Cherished Chapters at Park Chateau Estate & Gardens: Sanam & Kaveet’s Tale of Romance

Love Story

Sanam and Kaveet's love story is one that will warm your heart. These two soulmates first crossed paths a decade ago at Purdue University, little did they know that fate had greater plans in store. "We were just friends at first but that quickly changed senior year, when Kaveet asked Sanam out on a date," they share. Despite Sanam's initial hesitation due to her upcoming move to Chicago, the undeniable chemistry between them paved the way for a beautiful romance to blossom.

As the couple reminisces, "We shared the same culture and connected on similar values and aspirations for the future. Sanam loved how funny and free-spirited Kaveet was. He made her laugh and Kaveet thought Sanam was the whole package. He admired her quick wit and appreciated the passion she put into everything she did. We dated for almost a year and when it came time for Kaveet to decide,where he was going to accept his first job, he decided on Chicago and the rest was history!"

Their love only grew stronger with each passing year, leading them on adventures across 8 countries and 22 states. "From biking on the lakefront on warm summer nights to simpler things like working from home and making lunches, we found that life is sweeter when we’re doing it together," Sanam gushes.

It was during their dreamlike trip to the Amalfi Coast that Kaveet popped the question, setting the stage for their forever journey. "He reached out to the staff beforehand to organize the whole thing followed by a private dinner cooked by the most talented Executive Chef, Cristoforo Trapani," Sanam reminisces. "He asked me to marry him in 3 different languages – English, Hindi, and Italian. The hotel was playing the song Until I Found You by Stephen Sanchez in the background, which we later choose for our first dance."

Sanam and Kaveet's wedding was a breathtaking fusion of traditional and contemporary elegance. Drawing inspiration from the beauty of Italian summers and their magical Amalfi Coast engagement, they crafted a romantic celebration amidst perfectly manicured gardens. "As we're both natives of New Jersey and knew we wanted to find a venue close to home, it was also important for us to blend our culture and traditions with contemporary elements that resonated with us personally. Sanam, in particular, envisioned incorporating modern touches into our celebration," Kaveet explains.


"Our dream was to exchange vows outdoors, enveloped by the lush beauty of a whimsical garden, and married in the presence of our cherished friends and family. Following the ceremony, we envisioned a grand reception in a ballroom filled with diverse cuisine, top-notch drinks, and vibrant music to entertain our guests throughout the evening," they say.

The style was a timeless yet modern melding of traditions, with a cool palette of golds, greens, and blues inspired by Sophia Richie's refined aesthetic. "We aimed to create a romantic and inviting atmosphere. While we honored the grandeur typical of Indian cultural celebrations, our approach was to create an experience that felt both grand and intimate. Each detail was thoughtfully considered, ensuring that our large gathering retained a sense of personal touch and warmth. It was a celebration that beautifully melded time-honored customs with modern sensibilities," Sanam describes.

Central to their planning was honoring their multicultural identities. "We were inspired by the chance to meld our Indian heritage with our Western upbringing," Kaveet reveals. "Our wedding was rich with special traditions. We even created a custom newspaper that guests received the morning of to read up on the special traditions they would shortly witness," Sanam explains. Drawing from their Gujarati heritage, the celebration featured vibrant cultural elements like the lively baraat procession welcoming the groom, the morning construction of the mandap altar, and a playful shoe-stealing tradition incorporated.

Ultimately, their greatest inspiration was their love and unity. "At the heart of our planning was the joy of bringing together our community and loved ones," Sanam says. "We managed to plan a day that served as a beautiful testament to our love—a celebration,where classic meets contemporary, and every detail reflected the depth of our commitment to each other."

Morning details

As the sun peeked over the horizon, the air was abuzz with excitement. Their intricate invitations, meticulously designed by BrownFoxCreative, set the tone for the day's enchantment. "Their shop stood out for its unique blend of creativity and meticulous attention to detail, making it the ideal choice for crafting the first glimpse of our wedding's theme," she beams. Every element from the kankotri-inspired design to the custom venue illustration printed on the envelope liners added a personal touch. "Sanam ordered a stamp featuring our monogrammed initials, a monogram we carried throughout our paper and signage, to craft hand-made wax seals. Coupled with velvet ribbons, beautifully printed vellum paper, and vintage US stamps, our invitations truly came to life," Kaveet adds.

