A Vibrant "West Coast Wedding Tour" Multi-Day and Multi-Location Indian Wedding
“Our story is one of serendipity,” Sharan Walia reflects, as she recounts her chance encounters with Jashan Brar across the globe. It all began in Vancouver, where Sharan, while visiting family, was dragged to a birthday party for someone she didn’t know. “It turns out it was Jashan’s birthday, and we became Instagram friends, naturally, as all 20-year-olds must,” she laughs. Their paths crossed again in Thailand, where they exchanged travel tips before parting ways once more. A year later, fate brought them together yet again, this time in Los Angeles, where Sharan was completing a clinical rotation and discovered that Jashan had just relocated to the city. “After all the clues the universe had given us, it was time to get to know one another,” the bride explains.
As their relationship blossomed in the City of Angels, it seemed only fitting that Jashan would propose in LA. Jashan planned a perfect proposal at a Santa Monica viewpoint, creating “a beautiful picnic overlooking the water filled with my favorite desserts and snacks and photos of our years together.” The surprises didn’t end there. “I was then surprised to find out my parents, our siblings and closest friends were waiting in a stunning Airbnb in the West Hollywood hills to spend the night drinking, eating and celebrating us.”
The wedding they planned was a vibrant, joyous celebration that spanned seven days and stretched from the sun-kissed vineyards of California to the lush greenery of the Pacific Northwest. For Sharan, a self-proclaimed “California girlie,” the wedding was a dream come true—a perfect blend of tradition, modern elegance and personalized details that made their love story come alive.
The journey to their wedding day began long before the first invitation was sent out. Sharan and Jashan knew from the start that they wanted their wedding to be an unforgettable experience, not just for themselves but for their guests as well. “A huge focus for Jashan and I was making sure our guests felt our gratitude and love — for the experience to be special for them,” Sharan emphasizes. From custom snack boxes at the hotel to concert-style t-shirts that read “Sold Out — West Coast Tour — Sharan ft Jashan,” every detail was meticulously planned to ensure their friends and family felt entertained and appreciated.
The inspiration behind their wedding was a harmonious mix of tradition and modern flair. The couple wanted to honor their Punjabi heritage while infusing the celebration with their own personalities and love for the outdoors. “Our wedding was a seven-day all-out celebration!” explains the bride. Each event had its own distinct colors, feel and cultural significance. For the Sangeet night, a traditional Punjabi pre-wedding event, Sharan and Jashan paid tribute to their roots with folk songs, dancing and stunning decor. “We played tribute to the vibrancy of our Punjabi culture with a modern-day twist,” Sharan says. The Sangeet featured colorful wildflower arrangements, hot pinks, yellows and pops of purple that set the tone for a night of carefree fun and celebration.
As the week of festivities continued, the couple made sure to include one outdoor event that reflected Sharan’s love for nature. Set in a picturesque winery, this event was nothing short of magical. “It was so important for me to have one outdoor event at a winery where we could dance the night away under the string lights and chandelier,” says the bride. The natural greenery served as the perfect backdrop for a vibrant wildflower theme, with hot pink flowers adding a splash of color that paid respect to the vibrancy of their culture.
When it came to their fashion choices, Sharan and Jashan wanted to make sure their outfits reflected both tradition and their personal style. For the Sangeet, Sharan opted for a blue velvet outfit adorned with loud pink flowers, designed by the infamous Sabyasachi. “To stay within my comfort zone but still have fun with design, I opted for a blue velvet base with beautiful loud pink flowers all over,” she details. The outfit was extravagant, with handmade beaded details, but Sharan kept her accessories minimal, wearing only a pair of real gold and gem earrings gifted by her parents.
For the wedding day itself, Sharan wanted to find a perfect balance. “I wanted to be a traditional Indian bride wearing bright red but also find something that reflected my own style—simple, elegant and timeless,” she explains. Her outfit, another masterpiece by Sabyasachi, was paired with heavy jewelry that gave her an old-school Indian royalty feel. Jashan, on the other hand, chose a simple and clean look, wearing all ivory with intricate beading and thread work. He completed his regal look with a handcrafted sword, inspired by old Indian kings, featuring an intricately carved lion handle.
As guests gathered for the ceremony, the excitement in the air was palpable. The ceremony took place in a Gurdwara, a Sikh Temple nestled in the San Jose mountains. The temple, with its high pillars, arches, marble floors and fountains, was already a sight to behold. “We wanted the temple to speak for itself and kept the decor minimal with summery pink pastel florals,” Sharan shares.
The ceremony was a beautiful blend of tradition and intimacy, with close family and friends witnessing Sharan and Jashan exchange vows amidst the rolling California hills. After the ceremony, guests were treated to a cocktail hour that offered a taste of the couple’s favorite things—an Italian vintage Piaggio truck serving their favorite cocktails and a fresh donut station that paid homage to Sharan’s love for sweets.
The reception, held in Seattle, was the grand finale of their week-long celebration. “Our reception took a more modern inspiration using a black-and-white base with hints of greenery, velvet greys and deep purples,” Sharan offers. The couple wanted the night to be all about dancing, drinking and celebrating. To ensure the dance floor was always full, they strategically placed the DJ on a riser above a large open bar that opened directly onto the dancefloor. “We hate when the bar divides a party into ‘bar gazers’ and dancers and wanted no excuses from our guests not to dance the night away with a drink in their hands,” tells the bride.
As the night went on, Sharan and Jashan’s families surprised them with choreographed dance performances, creating a joyous atmosphere that lasted well into the night. “Dancing the night away with Jashan at our reception in a room filled with love was a feeling that will always stay with me,” the bride smiles. Looking back on their wedding, Sharan and Jashan have some advice for other couples planning their big day. “Focus on why you’re here in the first place, celebrating your unique love and thank the people who came to celebrate you,” Sharan advises.