Bollywood in the ‘Burbs’

Kruti and Sachin first met downtown through mutual friends. Coincidentally, their parents had done business together for years. Although Kruti knew Sanchin’s parents, and Sachin knew hers, the two never managed to meet.

Kruti and Sachin hung out just as friends for about a year before Sachin asked Kruti to dinner on Valentine’s Day 2006. This time, it was more than just a friendly get together.

“He was trying to convince me that it was a regular day, but of course he had ulterior motives,” Kruti says.

After just two weeks of official dating, the couple knew they would get married someday.

“He’s so kind,” Kruti says of Sachin. “He’s just a good guy. It’s so hard to find somebody especially in the same culture who you can really get along with.”

Then one night, on New Year’s Eve 2008, Kruti and Sachin found themselves at a party at Ashyana Banquets in Downer’s Grove, which Sachin’s family owns. It would also later be the couple’s wedding and reception site. Just before midnight, Sachin asked Kruti to join him in another room and help bring in party favors.

“He opened the door and there were candles everywhere and rose petals on the floor and a bucket of champagne on ice,” Kruti says. “He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I was so shocked, I asked him to redo it!”

Kruti and Sachin didn’t leave out any details when planning their spectacular South Asian wedding. Sticking to Hindu tradition meant three days of events, the first starting with a customary visit the Thursday before the wedding from the bride’s maternal uncles, who showered Kruti and her family with gifts from India. The evening also included prayers, as well as rubbing yellow turmeric all over the bride to give her skin a healthy glow.

“The idea is for the bride to relax and get taken care of by her family so she’s not stressing out,” Kruti says.

The second evening of festivities featured a “Mehndi, Sangeet and Rass” at Ashyana Banquets in Downer’s Grove. The reception-style event boasted gorgeous color combinations of hot pink and orange, and helped to kick off the main affair—the wedding ceremony the next day.

“We really wanted bright colors,” Kruti says. “The purpose of the [Mehndi, Sangeet and Rass] is the start of festivities. It’s supposed to be a very joyous event and welcoming type atmosphere because it welcomes what’s to come.”

The day of her wedding, Kruti was awake by 4:30 a.m. to begin preparing for the 9:30 a.m. ceremony. Because the bride had so many outfit and jewelry changes, a complete dress rehearsal took place a couple of weeks before to ensure perfection for the big day.

Although Hindu traditions were an important part of the ceremony, Kruti and Sachin also chose to blend a few Western customs into the day. This included having bridesmaids, who spread rose petals on the aisle for the bride.

“Having lived here and having been raised in America, you pick up a little from here and a little from there,” Kruti says. “This was a great way to incorporate my girls into the wedding.”

Kruti and her mom designed the bridesmaid outfits themselves in India, as well as the groom’s attire. Kruti’s attire also was purchased in India. During the ceremony, red fabric was draped over the couple’s hands while family placed gifts over the fabric. A single gold chain to symbolize their bond also linked the couple. But the most significant part of the ceremony was the exchange of red garland by the bride and groom, Kruti says.

“It means we accept each other as husband and wife,” she says.

Although Kruti and Sachin did incorporate a traditional Western ring exchange into the ceremony, the groom also placed a “Mangalsutra “around the bride’s neck. In Hindu tradition, the special necklace represents the woman is married.

A luncheon followed the ceremony, which allowed Kruti to finally enjoy a bite to eat with her husband after fasting all morning. Staff at Ashyana then had three hours to transform the ceremony site into an elegant Nile blue and chocolate scene.

“We were making sure we followed all the traditions, incorporating some new traditions and just going all out, making it shine,” Kruti says

Gorgeous touches such as white roses and orchids, as well as custom lighting and plenty of candles, helped Kruti fulfill the clean, sophisticated look she envisioned for the evening, while also creating a romantic atmosphere. Guests feasted on a variety of South Asian fare, as well as an array of traditional Indian sweets.

For guests who had never attended a South Asian wedding, Kruti and Sachin’s big day offered a whole new experience.

“I think overall they really enjoyed themselves and were excited to be part of it,” the bride says. “Anytime you get to experience something different, it’s fun and exciting. You learn something new.”

Relax! Not everything’s going to go perfect! Go with the flow!

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