The Drake
Thursday, July 25th, 2024 at 7pm
SANGEET — “music" in English — a vibrant pre-wedding celebration animated with music and dance. Featuring choreographed performances by loved ones, this heartfelt display epitomizes the excitement for the upcoming union. Inspired by the allure of the American roaring 20s, our evening infuses Bollywood with art deco elegance. Get ready to ignite the dance floor.Friday, July 26th, 2024 at 8:30am
HALDI—"turmeric" in English—is an intimate occasion where a turmeric cream is delicately applied to the bride and groom's bodies with a flower, signifying the beautiful act of cleansing and purifying themselves before they wed. It's said to impart a special glow, highlighting the couple's natural beauty in the days to follow. To avoid stains, we will not be using actual turmeric. The tradition includes tossing yellow flower petals like marigolds and ranunculus, enveloping the scene in a vivid display of golden saffron and sunlit hues. Following the ceremony, indulge in an Indo-English High-Tea brunch inside the Camellia Room.Friday, July 26th, 2024 at 4Pm
SHAADI: The Indian wedding ceremony starts with the groom's side leading a vibrant drum procession known as the "Baraat" towards the bride and her entourage. The ceremony unfolds within the mandap, an ornate structure where the couple sits. As the bride enters the mandap, her bridesmaids sprinkle petals along her path, symbolizing blessings. They then settle at the perimeter of the mandap amidst the floral décor, where the couple exchanges sincere vows, pledging their eternal love and devotion.
You have become mine forever. Yes, we have become partners
I have become yours, Hereafter I cannot live without you
do not live without me, we are word and meaning united
you are thought and I am sound
may the nights be honey-sweet for us, may the mornings be honey-sweet for us
may the plants be honey-sweet for us, may the earth be honey-sweet for us
—Ceremony of the Seven Steps—
Saint George
Saturday, July 27th, 2024, 4pm
WEDDING CEREMONY — At the sacred venue of the church, our matrimonial ceremony will intertwine timeless Christian rites with heartfelt vows, culminating in the tender exchange of rings. The church ceremony symbolizes our solemn commitment to each other, under the blessings of God, with cherished guests there to bear witness. Surrounded by the support and prayers of our family and friends, this ceremony unites us in love and faith, rooted in centuries-old customs and beliefs.
As we hop in our getaway car, we extend our heartfelt invitation to our cherished guests to join us at the Hilton Towers for the cocktail hour.
HiltonChicago
Saturday, July 27th, 2024, 6pm
COCKTAIL HOUR — A social prelude for the evening. Saturday, July 27th, 2024, 7:30pm
RECEPTION — a timeless affair we anticipate.Set me as a seal upon your heart,
as a seal upon your arm,
for love is strong as death,
jealousy is fierce as the grave.
Its flashes are flashes of fire,
the very flame of the Lord.
Many waters cannot quench love,
neither can floods drown it.
Song of Solomon 8:6-7