From Pandemic to Partnership: Irum and Aman’s Walima

Irum and Aman’s love story began in the midst of a global pandemic, when virtual connections became a lifeline for social interaction. Despite living on opposite coasts at the time, the couple hit it off immediately, bonding over FaceTime and virtual Netflix dates. This experience made them realize how crucial it is to hold onto special relationships, especially during instability.

So when it came to their wedding, the couple celebrated accordingly. Following Pakistani tradition, the couple hosted three days of festivities culminating in the Valima (or Walima), a formal reception to publicly announce their marriage.

The couple’s goal for the Valima was to transport guests to a world of wonder and awe, forgetting that they were still in Illinois. With cascading candlelight and a color scheme of pink and purple, the decor was both extravagant and intimate. Regal touches make it look as if a palace garden had been plucked up and placed inside Renaissance Schaumburg.

Unique entertainment was a highlight of the evening, with human statues carrying bouquets of flowers and aerial artists serving champagne from the “sky.” Rhythm Dhol Bass (RDB) brought lively music that kept the dance floor lively, even inviting the couple to the stage to joyfully douse their guests with a smoke cannon. With each turn, guests were constantly delighted throughout the night.

While all three days of events were breathtaking, it’s the memories made that tied everything together. Irum and Aman’s love persevered despite physical distance and a global pandemic, and their wedding was a testament to that strength.

VENDOR LIST

PHOTOGRAPHER: Maha Studios
VIDEOGRAPHER: The Lotus Films Inc.
VENUE: Renaissance Schaumburg
PLANNER: Hana April Inc.
FLORAL & DÉCOR: Hana April Inc.
BRIDE’S ATTIRE: Suffuse
GROOM’S FORMALWEAR: Giorgio Armani
HAIR & MAKEUP: Nadia Tikki
MEHNDI ARTIST: Henna by Muzna Suriya
CATERING: Renaissance Schaumburg
DRAPERY: JRP Live
HUMAN STATUES & STILT WALKER: Greg Mimer
AERIALIST: NewMoon Chicago
ENTERTAINMENT: Sundeep Patel, RDB – Rhythm Dhol Bass