Mehndi Party (Welcome Party)

Fuchsia Gardens

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Broadwalk Mall

Our Wedding

Robert Peyton and Tanvi Shah first met as juniors in high school in the class of 2013, two adventurous souls instantly drawn together by their shared love of travel and discovery. Born in the turquoise waters of Grand Cayman and the vibrant shores of Mombasa, Kenya, they had both grown up crisscrossing the globe. From diving reefs and hiking volcanoes, to going on safaris and camping, each collecting their own stories from every corner of the world. What began as friendship soon became an unbreakable bond; through the ups and downs of teenage years, college, and young adulthood, they were each other’s safe harbor. Sharing late-night talks, steadying one another through family challenges, finding themselves, and the quiet pain of growing up. The COVID pandemic in 2020–2021 brought them even closer, turning endless video calls into moments of deep connection that transformed friendship into love.In 2021 they announced their relationship, letting their hearts speak louder than any outside doubts. That same year, Robert graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in hospitality and tourism, while Tanvi earned her Master’s as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, each cheering the other toward their dreams. Life carried them to Florida in 2023 after the passing of Robert’s beloved grandfather, where they built a new chapter together. Robert expanding his family’s Kids Sea Camp, Tanvi pouring her heart into working with children on the autism spectrum. In April 2024 they returned to Kenya so Robert could see the beautiful home of Tanvi’s childhood; in November, beneath the breathtaking Pitons at Jade Mountain in St. Lucia, he asked her to spend forever with him. A month later, they welcomed Oliver, their joyful goldendoodle puppy, adding to their little family. Now, with Olli by their side, they continue chasing horizons, scuba diving in the Galápagos, skiing slopes, and creating memories across the planet. On September 5, 2026, they will say “I do” in Kenya, where Tanvi first gained her sense of adventure. Their love is a quiet, steady journey: rooted in friendship, strengthened by every shared sunrise and storm, and forever carried forward by the simple, beautiful truth that they have always been each other’s home.

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Outfits

Where can I buy my Indian outfits? (these are a few links that will help you find some outfits)

<a href="https://www.kalkifashion.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.kalkifashion.com/</a> <a href="https://www.azafashions.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.azafashions.com/</a> <a href="https://www.perniaspopupshop.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.perniaspopupshop.com/</a> <a href="https://www.lashkaraa.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.lashkaraa.com/</a> <a href="https://g3fashion.com/en-us" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://g3fashion.com/en-us</a> <a href="https://www.cbazaar.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.cbazaar.com/</a>

What should I wear to the Mehndhi Party (welcome party) on Friday Sept 4th?

Think colorful, comfortable, and festive. Women:- Light lehengas, shararas, anarkalis, or flowy dresses- Bright or pastel colors (yellow, green, pink, peach) Men:- Kurtas or a dressy shirt- Pastels or cheerful colors like mint, ivory, or sky blue- Loafers, or sandals Comfort is key—you’ll be sitting, dancing, drinking and getting mehndi applied!

What should I wear for the Wedding (Sept 5th)?                                 

Indian weddings are vibrant, festive, and full of color—guests are encouraged to dress up and celebrate in style. Women:- Lenghas, sarees, anarkalis, shararas, or long dresses- Bright colors and rich jewel tones are welcome.- Avoid red, as this is traditionally reserved for the bride- Dressy sandals or block heels are ideal(the wedding outside) Men:- Kurtas with dressy pants- Sherwanis or Nehru jackets are welcome for a more formal- Neutral, pastel, or festive colors work well- Dress shoes or traditional mojaris are great options Overall: Don’t be afraid of color or embellishment—Indian weddings are joyful, elegant, and meant to be dressed up for!

What should I wear for the Reception (Sept 6th)?

The reception is the most formal and glamorous event—think elegant and dressy. Women:- Think of this like a black-tie or formal event- Lehengas, sarees, anarkalis, or elegant floor-length gowns all work beautifully- Bold colors, sparkle, and embellishment are encouraged- Heels or dressy sandals are perfect Men:- Similar to a formal evening wedding- A suit or tuxedo is perfectly acceptable- Traditional options like a kurta with a Nehru jacket or sherwani are also welcome- Dress shoes or mojaris work well Overall: This is the time to dress up—formal, polished, and celebration-ready.

Q + A

How to Apply for your travel Visa 

This is the official site for visa applications: <a href="https://etakenya.go.ke/. " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://etakenya.go.ke/. </a> Please create an account on the portal and complete the online application form, providing your passport details. You will also be required to upload a clear image of your passport and your flight itinerary. Processing typically takes a few days; we recommend applying approximately one month before travel.

Travel

Flying in, the closest airport is Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Our reserved wedding-party hotel is Bidwood Suites, with an additional convenient option just across the street at Novotel Nairobi Westlands. Both hotels are located approximately 25–30 minutes from the airport, depending on traffic.

