Real Wedding: Neeti & Eli

Lily Chen Lily Chen | March 25, 2025 | Weddings Rotator,

Neeti Shenoy & Eli Schneider

June 22, 2024
The Drake

Photographed by Peter Wynn Thompson Photography

THE COUPLE Though Neeti Shenoy and Eli Schneider met in St. Louis at Washington University, “Chicago is where our relationship really grew and where we put down roots as a couple,” Neeti says. The engagement paid homage to that. Eli proposed in 2022 at Ping Tom Memorial Park, Neeti’s favorite spot in Chinatown with skyline views.

THE DETAILS“Throughout our weekend, we made sure to acknowledge both South Indian and Jewish cultures, to celebrate our families and acknowledge our plan to carry our traditions together moving forward,” Neeti says. The celebration lasted multiple days and included both a Hindu Konkani ceremony and a Jewish ceremony beneath a chuppah.

THE PARTY Nearly 400 guests were invited to get henna at the sangeet and Hindu ceremony, then let loose during the Saturday reception, where DJ Ram B brought everyone to their feet. The photo booth made for a unique guest book that the couple could look back on, and Neeti and Eli ended their celebration with late-night chicken tenders—followed by more dancing!