Rina weds Rikhil
It took a little time – high school years, college years, and then some, but Rina and Rikhil finally found love when they got in touch with each other after college. Despite going to the same high school, the friends lost touch during college. Their friendship eventually turned into something more. They dated for four years, and Rikhil proposed to Rina after Thanksgiving in 2019. The couple shared the night of their proposal with family friends at the City Winery on the Chicago River Walk. All of them celebrated the engagement of the loving couple the entire night. It was a happy and memorable event for the couple… and their loved ones!
Their planned wedding date of August 2020 was delayed due to the pandemic, but a year later on August 21, 2021, the big day finally arrived. Both Rina’s and Rikhil’s families live in the Chicago area, so they wanted a venue nearby. However, since many of Rina’s extended family members were supposed to travel, they also wanted a hotel for their stay. They finalized The Westin Chicago Northwest in Itasca as their ideal venue.
BANQUET HALLS The Westin Chicago Northwest 630-773-4000 | BEAUTICIANS Nadia Hira Beauty 773-818-8283 | CAKE Lovin Oven Cakery 224-788-9558 | CATERING Annapurna Chicago 733-383-636 | Saffron Restaurant 847-278-1955 | DECORATOR Shukan Events + Designs 630-338-6221 | DISC JOCKEY DoItAll Entertainment 847-708-5113 | FLORIST Vivek Flowers 224-277-1223 | INVITATIONS Rolex Cards +91 90221-50157 | PHOTOGRAPHER Sapan Ahuja Photography 815-793-2032 | VIDEOGRAPHY Rush Productions 312-265-1911
The pre-wedding ceremonies were simple with a personal touch. The Mehndi was celebrated in the park district, with an indoor area that included a playground. The décor was simple featuring the couple’s hashtag and a colorful backdrop. A flower-studded white bench was there for Rina. There was also a live dosa counter at the playground. Rina’s Grah Shanti was at the Westin while Rikhil had his at his parent’s house.
The wedding ceremony was in the morning. It was an outdoor function with the couple’s color theme of peach, red, mint, and cream. The groomsmen were color coordinated with the bride while the bridesmaids coordinated with the groom. Rikhil arrived at the wedding in a Lamborghini Huracan. However, he had to walk halfway along a lake to reach the Mandap! Thankfully, when he got there, a perfect blend of Indian and American music at the wedding uplifted the festive spirit and entertained all 200 guests in attendance.
The reception was in the grand ballroom of the hotel. The color theme consisted of navy and gold with floating candles and flowers as centerpieces. Uplighting and sparklers set the party mood. There were beautiful dance performances by the parents of both the bride and the groom, their brothers, and touching speeches by friends and cousins.
The pandemic may have upset many of their plans, but both Rina and Rikhil were happy to finally celebrate their big day that was enjoyed by one and all.
