Real Weddings: A Tale Of Two Proposals

The Welcome Sign At The Entrance

I got two proposals.

On the last night of our trip to Tulum, Mexico in March, the hotel organised a private rooftop dinner for us, which I thought was for a social media shoutout. The breathtaking view and beautiful set-up left both of us battling nerves, as though it was our first date. We slow danced under the stars to So Into You by Tamia. And that’s when Hark got down on his knee and proposed—but without a ring (because it hadn’t arrived in time)! A month later, back at home in Toronto, Hark proposed again—this time with the ring, as he read out a letter he had written to me.

Mani's Chunni Embroidered With The Couple's Names and Lyrics Of The Song 'So Into You' by Tamia

We brought Tulum to Toronto for our engagement party.

The barn on Hark’s property in Caledon, Toronto was transformed into an eclectic roadside restaurant with picturesque corners, similar to those commonly found in Mexico. We installed a retro Volkswagen van as the photo booth and the outdoor tented area resembled a long beachside with macramé swings, rustic tables and chairs, distressed sofas, and ottomans, which were sponsored by Bois et Cuir and The Eastern Bazaar.

The Couple's Seating Arrangement For The Ceremony

The Dance Floor and Seating For The Guests

Tulum-Inspired Outdoor photo-op

Tulum-Inspired Indoor Photo-Op

The presentation of the hors d'oeuvres was quirky.

We served chicken skewers in tiny buckets; nachos and salsa in martini glasses; Chinese food in mini takeaway containers; and gol-gappa shots. For dessert, my sister installed a pop-up Wake and Bake bakery, which served doughnuts, rasmalai and falooda mousse shooters, lollipops, honey lavender cupcakes, gelées, and a live crème brûlée station.

Doughnuts and Cake FromThe Wake and Bake Pop-Up

Table Tag

The Bar Menu

We thanked our guests with traditional Shagun.

Cashew nuts, almonds, and walnuts were packed in tropical-printed gift bags. My advice: Consider using a spare space as your venue. It eliminates the excessive coordination involved with a rented one and gives you the liberty to choose dates at ease. 

Mani Enters With Her Sisters For Her Chunni Ceremony

The 'Magical Finale Fireworks,' says Mani

The Details

The Bride and Groom’s outfit: Both wore Mani Jassal.

The Bride’s jewellery: Kohar Jewellery at Minerali, Mumbai.

The Photographer: Renata Kaveh.

Wedding Planner: Chic Events.

Wedding Designer: Paras Events.

Catering: Wake and Bake by Simmy Jassal and Kwality Sweets

Flowers: Paras Events.

Entertainment: DJ SP at Frequency DJs.