Amidst the morning's chaos, thoughtful details like their wedding rings carried great significance. "When choosing our wedding rings, we wanted to ensure they reflected our individual tastes and our unity as a couple," Sanam explains. Her dream engagement ring was designed in close collaboration with a Chicago jeweler, making them the natural choice for her wedding band too. For Kaveet, a platinum Cartier band emulated his timeless personal style.

Cherished family heirlooms made appearances as well. "For the Haldi ceremony, I wore a special piece of jewelry that carried deep sentimental value – my grandmother's gold band with her name inscribed on it gifted to her by her father. This cherished heirloom not only added a beautiful touch to my attire but also symbolized the love and blessings of my family lineage, making it a meaningful and treasured part of the celebration," Sanam shares. Her new family embraced her too with a special gift - "My in-laws gifted me a mangalsutra, a traditional Indian necklace symbolizing marriage and the sacred union between husband and wife."

Every other paper element was a labor of love by Sanam herself using Canva. From ceremony programs to menus and place cards, her personal designs coupled with the expertise of a local print shop owner named Scott made every piece a reflection of their personal touch and thoughtfulness. "This collaboration ensured that each piece of stationery was not only beautifully designed but also perfectly executed, reflecting the care and thoughtfulness that went into every detail of the wedding," she recalls warmly.

Bride getting ready

As Sanam slipped into her exquisite Nazranaa gown, the anticipation of the day ahead was palpable. "My journey to finding the perfect wedding dress was filled with anticipation and excitement. After exploring various options, Nazranaa ultimately delivered a gown that exceeded all my expectations," she recounts.

Just months before the big day, Sanam worked closely with Shia, the boutique owner, meticulously curating every detail from the neckline to the intricate silver accents adorning the dress. "Despite gold being a popular accent in Indian couture, I opted for silver accents, reflecting my unique style and vision for the day." One more standout feature was Sanam's custom-designed 3-foot veil, adding an ethereal touch.

For the reception, she transitioned into "a stunning fit and flare crepe wedding gown from BHLDN, ensuring that my look remained as captivating as the ceremony itself."

Surrounded by her nearest and dearest, the bridal suite buzzed with excitement. "I was surrounded by the people who mean the world to me – my mom and sister, my constants; the groom's mother and sister, who have embraced me as part of their family; and my bridesmaids, lifelong friends who've stood by me through thick and thin," Sanam reminisces. Despite navigating the chaos of adjusting plans due to rain, "later returning for my finished first look with the most significant women in my life was unsurprisingly emotional and utterly perfect."

Her accessories were carefully curated pieces, both complementing her look and carrying personal significance. "A stunning custom jewelry set from Gehena adorned me, elevating my couture with its intricate design and sparkling beauty," she describes. Nature-inspired touches included fresh flowers woven into her hair. Cultural elements like her red bindi held deep meaning too. Her shoes - Christian Louboutin glittered satin pumps - infused modern glamour, while her Cartier La Panthere perfume encapsulated the essence of the day's joy.

Sanam's bridesmaids looked radiant in dresses from the online boutique Lashkaraa. "They delivered stunning dresses that my bridesmaids loved and felt beautiful in," she raves about the fortuitous find.

The getting ready photoshoot took place in the dreamy bridal suite at Park Chateau. "The elegance and charm of the suite provided the perfect backdrop for intimate moments with my girls," Sanam describes. "Additionally, we couldn't resist taking a few bridal portraits in the men's suite as well. The enchanting navy blue and luxurious feel of the space added a unique contrast and depth to our photo collection, capturing the essence of our special day from multiple perspectives."

Groom getting ready

In the groom's suite, the air was thick with camaraderie and anticipation. Kaveet, clad in a traditional white sherwani, was a vision of elegance. "We chose an all-white monochromatic look with subtle silver details to complement Sanam's ensemble," he shares. Every accessory from the custom-made saffa turban to the accent jewelry pieces was carefully selected.

