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The Heart of the Celebration: What to Expect

Our wedding week isn’t just a celebration of our love — it’s a celebration of community, connection, and collaboration. We’ve dreamed of bringing all the people we love most into one place to truly share in this moment, not just witness it. This isn’t your average wedding — it’s a joyful, immersive, once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Here’s what to expect (and what we hope you’ll embrace):

Community & Connection
We’re building something bigger than just one day — we’re building community. This week is about more than just us as a couple; it’s about blending families, uniting friends, and creating space for new bonds to form. Whether you’re coming from across the world or just a few towns away, we hope you’ll step into the experience with openness. Get to know each other, share stories, laugh, cook together, dance together, and celebrate each other. Everyone is part of this story, and we want you to feel that deeply.

Quality Time Together
One of the biggest reasons we wanted a full week was so we could actually spend time with you — all of you. Weddings can fly by in a blur of quick hellos and rushed photos. But this isn’t that. We want mornings spent drinking coffee on the patio, afternoon swims and snack breaks, sunset chats, late-night dance parties, and everything in between. This is our chance to pause, be present, and be together. These are the memories we’ll cherish most.

Pitching In & Participating
In Guyanese culture (and in our family), everyone gets involved — and that’s what makes it special. From cooking the traditional seven curries to setting up the wedding space, folding napkins, lighting candles, or passing around drinks — your energy and presence mean the world. There will be moments where help is needed and your hands and hearts will make the difference. It’s not about perfection — it’s about showing up, being part of the process, and making magic together.

Fun & Shared Experiences
This is your invitation to jump in — try something new, share a laugh, learn a dance, try on an outfit, taste a dish you’ve never had before, get your hands a little dirty, and make the memories, not just witness them. There will be rituals and traditions, games and dance parties, cocktails and coconuts, paint and popcorn, music and madness.

Staying Close & Getting Involved
We strongly encourage you to stay close to the main villa or nearby accommodations if you can. It makes joining in — whether it’s prepping, relaxing, or partying — so much easier and more organic. Being nearby means you won’t miss out on the little moments: the spontaneous fire and cocktail party, the impromptu brunch, or the late-night laugh. It also helps everyone feel more connected, more included, and more present. We promise — the closer you stay, the deeper the memories.

We are so excited for this wild, wonderful week — and beyond grateful to have you by our side.
Let’s build it, live it, and love it — together.

Because there is so much to co-ordinate with people coming from all over the planet it will make everything so much easier if everyone could get back to us ASAP

So please, please, please, it’s your intentions that will help firm up numbers early. We’re not going to get our knickers in a knot if you say yes with genuine intentions but plans fall through.

Don’t leave us hanging like a koala that’s had a few too many

RSVP by 20th of July 2025

(Or by 31 August 2025 if you enjoy living on the edge and giving us mild anxiety.)

Kali Waited 2,000+ days for this. Please Don’t Make Her Wait for Your RSVP.

Do We Need to Be There the Whole Week?

While the wedding celebrations officially run from April 4–11, we completely understand that everyone’s availability is different.

We would love for you to be there for as much of it as possible — especially the first few days, when we’ll be prepping, setting up, and really settling into the experience together. The lead-up is such a big part of the magic — cooking, laughing, dancing, and bonding before the big day.

That said, we totally get it if you can’t make the full week. Whether you can come for the whole journey or just a few special days, we’re just so grateful you’re coming at all.

Your presence means the world to us — no matter how long you stay.

Options

Plane > Rental car

Plane > Ride share

Plane > Train > Taxi

Plane > Train > Ride share

Plane

Recommended route

If flying from outside Europe it is often much cheaper to fly to major international flight hubs within Europe then get a connecting flight to Porto rather than trying to get a direct flight to Portugal.

There are often good deals to major airports.

Connecting domestic flights within Europe are really affordable

Some suggested Major International Flight Hubs to consider:

• London
• Paris
• Amsterdam
• Frankfurt

Where is the closest airport?

Porto – OPO – Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport

• Domestic Airport
  • You can fly here from most airports in Europe
• 45 minutes drive to our Douro Valley area

Lisbon – LIS – Humberto Delgado Airport

• International Airport
• 3.5 hour drive to our Douro Valley area

Train

Lisbon to Porto – Approximately 3 hours

Porto to:

Approximately 1 hour

• Marco de Canaveses train station
• Juncal train station
• Pala train station

These are all within 20 minute drive of the Primary villa

We can organise for someone to pick you up from the train station or you can get a taxi for your final leg.

Please note: Do not expect there to be car rental options at these regional train stations

Getting around

The Douro Valley is littered with small villages and wineries. It is a rural area so public transport is limited

Rent a car

Renting a car is the best way to get around the Douro Valley.

