Saraswathula Home

Wedding Event

Summer

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Please remember to visit the Travel and Accommodations page for information about reserving a hotel if you plan to stay the night. Thank you!

Formal or Indian Formal Attire for both Wedding and Reception

If you have any questions on how to RSVP or questions about the event please contact Sury Saraswathula: (309)-361-1569Lalitha Saraswathula: (309)-363-8055 Questions about the bridal shower? Please contact Noelle Yeakel at (217)-791-0896

Our Wedding

The Promise of Always

Our story began long before we actually met, hidden in the quiet coincidences of our time as undergraduates at Eastern Illinois University. We often wonder how many times we brushed shoulders in the South Quad or passed each other on the way to class, two strangers walking the same brick paths completely unaware that our future was only a few feet away. It took traveling halfway across the world to finally see what had been right in front of us all along. We both headed to Italy for a study abroad trip with our eyes on the horizon, not looking for love, but simply looking for adventure. In the midst of exploring a new country and navigating new experiences, we ended up finding a friend in one another. We spent our days wandering ancient streets and our evenings talking about our lives and families, never imagining that these simple conversations between friends were actually the start of our future. Because we felt like such different people at the time, we both boarded the plane home thinking that our time together would simply remain a fond memory of a summer abroad. However, our curiosity for one another didn't end when the trip was over. Back in Illinois, we found ourselves drawn together by the small, simple things: a shared love for blueberry cheesecake and a puzzle we had brought home from Italy. As we sat together fitting those pieces into place, we were unknowingly doing the same with our lives, discovering that we were the perfect fit. Everything changed during a night spent over s’mores and watching The Greatest Showman; in those quiet moments, it became clear that this was no longer just a friendship, but the beginning of a love we wanted to hold onto forever. That feeling led us to our official first date at Charleston Lake. As we watched the sunset together in the cool fall breeze, the beauty of that moment made us certain that we had finally found exactly where we were meant to be. Since then, we have built a life upon the simple truth that "always" isn't just a word—it’s the feeling of home we find in each other. What makes us work is that we are simply two best friends who trust and respect each other completely. We have learned that when you have that kind of foundation, you can handle anything life throws your way while celebrating the people you are becoming together. The Promise of Always is our way of saying we will stay a team no matter what. It is our commitment to work together to solve life’s puzzles, to support each other through the hard days, and to make the most of the happy ones. We are so happy to have you here to see us start this lifelong journey.

Our Story

Registry

Seth Yeakel

Keerthana Saraswathula

John Yeakel

Suryanarayana Saraswathula

Noelle Yeakel

Lalitha Saraswathula

Eldon Yeakel

Veena Saraswathula

Wedding Party

Best way to get to Peoria?

✈️ Getting to Peoria, IllinoisWe’re so excited to welcome you to Peoria as we celebrate this joyful occasion! The city is easy to reach, whether you’re flying in or driving from nearby regions.By AirPeoria International Airport (PIA) is served by several major U.S. hubs, making travel simple from almost anywhere. Most guests will connect through one of these airports:•	Chicago O’Hare (ORD)•	Denver (DEN)•	Charlotte (CLT)•	Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW)From these cities, Peoria is just a short connecting flight away.By RoadIf you prefer to enjoy a scenic drive, Peoria is comfortably accessible from several nearby cities:•	Chicago → Peoria: ~2.5 hours•	Bloomington → Peoria: ~45 minutes•	St. Louis → Peoria: ~2.5 hours•	Quad Cities → Peoria: ~1.5 hours•	Springfield → Peoria: ~1 hourFor guests who would rather not drive, we will share the phone number of a trusted taxi/transport service that operates from all these locations. Guests may contact the provider directly to arrange their own pickup and travel plans.

Please reserve rooms by clicking the button that says "website" below

Embassy Suites by Hilton East Peoria Riverfront Hotel & Conference Center

Travel and Accommodations

<a href="https://peoria.org/things-to-do/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://peoria.org/things-to-do/</a>

<a href="https://www.peoriariverfrontmuseum.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.peoriariverfrontmuseum.org/</a>

<a href="https://www.enjoyillinois.com/places-to-go/great-rivers-country/things-to-do-near-peoria/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.enjoyillinois.com/places-to-go/great-rivers-country/things-to-do-near-peoria/</a>

