Dhara & Parth

Due to hurricane damage in Puerto Rico, our wedding venue has been moved to the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa in Fort Myers, FL.

Sunday January 21, 2018

Fort Myers, FL

2767 days 5 hrs 16 mins ago

Our Story

We met at Bryant University where we both went to college on a warm, fall night in October.

"I remember we were at the townhouse area of campus, I was wearing a white dress which I had borrowed from a friend. This tall guy who was easy on the eyes looked over at me and we both smiled. Later, while having pizza that night, someone spilled red sauce all over my dress and I ran to the bathroom to wash it off. Parth (the handsome stranger) happened to be there and rushed after me to help clean the mess. I remember thinking that was really nice for a stranger to do and we would be good friends because that's something I would have done too." - Dhara

"I knew right then that she was going to be my bride one day. Just kidding...but she was wearing a white dress, haha" - Parth

That night, we shared pizza and jokes and began our lifelong friendship. After several years of being best friends, we both began graduate school and spent more time together.

On October 10, 2012, Parth planned a treasure hunt around campus. There were ten clues which led me to the end of the night, at 10:10PM, when he asked me to be his girlfriend. On the same day three years later, Parth recreated a treasure hunt in NYC, this time asking me to be his wife!

#dhaparthyoftheyear

The Couple

Who made the first move? How?

"Parth started hiding dimes in all of my belongings because he was trying tell me I was a perfect "10". It was actually really weird....in a sweet way." - Dhara

"She definitely liked me....it just took her a few years to figure it out!" - Parth

How did Parth propose?

Parth put together a beautiful and thoughtful treasure hunt proposal which was filled with memories and surprises along the way.

Parth and I started out being very close friends in college. A few years after we met, Parth started liking me more than a friend, which was really strange, but also natural, I guess, since I'm pretty awesome. In order to show me that he thought I was perfect, he would place dimes in random places in hopes of making me smile.

On the day Parth asked me to be his girlfriend (10/10/2012), he created a dime treasure hunt. He printed 10 paper clues in the shape of dimes and hid them around Bryant University, with accompanying treasures. Each year, on our anniversary, Parth recreates this treasure hunt with new clues.

On October 10, 2015, it was our third anniversary. I was excited for the treasure hunt, but the surprise Parth had planned for me that year far exceeded any expectations.

The dime clues led me to the Four Freedoms Park on Roosevelt Island, NY. A photographer and a group of our closest friends and family were waiting to greet me. Everyone was standing in a line, holding a rose engraved with a unique reason why Parth loves me. I walked down the line, hugging each of our loved ones and when I finally made it to the end, Parth asked me to be his wife!

What was your most memorable date?

We went to Puerto Rico in 2014 and we landed hours before our friends. We were exhausted from the early flight so I thought we were just going to check into the hotel and relax while we waited for everyone to arrive. To my surprise, Parth pulled out a full day itinerary he had planned for us! It was incredible - we took a long bike ride along the beach, enjoyed tropical drinks on the cobblestones of Old San Juan, hiked up El Morro to watch the sunset, and even went salsa dancing after an ocean view dinner. It was definitely tiring but it was the perfect first day of vacation!

What's your favorite activity together?

We love to hike and travel new places together. We also love trying new dessert and cooking together when we can!

What nicknames do you have for each other?

"I call her Panda. One morning she woke up with eyeliner all over her eyes and looked just like a baby panda. It was adorable. The name kind of just stuck. Pandas also prefer vegetarian diets and are Asian, just like Dhara!" - Parth

"I call him Froggy. Parth loves popcorn, especially with extra butter. One time we were at the movies and Parth didn't want to get his hands oily so he stuck out his tounge instead and ate the popcorn similar to how a frog eats a fly. I realized his eyes resemble those of a frog and started calling him that ever since." - Dhara

If you were stranded on an island and can only choose 3 things, what would you bring with you?

"A book so I'm entertained, endless supply of chocolate milk because obviously, and Parth so he could keep me warm." - Dhara

"My iPad so I could watch movies/play games, chocolate chip cookies (hopefully Dhara would share her milk with me), and Dhara so I can just stare at her beauty all day long ;-P" - Parth

Travel Information

Plane

Fort Myers Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)

Travel Dates: Friday, 1/19/18 - Monday, 1/22/18
Travel Times: arrive prior to 6PM on 1/19 and depart after 1PM on 1/22 (If you plan on attending all events)

Direct flights are available several times a day
Flight duration: 4 hours
Average cost from New England/Tri-State Area: $200 round trip

Link
expedia.com/Flights
Car

Transportation to and from airport

RSW airport is a quick, 30 minute drive from the Sanibel Harbor Marriott Resort & Spa. Once you land, the most convenient and cost-efficient mode of transportation to the hotel is via Uber, Lyft, or Taxi. If you make your way to the Taxi Booth outside of Door 5 on the baggage claim level, the taxis will offer a flat rate to the hotel.

