Last weekend I had the amazing fortune of second shooting for Melissa of Telltale Photography at Tonushree and Kush’s jaw-droppingly fabulous wedding in Chicago. It was my first Indian wedding and I was beyond excited to see how it was all about to unfold. As soon as we arrived to the Conrad Chicago on Saturday, I knew every moment of the two day affair would be breathtaking. Tonushree was sitting in the living room of her suite getting ready for that evening’s cocktail reception and she was radiant. Her sweet and calming voice welcomed Melissa and I into the room and we began to talk about all of the details, the events leading up to the wedding ceremony, and the many people who had come together from all over the world to help celebrate their wedding day. I could already feel the love and I hadn’t even met the groom yet.
The rest of the weekend went on like a dream with the most beautiful handpicked and meticulously designed details adding beauty to a love that needed no help being beautiful on its own. Kush and Tonushree had met through a letter and proceeded to write seven more letters to each other before Tonushree flew to New Mexico to meet Kush for the very first time. She says that as soon as they saw each other in the airport, they both knew. After one dozen letters, their love was concrete.
I feel honored to have been part of their celebration and to have had the opportunity to witness two families coming together. The many toasts and speeches their friends and family gave “as the spirit moved them” (as Tonushree’s dad noted) were a true testament to their genuine love. Thank you, Melissa, for inviting me along!
Here are some of the amazing details Tonushree hand selected and designed in India for her wedding day:
And some of the details of Kush’s wedding apparel:
Traditionally in Indian culture, a bride and groom did not know each other. Strings were knotted around each of their wrists and this would later play a part as they got to know each other better on their wedding night.
Kush with his adorable nephew:
Tonushree and Kush had an amazing First Look on the balcony of their honeymoon suite before the wedding day festivities began. I loved the look on both of their faces as they saw each other for the first time that day – what an amazing opportunity for a relaxed moment for just the two of them (and some great photographs)!
When Kush arrived to the Chicago Cultural Center after the baraat, the milni began in the gorgeous G.A.R. Hall. During this ceremony, the bride’s family greets the groom’s family and both exchange well wishes. Very cool!
Some of the stunning details in the room where the wedding ceremony would soon take place:
The gorgeous conch that punctuated the wedding ceremony:
The wedding ceremony under the brilliant mandap:
After the ceremony, the celebrations continued in Preston Bradley Hall. Seriously – jaw dropping, no?
Tonushree and Kush’s wedding favors were CDs of their favorite music. The best part, however, was the case they made that included excerpts of their twelve letters. I think this was my favorite physical detail of the whole day.
The couple’s first dance – wow!
After the wedding reception, we had some time for romantic portraits. They were complete naturals and didn’t really need much direction on how to look good.
We headed over to Millennium Park and Kush started searching for his name which was written in Tonushree’s henna designs:
Aren’t they totally stunning?
And, my favorite portrait from the wedding day:
Best wishes Kush and Tonushree!