Getting To Your Hotel 

Transportation from the airport is simple and flexible. You’ll find Uber, Lyft, and licensed taxis readily available right outside the arrivals area. If you prefer, we can also help arrange pre-booked transport to your hotel for a seamless arrival

Hotel Reservations

Bidwood Suites (Block Rate)

Room Type: • One Bedroom King Suite<a href="https://pano.cool/p/01JZ5MFRM1A5JXTRBFJHFYMKC4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://pano.cool/p/01JZ5MFRM1A5JXTRBFJHFYMKC4</a>• Two Bedroom Executive Suite<a href="https://pano.cool/p/01JZJHZBFQ1Z7DQG8FKAKCPXZD" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://pano.cool/p/01JZJHZBFQ1Z7DQG8FKAKCPXZD</a>

To Book This Hotel

-- Email <a href="mailto:gm@bidwoodsuites.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">gm@bidwoodsuites.com</a> and copy <a href="mailto:reservations@bidwoodsuites.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">reservations@bidwoodsuites.com</a> in the email. -- Use the hashtag #TanviWedsRobbie in the email so they know you are with our wedding party and let them know what room you would like to book. They will then help you further with booking your room. The link below will take you to the website of the hotel so you can view the rooms and amenities further. <a href="https://bidwoodsuites.com/?mhs_hid=26186&amp;mhs_plid=99&amp;mhs_pos=976-009-1539.22629084125&amp;mhs_kid=27833&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=22629084125&amp;gbraid=0AAAAA_3efxZACvGHPfQ25ld74TYv4HuMb&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiA0eTJBhBaEiwA-Pa-hRBvt3Z-fHMJ0C4vLUbQSfI-uNgNcvGNjN_-XwZqih5H3V9ChUTiOhoCX4EQAvD_BwE" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bidwoodsuites.com/mhs_hid=26186&amp;mhs_plid=99&amp;mhs_pos=9760091539.22629084125&amp;mhs_kid=27833&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=22629084125&amp;gbraid=0AAAAA_3efxZACvGHPfQ25ld74TYv4HuMb&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiA0eTJBhBaEiwA-Pa-hRBvt3Z-fHMJ0C4vLUbQSfIuNgNcvGNjN_XwZqih5H3V9ChUTiOhoCX4EQAvD_BwE</a>

Novotel Nairobi Westlands (Right across the street from Bidwood) 

The other hotel that can be booked is Novotel Nairobi Westlands and this can be done directly through their website. There is no block rate for this hotel. <a href="https://www.guestreservations.com/novotel-nairobi-westlands/booking" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.guestreservations.com/novotel-nairobi-westlands/booking</a>

Other Hotels Close by

Kwetu Nairobi, Curio Collection By Hilton <a href="https://www.guestreservations.com/kwetu-nairobi-curio-collection-by-hilton/booking?utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_campaign=22657525800&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=22657525800&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADiMQMbGdP_j_8_hnR8ttobkkes6L&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQiAhaHMBhD2ARIsAPAU_D4sN9YIGfbtDLQybwdcpgpM_685hZZYpjXaTqrXmP00YSune6tCMEMaAlXFEALw_wcB" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.guestreservations.com/kwetu-nairobi-curio-collection-by-hilton/booking</a>

Activities to do in Nairobi 

To book any of the excursions below, contact our travel liaison Rishi Shah via:Email: <a href="mailto:hello@upepoadventures.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hello@upepoadventures.com</a>or via Mobile: +254705947596 on WhatsApp Please be sure to mention that you are with the Tanvi and Robbie wedding party, and he will assist you further with coordinating all arrangements. These excursions can be booked on any day during your stay in Nairobi, including days when wedding events are scheduled earlier or later in the day.

High-interest crowd-pleasers (easy to slot around events):

These include:- Giraffe Center- Sheldrick Wildlife Trust – Elephant Nursery- Nairobi National Park

Giraffe Center 

The Giraffe Centre is the creation of the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (A.F.E.W. Kenya), a Kenyan non-profit organization. Their main purpose is to educate children and youth on Kenya's wildlife and environment, as well as give local and international visitors an opportunity to come into close contact with the world’s tallest species, the giraffe.

They are open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily and you can pay at the gate. If you want to look up more about this activity, below is a link to their instagram page and Website. Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/giraffecentre_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/giraffecentre_?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&amp;igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==</a> Website:<a href="https://www.giraffecentre.org/about-us/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.giraffecentre.org/about-us/</a>

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust – Elephant Nursery

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) is the most successful orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation program in the world and one of the pioneering conservation organizations for wildlife and habitat protection in East Africa. Orphan rescue involves rapid response to remote areas of Kenya. A rescue team is flown in by charter and the elephants are then transported by ground back to the Nairobi Nursery.

