Oonjal/Welcome Party
After the oonjal ceremony, we will have mehendi (henna) artists available! Mehendi is an all natural, plant based dye which stains the skin temporarily after it dries. Anyone can get a mehendi design and we would love to see all of your lovely designs!
The Oonjal Ceremony
In Tamil, oonjal translates to swing. This is a tradition is where the bride and groom are seated on a swing and are blessed by their friends and family.
We would love for all of you to participate however you’d like to! Here are a few ways you can give us a blessing.
Traditionally, you will be given a few coloured rice ball and asked to walk around the swing. After you walk around us, you throw the rice balls away from the couple signifying the removal of negativity from the couple.
Come up and introduce yourselves to everyone gathered and give a short toast. This is our first event and we would love for everyone to get to know each other.
Sing! Singing is a huge part of this tradition and if there is a song in your heart, we would love for you to share it with us.
Attire: Indo-Western Cottagecore (light fabrics, bright colours)
Family Cookout
Friday October 17, 2025
3pm-8pm
Both of our families LOVE a cookout so come out to the park for good food (ever put onion pakora on a burger?), lawn games and a quintessential Arizona sunset!
Attire: Picnic Casual
(Linen, Denim, Cotton)
Ceremony and Reception
Baraat
Before we get hitched, we gotta party! A baraat is the wedding procession that welcomes the groom to the wedding and allows the families to greet each other before the ceremony begins. Bring your dancing shoes and get excited!
Mālai Mātral
In Tamil, mālai mātral translates to exchange of the garlands. The bride and groom are hoisted onto the shoulders of their brothers, uncles, or friends as they try to toss garlands over each others’ heads. The first one who gets the garland over gets the upper hand so bring that competitive spirit!
Ceremony
We wrote our own ceremony and are so excited to share it with you as we step into our married life with the help of a very special officiant: our best friend Mario Yniguez!
Reception
Let’s eat, drink, and make merry as we celebrate into the night!