By now, most of you know that Lori and Rakesh met online - on the Hinge app, to be more specific. Lori was swiping away and something about Rakesh's profile caught her eye, and she sent him a 'like'. Rakesh, flattered by this, sent Lori a message and eventually proposed they meet for wine at Tria in Rittenhouse. The date was set.

The day finally arrived, and Rakesh showed up 15 minutes early due to his classic combination of chronic neurosis and anxious excitement. Lori chose to take public transit, much to Rakesh's surprise, yet still managed to arrive on time. After a glass (or two) of wine and some hors d'oeuvres, they decided to extend their initial meeting with a short trip to Ben and Jerry's. Lori was surprised that Rakesh assumed they'd share their individual ice creams, though she reciprocated happily. In hindsight, this was a probably a sign that there might be something special brewing.

After their date, their conversations continued, and the two started to plan their next meeting. Rakesh, aiming to test Lori's taste in food, suggested several brunch options, including both ethnic and traditional options. Lori, of course, chose correctly and the two planned to meet again for Dim Sum in Chinatown. Rakesh was overjoyed to hear this, and apparently could not stop talking about all of the various forms of shrimp he was going to eat in the lead-up to the date. Lori didn't seem to mind, and even joined in on the fun. After their meal, they decided to grab bubble tea at Tea Do, and played some Jenga while they enjoyed their beverages. Lori absolutely crushed Rakesh, and some bystanders even described her as having "surgeon hands". Rakesh took his losses with grace, and knew he had found someone special.

The two continued their courtship with dates to the movies, cooking homemade Mexican food, and meeting each other's friends and family. Fast forward a few years, and our couple had survived a pandemic, quarantining, working together inside a tiny 1 bedroom apartment, and moving into a house together. They knew if they could make it through this, they could make it through anything.

Rakesh and Lori cannot wait to celebrate their wedding with all of you. They would be honored if you would join them in Philadelphia to attend a weekend of food, drinks, dancing, and the joining of two cultures and families.