From 'The Hill' To Forever
Puneet and Harvir's Unforgettable Roka Ceremony
Roka Date: October 08, 2023
Location: Lower Mainland/Vancouver, BC
Guest Number: 250
Her: Puneet Sidhu
Him: Harvir Bains
October 8th, 2023, marked not only the 11-year anniversary of Puneet and Harvir's journey but also the auspicious occasion of their Roka ceremony.
Let's journey back to the beginning, to that fateful first day of high school where Puneet and Harvir's story truly began. "I was so incredibly fortunate to meet my best friend, Harvir, on the first day of high school when we were thirteen," Puneet reminisces. Initially, their connection was rooted in friendship, their bond growing stronger with each passing day: "Our feelings for each other were so strong, but we focused on our friendship."
However, as fate would have it, destiny had greater plans in store. "The summer of grade 10, we mutually felt a magnetic pull towards each other to grow our relationship into something more special," Puneet shares, reflecting on the moment that altered the course of their journey. Amidst the innocence and allure of adolescence, Harvir took a bold step forward, and "asked me to be his girlfriend when we were sixteen." Puneet reveals. "When we officially started dating, he would tell me daily that I was the only one he was going to marry, and he would do anything in his power to make it happen."
"It was an overwhelming display of love and commitment at such a young age," Puneet reflects. "But true love knows no limits.
In a household where dating was a whispered secret and marriage a whispered expectation, Puneet and Harvir's love bloomed, nurtured by stolen moments atop a local spot they called The Hill. "This spot was our sanctuary," Puneet fondly recalls. "It was out in nature, which is something we both really love, and it was a little slice of heaven just for us." "We would always meet up at The Hill whenever we got the chance to."
The Hill witnessed not only the blossoming of their love but also monumental moments in their relationship—a promposal followed by a marriage proposal.
"I've always wanted an 'English' proposal like in all of the Hollywood rom-coms/chick-flicks I grew up watching," she shares. And true to her heart's desire, Harvir, her high school sweetheart of nine years, orchestrated a proposal that surpassed all expectations.
"Since I've met Harvir, he's always told me how he has such a special place in his heart for me and our connection feels so effortless. I have never felt more seen, understood, respected, and cherished than with my life partner. I'm grateful for our journey and our fight for our love going on twelve years of being together now."
Their Roka, marking 12 years of togetherness, served as a beautiful reminder of their commitment to each other. "Our Roka was not only the official welcome ceremony into each other's families but a celebration of our love alongside our nearest and dearest," Puneet shares.
"I planned my Roka for over a year," shares Puneet, the creative force behind the ceremony. "It was a ceremony that we were unsure of doing, but we are so glad we did! It meant so much to our parents to have the kirmai/magna ceremony, and there are countless memories that were made that I will never forget."
Central to Puneet's planning was honoring tradition while adding personal touches. "I always knew the Roka ceremony would be done at Harvir's house," she explains "My family walked into the same wedding song that my grandparents walked into my parents' wedding with. It was iconic!"
Puneet had always envisioned a particular look for her Roka ceremony. "I also always knew I would wear a vintage-style tissue silk saree for my Roka ceremony, and my designer Nistara @ Balunguda NAILED it," she shares. Puneet and Harvir discovered their perfect outfits through the talented designer Nistara from Balungada. "Nistara @ Balungada is an incredible up-and-coming designer with immense talent and creative vision. Her ideas are so fresh and she can create the most show-stopping looks," Puneet remarks. Nistara crafted a custom hand embroidered sage green silk tissue Saree for Puneet and a customized Banarasi silk nehru jacket over an embroidered Kurta for Harvir.
As Puneet reflects on her journey, she shares valuable advice for couples embarking on their own forever. "Enjoy the process," she encourages. "Give yourself ample time when planning your event/wedding. Give yourself time to daydream! Pinterest can be such a great starting point to get an idea of what your own individual vision is without following any trends." Puneet emphasizes the importance of authenticity, urging couples not to be afraid to think outside the box and make decisions from the heart, free from external pressures. "This is your function! You are also a GUEST, not just a host," she reminds. And above all, Puneet encourages couples to be present, to immerse themselves in the magic of the moment. "Be in the magic. Feel it. <3" she concludes, with a reminder to cherish every moment of their special day.
Photography: Jenzel Velo + Photography By Bunny
Videography: Made In Heaven
Attire: Balungada
HMUA: Artistry By V
Stationery: Esgee Art Design
July 10, 2024
By TK