Sami & Lewis

Welcome to our wedding website! We’re so excited to share this special journey with you.

Join us for our wedding at Pala Ubud Villas.

April 28-30, 2025

    Day 1 - Welcome & Sangeet

    Date: April 28, 2025, 4PM - 11PM
    Location: Villa Agung
    Activities: Welcome reception, dinner and dance party
    Theme: Everything that Glitters is Gold
    Dress Code: Indian or Western attire, anything that glitters and shines
    Food & Drinks: Indonesian buffet (dinner) + open bar    In wedding traditions, particularly North Indian weddings, Sangeet is a pre-wedding celebration where family members gather to sing, dance, and perform traditional songs. It typically occurs a few days before the wedding and is a joyous occasion that brings both families together.In classical Indian contexts, Sangeet encompasses both vocal music (geet) and instrumental music (vadya). The term comes from Sanskrit and literally means "sung together" or "music."

    Day 2 - Haldi

    Date: April 29, 2025, 10AM - 1PM
    Location: Riverside
    Activities: Riverside walk, puja, applying haldi paste & lunch
    Theme: Marigold Madness
    Dress Code: Option of linen attire or Indian Kurtas, white & orange (sunrise colors)
    Food & Drinks: Masala chai + south Indian coffee    Haldi is a traditional pre-wedding ceremony in Indian weddings where turmeric paste (haldi) is applied to both the bride and groom (in separate ceremonies) by family members and friends.The bride and groom are expected to keep the turmeric paste on for a few hours after the ceremony, allowing it to work its magic both literally (on the skin) and symbolically (as a blessing).

    Day 2 - Mehendi

    Date: April 29, 2025, 1PM - 5PM
    Location: Villa Sanghyang
    Activities: Henna art, games & afternoon snacks and tea
    Theme: Fifty Shades of Blue
    Dress Code: Linen clothing, flowy and breezy, anything blue
    Food & Drinks: Indian buffet (lunch) + snacks + non-alcoholic drinks
    Entertainment: Giant Jenga, Connect 4 & Mahjong    Mehendi is a pre-wedding ceremony in Indian weddings where intricate designs are applied to the bride's hands, arms, and feet using henna paste.Beyond being a beautification ritual, mehendi is a time for the bride to relax and bond with female family members and friends before the wedding ceremonies begin.

    Day 3 - Tea Ceremony, Wedding & Reception

    Date: April 30, 2025, 3:30PM - 11PM
    Location: Hura Restaurant
    Activities: Chinese tea ceremony, Indian wedding ceremony & reception
    Theme: Crimson & Jade
    Dress Code: Traditional & formal attire, avoid wearing red
    Food & Drinks: High Tea + Canapes + Indian Buffet (Dinner) + Open Bar    The main Indian wedding ceremony typically takes place under a mandap (ceremonial canopy) where the priest chants Sanskrit mantras. Key moments include the arrival of the groom's procession (baraat), the bride's entrance, the exchanging of garlands (jaimala), the seven circles around the sacred fire (saptapadi or seven vows), and the application of sindoor (vermillion powder) in the bride's hair parting. Throughout the ceremony, there are numerous symbolic rituals involving the couple's families, such as the kanyadaan (giving away of the daughter), and the ceremony concludes with blessings from elders.The Chinese tea ceremony (敬茶, jìng chá) is a significant tradition that symbolizes the formal introduction of the bride and groom to each other's families.

    Journey to the West - Story of Sami and Lewis

    Click on the image to read the comic book Journey to the West: Story of Sami and Lewis.

    Traveling to Bali: A Guide for Our Guests

    Welcome to Bali! Here's everything you need to plan your journey to our special day.

    General Information

    Destination Airport:
    Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) in Denpasar, Bali.    Visa Requirements:
    Most travelers can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VOA) for Indonesia. Check specific details for your country. Ensure your passport has at least 6 months validity from your travel date.    Best Time to Arrive: Aim to arrive a day or two before the wedding to relax and enjoy the island.Before the Flight: Book Early!!! Bali is a popular destination, so book flights and accommodations as early as possible to secure the best dealsTravel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover unexpected events, including trip delays, cancellations, or medical emergencies.Mobile Service: Check with your mobile service plan if they support international roamingMiscellaneous: Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and insect repellent.

    Traveling from the United States

    Direct Flights:
    No direct flights; common layover cities include Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, and Singapore.    Flight Duration:
    Approx. 20-24 hours (including layovers).    Key Tips:
    Consider staying overnight in a layover city to break up the journey.
    Flights from West Coast cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco tend to have shorter travel times.

    Traveling from India

    Direct Flights:
    Airlines such as Garuda Indonesia and Batik Air offer direct or one-stop flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
    Flight Duration: Approx. 7-10 hours (including layovers).    Key Tips:
    Plan flights early for better deals.    Transit Options:
    Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, or Bangkok are common layover points.

    Traveling from China

    Direct Flights:
    Available from cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou via China Eastern Airlines and AirAsia.    Flight Duration:
    Approx. 6-7 hours.    Transit Options:
    Flights often connect through Singapore or Kuala Lumpur.    Key Tips:
    Book early as flights to Bali are popular among Chinese travelers.
    Flights from West Coast cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco tend to have shorter travel times.

    Local Transportation in Bali

    Wedding Venue:
    The Pala Ubud Villas
    Address: Jl. Kelusu, Pejeng Kelod, Kec. Tampaksiring, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80552, Indonesia
    Phone: +62 811-3888-565    Airport Transfers:
    Arrange a taxi or private transfer from the airport to your accommodation. Many hotels offer free or paid pick-up services.    Ride-Hailing Apps:
    Grab and Gojek are popular and reliable for getting around.    Car Rentals:
    Available with or without a driver if you prefer more flexibility.

    Additional Tips

    Weather:
    Bali is just to the south of the equator and has a tropical climate, with high temperatures all year round.
    Average temperatures in April are around
        - High temperature: 31°C / 88°F
        - Low temperature: 25°C / 77°F
    So pack light and breathable clothing while visiting.

    Currency:
    Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). You can exchange money on official counters found at airports or in the cities. Credit cards are widely accepted as well!!

    Electricity:
    Indonesia uses Type C and F plugs (230V). Bring an adapter if needed.

    Cash Me If You Can: A
    Chindian Wedding "Registry"

    Thank you for checking our wedding registry page!
    Surprise! We don't have one—because who needs another toaster when you can have cold, hard cash?
    In our blended Chinese-Indian cultures, monetary gifts are the golden standard (literally, in some cases).
    In Chinese tradition, "Hong Bao" (red packets stuffed with money) are the way to go. In Indian culture, "Shagun" gifts (also money, just with a fancier name) are how you show your blessing.
    Basically, both our cultures have figured out that cash is king!
    While traditionally these gifts are presented on the wedding day (along with awkward hugs, handshakes, and "congratulations" that last a beat too long), we're embracing the digital age! Feel free to Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal us your love. Just scan the QR code below and be sure to select "friends and family" because... well, we're trying to not let big tech take platform service fees for doing nothing!
    Your generosity will directly fund either:The Sami and Lewis Chindian Baby Fund (no pressure)
    —OR—
    Sami and Lewis' Marriage Counseling Sessions (just kidding... maybe)
    Your choice! Either way, we promise to spend your money more wisely than we spent on our wedding outfits.
    Questions? Comments? Cash delivery problems? We're here for you (especially for the last one).