The Grand

Wedding Day

Civil Ceremony

Cocktail Hour & Reception

Our Wedding

We both met while working at Express Inc in Woodbridge Mall. We went out a few times in a group with other coworkers and participated in a group text message chat with other coworkers. One day, Sunny made sure Emily wasn’t called in for her “on call shift” so that she can study for a big exam. It was that day that they began texting each other privately. After some playful back and forth note passing while working together, a first date took place at Kona Grill.  We became an official couple on February 6, 2015. Five years later in February 2020 we took a trip to Hawaii where Sunny popped the question. Emily left speechless. While her heart said yes and her eyes filled with tears of joy, sunny won’t let her forget that she never actually (verbally) said yes.   Shortly after our return from Hawaii the Covid-19 pandemic began. We decided to hold off on wedding planning and bought our first home instead. Now that we are beginning to see the light at the end of this covid tunnel we are ready to plan this wedding! We are so looking forward to starting this new chapter together and can’t wait to celebrate with all of you.   Yay for silver linings in the weirdest year ever!

Our Story

For your convenience, a block of rooms has been reserved at the Hampton Inn &amp; Suites in Fairfield. We have blocked rooms for a discounted rate for the dates of August 27th and August 28th. You can reserve rooms for both dates or either date. Reservations can be made by using the website link below or calling the hotel directly at (973) 575-5777, remember to mention the Cristiano &amp; Patel Wedding. Be sure to book your hotel room by August 6, 2022 in order to guarantee a room at the discounted rate. **To book a room after August 6th, please call the hotel directly and mention the Cristiano/Patel wedding for accommodations**

Hampton Inn & Suites Fairfield

Accommodations

Shuttle transportation will be provided for guests staying at the hotel for the Civil Ceremony and Reception. Shuttle Schedule will be as follows: Departure from the Hampton Inn to The Grand - 4:45pm Departure from The Grand to the Hampton Inn - 12:00am

Transportation

Mehndi

Mehndi, otherwise known as henna, is a paste associated with positive spirits and good luck. Indian wedding tradition calls for a Mehndi ceremony as a way of wishing the Bride good health and prosperity as she makes her journey on to marriage.

Vidhi

The Vidhi is comprised of&nbsp;a series of pooja's (prayers) and ceremonies: Mandap Mahurat, Pithi, and Grah Shanti. The Mandap Mahurat is a Pooja to Lord Ganesh which rids all of the negative energy and obstacles leading up to the actual wedding. This ceremony is very religious in significance because the parents of the couple seek the blessings of Mother Earth. Grah Shanti is a ceremony that seeks the blessings of all the planets and matches the bride and grooms horoscopes. The Pithi ceremony is when the haldi (turmeric) takes place. The haldi paste is put all over the bride and groom’s skin.

Indian Pre-Wedding Traditions

What should I wear to a Hindu wedding ceremony?

Bold, vibrant colors are heavily encouraged.

Will there be transportation to/from the venue?

Shuttle service will be provided for hotel guests to the venue for the Civil Ceremony and then back at the end of the evening.   SHUTTLES WILL LEAVE THE HOTEL PROMPTLY AT 4:45PM

Is there parking at the venue?

The venue offers free parking &amp; valet services in their parking lot.

What is the dress code for the Civil Ceremony and Reception?

Where will the wedding ceremony take place?

Our civil ceremony will be held outside, on the grounds of the venue (weather permitting). the cocktail hour and reception will be held indoors immediately after.

Will there be an open bar or cash bar?

Open bar all the way! But please feel free to bring cash for tips to take care of the bartenders, who will be working hard all night!

Do you have a wedding hashtag?

Yes we do! Please use this when posting the pictures you capture of our day, so that we may easily find them to enjoy!#NeeledforEmily Don't forget to also tag the Bride &amp; Groom!

Emily & Neel

Emily & Neel

Photos