The Westin Ohare Wedding Photos with Julie and Aijo

Below is the story of  Julie and Aijo: 

The Proposal

 Aijo spent a whole day surprising me by flying into Jersey for my birthday and pretending to be a hitchhiker on the road so I would stop for him. From there, he took me on a helicopter ride and after that a winery for a tasting. After the tasting, he suggested we do a tour of the vineyard, they dropped us off for “privacy” at the back of the vineyard where Aijo had set up a table with some gifts. He made a book of our memories and we slow danced and then he popped the question! When we headed back to the winery, our families and friends were there to surprise us to celebrate. We then went back to my house where even more loved ones were waiting and we celebrated the rest of the night together. 

The engagement session was done at Chicago Botanical Garden a few months ago and the photos can be seen here.

The Wedding Day

Julie got ready at The Westin  O’hare and Aijo at his parents’ house. Since we were at The Westing O’hare, we wanted to make sure we took advantage of the big windows.

In the same time, Aijo was with his parents and his friends getting ready in Morton Grove.

The Ceremony

The classic weddings are something very rare at this time and especially a formal wedding inside of a church. But it just feels so pure and cinematic. I love the pews, the pulpit, the architecture, and incredible art. Julie and Aijo’s wedding took place at St. Ita Catholic Church in Chicago, which is a Roman Catholic church in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago. St Ita was designed by Henry J. Schlacks in the Neo-Gothic style and completed in 1927.

After the homily, the priest announced that they will do the marriage ceremony. He first blesses the rings, thaali (locket), and manthragodi (sari), and rosaries.

Once the mass was complete the couple went to Mary and offers a bouquet to ask for blessings for the bride to be a good mother and for the couple to have a good family life.

 Another unique tradition was the “NADA” shout right outside the church and then at the venue. It was spectacular to see all the guests shouting at once NADA.

Wedding Photo Session

Next step was Dawes park in Evanston for a few bridal portraits. 

Wedding Reception 

Finally, we got everybody in lime and went to the Westin O’Hare for the big party! The Party did not start until the NADA happened again at the venue entrance. This reception was a special one as DoItAll Entertainment brought the first digital dance floor I ever have seen.

Other few Indian traditions took place before the dances begun.

Groom’s mother gives a blessing before the couple got on stage followed by lighting the lamp, this signifies starting the event with good luck and blessings!

Wedding Summary: 

Advice for brides and grooms planning: 

Vendors: 

You guys are going to rock this whole being married thing. Thanks for sharing your day with us!