A Tale of Love, Tradition, and Modern Elegance: Jessica & Parm's Wedding at Reflections Banquet & Convention

Love Story

Sometimes the most beautiful love stories begin with a simple introduction. For Jessica and Parm, that moment came in June 2020, when Jessica's brother-in-law played cupid. “From the moment we met, there was an undeniable connection, and it didn’t take long for us to realize that we were meant to be together,” they recall.

The next chapter of their story unfolded in the romantic setting of Napa Valley. "I turned around to pose, and there he was - down on one knee, ready to pop the question," Jessica recalls with a smile. The location held special meaning, as the bride explains: "Napa felt like the perfect place because, while it was away from home, it also represented where I grew up. It was such a thoughtful and meaningful gesture that made the moment even more unforgettable."

After a year and a half of careful planning, Jessica and Parm's wedding came together as a beautiful blend of Punjabi traditions and modern elegance. With 300 guests in attendance, their celebration began with traditional pre-wedding events, including the Mehndi ceremony and a jewel-toned Sangeet night filled with music and dance.

"For me, the vision of my dream wedding has always centered around an outdoor ceremony filled with fresh florals and lush greenery," Jessica shares, her eyes sparkling as she recalls her vision. "I didn’t have a specific location in mind, but I knew I wanted to be surrounded by nature and our loved ones in a setting that felt intimate and romantic."

One particularly striking element brought their vision to life - a mirror walkway that became the ceremony's focal point. "It was a detail that, in my mind, would elevate the ceremony and provide such a striking visual for our guests," the bride explains. The choice proved perfect, as some of their most cherished wedding photos were captured on this reflective path. "Those pictures perfectly showcase the elegance and beauty of our vision," Jessica adds with joy.

Morning details

Bride getting ready

Jessica's bridal preparation was a beautiful journey that began in Delhi, India,where she found her perfect wedding dress at Aashni Design Co. "It was actually the very first bridal dress I tried on," Jessica recalls with joy. "From the moment I saw myself in it, I knew it was the one. It felt so right." Over the next five months, she worked closely with the designers to tailor every detail to her vision.

The getting-ready moments took place in a charming farmhouse in Langley,where Jessica created an intentionally peaceful atmosphere. "We kept the setting simple and natural, with minimal decor, allowing the beauty of the outdoors to shine," she explains. "The tranquil atmosphere added a layer of calm and intimacy to those special pre-ceremony moments."

Her look was completed with thoughtfully chosen accessories that each told their own story. Two custom veils were designed to complement her gown perfectly - a plain long sage green veil draped on her head and an intricate red veil worn over her shoulder. "The veils added an extra layer of elegance and complemented the intricate details of my gown," Jessica shares.

The bridal bouquet, created by Tayla from Folk & Faerie, was a masterpiece of romantic elegance. "I wanted the florals to feel fresh, soft, and elegant," Jessica describes. "My favourite flowers are peonies, so I knew I had to incorporate them into my bouquet and wedding florals." The result was a stunning arrangement in neutral tones of beige, white, and blush, with subtle greenery that perfectly captured the day's serene essence.

Throughout the wedding celebrations, Jessica worked with makeup and hair artist Denise, whose presence proved invaluable. "She was incredible throughout all three events. Denise understood exactly what I wanted and executed my vision flawlessly," Jessica remembers warmly. "From the moment I started working with her, I felt so comfortable and confident, knowing I was in good hands. I couldn’t have imagined working with anyone else, her talent and calming presence made my wedding week even more memorable."

Groom getting ready

The groom's attire was thoughtfully curated for both the ceremony and reception, each outfit telling its own story of tradition and modernity. For the ceremony, Jessica took on the special task of designing Parm's Indian sherwani during her time in India. "I wanted the base of his outfit to be simple and elegant, choosing a neutral color that would serve as a timeless foundation," she shares.

The sherwani's design beautifully represented their cultural fusion. "To add a unique touch, we incorporated a green accent shawl that complemented the overall look," Jessica explains. "We completed the outfit with a leather belt, which added a modern edge to the traditional look, perfectly blending both cultures." Her eyes light up as she recalls seeing the final result: "Parm’s attire felt both classic and contemporary, and I couldn’t have been more pleased with how it turned out, it was a perfect match for the ceremony and for him."

For their black-tie reception, Parm worked with Jason from Style by Sarai in Vancouver to create his perfect tuxedo. "Parm has a keen eye for design and knew exactly what he wanted," Jessica notes proudly. The result was a sleek, formal black tuxedo with silk wide peak lapels that embodied sophisticated elegance.

Photoshoot before the ceremony

For their pre-ceremony photos, the couple had their photos taken at two distinct Vancouver studios. "One studio was draped in rich fabrics, creating a dramatic, artful feel that was perfect for editorial-style shots," Jessica describes with enthusiasm. "The second studio was clean and minimalist, with crisp white walls that provided a fresh, modern backdrop." The contrast between the two spaces allowed for a diverse collection of images. "I absolutely loved the editorial vibe of both spaces," she adds. "They gave our photos a sophisticated, high-fashion edge that perfectly complemented our vision."

