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Meet Ankita and Rishab

Rishab and I first crossed paths at the University of Arizona, Tucson, where we were both pursuing our master’s degrees. He was a year ahead of me, having arrived in 2015, while I joined in 2016. Our first meeting was at an icebreaker cooking competition—he was a judge, and I was a participant. Sparks flew almost instantly, and Rishab, with his charming demeanor, soon asked me out on a date. We went on a couple of dates that year and became part of the same close-knit friend group.

However, life had its plans. In 2017, Rishab graduated and moved to Seattle for a job at Microsoft, while I still had two years left in my program. With careers at the forefront of our minds and both of us navigating the pressures of education loans, we decided not to pursue a long-distance relationship. Yet, we remained best friends, speaking almost daily and staying deeply connected.

Destiny, however, wasn’t done with us. In 2018, I landed an internship at Microsoft in Seattle. Moving there brought us back together, single and still drawn to each other. We decided to give our story a second chance, and this time, there was no looking back. In 2019, Rishab proposed to me in the most magical way—right in front of the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas.

Welcome Lunch & Mehendi

   

Haldi

 

Sangeet

Wedding

    

Reception

About The Wedding:

A Celebration of Love, Culture, and Creativity

When Rishab proposed in front of the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas in 2019, we promised ourselves one thing: we would plan and pay for our wedding entirely on our own. Coming from middle-class families, we knew the sacrifices our parents had made to send us to the USA for our education. Once we both started working at Microsoft, it felt important to make this celebration truly ours—a reflection of our values, our journey, and our shared vision for the future.

The pandemic delayed our plans, but in 2022, we began envisioning the wedding of our dreams. We wanted something intimate yet spectacular, a celebration of not just our love but the beautiful diversity of our cultures. Convincing our Indian families to limit the guest list to close friends and family was no easy task, but after a year, we achieved it. With guests flying in from across the globe—USA, Dubai, Netherlands, London, and every corner of India—we decided on Rajasthan, the crown jewel of Indian heritage, as the perfect backdrop. 

Rishab, a proud Delhi Punjabi with a big, joyous family, and I, a Brahmin raised in a nomadic, nuclear household across India, wanted to weave our cultures together seamlessly. Every event celebrated our uniqueness. The carnival-themed Mehendi brought laughter and colors, while the Bollywood Sangeet indulged our shared love for movies. A bohemian Haldi added a modern twist, and the royal wedding showcased the grandeur of Rajasthan’s history. We ended the festivities with an Indian-American reception, complete with a first dance and a heartfelt father-daughter moment.

As creators of Curious Souls, our podcast exploring life’s big questions, and my GirlSquad community of over 5,000 women in Seattle, Rishab and I are passionate about supporting local creators. For our wedding, we championed local Indian brands, female entrepreneurs, and sustainable choices. Beyond a celebration, it was a platform to amplify the voices of artisans and creators who inspire us. Our wedding embodied who we are—curious souls blending traditions, creativity, and love into an unforgettable celebration.

About The WedMeGood App

Venue: Jaibagh Palace, Jaipur

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is our favorite movie and that we’ve always dreamed of getting married in a fort in Jaipur or Udaipur! So choosing Jaibagh Palace as our wedding venue was a dream come true! Nestled in the serene Aravalli hills, it combined timeless charm with royal grandeur, creating the perfect backdrop for every celebration.

Makeup Artist: Meera Bhandari Makeovers★ 4.9

Meera was an absolute dream to work with! Her talent transformed me into the bride I had always envisioned—natural, radiant, and flawless. Along with her team, junior makeup stylist Urmi and hair stylist Manish, she curated each look perfectly to match the event’s mood. Her attention to detail, calming presence, and use of top-quality products ensured my makeup stayed perfect through every emotion and celebration. Meera truly understands a bride’s big day, and her artistry made me feel confident and beautiful throughout. I can’t recommend her enough!

Invitation & Stationery: Turmeric Ink Invitations and Stationery★ 4.6

 

 

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