Sakoon

Mehndi & Sangeet Night

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Welcome

Welcome to our wedding website!Thank you to all our friends and family for your support over the years.We cannot wait to see you on our wedding day!Please use this website to gather information about our wedding festivities!Our wedding will be on February 18th, 2017 in Fremont, Calif. at Sakoon Banquet Hall.We'd love to hear from you so please sign our guestbook! If you have any questions don't hesitate to email us at shikawedsraj@gmail.com.Love,Shika &amp; Raj

I remember when I saw Raj for the first time on Market Street in San Francisco, I was on my way to a cultural dance show with friends and I did not expect my path to be crossed with someone like Raj. His boyish smile reached all the way to his eyes; the type of smile that made me want to smile back. With time to kill, we all decided to head over to a nearby bar before the show. I quickly noticed how easy going and friendly Raj was! The type of guy who was down to do anything! Someone like me who needs things planned out, found him super refreshing. My interest was sparked! We decided to keep the evening going by grabbing some food...needless to say I never made it to the cultural dance show that night. Little did I know then that it was totally worth missing! From that day on, we went to many dinners and outings. With every moment, I noticed wonderful little things about Raj, I realized that life was a lot sweeter with Raj in it! Looking back, our paths randomly crossed in such a way that would suggest that it wasn't random at all - it was meant to be… Dear Raj, "I love you because the entire universe conspired to help me find you." -Paulo Coelho, The AlchemistLove, Shika

How Shika Met Raj

The first time I met Shika was on Market street in San Francisco. What first struck me about her was her smile and the excitement in her eyes. I secretly thought to myself, "Wow, her boyfriend is one lucky guy." But lucky for me, she was single and even more luckily she would eventually give me a shot.We started out as friends and it grew into more. She'd always do things that made everyone around her smile, sometimes unknowingly. Not only does she make me smile, but she expands my horizons. When we first met, the only thing I had read in the last year had something to with work or politics. She introduced me to some of her favorite authors and I ended up reading The Alchemist at her suggestion. When we weren't talking about pizza, we'd be talking about books, family, and places we'd want to travel. Since meeting her, I had an instant crush, but somehow convinced myself that I had already missed my chance. But as luck would have it, one night we were supposed to get dinner with friends but they had to cancel. And there was my chance - I called her to see if she'd still like to get dinner, and she said of course! (She says it was because she wanted to see me, but my hunch? The place might have had a dish consisting of bread with some cheese on it…) I tried to downplay the two-hour drive time by telling her there wasn't even any traffic (Confession: It was Bay Area rush hour). But luck swooped in again! On the way, she called to tell me that she needed another hour to get ready, saving me from having to tell her I was going to be an hour late. There's some disagreement over when our first date was, but I always consider this night to be it. Just like the night we first met, this night happened by chance and every day since I've been thankful that it did.

How Raj Met Shika

Our Engagement Story

"Every love story is beautiful, but ours is my favorite." -UnknownShika: There's so much on my bucket list like: go skydiving one day, learn how to surf, try the famous Ritz buffet! Are there things you really want to do, like a bucket list? Raj: (thinking for a moment): Yeah, marking things off your bucket list with you!We started that Sunday by stopping by our favorite coffee shop and grabbing our signature drinks-black Turkish coffee for Raj and a Chai Soy Latte for me! I had an idea that today was going to be special- this idea came from Raj and my sister who had been hinting that I keep that day free for about a month now! I was ready to go--we honestly could've done anything on that sunny clear day and it would've been perfect! We started to drive and I kept playing the guessing game to guess where we were going- but I wasn't even close! As we rounded into the Ritz Carlton at Half Moon Bay my jaw dropped (mainly because I knew food was going to be involved!). Since we had time until our brunch reservation we decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather and take a stroll along the beach path! While we were talking we came across a bench. Raj nervously suggested that we take a seat and rest. He mentioned the weather and complimented the grass, and the next thing I knew he was taking a ring box out of his bag and asking me to be his. Funny thing is, he didn't need to ask- I already was his! In case you're curious, brunch was delicious! One of the best meals we've ever had!

