A Memorable Desi Summer Wedding at the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa

S&K got married in September 2022 in Alberta and had planned for an Ottawa reception at The Canadian Museum of Nature a week later. However, because of health reasons, they had to push it to July 2023. They were so excited to celebrate their love with loved ones! The whole vibe of this downtown Ottawa wedding was so chill and fun, the couple's main goal was to celebrate with family and friends who came from every part of the world.

The Engagement Session

As part of my wedding packages, I have a complementary engagement session. This engagement session allows me to truly get to know my couples both individually but as a couple as well and it allows them to get to know me, my personality, my posing style etc.

S&K opted to have their engagement session a week before their wedding reception at The Canadian Museum of Nature with their family. The bride is from the UK and unfortunately, her mother was not able to attend their wedding ceremony back in September 2022 so she was not in the family pictures either. Her mom was present in Ottawa that week, so we were able to get some beautiful and simple family photos at the Arboretum plus we were able to get some gorgeous-looking engagement photos with their Punjabi Ceremony Outfits. Take a look at their engagement session.

These photos were used for a panorama for their wedding reception.

The Wedding Venue: the Canadian Museum of Nature

Their reception was held at the Canadian Museum of Nature because it was a location where they had one of their first date when they first met.

The Canadian Museum of Nature is a stunning wedding venue that offers a unique and memorable setting for couples to celebrate their special day. Located in downtown Ottawa, this venue provides a beautiful backdrop for both indoor and outdoor ceremonies and receptions.

The museum's architectural design features a blend of historic charm and modern elegance. With its grand halls, high ceilings, and exquisite details, it creates a sophisticated and romantic atmosphere.

This couple chose the Canadian Museum of Nature as their wedding venue because they were drawn to its rich history and natural beauty. The museum's exhibits and galleries add a sense of wonder and intrigue to the wedding experience. The Earth Gallery, in particular, provides a unique setting for a cocktail hour, with its captivating displays and intimate ambiance.

Overall, the Canadian Museum of Nature offers a truly exceptional wedding venue that combines elegance, history, and natural beauty, providing couples with a remarkable setting to celebrate their love surrounded by their family and friends.

The Wedding Reception Outfits

S wore a gorgeous outfit that perfectly complemented the overall vibe of the wedding. The details and craftsmanship of the outfit were exquisite, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Punjabi traditions. The colors and patterns of the outfit were vibrant yet soft and eye-catching yet subtle, adding a touch of elegance and traditional charm to S's look. The intricate embroidery and embellishments added a sense of opulence and sophistication. Overall, S's outfit was a stunning reflection of their personal style and cultural identity. To complete the look with her beautiful bridal bangles.

S’s outfit was completed by a gorgeous bridal mehendi drawn by the talented Sana Khan. The design was intricate and mesmerizing and featured floral designs as well as some geometrical designs. It also featured illustrations of S’s home town: London, UK and her new home: Ottawa.

K wore a stylish and sophisticated outfit that perfectly complemented the overall vibe of the wedding. The groom's outfit showcased a blend of modern and traditional elements, reflecting his personal style and cultural heritage. The attire featured a well-tailored suit with intricate embroidery and embellishments, adding a touch of elegance and luxury. The dark blue color and patterns of the outfit were tastefully chosen, exuding a sense of confidence and charm. Overall, K's groom outfit was a perfect reflection of his personality and added to the overall charm and beauty of the wedding celebration.

The Celebration

The Jago is a traditional Punjabi pre-wedding ceremony that is typically held the night before the wedding day. It is a lively and joyful event filled with music, dance, and celebration. The word "Jago" translates to "wake up" or "alert" in Punjabi, and the ceremony signifies the awakening of the bride and groom's families and friends for the upcoming wedding festivities.

During the Jago ceremony, family and friends gather at the bride or groom's home, carrying decorated pots called "Jaggo" on their heads. These pots are filled with oil and have a diya (traditional oil lamp) lit on top. The purpose of carrying the Jaggo pots is to spread the joy and excitement of the upcoming wedding to the community.

The Jago ceremony also involves playful and friendly banter between the bride and groom's families. It is a time for the families to come together, bond, and express their love and support for the couple.

In this case, the Jago ceremony happened right after the beginning of the reception, it lasted a little while and it was so much fun to see all the guests dancing and getting involved!

Right after the Jago, the guests were asked to take their respective places for some heartfelt speeches from family and friends of S&K. K’s brother was the MC for the night and he was the first to give his speech. Most speeches were light-hearted with lots of teasing and joking, which kept the ambiance light and fun. There was even a pre-recorded speech given by S’s cousin in Australia. I had the chance to witness a strong emotions and a few tears.

Then it was time for food, probably my favourite part of the day! In this case, it was delicious spicy indian food. Plus, the buffet was held in a room full of butterfly pictures!

We ended the night with some elevator flash photos! A really fun way to finish off a day of celebration!

What they had to say

OMG WE LOVE THE PHOTOS!!!! They are so so gorgeous! Thank you so much my lovely. We literally cannot stop looking at them! ♥️♥️♥️🎉🎉🎉