When Timing and Faith Aligned
The Wedding Story of Sukh Dhaliwal and Shannen Seikhon
Wedding Date: June 22, 2024
Location: The Acre Venue, Abbotsford
Guest Number: 600
Bride: Shannen Seikhon
Groom: Sukh Dhaliwal
Who would’ve thought that Santa’s elf and a customer service rep would one day stand side by side as husband and wife? Sukh and Shannen certainly didn’t. Their story is the kind that makes you believe in timing, in fate, and in the idea that sometimes, the best things happen when you least expect them.
“We met back in 2016. Sukh worked as a customer service rep at a mall, and I was hired on as a seasonal staff member for the holidays. I was Santa’s elf and worked in the photo area, and Sukh worked in the office, so we rarely worked together,” Shannen says. “We became friends but didn’t really speak outside of work initially,” Sukh says. “But it came to a point where we were both excited to go to work when we knew each other was working.”
After a few weeks of small talk here and there, Sukh decided to make a move. “Sukh had come into the Santa hut to ask me if I’d like a coffee, and I wasn’t expecting that at all,” Shannen says. She turned him down—not because she wasn’t interested, but because she was shy and caught off guard.
Their coworkers weren’t subtle about pointing out the obvious crush between them. “Everyone teased us about how we’d make a great couple,” Shannen remembers. Despite the teasing—and the unspoken crushes on both sides—nothing really came of it. They added each other on social media and followed each other’s lives from a distance. It was just enough to keep the other person in their minds, but neither of them made a move.
It wasn’t until 2018—two years after they first met—that things started to change. Shannen was on vacation in India with her family when Sukh reached out again. “We had just started texting before I left for my trip. Due to the time difference, the texting didn’t go on for long,” Shannen says. Still, Sukh didn’t give up. Near the end of her trip, he messaged her again to check in and ask how it was going. Then he took a leap. He asked her if she’d like to go out for dinner when she got back.
“I said yes,” Shannen recalls. “And as soon as I got home, we went out the very next day.”
That dinner sealed the deal for both of them. From the moment they sat down, it just felt easy. “There was no awkwardness, no silences,” Shannen says. “It was like we picked up right where we left off.” The years they’d spent knowing each other made everything feel natural. They laughed about the times their coworkers teased them and admitted they’d both had a crush on each other back in 2016.
For Sukh, it was clear right away. “It’s cliché, but after that first date, we both just knew this was it,” he says.
From there, everything fell into place. Shannen loves how Sukh makes her feel at home. “I love Sukh’s calming personality and his sense of humor. He’s very patient with everything, and I feel like those qualities balance out our relationship. I love that he feels like home. I had told Sukh very early on that I’m a family person and spending time with them is really important to me. I come from a big family, and I love spending time with them whenever I can. Sukh acknowledged that, and he said that he felt the exact same way. It’s sweet seeing him put in the effort with my brother and sisters or even kicking back and having a drink with my dad. Without fail, he’s always asked me what my family is up to and asks how they’re doing, and I love that sincerity about him,” she says.
For Sukh, Shannen’s heart is what stands out most. “Her heart. She is so caring about her family and everyone close to her. She’s always looking out for others and is so passionate about what she goes after, whether that’s personal relationships or professional targets. She has a heart that never quits—never quits caring and never quits loving,” he says.
In the early days of their relationship, Sukh was in school living in Vancouver, and the distance didn’t make things easy. But even with the challenges, Shannen quickly became the highlight of his week. “Every week, I would just be waiting for Friday so I could go back to my hometown and go on our dates,” Sukh shares. She was what he looked forward to most. Over time, it became clear to Sukh that Shannen wasn’t just his girlfriend—she was his home. Her kindness, her deep love for her family, and the way she poured her heart into everything made her stand out in every way.
Shannen grew up on a farm and loved the countryside, so Sukh planned a proposal with that in mind. “I knew she wanted something unique and more personal. I am not someone who likes being out in public, so I preferred something more private. I booked a venue that had a rustic setting that Shannen really likes. I also reached out to one of her favorite photographers, and luckily we were able to figure out a date that worked,” Sukh says.
