An Eclectic Multicultural Wedding at Greenhouse Loft in Chicago, Illinois

Rachel Kravitt (33 and an occupational therapist) and Nithin Kalvakota (38 and a project manager) booked the popular venue, Greenhouse Loft, for its abundance of natural light and its location next door to the restaurant where they got engaged. Their DIY bash blended traditional Indian and Jewish elements, including an abbreviated Indian ceremony followed by a portion officiated by the father of the bride. “It felt very appropriate to let my dad do his own thing while sprinkling the ceremony with cheesy dad jokes,” Rachel says. She carried a loose bouquet of Juliet garden roses, cafe au lait dahlias, ranunculus and jasmine vine. At the reception, gilded elephant figurines took the place of paper escort cards and doubled as whimsical favors. Menu highlights included refreshing mango lassis, sweet potato and spinach samosas and lamb sliders, while jarred peach pies were served in lieu of traditional cake. “It was challenging to fuse our unique cultures and religions into one cohesive theme, but I love how it all turned out,” Rachel says.