Bright Colors & Board Games: Maggy & Avel’s Chicago Marriott Southwest at Burr Ridge Wedding

Maggy and Avel’s wedding at Chicago Marriott Southwest at Burr Ridge was a dazzling fusion of cultures, personalities and bright aesthetics. From the beginning, they knew they wanted a celebration that honored Avel’s Indian heritage while also feeling uniquely their own. The result? A tropical, playful, and joy-filled wedding, where tradition and personal flair blended seamlessly into an unforgettable experience.

Avel and Maggy’s love story began in January 2020 with a first date at Alter Brewing’s taproom in Downers Grove. Bonding over a shared love of bad movies and good food and drink, their connection quickly blossomed. Despite living in different towns—Avel in Joliet and Maggy in Lisle—their relationship grew stronger over time. After years of cooking together, playing board games, and building a life full of love and laughter, Avel proposed over a home-cooked lunch. Their engagement celebration fittingly took place at Alter Brewing, the spot where their journey first began.

When it came to choosing a wedding venue, the couple knew they needed a space that could accommodate all the layers of their celebration in one place. The Chicago Marriott Southwest at Burr Ridge proved to be the perfect fit, hosting their welcome party and Mehndi the night before, followed by a full wedding day featuring a lively baraat, a traditional Hindu ceremony, and a high-energy reception. “We especially liked that they were large enough to accommodate all of our guests while still being the only event that evening and not having to compete with other events on the same day,” Maggy noted.

Within this setting, the couple envisioned a wedding that was fun, lighthearted, and a true reflection of their personalities. Early in the planning process, a tropical theme emerged, influencing everything from the decor to the invitations and attire. Bright colors played a central role, with bold floral arrangements and a mandap adorned with faux greenery to complement the vibrant hues of their outfits and décor.In addition to the tropical aesthetic, Maggy and Avel infused their celebration with playful, nerdy details. Their stationery and signage featured LEGO figurines, and each dining table was named after a favorite movie or video game. Even their wedding cake embraced the whimsical theme, decorated with multi-colored sprinkles, LEGO flowers, and board game figures in place of traditional cake toppers. One of the couple’s favorite design elements was their custom vinyl dance floor, printed by Satin Chair. Since board games are a cherished part of their relationship, the dance floor incorporated game symbols that tied into their “tropical nerd” theme.

From the bold colors to the geeky details, Maggy and Avel’s wedding truly reflected who they are as a couple. Surrounded by family and friends, they embarked on their next great adventure together — one filled with love, fun, and, of course, plenty of board games.