The getting ready photoshoot for the groom took place in the moody groom's suite, a room with navy blue velvet walls, warm-toned lighting, and a vintage charm. This setting provided the perfect ambiance for a morning spent with the men who have played significant roles in his life. Amidst the lively chatter and clinking of glasses, Kaveet was focused on cleaning himself up with care and savoring the moments leading up to the eagerly anticipated first look with his bride.

As his saffa was expertly tied, a profound sense of cultural significance washed over the room. As the morning went on, the groomsmen joined the gathering, adding to the lively atmosphere. With top-shelf bourbon and champagne flowing, the suite was abuzz with excitement and getting-ready chatter. This prelude set the tone for the celebrations to commence, especially with Kaveet's baraat on the horizon. The getting ready photoshoot captured these moments of preparation, reflection, and joy, providing a glimpse into the meaningful start to our wedding day festivities.

First Look

In the tranquil outdoor gardens,where vibrant pops of red mums adorned the lush greenery, Sanam and Kaveet shared their breathtaking first look. Despite the rain, their joy knew no bounds.

When the groom first saw the bride, overwhelmed by emotion and the sheer beauty of the moment, tears spontaneously filled his eyes. It was a heartfelt reaction to seeing his partner, a vivid expression of love and pure joy.

For Sanam, it was a heartfelt realization that they were finally sharing this long-awaited moment together. "During the first look, I was struck by how handsome he looked in his elegantly custom-made sherwani. The realization that we were finally sharing this long-awaited moment together deeply moved me," she reflects. "Despite the rain and the fact that we left our vow books behind, I focused on the inherent beauty and significance of what was unfolding. Seeing him overcome with emotion at the sight of me stirred my own emotions deeply. It served as a powerful reminder of our strong connection and the love we share — a moment I will cherish forever."

Photoshoot before the ceremony

With the stunning grounds of their venue as their backdrop, Sanam and Kaveet's photoshoot was extremely romantic. From the perfectly manicured gardens to the gazebo and chapel halls, each location added its own unique charm to their photoshoot.

One of the most poignant moments was captured on the beautiful stairwell, adorned with flowers from their talented florist. "This setting added an extra layer of beauty and emotions to our special moment," Sanam describes. "Each location was chosen for its unique beauty and the ability to reflect the different facets of our celebration, creating a comprehensive and memorable photo collection.”

Ceremony

Originally envisioned to take place in the lush gardens, the unpredictable weather led Sanam and Kaveet to move their ceremony indoors. However, the stark white chapel, bathed in natural light and accented with elegant gold touches, proved to be an exquisite alternative. "The room was accentuated with a stunning gold chandelier and elegant gold accents, creating a radiant and warm atmosphere," Sanam describes. “This shift allowed us to create a more intimate ambiance for our ceremony. The chapel, with its serene beauty and unexpected arrangement, provided a unique and memorable backdrop for our ceremony.”

As Sanam walked down the aisle to the melodious strains of "Teri Ore," a beloved Bollywood song, the atmosphere was electric. "It has always been one of my favorites, making it an easy choice for such a significant moment. The song's melodious harmony and sweet lyrics perfectly encapsulated the excitement I felt as I made my way towards a new chapter in life," she shares.

Their ceremony honored many special traditions from their Gujarati roots. "During the ceremony, a significant ritual involves tying the bride's lehenga to the groom's scarf, symbolizing the union of their souls," Sanam explains. "The couple then performs the mangal pheras, circling a sacred fire four times to honor the principles of dharma (duty), artha (prosperity), kama (desire), and moksha (salvation). An intriguing aspect of this tradition is that whoever sits down first after the final phera is humorously declared the 'ruler' of the household."