The proposal was more than Shannen could have ever imagined. “Sukh had booked a local venue, which I didn’t even know existed, and I’ve lived in Abbotsford my entire life. It was this beautiful rustic barn, hidden in the fields, and in a very intimate setting. He had hired my favorite photographer (Inder from Fox & Hound Photography) and a decorator (Event Vault) who had set up the venue with beautiful flowers, pictures of us, and champagne,” she says.
What amazed her most was the thought Sukh put into every detail. “He even made a Pinterest board to send to the decorator he hired, and I had just fallen in love so much more,” Shannen says. And he did it all on his own. “When he told me that he did it all by himself with no help, I was stunned. He had kept this a secret from everyone (including my sisters) and was planning everything himself. The thought and love that went into the proposal was beyond anything I could’ve ever imagined.”
After the proposal, Sukh suggested they keep it a secret for the weekend so they could soak in the moment together without distractions. “That made it even more special,” Shannen shares. “He continued to surprise me throughout the weekend, and it was so special to share that time together. It’s a moment I will truly never forget.”
And then came the wedding planning.
“Wedding planning was something we enjoyed together,” Shannen says. “We were excited talking about all of our ideas and attending meetings together. It was nice because we had envisioned a similar aesthetic for our wedding, and that made wedding planning fun for us.”
They started with their top priorities: photography, videography, and hair and makeup for the week. “We began with booking those three things and then moved onto the next big vendor for us,” Shannen explains. Sukh brought his organizational skills to the table, creating an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of vendors, meetings, payments, and timelines. “This made it easy for us to plan because we had everything laid out right in front of us and weren’t scrambling through emails,” Shannen adds.
Photography and videography were at the top of their list, and these teams left a lasting impact. “Jagjot Bhatti and his team from Photography by JB were a dream to work with,” Shannen says. “Jagjot and his team made us feel comfortable in front of the camera, and we honestly had so much fun working with them—not only us but our families too. My siblings and parents grew to love the team as they connected during every event and felt confident in their work.” Sukh shared the same sentiment, saying, “JB and his team were amazing. They provided direction during the events and are true professionals. Their passion for photography shows in the way they care so much about every moment. They don’t just see these events as a job—they truly enjoy them and understand how important these moments are.”
“I am very particular with poses and editing, and I had several poses saved that I wanted to do for each event. Jagjot and his team were more than happy to bring my vision to life,” she says. “They also have a great way of making you feel present in the moment and soaking it all in, which is so important.”
Their videography team, Made in Heaven, delivered an equally unforgettable experience. “The way they captured our wedding is like a fairytale,” Shannen says. “We love looking back at the footage because it allows us to relive every special moment. From our first meeting, we knew they genuinely cared about us and the couples they work with.” Sukh added, “Their creativity and dedication were incredible. They weren’t just there to get content and leave—they made everything feel personal. Their short clips and videos are stunning, and we can’t stop watching them. They were so genuine throughout the week, and it made such a difference.”
Shannen’s makeup artists also played a key role in making her vision a reality. “I feel so lucky to have had three great artists glam me during the week,” she says. “Vanessa (ArtistryByV), Sohal (Bluerose Artistry), and Manit (Emkay.Artistry) are so beautiful inside and out. I didn’t do any trials because I trusted them completely, and they brought every look to life. Each artist added their unique style, and it made every event feel fresh and different. My friends and family even commented on how they could see the differences in each artist’s work, which was nice because it gave a fresh feel to each day.”
For Shannen, there was no better place to host their wedding than her family’s farm. “All of my pre-events and our wedding were held on my family’s farm. We have a shop that my dad built, and it just felt like the right place,” she says. “When my parents suggested it, we never looked back.” The venue wasn’t just a location—it was filled with meaning and comfort. “I wasn’t nervous on the wedding day at all. I walked so fast to the ceremony because I wasn’t anxious—it just felt so natural being at home,” she recalls. “I woke up, got ready, and stepped outside to get married. It was perfect.”
The farm wasn’t just special for Shannen and Sukh—it became an inspiration. “Because we had such a great experience and people started reaching out to see if we rent out our space, we’ve recently advertised The Acre Venue as our family-owned business for special events,” Shannen shares.
Shannen worked closely with her decorator, Sevreen from SK Events, to ensure each event felt unique and transformed. “It was really important that my décor made the venue feel new every day. I wanted guests to feel like they had walked into a brand-new venue for each event, and that’s exactly what happened,” she says.
