Local Love – Kajal & Akash at Pearl Banquets & Conference Center

Kajal and Akash were each visiting friends at the University of Illinois when they met at a Halloween party. Even though Kajal was shy, the two struck up a friendship that they maintained for several years. They were each focused on their education and their own lives, but eventually discovered that they shared more than a simple friendship. Kajal said that she knew they were perfect for each other because they shared the same values, virtues, goals and cultural beliefs.

For their wedding, Kajal and Akash wanted guests to feel like they were entering a secret garden. Kajal worked closely with Yanni Design Studio to make the floral masterpiece a reality. “I am very dreamy and imaginative, so it was amazing working with someone who understood my vision and made it a reality,” Kajal shared. To complete the secret garden theme, they brought in flowers in many shades of pink, crystal, butterflies, manzanita trees and bird cages. The result was truly enchanting. Place cards were real keys that could be used as keychain bottle openers and aerial dancers mesmerized guests at the cocktail hour.

The couple incorporated many traditional ceremonies and customs into their wedding ceremony and reception. They made sure to include the traditions that were important to their parents as a sign of respect and appreciation for their generous support. On their wedding day, Kajal said she was “an emotional mess,” but her mom helped keep her calm and make sure everything ran according to plan. At the ceremony, the couple was stunned by the gorgeous mandap covered in roses and waterfall orchids cascading dramatically. Marrying her soulmate under the perfect dreamy mandap was Kajal’s favorite moment of their Big Day. For Akash, the best moment of the day was “receiving a book Kajal wrote for me on my wedding day that took me back to all the phases of our relationship.” The pair was thrilled to spend their wedding day with their friends and family, soaking up the love and celebration in a truly magical secret garden.

Number of Wedding Guests: 400

Vendor List:

Venue: Pearl Banquets & Conference Center

Photography: Sapan Ahuja Photography

Videography: Wynn Films

Rings: Asian Gems

Bride’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Hair & Makeup: Makeup by Bushra Abbasi

Bride’s Other Jewelry: A.B. Jewels

Formalwear: Ted Baker

Floral & Décor: Yanni Design Studio

Catering: India House

Entertainment: DJ Krush of Shaadi Entertainment

Cakes & Sweets: The Baking Institute