrit vows, blessings of fire (agni), and the seven sacred steps (saptapadi), each step a promise. There's chanting, there's symbolism, and at moments the priest will translate. Sit comfortably, take it in.

Jaimala

exchange of garlands

We'll exchange flower garlands as a public acceptance of each other (it's often very photogenic, and a little playful).

Saptapadi · The Seven Steps

sahp-tuh-puh-dee, seven vows

Together we walk seven steps around a sacred fire, each step a vow: for nourishment, strength, prosperity, wisdom, family, joy, and lifelong companionship. When this is done, we are formally married.

Reception

the after-party

Cocktails, dinner, and dancing. The night moves between Bollywood, bhangra, and the kind of throwback hits everyone secretly knows the words to. Come hungry, come ready to dance.

If anything is unclear during the day, ask someone in the wedding party. Explaining a ritual to a guest is one of our favorite parts.