Every day, from 11am - 12 noon, they invite visitors to book a space to join the orphaned elephants at their midday mud bath and milk feed at our orphanage in Nairobi National Park. Access for this special visit is by advance booking only. Here is a link to learn more about this activity:<a href="https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/visiting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/visiting</a>

Nice add-ons (choose-your-own-adventure):

• Karen Blixen Museum + Kazuri Beads (culture &amp; crafts)• Tea farm tour (Limuru)• Karura Forest walk / bike• Village Market (bowling/arcade)• Bomas of Kenya (cultural dances)• Nairobi National Park (half-day game drive; great for those not going to Mara or just wanting more game drive experiences)

Karen Blixen Museum + Kazuri Beads (Culture & Crafts)

The Karen Blixen Museum and Kazuri Beads are two popular, close-by Nairobi attractions in the Karen area, offering a mix of history and culture: the museum showcases the life of the Out of Africa author amidst stunning Ngong Hills views, while Kazuri Beads is a vibrant workshop employing local women to craft beautiful, hand-painted ceramic jewelry, providing a chance to see the creation process and buy unique souvenirs. They are often visited together as part of Nairobi tours, linking literary heritage with local artistry and community support. <a href="https://karenblixengroup.com/tour-item/kazuri-beads-factory-and-pottery-centre/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://karenblixengroup.com/tour-item/kazuri-beads-factory-and-pottery-centre/</a>

Tea Farm Tour

Discover the enchanting world of tea at the Tea Farms, located just a short drive from Nairobi. This tour offers an immersive experience into the art of tea cultivation, production, and tasting, all set against the backdrop of lush, scenic landscapes.

Karura Forest Walk/ Bike 

Karura Forest is a large, protected urban forest in Nairobi, Kenya, offering a vital green space for nature lovers with hiking/jogging trails, waterfalls, caves, and diverse wildlife like monkeys, duikers, and birds, managed collaboratively by Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and Friends of Karura Forest (FKF), promoting conservation and recreation against development threats. Activities: Walking, jogging, cycling, dog walking (with permit), picnics, bird watching, exploring waterfalls, and caves (like Mau Mau caves). Wildlife: Home to over 200 bird species, mammals (bushbucks, monkeys, porcupines, genets), reptiles, and butterflies.

Village Market (shopping, bowling, arcade) 

Village Market is a world class shopping and entertainment destination with over 250 outlets. Set in the pristine diplomatic area of Kenya, a cosmopolitan melting point of all cultures; giving you a wholesome family experience of food, fun fashion and lifestyle. There are over 50 restaurants that offer a wide selection of dishes and artisanal foods for vegetarian and meat lovers alike. Its unique architectural design allows you to have both an intimate indoor and airy outdoor experience with a rich infusion of style, luxury and class. Village Market also has an eclectic mix of over 45 Made in Kenya, African and International brands that cover a myriad of tastes, preferences and budgets.

Bomas of Kenya (Cultural dances)

Bomas of Kenya Ltd was established in 1971. It was established to preserve, showcase and promote the rich and diverse cultures of various ethnic groups of Kenya and to act as a tourist attraction center. As the only national body with a mandate in cultural tourism, the institution is expected to preserve the authenticity of Kenya’s cultures and to portray them in their pure form. As such, Bomas of Kenya is instrumental for the safeguarding of Kenyan cultural heritage and many of the institution’s partners across sectors rely on its guidance, consultation and advocacy efforts. <a href="https://bomasofkenya.go.ke/about-bomas/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bomasofkenya.go.ke/about-bomas/</a>

Nairobi National Park 

Nairobi National Park is an excellent park for nature lovers with a wide variety of flora and fauna and beautiful landscapes, all in their natural settings. It is within a capital city, the only natural park in a city anywhere in the world, only a few minutes drive from the city centre. Here you get to see many wild animals, including four of the "Big Five", with only the elephant missing. The wide variety of habitats within the park ensures that this unique ecosystem supports many species of plants and wildlife. On a lucky day, some animals that you may get to spot include Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Serval cats, White Rhinos, Black Rhinos, Impalas, Hartebeest, African Buffalos, Masai Giraffes, Common Ostriches, Nile Crocodiles, amongst many other animals and hundreds of bird species. Nairobi National Park has a significant rhino population, with recent figures (mid-2025) showing around 175 rhinos total, including approximately 126 black rhinos and 49 white rhinos, making it a key conservation site, though exceeding its ideal carrying capacity and leading to translocation efforts. Tours can be done for half a day or a whole day depending on what you are looking for.

General Park Entry Fees 

Things to do in Kenya Before/After the wedding 

To inquire about Mombasa or Maasai Mara or anything else to do in Kenya, contact our travel lesion at <a href="mailto:hello@upepoadventures.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hello@upepoadventures.com</a>.

To learn a little more, check out his instagram page <a href="@upepoadventures " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@upepoadventures </a>and website <a href="https://upepoadventures.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://upepoadventures.com/</a>

Mombasa Beaches Mombasa sits along Kenya’s stunning Indian Ocean coastline, known for its soft white sands, swaying palm trees, and warm turquoise waters. Beaches like Diani, Nyali, and Bamburi offer a relaxed, tropical escape with beautiful sunsets and a laid-back coastal vibe—making Kenya’s coast a truly unforgettable destination.

Kenya’s Safari Parks – Maasai Mara Kenya is world-famous for its breathtaking safari parks, with the Maasai Mara as its crown jewel. Known for sweeping savannah's and incredible wildlife, the Mara offers unforgettable views of lions, elephants, giraffes, and Zebras. It’s a place where nature feels vast, wild, and deeply magical—an unforgettable experience that captures the true spirit of Kenya.