Some love stories unfold slowly, while others arrive with a ping notification and a smile that feels like destiny. For Ashwin & Destry, it was the latter. In the summer of 2022, while Ashwin was traveling in Portugal with his family, a Hinge match connected them across continents. Destry's warm smile and charm captured his attention instantly. One conversation led to countless more, with them talking every day. When someone feels like home even before you meet, it’s a sign that something special is happening. By their first official date—after their board exams—it felt more like a reunion than a new encounter. Each date revealed shared values and a natural connection. Their relationship solidified at a cozy Christmas pop-up bar when Destry asked Ashwin to make it official. Their proposal, planned together in Chicago, involved them exchanging rings and reading vows over cocktails. There was no pressure, just two people confidently choosing each other. It was an iconic moment.
When it came time to plan their wedding, the same thoughtful approach guided every decision. Drawing on recommendations from loved ones in the Chicagoland area and their own deep-dive research, they curated a dream team that balanced expertise with heart. Lincolnshire Marriott Resort offered convenience for traveling guests and flexibility for a multi-event celebration. From impeccable South Asian catering that guests are still dreaming about to seasoned creative partners behind the lens and on the dance floor, every vendor felt like a natural extension of the couple’s vision. A special nod goes to Events by Shaun Rajah, whose organization, calm confidence, and trusted recommendations tied it all together seamlessly—proof that a great planner is worth their weight in gold (or at least crystal chai glasses).
Fashion lovers, take note. A visit to Sabyasachi in New York City set the tone for a wardrobe that was equal parts romantic and refined. Guided by a stylist who truly understood their aesthetic, Ashwin & Destry embraced a pastel peacock palette—lavender, dusty rose, and mint green weaving through their looks and décor. The result? Soft, elegant, and quietly show-stopping, with hues that felt fresh yet deeply symbolic. While many couples bond over seating charts and spreadsheets,
The ceremony itself was the kind that stays with you long after the last song fades. A fusion Christian-Hindu celebration, lovingly crafted and led by family and friends, honored both Ashwin’s Hindu roots and Destry’s Methodist background. Rituals blended seamlessly, not as a compromise, but as a celebration of unity. It was emotional, joyful, and deeply affirming—a true testament to love in all its forms.
When asked for words of wisdom, Ashwin & Destry offered something refreshingly real: learn how to communicate—really communicate—before marriage. Understanding each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and rhythms is key, whether through daily check-ins or shared rituals. Their favorite tool? A simple app that sparks meaningful conversations, one prompt at a time.
Above all, their wedding weekend felt like a pause button on the chaos of everyday life—a space where love, intention, and community took center stage.
How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We met like many other couples in their 30s do these days—online, through Hinge.
It was the summer of 2022, and after 33 years, we had both finally mastered the art of being happily single. Ashwin was traveling in Portugal with his mom and sister when he received a notification: “You have a match with Destry.” Curious, he opened Hinge to find a message waiting from a charming guy with a huge, infectious smile.
We exchanged numbers soon after, and from that day on, we haven’t gone a single day without talking, even while continents apart on various trips. After patiently waiting for Ashwin to complete his board exams, we finally went on our first date a month after matching. It felt like our souls had already known each other for ages. As fall unfolded, each date grew more interesting with our interests, values and goals aligning seamlessly.
Then, one evening at a cozy Christmas pop-up bar, Destry asked Ashwin to make it official—and the rest is history.
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
While a bit unconventional, we actually planned our proposal and exchanged rings! We each prepared vows ahead of time and spent the evening at a cocktail bar in Chicago.
Tell us how you went about planning your wedding, and your overall experience with the Venues, Hair & Makeup, Outfits, Decor Theme, and all of the other important details.
My husband and I discussed vendor options with his friends and family members that were previously married in the Chicagoland region. We had specific vendors in mind after researching online and approached them directly. We choose the Marriott Lincolnshire due to ease of access from O'Hare airport for out-of-town guests and the various venue options they had on site. We knew we wanted catering from the incomparable Anu Sharma, owner of Mantra in Chicago. We also wanted the expertise of Wynn Films, Joseph Kang Photography and DJ Krush. After these initial decisions, we connected with Shaun Rajah. We are so thankful we spent the year prior coordinating through him. He was very organized and truly pulled everything together recommending additional vendors & services. We are so grateful for our team!
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
We visited Sabyasachi in New York City and fell in love with their designs. We partnered with a stylist, Alex, and he walked us through our events, themes and potential options. We choose a pastel peacock theme with lavender, dusty rose and mint green anchoring the color palette.
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
The most enjoyable part of the planning process was learning our unique opinions and styles. The most enjoyable task was most definitely our private dance lessons with Cesar Salinas! We spent 12 hours with him over the course of 3 months preparing a stellar first dance with an upbeat foxtrot with two grand lifts!
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
Our guests were appreciative of the guest-centric nature of our weekend. All events were on site, meals were provided and personal touches were featured at each event. We had art made by friends and family designed as prints and acrylics as party favors. We also incorporated hand-written thank you notes in our seating chart for the reception.
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
We had a fusion Christian-Hindu LGBTQIA ceremony with family and friends presiding over the ceremony. We crafted a blended ceremony with rituals from both Hinduism, Ashwin's background, and Methodism, Destry's background. The entire ceremony was a testament of love, joy and celebration!
For events other than your ceremony, please tell us as much as you would like about the decor, style, dances, and all the special details.
Our weekend was comprised of two days' worth of events. On Friday night, we hosted a Sangeet for guests at the Lakeside Pavilion. Friends and family wowed us with beautiful performances, and we both surprised each other with our talents as well! We chose a Spain-themed aesthetic with Indian-inspired Spanish cuisine such as Indian paella. Our Saturday events started at 3:30PM with the Baraat and flowed seamlessly into the ceremony, cocktail hour and the reception. Our color palette emulated the colors of the peacock, a symbol of our time spent together in India - specifically a beautiful memory in Jaipur at the Rambagh Palace.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
If you are not able to communicate both the strengths and weaknesses of your relationship with your spouse, attempt to resolve this prior to marriage. Understanding how each partner communicates is key. Set aside time to learn more about one another whether it be a small daily or larger monthly ritual. For example, we use the Paired App which is a free application that provides a daily prompt that we both answer covering many topics that revolve around relationships.
Anything else you want to tell us? We'd love to hear all about your other details! (jewelry, mehndi, venue, cake, bouquets, etc.)
We truly felt our weekend provided respite to our guests from the hectic world that we live in. We were able to enjoy this ourselves as well! We had such a wonderful time and encourage couples to keep the guests in mind when planning their wedding. If the guests have an amazing time, you will too!
