This event is a fusion Punjabi Engagement ceremony. In the Punjabi culture, engagement ceremonies are just as big as the weddings...it is a big ceremony that will include Indian cuisine, engagement ceremonies, pictures, drinks, music, dancing and more! We are super excited for you all to experience our fusion Indo Canadian/Japanese American engagement! We do have plans for a more westernized wedding in the future, and we will ensure that our family and friends have plenty of notice leading up to that ceremony!
You can expect a warm, colorful, lively ceremony full of love! The formal ceremony will last anywhere from 45mins-one hour, followed by dinner and dancing! There ceremony will include short prayers and blessings to honor family and tradition.
Friday - Arrive in Vancouver, travel to hotel, check in, optional welcome dinner (TBA) Saturday - Arrive, grab drinks & appys, mingle → Shaagan ceremony → Dinner & dancing Sunday - Return home
This is a ritual gift exchange that symbolizes blessing, acceptance, and good fortune for the couple. The bride's family usually presents the bride (or vice versa) with money, sweets, clothes, or jewelry as a mark of approval and to formally confirm the engagement. Outside of immediate family, friends and extended family may come up and give a blessing to the newly engaged couple & take a picture with them. This is optional and not mandatory for every guest.
We kindly ask that all guests DO NOT wear all white or all black if possible. Women - Indian outfits like a suit, lehenga, or saree. Formal dresses are perfect too. Men - Kurta pajama or sherwani. A suit or formal attire works well too. If you need help with your attire, or would like help finding proper Indian outfits for the ceremony, please contact Max!
Punjabi buffet: lentils, butter chicken, veggie dishes & more. Drinks at the open bar where tips are welcome
Not required - your presence is the greatest gift. Should you like to gift us, please consider a blessing during the Shaagan ceremony.
We would love to spend time with all of our friends and family, but there will be many moving parts leading up to the ceremony on Saturday. We hope you understand if there are periods during the weekend we are unavailable. - Coffee & Cafés - Oldhand Coffee – Cozy specialty coffee and baked goods in a historic setting. Aurora Roasters – Artisan coffee and light bites. Boardwalk Cafe – Coffee + snacks + board games. The Knotty Brew Crochet Cafe – Relaxed coffee + craft vibe. - Restaurants - Cactus Club Cafe – Familiar West Coast chain with varied menu (near Castle Fun Park). Trading Post Eatery – Brewery + casual eats (a short drive from downtown). Greek Islands Restaurant – Classic Greek comfort food. Milestones – Casual chain restaurant (located in Highstreet near Sandman Hotel) - Sweet Treats - Banter Ice Cream – Artisan seasonal flavors, perfect for a cone at Jubilee Park. 2Scoops – Gelato-style desserts and frozen treats. The Pastry Portal – Fresh pastries, sweets, and baked delights in downtown. Afterthoughts – Gourmet cakes, cheesecakes & desserts for a sweet stop downtown. - Activities & Sights - Mill Lake Park – Scenic park with walking paths, water views, and picnic spots. Historic Downtown Abbotsford (area) – Wander shops, murals, cafes, and boutiques in the walkable core. Castle Fun Park – Mini‑golf, rides, arcade games & fun activities (good for families or casual fun). - Just Outside Abbotsford - Cultus Lake Park – ~30 min drive (~45 km / ~28 mi) Beaches, water activities, hiking & scenic views. Harrison Hot Springs – ~1 hr drive (~80 km / ~50 mi) Mountain town experience with lakeside strolls & spas. - Downtown Vancouver - About an hour drive from Abbotsford, lots of things to do but please be mindful of traffic and commute time. Should you be interested in things to do in Vancouver, please ask Max!