Rent your car from:

• Porto
• Lisbon

Get a ride

Many of our guests will rent a car. If you don’t want to rent your own other guests may be able to give you a lift.

Luke incredibly built this fandangle website to help our guests connect and coordinate

Taxi

There are taxi services in the area so this is an option for the final leg of your journey if you aren’t able to rent or get a ride with someone.

Group Travel

If you have a group 10-11 or larger traveling on the same flights – the airlines will offer group rates, and discounts, and perks like free baggage, etc. There is a group chat for this!

Steps to Travel to Portugal

Step 1: Check Passport Validity

• Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended departure from the Schengen Area.

Step 2: Book Flights & Accommodation

• You may be asked to show proof of accommodation or return/onward travel on arrival.

Step 3: Purchase Travel Insurance (Recommended)

• Not mandatory for visa-free travelers, but strongly recommended.
• Pro tip: Usually, travellers who book on a travel credit card will automatically be covered through the card – but it’s always good to double check.

Step 4: Enter Portugal

At the border, be prepared to show:

• Valid passport
• Proof of return ticket
• Proof of accommodation or invitation letter
• Sufficient financial means

Primary Villa aka Wedding House

We’ve rented our very own villa — this beautiful space will be the heart of the celebration. It’s where all events will be held and where we hope guests will gather throughout the week to connect, unwind, and contribute.

The villa will house Kali, Luke, and a few immediate family members, but it also comes with pools, spa, kitchens, a bar, sprawling riverfront land to explore, and lots of chill-out space — and we want you to enjoy it too, in between chipping in with preparations.

We truly wanted to create a space where we can all be under one roof, share in the joy, and make this week feel like a giant family holiday. So come by, hang out, grab a drink, lend a hand, and let’s make magic.

Minha casa é sua casa

Where to stay

As close to the primary villa as possible is recommended because it will be all hands on deck for preparations, participation, and chilling out. There maybe limited ubers/taxis in the area and everyone may not have rental cars so there will be a bit of ride sharing going on to get everyone around the place. Keeping everyone in a tight area will help with logistics and reduce commute time.

See our nifty location map to see the best area for your search

Group accommodation

The Douro valley has many nice large private holiday rentals. To align with our community theme and relieve some financial burden many of our guests are booking spacious options to share accommodation with fellow guests.

Luke has built a you beaut community website to help guests connect coordinate and ask questions.

Solo accommodation

Some may strongly prefer their own space which we can completely appreciate. We won’t pressure you but we do encourage everyone to at least entertain the idea of joining a group, you maybe pleasantly surprised by the options.

Your presence means the world to us — truly. We know this is a big trip and commitment, and the greatest gift you could give is simply being there to celebrate with us.

We do not have a registry and we absolutely do not expect any gifts. With travel logistics and limited luggage space, bringing physical gifts isn't practical, and we’d much rather you focus on enjoying the experience.

If you’d like to bring something, a card is more than enough, and if you feel strongly about giving, a monetary gift is appreciated but never expected.

We’re just so excited to share this special time with you — that’s the gift we’ll treasure most. 🤍

Why This Ceremony Means So Much to Us

Family and culture are at the heart of everything we do — and this wedding is more than just a celebration of our love. It’s a chance to honour where we come from, and to share that journey with the people who matter most to us.

Now, if you haven’t heard the legendary tale: Kali’s dad, Jim, his brother Roland and his sister Tanuja, walked all the way from Guyana to Canada — a journey of incredible strength, resilience, and hope. With humble beginnings and little family around when Jim and Lelina got married; the two had a simple Anglican ceremony in Revelstoke, BC. There were no grand Madras celebrations, just the love they carried and the life they built together.

So, this ceremony isn’t just for Luke and Kali — it’s also for Jim and Lelina. It’s a way to honour their story, their sacrifices, and the love that brought us all here. So when we say this ceremony is for us and them — we mean it. This is our way of giving Jim and Lelina the Madras celebration they never had, and honoring the love story that made ours possible.

And for us, sharing this moment — this vibrant, sacred, and joyful Madras wedding — with our closest friends and family is something incredibly special. It’s a celebration of love, legacy, and everything that connects us.

Thank you for being part of it. 🤍

What to Expect at the Formal Garden Party — And Why It’s Extra Special

After all the colour, joy, and barefoot dancing of our Guyanese/Madras ceremony, we thought… why not switch it up with something just as meaningful — but with a little more linen, a little less sweat, and maybe a few bow ties?

