THE WESTIN CHICAGO NORTHWEST WEDDING

The Westin Chicago Northwest Hotel is truly a premier destination for South Asian weddings. Countless celebrations have taken place here, and it’s easy to see why. The hotel is unique and elegant, offering the perfect setting to host a 2–3 day wedding, such as a traditional Indian wedding. With its spacious layout and versatile event spaces, it provides everything you need to celebrate in style.

Simron and Rohan are an incredible couple, and it was truly an honor to be part of their wedding. Rohan is a doctor and Simron is a professional dancer, and while we didn’t photograph their engagement, we had the joy of capturing their wedding celebration. The preparation for this wedding was extensive, as so much was happening over the course of two amazing days. The first day was filled with the vibrant Sangeet, followed by the wedding ceremony and reception on the second day.

The Sangeet is one of the most significant events in an Indian wedding

The Sangeet is a traditional Indian celebration filled with music and dance, usually held the night before the wedding ceremony. Simron and Rohan’s Sangeet was truly unforgettable, with more than 10 performances throughout the evening. Since Simron is a professional dancer, you can only imagine how incredible it was. We were absolutely fascinated. Having photographed many Indian weddings before, this Sangeet will always stand out in our memories — the choreography and dances were simply breathtaking. We set the perfect lighting in the venue, and once the music started, the dance floor came alive.

The wedding ceremony and reception took place at the Westin Chicago Northwest Hotel

As with almost every Indian wedding, the main day began very early — and so did ours. We started at 6 a.m. in the bride’s room. Simron was full of excitement, and her outfit was absolutely stunning. Instead of the traditional red, she wore a beautiful orange dress that was truly breathtaking. Before the ceremony and the baraat, we had the first look and photos with the bridal party — all of which had to be completed by 9 a.m. So many things happening in such a short amount of time! This is why we always tell our clients that choosing the right photographer is so important — someone who can keep up with the incredible pace and energy of the day, capturing every moment without missing a beat.

For the Baraat, a horse was prepared for Rohan to ride, adding to the excitement and grandeur of the procession. The ceremony itself took place in the elegant Pavilions, creating a beautiful setting for their vows and traditions.

After all of this and a short break — which was very much needed — the second part of this full-day wedding began. Simron and Rohan changed into their second outfits, this time in soft shades of blue. They looked absolutely stunning. We had another photo session around the hotel, and then the wedding continued in the same lively rhythm as the previous day, filled with dancing, tears, and endless smiles. Truly, one of the most beautiful weddings we have had the honor to capture.