A Classic, Elegant Multicultural Wedding at the Chicago Botanic Garden

Neela Rao and Nathan Wruble planned a two-day wedding that celebrated their Western and Indian cultures. On the first day was a traditional Hindu ceremony at The Rookery. The couple went with a neutral color palette of gold, ivory and green to complement the gilded walls and marble floors of the venue. "We had a very traditional and colorful Indian ceremony," Neela says. "Our mandap (wedding stage) was also very simple with gold pillars, white roses and greenery." Neela stunned in a red and gold lehenga with a fishtail braid, stacked bracelets, statement gold earrings and traditional Henna tattoos. Nathan wore a matching gold and red sherwani. On the second day, the couple hosted a Western rustic-chic brunch wedding at the Chicago Botanic Garden. "We wanted to embrace the warm June weather and the sweeping natural landscapes of the garden. We chose a coral theme that was flower forward," Neela says. The ceremony took place underneath a greenery arch set against the lake. Then guests visited a wooden seating chart before heading to rectangular oak tables decorated with runners, greenery and coral peonies. A rustic display of lavender plants and a classic tiered wedding cake rounded out the decor. Neela sported a ballgown with a delicate floral top and tulle bottom for this second-day bash, while Nathan wore a slate blue suit.