We've grown a lot since we were these 2 little cuties (perhaps one more than the other) and we can't wait to celebrate this new milestone with you all.
Please scroll through the website and RSVP to the wedding events, get an idea of what is planned and what to pack and then get excited for what will be one side's first Indian Wedding and the other's 100th.
6th NOVEMBER 2024 1 The Party Lawn
Let us know if you can make it!
7th NOVEMBER 2024 1 The Amara Hall
Let us know if you can make it!
7th NOVEMBER 2024 1 The Party Lawn
Let us know if you can make it!
Mehendi
1 6th November 2024 1
1 6:00 pm 1
The Party Lawn,
Sheraton Grand Chennai
Come join us for the Mehendi, a traditional event where everyone who would like to can get henna done on their hands the evening before the wedding
The practice is used to bestow upon us good health, fertility, wisdom, protection and security.
All the events will be held at the Sheraton and will have a weather redundancy.
All events will be catered and the meals will be a mix of buffet and special meals relating to the marriage events.
What to wear:
"Indo-Western" (Indian or Indian inspired).
Shades of YELLOW and BLUE.
Wedding
It's the big morning!
1 7th November 2024 1
Pre-wedding ceremonies begin 7:00 am
1 The Party Lawn 1
Murhurtham begins 9:00 am - 10:45 am
1 The Amara Hall 1
The Prewedding ceremonies will involve some fun cultural elements of a Tamil Wedding
including the Malai Mattal (Garland Exchange & games) , Oonjal (Marraige Swing).
The Muhurtham is where we will literally tie the knot.
What to wear:
Indian Attire :
Sarees/Salwar Kameez/Veshti
Reception
Now we celebrate. Lets pop that bubbly!
1 7th November 2024 1
1 6:00 pm 1
1 The Party Lawn 1
Please join us for an evening of speeches, dancing and gathering together to mark the merging of the families. As well as an opportunity to thank all the people who have got us to this point and all of you who have generously joined us for the big day.
What to wear:
Cocktail/Formal attire - Can be Indian or Western.
Where its at.
Wedding Location
GUEST INFO
Just some checklists & info to make sure everyone has a great time!
For Chennai peeps
WEDDING ACCOMoDATION
Wedding Stay Booking Link:
Vib's mum has reserved rooms for the wedding dates through the hotel and we ask that you could please book for the 6th and 7th of November through the link below. Around 15% discount is applied to the November room prices and it will include meals and drinks for the duration of the stay.
https://www.marriott.com/events/start.mi?id=1720168343226&key=GRP
Please make sure to keep bring the credit card you book with
as well as your passport/ID as they will need it to confirm the booking on the day.
If you want to stay elsewhere, we also have some serviced apartments available near by.
For everyone flying into Chennai
Visa - IMPORTANT
If you're not an NRI, You can get an e-visa with the below link.
There are no visas on arrival even if some websites say otherwise,
so it's important to check your local indian consulate
& get a visa before you get on that plane.
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
Cost $25 USD payable though link on the website.
Arrives in approx 5-7 days.
STAY
We will be in Chennai (Madras Airport MAA) from the 1st of November (return flight loooking to be $800-$1100 depending on connections) and anyone who would like to come enjoy some of what the city has to offer is welcome to join. We hope to be a bit free and able to show you around and have some fun from the 3rd (misc shopping, good food, old monk, beach, temple or 2).
Pre wedding - If you are arriving in Chennai before the 6th, it would be recommended to stay in the city and then travel to the hotel on the 6th. You can book your stay through www.booking.com or Airbnb.
Vib recommends these hotels as both nice and conveniently located to her family home:-
Taj Cormandel - "Best and best location"
-Taj Clubhouse
-Savera Hotel
-The Park
- Raintree hotel- St Mary's Road
- Hyatt Regency
- Park Elanza
We will organize airport transfers for you at any time (fill in the form for airport pick ups below when you get your flights sorted). If you are interested in aligning with us we will leave Chennai on the 6th to check into the Sheraton Grand before evening festivities commence at 6pm and finish the 8th.
WEDDING ACCOMoDATION (UPDATED)
Wedding Stay Booking Link:
Vib's mum has reserved rooms for the wedding dates through the hotel and we ask that you could please book for the 6th and 7th of November through the link below. Around 15% discount is applied to the November room prices and it will include meals and drinks for the duration of the stay.
https://www.marriott.com/events/start.mi?id=1720168343226&key=GRP
If you would like to stay before or after the wedding please first book using the above link and then email Franciss below who will organize to extend the rooms.
franciss.ebenezerS@sheraton.com
Post Wedding:
After the wedding our plan is to travel back to Chennai on the 8th afternoon post lunch to stay a night in the City. On the 9th we will fly to Goa and am hoping that as many of you as would like to can join. Goa offers a broad ranges of activities including beautiful beaches, waterfalls, food tours, canoe/boat trips, old Goa history, wildlife parks, scuba and some opportunity to relax and or celebrate.
We will book an air bnb or two (Anjuna or Morjim) based on numbers as soon as everyone has RSVP'd.
Please reach out to me or Vib if you would like to attend.
Buddy moon festivities to conclude in Goa on the 15th morning and then it's everyone for themselves. We personally haven't decided what we'll do but will stay in India until the 21st.
Love Sam + Vib.
P.S. Please make sure to keep bring the credit card you book with as well as your passport/ID as they will need it to confirm the booking on the day - same goes for other hotels throughout india.
TRAVEL & Money
Indian Rupee (INR) used everywhere. Card facilities are available,
Any hotels and larger restaurants will take card happily. Smaller stores will be cash or using UPI system which you can set up if you are flying through Bangalore/Mumbai or Delhi.
AIRPORT PICK UPS
Please let us know what time you will be arriving in the below form and we will organise a pick up for you from the Chennai airport to your hotel / the resort.
Ubers the way to go
Paid mostly in cash - Both Cars & Auto Rikshaws. Stand by the price on the app dont pay anymore unless you want to tip them and be best friends.
HIRE A CAR
Its also super easy and affordable to just book a car to take you around for a few days.
The driver will stay with you for a set time period/km's so if you want to travel large distances
including over night they will drive, wait and even stay in specified hotel areas to accompany you on a trip for a relatively reasonable amount. Would estimate around $50AUD a day.
interstate travel
Would recommend you fly to save time. But if youre in it for the experience - the train gives you some great sights and scenery into the country areas and lakes/rivers.
They also have sleeper buses if you are on a budget.
Vaccines
None necessary to travel to South India
Some Dr recommend getting up to date for Hep A and B
EATING & DRINKING
Avoid drinking the tap water if you aren't acclimated. Harder to remember is to try to
avoid drinks with ice or ask for no ice.
Avoid Foods washed with water as they carry the same risk, eg, salads, icy poles etc.
Try to use bottled water for when you brush your teeth.
Street food is super yum but also carries more risk so pick your battles.