THE EVENTS
Haldi
A serene backyard setup with a wooden canopy adorned with marigolds and boho-inspired decor.
Shannen’s Mendhi
A bright and girly setting inside the family shop, featuring lounge areas, a giant umbrella, and pink florals. Highlights include a baby pink donut truck and a custom bar wrap reading “Shanno Ki Shaadi,”.
Sukh’s Mendhi
A simple yet elegant event at Sukh’s home with decor in emerald green, accented with subtle yellow and orange tones.
Shannen’s Jaggo
The shop transformed into a pind inspired scene, complete with nostalgic snacks, a yellow photo-op door, and tractors from India.
Sukh’s Maiyan/Jaggo
At Mirage Banquet Hall with a Punjab inspired theme.
Shannen’s Maiyan
Moved last minute to the shaded front entry of the home, simple and intimate.
Shannen’s Choora
A transformed backyard space featuring a pind-style door adorned with flowers.
Wedding Day
The family shop became a fairytale venue with a wooden canopy, floral tones, and an aisle decorated with leaves and flowers.
Reception
A timeless black-and-white theme at Royal King Banquet Hall, featuring candles, floral arrangements, and sleek decor.
THE LOOKS
The couple planned most of their wedding in six months, but the entire process took about a year and a half. As the date approached, they added finishing touches to bring their vision to life. “Our families took a laid-back approach, which made it nice for us because when the big week arrived, everyone was beyond amazed with the week Sukh and I put together with the help of our vendors,” Shannen says.
For Sukh, managing so many vendors could feel overwhelming at times. “All our vendors were awesome, but the number of different vendors involved starts making your head spin,” he says. When asked about his favorite part of the process, he jokes, “When it was done.” Shannen, on the other hand, cherished the experience of securing vendors who truly cared about their wedding. “It would’ve been stressful and upsetting if we didn’t get to work with who we really wanted, but for us, luckily, that wasn’t the case,” she says.
All the planning and effort paid off, creating moments that were truly unforgettable. For Shannen, one of those moments was on the wedding morning, a memory that felt uniquely hers. From her bedroom window, she had a view that most brides never get to experience. “Since the wedding was at home, I wanted the milni and barat to arrive at the front of my house,” she says. “My bedroom faces the front entrance, and I was peeking through my window the entire time. I got to watch Sukh’s family and friends make their grand entrance.”
“Typically, brides don’t get to see this—you usually just see a photo of the groom that someone took for you,” she adds. “But I got to see Sukh pull up in the jeep and walk up the driveway with everyone cheering, dancing, and celebrating their way up. I even watched the entire milni ceremony, which was so fun.” She laughed when Sukh later admitted he was trying to peek up at her window to catch a glimpse of her watching. “Some of his family and our friends told me they knew I’d be peeking, too!”
For Sukh, the wedding day was something he’ll never forget. Watching Shannen walk toward him and then sitting beside him during the ceremony was a moment that hit differently. “When she came and sat down next to me after her walk in, there were no words for that moment,” he says. It was everything they’d been planning for, and it felt so right.
The vibe of the week kicked off way earlier during Sukh’s Mendhi at home. What was supposed to be a chill, low-key event turned into a full-on party. “It was meant to be small and quiet, but everyone was so excited that it turned into a party long into the night,” he says, laughing. The energy was contagious, and the night just kept going.
The morning of the wedding was another standout moment for Sukh. “All the family and friends were at the house before leaving for the ceremony,” he says. “Just seeing everyone together was amazing.” The house was buzzing with excitement, and the love and support from everyone made it a morning he’ll always remember.
After months of planning and an unforgettable wedding week, Shannen and Sukh share this advice:
“Enjoy every single moment,” Shannen says. “Don’t let the little things get to you or take over your week. You’ve been planning this for so long, and it’ll be over in a flash, so just soak it all in and cherish everything.” Her biggest tip? Trust the process. “Once the first event starts, let whatever happens happen. You’ve done all the hard work up to this point—just trust that things will fall into place and enjoy it. This is your time to celebrate your love with the people you love.”
