Welcome, We Can’t Wait to Celebrate With You!
Here you'll find all the answers to any questions you may have regarding our wedding. See you on June 8!
Venue and Schedule
Our wedding is being held on June 8 at Oatlands Historic House and Gardens in Leesburg, Virginia.
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Ceremony
The ceremony will take place outdoors in one of the Oatlands gardens.
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Cocktail Hour
Following the ceremony, we invite you to a cocktail hour on the lawn in front of the historic house.
6:00 pm - 11:00 pm: Reception
The celebratory reception will be held under a tent situated beside the historic house.
Attire
The ceremony will be held outdoors in a garden, followed by a cocktail hour on the grass.
For attire, we recommend comfortable shoes suitable for walking on grass. Sturdy heels or wedges are a good option for those who prefer them, but keep in mind that stiletto heels might sink a bit into the softer ground. For men, loafers or dress shoes would be a perfect choice.
Virginia weather in June can be warm and humid, so light, breathable fabrics are a good choice for both men and women.
Ultimately, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in your attire.
A Special Thank You
Dearest Papa and Mummy,
We wanted to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude for everything you have done for us. Your love, wisdom, and encouragement have been the foundation upon which we've built our lives together.
Thank you for always being there for us. From organizing and celebrating every important occasion – birthday dinners and all! – to never letting us leave the house empty-handed, you've showered us with your endless support and generosity. Your selflessness, understanding, and respect have meant the world to both of us.
It truly takes a village, thank you for being ours ❤️
With all our love,
Atulaya and Nilu
Ceremony
Our wedding celebration begins with a traditional Hindu ceremony centered around a sacred fire, Agni, which serves as a witness to our vows. Here are some key parts of the ceremony:
Kanyadan: The bride's father ceremonially gives her away to the groom, marking the beginning of their new life together.
Mandap: The bride and groom take their vows under a decorated canopy representing their new home.
Panigrahana: The couple joins hands near the fire signifying their union.
Saptapadi: The most significant part, where the bride and groom take seven steps around the fire, each step representing a vow or a blessing they request from the gods.
Symbolism and Attire: Fire plays a crucial role, symbolizing purity and transformation. Vibrant colors and intricate designs adorn the wedding attire and mandap, reflecting the joyous occasion.
Mangala Sutra: A sacred thread necklace placed by the groom on the bride signifies her marital status and is a constant reminder of their vows.