A Classic Modern Hindu Wedding at Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort in Oak Brook, Illinois

Neha (27 and the founder and CEO of Little Journey) and Pinak (28 and an entrepreneur) had an elaborate, weekend-long Hindu celebration in Chicago, Illinois. Neha had originally wanted a destination wedding, but with a guest list of 650—and five wedding-related events—the couple kept their celebration local. “Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort felt like a destination wedding, and the golf course was a beautiful setting to take pictures,” Neha says. They hired a wedding planner to bring their vision to life—a glamorous and romantic gray, white and gold theme with a focus on “family, friends and love.” After a series of traditional Hindu events, it was time for the wedding. Pinak arrived at the ceremony in a white Maybach, while his family and friends danced and celebrated. Then it was Neha's turn. She looked radiant in deep red as her maternal uncles walked her down a white velvet aisle, lined in mirrored glass boxes and candles, to the custom orchid-decorated mandap. Musician Josh Vietti, whom the couple first heard while on vacation in California, played the violin (a surprise arranged by Pinak). It was “the best wedding present,” Neha says. The bride's parents, aunt and uncle performed the Hindu ceremonies, followed by a reception at the same venue. Guests enjoyed dinner and dancing in a room lit with soft white lights and candles. The most memorable part of the meal was the dessert station, featuring 5,000 dessert pieces. The most memorable part of the reception was a surprise dance performed by the wedding party, with Pinak joining in. “I was in shock, and I loved it,” Neha says. “We were surrounded by so much love.” —Chrissy Sorenson