AS AN INTERN IN HR, Pearl Patel processed Abhi Sharma’s new-hire paperwork, and was immediately smitten when they were introduced on his first day. A later LinkedIn connection sealed the deal. “We had lengthy conversations over Facebook Messenger and thought it would be better to get coffee and hang out,” Abhi remembers.“That ended up turning into an eight-hour date and one of the best days of my life. It solidified our mutual love for infusing spontaneity and adventure into the ordinary.”
Adventure was the name of the game when it came to wedding planning, especially after their original venue fell through and they were forced to pivot on a dime, finding a new location and vendor team in less than two months. The results, however, were extraordinary—just like their relationship. They were drawn to Galleria Marchetti’s gorgeous outdoor space and, despite the summer calendar date, “I wanted it to feel like a fresh spring garden,” the bride says. Yanni Design Studio decked out the space in neutral tones with pops of late-spring color: soft peach, jade green, light pink. (Pearl even matched the groomsmen’s and bridesmaids’ attire to the palette.) Following the traditional Hindu ceremony, florals did double duty for the reception, playing up the Spanish vibe of the venue’s La Pergola space. Comfortable sofa seating, twinkle lights overhead and candles gave it a luxe, romantic vibe.
There was spontaneity too. “Abhi completely surprised me by taking off his suit jacket during a dance my friends coordinated, and joining them,” Pearl says. “I couldn’t stop thinking about when he had the chance to practice! It was the absolute sweetest surprise. … I’ll never forget that peaceful, celebratory feeling.” Both bride and groom were surprised when a Scottish bagpiper joined the DJ and traditional Indian dhol drummer. “We learned later our dhol player had met him outside on their respective breaks,” Abhi says. “It was completely unexpected and added to the celebratory feeling.”
As for the future, more adventure awaits. The newlyweds treated themselves to a Waldorf Astoria Chicago staycation that included a sunset sail on Lake Michigan, and they’re looking forward to a later honeymoon to Greece or Japan.
Venue Galleria Marchetti, galleriamarchetti.com
Wedding Planner Sabrina Hans, instagram.com/sabrinahansevents
Bride’s Attire Ceremony: Dolly J., India, dollyjstudio.com; Reception: KYNAH, shopkynah.com
Bride’s Hair & Makeup Ceremony: Carrie Novak, Appease Inc., appease2you.com; Reception: Kylie Jordan Artistry, kyliejordanartistry.com
Groom’s Attire Ceremony: Mallika Mathur, MM Design, India, instagram.com/mallikamathurdesign; Reception: custom, Nicholas Joseph, customsuitsyou.com
Rings Hers: Max Color LLC; His: Cartier, cartier.com
Masks bAnuDesigns, banudesigns.com
Bridesmaids’ Attire Tanuvee Creations, India
Florals & Rentals Yanni Design Studio, yannidesignstudio.com
Catering Shree Restaurant, shreerestaurants.com
Cake Amy Beck Cake Design, amybeckcakedesign.com
Invitations Paperless Post, paperlesspost.com
Entertainment Dhol: Gurpreet Birk, instagram.com/iamsmileysingh; DJ: DESIchill Production, facebook.com/desichillproduction
Lighting & Livestream MDM Entertainment, mdmentertainment.com
Favors Vanille Patisserie, vanillepatisserie.com
Videographer Max Cutrone, maxcutrone.com
Accommodations Loews Chicago Hotel, loewshotels.com
Photography by: Connie Marina Photography
