Indian-Persian Wedding at Chicago Botanic Garden

A Botanic Garden Love Story: Nikou & Anuj

Capturing Nikou and Anuj’s wedding on September 8th, 2023 was a masterclass in elegance and cultural fusion. Held at the breathtaking Chicago Botanic Garden, every moment, from the serene Japanese gardens to the high-energy reception, was a filmmaker’s dream.

The Setting

The day began with preparations at the Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel before transitioning to the lush grounds of the Botanic Garden, where we captured the intimate getting-ready details that set the tone for the day.

The Highlight Reel

The first look: one of the most cinematic moments of the day, on the Japanese Garden Bridge, whose architecture framed Nikou and Anuj’s emotional first meeting perfectly.
Garden portraits: we followed the couple through the Japanese Garden waterfall and the Rose Garden, using natural light and vibrant greenery for timeless portraits.
The ceremony: held on the Rose Terrace, centered on the sofreh, the traditional Persian wedding spread that added a rich layer of heritage and visual detail to the film.
Golden hour: just before the reception, we stole the newlyweds away to The Overlook to capture that perfect glow as the sun set over the garden.
The celebration: the reception at McGinley Pavilion never dipped in energy, from the grand entrance and heartfelt speeches to the knife dance, the high-energy Persian tradition that led perfectly into the cake cutting and first dance.

Behind the Lens

This wedding was a beautiful blend of traditions, including an Indian wedding celebration earlier in the week and the Persian elements woven through Friday’s ceremony. Our goal was to bring these cultural threads together into one cohesive, emotional narrative that Nikou and Anuj will cherish forever.

The Creative Team

Videography: 312FILMS
Photography: Sapan Ahuja Photography
Planning: Bweddings (Chrissy & Brittani)
Venue: Chicago Botanic Garden
Floral: Vale of Enna
DJ: Shaadhi Entertainment
Hair & makeup: Amina

Planning a garden wedding, or a Persian or Indian celebration in Chicago? We would love to tell your story. Check your date →