Our love story starts with the swipe of our fingers as we stumble through the dating app world. Ted and Kavitha matched on Bumble and Tinder in 2016!
The couple texted on Bumble for 2 months before meeting, due to both being out of town. They almost met for the 1st time in Vegas, but it didn't work out because Kavitha lost her wallet and cell phone (no surprise there).
Their first date was at a restaurant in Indianapolis, where the dinner conversation flowed so naturally, it was like they knew each other for years. It was the best first date both have ever been on!
At the end of the date, Ted asked Kavitha if she wanted to go on a Christmas Bar Crawl with him and his friends that weekend. She said "Yes! - but under one condition!". Ted thought she was going to say something to make him regret inviting her, instead she said: "you have to wear a Christmas onesie with me!"
Ted happily obliged, and Kavitha bought him a Grinch onesie the next day. He wore it with pride, and the onesie bar crawl has been a tradition ever since!
Throughout the 5 years of dating, they've blazed through some major milestones, that led them to where they are now:
1 Month of Dating: Kavitha was going on a work trip to Italy, and decided to take a 4-day pit stop to Switzerland to ski. She asked Ted if he was interested in going, and to her surprise, he had no hesitations in saying YES! Taking an international trip together within a month of knowing each other may have been fast, but was a great way to make sure they were compatible travel partners. Fun Fact: Ted ended up losing the luggage that had all the ski clothes, but they made the best of it, rented clothes, and still had an amazing time! In addition, their rental car got stuck in the ice the day they were leaving. Kavitha had to navigate taking a trolley and 4 trains to get back to the airport - and somehow made their flight! Despite the setbacks, they both knew they were serious about one another from this trip.
5 Months of Dating: they decided to take the plunge and purchase a condo together in downtown Indianapolis! It's true that Kavitha and Ted hadn't met each others parents prior to their home hunting - but nevertheless it all worked out!
Traveling the World: They both had a goal of reaching "30 countries before 30 years old", and Ted was determined to try and beat Kavitha. Together they traveled to 13 countries together: Switzerland, Ireland, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Mexico, Ecuador, Italy, France, and India! They both reached their "30 countries" goal at 29 and 30 years old :) PS: Ted did NOT beat Kavitha
In February 2020, Ted and Kavitha took a 2 week trip to India with Kavitha's parents. A week before the trip, they visited Kavitha's grandmother in Queens to spend time with her. While Kavitha was using the restroom - Ted pulled out his phone to read a Google translation he made asking for her grandmother's blessing (in Telugu!) to propose. Kavitha's aunt was there to make sure the translation was understood (A+ effort by Ted, but Google translate doesn't get it 100% right!). Kavitha's grandma was so happy to hear this was his plan, and immediately gave him her blessing and best wishes!
Kavitha returned to the bathroom not knowing a thing!
Fast forward to their trip in India,Ted actually tried to propose 3 different times!
Attempt #1: At the top of the steps of Tirumala, Ted lost track of Kavitha’s dad (probably taking a smoking break).
Attempt #2: On the rooftop of Sri Rangam temple, but Kavitha's mom was distracted talking to a priest far away.
Attempt #3: now half-way through the trip, Ted decided to propose in a dirty street market in Jodhpur. After all the beautiful forts, lakes, and temples they saw, it was very fitting where Ted proposed. Their favorite activity to do when traveling the world is going to street markets and being engrossed in the lively culture. Kavitha said yes, and then begged Ted to get off the dirty ground!
After not planning a thing in 2020 (due to COVID and just being lazy), Ted and Kavitha decided to elope in 2021.
With a custom tux (classic Ted), and a 2nd hand wedding dress (classic Kavitha), the two of them decided to elope with nobody around but the forest and treehouses. Once they exchanged vows, and were married, Ted and Kavitha went to a fancy 6-course dinner at a restaurant in downtown Seattle in their wedding attire! It was a great way to end the night, as everyone in the restaurant was looking at them and saying Congratulations!
Their week long vacation in Seattle was filled with love, adventure, quality time spent together, great wine, amazing food, and the utmost appreciation for each other.