Haldi, Mehendi

The Ashley Castle

Morning Ceremony

Evening Reception

Winter

Our Wedding

She's a city girl from Bangalore, Karnataka who fell madly for the mountain boy from New Mexico.

Her Version

Once upon a time a salsa dude met a salsa chica... He had just come from having Indian food with his Chinese buddy and had delicious heat activated spices pouring our of his pores... As they danced she smelled the familiar spices and said,"I'm sorry if I smell like Indian food.""Actually, that's me." replied the Salsa Dude. She looked and him and laughed thinking to herself, this one's different.Later that night when everyone was saying goodbye, Salsa Dude said goodbye to her in Hindi, thinking that was gonna get her attention and make her think he was cool."Yo, what the fuck?! This dude speaks Hindi?!" She exclaimed loudly while spontaneously laughing at the surprise. Mission accomplished, she remembered him.He liked her a lot right away... She was funny and confident and direct. Very quickly he thought about asking her out, but life had other plans for both of them. Different paths for a time.Over the years when both were free, he would check in and try to get her attention, but she was busy being a Salsa Superstar and growing through challenges and changes that life had for her. A few plans were made to hang out sometime, but remained as plans. Good intentions at least between busy distracted friends.MANY YEARS LATER, she got added to a group chat of all his camping buddies. He finally had a chance to get noticed, so he continued to say funny things and do cool shit so she could observe him in action.She liked it... Not long after, they went to Gharba with some friends. It's a festival that originated in the worship of the mother, the womb, the divine feminine, and has lots of dancing in big circle representing life.At one point, a cute little Indian toddler all dressed up in a sari waddled past them... CUTE AS SHIT, for real."OMG my ovaries!!!" exclaimed Salsa Chick"You want to make one with me some day?" said Salsa Dude"Whuuut?" replied Salsa Chica, staring into his eyes wondering if he meant it or was just creepy...He meant it, but she missed the memo, so he spent the rest of the night being funny and doing cool shit and talking with her. She found out he was raised with a lot of the same background as her and started to get intrigued. This one's different, she thought again. Something was working.Over the next few months she started inviting him to random shindigs here and there. They kept talking, she kept getting intrigued. He stayed very patient, knowing good things, like delicious Indian dishes, take time and should not be rushed.Finally, life decided it was time. After a night of camping, Salsa Dude and Salsa Chick finally got a chance to spend a whole day together talking about everything in life, babies, marriage, even death. They had moments of laughter, debate, unfiltered rawness, and complete honesty. Both took risks and both found a home in the other.Salsa Dude and Salsa Chica each went home super excited and within a few days made it official. A week later they made it public, although some friends had already guessed that love was brewing. A week after that, Salsa Dude called his parents and told them he had found his wife and his kids' future mom.Then a whole year went by... Salsa Chica didn't know it, but Salsa Dude was already ring shopping and working on getting the right design. Shit was tough... took a while. Then finally, during the same Indian celebration of the Womb, Mother, and Goddess, at the exact place they had seen the little toddler the previous year, he stopped all his friends for a second to ask her again..."Hey babe... remember when we saw that cute kid and I asked you if you wanted to make one together some day?What's your answer now?""Of course!" she said, awkwardly looking at the group that had very happily stopped to listen. Why were they all just smiling and staring?"Good" he said, then dropping to one knee, "Will you marry me then?"Instinctually, in the universal gesture of a girl who is ready to marry her man, her hands found their way to her face, covering her mouth as she gasped in surprise."Yo, what the fuck?!" She exclaimed, just like their first meeting. Then after a moment, realizing she hadn't finished, "Yes! Of course!".Since then, life continues to be epic together despite any challenges thrown their way. They've growth closer, discovered new hobbies together and gone on more adventures. Also a lot of Netfilx shows, so much Taco Bell and too much laundry/dishes and chores. But they like LIFEing together and start each day grateful for the other, excited for the years ahead.

His Version

Our Story

Family tree

Engagement photos

Bodhi 

Bhavana

#BOBHA

Photos

Throughout our wedding, we're celebrating the beautiful blend of our two cultures and invite you to explore the best of Indian and Western fashion.Each event features an optional color palette. While dressing to the theme is not required, it is encouraged to help create a memorable atmosphere. We kindly ask guests to avoid neon or overly bright shades.Wondering if it's okay to wear Indian attire even if you're not Indian? Absolutely! We welcome everyone to join in the fun and celebrate alongside us.Whether you choose traditional Indian, Western, or Indo-Western attire, dress to impress in whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident. If you're feeling adventurous, we'd love to see your creativity and personal style shine!Details for each event are below.

