A Winter Wedding Filled with Love and Tradition: Kaitlin & Anshul at Artifact Events

Posted July 18, 2025

In December of 2021, Kaitlin and Anshul gathered with their closest family and friends at Artifact Events in Chicago to celebrate something truly special — not just the beginning of their marriage, but the blending of two vibrant cultures, shared values, and a love story nearly six years in the making. A favorite moment in working with them stands out – our ceremony planning meeting. Instead of meeting at a local restaurant, they invited me to their home for a home-cooked meal. This time, in their personal space, was extra special for me and gave me even more insight into their relationship.

From Swipe Right to “I Do”

Their story began with a swipe right and a first date at Fireplace Inn, but what followed was much more than just a modern romance. Together, Kaitlin and Anshul built a beautiful life — buying a condo, traveling the world (including an unforgettable trip to Australia), countless nights surrounded by family, and welcoming home their beloved pup, Stevie. Eventually, Anshul proposed at home, bringing their journey full circle in the most intimate way.

Celebrating Two Cultures Through Ceremony

What made this wedding so meaningful was how intentionally Kaitlin and Anshul chose to honor both of their backgrounds. The ceremony blended Indian and Celtic wedding traditions, symbolizing unity in the most beautiful ways.

The Jaimala: A Garland of Love

Anshul and Kaitlin began their ceremony with the Jaimala, a traditional Indian garlanding ritual. As they placed floral garlands on one another, it symbolized not only the joining of two people, but two families and cultures. The garlands represented happiness, beauty, and the hope of a joyful life ahead — while the thread holding the flowers together served as a powerful metaphor for the emotional bond and vows they would soon take.

Handfasting: A Celtic Symbol of Commitment

They also included a Celtic Handfasting ceremony to honor Kaitlin’s heritage. As their hands were gently tied with a cord — one that included pink, blue, and cream ribbons representing unity, patience, peace, and love – I spoke of the hands that would hold each other through life’s many seasons: in laughter, in sorrow, in joy, and in raising a family.

A Celebration to Remember

Kaitlin and Anshul’s wedding at Artifact Events wasn’t just a celebration — it was a heartfelt homage to the past, present, and future they’re building together. From meaningful rituals to personal vows and family traditions, this was a ceremony that honored love in its most intentional form. Kaitlin & Anshul, it’s been a joy to see where your careers and passions have already taken you in the past 3.5 years. Cheers to a lifetime of intentional commitment to your love!