Sisira and Karthik’s multi-venue Indian wedding in Chicago was a museum of memories

In a celebration that danced between vibrant tradition and timeless artistry, Sisira and Karthik redefined the idea of a destination wedding with their multi-venue Indian celebration in Chicago, culminating in a breathtaking couple’s shoot at the Art Institute of Chicago. This wedding wasn’t just an event but a curated narrative of love, culture, and quiet grandeur—captured with cinematic finesse.

By weaving together earthy rituals, modern elegance, and the weight of a world-class museum, the celebration unfolded like a visual love letter that felt right at home in a gallery.

The couple’s story played out across four distinct venues, each thoughtfully chosen to reflect a meaningful chapter in their journey. Sisira, a dedicated doctor, and Karthik, an IT and cybersecurity consultant, honoured their roots with a vibrant haldi at the Abhyudaya Retreat Centre, where marigold garlands and laughter bloomed beneath open skies. The sangeet at Westin Lombard pulsed with colour, choreography, and joy, while the wedding ceremony at Lakes at Lacey embraced autumn’s fiery palette—its serene lake quietly reflecting their vows.

But it was the post-wedding shoot at the Art Institute of Chicago that transformed the celebration into a visual masterpiece. Set against the museum’s classical architecture and iconic artworks, Sisira and Karthik’s soft, beige-toned outfits created a delicate contrast that spoke volumes without saying a word. The quiet elegance of the space served as a powerful backdrop, allowing their connection to speak through every frame.

The first look at Lakes at Lacey became an unforgettable moment. As Sisira approached Karthik on a carpet of rust-hued November leaves, the lake’s still surface mirrored the stillness of the moment. Their embrace felt both intimate and eternal, framed by the natural grandeur of the season. The subtle interplay of light and emotion gave the images a timeless quality that required no direction—only presence.

The Art Institute shoot marked a bold departure from traditional wedding photography. Navigating tight timelines, limited natural light, and strict no-flash rules, the team behind the lens transformed logistical constraints into moments of striking creativity. The results? Frames that felt less like photographs and more like artwork—every image resonating with history, architecture, and raw emotion.

Pulling off a wedding spread across such distinct venues—including a cultural institution like the Art Institute—was no small feat. Museums aren’t designed for weddings, but through meticulous planning, pre-wedding recce, and seamless coordination, the transitions between rustic retreats, city hotels, lakeside serenity, and neoclassical halls unfolded effortlessly. The team behind 1Plus1 Studio proved that technical precision and emotional intuition can coexist beautifully.

Visually, the wedding was a masterclass in restraint and intentional design. The haldi’s marigolds and muted florals echoed the surrounding landscape, while the sangeet’s jewel tones and dynamic lighting turned the Westin into a kaleidoscope of celebration. The ceremony mandap at Lakes at Lacey stood clean and elegant, letting the warm hues of autumn take centre stage. And the Art Institute shoot, with its minimalist elegance, brought the journey full circle.

What set Sisira and Karthik’s wedding apart was its refusal to rely on spectacle. Every element—from location to décor—was chosen to reflect who they are: grounded, joyful, and deeply connected. Each chapter of their celebration honoured their story, not just through grandeur, but through meaningful details that captured their essence.

From rustic open-air rituals to a gallery-worthy shoot in one of the world’s most iconic museums, this wedding stands as a reminder that the most powerful stories are often told with simplicity, soul, and just the right amount of light.

All images: 1Plus1 Studio

Also read: Neha and Rohan’s journey from Bengaluru's tranquility to San Francisco’s grandeur

Also read: Rooted in Love: Jhanvi and Akshay’s soulful, single-ceremony wedding at the Leela Bhartiya City