Sonia and Ekamjeet, Vancouver, Canada
This couple had an energetic sangeet where the bride’s father played the harmonica which was followed by a gorgeous sunset wedding.
Through the course of their endless conversations during surgery rotations, secret meetings on vacant patient floors and breaks to dig into some hospital ice cream together, Sonia and Ekamjeet built an unbreakable relationship. A few years in, they knew that marriage was what the doctor ordered. Ekamjeet marked the beginning of a new chapter with the sweetest proposal.
The bride shares with us their journey and highlights from their wedding.
How We Met
“Ekam and I first clapped eyes on each other at our hospital residency program’s orientation. We were in Philadelphia. Ekam was starting medicine and I was beginning general surgery. All I remember is this timid, tall, handsome guy shaking my hand. I would never have imagined we’d be married one day. I’d eye him in the ICU while on rounds afterwards and it sparked off a little crush. Then we started talking and meeting.”
Proposal
“After two and a half years of cooking dates, road trips, and endless conversations, Ekam finally proposed after a Canucks Hockey game. It was just him and me which made it all the more special. We followed this by a more formal engagement in a gazebo behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art with our families surrounding us. It couldn’t have been more perfect.”
Wedding Venue
“We had endless discussions and finally decided to get married in Vancouver, a city near Ekam’s hometown, Surrey. We had two wedding ceremonies. The Hindu ceremony took place at the Brock House Restaurant in Vancouver, a gorgeous venue overlooking the Pacific Ocean and North Shore Mountains located on Jericho Beach. The Sikh ceremony was hosted at the Sahib Brookside Gurudwara.”
Wedding Planning
“Our supportive parents and family deserve a shout out here. They helped us plan the beautiful ceremonies and reception. Our photographer, Pinda, was amazing and really impressed us at every step of the way. My makeup artist from Viva Allure Studio was accommodating and innovative with her work. The wedding invitations were designed by Vee Vee Designer Wedding Cards and selected by my mother and me on our wedding shopping excursion to Delhi.”
Wedding Functions
Sangeet
“We had an amazing sangeet function ringing with the sounds of the dholki and traditional songs, bhangra, delicious food and lots of love. My family decorated the hall with flowers, lights, and garlands to make the occasion look celebratory and exciting. My brother lit up the dance floor with his dhol beats and my Dad followed with a melodious harmonica performance.
Having learned the kathak classical dance and Bollywood fusion in addition to bhangra, I was able to work with Ekam and my friends to choreograph the sangeet dances.”
Hindu Ceremony
“We had a beautiful Hindu ceremony and the space was set up for over a hundred attendees. Each guest received appetizers, a scroll containing information about the ceremony, and an adorable potli curated by my mother that was filled with dry fruits and chocolates. The ceremony ended just as the sun was setting and made for a breathtaking backdrop. What followed was an elegant dinner in the extravagant tent after which desserts and coffee were served.
Sikh Ceremony
“The following day brought with it the Sikh wedding. The morning started with the milni, which is a small event where both the families meet and greet each other. After the anand karaj we had a langar and thereafter the dholi and bidai took place. Steeped in tradition and culture, this ceremony marked the beginning of our married lives.”
Reception
“The last in the line-up of events was the reception. Peach, champagne and white were the colors that made up the decor. Shimmering drapes, floral table covers, candles and gorgeous arrangements of fresh blooms were used to deck up the venue.
Staying true to the muted, sophisticated color palette, I dressed in a pastel pink and blue Anita Dongre lehenga. Ekamjeet complemented me in his grey suit with a pastel pink bow tie.”
Advice For Couples
1. “Try to enjoy the process of wedding planning as much as possible, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.
2. Follow a realistic timeline and if it gets very stressful feel free to take some days off from planning. Make sure you enjoy the time you have with your friends, family, and fiancé.
3. Call multiple vendors and make site visits prior to finalizing your venue and picking decorations.
4. Trust your instinct and don’t regret anything.”
The Wedding Makers
Venues: Brock House Restaurant, Vancouver (Hindu Wedding), Gurdwara Sahib Brookside (Sikh Wedding)
Bride’s Outfits: Ram Raj, Delhi (Sikh Wedding), Anita Dongre (Reception)
Groom’s Outfits: Dixon Men’s Haute Couture (Hindu wedding and Sikh Wedding), Indochino, Philadelphia (Reception)
Jewellery: Tanishq
Makeup Artist: Viva Allure Studio
Wedding Invitations: Vee Vee Designer Wedding Cards