Ceremony

The couple's wedding week was steeped in beautiful Punjabi traditions, each ritual adding layers of meaning to their celebration. "We had a beautiful Punjabi wedding, full of rich traditions and customs," Jessica shares warmly. The festivities began with the Mehndi ceremony,where intricate henna designs adorned Jessica's hands, followed by the vibrant Sangeet night filled with music and dance. The culmination was the sacred Anand Karaj ceremony at McKinnon Estates in Langley, BC,where Jessica and Parm would officially unite in marriage.

Nature itself seemed to bless their union in an unforgettable way. "Leading up to our ceremony, the morning was filled with rain, and I couldn't help but feel a little stressed," Jessica remembers. "We had planned for an outdoor wedding, and everyone kept telling me not to worry - it would clear up. I tried to stay calm, but the rain had me nervous."

But what happened next was nothing short of magical. "As we drove to the venue, the rain stopped, the clouds parted, and although the sky remained grey, it was enough for us to feel hopeful," she continues. "But the real magic happened just as I was about to walk down the aisle. As I sat down, waiting for my cue, the sun broke through the clouds and shone down on us."

Jessica's voice softens as she recalls this precious moment: "The warmth and light that surrounded us in that moment was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. It felt as though the world had paused just for us. The stress melted away, and there was this overwhelming sense of peace, like it was just the two of us in that moment."

This divine timing left an indelible mark on their hearts. "The sun's appearance was the most calming thing, and it felt like a beautiful sign that everything was exactly as it was meant to be," Jessica reflects. "That moment will forever stay with us, reminding us of the magic and peace we felt as we began this new chapter together."

Photoshoot after the ceremony

Following their beautiful ceremony, Jessica and Parm chose the enchanting Trail to Trail Park in Fort Langley, BC, for their newlywed photos. "This location perfectly complemented the natural, outdoor theme of our wedding," Jessica explains. "Since our ceremony was held outdoors, we wanted to continue that connection to nature with our photos."

The setting proved to be everything they hoped for and more. "The park offered beautiful greenery, tranquil surroundings, and the kind of peaceful atmosphere that felt right for us," she shares. The couple's thoughtful planning extended to how their attire would interact with the environment: "When it came to the design of our outfits, we knew the natural beauty of the park would be the perfect backdrop. The lush landscapes and serene trails highlighted the elegance of our attire."

Wedding Venue & Decor

Jessica and Parm's celebration was a masterclass in evolving color palettes, with each event telling its own sophisticated story through thoughtfully chosen hues and decor elements.

The Pre-wedding Sangeet set a dramatic tone with its rich jewel-tone palette. “I wanted to avoid bright, bold colors and instead opted for deeper shades that would set a more elegant, evening atmosphere," Jessica explains. The space came alive with rich emerald greens, deep purples, and ruby reds, while gold accents added a touch of opulence. "Our decor featured these jewel tones throughout, from the table settings to the linens, with gold accents and warm lighting that added to the royal feel of the evening," she shares.

For their wedding ceremony, the couple shifted to a softer, more romantic palette. "We wanted to create an atmosphere of understated elegance," Jessica describes, "so we chose a color palette that was soft, muted, and timeless." The ceremony space bloomed with ivory, blush, sage green, and nude tones, creating a serene and sophisticated atmosphere. "The floral arrangements featured soft blush roses, white blooms, and muted greenery, creating a soft and romantic ambiance that echoed the natural beauty of our outdoor venue."

The reception elevated the elegance to new heights with its black-tie aesthetic. "We wanted the decor to reflect that level of elegance and formality," Jessica notes. The space was transformed with black table linens paired with mirrored tabletops, while fresh florals in soft blush and white added romantic touches. “It was an extravagant and luxurious setting that felt both modern and classic.”

The couple added a personal touch that their guests could take home: "We had personalized wooden wedding fans made for each guest, which we placed at the seats during the ceremony," Jessica shares warmly. "Each fan was engraved with "Parm & Jessica 06.14.2024", making them a personal and lasting reminder of our celebration. It was a beautiful way to add a unique touch to the ceremony while also giving our guests something they could cherish long after the day was over.."

Reception

The reception marked the grand finale of their celebration, beginning with the couple's romantic first dance to John Legend's "Wild." Against the backdrop of their sophisticated black-tie decor, the moment perfectly captured the elegance of their evening celebration.

A stunning focal point of the reception was their wedding cake, created by the talented Tanya from Le Gateau Bakeshop. "I sent her a few inspiration pictures, and together we tailored the design to perfectly align with our vision for the day," Jessica explains. The three-tier masterpiece featured a thoughtfully chosen combination of flavors: Coconut cream, Lemon olive oil, and Vanilla strawberry. "Each layer was as delicious as it was beautiful," she shares with delight. "The cake was topped with sugar-made peonies, which tied into the fresh florals that decorated the banquet hall. It was the perfect blend of elegance, flavor, and personalization."

The success of their entire celebration was made possible by an exceptional team of vendors who brought their vision to life. "Working with our wedding vendors was an absolute dream," the couple reflects warmly. "Planning an Indian wedding takes a lot of effort and coordination to make everything come together. Thankfully, we had an incredible team of vendors who made the process so much easier."

What particularly stood out was their unwavering support throughout the planning process. "The level of communication was outstanding. No matter the time or day, they were always available to address questions, offer advice, or simply reassure us," Jessica remembers gratefully. "I couldn’t have imagined a better team to support us throughout our wedding week."