Remina + Bhav: Indian Maharaja Meets Black Tie Affair

Her Big Day Team
Oct 13, 2016
3 min read

Bride: Remina Sidhu

Groom: Bhavjit Thandi

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Wedding Date: August 13, 2016

Venue: Crown Palace Banquet Hall (Pre-party); York Centre Gudwara (Wedding ceremony); Aria Banquet Hall (Reception)

Number of Guests: 800

Culture represented: Indian, Sikhism

We just love sharing all of the details that go into cultural weddings! Here's a glimpse into the week long festivities held by Remina and Bhav before the wedding ceremony:

"Both my husband and my family hosted the traditional week long festivities (at home and banquet halls). At my house, we kicked off the week with a BBQ on Sunday, August 7th. Monday and Tuesday were followed with "Sangeet" nights - this is when women will sing and dance to Indian folk songs. On Wednesday it was my "mehendi" (henna) night at home. All our functions that took place at home from Sunday to Wednesday hosted about 90-100 friends and family each night. Thursday evening was a pre-reception party where we invited the groom's immediate family - this event took place in a banquet hall with about 300 guests. On Friday I was "cleansed" with a traditional "haldi" scrub (both the groom and bride will have this tradition done to cleanse, purify and give that glow at the wedding). Along with the haldi ceremony, the bride will also have all her mom's "brothers" (includes first uncles) place her wedding bangles on her wrists. Saturday was the day of the wedding which took place at a Gurdwara (place of worship for Sikhs) in Surrey, BC followed by the reception party on Sunday at a banquet hall that hosted up to 1000 people.

After a night of partying, my parents hosted a full dinner for me, my husband and his family along with our close family and friends (which totaled to about 60 people). While I had my events occurring during the week, my husband also had similar events during the week of the wedding at his house. The effort that was put into our wedding from our family and friends was beyond my expectations."

Description or Theme of wedding: Indian Maharaja Theme (Wedding) & Black and White Tie Affair for the Reception Maharaja: high ruler, king; royalty

The most memorable part of your wedding: Being walked down the aisle by my best friends - my brother and sister. And watching our next day edit video at the reception with all of our guests and being blown away by the cinematography and photography.

The next day edit video showcased all of the week long festivities that took place (the video integrates both mine and my husband's events into the one video)

Did you do anything unique, crazy or fun: Performing a surprise dance at our Pre-party. The dance was a mix of Punjabi/Bollywood/hindi songs. We integrated moves from the actual Bollywood films.

We integrated 3 songs:

Prem Ratan Dhan Payo from the movie: Prem Ratan Dhan Payo

Aaja Soniya from the movie: Mujhse Shaadi Karogi

Kala Chashma from the movie: Baar Baar Dekho

What was the most difficult part about planning your wedding: Designing the outfits and leaving a lot of tasks to the last minute.

What was the easiest part about planning your wedding: Saving pictures and ideas but executing the tasks would be procrastinated.

Any words of wisdom to the couple planning their wedding: Ensure when you are shopping around with vendors or venues, you do it as quick as possible because vendors and venues book up quickly especially in the city we live in – no risk in waiting another day or two because the vendor or venue you desired may get taken. But most importantly laugh and continue smiling even through the tough and stressful times.

And be prepared to swoon some more...! Check out the video below for more wedding details!

Vendors:

Bride's attire: My brother helped design my full wedding & reception attire. Custom designed my wedding lengha dress from New Delhi, India & my reception gown was made by Wellgroomed in Surrey, BC.

Hair & Makeup: Pink Orchid Studios – Team 1 (Harp and Shannon) wedding & reception looks. Pristine Allure Studios – (Kiran Atwal) pre-party look.

Groom's attire: Wedding attire: custom made in New Delhi, India. Reception attire: Tom Ford.

Photographer: Deo Studios

Videographer: Studio 101

Wedding Planner: My mom!

Wedding Decorator: Raymon’s Décor and Delta Wedding Centre

Invitations: Custom made from India

Florist: Phillip from South-Van Market

Cake: Raveena Oberoi, owner of JustCakesBC

Catering: Dhaliwal Banquet Hall

Lighting: Delta Wedding Centre

Transportation: Royalty Chauffeurs