We welcome questions to our email get2patelplace@gmail.com. Please avoid texts and calls for questions. We will return your message in a timely manner and if we see many others have that question, we'll add it to this page!

The mandap is the wedding stage and it is not permitted for shoes to be worn on the mandap at all. Setting foot on it with shoes is considered extremely disrespectful. We apologize for any inconvenience. FYI you will likely be on the mandap at least once for pictures so maybe leave the strappy heels for another event.

While we appreciate growing up in Massachusetts and our two distinct backgrounds, we do require our guests to immerse themselves in the culture through attire. Aside from looking odd in photos, wearing Western attire at these events does cause some discomfort and self-consciousness. It is possible to wear Indowestern attire at some events, though it would appear far too casual at others. Please look at the Attire page for recommendations for each event, and don't feel shy asking for a second opinion on your chosen outfit.

Follow the signs on the ground floor of the Quincy Marriott to the back door where the bride's side stands to welcome the groom and his side. If you're feeling funky, feel welcome to dance a little as the groom's baraat approaches.

The groom's side will meet in the upper parking lot (a horse will be there, you can't miss it). Following the blocked off road accompanied by wonderful music, you'll walk, dance-walk, or stop and dance on your way to the bride's side. Once you arrive, the groom will pay his respect to the bride's family and they will welcome him.

Respectfully, full white should be avoided as it is typically reserved for funerals. Cream with some print is acceptable. Only during the wedding ceremony, please avoid wearing red apart from accent colors as red is reserved for the bride.

The wonderful Kimber Greenwood of Water Bear Photography. Based in Gainesville, Florida, Kimber maintains an extraordinarily clean pool, a trove of gowns, backdrops, and accessories, and a readiness to dive into the wilderness if that's your happy place. Kimber, in addition to being one of the world's most wonderful people, is a photographer, artist, editor, water safety guide, and posing trainer. She taught us all we needed to know while making us feel at home, supported, and excited. She guided us through our set up process, suggested looks based off of our vision, and created a space Evan and I could have fun in! You can find her at www.waterbearphotography.com or on her Instagram, @waterbearphotography. In addition to making our engagement special, she does many photoshoots such as maternity, boudoir, and underwater experiences. Be sure to check out her courses as well!

My dress was made by Jasmine Bonham (Instagram: tatteredpixie). This shop is a small, one woman-owned store specializing in custom and small batch clothing inspired by fairies. Deesha contacted the shop immediately upon seeing one of their dresses used underwater. Jasmine very quickly accept and got to work. She matched the perfect colors and selected the perfect alterations to make Deesha's dream gown. In record time, it was on their doorstep and Deesha traveled with Evan to their photoshoot feeling and looking fantastic. Jasmine also very much welcomes plus size customers for her small batches and customs. Our interactions with Jasmine made the whole experience more special.

They are proudly from Gujarat! If doing any cultural research, specify this area as many areas in India have varying customs. Deesha was born in Attleboro but prides herself on her very cultural upbringing.

We bask in the tradition of fun! You're very likely to see some loving antics throughout the ceremony, the most enthusiastic being The Shoes. Once the groom removes his shoes to go onto the mandap (wedding stage), his shoes are fair game. The bride's side will battle the groom's side for the shoes with creative espionage throughout the wedding. If the bride's side holds the shoes at the end of the ceremony, the groom must bribe the bride's sister so he may leave the mandap with shoes and his bride. Also, the mother of the bride will snatch the groom's nose anytime. If he is quick enough to grab her sari, she must do the honorable thing and give the winner a gift of pure gold. The bride and groom get their own chance at competition as well. When completing the circles, they will race to the superior throne. Custom says whomever wins the superior throne runs the household.