Happy Friday, Maharanis! How is your week going so far? We bet it is going great! And it will get even better after you peek at Durre & Varun's wedding because it is one for the books. Doubletree By Hilton Hotel Boston Westborough nestled the beginning of this everlasting love story, transforming its surroundings into a cornucopia of elegance and traditional flair, thanks to the fabulous decor crafted by The Floral Boutique and Yaar Events. The lovely floral arrangements and linens set the mood for the charming wedding ceremony that united these two lovebirds in marriage. It was such a gorgeous combination of elegance and flair that all guests adored! And talking about flair, we must remember to mention the fantastic looks of our lovely Durre. Maharani Dure trusted Umar Sayeed Couture's fashion needs, perfectly complemented with the fabulous and delicate Mehndi design of Poonam Henna Art. We also love the exquisite jewelry that Arts and Gems and Ar-Rahim Jewelers selected for Durre since this praised her while giving her a perfect touch of elegance and style. After the ceremony, it was time to celebrate the newlyweds with a luxurious reception party enlivened by Boston Sound and Light Company, who put everyone to dance. The only time the dancing stopped was to enjoy the mouth-melting cake baked by Benares Caterers. And if you want a photographer that uniquely tells stories, LoveDays Photography is the one! They are about creating something significant, different, and unique that Durre & Varun will cherish forever. So wait no more, and get ready to dive into this cornucopia of beauty we have prepared for you. It is the best way to start getting ready for an inspiring weekend! You want to take advantage of this lovely adventure!
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How did you meet your Groom and when did you know he was "the one"?
We met in college. It's wild to think we were only 21 and 22 when we found each other. He felt like my best friend, so early on, I knew we had something special.
Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!
Varun will contest this, but we got engaged three times! He proposed at Quabbin Reservoir, surrounded by friends and family. We used to go out to Quabbin to take pictures (Varun does landscape and astrophotography). One of our friends offered to take our pictures there, and that's where Varun proposed. It was the first place we took a picture together, and it was where we got engaged.
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.
Planning a wedding is one of the more overwhelming things we've taken on. So many moving parts and vendors to take time to research, talk to and negotiate with. Covid definitely hiked up prices and reduced the number of vendors available to us.
We chose a venue close to the airport, where we live and something affordable for our guests. We also wanted to be able to bring in outside catering since we wanted South Asian cuisine for each event. Varun and I each picked 1 thing we prioritized for the wedding. For me, it was photography; for Varun, it was the DJ and lights. I knew I was really nervous about hair and makeup and not looking like myself, so I just trusted my gut and did my own hair and makeup for all the events. The rest kind of fell into place.
How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?
I had so many outfits, and each one was incredibly special to me.
For the civil ceremony, I wore my mother's sari with my grandmother's pearls. My mother-in-law had a lovely bouquet made for me. I knew I wanted a veil with a long train, so my mother and sister-in-law had it custom-made in Pakistan with each flower hand appliqued on the veil. I felt like I was dressed by all the women who love me.
My nikah outfit was a traditional gharara but in a more modern light green color. My mother and aunt, and I picked out the fabric and had it dyed. The gharara itself is really special because my mother and phuppo (aunt) cut and stitched the fabric themselves. My whole life, I've worn ghararas that they hand-stitched, so I had to do the same for my nikah.
For the shaadi, I wanted a traditional red color but with a modern silhouette. The outfit was from Mohsen Sons, the same store where my mother's, aunt's, cousins, and grandmother's bridal outfits were made. There was so much comfort in going to someone who knew us and what we were looking for and who had excellent craftsmanship.
My reception outfit was designed entirely by my uncle, Umar Sayeed, and is from his couture collection. I picked the color and showed him my jewelry, and he worked around it to create the most luxe outfit I have ever worn. The work, the embroidery, and the cut are immaculate. I felt like absolute royalty in my dress, and I'm so glad he could make me feel this incredible in his work.
I could go on forever about my outfits and the styling but shout-out to my Amma, Bhabi, and Phuppo for running around and getting my outfits together!
What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?
Food tasting. It ranged from questionable to mouth-watering and was the best part of the planning process. Who wouldn't like sampling all their favorite dishes?
What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?
The food! And the dancing!
We went with Benares, and everyone loved their food. They kept the meat dishes more Pakistani style and the vegetarian dishes more Indian style. The food was a love letter to South Asian cuisine.
We danced the night away for two nights and got the chance to celebrate with all our friends, family, and loved ones.
Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?
For each ceremony, there comes a moment where you realize that you're really about to commit your whole life to the person you love. I think my special moment came each time I committed to marrying Varun. Whether it was my father, his brother, or the priest seeking our vows and affirmation, every time felt just as special and intimate.
For events other than your ceremony, please tell us as much as you would like about the decor, style, dances, and all the special details.
The mehndi night was something really special. We had super colorful decor, and Varun and I both wore fuchsia pink outfits. My sister-in-law and I choreographed the dances for the bride's side, and Varun's sister-in-law choreographed their dances. Varun did a special performance where he played guitar and sang a mashup of songs in English, Urdu, and Spanish for us. I walked in, playing the dhol surrounded by my entourage of friends and family. It was a great night when we all just danced and celebrated together.
Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?
Get a planner. Everyone will tell you you don't need one, or you might think you need to do it alone, but a planner will cut out so much of the grunt work. It leaves space for you to enjoy the process.
Also, take your time!
Find your venue, then work your way backward.
Pick one thing you care the most about and one thing your fiance cares the most about, and figure out compromises on the rest.
Ladies, remember that we have inspiring stories every day. I will see you soon for the next love story!
