Harjasmin & Riley’s Five-Day Sikh & Western Wedding in Winnipeg

Our Weddings

Aug 9

Harjasmin and Riley's wedding ran five days and six events, from a backyard Mehndi to a reception for 270 guests at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. It brought together a Sikh Punjabi wedding and a Western ceremony, and Amanda Douglas Events planned and managed every day of it.

[Amanda: add a few lines about Harjasmin & Riley and planning this week with them here]

Day 1: Mehndi

The week started in the family's backyard. A tent with a bride lounge, a floral arch and a cushioned seat for the couple, henna artists working through the afternoon, and a bangle bar so guests had something to take home.

Day 2: Jaggo

Thursday night at the Punjab Cultural Centre with about 130 guests. A procession of lit, decorated pots circled the dance floor to the dhol, then the bridal party's dance medley, then open bhangra and gidda until late.

Day 3: Haldi & Maiyan

Back in the backyard, the Mehndi tent turned into the Haldi: tassels in orange, pink, red and yellow, marigold strings, an ivory loveseat, and chai and mango lassi from a bar cart. Grandparents went first with the turmeric, then parents, then everyone else. At the Maiyan, the bride received her red chooda.

Day 4: Anand Karaj

Saturday at the Winnipeg South Sikh Centre with about 180 guests: the Baraat, the Milni, and the four Laavan around the Guru Granth Sahib. Outside, a burgundy backdrop and blush loveseat for photos, then portraits of the couple outdoors.

Day 5: Western Ceremony

Sunday morning in the Crystal Ballroom at the Fort Garry Hotel, under an 8-foot round wooden arch with champagne drapes and florals by Addison Taylor Designs. The flower girl walked in to music from Tangled, and the ring bearers to the Mission Impossible theme.

Day 5: Reception at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights

Sunday night, 270 guests in Bonnie & John Buhler Hall. Eventzy led the design: a ceiling truss with chandeliers and greenery, a big stage and dance floor, and a mix of serpentine, round and wooden donut tables in oranges, pinks, fuchsia, greenery and ivory. Cocktails at golden hour through the museum glass, a first dance to Iris, a giant tiramisu cake (Riley's favourite) and a sparkler send-off.