Share The Love

Please help us share our special moments by tagging photos with: #ShikafoundherRajKumar

To Our Families

Thank you is not enough for all that you do. You have been our biggest supporters always encouraging us to reach our highest potential. As we are entering a new chapter in our lives, we are happy to know that we have such a strong foundation. We will bring into our marriage lessons that you have taught us - not to waste our energy on negatives but rather appreciate the precious gifts we have been given by God, to open our hearts to those in need, and to utilize hardships that may come our way as learning experiences. We know the values and principles you have imbibed in us will continue to strengthen our relationship as husband and wife.

Our Story

Our Wedding

Details

Photos

Registry

Neil 

Deepika 

Kenia

Baldev 

Mandee

Bobby

Roxana 

Chirag

Daniel 

Ruby 

James

Kaustubh

Nadir

Omar

Rahul

Shayan

Vinay 

Wedding Party

Q + A

<blockquote>Room block is available until Friday, January 20th. Telephone Number: Call reservations at 1-855-610-TREE and provide the group code "BKW" Link for room block: <a href="https://secure3.hilton.com/en_US/dt/reservation/book.htm?inputModule=HOTEL&amp;ctyhocn=NWKBDDT&amp;spec_plan=CDTBKW&amp;arrival=20170217&amp;departure=20170220&amp;cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&amp;fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=https://secure3.hilton.com/en_US/dt/reservation/book.htm?inputModule%3DHOTEL%26ctyhocn%3DNWKBDDT%26spec_plan%3DCDTBKW%26arrival%3D20170217%26departure%3D20170220%26cid%3DOM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink%26fromId%3DHILTONLINKDIRECT&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1481762002962000&amp;usg=AFQjCNEdBTpQizvla34wNe9e57eIK6PIyg"> Double Tree Hotel Bindal/Kumar Wedding Room Block Link </a></blockquote>

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Newark - Fremont

Several out of town friends and family are planning a vacation around the wedding! Guests are vacationing as close as San Francisco, Napa, and Tahoe and as far as Hawaii and Las Vegas following the wedding so we completely encourage taking advantage of the flight over to Northern Cali and turning it into a longer vacation! Websites such as <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com">tripadvisor.com</a> and <a href="http://yelp.com">yelp.com</a> have great deals and reviews on things to do or places to eat in the Bay Area, San Francisco, and Napa area. If you need more information or want advice on sight-seeing spots feel free to contact us!AIRPORTSSan Francisco Airport - SFO, Oakland Airport - OAK, San Jose Airport - SJCTravel websites: <a href="http://kayak.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">kayak.com</a> and <a href="http://bing.com/travel" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">bing.com/travel</a> are both great websites to get deals on flights.Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need help with anything!

Travel Information

Hotel did not offer a room block option. It is directly across the street from the Sangeet and Wedding venue. Room rates are typically around $109/night.

BEST WESTERN PLUS Garden Court Inn

Room block is available until Friday, January 20th. Link for room block:<a href="http://www.marriott.com/meeting-event-hotels/group-corporate-travel/groupCorp.mi?resLinkData=Bindal%20and%20Kumar%20Wedding%20Room%20Block%5Eoakrm%60bkwbkwa%7Cbkwbkwb%6099.00-109.00%60USD%60false%601%602/17/17%602/20/17%601/20/17&amp;app=resvlink&amp;stop_mobi=yes" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&amp;q=http://www.marriott.com/meeting-event-hotels/group-corporate-travel/groupCorp.mi?resLinkData%3DBindal%2520and%2520Kumar%2520Wedding%2520Room%2520Block%255Eoakrm%2560bkwbkwa%257Cbkwbkwb%256099.00-109.00%2560USD%2560false%25601%25602/17/17%25602/20/17%25601/20/17%26app%3Dresvlink%26stop_mobi%3Dyes&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1481762003028000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGBDxlirslcIP33tWDTLD4wSN1k5Q">Courtyard Bindal/Kumar Wedding Room Block Link</a>

