Aditi and Nandha

Aditi Jariwala and Nandha Parthiban’s wedding was a beautiful celebration of love and culture. The couple, both 28, first met in college during a shared class in 2016. Their relationship began with casual conversations and grew over time, leading to 7.5 years of dating. During this time, they moved across the country together twice, navigated long-distance periods, and shared many adventures.

The proposal came in December 2022, during a trip to Chicago with close friends. After spending the day exploring the city and soaking in the festive atmosphere, Nandha surprised Aditi with a proposal at a park overlooking the river. Aditi was overwhelmed with joy, and the couple spent the rest of the day sharing the news with their families and friends.

For their wedding, Aditi and Nandha chose the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) as the venue, a place close to their hearts. Both grew up in Minnesota, and although they no longer lived there, their families and many friends were based in the state. They were drawn to MIA for its stunning architecture, and they loved that the venue allowed them to bring in food from a local restaurant. Their day-of-coordinator, Dana from Keyed Up Events, was instrumental in bringing their vision to life, helping them stay organized and managing vendor coordination.

The wedding ceremony was intimate and simple, with the couple opting for a Western-style ceremony that reflected their preferences before their traditional Hindu wedding in India. Aditi’s dress, a custom creation by designer Shilpa K. from Mumbai, was a beautiful testament to her personal style, while Nandha wore a custom suit from SuitSupply. The ceremony’s music played a big part in setting the tone, with Vitamin String Quartet covers creating an elegant atmosphere, and the couple’s recessional song, “Stay Next to Me,” by Quinn XCII and Chelsea Cutler, reflecting their modern tastes.

Following the ceremony, the couple hosted a lively reception in another part of the art gallery. The décor was thoughtfully minimal to allow for the food and the art to take center stage. The reception featured a grand fountain at the center of the room, decorated with florals and candles that created a magical atmosphere, especially when the lights were dimmed to reveal the dance floor. The couple chose a mix of their favorite dishes for the dinner, including classic Indian appetizers like samosas and Sabudana fritters, and main courses such as butter chicken and malai tomatillo with paneer, served family-style. Signature cocktails—Paloma and Spicy Moscow Mule—were a hit at the open bar. Guests also enjoyed a unique touch in the form of custom fortune cookies, a nod to the couple’s first date. The evening was topped off with a stunning dessert display from Glam Doll Donuts, and a custom portrait of the couple painted by Aditi’s friend was displayed prominently.

Their first dance was to “Senorita” from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, followed by a touching father/daughter and mother/son dance to Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.” The energy on the dance floor was electric, with music ranging from Bollywood hits to classic pop and hip-hop, reflecting the couple’s diverse cultural backgrounds. The bride and groom danced alongside their loved ones, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Aditi and Nandha’s advice for future couples planning their wedding is simple: stay organized and plan ahead. Their biggest tip is to hire a wedding planner or coordinator, or to at least make sure you have checklists to avoid last-minute stress. The couple also had a few unexpected moments, like when the power went out at the location where Aditi and her bridesmaids were getting ready. Thankfully, the team quickly adapted, and the preparation went smoothly, allowing the day to unfold perfectly.

This wedding was a celebration of family, love, and cultural fusion, blending the couple’s Indian roots with their personal tastes. From the heartfelt vows to the joyous dance party, Aditi and Nandha’s wedding was a day they—and their guests—will always remember.