The Formal European Garden Party — our way of winding down the week with love, laughter, and a healthy amount of cheese. It’s a night to sit under the stars, toast to this beautiful ride we’re all on, and celebrate not just us, but everyone who helped get us here.

Our roots stretch across continents — Italian, Guyanese, Australian, and Canadian — and this evening will be a soft, glowy, fairy-lit tribute to the cultures that shaped us. Look closely and you’ll spot sweet little nods throughout the night — in the menu, the music, the vibes — like little cultural Easter eggs.

Expect:

• Italian warmth and flair from Lelina’s side — think family-style meals, big laughs, and someone probably offering you more food and Limoncello even when you’re full.
• Aussie charm and chill from Jenny, Les, and the Ball friends and fam — barefoot friendliness, laid-back tunes, and maybe a few stubbies.
• Guyanese soul and rhythm, woven into every beat and bite — because no party is complete without a little island magic and Eldorado rum.
• And the cozy, welcoming Canadian spirit that makes everyone feel like part of the family — even if you arrived five minutes ago, Eh.

This party is part celebration, part thank-you, part low-key fashion show (no pressure, but bring your garden chic A-game). It’s not just the after-party — it’s our love letter to the people and cultures that raised us, shaped us, and still insist on sending us home with leftovers.

So come hungry, come fancy, come ready to laugh. It’s going to be absolute bloody magic, xx.

 Why Having Everyone Involved is so Important to Us

Let’s be honest: this isn’t just a wedding — it’s basically a group project (but a fun one, we promise).

It’s not just about two people getting married — it’s about all of us coming together: two families, a bunch of awesome cultures, lifelong friends, new friends, and a few soon-to-be besties who just haven't met yet.

In true Guyanese tradition, weddings are a team sport. Everyone jumps in — cooking, decorating, dancing, storytelling, maybe even mildly panicking over misplaced cheese wheel (it's fine, we're fine). It’s less “watch the show” and more “you're part of the show.”  Everyone helps. Everyone laughs. Everyone gets the full experience. And that’s exactly how we like it.

Whether you’re setting the table, stirring a pot, chasing down a rogue flower arrangement, herding a goat or two, or just keeping spirits high with a well-timed snack or bad joke— your part matters. You’re not just guests — you’re part of the heartbeat of this whole thing.

And sure, there may be a few last-minute hiccups (like someone forgetting where the kake is... again), but honestly? Those are the moments we’ll remember most. The teamwork and the laughs. You’re not just attending the wedding — you’re living it. 

This week isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection. And if we’re doing it right, you’ll walk away with full hearts and tummies, a few inside jokes, and maybe one really solid story about rolling and cooking roti in record time. This is how we celebrate: together, loudly, with love, snacks, and a suspiciously large amount of cheese and bad jokes. And we’re so, so grateful you’re here for it.

Okay, I Know What Most of You Are Thinking…“Wait... what is a Madras wedding?”

Is it a wedding? Is it a fabric? Is it a spicy dish? Is there a quiz at the end?

Don’t worry — we’ve got you. Let’s break it down.

A Madras wedding is a traditional South Indian Tamil wedding ceremony, from the region formerly known as Madras (now Chennai). It’s vibrant, spiritual, joyful, and packed with beautiful rituals that have been passed down for generations — the kind of ceremony that makes you feel like you’ve been part of something truly special (even if you don’t know exactly what’s going on all the time).

But don’t panic — the ceremony will be in Tamil, and we’ll be explaining everything in English as we go, so you’ll always know what’s happening, why it’s meaningful, and when it’s okay to cheer/clap/look misty-eyed.

So What’s Involved?

• Fancy rings? Only the finest mango stems for this event! (Guyanese version of a ring, but more dramatic and glamorous).
• The couple circles a sacred fire (Agni) to symbolize unity, commitment, and “yes, we really mean it.”
• There are offerings, rice tossing, blessings, and chants — every action and word has deep cultural meaning.

It’s emotional. It’s beautiful. It’s like ancient poetry, except with flowers, drums, and better outfits.

What’s the Vibe?

Imagine a sacred ceremony, a spiritual concert, and a joyful family reunion all happening at once. There will be:

• Drums
• Chants
• Possibly someone crying (in a good way)
• Definitely someone offering you snacks afterwards

It’s sacred, but also kind of a party. You’ll feel it in your heart and your tummy.

What to Wear

Click here for tips on what to wear

The Whole Feel

A Madras wedding is about love, legacy, and the magic that happens when cultures, families, and good food and treats come together.

You’ll laugh, you might tear up, and at some point, you’ll probably whisper, “Wait... are we walking around a fire right now?” (Answer: yes. Yes, we are.)

