Pondview Estates Clubhouse

Mehndi/Bridal Shower

Aashirwad Palace

Manglik Prasango

Hyatt Regency Morristown

Wedding Ceremony

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Our story begins when Akruti and Rajiv took a shot at fate &amp; “swiped right” on each other via a dating app in September 2021. Rajiv pursued Akruti (can you blame him?!) early on, until Akruti finally agreed in December to meet up in NYC while both were visiting family. The two played tourists for the day, visiting the Freedom Tower, walking the Highline, and finishing the evening seeing the Rockefeller Tree since it was Christmas Eve. The day was filled with laughter, good banter, and a little sprinkle of romance. The two knew after that day that they saw something special in one another. The next several months were spent visiting each other in Baltimore &amp; Pittsburgh and going on many adventures. Their love grew with each visit as did the odometers in their cars. After 20,000+ miles of driving and memorizing all the best rest stops, in May 2023, Rajiv took Akruti to NYC on a surprise trip. He got on one knee atop the Freedom Tower, back to the city where their relationship started to blossom. Thankfully for him, Akruti said yes! #RajivGotAkuFever. They spent the rest of the day exploring the city and retracing their steps. Our story just begins here, as we write new chapters, we look forward to writing those chapters with you, our family &amp; friends.

Humble beginnings

Our Story

Photos

Bridal Party

I met Aku when I was born, as I am her younger sister. Our relationship I would say is like most sisters with undeniable support, built in best friend, and a guaranteed bridal party member (whohoo! I made the cut) 😉. She has been there for every part of my life through thick or thin and not only cause she was my sister but she wanted to be there. We enjoy quality time together, vacationing, doing puzzles, shopping, watching movies/shows, and just hanging out. One of my favorite memories is when my parents would leave and it would just be the two of us. We would have so much fun just watching a movie, staying up late, and eating olive garden. It was our thing to do! Hopefully we can still continue this tradition and perhaps we can add our husband's 😉. Can't wait to celebrate with you guys! 

Nisha Patel

Akruti and I met in high school. I was the new girl in school and I sat by myself awkwardly waiting for gym class to start. Aku just came over and started chatting as if we were long time friends. Her kindness and thoughtfulness for a new student really let me see how wonderful of a person she is. We became best of friends ever since. Life has brought us to different corners of the country, but whenever we meet again, it’s like no time has passed. Definitely found a lifetime friend in Aku, my sister from another mother ❤️

Lina Petesa

I met Akruti at grad school at Temple. One afternoon a bunch of the classmates ended up taking the subway together.  Everyone got off but not us. To our surprise,  we learned that we lived half a block from each other! Pine and Waverly streets:). 
Very quickly Akruti became a close friend. We spent a very tough year writing a big grant proposal, pulled an all-nighter and survived one of the most challenging parts of our lives supporting each other. From getting groceries together to complaining about dating and PhD life. I’m so lucky Akruti opened her heart to include me in her life and I am looking forward to celebrating with her and Rajiv on their special day.

Anna-Mariya  Kukuyan

Akruti and I have been friends since undergrad at Montclair State. We kicked it off right away! The amount of memories and laughter we created will never be replaced by the distance we had throughout the years. Whether we meet once a month or once a year we are always there for each other through the good and bad just like sisters. I can’t wait to celebrate and stand by the side of this amazing couple 😄.

Riham Gambino

I met Aku foi when I was a baby. As I got older, I remember always getting excited when we were vising NJ or when she visited us. I liked that  she always made room in her plans to spend time with me, whether it was playing hide and seek and mancala or just talking about life. I met Uncle Raj over Christmas break last year. I liked his humorous side and i keep counting the days until the BIG DAY! :)

Hetali Patel 

I met Aku foi when I was a baby. I like taking photos with Aku foi on Snapchat. I also like playing Phase 10 with her. I met Rajiv uncle when I was 6 years old. I enjoy calling him Uncle Raj and playing on my dart board with him, and can't wait for the wedding.

Medha Patel

I met Uncle Raj when I was a baby. I like that he plays hide and seek with us. I met Aunt Akruti when I was a baby too. I like that she plays with me.

Arya Vyas

Goo Goo Ga Ga!

 (translation)

I met Aku masi in 2023 and she loves to videochat with me. She helps mama out and plays with me and spoils me with all the attention. I met Rajiv masa this year too and I have so much fun with him. Sometimes too much fun that I💩 in my diaper. Still waiting for that diaper change!

