“WE MET AT THE BEGINNING of our intern year of residency at The University of Chicago, but didn’t think much of it until we went to a local bar after the annual holiday party,” Shivani Khanna says of the beginning of her relationship with Neal Klauer. “Sparks flew as we danced the night away.” Fast-forward to 2021, and the couple got engaged on the picturesque peak of a North Carolina mountain during a weekend getaway.
When the big day arrived a year later, the pair wed at The Monte Bello Estate in front of 215 friends and family. “I loved the wildflower prairie at the estate, which reminded me of my childhood, and the whimsical details scattered around that made it feel like a fairy tale,” the bride says. A color scheme of blush pink, pale orange and yellow with bursts of fuchsia paid homage to traditional Indian wedding colors while emphasizing the natural springtime beauty of the venue. In the traditional Hindu ceremony, the couple exchanged handwritten vows and circled the fire to signify their lifelong commitment to each other.
Shivani’s favorite moment of the reception was the couple’s first dance as husband and wife—then hitting the dance floor with guests. After a whirlwind day celebrating their love, “our family and friends formed an aisle and lit sparklers to close out the evening,” Shivani says. A spectacular fireworks show capped the unforgettable night.
The bride’s wedding, reception and sangeet dresses were all purchased in New Delhi.
The mandap was adorned with florals in hues that nodded to traditional Indian weddings.
The bride’s shoes were crafted by maker Pearlingsdesigns on Etsy.
Yanni Design Studio curated the reception space using a plethora of vibrant roses, peonies and greenery.
The List
Venue & Catering The Monte Bello Estate, themontebelloestate.com
Wedding Planner Jankhana Desai, JD Eventz, jdeventz.com
Bride’s Attire Ceremony: Madsam Tinzin, instagram.com/ madsamtinzin; Reception: Christina W T, instagram.com/christinawt
Bride’s Jewelry Raabta by Rahul, raabtabyrahul.com
Bride’s Hair & Makeup Laura Franco, theFACE PRO, thefacepro.com
Groom’s Attire Ceremony: Manyavar, manyavar.com; Reception: Indochino, indochino.com
Rings James Allen, jamesallen.com
Florals Yanni Design Studio, yannidesignstudio.com
Cake Beauty and the Baker, beautyandthebakerbakery.com
Invitations Invitations by Arushi, instagram.com/invitationsbyarushi
Entertainment DJ Illest, Do It All Entertainment, doitallentertainment.com
Getaway Car Maybach, CelebLux Limos, celebluxlimos.com
Photo Booth Shutterbox Photo Entertainment, shutterboxphotobooth.com
Videographer Wynn Films, wynnfilms.com
Photography by: Onelove Photography
