Haya and Adil, Missouri
This bride’s red sharara with its intricate orange, blue, and gold embroidery was a big showstopper with its traditional design.
In a classic case of friendship turning into love, Haya and Adil’s love blossomed over the course of a few years at medical school. Despite being from two different countries, namely, India and Pakistan, this duo defied the odds and the distance between them to unite their families to execute a fairytale wedding that enchanted the senses.
How They Met
Haya shares, “Adil and I met on my first day at medical school in Bahrain. It was my very first day and he casually came up to say ‘hello’. As time flew by, we built a strong friendship, and as the time came for him to graduate and leave for the UK, we made the pivotal decision of taking our relationship to the next level. Even though his family is Indian and is based out of the Middle East and mine Pakistani but based out of USA, our families mutually agreed to talk and it took two years for us to sort it out!
Wedding Planning
Acknowledging the difficult task of organizing a wedding with their large families in tow, the duo chose to rope in seasoned vendors who’d understand their vision with complete clarity. On the planning front, they selected Fatima Dalal, while for photography, they zeroed in on Carretto Studio Photography. Adding to the team was hair and makeup artist Makeup by Mahvish, DJ Karan Pujji, and live wedding painter Wed on Canvas.
Weddings Functions
Haldi
Haya shares, “The first event was the Mayun or Haldi ceremony where the family members feed the bride and groom sweets and apply henna and Haldi on their palms. For this event, we followed a yellow theme, and all our family members played the dhol, sang, and danced to their favorite songs. To ensure that the yellow theme was prevalent everywhere, we also incorporated it into our food and desserts.”
Nikaah
“We chose to have the nikaah hosted at home and it was an intimate and a very spiritual function for all of us. Being an afternoon event, I chose to go light with my wardrobe, and so went for a pink hue, while I asked all our guests to wear white for the occasion. Adil, on the other hand, wore a white kurta with a scarf that matched my pink outfit. Also, adding a special, personalized touch to the day was my sister who played the violin during my entrance.” shares a thrilled Haya.
Mehendi
“Filled with music and dance, the Mehendi night was an instant hit where Adil made a resounding entry dancing with his family. While for my entrance, I was flanked by my bridesmaids carrying trays of henna and candles as I was brought in seated on a palanquin that was carried by my brothers and other male cousins. Furthermore, the hotel staff had also arranged for a spectacular light show after our respective entrances.
However, the highlight of the occasion was the beautiful dance performance orchestrated by our family members, to which Adil and I responded with a surprise performance of our own. Bringing the celebration to an end on a high note was our DJ who ensured that everyone danced their hearts out to the beats of the dhol.”
Wedding and Reception
“On the day of the wedding reception, Adil chose to enter seated on a white horse while all his loved ones merrily danced around him. It was one of the most magical nights of my life filled with laughter, tears, and heartwarming speeches. Ben Keys, the live wedding painter, captured our first dance and blew everyone away with his skills. Our guests thoroughly enjoyed themselves as they danced the night away, took pictures in the photo booth, and finally escorted me and Adil out at the end of the night. We drove away into the night in a Rolls Royce which was a perfect ending to a happy week!” shares Haya.
Advice for Couples
“Try to organize your wardrobe well in advance for each event as it’ll save you a lot of panic. Most importantly, don’t sweat the small stuff! Enjoy your day to the fullest as it is an exceptional moment in your life. Make the most of every minute!” advises Haya.
The Wedding Makers
Venues: St Louis Union Station (Mehendi), Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch (Wedding and Reception)
Wedding Planner: Fatima Dalal
Bride’s Outfits: Sania Maskatiya (Haldi), Jagsara (Wedding and Reception)
Makeup: Makeup By Mahvish
Entertainment: Wed On Canvas, Fun Photo Events (Photo Booth)
DJ: DJ Karan Pujji
Cake: Ambers Custom Cakes, The Cakery
Photography: Carretto Studio Photography
Videography: Aria Fine Art Films
