Mindy + Jared: Romantic, Warm Chicago Wedding

Mindy and Jared are a brilliant, fiercely loyal, and kind pair who were an absolute joy to work with.  They got engaged over two years ago, and booked Gallery 1028, one of Calihan Catering’s venues, around that time.  They then took a break from planning to support a move to Boston for Jared’s graduate school, and to focus on life on the East Coast.  But it was clear when I met them that these two have an unshakable bond, based on love and mutual respect, for each other and for each other’s families and traditions.

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When we started working together, they had a vision of romance – soft floral and tons of candlelight to highlight the warmth of Gallery 1028.  They partnered with Studio AG and Life in Bloom to achieve this look, and DANG did they nail it. 

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Over the course of a stormy Sunday afternoon in June in Chicago, Jared’s hometown, the two wed in a meaningful ceremony, officiated by Jared’s godfather, with Mindy’s Sri Lankan heritage woven into the ceremony through small moments, like the passing of Betel Leaves, and the breaking of a coconut.  Traditional Sri Lankan dancers also participated in the ceremony, drumming the narrator down the aisle.  The dancers reappeared later that evening during dancing!

Calihan Catering prepared a fantastic meal for guests, while the ZippyBooth provided a photobooth, and the groom’s dear friend was the DJ and emcee.

Scroll on through for a peek inside Mindy + Jared’s meaningful, warm, intimate, and joyful wedding day, lovingly captured by Matija Vuri of Ladies and Gentleman Weddings and DatFlipMel (scroll all the way down for the video!)

All photos courtesy of Matija Vuri of Ladies and Gentleman Weddings.

The day began (with some rain! at The Westin in downtown Chicago, where bride, groom, bridal parties, and families convened for pampering, fun, and cozy moments and lovingly captured details.

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M + J chose not to see each other before the ceremony, so the air was thick with anticipation during set-up and those first glimpses down the aisle stilled the air in the room.

Mrs. + Mrs. White!

Mrs. + Mrs. White!

Off to the Lyric Opera House during the rain for some photos.

Back to the venue for dinner and dancing!

A quick change to traditional Sri Lankan dress for Mindy to close out the night.

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And a fantastic video lovingly captured by DatFlipMel.

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