On the coldest Sunday morning I’ve experienced so far in the later half of this year, I waited for Nivedita + David at the lakefront. I was shivering, but super excited to photograph these two for their Salvage One wedding session. I was grateful that the session was going to be inside! After receiving a text from David, I turned around to see a vision in a red dress walking toward me. With the 15 mph winds in 30 degree weather, we spent a quick 10 minutes getting some classic Chicago shots by the water. I can still feel the chill in my bones!

Portraits + Ceremony

A quick drive later we were at Salvage One, a fantastic location we had agreed upon weeks before in order to combat the unpredictable weather. It was so brisk that day, thank goodness we arranged to have a session there! The 3 of us spent a wonderful hour finding fun corners in the infamous antique furniture store/event space to take intimate portraits. Niv’s red dress looked stunning among the seasoned tables, couches and chairs. The sun was popping in and out of the clouds through the window panes which created some magical light for us. Honestly, it was an amazing Salvage One Wedding session and we had a great time.

From there we sped over to their ceremony at Stella Barra. The couple was surrounded by 25 of their closest family and friends, with the special addition of a Zoom call from India with Niv’s grandparents! Loved ones wiped away tears as Nivedita + David’s wedding concluded with an epic kiss.

Their Legendary Love Story

I asked the couple how they met. “David and I met last summer while I was on vacation in Chicago,” says Nivedita. “We hit it off right from the first date and met everyday that week until I had to fly back to Dubai. Both of us being busy working professionals, I did not have much hopes about making things work over long distance. But David and I ended up talking everyday since, and he even flew to Dubai three times to see me. We kept up with our pact of meeting in person every 3-4 months, despite COVID!

David proposed to me in July while he came to see me in Dubai! It was at home during our little goofy dance party. It was awesome, cause that’s just us (we did clean up and celebrate our engagement at the Burj Khalifa the next day!). I came to Chicago in August to meet David’s family and friends while on vacation from work . We then knew we didn’t want to be apart, so we decided to get married!”

East Meets West

These two knew that they were meant from each other and made it work throughout the pandemic. After meeting them in person I can confidently say that their love is palpable and strong. Nivedita + David have traveled across the world to be together during one of the hardest times in human history. Anyone have a contact at Lifetime to make a movie out of this? Or maybe Netflix will pick it up. Congrats to this incredible couple that defied all odds and may we all have an enduring love like theirs. :)

Dress: Mac Duggal Gown from Neiman Marcus / Tux: The Black Tux / Makeup & Hair: Lerin Johnson Bridal Beauty (Natalie) / Portrait Location: Salvage One / Ceremony + Lunch Reception: Stella Barra / Cake: Alliance Bakery Wedding Officiant: Kari Thirsk/Wedding Day Chicago / Florals: Steve’s Flower Market