Nafisah and Affan celebrated their May wedding at Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Naperville in Chicago, Illinois, with photography by George Street Photo & Video. Their opulent South Asian wedding featured a red-and-gold bridal lehenga, a refined blue suit for the groom, and an indoor reception layered with white-and-pink florals, pink drapery, and warm ambient lighting.

At a Glance

• Venue: Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Naperville, Chicago, Illinois

• Best for: South Asian weddings, multicultural celebrations, and indoor receptions

• Reception: Indoor ballroom with ambient lighting, hanging florals, and white and pink table settings

• Nearby photo spots: Naperville Riverwalk, Centennial Beach, Cantigny Park, downtown Chicago

• Photography by: George Street Photo & Video

Why Is Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Naperville a Great Wedding Venue in Chicago?

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Naperville offers spacious indoor event spaces that work beautifully for large, detail-rich celebrations. The venue suits couples who want a single location for ceremony elements, a reception, and overnight accommodations for traveling family and guests.

What makes this venue stand out for photography:

• Indoor reception space that holds elaborate florals, drapery, and lighting setups

• Ambient lighting that complements rich colors like red and gold

• All-suite accommodations that give the wedding party comfortable rooms for getting ready

• Easy access to Naperville and downtown Chicago photo locations

Based on our experience photographing weddings at venues like this, indoor lighting design matters more than couples expect. The warm ambient lighting at this venue paired well with the bride's gold jewellery and the pink and white reception palette, creating consistent, flattering tones across the day.

Why couples choose this venue: indoor flexibility, room for large guest counts, on-site accommodations, and a setting that holds detailed South Asian decor.

What Did Nafisah and Affan's Wedding Day Look Like?

Couple Portraits

After the ceremony, the couple stepped away for portraits that showcased their opulent, royal-esque styling. The bride's long open hair, gold accessories, and red lehenga paired beautifully with the groom's blue suit and brown formal shoes for a striking, complementary look.

Our photographers used the venue's interiors and lighting to create a variety of portrait settings. The gold and red against soft pink and white tones gave the images a warm, regal feel.

The Reception

The reception was held indoors and styled with rich, romantic detail. Highlights included:

• White and pink florals with lush greenery throughout the space

• Pink drapery and hanging florals that added height and drama to the room

• White seating and white and pink table settings for a clean, elegant base

• A two-tier wedding cake decorated with white and pink florals

• Ambient lighting that kept the celebration warm and glowing into the evening

George Street captured the full reception, from the cake details to the candid moments on the dance floor as guests celebrated late into the night.

What Are the Best Wedding Photo Locations in Chicago?

Chicago offers a wide mix of urban and natural backdrops for wedding photos. Based on 20-plus years of photographing weddings across the city, here are locations our team recommends:

• Naperville Riverwalk: Brick paths, fountains, and bridges along the DuPage River, close to the venue.

• Cantigny Park: Formal gardens and manicured grounds, ideal for elegant portraits.

• Millennium Park: Home to Cloud Gate (The Bean) and a dramatic city skyline backdrop.

• Chicago Riverwalk: Waterfront walkways with architecture and bridges for an urban feel.

• Lincoln Park Conservatory: Lush greenery and glass-house lighting for soft, natural portraits.

• The Loop and Lakefront: Skyline views and Lake Michigan for couples who want a classic Chicago look.

• Centennial Beach: A scenic Naperville spot with open space and water views.

Best photo spots near the venue: Naperville Riverwalk, Centennial Beach, and Cantigny Park are all short drives away, with downtown Chicago locations within reach for skyline portraits.

George Street Photo & Video has photographed weddings at venues throughout Chicago. Explore our Chicago wedding photography portfolio or check price and availability for your date.

What Made This Wedding Special?

Every wedding George Street captures tells its own story. Nafisah and Affan's celebration stood out for several reasons:

• Cultural richness: The opulent South Asian styling, from the red and gold lehenga to the ethnic jewellery, brought tradition and grandeur to every photo.

• Intentional color story: The bride's bold red and gold paired with the soft pink and white reception decor created a balanced, royal-esque palette.

• Detailed decor: Hanging florals, pink drapery, and white and pink table settings gave the indoor space depth and elegance.

• Complementary styling: The groom's blue suit and chic accessories added a modern contrast to the traditional bridal look.

Planning a Wedding in Chicago?

If Nafisah and Affan's celebration has you inspired, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Book your photographer early. Popular Chicago wedding dates, especially spring and summer weekends, fill quickly. We recommend booking 6 to 12 months in advance.

• Plan for detail coverage. South Asian weddings include intricate jewellery, outfits, and traditions, so build in time for detail shots during getting ready.

• Choose a venue that holds your decor. Indoor spaces with flexible lighting, like this one, work well for elaborate florals and drapery.

• Coordinate your color palette. Bold bridal colors paired with softer reception tones photograph beautifully in warm ambient lighting.

Key Takeaways

• Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Naperville offers spacious indoor reception space well-suited for detailed South Asian weddings.

• Spring weddings in Chicago benefit from mild weather and access to both garden and skyline photo locations.

• Bold bridal colors like red and gold pair beautifully with soft pink and white reception decor in warm ambient lighting.

• Having your photographer arrive 60 to 90 minutes before the ceremony ensures detailed jewellery and outfit moments are captured.

• George Street Photo & Video offers 8-hour wedding photography packages in Chicago starting at $1,395, including a wedding coordinator and hand color-corrected images.

• Chicago's top wedding photo locations include the Naperville Riverwalk, Cantigny Park, Millennium Park, and the Chicago Riverwalk.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does wedding photography cost in Chicago?

Wedding photography in Chicago typically ranges from $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on coverage hours, photographer experience, and package inclusions. George Street Photo & Video offers packages starting at $1,395 in Chicago, which include 8 hours of coverage, a wedding coordinator, and hand color-corrected images. Prices vary by wedding date, with off-peak dates and weekdays offering lower rates.

Is Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Naperville a good wedding venue?

Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Naperville is a strong choice for indoor weddings, especially large or multicultural celebrations. The venue offers spacious event space that holds elaborate florals and drapery, along with on-site suites for the wedding party and guests. It works well for South Asian weddings and couples who want everything in one location.

What are the best months for a wedding in Chicago?

Late spring through early fall (May through October) is the most popular window for Chicago weddings thanks to mild weather and longer daylight. May weddings, like Nafisah and Affan's, offer comfortable temperatures and access to blooming gardens and skyline backdrops. George Street offers lower pricing on off-peak dates for couples with flexible schedules.

How do I capture detailed jewellery and outfits at a South Asian wedding?

Plan for extra detail coverage during the getting-ready portion of the day. South Asian weddings feature intricate pieces like the maang tikka, necklaces, and embroidered lehengas, so having your photographer arrive early gives time to document them. George Street photographers specialize in candid, detail-rich coverage that captures both traditions and styling.

How many hours of wedding photography do I need?

Most weddings benefit from 8 hours of photography coverage, which spans getting ready through the reception. George Street's standard packages include 8 hours, which is more than many competitors who start at 5 to 6 hours. For multi-event or larger celebrations common in South Asian weddings, additional coverage may be worth considering.

About George Street Photo & Video

George Street Photo & Video has been capturing weddings since 2004 across 47 cities nationwide. With 3,000+ five-star reviews and recognition including The Knot Hall of Fame and WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards, George Street specializes in affordable, candid wedding photography and videography. Packages start at $1,295 and include 8 hours of coverage, a dedicated wedding coordinator, and hand color-corrected images. Take the Style Test to find your photographer match, or check price and availability for your date.