About Us
I was born in New York and grew up in a city called Colleyville, which is between Dallas and Fortworth. I graduated with a BA in psychology from University of Texas, Austin. Soon after college, I moved to Los Angeles to attend graduate school at the University of Southern California where I received my Master in Health Administration. After graduating, I began work at a hospital near downtown Los Angeles and am currently the Manager of Marketing and Communications. Stewart grew up in a small town called Le Mars. He went to college at University of Northern Iowa and graduated with a BA in Management Information Systems. Soon after college, Stewart got a job with Sun Microsystems.

How We Met
It all started when my roommate and I threw a party at our place (in Santa Monica, California) in June 2002. Stewart showed up with a friend of a friend and we hit it off immediately. After a week of anticipation, he called and we went on our first date. It didn't take very long before I knew he was ‘the one’. And then about a year later, he popped the question on a beautiful beach in Santa Barbara.

Wedding Planning
Our wedding planning began right away and we set the date for March 20, 2004 in Dallas, Texas (where I'm from). I soon went to India, with my mom, grandmother and best friend, to buy Stewart's clothes, my outfits, jewelry, and accessories. It was a week of whirlwind shopping, but it was well worth it!

The Wedding Weekend

When the wedding weekend finally arrived, excitement was in the air. The guests stayed at the Omni Mandalay Hotel and were greeted with specially created gift bags that contained snacks, bottled water, event directions, local restaurant listings and a special note from us. The gift bags were created by me and Stewart with help from my family. Stewart and I stuffed all the bags with beautiful red & gold tissue paper and all the goodies. Also, we had special stickers made that had our names and wedding date on it.

The event started on the morning of March 18th, when my family conducted the Graha Shanti and Pithi. That night the Mehndi party was held in my parents' backyard--under a tent of red, green and yellow fabrics--with colorful pillows and low tables. The guests, family and friends, were served a variety of chaat dishes including pani puri,bhel puri, chhole, and freshly prepared bhature (cooked al fresco in front of guests).

A view of the Mehendi Venue

The next night (Friday, March 19, 2004), our Sangeet was held at the Colleyville Convention Center where our families and close friends enjoyed the sounds of a live Indian band and the spicy taste of fresh Mexican food. I wore an ornate, mauve colored lengha and Stewart wore a black kurta.

Finally, the big day arrived. The wedding ceremony took place at the Omni Mandalay Hotel in Las Colinas, Texas. The groom arrived on a traditional white horse, wearing an ivory and gold embroidered sherwani, to a mandap that was constructed entirely from roses and orchids in shades of white, pink and orange. I wore a heavy, red and gold-embroidered net sari with a matching gold ‘veil’. The traditional Hindu ceremony lasted around two hours.

Anita gets ready	Walking down the aisle

A view of the Wedding Mandap

Anita with her bridesmaids	Over the Threshold

Centerpiece	Wedding Favors
Newlyweds with the Bride's family

After the ceremony, guests had a short while to relax before the cocktail hour and reception began. As soon as we arrived at the reception, we cut a beautiful wedding cake and had our first dance. We then surprised our 300 guests with an amazing fireworks display in the garden--overlooking the water canal. And then it was back inside for a delicious buffet of North Indian food and lots of dancing! Stewart wore a dark gray suit while I wore a bright turquoise sari that was strewn with crystals. We sat at a sweetheart table--under a canopy of beautiful fresh roses.

The Wedding Reception
Placards	Wedding Cake
Reception Decor

Thank you Parents
Overall, it was just an amazing, magical weekend. Stewart's family, being from Iowa, had never been to an Indian wedding before. They embraced every tradition and nuance with style, grace and a sense of humor. Of course, my parents made the entire event possible. Planning a wedding while living in a different city is no easy task, but my mom helped me all the way and made my every wish come true.