From an NBA Game to Forever – A Punjabi Wedding in California

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When two hearts meet under the bright lights of an NBA game, destiny begins to write its story. For Navdeep Sandhu and Justin Lallian, what started as a spark between strangers turned into a love that travelled across cities, time zones, and seasons, culminating in a breathtaking Punjabi wedding in California that beautifully celebrated family, belonging, and togetherness.

Punjabi wedding in California

How It All Began

Navdeep and Justin first crossed paths at an NBA basketball game. It wasn’t love at first sight, but something gentle and magnetic that lingered long after that night. A few months later, fate nudged them again when Justin sent Nav an Instagram follow request, reigniting that same spark.

At the time, Nav was pursuing pharmacy school in Portland while Justin was completing his Master’s in California. Distance could not dim what they shared. Justin began flying to Portland every ten days, turning miles into memories. Their first official date? Another NBA game that brought their story full circle.

Dashing Punjabi Couple

When Love Became Forever

For Nav, it was the quiet consistency that made her realize Justin was the one. “He made sure I was never alone. He became my home away from home and gave me the peace my heart craved,” she says.

For Justin, it was her sincerity. “Nav is the most genuine and kind-hearted person I’ve ever met. She opened my heart in ways I never thought possible,” he shares.

A Dream Punjabi Wedding in California

Both Navdeep and Justin envisioned a grand fall wedding that blended traditional Punjabi warmth with modern elegance. From their Mehendi and Sangeet to the Anand Karaj at Lodi Darbar Sikh Temple, every moment reflected their shared love for autumn tones and heartfelt details.

Punjabi couple on sangeet

“We love the fall season, so we made sure every event carried its colours and essence. Every theme from Mehendi to Reception reflected who we are,” says Nav.

Their Wedding Outfits

The couple went wedding shopping together in Delhi, where they instantly fell in love with the artistry of Ameeran Designs. Both their bride and groom outfits featured coordinated embroidery and patterns, symbolizing unity and balance. “Ashish and his team brought our vision to life. Our outfits were not just clothes, they became memories we’ll cherish forever,” recalls Nav.

Royal punjabi couple
Punjabi bride in red lehenga
Maharaja groom
kirpaan for punjabi grooms
Punjabi couple portraits
Punjabi bride in pink lehenga
Punjabi couple on sangeet

A Heirloom of Love

For her Choora ceremony, Nav wore jewelry that belonged to her mother, creating an emotional bridge between generations. “She always told me she was saving it for me. Wearing it felt like a blessing that tied us together in love,” she says.

Choorra ceremony of sikh bride

10 Iconic Punjabi Wedding Styles Every Bride Needs to Copy for a Royal Look

Creating the Bridal Look

The magic behind Navdeep’s wedding glow was Varaich Vanity. “Aman made me feel beautiful every single day,” says Nav. “Her creativity, calm energy, and kindness made the entire process special. She wasn’t just a makeup artist, she became a part of my journey.”

Timeless makeup of punjabi bride

Capturing Every Precious Moment

Every unforgettable moment from Navdeep and Justin’s Punjabi wedding in California was immortalized by a team of talented visual storytellers who went above and beyond to make their celebration unforgettable.

Ksway Films from California took on the role of both photographer and videographer for the wedding week, bringing an incredible sense of peace and calm that made the couple feel completely at ease in front of the camera. Their work captured every emotion, every smile, and every embrace with breathtaking perfection.

Alongside them, ShotBySim joined as an additional photographer for the wedding. Simran’s portraits and event shots beautifully reflected the couple’s warmth and joy, turning fleeting memories into timeless frames. What began as a professional collaboration soon blossomed into a genuine friendship that the couple deeply cherishes.

For their pre-wedding and behind-the-scenes coverage, CinematicbyK and content creator Disha added another beautiful layer to the story. Her ability to capture intimate, unfiltered moments while staying fully present throughout the celebrations made her an irreplaceable part of the week. Her gentle energy, attention to detail, and heartfelt approach made Navdeep and Justin feel truly seen and cared for. “She felt like family,” says Nav, reflecting on how Disha’s presence brought calm, joy, and authenticity to their special days.

Punjabi bride jewellery
Beautiful portrait of punjabi bride

Moments That Will Never Fade

Nav’s most emotional moment was walking into her Anand Karaj. “When I saw Justin sitting there, everything felt calm. It was the beginning of forever,” she remembers.

Justin felt the same warmth watching their worlds unite. “Seeing everyone I love gathered to celebrate us made me emotional. I realized how blessed I truly am.”

Their Song of Love

Their entire wedding story played to the rhythm of “Dreams Unfold” by Prem Dhillon, a song that became their anthem. From the proposal to the wedding, it echoed through every celebration. “Even now, when we hear it, it takes us back to those moments,” they share.

Advice for Future Couples

“Be present,” says Nav. “This is the one week when everyone who loves you is under one roof. Even when it gets overwhelming, remember that these are the moments you’ll cherish forever.”

What Marriage Means to Them

For Navdeep and Justin, marriage is more than love. “It is about walking side by side through every joy and challenge, supporting each other’s dreams, and always choosing each other. It’s friendship, trust, and a promise to grow together,” they say.

Read next : Navreet and Uday’s Soulful Sikh Wedding in Sri Muktsar Sahib

Wedding Vendors

All wedding details and memories in this story were shared personally by the bride, Navdeep, and the groom, Justin, for Wedding Punjab.

This guide is brought to you by Wedding Punjab — the world’s only platform dedicated to Punjabi wedding fashion, culture, and vendors.

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