Photographing a vibrant South Asian wedding

The joy and vibrancy of this couple and family made photographing their wedding weekend a complete joy. Mahima and Nick’s wedding was so full of moments and memories, it would be impossible to show in only a few images. I’m always honored to tell the story of my couples and to create images to share with future generations. Highlighting the beauty of this couple, their families, and their Hindu wedding traditions and decor was the hired task…but the joy for me is in capturing the small moments in between.

Mahima and Nick started their festivities with a Sangeet celebration at Pearl Banquets in Roselle. This pre-wedding party allows both the bride and groom’s families to meet and mingle in a more casual setting. However, I’d call it anything but casual, as the attire and decor were a colorful backdrop to the toasts and choreographed dances performed by family and friends. As a photographer, I love the spontaneity and unpredictability that these last-minute rehearsed dances bring to the party. It’s a challenge to capture the energy of the performances and the hilarity of reactions all at once…but it keeps me on my toes! Both families were incredible participants…with note-able mentions to the bride’s father who stole the show…and her grandmother who could not resist joining in again and again.

The groom’s family also has a tradition of a dance-off between guys and gals to the song “Let Me Sleep On It” by Meat Loaf…and you can imagine I was thrilled to have even more hilarious memories to cement in photographs. Hard to believe this was all the night BEFORE the wedding.

After a fun night of dancing, the celebration continued with their wedding day at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center. This is one of the more popular and ideal spots for an Indian wedding in the Chicago area…and a place I’ve photographed many times. The hotel suites have wonderful natural light which makes for beautiful getting ready photos. The bright color of traditional Hindu attire photographs wonderfully.

This Chicago wedding venue offers both indoor and outdoor locations for portraits…so we could stay close to capture the first look at group photos. I love placing the vibrant color in a more natural setting, easily found around the nearby walking paths and fountains. Then we utilized the main entrance with its modern lines and grand staircase. This is a perfect location for family portraits and wedding party photos.

After a couple hours in charge of portraits, I become a fly on the wall for the ceremony and reception…leaning into my experience as a photojournalist. Mahima and Nick’s ceremony was a fusion of both Hindu and Christian traditions. The ceremony site and mandap were especially stunning and offered a great backdrop for the couple.

After the ceremony, there is a tradition where the groom’s shoes are stolen by the bridesmaids…requiring the groom and groomsmen to negotiate and buy them back. I always enjoy participating in these traditions and photographing because the fun energy makes for hilarious photos.

It’s hard to believe it could keep getting better … but the reception was truly a culmination of all the joy and fun. I had a blast documenting the fun moments, brought on by the ever talented Green Fourteen Weddings who had the crowd going all night.

Sahr Khan of Details Chicago, thank you for being a wonderful Chicago wedding planner and leading our vendor team through a seamless weekend. As always, it was absolutely great to work with you!

Mahima and Nick - you and your families were absolutely a joy to work with. I am honored to have been a part of your day and to capture these moments for you. I hope you treasure these photographs, and I that they are just the start of a lifetime of memories as vibrant as your wedding day.