A two-day wedding with two lovely people! Asmita and Sagar are such an amazing couple with a beautiful love story to share. When we met for their engagement session, we hit it off instantly. They both have warm personalities and are down for anything. The laughter came so easily (which means their photos did, too)! I knew their wedding day would be one I’d never forget—a true celebration of their love and friendship. They both have a penchant for spontaneity and fun, so I was already thinking of all the incredible photos we could do for their wedding day.
Day One | The Sangeet
Song and dance have a way of breaking the ice and bringing people together. The Sangeet is one of my favorite Indian wedding traditions. With all of the colors, instrumental beats, and choreography, the energy of a Sangeet goes unparalleled among wedding traditions.
For the first day of their wedding weekend, the couple and their families hosted an epic Sangeet at Bridge 410, which is a lovely small venue in downtown Chicago. After a few fun and flirty casual portraits, we switched vibes for their Sangeet ceremony, where loved ones offered blessings and covered the couple in flower petals.
As incredible as this experience is, it can be tricky to photograph such an intimate moment as people pile around them. I had to get in close and take advantage of each angle while I had to capture the emotions of all the people. I knew these would be priceless photos for Asmita and Sagar, so snuck in and out with the ebb and flow of guests.
Photojournalistic Wedding Photography
Since I photograph in a documentary-oriented style, it takes some finesse to get in the middle of the action without detracting from the experience. My goal is for photo viewers to feel like they are right in the moment as well. I know that when Asmita and Sagar look back on these photos years from now, the energy and excitement of that moment will come flooding back to them. I’m not just a wedding photographer—I’m an experience photographer. I want my couples to relive each grand moment and tiny detail (maybe even some they missed on their wedding day!) when they look back over their wedding photos.
After the ceremony, Asmita and Sagar changed and we did a few more portraits in the streets around the venue. Street-strolling photos are always a big hit, and they’re usually the most fun to take, too! Then, the crew came back to a casual backyard-style celebration complete with a wood-burning pizza oven, lawn games, dazzling, dance performances, and of course the party.
Day Two | Wedding Ceremony & Reception
The second day was an all-day event. The couple began by getting ready in a hotel suite in the suburbs, and we continued with photos just behind their ceremony venue, Loft 21. Asmita and Sagar envisioned a little photoshoot along the river right by the venue. With a quick hop over fence (even in wedding attire!), we made it to the river and got the photos done. Of course, they made it look easy!
After our little adventure, the two met across the aisle for their beautiful ceremony officiated by Asmita’s friend. The happy couple had everyone reaching for the tissues as their eyes filled with happy tears. With heartfelt ‘I dos!’ and a romantic first kiss, we were off to the reception to celebrate. The décor, the vows, their attire—pure perfection!
New Trend to Try | Epic Reception Room Reveal
You’ve heard of first looks, but have you heard of reception room reveals? It reminds me of the grand intro at a big sporting event or concert. These are becoming more popular, and I love the trend, especially for luxury weddings. It’s truly an unforgettable experience: the couple stands in the middle of the room while epic music plays and the lights swirl around.
For Asmita and Sagar’s reveal, a whole row of windows separating the reception room from the cocktail hour space opened and everyone saw the phenomenally designed room at the same time. It gave me goosebumps, and it made for some awesome, dynamic photos, too.
Asmita and Sagar’s wedding celebration was the best party I’ve experienced in a long while since it was a first wedding after the COVID restrictions were lifted. The excitement was truly palpable! Just as distance makes the heart grow fonder, I guess time makes the excitement stronger—this was a celebration worth waiting for! Congratulations, Asmita and Sagar!
PS—I also had the honor of photographing Asmita’s brother’s wedding, which was just as incredible, so stay tuned for that in another post.
Make Bolder Memories Bolder with The Adamkovi
If you need a wedding photographer who isn’t afraid to go after the shot so you can relive one of the best days of your life, count me in for it all—small, traditional, or unconventional, fusion weddings, and everything in between!
Feelin’ the Love | A Note from the Happy Couple
“Pavel was AMAZING!!! Seriously our wedding weekend was a nightmare to plan, but photography was one aspect we had no worries whatsoever! From the moment we emailed him, it was like he was our best friend! Super friendly, transparent with his process and really easy to work with. Due to covid, our schedule was not really set until restrictions eased (a week prior to our weekend). Pavel handled all the changes and adjustments super professionally! During the wedding weekend, we got so many “dude your photographer is awesome” or “he’s so fun!” comments. It’s clear Pavel enjoys his job and the guests could feel that 🙂 His energy and positive attitude was infectious! ALSO HIS PHOTOS ARE INCREDIBLE!!
We had a 2-day wedding with a sangeet in two completely different venues, with 3-4 outfit changes, and he found a way to capture a completely different vibe with each photo! We got so many compliments on the photos when we showed it to the family! As a couple, we were never good at staged or serious photos – and we didn’t want that at the wedding. Pavel accommodated our requests and let us be our goofy selves and captured the best moments! Don’t hesitate on booking! They couldn’t have done it any better!!” -Sagar
