Sangeet - Dinner, Dancing and Entertainment

The Reef on the Water

Wedding & Reception

Our Wedding

"Everything happens in it's own time". Ecclesiastes 3.1 Before we met, we were on two paths that just hadn't crossed yet . . . We both had studied and become yoga teachers, both dabbled in guitar, had a love for food and music and are creatives at heart. "I found in him everything I’d always hoped for, and even a few things I thought I’d have to give up on. Valentino, in my eyes, is a genuinely good man, unshakably secure, a cultural chameleon, and a calm communicator. And as if that weren’t enough… he’s frickin’ hilarious.”— Michell My mother called me a late bloomer. So it is not unusual that at this point in my life I would find the person i would call "The One". When I met Michell I thought it would be a quick coffee and it turned into two years of developing a partnership based on honesty, integrity and love."And the greatest of these is love." She keeps me real and does not laugh at all my jokes so when she does I know its funny. She inspires me to be my best self with the determination that one needs with me. Because I ain't easy. But most importantly she is in my corner as I am in hers. She is the answer to my prayers.-Valentino What neither of us expected was that sticking to our non-negotiables would lead us to find something we've never had but longed for.

Our Story

Photos

Wouldn't You Like to Know. . .   JK. TBA shortly

Wedding Party

Q + A

Getting to Long Beach, CA

📍 Helpful Distances (Approximate)From AirportDrive to Wedding AreaLong Beach (LGB)~15–25 minJohn Wayne (SNA)~20–30 min Los Angeles (LAX)~30–45 min ✈️ Travel Information — Getting to the WeddingWe’re so excited you’ll be joining us to celebrate! To help you plan your trip, below are the best airport and travel options for arriving in Southern California. 🛬 Closest AirportsThere are three convenient airports you can fly into for our wedding festivities. Depending on where you’re coming from, different airports might offer better flight options or rental car availability. 🛫 1. Long Beach Airport (LGB)Best for: Shortest drive to the wedding venues, smaller airport, less crowded.Distance: ~15–25 minutes from Garden Grove / Wedding hotelsWhy choose it:Easy in/out travel with shorter security linesClose to accommodations and venuesGreat option if you’re coming from the West Coast or connecting through LAX👉 Ideal for guests looking for the quickest and least stressful arrival. 🛫 2. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)Best for: Most flight options from domestic and international locations.Distance: ~30–45 minutes from Garden Grove / Wedding hotels (traffic dependent)Why choose it:Largest airport in the area with many nonstop flightsBest option if you’re flying in from far awayMore rental car, ride-share, and shuttle availability🚗 Note: Traffic around LAX can be heavy during peak times — plan accordingly. 🛫 3. John Wayne Airport (SNA) — Santa AnaBest for: Central option between LGB and LAX with lots of flight availability.Distance: ~20–30 minutes from Garden Grove / Wedding hotelsWhy choose it:Convenient mid-size airportOften easier than LAX but still plenty of flight optionsClose to local hotels and wedding events 🚢 Arriving by CruiseLong Beach is home to one of the largest cruise embarkation ports on the West Coast, located at the Queen Mary. If you’re already planning a cruise, or want to turn the wedding weekend into a longer getaway, this can be a fun option.The cruise terminal is a short drive (or a long, scenic walk) from our wedding venue, The Reef, and nearby hotels. Ride-share, taxis, and shuttles are readily available between the port, downtown Long Beach, and the waterfront. We recommend double-checking cruise departure and arrival times to ensure smooth logistics for wedding events.

Where to Stay

A Note on Downtown Long Beach Events & Hotel Pricing

🎉 About Hotel Pricing &amp; Local EventsLong Beach, especially downtown and waterfront, is an energetic area with lots of nightlife, concerts, festivals, and cultural events happening throughout the year. Even if there’s nothing “major” advertised for your weekend, smaller shows and music concerts can cause hotel prices to spike unexpectedly.

We are excited to announce that the Marriott Long Beach Downtown will host out Wedding Room Block&nbsp;the weekend of our wedding. Currently accepting online and phone reservations until&nbsp;April 29th&nbsp;, 2026.&nbsp; Please see attached&nbsp;rooming list for the&nbsp;five&nbsp;contracted&nbsp;Junior Suites..To streamline the reservation process guests can create a dedicated booking website where they can easily make, modify, and cancel their hotel reservations.Please use the website link below as soon as possible, to make your reservations:<a href="https://book.passkey.com/go/EngineLongBeachCaliforniaRB" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://book.passkey.com/go/EngineLongBeachCaliforniaRB</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://book.passkey.com/go/EngineLongBeachCaliforniaRB" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://book.passkey.com/go/EngineLongBeachCaliforniaRB</a>

Marriott Long Beach Downtown

Please note: nightly rates booked months in advance sometimes show higher prices than those booked a few days before arrival for this reason. So, keep in mind that demand for rooms goes up around events and weekend social traffic, even if the event itself seems modest. So our suggestion is:✨ Check prices often - you might catch a lower rate if a block of rooms frees up.✨ Consider booking a flexible or refundable rate so you can re-book if the price drops later. Downtown Long Beach often hosts concerts and local events and our wedding weekend is no exception. Even smaller events can affect hotel availability and pricing.We’re currently seeing some hotels priced $100+ higher when booking months in advance compared to closer to the date, and local weekend activity appears to be the main driver. We’ll continue to monitor what’s happening that weekend and share updates as we learn more, so you can plan accordingly.

