A Glamorous, Modern Indian-Filipino Fusion Wedding at the Navy Pier Aon Grand Ballroom in Chicago, Illinois

Elegant gold details and crystal-draped centerpieces lent a regal feel to Nikita Vashi (28 and a physician) and Chris Baclig’s (29 and a software developer) opulent Indian-Filipino fusion wedding.

Nikita and Chris kicked off their wedding weekend with a traditional sangeet (welcome party), followed by a Hindu ceremony at Hilton Chicago. The following day, the pair wed in a Catholic ceremony that incorporated the coin, cord and veil traditions common in Filipino celebrations, before hosting an epic finale reception at the Navy Pier Aon Grand Ballroom.

For many of Nikita’s bridesmaids, it was their first time wearing a sari. “They were all so excited!” the bride says.

Dressed in a traditional Indian sherwani and mojari slippers, Chris made his decorated baraat entrance on the back of a white horse. 

“We wanted the reception to feel as big as the love we felt pouring in from family and friends,” Nikita says of decking out their ballroom venue with lush arrangements of roses and hydrangeas. Old fashioneds and Moscow Mules were served with plated Indian fare, followed by slices of champagne-and-strawberry cake.

Nikita and Chris chose “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys for their first dance as newlyweds.