Shivani & Kiran’s South Asian Wedding at the Sheraton Grand Chicago
Shivani & Kiran: A Five-Day South Asian Celebration in Chicago
This film captures the vibrant, multi-day celebration of Drs. Shivani and Kiran, a November wedding weekend that spanned from intimate home rituals in Long Grove to a grand finale at some of Chicago’s most iconic venues.
Days 1 & 2: Sacred Beginnings & Henna Art
The journey began at the bride’s family home in Long Grove with the Haldi and Ganesh Puja, where traditional rituals and the rhythmic sounds of the dhol set the tone for the festivities. These intimate moments transitioned into a colorful Mehndi ceremony, with intricate henna designs for the bride and guests and a relaxed dinner of South Indian cuisine.
Day 3: A Night at Navy Pier
The energy shifted to the spectacular Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier for the Sangeet and welcome dinner. Set against a backdrop of lush greenery, the evening was a whirlwind of culture: Garba and Dandiya dancing that kept the floor moving, heartfelt performances and speeches MC’d by the bride’s sister, and vibrant decor including a traditional swing and floral Ganeshas.
Day 4: The Baraat, the Ceremony, and the Vidaai
The wedding day began early with getting-ready sessions at the Sheraton Grand Chicago. The Baraat was a true showstopper: Kiran arriving on horseback as the procession danced through the streets of downtown Chicago. The ceremony in the Chicago Ballroom was steeped in tradition, from the Antarpat (the ceremonial curtain) and the couple’s first look to the Jaimala garland exchange, the Aarti thali, and the final Vidaai, where the newlyweds made their emotional departure in a white Rolls-Royce.
The Reception: A High-Energy Finale
- The soundtrack: a grand entrance to Kanye West’s “All of the Lights,” followed by a romantic first dance to Johnny Cash’s “Rose of My Heart.”
- Surprise elements: a Champagne Parade kicked off the evening’s toasts.
- The traditions: the joyful shoe game (joote do paise lo) and a poignant father-daughter dance.
- The party: a dance floor fueled late into the night by live saxophone, drums, and dhol.
Behind the Lens
Five days, four venues, and a dozen traditions each with its own rhythm: this is the kind of celebration our team plans for like a documentary production. From the quiet, yellow-hued Haldi rituals to the flashing lights of the Navy Pier Sangeet and the Baraat’s street-filling joy, the film weaves the cultural threads into one continuous story.
The Creative Team
- Videography: 312FILMS
- Photography: Jai Girard
- Planning & coordination: Sonal J. Shah Event Consultants
- Decor: Kehoe Designs
- Music: DJ Baadshah & DJ Damaniac
- Venues: Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier & Sheraton Grand Chicago
Love these traditions? Browse our South Asian wedding films and Indian wedding films, including Nikou & Anuj’s Indian-Persian celebration.
Planning a multi-day South Asian wedding? We film every event, from Haldi to Vidaai, with the cultural fluency they deserve. Check your date →