Veera Patel

Groom's Party

Raj and I have been great friends since Kindergarten. At the age of 7 we got into a lot of shenanigans which would make our mothers shake their heads and ask “what is wrong with you two?”. It’s the same look and question I get from my wife today when Raj and I hang out. In my eye that’s the sign of a great friendship!

Chris Langdon

I know Raj through my time at Purdue University. We met as brothers apart from the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity in which Raj was my Lil Brother. We became close during my time at Purdue University and have continued this close bond beyond college. Since college, our careers have taken us to several new cities but have always tried to see each other on a regular basis. He has become an extended member of my family as parents and my brother have built a close relationship with Raj over the years. In 2022, Raj stood up in my wedding. I am now honored to return the favor and be a part of his big day in 2024!

John Hollfelder

I was fortunate enough to meet Raj at an Ugly Sweater Christmas party shortly after moving to Atlanta.  A few shots, some sports talk, and two of the worst Christmas Sweaters later; a new friendship was formed! Over the years we have traveled to different cities, argued about who has a better basketball program, Tennessee, or Purdue (an argument he is winning...for now) and remained good friends no matter where our careers have taken us. I am honored and elated to be a part of his and Akruti’s big day and cannot wait to celebrate with them!

Anant Thakkar

Raj and I first met as pledges of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity at Purdue University.  Ever since that day, our goofy sense of humor, passion for sports & games, and genuine love for having fun has kept us close throughout the years..first as fraternity brothers, then as roommates, and ultimately long distance buds. I've visited Raj in every city he's lived in (which is a lot) and I'm so happy we've stayed close throughout the years. Looking forward to Raj & Aku's big day!    

Steve Van Pelt

I met Uncle Raj when I was a baby and we cheered the Miami Heat on in the NBA Finals in 2013. I met Aunt Akruti at my house and liked that she could name all the Pokémon characters I drew in my Pokémon binder.

Naveen Vyas

I met Uncle Raj when I was a little kid and mommy told me he was her brother. I met Aunt Akruti when Uncle Raj said he found someone that he wants to marry.

Kavir Vyas

I met Aku foi when I was born, and I like that she plays with me. I met Rajiv Uncle when I was 4 and I like that he played with dinosaurs with me. I can’t wait for their wedding!



Parth Patel

Wedding Party

Q1: I’ve never been to an Indian wedding. What can I expect at the wedding and reception? Traditionally, Indian weddings tend to be large and span over a couple of days. Although each region of India has its own specific customs, the general concept is the same – it’ll be a Big Fat Indian Wedding, filled with vibrant colors, music, and plenty of food and dancing. Although family members and close friends may have a role, the remainder of the guests are invited to sit back and enjoy! Q2:&nbsp;What do I wear to the Ceremony and Reception? We kindly request formal attire (Western or South Asian) for both events. Traditionally, women wear lehenga, Indo-Western, or a gown for wedding and reception. While, men wear kurta, Indo-Western, or sherwani for the wedding and a suit for the reception. Q3: I am interested in South Asian attire but I don't know where to buy them? Below are few suggestions for South Asian attire:Amazon-we recommend typing keywords such as leghnga or gown. Also, a brand that has worked out in the past is janasya, or any of these websites below: www.Perniaspopupshop.comwww.Houseofindya.comwww.Lashkaraa.com Q4: Are there any colors I should avoid? We encourage our guests to wear any color they would like.&nbsp; Q5: Do you have a registry? We have not created a registry, as we are trying to minimize our belongings for the time being. Any monetary gifts you’d like to contribute will be greatly appreciated and we hope to use these gifts to furnish our home in the future! &nbsp;Q6: Where can I park my car and what are the costs? We are working with the hotel to validate parking for those guests not staying at the hotel. Parking for those staying at the hotel is $20 a night. &nbsp;Q7: What kind of food will be at the Ceremony and Reception? We often say that the best part of an Indian wedding is the food. There will be a wide variety of dishes with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options at each ofthe events. The food will be served buffet style, so that guests will have the option to choose what they’d like to eat. Please let us know if you have any food restrictions or allergies. &nbsp;Q8: Do I have to stay at the Hyatt or can I stay elsewhere? We have reserved a block of rooms at a discounted rate at the Hyatt. More information on booking a room at the Hyatt is under the accommodation tab&nbsp;of&nbsp;our&nbsp;website

Q + A

Wedding and Reception Venue

We have reserved a block of rooms for our guests at a discounted rate at our venue. Please click on the link above to book the rooms.

Akruti & Rajiv

Akruti & Rajiv

A&R