Adeeba + Umar’s wedding is brimming with cultural traditions, color, gorgeous florals, jewelry, and personal charm. Traditionally, Pakistani “stages” (you’ll see in a sec) are quite ornate, however Adeeba wanted to change things up to have theirs express the whimsy of Alice in Wonderland. It was grand, colorful and it was all made of paper! If there was any way to transform their formal ballroom venue fit for 300 guests, to reflect their vision, magnificent paper flowers as centerpieces, upon entrance, and on their stage, was it.
I wore an “aarsi” ring on my right hand. It is an old fashioned but now quaint symbol of the past. Traditionally, the aarsi was a thumb ring with a tiny mirror worn by Indian brides so they could sneak a look of their groom during the ceremony. It was nice to incorporate an old, cheeky tradition.
I’ve always wanted to get married outdoors and under a tent. However, we both have big families, so finding a location that could fit 300 guests comfortably on a hot summer night that would allow us to bring in our preferred “halal” (Muslim Kosher) caterer was essential. The Crowne Plaza Cherry Hill Hotel recently converted their tennis courts into a ballroom with a pillow top tent cover, so it was the perfect balance between function and the dreamy tent aesthetic.
My advice to other brides… Hire day-of-coordinators! I am pretty crafty and wanted to DIY a lot for the wedding, but simply didn’t have the time. Handing over the “crafty reigns” to our coordinators was such a great decision. Let go and enjoy every moment. How often do all of your favorite people come together on one day? Relish it.
Congratulations Adeeba + Umar!
Photographer: Love Me Do Photography / Wedding coordinators: Belovely Events / Venue: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Cherry Hill NJ / Bride’s Dress: Madiha Zuberi Design House / Shoes: Sam Edelman / Bride’s Hair Piece: purchased in Karachi, Pakistan / Groom’s suit: My Suit NY / Hair: B. Wilson of Just B. Beautiful / Makeup Artist: Kristie Falk / Caterer: Shalimar Restaurant / Cake: Aux Petits Delice / Flowers: Falls Flowers, LLC / Stationery: minted.com / Fresh plumeria garlands from Hawaii: Molokai Plumerias