Phone
239-590-4800
Hotel Product

Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa

Almost all events will take place at the hotel (with the exception of the wedding ceremony), so we recommend staying here with us. We have reserved a block of 30 rooms and will add more if necessary.

Block: Shah/Patel Wedding
Rate: $219/night + $15 daily resort fee + tax
Dates block rate available: from 1/16/2018 to 1/25/2018
Deadline: December 18, 2017
Parking: Complimentary
Two Queens Beds OR One King
Maximum Occupancy: 4 adults (+1 if cot requested)

Notes: The link will state the resort fee is $25 and will show a parking fee, however, when you confirm your details in Step #4, the discount will be applied, please call 1-800-767-7777 if you have issues

Link
marriott.com/meeting-event-hotels/group-corporate-travel/groupCorp.mi
Phone
1-800-767-7777
Note

Wedding Ceremony on a Beach

Our wedding ceremony will take place at Pink Shell Beach Resort & Marina on the sand, overlooking the ocean. Please plan to wear sunscreen and bring your sunglasses. Buses will leave the Sanibel Harbour Marriott at 8:30AM and 9AM for a 10AM Var Godoh. If you choose to drive or uber, the address is: 275 Estero Boulevard, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931

Ceremony will start at 11AM

Sign

Fort Myers - Highlights

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Note

Help Rebuild Puerto Rico

Due to the damage caused my Hurricane Maria, we regretfully had to move our wedding venue from the beautiful El Conquistador - A Waldorf Astoria Resort in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Our hearts are still with this beautiful island and we want to do everything we can to help rebuild it! Please visit the website to understand how you can help!

Wedding Weekend Timeline

Friday, January 19, 2018

Mendhi/Welcome Night

6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Come kick off our wedding weekend! Applying mehndi to the bride (and sometimes the groom) before the wedding is one of the oldest Indian traditions. Mehndi signifies beautification. Modern Indian brides often request for customization in their henna to depict their love story. Dinner will be served at 6PM.

Dress Code

Resort Casual

Saturday, January 20, 2018

Dhara's Mandav Murat, Pithi & Mosallu

9:00 AM to 11:00 AM (EST)

Mandav Murat - This ceremony has a religious significance as Dhara's parents will seek the blessings of Mother Earth to build the Mandap.

Pithi - Family and friends will have fun rubbing Dhara’s face and body with turmeric paste to make her skin glow for her upcoming wedding.

Mosallu - Dhara will be showered with gifts from her maternal family as they send her away to her wedded home.

Dress Code

Conservative Indian/American Casual Attire

Brunchtime

10:30 AM to 12:00 PM (EST)

Come enjoy a fusion of foods - taste the Mediterranean influence of Greece, where Dhara studied abroad, to one of Parth's favorite cuisines: South Asian medley before enjoying a dip in the pool or nap in the sunrays!

Dress Code

Resort Casual

Parth's Ganesh Sthapna

12:00 PM to 3:00 PM (EST)

Friends and family will apply a golden paste made of chick pea flour, turmeric, rose water to Parth's face and body. The concoction is applied to cleanse and purify him before the wedding ceremony.

Dress Code

Conservative Indian/American Casual Attire

Snacktime

3:00 PM to 4:00 PM (EST)

Need an afternoon jolt? There's coffee/tea and snacks awaiting in the Captiva lobby for all to enjoy!

Dress Code

Resort Casual

Garba & Raas

6:00 PM to 10:00 PM (AST)

Garba is a popular folk dance in the Indian state of Gujarat. This is a lighthearted event filled with colorful decor, attire, and energetic dancing. Guests dance in circular motions, representing the circle of life. For those unfamiliar, the steps repeat, so you will get the hang of it. We promise!

Dress Code

Semi-Formal South Asian/American Garba/Dance Attire

Sunday, January 21, 2018

Var Godoh {Wedding Procession of the Groom}

10:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Parth is accompanied by his family and friends aboard a horse, dancing with upbeat music to set the mood for the celebration. Dhara’s family welcomes Parth with a prayer and a fun challenge!

