About the couple

Anika & Ishaan’s wedding weekend was absolutely epic! The couple, who live in Michigan, wanted to host their family and friends in some of the most iconic Chicago venues this city has to offer. To put together such an event they reached out to Kristy Diana at LOLA Event Productions, and I’m so grateful she connected me with the couple. They and their families were lovely to work with from start to finish, even given the complexities of meeting remotely, planning a wedding from afar, and navigating constantly changing health directives. More than anything, I appreciated how Anika & Ishaan wanted to bring their communities together, and allow me to capture all the festivities, excitement and love.

Photographing a Haldi Ceremony

They kicked off their wedding events with the haldi ceremony at her aunts home in Crystal Lake, IL. Ishaan’s haldi was held separately at the hotel downtown. The haldi ceremony is a ritual holy bath, which is one of the pre-wedding ceremonies in India. Turmeric (haldi), oil and water are applied to both the bride and groom by married women before the actual wedding ceremony. The mixture is believed to bless the couple before the wedding. Traditionally this would happen the morning of their wedding day, but for most Indian weddings in the states, it happens a day or two prior. Lately it’s been one of my favorite traditions to photograph. The bright yellow color of the turmeric, the family spreading the mixture on the couple, and the vat of water dumped over them makes for some hilarious and fun moments.

Photographing an Old Post Office Sangeet

Sangeet, which literally translates to “music,” is an event usually held the evening before the wedding day, and is filled with dancing, music, and vibrant floral decor. In the olden days, women of all ages gathered around and took turns singing songs and dancing. These days there’s usually a small religious ceremony, followed by groups of family and friends who perform choreographed dance routines for the couple. These groups could be all the aunts, the bride’s siblings, the grooms friends, etc. Most of the time, these dance routines are thrown together last minute, sometimes during the event, and just adds to the fun.

We started with portraits of the couple in the vaulted lobby of the Old Post Office, which offers some iconic architectural backdrops. Sangeets are full of laughter, color and revelry, and Anika & Ishaan’s did not disappointment. There were so many amazing moments to capture. Ishaan is not usually found on the dance floor, but it meant the world to Anika to have photos of him smiling and dancing with friends and family.

Next up…. the wedding day!

Thanks to these Chicago Wedding Vendors