An Aussie and a Canadian Walk Into a Bar…

(…and the Universe has been laughing ever since.)

It all began on a random night in Lisbon, Portugal.
The year? 2019. The budget? Laughably low. The vibes? Immaculate.

Kali was halfway through a solo Euro trip — hopping between cities, soaking up cultures, and romanticizing every meal she ate. She had just met up with her cousin Maya, and in their usual impulsive style, they booked a €13 flight to Málaga. But before skipping off to Spain, they grabbed a €7 hostel in Lisbon (yes, seven euros — because we love a financially responsible queen) and asked the guy at the front desk:
“Anything fun to do around here?”

He paused, then with the kind of intrigue usually reserved for treasure maps whispered,
“There’s a rooftop bar… it’s called Park. Bit tricky to find. It’s on top of a parking garage.”

Cue the dramatic music.

Naturally, they were in.

Meanwhile… somewhere else in Lisbon, the universe was doing its thing.

It was Luke’s last night in the city. He was on uni break, had flown in to meet up with his parents, and the next morning they were driving up to Porto. But fate wasn’t done with him just yet.

So what does a guy do when he's alone in Lisbon for the night? He jumps on a couch-surfing app to find a local buddy. Enter a new friend, who casually says, “Hey, want to check out this bar called Park?”

Cue the cosmic drumroll.

They all navigated dim stairwells, questioned if they were about to get murdered, then finally emerged onto a bustling rooftop with sunset views and chilled cocktails.

And just as Kali turned to take it all in…

Boom. There he was.

Enter: Luke.
Standing across the rooftop like a scene straight out of a classic rom-com. Windswept hair, the beard of Oden, wrinkly tshirt, beer in hand, and the kind of smirk that says “Yeah, I drink flat whites and wrestle sharks every Sunday.” Basically: rugged meets refined. It was as if someone hit the slow-motion button just for him. (Wonder who wrote this part…)

Kali locked eyes, took a sip of courage (aka a spiced rum and ginger), walked straight up to this mysterious Aussie and said,
“Hi, I’m Kali.”

Fate was at play. 

In between the banter and beers, Luke mentioned he was from Toowoomba. Then she casually dropped one of her best lines that stopped Luke dead in his tracks:
“No way! I’ve been there.”

Luke’s brain: ERROR 404: CRIKEY @!#*%$^

Toowoomba — his small Aussie hometown that even Australians forget exists. Yet this random Canadian girl, in Lisbon, not only knew about it — she’d been there? Destiny was out here doing the most and clearly plotting something spicy..

The two clicked instantly and bonded over mutal weirdness and their love for adventure. The conversation flowed. The sparks flew. The rooftop faded. It felt like they’d known each other for years. But alas, like any dramatic love story worth its salt, life intervened.

Just hours after meeting, they had to part ways.
But the universe wasn’t done.

A few months later, they reunited in Mexico for 12 glorious, taco-fueled, sun-drenched days. Think: beach strolls, guac and cervesa fueled laughs, and deciding just how many churros is too many (spoiler: the limit does not exist).

Then? The world actually shut down.

COVID hit. Borders closed. The fantasy became long-distance reality.
Despite only sharing 12 days together in person, they made a choice — to stay connected. No guarantees — just trust, love, and the stubborn belief that this was meant to be. And somehow, through two years of daily calls, time zone math, terrible internet connections, and a LOT of missing each other, they built a real relationship. One built on trust, laughter, deep convos, and the occasional "Ugh! You froze again!" frustration. 

Finally, in October 2021, Luke made it to Canada. He stepped right into life with Kali — joining her in building her business (now their business), Kakes & Kanvas. Together they’ve created kakes, community, a cafe and chaos (the fun kind, obvs). Creating a life together filled with adventure, caffeine, and way too many spreadsheets. They’ve navigated the ups, downs, and kake disasters — and appreciated every moment of it. They’ve shared countless adventures, met each other’s most favourite humans, and proved that timing, distance, and geography are no match for a love that was — quite clearly — meant to be.

Now, in October 2025, they’re off to write their next chapter. They’re moving to Australia, planting roots, and chasing dreams — including Kali’s lifelong dream of living by the beach, with sand between her toes.

So, what better way to celebrate than to come full circle and go back to where it all started?

They’re tying the knot in Portugal — the place where two strangers collided on a rooftop, and their adventure truly began. With all of you, surrounded by love, laughs, and a suspiciously large amount of cheese.

Because honestly?
This whole thing was scribbled in the stars by a tipsy universe with a great sense of humor.

See you there xx.

ps. Asking for a friend.. how many Pastel de natas is too many...

(I have a strong suspicion that the limit does not exist)