Colorful Multicultural Wedding in Downtown Chicago
When Theiju and Dan approached me about photographing their colorful multicultural wedding, I couldn’t have been more excited. They intentionally designed a wedding day that embraced their cultures’ traditions while honoring their unique relationship. We even took modern wedding portraits in downtown Chicago. These images celebrate the creativity and joy that characterized Theiju and Dan’s wedding day from start to finish.
A Colorful Multicultural Wedding
Every detail of Theiju and Dan’s multicultural wedding showed how excited the couple was to combine elements of their families’ different cultural backgrounds. Even though they grew up differently, they were raised to have many of the same values. They wanted their wedding to reflect that.
Leading up to the wedding, Theiju told me that her family and bridesmaids would wear traditional Indian clothing, and they planned to include a choreographed Dutch-Indian dance. I couldn’t wait for Theiju and Dan’s wedding day! That level of intentionality leads to such beautiful and fun celebrations. Their wedding did not disappoint.
Vibrant florals and saris were important ways that Theiju’s family incorporated their traditions into this multicultural wedding. Theiju’s bouquet popped against her white dress with its overflowing greenery and bold colors. The blooms were an unexpectedly perfect pairing with her sleek, modern dress.
The color didn’t stop at the florals. I absolutely loved the bridesmaids’ fuschia saris, which were handmade in India. Theiju’s family wore jewel-toned clothes that made the wedding day a joyful whirl of color.
Modern Wedding Portraits in Downtown Chicago
To achieve a modern aesthetic with Theiju and Dan’s multicultural wedding photos, we took portraits around downtown Chicago. I love exploring downtown with marriers before their ceremony. The architecture of downtown gives the images that combination of historic beauty and the feeling of fast-paced urban life.
The neutrals of downtown Chicago provided a perfect backdrop for the rich colors of Theiju’s florals and her bridesmaid’s saris. Lined up in front of the gold doors of a towering building or smiling on a bridge over the river, their joy is so evident.
One reason these portraits were a great addition to Theiju and Dan’s photography was that they allowed for a great mix of posed and candid photos. Walking around, Theiju and Dan could relax with one another and be affectionate. The city also gave opportunities to showcase their elegant wedding attire and thoughtful details creatively.
A Romantic Reception with Contemporary Details
Theiju and Dan’s wedding was proof that honoring culture doesn’t mean a wedding has to feel old-fashioned. Their reception decor was romantic and elegant with a very contemporary sensibility. The saturated purple, pink, and gold florals of Theiju’s bouquet carried into the lush, elaborate reception details to give the classic and elegant University Club lively garden vibes. They really made this old-school wedding venue their own through the way they styled the reception.
One of the most magical parts of the reception decor was the big floral and lights installation around the head table. A garland of vibrant flowers and greenery hung above the length of the table. Edison bulbs dangled at varying lengths to meet the full floral arrangements sitting on the tabletop. The installation framed Theiju and Dan in bright flowers and warm light throughout the night. The effect was especially cozy and emotional during speeches.
What would a multicultural wedding be without some dancing and music? Theiju and Dan’s wedding party did a choreographed dance for their reception entrance. The entertainment was pretty non-stop from there with Theiju and Dan even performing a song together later in the evening as a surprise to their guests! I couldn’t help but admire how this couple worked together to include family traditions and still have their wedding feel uniquely their own.
Are you interested in having me photograph your multicultural wedding? Reach out, and let’s start the conversation!
Thank you to the vendors who made Theiju and Dan’s wedding possible:
Planner: Gina, The Simply Elegant Group
Florist/Decor: Atmosphere Events Group
Hair: Lueur Beauti
Makeup: Lueur Beauti
Cake: University of Chicago
Catering: University of Chicago
Band: Bluewater Kings Band
Ceremony venue: St Joseph Catholic Church (ICSJ Parish)
Theiju's Outfits: Cielo / Star & Style Saree Draping
Dan's Outfit: Men's Wearhouse
Bridesmaids: Outfits custom-made in India and draped by Star & Style Saree Draping
Videographer: FortyOne Films
Invitations: Beacon Lane