Long Beach Logistics and Information (closest neighborhood t to the venue)

Whether you’re prioritizing location (Long Beach waterfront), proximity to wedding events, or budget-friendly stays close to the airport, there are great options to choose from. We'll provide some of our suggestions below

Near Downtown Long Beach

🌴 In/near Downtown Long Beach &amp; WaterfrontGreat choices if you want easy access to nightlife, waterfront dining, local attractions, and the wedding venue (The Reef).Most of the hotels below are within a short drive or walk of the Reef, our wedding venue. 1. Hotel Maya – ~0.4 km / ~5-10 min walk or short drive from The Reef. Stylish waterfront resort with harbor views. However, if ultra-modern rooms and total quiet are must-haves, you may want to explore some of the other options below. location, views, and a relaxed resort feel, <a href=" https://www.hotelmayalongbeach.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.hotelmayalongbeach.com/</a> 2. The Queen Mary – ~0.5 km / ~10-15 min walk or quick drive. Historic ocean liner-turned-hotel right by the harbor and cruise terminal is a fun and unique stay. <a href=" https://www.queenmary.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.queenmary.com/</a> 3. Hyatt Regency Long Beach – ~1.2 mi / 30 min walk or short ride. Classic waterfront option with easy access to dining, nightlife, and the Aquarium. <a href="https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/lgbrl-hyatt-regency-long-beach?src=corp_lclb_google_seo_lgbrl&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=lmr" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/en-US/lgbrl-hyatt-regency-long-beach?src=corp_lclb_google_seo_lgbrl&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=lmr</a> 4. Hyatt Centric The Pike Long Beach – ~0.2 mi / ~5–10 min walk. Near The Pike at Rainbow Harbor — great for restaurants, shops, and sunset strolls. (link: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/california/hyatt-centric-the-pike-long-beach/lgbpk)5. The Westin Long Beach – ~1.1 mi / ~30 min walk or short ride. Comfortable, well-reviewed hotel close to the waterfront. (link: <a href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/lgbwi-the-westin-long-beach/overview/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/lgbwi-the-westin-long-beach/overview/</a>) 6. Residence Inn by Marriott Long Beach Downtown – ~0.9mi 13-Minute Walk~ 5 min drive. Spacious suites and kitchenettes — good choice for families or longer stays. https://residence-inn.marriott.com/ 🗺️ Visitor TipsMost of these hotels are within a few minutes’ drive or a pleasant walk to The Reef and other waterfront attractions like the Aquarium of the Pacific and Shoreline Village. Staying near the waterfront means easy access to the cruise terminal and Queen Mary if you’re combining travel plans.You’ll find plenty of restaurants, bars, and evening activities within walking distance in downtown Long Beach.

Boasting a rooftop pool with a hot tub and a well equipped gym, Marriott Long Beach Downtown offers accommodations in downtown Long Beach. An on-site restaurant, Local Current, is also available. Rooms at the Marriott Long Beach Downtown are equipped with internet access, hair dryer, flat-screen TVs and a work station. Some rooms open out onto private balconies. Local Current offers authentic Southern California cuisine and locally inspired cocktails in an indoor and outdoor setting. It overlooks the ocean, boasting views of the Pacific. The hotel also features a reservation desk, M Club concierge lounge, and 24-hour Market. Marriott Long Beach Downtown is less than a 1 mi from the Aquarium of the Pacific and 2 mi from the Queen Mary. The nearest airport is Long Beach Airport, 11 mi from the property.

Other Long Beach Options

🌊 Belmont Shore – A Relaxed Beachside OptionIf you’re looking for a quieter, laid-back coastal vibe just outside the downtown hub, Belmont Shore is a wonderful choice. It’s a friendly beach neighborhood with a charming small-town feel, great for relaxing, strolling, and taking in classic Southern California coastal living. 🌴 What Belmont Shore Feels LikeLaid-back beach atmosphere: Think sunshine, palm trees, and easygoing strolls along Ocean Blvd. You’ll find locals biking, walking dogs, or sipping coffee at outdoor patios — perfect for guests who want something a bit calmer than downtown hustle. Great local scene on 2nd Street: This walkable main street is packed with boutique shops, cafés, casual restaurants, wine bars, and dessert spots — ideal for grabbing a bite before or after wedding events. Beach &amp; bay access: Belmont Shore borders Alamitos Bay Beach and the Pacific, making it easy to enjoy water-side activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, or a scenic beach walk. Close but quieter: It’s just a short ride (about 10-15 min by car or rideshare) from downtown Long Beach and the wedding venue (The Reef), but tends to be a little more relaxed and residential than staying right on the waterfront in the city center.

