Haldi and Mehendi

Presbyterian Ceremony

Hindu Ceremony

Reception

RSVP by July 1st, 2026

Our Wedding

Sanika attended Tabb High School, whereas I attended Smithfield High School. Two different schools, separated by 20 miles—a situation that would not typically foster the development of a lifelong relationship. Yet, as fate would have it, we both enrolled at the Governor's School for Science and Technology.&nbsp; At the Governor's School, we attended courses in different strands. Sanika in biological science, I in computational sciences. As such, we did not have any overlap in our core classes. Nor was there any overlap in our secondary classes. It was not until I ventured over to the other statistics class to ask my best friend Spencer a question that I first met her. Nevertheless, it would be another year before we truly connected. In 12th grade at the Governor's school, we had the same class for research ethics and methodology. It was there, seeing each other every day, that we formed a connection. We went out on a few memorable dates together; Starbucks on Ottis Street in Newport News immediately comes to mind. On January 24th, 2020, we started our relationship, and the rest is history! - Charles

During our 11th grade, we met only once.

Our Story

Photo Timeline

Jillian Melillo

Spencer Melillo

Mikayla Heightshoe

David Adams

Brandi Puterko

Alexander Lindsay

Sailee Shirodkar

Om Pingulkar

Jacqueline Cutler

Grant Smyers

Wedding Party

Registry

When is the RSVP deadline?

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

What should I wear?

We invite guests to dress in formal attire. Indian-formal and American-formal styles are both welcome. As a small note, please avoid wearing white dresses during the wedding festivities. If you have any specific questions, please call Charles.

Can I bring a plus one?

We have carefully curated our guest list, and as such, only the distinguished guests listed on the invitations are invited.

Where should I stay? / Parking?

Please refer to the Travel tab.

Q + A

We have a room block. Copy and paste the link below. It is the direct booking link! For reservations by phone, call 800-284-3930 and give the reservationist the preferred arrival and departure dates and ask them to use group code&nbsp;CES936&nbsp;for the preferred rate. Reservations must be received before 5:00 PM, Friday, July 31st, 2026!

Embassy Suites by Hilton Williamsburg

https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=WBGVAES&amp;groupCode=CES936&amp;arrivaldate=2026-08-21&amp;departuredate=2026-08-23&amp;cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&amp;fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT

Airports

<a href="https://flyrichmond.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Richmond International Airport</a> (45 min to Embassy Suites)<a href="https://www.flyorf.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Norfolk International Airport</a> (1 hr to Embassy Suites)

Parking

HotelParking is free! Colonial HeritagePlenty of Parking St. Andrew Presbyterian ChurchParking is somewhat limited, so please plan accordingly and carpool if possible. 207 Pohick RunParking is extremely limited, so please plan accordingly and carpool if possible.

Travel

Yorktown

Food, Breweries &amp; WineriesWater Street Grille -- Casual stop for seafood-centric American eats &amp; many microbrews on tap, plus live weekend music. Enjoy fresh seafood, weekly specials, and a laid-back atmosphere in the heart of Riverwalk Landing. Riverwalk Restaurant -- Restaurant with water views offering seafood, pasta, and steaks, plus vegetarian dishes. Fresh seafood and signature dishes in the heart of Yorktown, VA Tradition Brewing Company (Newport News) -- Born and brewed in Newport News, Tradition Brewing Co. has a 4,000 sq foot taproom with 2 levels and 2 bars. There is spacious seating both indoors and outdoors, and with more than 18 taps available. Museums &amp; Historic SitesAmerican Revolution Museum -- Museum dedicated to telling the rich and complex story of our nation’s founding Yorktown Battlefields -- Discover what it took for the United States to be independent as you explore the site of the last major battle of the Revolutionary War. Yorktown Victory Monument -- Commemorates the 1781 victory at Yorktown and the alliance with France that brought about the end of the American Revolution and the resulting peace with England after the American Revolutionary War. Mariners Museum (Newport News) -- Visitors can explore world-class exhibitions showcasing global and Chesapeake Bay maritime history, including the USS Monitor Center, ship models, and stories of mariners who shaped the Bay’s culture and commerce. Virginia Living Museum (Newport News) - - The Virginia Living Museum is an open-air museum featuring numerous living exhibits of Virginia's indigenous species. The exhibits include aspects of an aquarium, science center, aviary, botanical preserve, and planetarium OutdoorsColonial National Historical Park Trails -- Scenic drives and walking trails through historic land. Riverwalk Landing &amp; Yorktown Beach -- Blend of waterfront dining, outdoor recreation, boutique shops, and family-friendly events. Noland Trail (Newport News) -- The Noland Trail, located within Mariners’ Park, is a peaceful sanctuary where one can exercise, enjoy nature, and spend time with loved ones. This award-winning trail is free and open to the public and offers a variety of paths with stunning lake views.

