Hai Jaadu, Is this magic?
RICH IN TRADITIONS, a Dreamy Match Made ON Minder
Iqra & Aizaz celebrated their Baraat on August 10 at The Aria in Connecticut & their Valima on August 13 at Crest Hallow Country Club in Long Island, NY.
Who can resist the luxurious comfort of a timeless wedding experience, steeped deep in the love of family traditions? For Iqra and Aizaz, their wedding celebrations encompassed just that, complete with a touch of classic, Mughal elegance.
The couple’s multi-day celebrations honored their South Asian roots, starts with a regal Baraat on top of a mountain at the beautiful Connecticut venue: The Aria.
Before the baraat, Aizaz and his family started with the Sehra Bandi. The tradition of tying the sera or the groom’s headdress before he leaves for the bride’s house.
What could be more South Asian bridal than wearing family heirlooms to honor all those that came before? Iqra’s Baraat look was completed with her mother’s jewelry that was passed down to her. To add an even more special touch, Iqra chose to honor her beloved grandmother by wearing her bangles on her wedding day, as
“She [my grandmother] passed away years ago and it felt really special to wear something of hers, as if she was with me in spirit.”
For Iqra and Aizaz, it all started as most things do in the age of technology, with the internet. Specifically, the popular Muslim dating app, Minder (now known as Salaams). One app download, two swipes right later, and on a bright December 15th, 2019, Iqra and Aizaz found themselves their perfect match. After a few heartfelt conversations, the two decided to meet on New Year’s Day, 2020. Sparks flew, and in that magical moment they found a part of themselves within each other, and had discovered that they had fallen in love.
To honor their love story’s origins, on their Baraat Day, Iqra and Aizaz created a thoughtful dance performance highlighting their special love-at- first-sight moment to share with their friends and family, giving them a glimpse at the date that sealed their fate in finding their happily ever after.
“The dance performance we did on the Baraat day was really special for us, it was a little skit we did,” Iqra says, “ it was a surprise for our families as well, the song, “Ho Gaya Hai Tujhko Toh Pyaar Sajna” always reminded us of how we felt when we first met and fell in love.”
The couple picked berry red toned outfits to bring their Baraat dreams to life. “It gave such a mughal vibe and it just left both of us speechless when we saw the colors reflected in the photos for the first time,” says Iqra.
Before the dancefloor, Iqra’s family performed a traditional Jhoomar dance to Saraiki songs. This dance is done to express joy, and the word “jhoomar” comes from “jhoom” (swaying); it’s usually done by everyone in a big circle, as a brilliant show of happiness and excitement.
The bride designed both her Baraat and Valima outfits made to order from Sadaf Fawad Khan in Pakistan; Iqra described her thought process behind developing her wedding dresses.
“I wanted less to be more, I didn’t want dresses that were too heavy, I wanted to be able to move around easily and dance easily.”
The result became light and airy timeless bridal gowns that possessed a hint of understated beaded drama in the train length dupattas; both pieces, her deep berry Baraat gown and her soft mint one tied together her timeless, dream wedding looks.
Rich in Tradition: The Valima
A few days later a storybook Valima took place at Long Island’s Crest Hollow Country Club.
During the Valima, Aizaz's aunt’s and uncle’s from his dad’s side each gifted Iqra a small, gold set. That’s a tradition his family has been doing for generations to honor and welcome the daughters that join their family.
Iqra’s favorite moment? “My little sister’s speech- all of it.” she says.
“I never wanted a long veil or train - but, I ended up loving it anyways!”
Dress by Sadaf Fawad Khan, @sfkbridals
With every special day, there’s always an unexpected but blissful surprise. For Iqra, that surprise came wrapped in her outfit for her Valima; “I had no idea the dupatta I ordered for the Valima was a long train until the day of the Valima, and funny thing is, I never wanted a long veil or train - but, I ended up loving it anyways!”
The couple’s digital invitations for both the Baraat and Valima were thoughtfully curated to fit the essence of their style by including the bride and groom’s outfits, floral color palette, and each event space’s signatory details to highlight the vibe of each celebration. The couple opted for a deep red tone wreath with a matching outfit for the Baraat invitations, and for the Valima invites, they opted for Crest Hollow’s key location drawn in detail in the background. Both invitations were specially designed by the talented graphic artist, Rayha Habib. (Instagram: @gv_invites)
Wedding Vendors:
Photography & Cinema: Sunnyside Weddings @sunnyside.weddings
Baraat Venue: The Aria - Prospect, Connecticut
Valima Venue: Crest Hollow Country Club - Woodbury, Long Island NY
Makeup, Hair, Dupatta Setting: Nusrat Siddique @nishiartistry
Entertainment/DJ: DJ Shahrukh @djshahrukhstylz
Bridal Outfits: Sadaf Fawad Khan @sfkbridals
Bridal Shoes: @dazzlebysarah
Groom Baarat Suit: @sfkbridals, Sadaf Fawad Khan
Groom’s Valima Tux: Suit Supply @suitsupply
Groom’s Shoes: Manyavar in Hicksville
Decor Baraat Day: Amna @partyperfectplanners
Decor Valima Day: Sunny @stylisheventsny
Car Rental: @blustreetexotics BluStreet Exotic Rentals
Invitations: Rayha Habib @gv_invites
Rings: Kay Jewelers @kayjewelers
Favors: Made by bride’s family
Mehndi: Roushan Ahmed @henna.squared
Dhol Wala: Madi Singh @dholmaster_entertainment
Photo Booth: @ipicphotoboothnj
