"Our wedding day was nothing short of magical, it was beyond intimate and beautiful.” - Manny
"Seeing him waiting there for me, and knowing in that moment we were off to spend the rest of our lives together.” - Harpreet
Q: How did you meet?
Harpreet: We met on a blind date! Although we lived across the country from one another, we managed to cross paths through our families. My grandmother and Manny’s mother live a few houses down from each other in South Vancouver and are good friends. I was in town for an engagement and received a message from Manny who had been given my number from his mom.
Manny: We went for dinner and quickly hit it off chatting about travel and family. You don’t really get to know someone well off a first date so we made sure to see each other several more times that week while Harpreet was in Vancouver.
Q: What do you love most about one another?
Harpreet: I love so much about Manny. He is very compassionate, loving and humble, he makes me feel at ease. He inspires me on a regular basis with his work ethic and drive. Manny also is extremely supportive of all that I do and he consistently motivates me. I must also mention that he is hilarious and can put a smile on my face effortlessly. He also makes the most delicious pizza!
Manny: Harpreet is kind, generous, and loving, to all those around her. She supports my lofty goals and brings out the best in me. I’m at peace with her by my side. We can do anything together and have a blast. I truly love her more and more every day.
Q: Could you share your proposal story?
Manny: Every time I would visit Toronto to see Harpreet she would point at the CN Tower. Therefore, I wanted to make the proposal special with the best skyline view. When I landed in Toronto, Harpreet picked me up and we got ready. I had told her before that we were headed to a gala for work, so we were dressed in formal wear. When we got to the location, I started saying nice things and knelt on one knee. I opened the ring box, and we got the perfect proposal shot, skyline draped behind us.
Harpreet: Manny then took us back to all of the spots I had taken him on the first day we spent in Toronto together. It was extremely thoughtful.
Q: Describe your wedding day. What was your favourite moment?
Harpreet: Manny and I had initially planned to tie the knot in Tulum, Mexico, with approximately 200 attendees but then the pandemic happened.
Having a micro wedding however did not mean we had to compromise on a vision. Instead, we had to pivot (and find another getaway). Our wedding took place on January 16th, 2021, in Whistler, B.C., at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre. With the help of our phenomenal vendors, we executed a stunning enchanted winter garden theme. We were limited to having only our immediate families physically present on our big day but set up a livestream so that all our family and friends could virtually attend from the comfort of their homes (many with tea and biscuits). Our wedding day was nothing short of magical, it was beyond intimate and beautiful. My favourite moment has to be walking into the ceremony, seeing Manny waiting there for me, and knowing in that moment we were off to spend the rest of our lives together.
Manny: We were both determined as a couple and had to make it happen on our date. We embraced the Canadian winter and had a magical enchanted winter wedding. It was more than what we could hope for. We ensured we picked the best vendors and gave them autonomy to flex their creative muscles to just do their thing. My favourite moment is when Harpreet arrived at the ceremony. She looked even more stunning! When she sat beside me and it was just her and I with God, it sunk in, and I felt ultimate bliss.
Q: Could you tell us about your reception?
Harpreet: With safety regulations in place, our reception was an intimate dinner in the private room at Wildflower in Fairmont Château Whistler.
Q: Can you describe your outfits?
Harpreet: To the wedding ceremony, I wore a mauve-pink lehenga with rose gold detailing and plenty of pearl work. It was from Sunny’s Bridal, who also created the custom merlot shawl with similar pearl detailing and a lovely silk mauve-pink mask to complete the look. My bridal set was a kundan style rose gold piece with off-white pearls, accompanied with a matching tikka and a custom made passa, all from Moorni Jewelers.
My reception dress, a piece from an Italian design house, Mila Nova, was an ivory ball gown submersed in delicate net, lace, small studded detailing and a dramatic train.
Manny: My look was custom crafted by Sunny’s Bridal to be of a royal Sikh warrior. I wore a cream chola achkan, hand done with gold and champagne zari with a pearl highlight, draped in a merlot shawl. The feathered kalgi, cream pearls and sword completed the royal look. My reception outfit was a StyleBySarai bespoke and fit like a glove. It was comprised of a forest green velvet cocktail jacket with satin details, black trousers with satin waistband and sidebraid, and textured hidden front shirt. Can’t forget the bowtie and suspenders.
Q: Where did you honeymoon?
Harpreet: We have not yet gone on a honeymoon due to the current regulations and overall situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, we “fiancé-mooned” a great deal as an engaged couple, visiting Italy, Bali, and even embarking on a cross Canada road trip.
Q: What are your goals as a couple?
Harpreet: Our short-term goals include, learning to cook more plant-based dishes and completing our French lessons. Overall, working together to help others as it is something we’re both very passionate about.
Manny: Philanthropy is very important to us. In lieu of receiving gifts, we held a wedding fundraiser with donations going to Covenant House Vancouver. As we hit business milestones, we will be able to give back more and more to society.
Q: What are the strengths of your marriage?
Manny: We have trust and get along extremely well. We’re pretty much cracking jokes and having laughs all day.
Our goals are aligned and we are unequivocally supportive of each other.
Harpreet: We manage to put a positive spin on most situations, and we also share the same sense of humour and communicate quite effectively.
Q: If you could provide any advice to other married couples, what would it be?
Manny: Tell each other you love them multiple times per day. Hug and kiss each other every day. Support each others’ goals - you can find a way to accomplish for both if you want it enough.
Harpreet: Be supportive of each other, and over communicate when possible. Also, laugh together often!