When to Book

Travel

Things to Do

Registry

Friday Dinner Theme -Indian Sangeet

Sangeet Dinner/Mehndi Ceremony : Cocktail attire (less formal and festive). Sangeet Activities:Mehendi - A traditional Indian ceremony where intricate henna designs are drawn on the hands or wrists. Participation is optional and open to guests. Musical Performances by family, friends and professional entertainment and dance instruction by L.A. Bollywood Dance.* Please wear comfortable shoes and clothes so you can dance! Types of Gujarati Dancing at Sangeet 1. Garba ~is a traditional, energetic folk dance from the Indian state of Gujarat. It features participants clapping and whirling rhythmically in circles of celebration. 2. Dandiya Raas: A fast-paced dance involving two wooden sticks (dandiyas) which dancers click together while dancing in pairs or circles is a vibrant, high-energy folk dance, ﻿Color Theme for Sangeet: (Completely optional, but warmly welcomed)Guests are encouraged to wear any combination of: jewel tones (emerald green, royal blue, magenta), vibrant fuchsia, bright yellow, orange, and gold. We’ve included links below for inspiration and shopping options if you’d like to dress the part. More Information:Please see the link below for additional details about Mehendi, what to wear and where to buy.

Sangeet Clothing Guidelines

For an Indian Sangeet, guests typically wear bright, vibrant, and festive colors that reflect the joyful, musical nature of the evening. Popular choices include rich jewel tones (emerald green, royal blue, magenta), vibrant fuchsia, bright yellow, orange, and gold. Sparkly, embellished outfits are encouraged for this glamorous, dance-filled event. Top Color Choices: Bright and bold colors like fuchsia, yellow, royal blue, magenta, and green are perfect for the festive atmosphere. Jewel Tones &amp; Pastels: Deep, rich colors such as emerald or sapphire are popular, as are, to a lesser extent, softer shades like lavender or pastel pink. Men's Attire: Men often wear vibrant kurtas or more formal attire in shades like navy, maroon, or gold. Styling Tip: Choose comfortable attire that allows for easy movement, as the Sangeet is known for its dancing and performances.

What to Wear and Where to Buy It

How to Dress for as an Indian Wedding Guest<a href="https://www.cbazaar.com/blog/how-to-dress-for-an-indian-wedding-as-a-guest/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.cbazaar.com/blog/how-to-dress-for-an-indian-wedding-as-a-guest/</a> What colors to wear to an Indian Wedding.<a href="https://www.cbazaar.com/blog/indian-wedding-outfit-colour-combinations/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.cbazaar.com/blog/indian-wedding-outfit-colour-combinations/</a> For an Indian Sangeet, guests typically wear bright, vibrant, and festive colors that reflect the joyful, musical nature of the evening. Popular choices include rich jewel tones (emerald green, royal blue, magenta), vibrant fuchsia, bright yellow, orange, and gold. Sparkly, embellished outfits are encouraged for this glamorous, dance-filled event. Top Color Choices: Bright and bold colors like fuchsia, yellow, royal blue, magenta, and green are perfect for the festive atmosphere. Jewel Tones &amp; Pastels: Deep, rich colors such as emerald or sapphire are popular, as are, to a lesser extent, softer shades like lavender or pastel pink. Men's Attire: Men often wear vibrant kurtas or more formal attire in shades like navy, maroon, or gold. Styling Tip: Choose comfortable attire that allows for easy movement, as the Sangeet is known for its dancing and performances. Indian Clothing Websites:<a href="https://www.houseofindya.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.houseofindya.com</a> Recommended Online Indian Clothing Shops <a href="https://www.perniaspopupshop.com/ " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.perniaspopupshop.com/ </a> <a href="https://www.kalkifashion.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.kalkifashion.com/</a> <a href="https://phera.co" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://phera.co</a> <a href="https://www.azafashions.com/ " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.azafashions.com/ </a>

Pictures of Mehendi Attire (Men & Women)

Wedding Ceremony and Reception Attire

Wedding Day: Formal attire for the ceremony, dinner, and reception. For the wedding and reception, we invite guests to wear Indian Indian, Western, or any type of Cultural formal attire you love!

Michell & Valentino

Michell & Valentino

Q + A

Q + A coming soon!