Unfolding Ramneek and Jon’s Rustic Inter-cultural Wedding in Toronto

It is said that pairs are made in heaven, and Ramneek and Jon’s love story is a testimony to it. The story of how they met is nothing short of a Bollywood movie. Ramneek and Jon first met as undergraduate students at McMaster University, where every Thursday the on-campus pub would turn into a club. On one of the Thursday club nights, Jon’s friend tried chatting up with Ramneek’s friend and Jon joined the conversation, and that was the moment when Ramneek felt an immediate attraction towards Jon. Jon wasted no time and asked for Ramneek’s phone number. And it’s been 10 years since that day and they have been inseparable ever since. Ramneek describes herself and Jon as a laid-back couple who are each other’s best friends and soulmates, and always motivating each other to be the best version of themself. 

The Proposal

As part of her PhD., Ramneek was in Germany on a research trip. She had been in Germany for 4 months when Jon visited her for a couple of weeks. Being a huge Harry Potter fan, Ramneek always wanted to visit Burg Eltz, a German castle near Mainz.

Jon knew about Ramneek’s desire to visit the castle and so he planned a trip to visit Burg Eltz. When they arrived at their destination, Jon took the plunge and popped the big question.

It was all well-planned and Jon had even booked a photographer ahead of time to capture the beautiful moment. Ramneek described that moment as absolutely magical, like something out of a fairytale.

The Inspiration Behind the Ring

Ramneek wanted her ring to be inspired by a flower. She looked through Pinterest for some inspiration and shared the ideas she found with Jon. Jon along with the jeweler custom-made Ramneek’s beautiful ring. 

Vision For the Wedding

Fall being Ramneek’s favorite season in Canada was one of the inspirations behind how she envisioned her wedding. She wanted to borrow her look from fall tones because of her love for regal and rustic vibes where the colors and aesthetic are always so vibrant. Also, Ramneek explained that she has a connection with October because she met Jon in October, her parents got married in October, and also maybe because of how warm and cozy fall in October is.

Ramneek also loves neutrals, so she was sure she wanted the overall palette for her wedding to be rich but monotone.

Another inspiration behind her wedding vision was her love for gold lehengas featured in numerous 1990s and early 2000s Bollywood films.

All the inspiration clubbed together translated into a beige/peach gold monotone lehenga, with neutral accents and pops of rich colors for the wedding décor. 

Bridal Look

Ramneek wore a combination of artificial and real gold jewelry. She, along with her sister Jasleen, runs a bridal jewelry business called RJS & Company. She felt this is the right opportunity to put their skills to the test and craft pieces of jewelry that will be true to their style.

The gold jewelry she wore was a combination of pieces from her nani’s trousseau (the headband and the studs), and the wedding jewelry she got as shagan gifts from her parents (the pearl/ruby and gold bangles in her choora).

The real gold jewelry also included some heirloom pieces. 

Apart from the reception gown, Ramneek purchased all her outfits online. For her wedding outfit, Ramneek opted for Manish Malhotra.

With the creative solution Manish Malhotra’s team has found to take measurements online, Ramneek says it was the easiest to work with them.

After placing the order for her wedding lehenga, Manish Malhotra's team contacted her through Whatsapp and took measurements over a video call. 

For the makeup, Ramneek decided to keep her look very clean and soft, with all the drama on the eyes. Her amazing makeup artist gave her a shimmery eye to match the color of her outfit along with a sleek simple low bun. 

Groom’s Look

For Jon’s outfit, Ramneek had a very clear vision. Inspired by the Maharaja of Patiala, she wanted him to look like royalty.

His outfit was custom designed with the help of The New Delhi Company, and the jewelry and accessories, which included a waist belt and long hair to match the outfit were designed by Ramneek herself. She also added a short eagle haar to include Jon’s Albanian heritage as part of his outfit.

The outfit was completed with a turban and a sword, which are an important part of a groom’s outfit in a Sikh wedding.

The Wedding Dance

Their wedding reception entrance was to the Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham cover in Bridgerton as this was their inspiration behind the reception party overall which was hosted in a castle. They did their first dance to the slowed-down violin cover of maula mere maula. 

Tips for the Future Brides

Ramneek advises future brides to not stress about the little things and to focus on your and your husband's looks.

Also, make sure you have plenty of time for photos with each other and your immediate families, as they will be cherished forever.

The final piece of advice from Ramneek is to start planning your wedding early and enjoy the wedding week as much as possible because the time will go by really FAST!

Vendor Credits:

Couple: Ramneek Sodhi ; Jon Babatinca

Photography: Amrit Photography

Video: Outside In Studio

Venue: Gurdev Estate

Decor: Karma Design Studio

Florals: Precious Flowers Event Design

Wedding Planning: Isha Events & Co.

Bride's Outfit: Manish Malhotra World Manish Malhotra Vows

Groom's Outfit: The New Delhi Company

Bride & Groom's Jewelry/Accessories: RJs & Company

Bride’s Kaleerey Frames: Kashni

Groom's Palla: Torani Official

Groom's Sword: Maharaja Turban

Bridal Hair & Makeup: Leena Heravi Jen P. Hair

Bridal Mehndi: Henna by Mayaa

Groom's Stylist: Fashnavi

Turban Tying: Pagg and Fifty

Tent: Guelph Tent and Event Rentals

Tent Draping: Eventure Custom Enviroments

Priests/Raghis: Partap Brothers