The brilliant Big Day

My wedding morning began at 9am with my mum and bridesmaids by my side. It was so relaxing as we had our hair and make-up done; exactly what I had hoped for.

Our registry wasn’t until 3pm and one of my most treasured highlights of the day was walking into the beautiful Orangery to the piano music I had chosen. It felt like stepping into a fairytale.

Our venue was a large hotel, allowing many of our guests to stay overnight. While the ceremony and evening reception were held in separate spaces, the transition between the two felt seamless. The food was exceptional, the dance floor was full all night and the entire celebration sparkled with love and laughter.

Styled to shine

Harveer and I each had two outfits. For the registry I chose a simple white dress with lace and button details along with a veil. It was understated compared to my lengha but I think that balanced out the look. Harveer wore a gorgeous black sherwani jacket for the legal ceremony, so in a way we were both representing our own cultures.

For the reception, he wore a white shirt and patterned suit jacket because it was easier to dance in. My second outfit was a red lehnga from Monga’s in Southall, a treasured gift from his mum, I felt so special in it. It was light enough to walk, dance and twirl in. It was the first time I’d worn a lehnga and my friends and family got to experience me sharing in Harveer’s culture which was lovely.

Gem of the season

I turned to Pinterest for inspiration where I was drawn to a vibrant gemstone palette that set the tone for our wedding. We carried the jewel-like hues through the bridesmaids’ dresses and into the favours, which Harveer, my mum and I made together. Harveer added a personal touch by painting our card box in a deep sapphire blue, finished with our names and wedding date, that created a treasure chest of memories of the day.

Our venue, Whittlebury Park, already had elegant interiors that needed little extra decoration, and we felt especially fortunate to have chosen it when it started raining. The indoor spaces, including the beautiful Orangery where our ceremony took place, became a perfect setting for our celebration.

Making memories

Looking back at our photographs, I’m reminded not only of how beautiful the day was, but also of why it meant so much. We planned the wedding in a short space of time because a close relative was terminally ill and we desperately wanted her to be part of it. Although she was too unwell to attend on the day, we were able to see her soon afterwards. Knowing she was still with us when we married is something I will always treasure, especially as she passed away just a few months later.

I’m also proud of my mum who gave a lovely heartfelt speech. The biggest surprise though came from Harveer who surprised me by playing the dhol. He had booked Team Dips to perform who he had admired for years. The fact he got to perform with them was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

My family embraced the Punjabi traditions woven throughout the celebration, which meant the world to us. My aunt, uncle and cousin travelled from America, making it the first time in years that my grandad had both of his daughters in the same country. Harveer’s family welcomed relatives from as far away as Canada, and his dad was deeply touched by the incredible turnout. The photographs and video have become precious keepsakes: a lasting jewel-box of memories filled with the people we love most, all gathered to celebrate our love.