PR Welcome Party

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Casa de España

Reception

Soft RSVP: Puerto Rico

Wedding Ceremony

Wedding Reception

Our Wedding

How We Met

When Jamal started at Gillette, he didn't expect to find The Best a Man Could Get. But he fell for her dad jokes and and she fell for his kindness, comfortShe loved the way he tried to make her laugh in anyway possible

Jamal's Perspective

Jamal believes the first time they met was during his summer internship with Gillette. As Jamal was leaving work one day, Maria happened to be on the same elevator. Someone had mentioned to Maria that there was a fellow Buckeye interning that summer. Maria, ever eager to help a Buckeye, let him know she could help him out with any connections, at Gillette or OSU, to support his career goals. However, she did not do this with “grace.” Jamal has described this interaction as a “verbal barrage” and believes she managed to say more than 200 words in a five-second elevator ride. He said thanks, left the elevator, and did not see her again until he returned to Gillette full-time. From there, they managed to reconnect, attending Ohio State watch parties, New to Boston events at Gillette, and parties one or the other would throw at their apartments. It was through these interactions that the spark ignited, leading them down the path that is soon to result in their marriage.

Maria's Perspective

Maria remembers very little of these interactions. Maria does not remember seeing Jamal in an elevator. Maria does not remember meeting Jamal at Ohio State watch parties (that she hosted and invited him to), at social events, or even inviting him to her apartment for a party. No, Maria remembers seeing Jamal squatting at the gym one day and audibly gasping (no, Jamal is not writing this). From that moment on, Maria only wanted to touch his butt. She succeeded.

Forever and After

From there, Maria and Jamal began a seven-year journey that would take them not only all across the U.S., but across the world. Maria, driven by her altruistic nature, left her job at Gillette and volunteered in Austin, Greece and Peru for nine months. However, this did not deter their love. Maria and Jamal managed to talk to each other every day, no matter the time difference. Shortly after Maria left, Jamal started law school at NYU. Maria still found ways to surprise him from afar, planning a night out bucket list for his birthday and jumping out from bushes in Washington Square Park on Jamal's way to class. During COVID, Maria and Jamal moved in together in Brooklyn, where their love grew. Soon after, Maria was accepted into Yale, and the long distance relationship returned. However, and as this love story goes, they did not give up and made sure to talk as much as possible, visit each other, and make sure the spark was still alive. After Maria graduated, she moved back to NYC. Then, on November 16, 2024, Jamal managed to surprise Maria for the second time in their relationship. He got her to Brooklyn Bridge Park, on a pier overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge, and proposed. She sealed it with a handshake. Jamal was confused. They were both elated and deeply in love. They are currently in Brooklyn, where you are likely to find them sitting on their couch watching a random sitcom.

Our Story

Photos

Her Side

Sister of the Bride and First Best Friend

Livia

Christine

Deepa

Lucia

Nikhita

Nora

Sabrina

Srinidhi

Trisha

His Side

Alex

Eric

Shawn

Kevin

Alexa

Vedang

Johnson

Raushan

Liam

Nicolas

Wedding Party

DESTINATION AIRPORT

We recommend flying into the San Juan airport (SJU). Travel time from the SJU airport to the hotel, Casa Costera, is a quick 10 minute Uber/Lyft. No passport needed as Puerto Rico is part of the US, but don't forget your RealID!

Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (SJU)

Hotel

Rooms available to book via <a href="https://app.marriott.com/reslink?id=1770228092347&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the wedding block</a> from Thursday-Sunday or Friday-Sunday, just select your dates. Rooms are $235, plus 9% tax. Additional fee of $25 for 3rd and 4th person per night. Parking available for $20/night. When checking out online, you will be charged a $30/night destination fee, which will be waived upon arrival at the hotel. Interested in getting in early or staying later? You can book rooms up to 3 days before (starting June 8th) and 3 days after (June 15th) by emailing the coordinator directly at <a href="mailto:jermarie@casacosterapr.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">jermarie@casacosterapr.com</a> and mention you are with the "Jaria Wedding Room Block" (do not go through the wedding block website). Room types are either Studio King or Studio Double Queen Beds.

