Soniya + Erick, Part 6: The Details

December 2, 20093 Comments

Part of Soniya’s wedding day jewelry.

The beautiful henna designs from the Mehndi ceremony.

Close up shot of the bride’s two different gowns. The beadwork is so intricate.

Orchids rained down around a chandelier inside the mandap.

This statue of Ganesh was the focal point for the escort card table.
Seating assignments were nestled in small golden elephants.

The bride made the menus adorned with a peacock feather – so pretty and unique.

The delicately decorated cake was topped with crystals.
The sweetheart table in the background had an intimate feel in the large ballroom.

Favors were paper mache boxes hand made in India.
Guests loved choosing their favorite among the different designs and shapes.

Soniya + Erick, Part 5

December 1, 2009Leave a comment

Sharing their first dance: “Ain’t That A Kick In The Head” by Dean Martin.

A custom-made gobo shines on the dance floor.

Cutting the cake which had chocolate and banana flavors.

I love the movement in this photo.

Erick took a moment to thank all their guests and gave the sweetest toast to his new bride.

The photographer had guests walk down a “runway”…

And as you can see, they loved it!

Did you notice the sleeping baby amid all the joyful dancing?!

My next post will be a final look at some of the fabulous details.

Soniya + Erick, Part 4

November 30, 2009Leave a comment

Both the bride and groom changed into different outfits for the reception.

Would you guess that this is the Magnificent Mile? Posing in front of the Tribune Building.

Finding a private moment before they rejoin their guests.

The tables varied in shape and were draped in merlot, silver and fire orange.

One of the centerpieces featured an ornately carved gilded box topped with deep plum carnations.

Photos honoring the couple’s relatives. I love juxtaposition of the formals with Soniya and Erick’s playful snapshots.

The next post will feature some highlights from the reception.

Soniya + Erick, Part 3

November 27, 2009Leave a comment

The bride was escorted down the aisle by her brother. Her father escorted Erick into the ceremony.

The bride and groom’s parents place a sacred thread around Soniya and Erick to bond them together.

Together, Soniya and Erick take seven steps symbolizing their vows to one another.

The couple receives blessings from a family member.

The mandap (ceremonial area) was draped in eggplant and fire orange linens and strands of orchids. A chandelier added dramatic lighting.

The bride and groom wore garlands made of red and white carnations and marigold blossoms.

Finally married! Guests threw orange rose petals as Soniya and Erick exited.

The bridesmaids wore matching orange and red sarees while the groomsmen wore kurtas with orange scarves.

Tomorrow: wardrobe change!!!

Soniya + Erick, Part 2

November 26, 2009Leave a comment

For the bharat, the groom arrived on a white horse. The group started on Grand Ave and turned onto Rush Street.

The horse was pretty used to bharats and even had her own outfit!

Erick’s friends and family sang and danced on the way to the venue.

Erick and his mom having a spin. Erick’s sister is applauding just behind him!

The groom’s family was then welcomed by the bride’s family during the milni ceremony.

In the soft candlelight, the room looked magical.

The wide gold and silver aisle was flanked by columns draped in eggplant linens.

My next post will feature their ceremony.

Soniya + Erick, Part 1

November 25, 20091 Comment

I met Soniya and Erick about 7 months before their wedding. They were planning a traditional Indian wedding here in Chicago and another wedding in Madison, Wisconsin. Planning two weddings is a fairly bold endeavor, coming from a wedding planner!

Their Chicago wedding took place at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, where I had my own reception two years earlier. The hotel has done some major redecorating since then but despite looking different, it was really cool to be back in the same space.

This was my first Indian wedding and I was fascinated with so many of the elements, especially all the bold colors. So this is going to be an unusually long series of posts – I hope you enjoy it!

Venue: Chicago Marriott Downtown on the Magnificent Mile – Kristina Capozzoli
Hair: Perfect Hair Anywhere – Jillian Strong
Makeup: Andie Cumber
Floral and Event Design: Botanicals
Linens: BBJ Linens
Ceremony Musicians: Malhar Orchestra
DJ and Dhol Player: DJ Raja
Photographer: Angela Swan
Videographer: Rusty Dog Films
Bharat Horse: A Zoo to You

All photos by Angela Swan.