When Simran Bajwa swiped right on a dating app, he had no idea he was about to match with his future wife — or that their wedding would become a breathtaking fusion of two worlds.
The local couple’s Cincinnati celebration this last spring brought together the spiritual depth and beauty of their Punjabi Sikh heritage with the modern details of American weddings. The result? A three-day extravaganza that honored sacred traditions that date back centuries and characterized by an atmosphere filled with warmth, joy and spirituality.
“From the very first conversation, it felt like we had known each other forever," Jasmeen says. Within weeks of connecting online, the couple discovered they were kindred spirits — both passionate about passport stamps, spontaneous road trips and living a life unscripted.
“We instantly connected over our shared love for travel, adventure and living in the moment,” she says. “What started as a simple match quickly turned into something truly special.”
Simran, a professional photographer with an eye for the cinematic, knew the proposal had to be unforgettable. He orchestrated an elaborate surprise on a Downtown Detroit helipad, replete with hundreds of flickering candles and “Will you marry me?” spelled out in glowing lights against the city skyline.
“I wanted to show her that I loved exploring the world with her,” Simran says, "and that I wanted to spend forever with her by my side.”
Traditional Sikh weddings in Punjab are legendary for their scale — multi-day affairs with guest lists that can swell into the thousands. But for the growing Sikh diaspora in America, couples like Simran and Jasmeen are reimagining these celebrations for a new context. Their Cincinnati wedding compressed some traditions, expanded others and wove in distinctly Western touches in attire and a Western-style reception with a tiered cake alongside traditional Indian sweets.
Among the most glorious traditions to behold is the clothing. “Sikh wedding attire is deeply rooted in tradition, symbolism and fine craftsmanship,” Jasmeen says. “Brides wear richly detailed lehengas or salwar suits in vibrant, auspicious colors and luxurious fabrics, while grooms wear sherwanis with turbans that reflect honor and faith. Elements such as the bride’s choora and kalire [bangles] and heirloom jewelry — my mom designed the gold bangles in front of the red ones, for example — carry cultural meaning and family history. Together, these details celebrate heritage and the joy of marriage.”
The pre-wedding festivities unfolded over six unforgettable days, beginning in Cincinnati with a prayer service — held either at home or in a gurdwara — to officially mark the start of the wedding celebrations. Mehendi Night brought close family and friends together as the bride’s hands and feet were adorned with intricate henna designs amid music and dance. The following evening featured the Sangeet, a lively celebration filled with performances honoring the upcoming union, and the next night brought a formal dinner on the bride’s side, welcoming the groom’s family in a gathering similar to a rehearsal dinner. The sacred Anand Karaj ceremony — the Sikh wedding rite, translating to “Ceremony of Bliss” — was held in a gurdwara before the Shri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the holy scripture, as the couple sat side-by-side as the Granthi (priest) recited prayers. Four times they walked clockwise around the scripture, each circumambulation representing a fundamental vow: a commitment to righteousness and duty, to spiritual union, to detachment from worldly desire and finally, to achieving inner peace together.
The celebrations culminated with a reception in Michigan. “I was so lucky to have my closest family and friends by my side throughout the entire wedding — they made every moment so special,” Jasmeen says. “Especially my mom, for supporting me with so much love.
“Sikh weddings emphasize community and togetherness,” Jasmeen says. “Guests are treated like family, and there’s a strong feeling of inclusion and support. It feels like a heartfelt celebration full of love, faith and the joyous promise of a new beginning.
“Regardless of cultural background, weddings can be overwhelming,” Jasmeen says. “It’s crucial for families, and especially the bride and groom, to fully embrace and savor the moment. Though it’s not always easy, being truly present and cherishing the experience is what makes the day unforgettable.”
With celebrations comprised of so many special moments, one stood out to Jasmeen: the Anand Karaj. “By giving my heart to the Lord first, I was graced with the most beautiful gift — my forever love,” she says. “It was a deeply spiritual and emotional moment, surrounded by family, faith and the promise of a lifetime together.”