Sukh agrees that it’s all about keeping things in perspective. “Don’t let the little stuff bug you,” he says. “Things are going to go wrong, and not everything will happen exactly as you planned. Just roll with it. It’s your wedding week—focus on enjoying it instead of stressing about every little thing.”
Their advice is simple but meaningful: let go, enjoy the ride, and remember what it’s really about—celebrating your love.
It’s funny how life works sometimes. Sukh and Shannen could never have guessed that a holiday season job at the mall would bring them together, let alone lead to a love story that feels straight out of a movie. From the small moments that started it all—like a shy coffee offer in the Santa hut—to the unforgettable milestones of their wedding week, every part of their journey has been uniquely theirs.
Their story is proof that love doesn’t always follow a set timeline or script. Sometimes, it takes a few years, a little persistence, and a leap of faith. And when it finally comes together, it’s better than you could have ever imagined.
GALLERY
VENDORS
Haldi
Photography: Photography by JB
Videography: Made in Heaven Weddings
Decor: SK Events
Venue: The Acre Venue
Hair and Makeup: The Velvet Oak
Mendhi
Photography: Photography by JB
Videography: Made in Heaven Weddings
Hair and Makeup: Artistry by V
Outfit: Reewaz Official
Mendhi: Henna by Sirat (Shannen) / Simran’s Mehdi (Sukh)
Decor: SK Events
Venue: The Acre Venue
Catering: Balram Bali
DJ: Pandher Events Ent
Floor Wrap: Vynl Floor Wraps
Bartender: Pink Diamond Bartending
Donuts: Little Ooties
Bathroom Trailer: Equinox Rentals
Bar Rentals: Boozie Bars
Tent/Bar: Surrey Tent and Party Rentals (Sukh)
Jaggo
Photography: Photography by JB
Videography: Made in Heaven Weddings
Hair and Makeup: Blue Rose Artistry
Outfit: The Bridal Loft
Decor: SK Events
Venue: The Acre Venue
DJ: Pandher Events Ent
Floor Wrap: Vynl Floor Wraps
Bartender: Pink Diamond Bartending
Bathroom Trailer: Equinox Rentals
Catering: Balram Bali
Entertainment: Event Experts
Bar Rental: Boozie Bars
Choora + Maiyan
Photography: Photography by JB
Videography: Made in Heaven Weddings
Hair and Makeup: Emkay Artistry
Sukh’s Outfit: Shiv Chawla + Manyavar
Maiyan Board: Maiyan Board YYC
Catering: Balram Bali
Floor Wrap: Vynl Floor Wraps
Bathroom Trailer: Equinox Rentals
Shannen’s Venue: The Acre Venue
Decor: SK Events
Sukh’s Venue: The Mirage
Sukh Entertainment: Anmol Ratan Ent
Wedding
Photography: Photography by JB
Videography: Made in Heaven Weddings
Venue: The Acre Venue
Shannen’s Outfit: Rimple & Harpreet
Sukh’s Outfit: Frontier Bridal
Hair and Makeup: Blue Rose Artistry
Jewellery: RNR Jewellers
Nose Ring: Pritam Jeweller
Turban Tying: Kainth Cloth House Abbotsford
Coordinator: Baro Group Events
Home Decor: Imagination Decor and Events
Wedding Decor: SK Events
Catering: Balram Bali
Tent: Surrey Tent and Party Rental
Coffee Trailer: The Palm Cafe
Ice Cream: Soft Serve Everywhere
Floor Wrap: Vynl Floor Wraps
Party Bus: Ultimate Limo + Boss Limousines
Priest: Harminder Singh
House Lighting: Moon Lighting
Rings: Diamond Deals
Bathroom Trailer: Equinox Rentals
Bar Rentals: Boozie Bars
Reception
Photography: Photography by JB
Videography: Made in Heaven Weddings
Shannen’s Outfit: The Bridal Loft
Sukh’s Outfit: Herman Menswear
Jewelry: Olive and Piper
Hair and Makeup: Blue Rose Artistry
Portraits: The Portrait Story
Venue: Royal King Palace
Decor: SK Events
Floor Wrap: Vynl Floor Wrap
DJ: DJ Daula + After Shock Road Show
Violinist: Lord Nation
Cake: Reddy Made Cakes
Screen/Sparkler/Fog: Lava Events Vancouver
January 09, 2025
By TK