Smithfield

Food, Breweries &amp; WineriesSmithfield Ice Cream Parlor -- Old-fashioned counter &amp; booth setup serving traditional ice cream &amp; deli-style sandwiches. Wharf Hill Brewing Company -- Relaxed brewpub with exposed brick serving food, craft beers, wine &amp; spirits in historical digs. Taste of Smithfield Restaurant -- Relaxed restaurant with a bar serving Southern comfort food, including popular sweet potato biscuits. A must-stop for all things ham and peanuts. Smithfield Station -- Renowned for an extensive menu of fresh seafood, Smithfield Ham, our ever-popular Sunday Breakfast Buffet Museums &amp; Historic SitesIsle of Wight County Museum -- The museum's exhibits include colonial and pre-colonial artifacts, a turn-of-the-century country store, displays interpreting the Smithfield ham industry and the museum's most notable artifact: the world's oldest, edible cured ham. St. Luke's Historic Church &amp; Museum -- Virginia’s oldest surviving church building (circa 1632) OutdoorsWindsor Castle Park -- This riverside park features 4+ miles of a woodland trail system, picnic areas, a dog park, a state-of-the-art kayak and canoe launch, a Childrens Natural Playscape playground, fishing pier, scenic overlooks and the Windsor Castle Historic Site. Shops &amp; MarketsSmithfield Farmers Market -- Explore local food, crafts, personal products, food trucks and entertainment. The Farmers Market is held Saturdays from 9 - 12 in downtown Smithfield off of Main Street. Smithfield Main Street -- Stroll down charming Main Street and visit the unique shops, galleries and fabulous restaurants of the downtown district.&nbsp;

Williamsburg

Family-Friendly Attractions &amp; FunBusch Gardens Williamsburg -- Roller coasters, shows, and European-themed sections. Water Country USA -- Seasonal water park with slides, wave pools, and lazy river. Go Ape Zipline &amp; Adventure Park -- Treetop obstacle course in Freedom Park. Ride the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry -- The 15-minute ride will give you a unique view of the land and connect you to interesting sites on both sides of the James River. Museums &amp; Historic SitesBruton Parish Church -- Historic 1715 church in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg -- Living history town with costumed interpreters, trades, and original buildings. Jamestown Settlement -- Living history museum that tells the story of America's first permanent English colony. OutdoorsFreedom Park -- Botanical gardens, bike trails, and the Williamsburg Botanical Garden. Waller Mill Park -- Kayaking, paddle boating, hiking trails, and a dog park. Shops &amp; MarketsMerchants Square -- Colonial-style shops and modern boutiques near Colonial Williamsburg. Williamsburg Premium Outlets -- Premium outlet shopping complex in Williamsburg.

Things to Do

Hinduism

Hinduism is one of the world’s oldest faith traditions. It teaches that the divine is present in many forms and names, yet all are expressions of the one eternal truth, Brahman. Rooted in values of compassion, selflessness, and respect for all life, Hindus seek to live according to dharma (righteous living), mindful of karma (the law of cause and effect), and guided toward moksha (spiritual liberation and inner peace). Hindus view marriage as a sacred union, not only between two individuals, but also between their families and communities. It is a partnership blessed by the divine, in which two souls join to walk through life together. The ceremony centers on the sacred fire, symbolizing purity and the presence of God. As the couple takes seven trips around the fire (Saptapadi), they make seven vows — to share in love, trust, joy, strength, and faithfulness — marking the beginning of their lifelong journey together with blessings of peace, harmony, and prosperity.

Presbyterianism

Presbyterianism is a Christian denomination within the Reformed Tradition. It emphasizes that God comes to us with grace and love through Jesus Christ, who lived, died, and rose again for us so that we might have eternal and abundant life. Believing that we are called to serve Jesus Christ and to continue his mission in the world, we seek to feed the hungry, heal the broken, welcome the stranger, and work for the coming of God’s Kingdom here on earth, where peace and justice reign. Presbyterians view marriage as a covenant, a sacred promise made not only between two people, but also before God and the gathered community. In a Presbyterian wedding, the focus is on love as a reflection of God’s love for humanity and on the couple’s commitment to support and serve one another throughout their lives. The exchange of vows of love and faithfulness is central to the ceremony, reminding the couple and those present that their union is grounded in faith, hope, and enduring grace.

Sanika & Charles

Sanika & Charles

Registry

Your presence at our wedding is truly the greatest gift. Please know that gifts are not expected at all, but if you feel moved to give, we are deeply grateful.

Williams Sonoma no longer links the items directly, only the overall link. There are WAY MORE items on that registry!

Registry

Your presence at our wedding is truly the greatest gift. Please know that gifts are not expected at all, but if you feel moved to give, we are deeply grateful. Williams Sonoma no longer links the items directly, only the overall link. There are WAY MORE items on that registry!

Your presence at our wedding is truly the greatest gift. Please know that gifts are not expected at all, but if you feel moved to give, we are deeply grateful.

Williams Sonoma no longer links the items directly, only the overall link. There are WAY MORE items on that registry!