Things to Do in Peoria

Learn more about the steps of the marriage

A Telugu Hindu wedding is a series of deeply symbolic rituals, each representing a transition in life, a commitment to family, or a spiritual vow. Here is an explanation of the traditional steps you mentioned. Pre-Wedding &amp; Arrival Rituals Vara Agamanam (Arrival of the Groom): This marks the official arrival of the groom and his family at the wedding venue. He is traditionally welcomed by the bride’s parents at the entrance (Edurukolu). The bride's mother performs an Aarati to ward off the evil eye, and the bride’s father may wash the groom's feet, symbolizing that the groom is seen as a representation of Lord Vishnu. Vinayaka Puja: No Hindu ceremony begins without invoking Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. This puja is performed at the start of the wedding to ensure the entire ceremony proceeds smoothly without any interruptions or "vighnas." Kasi Yatra: In this playful and symbolic ritual, the groom pretends to suddenly realize the vanity of worldly life. He dresses in simple clothes, carries an umbrella, a walking stick, and a fan, and announces he is leaving for Kasi (Varanasi) to lead a life of celibacy and study. The bride's father then intercepts him, pleading with him to return and marry his daughter, promising him a life of shared dharma and joy. The Union Ceremonies Kanya Agamanam: This is the bride's formal entry into the mandapam (wedding canopy). Traditionally, she is escorted by her maternal uncles. In many families, she arrives seated in a decorated bamboo basket or under a floral canopy. At this stage, a curtain (Terasalla) is held between the bride and groom, as they are not supposed to see each other until the auspicious moment. Kanyadaanam: Considered the most significant act for the bride's parents, Kanyadaanam literally means "giving away the daughter." The parents place the bride's hand in the groom's hand and pour holy water over them. This signifies the passing of responsibility and the merging of two lineages. Jeelakarra Bellam: This is the defining "muhurtham" (auspicious moment) of a Telugu wedding. At the exact time set by the priest, the bride and groom place a paste made of cumin (Jeelakarra) and jaggery (Bellam) on each other's heads. Symbolism: Cumin is slightly bitter/sharp, and jaggery is sweet. Their combination symbolizes that the couple will stick together through both the "bitter" and "sweet" moments of life. Chemically, when mixed, they create an inseparable bond, mirroring the spiritual union of the couple. The Sacred Bonds Mangalyadharana: The groom ties the Mangalsutra (sacred yellow thread with two gold discs) around the bride's neck with three knots. Each knot represents a commitment: to her, to his parents, and to the divine. Thalambralu: A joyful and lighthearted ritual where the couple pours handfuls of turmeric-colored rice (often mixed with pearls or flowers) over each other's heads. While it represents prosperity and fertility, it often turns into a playful competition to see who can pour more rice on the other first. Varamala and Mettelu: Varamala: The exchange of floral garlands, signifying mutual acceptance and respect. Mettelu: The groom places silver toe rings on the bride’s second toes. Traditionally, this was a sign of a married woman, but it also has Ayurvedic roots, as the pressure on that specific toe is believed to help regulate the reproductive system.Vows and Stars Saptapadi (Seven Steps): The couple walks seven steps around the sacred fire (Agni). With each step, they take a specific vow:To provide for each other and live with honor.To grow together in mental and physical strength.To preserve wealth and prosperity.To share joys and sorrows.To care for children and family.To remain together in all seasons.To remain lifelong partners and friends. Arundhathi Nakshatram: After the ceremony, the groom leads the bride outside to view the Arundhathi and Vasistha stars (Alcor and Mizar in the Big Dipper constellation). The Logic: Most binary stars have one star revolving around the other. However, Arundhathi and Vasistha revolve around each other. This symbolizes a marriage of absolute equality and mutual devotion.

Timeline

7am-8am: Breakfast9am-10:30am: Wedding Ceremony10:30-11am: Vows and Ring Exchange11-1pm: Lunch 6pm: Cocktail and Reception at Embassy Suites, east Peoria

Don't Miss out!

Grab some flowers to shower the bride for her entranceBlow some bubblesMeet new peoplePaint your canvas bags!Enjoy the live musicEnjoy refreshments

Wedding Program Guide

6-7pm: Cocktail Hour7-8pm: Program8:30-9:30: Dinner9:30-11pm: Open Dance Floor with refreshments (Don't miss Groom side Mother and Son dance and Groom parents slow dance at 9:30pm)

Don't Miss These!

Grab a specialty drink inspired by our furry babies and some snacks! Take family or friends photos at the Photo station Sign our Pantone Swatches Guestbook Play the Scavenger Hunt game Mingle with family and friends Play the games at your table

Reception Program Guide

<a href="https://www.story.com/ai-stories/ai-childrens-stories/the-wedding-of-ram-and-sita" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.story.com/ai-stories/ai-childrens-stories/the-wedding-of-ram-and-sita</a>

Rama and Sita Story

Livestream Link

Add your photos you have taken at the event here for all to see. (link will be available soon) We ask you only post appropriate photos as this is a public platform, thank you for your corporation and we look forward to seeing the event from your perspective

Add your photos here

Video from the Engagement Ceremony

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SH9xVmVHHss&amp;list=PPSV" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SH9xVmVHHss&amp;list=PPSV</a>

Google Drive link for Photos from the Engagement Ceremony

<a href="https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RekLQzzVOVV-swjDEEExpkDKliWKOIuE?usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1RekLQzzVOVV-swjDEEExpkDKliWKOIuE?usp=sharing</a>

Keerthana & Seth

Keerthana & Seth

K&S

All E-invitations have been sent through Email, Please check your inbox for Greenenvelope.com

Formal or Indian Formal Attire for both Wedding and Reception