Welcome back, ladies! We are so excited to continue sharing Ayesha & Abdullah's wedding celebration with you! For this installment, we will take you to the University of the Pacific to be part of the colorful and fashionable Sangeet ceremony that was the perfect start for the wedding festivities! But just before we head into it, let's join our two lovebirds on an intimate and romantic outdoor photoshoot! Ayesha looked ravishing on her green and golden Saree, while Abdullah showed up to this photo shoot wearing a vibrant blue attire. And we cannot stop thinking of how good these two look together! We also love the fabulous and delicate Mehndi design that Neeta Desai Sharma created for our lovely bride. The color combination, the magical atmosphere, and the love of this young couple created such romantic scenes that were beautifully captured by the lens of JSK Photography. After the photoshoot, the Sangeet ceremony started, and it was so colorful and vibrant that just by taking a glance at the photos of it, you can feel how it brightens up your day! We want to make a special shoutout to Divine Creations 209 for the perfect planning of this event! And we also want to take some time to appreciate the fantastic decor that Visual Impact Design created to set the mood for this vibrant and colorful Sangeet ceremony. It was a winning combination that we cannot stop seeing! If you want to get more details of this magical and harmonious ceremony, head into our gallery for more!
How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
Our families were friends and I knew he was "the one" not long after we started talking. Our values, goals, and personalities were reflected in one another. As we head into our one year anniversary, we are thankful for the beautiful union that life gave us.
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
I was home one weekend and Abdullah planned a day trip to San Francisco. He walked in to the house with a beautiful bouquet of flowers that he had picked out himself. I loved them and thought it was one of his kind and thoughtful gestures (knowing how much I love flowers). We headed out to San Francisco and our first stop was Crissy Field in front of the Golden Gate Bridge. That's where Brian met us. Brian was a photographer Abdullah had hired to take some pictures of us in front of some famous landmarks. He said it would be nice to take some professional photos together. I agreed! Click after click we finally made our way over to the Palace of Fine Arts. The photographer then asked me to take a picture by myself. I was confused, but he said it was just to get a good angle and to see how the shot would come out. The next thing I know Abdullah is heading towards me, gets down on one knee, and proposes! We ended the night at a French restaurant and celebrated the beautiful day we had.
Tell us how you went about planning your wedding, and your overall experience with the Venues, Hair & Makeup, Outfits, Decor Theme, and all of the other important details.
With only four months to plan the wedding, I knew I had to make decisions fast! There were a few "musts" on my list, but I knew I had to flexible due to the time constraints. I wanted a modern, elegant vibe, with just the right amount of traditional touch. I created a wedding spreadsheet and it became my wedding planner. I did some research, took some recommendations, and then began seeking out my vendors. I talked to all of my vendors before I decided to confirm. This was especially important - I wanted vendors to share my vision and add a touch of their own creativity. From hair & makeup, to decor, my vendors were my partners in this wedding! They took my vision and brought it to life. My overall experience with them was wonderful and I would highly recommend each and every one of them.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I designed my own wedding dress and the designer made the process very seamless! I knew I wanted a traditional red with champagne gold. I also wanted an outfit that I knew I could wear again, separately, without having the full bridal look. I outlined motifs and pieces of different outfits that I liked into one document. The designer sent me color swatches and design sketches. I sent over my measurements and the husband/wife duo began the process! They sent me videos of the process and let me follow along each step of the way. Once it was completed, they shipped it over from Pakistan and I was in awe as soon as I opened the package! The pictures and videos did not do justice to the stunning craftsmanship. Thank you La Dona for making me feel like an absolute princess in my bridal dress.
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
I loved that each and every aspect of my wedding, was designed by us. From the place cards we wrote, to the flowers we placed on the cake - our special touch surrounded us as began the start of our new life together. Our friends and family came together to support us and helped us have a beautiful wedding.
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
They loved the casual vibe! They all felt welcomed around those they were even meeting for the first time. We loved this! We wanted our family and friends to feel like one big family that came together to celebrate our union.
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
The most memorable moment of my wedding was when I stepped into the ballroom with my dad. As he walked me down the aisle towards Abdullah, it really hit me: "this is happening, Ayesha - you're ready to start the next chapter in your life."
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Take it easy! I promise everything works out in the end and all falls into place. Be clear and concise with your vendors and trust them - it's their job to make your vision come to life. Be flexible and remember that most important part: the beginning of a beautiful journey with the one you love.
This adventure continues, so stay close for the upcoming details!