Join us in India 🤎
Join us in India 🤎
Our Story
Last November, Kelsey was invited by the Oneness Movement to create for their new Ayurveda center the day before Maha Tapas (a 2-week spiritual initiation) in India. On that day, she was introduced to Pushpanath, a talented cinematographer from Pondicherry, India who works full-time for Oneness. The creative synergy, attraction and clarity was palpable. For the first time ever, Kelsey understood the saying “when you know, you know” and made sure to get his number after her 2 weeks in silence.
What began as a divinely arranged meeting quickly became a powerful creative partnership and committed relationship. After many synchronicities, dreams and divine messages, we started face-timing every day until Kelsey could return to India. We spent months creating and traveling together (which feels like a lifetime in presence) photographing side-by-side for Oneness, sharing our love for music and dance, visiting temples, traveling by motorcycle up and down the coast, shooting films in remote villages, and nurturing a life that bridges two cultures. Our shared love for creating beauty and embracing life as an unpredictable adventure deepened into a mutual devotion to share our life together.
Even though we speak different languages (Push speaks good enough English ;) our love has shown us that anything is possible! As we commit ourselves to experiencing love beyond words and concepts, we have chosen one another wholeheartedly. As we look toward the future, we aim to build a life that honors both of our cultures, families, and dreams — creating a home, and a love story, that belongs to yet transcends both worlds. We are blessed to tie the knot at Ekam, one of the most sacred places on this planet and the one that brought us together. And as professional witnessers…
We would love to be witnessed by you!
Ceremony
November 11, 2026
Ekam World Center for Enlightenment
Varadaiahpalem, Andhra Pradesh, India
🔥 3hr Traditional Tamil Wedding 🛕
Including Sacred Rituals, outdoor Fire Ceremony + Prayers inside the Temple
Followed by South Indian Lunch
Please RSVP below by July 29th, 2026.
Reception
Nov 13, 2026
💃🏽 Traditional Tamil Celebration 🕺🏿
PONDICHERRY, INDIA
Gifts, blessings, food, dance and hundreds of people!
Wedding Registry
The greatest gift is having you with us in India. If you can’t join us and/or you'd like to offer something more, we're gratefully accepting contributions toward building our life together across two countries & two cultures.
Because of the unique nature of our journey (navigating international marriage, immigration, and life between US & India) financial contributions – that prevent us from being oceans apart – mean the world to us!
Ways to Contribute
✦ Keeping us Together: Support with flights between the US & India as we travel back and forth in the years ahead. Roundtrip fares are $1,100–$1,500 per person.
✦ The Legal Road: International marriage comes with a mountain of paperwork + fees. Immigration attorney, fiancé visa, green card, OCI card and other legal documents are our biggest and most meaningful needs.
✦ A Place to Land: As we build our life between two countries, contributions toward rent, accommodations, or eventually a home in India or US go directly into our foundation as a family.
✦ Co~Creation: While we welcome gifts, we also love the work we do in this world. We’d be happy for support to go both ways!
Venmo: @starshipsky
Zelle: 928-862-8831
Paypal: violetvuddha@gmail.com
Check: 15 Stardust Ln. Sedona, AZ 86336
Anything contributed will go exactly where it's needed most at that moment in our journey. Every contribution, at any size, is deeply felt. There is no expectation — only endless gratitude!!!
RSVP by July 29th
India Travel Guide
Everything you need to know and more!
Please check back as information will continue to be updated / added.
Before you leave home
✦ Passport — must be valid 6+ months beyond your travel dates. Renew now if needed (US passport renewals are running 6–10 weeks).
✦ Indian Tourist e-Visa — apply at indianvisaonline.gov.in. Apply no earlier than 120 days before travel, no later than 5 days before. Cost ~$25–80 depending on duration. Print and carry a physical copy.
✦ Phone plan — if your carrier doesn’t already provide it, add an international plan before departure or buy a local SIM at Chennai airport (Airtel and Jio are the main carriers, very affordable).
✈️ Flights
✦ Best US gateways to Chennai (MAA): Usually we fly through Dubai (Emirates). Current safe routes are through Singapore (Singapore Airlines), Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific), London (British Airways) You can also check Lufthansa, Air France and Ava and fly through Germany or other routes – just check current status.
✦ Approximate flight time: 20–26 hours total with layovers
✦ Book early: 6 months out (now) for best fares.
✦Luggage tip: Pack light and buy Indian clothes when you arrive.
Make sure to account for the 24-hours of travel + that India is 1 day ahead of US. When you fly in, you arrive 1.5-2 days later. When you fly back, you will arrive in US the same day you leave in India.
Where to stay in Chennai
When you fly in, you will stay in Chennai until Nov 12 (if you are joining / traveling south after for reception in Pondy). We recommend arriving at least 2 days before the ceremony to acclimate. Choose your own adventure! You can stay anywhere from luxurious western-style hotels to simple budget-friendly hotels & bnbs.
Here are Chennai suggestions:
✦The Raintree (St. Mary’s Road): Kelsey’s go-to for modern western comfort. We will coordinate group transport from here. If Kelsey & Push join you for shopping day on 9 or 10, we will stay here.
