Chicago Cultural Center Wedding: A Vibrant Indian Celebration

Silpa and Gage’s Chicago Cultural Center wedding was an incredible celebration, blending Indian wedding traditions with a modern, city-chic vibe. An intimate Puja, a lively Haldi ceremony, absolutely stunning downtown portraits — every part of their Chicago Indian wedding weekend was gorgeous!

A Destination Engagement in France

Before we dive into the wedding, the engagement session! Silpa and Gage met me in France, where we shot their engagement photos at Calanques National Park outside of Marseille. Meeting in France for their engagement session set the stage for a wedding that was just as visually striking and full of energy. Check out their engagement photos here! 

The Pre-Wedding Festivities: Puja & Haldi Ceremony

The wedding weekend kicked off with a Puja ceremony at Silpa’s parents’ home just northwest of the Chicago Cultural Center. This intimate gathering with close family and friends was a beautiful way to begin their wedding celebrations.

Later that day, the Haldi ceremony turned up the energy! Traditionally held a day before the wedding, the Haldi involves applying turmeric paste to the couple—symbolizing purification and blessings before marriage. As the celebration went on, things got even more fun with the Water Ceremony, where guests splashed water over Silpa and Gage. Photographing Haldi ceremonies is always a such a privilege— the tradition, vibrant colors, and overall joy make for incredible candid moments that I just LOVE to capture.

The Wedding Day: From Sunrise Prep to City Portraits

Before heading over to the Chicago Cultural Center, the wedding day started bright and early at the Palmer House Hilton. With an amazing team—including Riley (second shooter), Hunter (lead videographer), and Henry (second videographer)—the morning flew by!

Luka, their Samoyed, even made a special appearance! Thanks to Luxe Dog Nanny, Luka was perfectly taken care of, so he could be part of their big day without any stress to the couple.

Pre-ceremony, we captured wedding portraits at some of Chicago’s most iconic spots:

• Lurie Gardens & Lyric Opera for elegant city backdrops
• Wrigley Building for romantic couple portraits
• Millennium Monument for fun wedding party shots

The Chicago Cultural Center Wedding: Baraat & Ceremony

The Baraat—the groom’s wedding procession—brought so much energy to the start of the main event at the Chicago Cultural Center. This venue was the perfect backdrop for their traditional Indian wedding ceremony, with its breathtaking stained-glass domes and historic architecture adding to the grandeur of the moment. The details of the Chicago Cultural Center — the gorgeous arches, the mosaics, the chandeliers — truly elevate wedding day decor. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a beautiful lunch reception before heading into the evening’s celebrations.

Cocktail Reception, Outfit Change & Performances

The evening reception was an all-out party. Silpa and Gage had an outfit change before making their grand entrance, setting the tone for a high-energy night filled with performances, toasts, and non-stop dancing.

Shoutout to Life in Bloom, whose floral designs were absolutely stunning as always. Every detail of their decor added to the luxurious and lively atmosphere of the evening. And of course, a wedding like this wouldn’t have been the same without the INCREDIBLE Michelle, their wedding planner, who made the entire weekend seamless from start to finish. Seriously — a miracle worker.

A Celebration to Remember

Silpa and Gage’s wedding was everything you could hope for—joyful, vibrant, and filled with personal touches. They were so kind and such a pleasure to work with! Working with such an incredible vendor team and a couple who felt more like friends made the day even more special. From their destination engagement session in France to their multi-day wedding celebration in Chicago, every moment was a testament to their love and the amazing community that surrounds them.

If you’re planning a wedding in Chicago, the Chicago Cultural Center is an incredible venue choice, and with the right vendor team, your wedding can be just as seamless and unforgettable. Reach out if you’re looking for a photographer who can capture your wedding in an editorial and elegant fashion!

Planner: Michelle Vining at Lola Event Productions // Venue: Chicago Cultural Center // Floral: Life In Bloom // Videographer: Hunter Floyd Films // Dessert & Cake: A Thousand Tales  // Decor: Tablescapes // Makeup: Glam Atelier // Hair: Rare Bird Beauties // Dog Nanny: Luxe Dog Nanny // Draper: Star And Style Saree Draping // Henna: Henna by Roz // Second Photographer: Riley Joe Photography