"Our love is what you may stumble upon in fictional books; Ajay wished for our proposal to be super magical – and what is more magical than Disneyland!ˮ
Q: How did you meet?
Ericka: I was an upcoming entrepreneur running for Miss World Canada 2014. In the midst of planning a grand event for this national pageant, I was introduced to a very intelligent and handsome man. You can call it love at first sight. We agreed to move forward in our personal careers before settling down. Timing is everything – five years later we have achieved heights of success in our respective fields and have turned a beautiful friendship to a marriage.
Q: What do you love most about one another?
Ericka: I love his joyful, positive and child-like spirit that brightens my days. I love his supportive and encouraging attitude that allows me to be myself day in and day out. Most of all, I adore how he loves.
Ajay: I love how fearless she is in everything she desires. Her love is unconditional and most of all I love how she gracefully carries herself and balances the norms of Punjabi culture and modern society.
Q: Could you share your proposal story?
Ericka: Ajay says he doesn’t get nervous often but this proposal planning had him a little stressed. After a year of being engaged and work taking over our lives, Ajay surprised me with a weekend trip to Los Angeles where we spent immerse time together understanding the new beginning that was very soon to come. Our love is what you may stumble upon in fictional books; Ajay wished for our proposal to be super magical – and what is more magical than Disneyland!
Q: Describe your wedding day. What was your favourite moment?
Ericka: The entire wedding week was so magical and it being destination was the best decision our families could have made. Small, intimate and special with the closest friends and family and the most beautiful venues. I remember the butterflies walking up to the roof terrace and the surreal feeling when sitting together.
Ajay: From the moment Ericka came down the aisle and sat next to me to the ending of the ardaas, everything felt unreal; the sounds of the ocean and words of blessings, calm and peaceful with my soulmate and I vowing to love each other for the rest of our lives.
Q: Could you tell us about your reception?
Ericka: It was pure bliss having everyone who loves us under one roof celebrating our new beginning. Ajay and I are very selfless people and we tend to forget to applaud ourselves, and to see our dear ones celebrate the happiness and success for us was AWESOME! From the oldest member to the youngest, everyone touched feet on the dance floor!
Q: Can you describe your outfits?
Ericka: From being a complete fashion enthusiast to modeling all fashions on the runway, I wanted my wedding lengha to be breathtaking. I am thankful to my mother who brought our entire vision to life; ghungroo detailing, birds chirping, incorporating warrior princess Padmavat and a doli with our names.
Ajay: Suited and booted is a daily for me, so when creating my Reception look I wanted to feel 120. Singh Styles brought my vision to life and was able to add a personal touch enhancing my overall look. I’m a chitta kurta kinda guy and wearing a comfortable, classy white pattani salwar was the way to go.
Q: What are your goals as a couple?
We wish to continue encouraging each other to reach our highest potential as we smile and laugh through it all! Marriage is a partnership and we are grateful for the lessons and opportunities to come as we love, grow and prosper. Travelling the world is definitely on the to-do list!
Q: What are your favourite quotes?
“Success is never owned, it is rented and rent is due every day.”
Q: What are the strengths of your marriage?
The smallest, simplest values – respect, listen and speak.
Q: If you could provide any advice to other married couples, what would it be?
People tend to get lost in the sauce with society standards and all – keep it real – with yourself and your partner!
Photography: Zaheer Molu