✦ The Leela Palace: for a luxurious stay close to the ocean
✦The Taj Clubhouse: a friend favorite
✦ The Park Hyatt: another 5-star friend fav
✦ AirBnb Areas: Alwarpet, Mylapore, Adyar
Nov 9-12 | Chennai, Nov 12-14 | Pondicherry
For full itinerary please click HERE
Where to stay in Pondicherry
If you are joining us for the reception, we will be traveling south on Nov 12 (about 3-3.5 hours – don’t rely on google map times!!!) This is where Push is from and all of his family lives. It is also the French/European area of India :)
We recommend staying in White Town (French Quarter) for the reception. Its colorful colonial streets, cafés, boutiques, and seaside promenade make it one of the most magical places in South India. White Town is only 10min. from our reception venue. If you don’t mind 20-30min. of travel, you can also stay in Auroville, the experimental city of Enlightenment!
Here are some Pondy suggestions (feel free to do your own research too, there are endless options!)
✦ Le Royal Park is where the reception will be.
✦ White Town Hotels: La Maison De Bitasta, Palais de Mahe, La Plage, La Villa Shanti
✦ White Town Boutique Heritage Houses: (Multiple rooms, check AirBnb listings for all options. You may get better rates if you search & contact on Google)
Le Jardin Suffren (we stayed once and loved it)
Gratitude Heritage Home, The Courtyard
✦ Auroville AirBnbs: (closer-to nature, village style)
Eco-House (we stayed once and loved it) Earthen Home
✦ Beach Resorts (further travel times):
Getting Around
✦ While in the city, auto-rickshaws or TukTuks: fun, small, open-air vehicles for short distances (5-25min rides)
Negotiate ahead of time, usually 200-500 rupees one-way
✦ Uber is available within Chennai
✦ Please check back for traveling to Ekam for Ceremony + Pondicherry for Reception. We may set up ride shares from The Raintree. Otherwise, we recommend a private taxi/car. Ekam is a 1.5hrs & Pondicherry is 3.5hrs from Chennai. We can provide contact info + Google Map links for drivers.
Arriving in Chennai
✦ Chennai International Airport (MAA): International Terminal 4.
✦Documentation: 2-3 printed copies of Passport, Visa, and E-Arrival Card
+ C-Form if staying at Ekam campus for ceremony – please request from Kelsey.
✦ Currency: Indian Rupees (INR) – you can exchange directly with your taxi pick-up if you personally request ahead of time. Most drivers use WhatsApp and we can get you connected to trusted drivers. There are also airport currency exchanges or ATMs on arrival. Avoid exchanging at home — rates are poor. Notify your bank before traveling.
✦ Phone — Check with your provider for International plans / fees. WhatsApp is the best way to text within India.
✦ Getting from the airport to your hotel: If it’s your first time, please reach out to me and we can help you get a taxi setup for your arrival. They will wait outside with a sign. You can also exchange USD with them before you get to your hotel.
Pre-paid taxis are also available at official booths inside arrivals — pay the fixed rate at the counter, get a receipt, ignore anyone approaching you outside.
Uber is also available in Chennai. Download before you arrive.
What to Wear
November weather in Tamil Nadu/Andhra Pradesh: warm + humid, 75–90°F. Pack for summer with light layers for air-conditioned spaces. Scarves, light rain jacket or umbrella (end of monsoon season, just in case). You can buy all your Indian clothing when you arrive as it’s more accessible and affordable.
✦ For the Ekam Wedding Ceremony: festive Indian attire strongly encouraged. Women can wear indian saree, fancy kurtas & churidar or western dresses that cover shoulders, cleavage & butt. Men can wear kurtas or western suits, vests, etc. Bright colors welcome and encouraged. Please avoid black. We will be outside for a fire ceremony + inside the temple.
✦ For the Pondicherry Reception: festive Indian attire strongly encouraged. Women can wear western dresses (less formal than temple) okay to show shoulders. Men can wear western suits, collared shirts, vests, etc.
✦ For general travel in South India: lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen and cotton are your best friend. Modest coverage (shoulders, butt, cleavage & knees covered if you want to fit it and feel comfortable). Men can wear shorts outside temples.
✦ Shoes: comfy slip-on sandals or slides you can remove easily — you will remove shoes frequently at temples and homes. Crocs, Birkenstocks, Tevas, Earthrunners, Chacos, or basic flip flops. One every-day pair + one nicer pair for temples & ceremonies is really all you need unless you’re going hiking in the Himalayas!
Eating, Shopping, Exploring
Please check back as I will add more :)
CHENNAI
FOOD:
Most hotels will include breakfast + have restaurants on-site for all meals. For best western, organic, veg options I recommend Amethyst Cafe. You can buy fresh organic fruit and juice on the roadside at all times! Avoid cooked roadside food unless you are with us and we know its safe.
SHOPPING:
Express Mall (for wedding wears + any western needs)
Anohki (boutique shop with beautiful Indian + Western styles in stunning patterns and colors, walking distance from Raintree) + there are shops at Amethyst Cafe.
EXPLORING:
Shiva Temple
PONDY / AUROVILLE
FOOD:
Most hotels will include breakfast + have restaurants on-site for all meals. For best western, organic, veg options I recommend going to Auroville’s grocery store. Additionally White Town has tons of café’s and European + Western cuisine.
Farm Fresh Auroville (Organic Grocery store!)
SHOPPING:
Flowerchild Closet in Auroville (a Kelsey favorite)
Anohki in White Town
Sri Aurobindo Gift Shop in Pondy - best oils & ayurvedic needs
EXPLORING:
Auroville Matrimandir – The famous golden temple that is the center of the city. You can’t go inside unless you apply at least 10 days in advance. You can at least visit the grounds, the sacred Banyan Tree and see the Matrimandir from afar. Visiting the shops and nature is still worth it even if you can’t go inside!
Beaches & Marinas: Promenade Beach, Rock Beach, Serenity Beach, Pondy Marina