Casa Costera, Isla Verde Beach, Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy

Travel

Welcome Party/Madhuram Veppu

Where: Vivo Beach Club, 7000 Carr. 187 RR2, Carolina, 00979, Puerto RicoWhen: Friday, June 12th from 6 PM - 9 PMDress Code: Summer Casual in sunset colors (think summer dresses, linen shirts, polos in oranges, pinks, and yellows, and reds)

Where: Catedral Basilica Menor de San Juan Bautista, 151 Calle del Cristo, San Juan, 00901, Puerto RicoWhen: Saturday, June 13th, 1:45 PM - 3 PMDress Code: Indian or American Semi Formal

Where: Casa de España, 9 Av. de la Constitución, San Juan, 00901, Puerto RicoWhen: Saturday, June 13th | Cocktail Hour: 6 PM - 7 PM | Reception: 7 PM - 11 PMDress Code: Fancy Indian or American Formal

Events

What should I wear for the events?

For Friday's Welcome Party/Madhuram VeppuSummer Casual in sunset colors (think summer dresses, linen shirts, polos in oranges, pinks, and yellows, and reds)

For Saturday's Wedding CeremonyAs we will be in a church, please avoid wearing very short dresses or low cut tops. You can wear semi formal Indian or American clothing.

For Saturday's Wedding ReceptionYou can wear what you wore to the wedding ceremony, or can change! Below is some inspiration.

Are there any colors I should avoid?

On Friday, please avoid wearing purple or green.On all days, ladies please avoid wearing white! :)

Where can I find Indian outfits?

To buy, we suggest:- <a href="https://www.lashkaraa.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lashkaraa</a>- <a href="https://www.perniaspopupshop.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pernia's Pop Up</a>- <a href="https://www.kalkifashion.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kalki Fashion</a> For rentals, check out: - <a href="https://preserve.rent/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Preserve</a> (Maria's rented from here and they have great Modern Indian outfits and great customer service)- <a href="https://aaykafashion.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Aayka Fashion</a>- <a href="https://www.allborrow.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">All Borrow</a> If in New York, stop by these spots in Richmond Hill (and stop by to get some amazing food!):- Desi Attire NY (1074 B Liberty Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11208): Has great quality and good selection of women's wear, plus can tailor items in about 30 min.- Roop Collection (118-12 101st Ave, Jamaica, NY 11419)- Rehmat Fashion (110-16 Liberty Ave, South Richmond Hill, NY 11419)

Dress Code

Things to Do

Welcome to Casa BACARDÍ, our incredible brand home located in the heart of Cataño, Puerto Rico. The world’s largest rum distillery, Casa BACARDÍ celebrates our rich heritage, rum process, exciting classes, and more.

Casa BACARDÍ

Enjoy a quick, scenic boat ride to Palomino Island. The ride is smooth and short and offers clear views of the water. Once on the island, you’ll find soft beaches, calm swimming areas, water activities, and plenty of space to relax. It’s an easy half-day or full-day escape for anyone looking to experience Puerto Rico’s coastline at its best.

BOAT DAY TO PALOMINO

Things to See

Get lost wandering the streets of Viejo San Juan! Brightly colored houses line cobbled streets and shady plazas, alongside cool cocktail bars and renowned Caribbean fusion restaurants.&nbsp;

Old San Juan

Explore El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System and one of Puerto Rico’s most iconic natural attractions. Just a short drive from the resort area, El Yunque offers lush trails, waterfalls, mountain views, and a cool, jungle-like canopy perfect for hiking or sightseeing. Whether you want a gentle walk or a more active hike, it’s an easy way to experience the island’s natural beauty and rich biodiversity.

El Yunque National Forest

Castillo San Felipe del Morro

Things to Drink

The very moment you enter our doors you can feel that La Factoría is not your ordinary bar. Our unmarked location is full of secret passages that lead to our six bars, each curated with a different ambiance and drink menu. Whether you seek to enjoy craft cocktails, dance the night away to live music, or simply relax in good company, we got you.

La Factoría

Whether you're craving authentic&nbsp;Puerto Rican cuisine, want to sip drinks where the locals go, or simply want to dance under the stars,&nbsp;La Placita offers it all. Its mix of old-school charm and modern flair makes it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the heartbeat of San Juan after dark.

Maria & Jamal

Maria & Jamal

Registry