Chicago’s historic Old Post Office was the perfect place to host just over 300 of Mohini & Pavan’s family and friends for their August 2022 nuptials. Mohini, a West Coast native, and Pavan, a Chicagoland native, met at Northwestern and currently live on the East Coast. They knew they wanted to get married in Chicago, since this is where they met. We toured many large venues, but the Old Post Office was a clear winner for its size and stunning art-deco details. We utilized the Historic Lobby for the ceremony and reception and hosted a baraat and cocktail hour outside along the river.
As planning was underway, we dreamed of a vibrant design full of South Asian flare, as well as a nod to the bride & groom’s alma mater, Northwestern, by using the color purple from everything from the invitation’s font color to the table linens at dinner. Yanni Design Studio helped bring the ceremony vision to life with an airy mandap as the focal point and an aisle with a rangoli design. For the reception, Yanni Design Studio helped us keep things interesting with three different centerpieces. The long feasting tables lining the dance floor featured an elevated hedge centerpiece with hanging candles, and lanterns, floral, and candles on the tabletop. Half of the round tables had a low and lush floral design which prominently featured orange tiger lilies – one of Mohini’s favorite flowers and one of her only specific flower requests. The other half of the round tables had a stunning Manzanita tree accented with petite blooms on the branches and a bed of colorful flowers at the base. The remaining rectangular tables had a collection of lanterns, candle light, and bud vases.
Mohini and Pavan danced their way into the reception after an outfit change and cut their stunning wedding cake by Flourish Cake Design. Bria at Flourish Cake Design created a stunning cake with sugar flower details (more orange tiger lilies!) and lace patterns pulled from Mohini’s saree. Gaylord Fine Indian Cuisine partnered with Blue Plate to provide a delicious Indian buffet for dinner. Guests were treated to entrees like Methi Mutter Malai, Butter Chicken, Goat Biriyani, Paneer Bhurji, and more. For dessert, there was a mix of Indian desserts like Orange Kulfi and Ras Malai, along with American desserts from Blue Plate – s’mores cups and Oreo tarts. As dinner was nearly over, Mohini and Pavan wowed guests with a choreographed dance to music provided by Okyne Media Lab. Soon, the dance floor was packed with all of their friends and family! After a couple hours of non-stop dancing, Mohini and Pavan ended the evening with some night photos outside with their photo and video teams- DARS Photo and Smiling Toad Productions.
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