Sonali + Sean’s Wedding Weekend Brought Two Traditions Together
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For Sonali and Sean, planning their wedding wasn’t about choosing one tradition over another. It was about making room for both.
Sonali is a first-generation Sikh American who grew up in Cleveland’s Punjabi Sikh community. Sean was raised Catholic. Faith has always been an important part of their relationship, and when schedules allow, they attend each other’s places of worship. Sean has also learned more about Sonali’s culture through food, movies, and trips to India. As they planned their wedding, they wanted both families to see themselves in the weekend.
Their wedding celebrations would culminate with a traditional Sikh Anand Karaj, meaning “Blissful Union,” followed by a ceremony in the Catholic tradition. Their goal was to begin their marriage in a way that honored both faiths while bringing together the people and traditions that matter most to them. Throughout the weekend, transportation was provided by Antique Limousine of Indianapolis.
Punjabi Sikh weddings often span several days, and Sonali and Sean included traditions leading up to the Anand Karaj that gave family and friends a chance to learn more about Sonali’s heritage.
One of those was the Milni before Sean’s baraat, or groom’s processional. During the Milni, the bride’s family officially welcomes the groom’s family. It begins with the fathers greeting one another before uncles and brothers take their turn. The hugs quickly turn playful as everyone tries to lift the other person off the ground, making everyone laugh before the celebrations continue.
“The best way to get to know someone’s culture is immersing yourself in food, music, and dancing,” Sonali said.
That became the starting point for the evening. “Our couple wanted guests to experience their culture through its greatest expressions: food, music, and dancing,” says Jean Rivers of Blue Llama Events. “We designed the evening as a journey rather than a series of events. From the dramatic fire entrance to the final dances, every transition was intentional, creating a sense of anticipation while welcoming guests into an atmosphere that felt vibrant, authentic, and deeply personal.”
Guests entered the Conrad Indianapolis through a crimson velvet tunnel inspired by Arabian Nights. Warm lighting, rich fabrics, and patterned gobo projections filled the foyer before fire performers welcomed everyone into the celebration.
The couple worked with Aroma Indian Cuisine to create a menu featuring some of their favorite Indian dishes. To end the night, Mr. Paanwala brought his signature paan cart, a nod to one of Sonali’s father’s favorite street snacks as a teenager. Guests had the chance to try paan, an after-dinner treat wrapped in a betel leaf that is traditionally offered as a sign of Indian hospitality.
Not everything went according to plan. Rain moved Sean’s baraat indoors, and Blue Llama Events quickly relocated the procession to the Conrad lobby. Looking back, Sonali said the last-minute change became one of the most special moments of the weekend for Sean.
When asked what she learned from planning the wedding, Sonali’s answer had little to do with flowers or décor.
“Host the wedding you and your partner would attend. A lot of the time, decisions around wedding planning can snowball into something you didn’t initially imagine or plan for. Your wedding is a celebration of your and your partner’s love and journey to marriage.”
It’s advice that fits the entire weekend. From the Milni to the sangeet, every event gave family and friends a chance to take part in the traditions, food, and celebrations that have long been part of Sonali and Sean’s lives.
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Sharin Shank Photography, The Conrad Indianapolis, Aroma, Pickle Prints Invitations, Mr. Paanwala, Rhythmickey Beats, Niko Flores Music, Atmospheres Indy, Circle City Fire, Time Walk Video, Bella Studios Indy, Frontier Raas, Embassy Suites Indianapolis Downtown, I Do Flowers By Sarah, Bittu Bangle, Oberer's Flowers, Sia Bridal, Roland's Jewelry, Sikh Satsang of Indianapolis, Nawab Clothing and Co.