And when the time came for Kaveet to apply the traditional sindoor to Sanam's hair, a symbol of their newfound union, it was a moment that left them both overcome with emotion. "The sindoor, or kumkum, is more than just a dash of red powder; it’s a symbol of being married, deeply rooted in tradition and meaning. When this moment came, Kaveet approached the task with such care; he was hesitant because he didn't want to overdo it or ruin my look. Noticing his hesitation, I smiled at him and whispered, "It's your right—I'm your wife now." At my words, Kaveet's eyes welled with tears. It was a brief private moment we shared amidst the gaze of all our guests, a moment on the mandap that we'll forever hold dear in our hearts."

Photoshoot after the ceremony

As the echoes of their vows lingered in the air, the newlyweds shared a romantic photoshoot by a luxurious car, parked like a silent witness to their love near the ceremony's doorway. The car's rich color highlighted the delicate mehendi on the bride's hands, intertwining tradition with the glamour surrounding them. Caught in a sweet embrace, the couple's love shone as brilliantly as the setting they stood in, creating a picture-perfect moment of their magical day.

Wedding Venue & Decor

Sanam and Kaveet's vision for their wedding venue and decor was one of timeless elegance, reflecting their personal tastes and the joy of their union. "For the ceremony, we opted for white as the foundational color, with thoughtful touches of pinks, peaches, and beiges to add warmth and depth," Sanam explains. "This palette brought to life the gentle beauty and intimacy we wished to convey."

Every element was carefully curated with great thought. “The decor, designed with our florist was planned to honor a traditional Indian mandap with flowers that complemented our chateau-inspired venue," Kaveet shares. "As the day transitioned into the reception, we shifted to all white flowers, accented with black paper and signage to introduce a modern flair. This cohesive approach to colors and decor ensured our wedding was a true reflection of our love and style, making every moment and every space deeply memorable."

Reception

As the evening unfolded, Sanam and Kaveet's reception was a celebration of love, laughter, and cherished traditions. Their first dance to "Until I Found You" by Stephen Sanchez and Em Beihold was a special moment, echoing the very song that played during Kaveet's proposal. "This was the song that was playing when Kaveet proposed. Dancing to it as newlyweds on our wedding day felt like a beautiful full-circle moment, allowing us to celebrate our love and the journey that led us to that moment we got to share in front of our dearest friends and family," Sanam reminisces.

But the true stars of the night were the thoughtfully curated food and drinks, each bite and sip a reflection of their love story. From the very start, delightful fall-inspired drinks like apple cider and hot chocolate kept guests cozy until lunch. "This thoughtful touch not only provided a comforting start to the day but also embraced the season's charm, setting a tone of warmth and hospitality that lasted throughout the celebration," Sanam describes.

The lunch itself paid tribute to their roots. "At lunch, we embraced our roots with a traditional Gujarati spread, delighting our guests with a vibrant array of flavors," Kaveet shares. A live jalebi station proved to be a sweet, interactive highlight infusing cultural flair.

The drinks were extra special, with custom signature cocktails. The "Marry Me Martini" with lychee and the classic "Something Old-Fashioned" bourbon cocktail represented the couple's personalities. But the "Purdue Pete's Paloma" with its alma mater nod truly stole the show. “These signature cocktails, along with a curated menu that fused elements from our diverse backgrounds, ensured that every sip and bite at our wedding was a reflection of our love story and the coming together of our families and cultures,” shared the bride.

Their decadent wedding cake by Palermo's Bakery featured tiers of different flavors like Mango Mousse and Carrot Cake. "We opted for a multi-tiered cake, with each layer offering a different flavor, allowing our guests a fun, interactive way to experience our favorites and perhaps find a new favorite of their own!" Sanam says. Customized cake forks from Kaveet's aunt made the cake-cutting all the more special and memorable.

As the night drew to a close, the newlyweds participated in more moving Gujarati traditions like the Saptapadi ritual and blessings from the elders. "The day concludes with blessings from the elders and prayers for the newlyweds’ happiness and love, encapsulating the essence of Gujarati weddings—a celebration not just of two individuals coming together, but of families uniting and time-honored traditions being passed down."

From starting the celebration in seasonal style to incorporating cherished cultural elements, Sanam and Kaveet's reception was a beautiful tapestry honoring their love story.