How Our Paths Crossed
Jagbir: We met through our mutual friend Sharon Ghuman, and initially met online but never got the chance to meet in person because we both lived far apart. Navi lived in Indianapolis and I lived in Seattle. A few months later when Navi was visiting her friend Sharon in Seattle, Sharon set up a meeting between the two of us since she was a part of it from the beginning.
We had our first date a couple of days after Navi arrived in Seattle in March 2012. We kept meeting one other for the remainder of the week that Navi was in Seattle and continued to stay in touch after that. It was a long distance relationship but we made it work by visiting each other every couple of months. A year later, our families were involved and became part of our relationship.
The Big Question
Navjot: Almost a year after we first met, we planned a trip to San Diego for our one year anniversary and to celebrate Jagbir’s birthday. We spent the weekend in San Diego enjoying the sunny weather and exploring local beaches. On our last day, we had a trip planned to the Zoo and that was the day that Jagbir was planning to propose. Searching for the perfect moment all day, Jagbir carried the ring on him until he had found that perfect moment.
We had pretty much spent most of the day at the Zoo, but since there were so many people present, Jagbir didn’t think it was right time to pop the question. I was completely oblivious to Jagbir’s plan, and my focus was enjoying the weekend and our time spent together. Later that day, after the Zoo, Jagbir decides to watch the sunset at La Jolla Beach.
The view was amazing, sitting on the beach and watching the sun set with the person you love was ideally romantic. That is when we decided to take pictures and capture the moment. As I took on the role of a photographer, still not aware of Jagbir’s proposal plan, Jagbir at that time was looking for the perfect spot to propose away from the people and the crowd. He finally finds this one spot on top of a rock, where he asks me to climb up after him, as soon as I reached the top, Jagbir was on his knee with the ring in his hand. He asked me to marry him and despite the surprise and shock, I said yes instantly.
The Wedding
Our wedding festivities were held in Las Vegas, and our wedding ceremony took place at the Baba Deep Singh Ji Gurdwara. The morning commenced with both the bride and groom getting ready with their families in their own suites. Although the wedding ceremony was held in Las Vegas, all Sikh traditions were carried out respectfully. The wedding ceremony was held outside in an ivory and red draped tent. The alter in the middle was built for the Shri Guru Granth Sahib. The alter was decorated in red drapes surrounded with garlands and bouquets of flowers. The seating was comfortably arranged for the guests.
Our Favourite Moment
Our favourite moment was looking at each other in our wedding attire for the first time, and sitting next to each other and realizing this is the moment you plan for all your life and it's finally coming true.
The Reception
Our reception was held in a ballroom at Treasure Island, and our décor was provided by Kumba Event Designs. Our peacock theme featured alternating table runners and centerpieces, which consisted of white flowers, white ostrich feathers and peacock feathers. The stage set-up showcased peacock themed draping and manzanita trees with peacocks, which complemented a gold and white chaise with gold side tables. The lighting also accompanied the peacock theme with each table having its own pin spotting. The reception had entertainment that was setup by the bride’s sisters and cousins, such as dance performances. The event followed with the cake cutting, the first dance and then the couples dance which broke into traditional Punjabi music to get the party started. The jaggo was carried out by the mami ji’s of both sides of the families.
The Honeymoon
We planned our honeymoon in a warm weather destination, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, which consisted of gorgeous beaches, relaxing spa treatments, ziplining in the jungle, romantic shows and gourmet Mexican cuisine. One of the highlights was the famous show, “Rhythms of the Night” and a romantic dinner on an island called Las Caletas, accessible by boat only. As night falls, the secluded cove of Las Caletas is transformed into a magical paradise; dinner was fabulous, service fantastic and the atmosphere unbelievable. The walk to the show by candle light and torches set the stage for an unbelievable show. Puerto Vallarta was a great place for our honeymoon and we will cherish our time spent there forever.
Our Goals
To love and respect each other throughout the journey of life, filled with family, friends and great memories.
What I Love About You
Jagbir: I love her personality and her smile the most. I fell in love with her the minute I met her on our first day. We had so much in common and never had a dry moment. It felt like we had been waiting to meet each other our entire lives and we had finally found each other. She is an honest, lovable, family first and goal oriented individual that I love.
Navjot: I love how he loves everything about me, from my silly faces to my serious ones. I love his caring and protective personality. Being with him, I never feel alone or insecure. I love that he is so understanding, and I can talk to him about anything and everything. I love looking into his eyes and getting big bear hugs. I love his strength and motivation towards me; he is my inspiration in life.
Words of Advice
Our best advice would be to stay true to each other from day one and love each other unconditionally.
Photography by Amrit Photography