Planning a South Asian wedding weekend in Chicago is always a special experience—and Vineela and Alex’s celebration was no exception. From the vibrant colors to the lively traditions, every moment was filled with joy, energy, and thoughtful details. As a Chicago wedding planner, I thrive on orchestrating these multi-day celebrations, blending tradition with modern design and seamless organization. (And yes—I have a deep love for Indian food, which makes these weekends even sweeter!)
A Modern and Whimsical Vision
When Vineela and Alex came to me for help, it felt like a perfect match. Their aesthetic was modern, whimsical, and full of color, which aligned beautifully with my approach to designing garden-inspired Chicago weddings.
With Vineela in the middle of her medical residency and her mom two states away in Ohio, a wedding planner was essential—not just for design and décor, but for streamlining tasks, managing timelines, and keeping every detail running smoothly.
Sangeet & Mehndi at Harold Washington Library
Friday kicked off with the sangeet and mehndi celebration at the stunning Harold Washington Library Winter Garden, a venue that perfectly brings the outdoors inside—even on unpredictable Chicago weather days.
Guests enjoyed traditional Indian food and dessert stations by Matra Catering, while friends and family performances brought the room to life. Henna enthusiasts had a blast at the mehndi stations by Unnatzi Z’Art, adding a beautiful and personal touch to wedding weekend fashion.
West Loop Wedding Day: Baraat, Rooftop Ceremony, and Reception
Saturday unfolded in Chicago’s West Loop, beginning with bride and groom prep at the Nobu Hotel. Pre-ceremony pujas were followed by a celebratory baraat for the groom, setting the tone for a day of tradition and festivity.
The ceremony and reception took place atop the 167 Events rooftop, offering a breathtaking Chicago skyline view. Guests dined on a fusion menu blending American and Indian-inspired cuisine, while the late-night espresso martini bar and Prince Street Pizza—passed by the bride and groom on the dance floor—were hands-down the most loved refreshment stations of the weekend.
Fashion, Music, and a Lively Dance Floor
Vineela’s impeccable fashion choices stole the show throughout the weekend. During the late-night fashion swap, she reentered the reception with live musicians joining the DJ, elevating the energy and keeping the dance floor packed until the very end.
This weekend perfectly captured the vibrancy and joy of a South Asian wedding in Chicago, combining modern whimsy, traditional rituals, and unforgettable celebrations—all while showcasing the city’s skyline and top-tier venues.
Check out the wedding trailer by Highway 61 Films:
Vendor Team
- LOLA Event Productions: Lavish LOLA Planning Package
- DJ: Elegant Sound & Lighting
- Photographer: Studio This Is
- Video: Highway 61 Films
- HMUA: Rare Bird Beauties
- Stationery: Steracle Press
- Mehndi: Unnatzi Z’Art
- Valet: VIP Valet Services
- Sangeet Venue: Harold Washington Library
- Sangeet Catering: Matra Catering
- Sangeet Bride Attire: Rahul Mishra
- Wedding Day Venue & Catering: 167 Events
- Wedding Day Linens/Furniture: Nuage Designs
- Wedding Day Decor/Florals: Life in Bloom
- Late Night Bites: Prince Street Pizza
- Wedding Day Bride Attire: Tarun Tahiliani and Danielle Frankel Studio