Dress Code

Formal South Asian/American Attire

Wedding Ceremony

11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

The hindu wedding ceremony consists of the following steps:
Ganesh Puja {Invocation of Lord Ganesh}
Joota Chupai {Stealing Groom's shoes}
Var Puja {Groom's Arrival}
Kanya Aagman {Bride's Arrival}
Jaimala {Garland Exchange}
Kanyadaan {Entrustment of the Bride}
Hasta Melap {Joining Hands}
Var Mala {Tying Knot}
Mangal Phera {4 Rounds}
Satapadi {7 Steps}
Mangalsutra {Tying Necklace}
Kanssar {Feeding Sweets}
Akhand Saubhagyavati {Marriage Advice}
Aashirwad {Blessings}
Vidai {Farewell}

Dress Code

Formal South Asian/American Attire

Snacktime

3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Need an afternoon jolt? There's coffee/tea and snacks awaiting in the Captiva lobby for all to enjoy!

Dress Code

Resort Casual

Cocktail Hour

6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Join us on the Veranda for a view of the sunset (5:30PM), and then move to the Palm Garden Foyer for cocktails and appetizers before we head into the Palms Ballroom for a night of dinner, music, and dancing to celebrate the newlyweds!

Dress Code

Formal Attire (same as reception)

Reception

7:00 PM to 11:00 PM

It's party time! We encourage everyone to grab some drinks and get out on the dance floor. Don't be shy. We're all family and friends.

Dress Code

Formal Attire

Monday, January 22, 2018

Farewell Pool Brunch

11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Let's meet up after all the festivities are finished for a final farewell - enjoy some brunch and maybe a splash in the pool!

Dress Code

Resort Casual/Beach Attire (Bathing Suits)

Bridal Party

Mr. Amitkumar & Mrs. Jyoti Shah

Bride's Parents

Dhara Shah

Bride

Ami Suri

Maid of Honor

Swati Shah

Maid of Honor

Riddhi Magdalia

Bridesmaid

Siddhi Patel

Bridesmaid

Nirali Shah

Bridesmaid

Darshi Shah

Bridesmaid

Chelsea Avelino

Bridesmaid

Joann O'Brien

Bridesmaid

Sejal Bhatt

Bridesmaid

Dana Losasso

Bridesmaid

Sweta Shah

Bridesmaid

Aishwarya Balaji

Bridesmaid

Roshani Vanmali

Bridesmaid

Priya Patel

Bridesmaid

Yashvi Shah

Flower Girl

Maharaja Shah

Ring Bearer

Dr. Rajesh & Mrs. Alka Patel

Groom's Parents

Parth Patel

Groom

Punjan Patel

Groomsman

Ritesh Shah

Groomsman

Sean Suri

Groomsman

Vishal Patel

Groomsman

Sameer Patel

Groomsman

Shiv Patel

Groomsman

Chintan Patel

Groomsman

Doruk Engin

Groomsman

Michael Ricci

Groomsman

Kristopher Meunier

Groomsman

David Stone

Groomsman

Ayan Majmudar

Groomsman

Harris Babar

Groomsman

Danny Siddique

Groomsman

FAQs

For all our friends and family who have lots of questions, please check out our FAQ!

When is the RSVP deadline?

December 21st 2017

Will last names be changing after the wedding?

Shah to Patel real, real slow :)

What time should I arrive?

The wedding events start on Friday, however, if you are unable to make it for the pre wedding events, please do arrive before 8AM on Sunday, January 21st in order to leave yourself enough time to attend the wedding ceremony (10AM).

Is there transportation being provided between reception and hotels?

Please see Transportation Information for more details.

What should I wear?

The dress code varies by event. Please check the Wedding Weekend Itinerary for the dress code for each event.

Are there any colors that guests should avoid wearing?

The color black is generally avoided at any auspicious Indian event, so avoid this for the wedding. However, wearing black is totally OK for the cocktail and reception party.

Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?

Weather permitting, the wedding ceremony will be held outdoors at the Pink Shell Resort on Fort Myers Beach. Plan to bring your sunglasses and sunscreen for the ceremony. In case of rain, we have a location indoors.

Are the ceremony and reception locations wheelchair accessible?

Yes, there is wheelchair accessible locations all throughout the resort.

Are kids welcome?

Although we love kids, we will only be able to accommodate children in our immediate family for the wedding events.

Is there a gifts registry?

For the wedding, we are kindly requesting no boxed gifts. For the bridal shower, we are registered at www.myregistry.com/wedding-registry/Dhara-Shah-Parth-Patel-New-Hyde-Park-Ny/974692

Whom should I call with questions?

The maids of honor can be contacted with questions during the wedding weekend events. Ami Suri (732) 763-3037 and Swati Shah (401) 212-7822.

I have a question not answered here; how do I contact you?

You can contact us directly at our joint email account: dhara.parth1010@gmail.com

Bridal Shower Registry

Your presence is enough, but for those who insist on getting us gifts, please see our bridal shower registry. For our wedding, we kindly request no boxed gifts please.

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