Courtyard San Ramon

Travel

How to RSVP

Please RSVP via email to shikawedsraj@gmail.com.In your email please include the following:1. Name of events attending with number of guests attending.2. First and last names of yourself and guests attending. Due to venue capacity restrictions, number of guests are limited to what is designated on your formal invitation, thank you. Kindly RSVP by January 20th, 2017

RSVP

Sweep through the City by the Bay, snapping photos of the cinnamon spans of the Golden Gate Bridge, exploring winding paths in sprawling parks, and wandering along the briny boulevards of Fisherman's Wharf. Explore San Francisco sights by land and sea on this fun-filled excursion.
Climb aboard a spacious shuttle to head to your first stop of the day. From the Presidio, enjoy perfect views of the Golden Gate Bridge, framed by the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and the green forested hills of the Marin headlands. Afterward, work your way around the coast, stopping to smell the roses in Golden Gate Park, and getting up-close looks at the rugged shoreline at Lands End.
Swinging back toward the city, roll through Haigh-Ashbury's Victorian-lined streets, get 360-degree views from the breezy summit of Twin Peaks before you ride downtown. Along the way, listen as your guide shares stories about the city's immigrant past while drive by the spice shops of Chinatown and the Italian eateries in North Beach.
Reach Fisherman's Wharf and jump out to grab a cup of chowder or check out the local sea lion population before you hop on a boat for a scenic cruise around the bay. Wrap up your day on the water, getting up close to the rocky edges of Alcatraz Island and cutting through wind-warped white caps to catch glimpses of Angel Island, the Golden Gate, and the Bay Bridge.

City Highlights Tour with Bay Cruise

Silicon Valley's premier outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment center, Santana Row, is conveniently located off Winchester Boulevard in San Jose. Benefit from exclusive savings and rewards at Santana Row's 70 high-end, fashion-forward shops and 20 restaurants.
Your VIP treatment begins with valet parking at Santana Row. Pick up your visitor rewards booklet, which is full of vouchers worth up to $250 in savings and a $25 gift card. And tote your purchases around in style with a Santana Row souvenir bag.
Then, after a day spent cruising shops like Anthropologie, Bonobos, Brooks Brothers, Drybar, Gucci, inSpa, Lucy, LOFT, Sur La Table, and Urban Outfitters, take a seat at Vintage Wine Bar for a customized tasting of fine wines.

Shop & Dine at Santana Row

See the best of the California coast as you visit famous landmarks, explore amazing cities, and trek through natural wonders.
Day 1: Los Angeles - Santa Barbara - Route No. 1 - Carmel
 Begin your journey by driving along the picturesque California coast to Santa Barbara. Visit a Spanish Mission before heading to Solvang, a Danish community, to browse its quaint shops. Stroll through Carmel and end the day in San Francisco.
Day 2: San Francisco - Bay Cruise - Golden Gate Bridge - Chinatown
 Start the day at Fisherman's Wharf and head out on a boat cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge and around the infamous Alcatraz Island. In the afternoon, visit the city’s famous landmarks, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Union Square, Chinatown, and Nob Hill.
Day 3: San Francisco - Yosemite or Hearst Castle - Los Angeles
 The summer route winds through farmlands to Yosemite National Park. The 12-square mile (31-square km) park is known for its towering waterfalls, deep valleys, and grand meadows. Visit the ancient giant sequoias at Mariposa Grove, the Bridalveil Falls, El Capitan, and Half Dome.
The winter route takes you to explore a remarkable achievement of one man’s dream—Hearst Castle. William Hearst collaborated for 28 years with his architect to construct a castle to rival those in Europe. Spend the day exploring the palatial estate that boasts 56 bedrooms, 61 bathrooms, and 19 sitting rooms.

Shika & Raj

Shika & Raj

Wedding Party