Morning ceremony

Semi-Formal / Formal — Earthy Elegance Celebrate the morning in an Indo-Western style inspired by the warmth of nature and the beauty of our blended cultures. Color Palette Forest green • Maroon • Terracotta • Brown • Warm tan • Cream • Gold accents • Plums Attire InspirationFor Women- Sarees, half-sarees, lehengas, anarkalis, shararas, dresses, jumpsuits, or Indo-Western styles- Lightweight fabrics such as silk, cotton-silk, linen, chiffon, or organza- Gold jewelry, subtle embroidery, metallic accents, or jasmine flowersFor Men- Kurta sets, veshti/dhoti, sherwanis, bandhgalas, suits, or tailored separates- Linen, cotton, or silk fabrics in earthy tones with subtle gold accents

Evening cocktail hour and reception

Cocktail / Formal — Regal Evening in Jewel Tones Celebrate the evening in an Indo-Western style with rich colors, luxurious details, and timeless glamour. Color Palette Wine • Royal Purple • Deep Blue • Navy • Black • Gold accents • Silver accents Attire InspirationFor Women- Sarees, lehengas, anarkalis, shararas, cocktail dresses, gowns, or Indo-Western styles- Luxurious fabrics such as silk, velvet, satin, chiffon, or brocade- Statement jewelry, metallic details, sequins, embroidery, or sparkleFor Men- Sherwanis, bandhgalas, kurta sets, suits, tuxedos, or Indo-Western styles- Rich fabrics and tailored silhouettes with elegant accessories

Dress Code

Things to Do

Airports

The Wedding location is between both Phoenix airports with Sky Harbor being the most popular and Mesa Gateway being a second option with some unique direct flights.

AirBnB

If you wish to rent an AirBnB instead, we recommend Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, and parts of Queen Creek as the nearest options.

Hotels

The venue is surrounded by hotels, so you have options. We are negotiating group rates and will update the page as we receive them.

Five minute walk from Ashley Castle. This laid-back hotel is 2 miles from both the Chandler Museum and Route 101. It's 11 miles from hiking trails in the 16,000-acre South Mountain Park and Preserve, and 21 miles from dining and entertainment in Downtown Phoenix.Casual rooms, some with sofabeds, feature Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as minifridges and coffeemakers. Upgraded rooms provide access to a private 24-hour lounge with snacks and drinks. Room service is offered.Amenities include a polished restaurant, a bar and a coffee shop, as well as an outdoor pool and a gym. There's also 30,550 sq ft of meeting space. Parking and breakfast are available.

Marriott Phoenix Chandler

One minute walk from Ashley Castle. Enjoy the comfort of a warm welcome when you come for a long stay at WoodSpring Suites® Chandler Medical Center. In addition to low weekly and monthly rates, you’ll also have the convenience of our convenient location close to hospitals and medical clinics, attractions, shopping, and restaurants. You’ll find our hotel ideally located close to multiple main highways, including the US-202, US-101 and the I-10.Our affordable accommodations are designed for a relaxing extended stay in the Phoenix area. Connect to free WiFi in your guest suite or in any of the public spaces of our property. Free parking, 24/7 laundry facilities and conveniently located vending machines help you feel at home. If you want to stay on top of exercising during your visit, our state-of-the-art fitness center is the space for you. Additionally, guest suites are spacious and include a kitchen with important essentials, such as a full refrigerator and freezer, microwave, 2-burner stovetop and prep space. Housekeeping is provided every other week, so your living space can remain organized and clean throughout your stay.

WoodSpring Suites Chandler Phoenix Medical Center

Three minute walk from Ashley Castle. Everhome Suites® Chandler Phoenix Fashion Center is purpose-built for business travelers who need a comfortable, productive home base for a week, a month, or longer. Conveniently located off I‑10 and AZ‑202, our hotel offers easy access to major businesses, local headquarters, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport – so workdays stay efficient and predictable.Each apartment‑style suite is designed with work in mind. Guest rooms feature a dedicated workspace, reliable high‑speed WiFi, and a full kitchen, making it easy to maintain routines during long projects or extended assignments. Whether you're preparing for early meetings or winding down after a full workday, your space is private, functional, and quiet.For added convenience, guests have access to on‑site laundry facilities, a modern fitness center, free parking, and a 24‑hour front desk ready to support extended‑stay needs. When quick purchases are required, Homebase Market is available on site for everyday essentials.

Everhome Suites Chandler Phoenix Fashion Center

Six minute walk from Ashley Castle. Contemporary rooms offer free WiFi, desks with ergonomic chairs, flat-screen TVs, minifridges and coffeemakers.Social spaces include a living room-style lobby and an outdoor courtyard. The American restaurant serves breakfast and dinner as well as all-day drinks, including Starbucks coffee. There's also a business center with workstations and printers, and 4 meeting rooms. Other amenities include an outdoor heated pool, a hot tub and an exercise room, a complimentary area shuttle and free on-site parking.

Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Chandler/Fashion Center

Five minute drive from Ashley Castle. This contemporary hotel is a 6-minute walk from the Chandler Fashion Center shopping mall and 3 miles from historic downtown Chandler's shops, galleries and restaurants.All rooms (some with balconies) offer sophisticated decor and custom-designed beds, plus minifridges, flat-screen TVs and free WiFi. Executive rooms provide access to the Executive Lounge's free breakfast and evening appetizers. Suites add sitting areas.Amenities include an American bistro, a cafe and a cocktail bar, plus a 24/7 fitness center and an outdoor pool and whirlpool. There's also a business center and 17,000 sq ft of meeting space.

Bhavana & Bodhi

Bhavana & Bodhi

Q + A

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