Welcome to ARJU: A Love Story That Led to the Ultimate Wedding Directory

Love. It’s a funny thing, isn’t it? Sometimes, it sneaks up on you when you least expect it. It’s a little like the way I met my husband—let me tell you our story. Grab a cup of chai, and let’s go on this journey together.

I met my husband in school. We were just friends, but the kind of friends who could talk about everything and nothing. We laughed together, shared our dreams, and maybe even had a few “will they, won’t they” moments. But then life did what life does. I moved to a different school, and just like that, we lost touch. Yet, for some inexplicable reason, we’d always reconnect at the most significant moments in our lives. A random phone call here, a message there—even if we hadn’t spoken in over a year. It was like some cosmic force was pushing us to stay connected.

Fast forward to university, and we reconnected properly. At this point, he was no longer just my best friend; he was someone who had been there through thick and thin, the kind of person who would stand by you through your darkest days. But here’s the catch—I wasn’t sure if I could see him as more than a friend. It was like trying to read a book you’ve already read a hundred times—you know the plot too well to look at it differently. But when you’re with someone who’s that good to you, and you realize no one else could possibly understand you the way they do, you start to ask yourself: “What am I waiting for?”

So, I took a leap of faith. We got together, and everything changed. I don’t know if there’s anything more special than finding love in your best friend. He was already my rock, my partner, and now, he was officially my love. We’ve always been brutally honest with each other, pushing each other to grow, to be better, and to chase our dreams.

But love doesn’t always come easy, right? Neither of us came from wealth. We both knew what it meant to hustle and to struggle. So when it came time to plan our wedding, it wasn’t just about the flowers or the dress. It was about making the day of our dreams, on a budget that made sense.

Let me tell you, wedding planning? That was a full-time job. Between 9-5 work, I was knee-deep in planning, scrolling through lists of vendors, comparing prices, and making endless spreadsheets. You could say wedding planning became my second job—and I wasn’t even getting paid! But I had a mission. I wanted to create something beautiful that didn’t break the bank.

Fast forward over a year of late nights and relentless emails, we pulled it off. The wedding was a dream. It wasn’t the most expensive, but it was undoubtedly the most meaningful. And, most importantly, we celebrated our love surrounded by the people who meant the most to us. The vendors we found—oh, they were amazing. So many were small South Asian businesses, just like us—trying to make their mark. It was a magical blend of culture, love, and community.

A few years later, we welcomed our first child, Arju (yes, this Arju). And while life kept moving forward, my friends and family were now stepping into the wedding planning arena, facing the same struggles we did. It was like déjà vu all over again. The vendors were still hard to find. The budget? Always a balancing act. The pressure? Real. And I found myself thinking, “I wish we had something to help us back then.” And that’s when it hit me—why not create it?

And so, ARJU was born. A one-stop shop for all things South Asian weddings, no matter your budget. The idea is simple: we want to make wedding planning as easy as possible, while still celebrating the rich, diverse culture that comes with a South Asian wedding. Here, you can browse through trusted vendors who understand the unique traditions and values we hold dear—and more importantly, who respect every couple’s financial journey. Whether you’re working with a grand budget or something a bit more modest, we’ve got you covered.

ARJU is more than just a directory—it’s a community. A space where you can find incredible vendors, support small businesses, and plan your big day with the same love and care you put into every other part of your life. It’s my greatest love project, and truly, it’s the best thing to come from my marriage (next to my husband, of course).

I’m so excited for you, whether you’re in the early stages of planning or already knee-deep in decisions. This is your journey, and I can’t wait to see how ARJU can help bring your wedding dreams to life. Let’s make your special day as unforgettable as the love that brought you here.

Welcome to ARJU. It’s time to celebrate your love, your way. 💕