Hazel and Kamal, British Columbia, Canada
Color-coordinated ensembles, well-planned themes, and stunning decor made Hazel and Kamal's Canadian wedding a picture-perfect affair.
A traditional Punjabi sangeet, a divine Gurudwara wedding and a celebration resplendent with color, family bonding and joy – Hazel and Kamal’s nuptials in Canada were all things bright and beautiful. The bride shares highlights from their big day.
How we met
“Kamal’s brother Paul set us up on a blind date. I’d known Paul for years and trusted his instincts though I’d never been on a blind date before. Kamal and I texted and spoke on the phone and eventually met in person at a local restaurant.
That first date was the start of a whirlwind of adventure. We spent days at the golf course in Vancouver, went kayaking in Deep Cove, did wine tastings in the Okanagan and travelled all the way to Honolulu, Hawaii for our first trip together. This was probably the first quantum leap our relationship took – spending eight whole days together, growing and exploring with each other. Kamal and I learned quickly that we share the same qualities and values in life and our love for our friends and family is one that resonates with us both.”
The Proposal
“Kamal proposed to me on a snowy afternoon in beautiful Queen Elizabeth Park, a stunning point overlooking the gorgeous city of Vancouver.
After a romantic lunch at Seasons in the Park, we went for a long walk through the park. This particular restaurant and park was very special to me as it was where he met my parents for the first time.
Kamal got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Being just the two of us, the moment could not have been more perfect and the ring was beyond beautiful. Perhaps what meant the most to me was that Kamal had come up with each detail of the proposal all on his own. From beginning the day at the spa, to the gorgeous setting of our lunch, and the beautiful words he spoke to me before he went down on one knee; all unbeknownst to me. The decision to make when he asked me to marry him was the easiest one I have ever had to make.”
Wedding Venue
“Our wedding took place at the Sikh Temple in Nanaimo, British Columbia; a quaint, harbor city where I grew up for the better part of my childhood. I wanted to celebrate the best day of my life in a place where I have had some of my fondest memories. It was also very important to my family and I to host both the pre-wedding events and wedding in my hometown as it followed traditions.
Our reception took place the following evening in Surrey, BC, at the Riverside Signature Banquet Hall. Our friends and family travelled from near and far to share our special days with us in Duncan, Nanaimo and Surrey.”
Wedding Planning
“Given the number of events and the meticulous planning that went into each, I found it most effective to plan the events myself. I had a lot of ideas and details I wanted to execute and with a lot of research and help from my amazing family and girlfriends, I was able to pull off the wedding of my dreams. For the wedding reception, we hired a day-of event planner, Kavita Mohan, who helped coordinate our wedding reception to great detail.”
Wedding Functions
Sangeet
“I had a traditional Punjabi ladies-only sangeet party in Nanaimo, BC, at Beban Park Social Centre. Party Mood decorated the hall in bright festive colors and a lot of gold and glitter. On stage was a gorgeous, colorful backdrop to highlight a bridal seating area. The event was catered by Maharaja and it was an amazing evening full of great food, dancing, singing, great company and many laughs. There were some very special moments I will always hold dear. One of them was hosting all of the special women in Kamal’s family, who came to the event to partake in all the classic engagement traditions, such as the chunni ceremony. My closest friends, Karla, Diana and Michele and my cousins Parveen and Seema performed a beautiful dance to the song, “Nai Janna” which will remain a fond memory to me forever.”
Wedding
“Our wedding took place at the Sikh temple in Nanaimo, British Columbia, my hometown, and where I spent the golden years of my childhood. It was a gorgeous, warm summer day. We wanted an intimate wedding with only our close family, relatives and friends. Our decor for this event was kept simple, with beautiful blush tones and lots of flowers. The wedding was understated and sophisticated. Kamal and I chose gorgeous creations by Tarun Tahiliani for this ceremony.”
Reception
“Our reception took place at a large banquet hall in Surrey, British Columbia. The decor was done by Ruffled Rose, and themed to be romantic, with warm and elegant touches and an abundance of candlelight to make the space feel intimate. A champagne, gold and blush palette created an amazing romantic ambience, with willow blossoms and fresh flower arrangements. DJ Harp Sohal of Aftershock Roadshow kept the dance floor packed all night with the best mixes in town. Our highlights were our custom made ice bar, which featured our signature drinks (Mojitos and Lychee Martinis), and our amazing hip hop dance crew which got the whole crowd amped up on the dance floor. While I wore a creation by Falguni and Shane Peacock, Kamal chose a custom Tom Ford 3-piece suit.”
Advice for Couples
“Be as patient with everything as you can. Unexpected things will happen that are out of your control and although you can do your best to prevent certain events, some you just can’t. Remember to take those lightly. Get as much done as you can in advance, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. In such a special moment of your life there are always many willing to help in any way they can. Lastly and most importantly, take a deep breath and enjoy every moment. With the help, love and support of my dearest friends and family, I genuinely feel like I got to enjoy every single moment of each event wholeheartedly and I will be forever grateful for that.”
Wedding Makers
Venues: Beban Park Social Centre, Nanaimo (Sangeet), Riverside Signature Banquet Hall, Surrey (Reception)
Decor: Party Mood (Duncan), Ruffled Rose Co (Vancouver)
Caterer: Maharaja Catering Ltd. (Surrey)
Coffee Bar: Jack Coffee Bar (Abbotsford)
Ice Bar: Cool Creations (Richmond)
Wedding Invitation Design: Creative Union Design/ Redesign
Bride’s Outfit: Anushree Reddy (Sangeet), Tarun Tahiliani (Wedding), Falguni and Shane Peacock (Reception)
Groom’s Outfit: Tarun Tahiliani (Wedding), Tom Ford (Reception)
Makeup Artist: Thuy Dinh of Aquarius Art for Bride (Vancouver), Angela Madden for Bridesmaid (Delta)
Mehndi: YYJ Mehndi – Henna by Ravneet (Victoria)
Entertainment: DJ Decibel (Sangeet), DJ Harp Sohal of Aftershock Roadshow (Reception), Now or Never Break Dance Crew (Reception)
Photo Booth and Digital Guest Book: Clique Pic
Photography: Hong Photography & Cinema Inc.
