5 months might sound like a lifetime to some, but in the world of Pakistani wedding planning it could mean you’re way past crunch time even! But this tech power couple, who began their wedding planning journey in November with their wedding set to happen in April, managed to pull it off beautifully.
Welcome to the Wedding of Maya and Rafiq.
Rafiq and I met through work. I had gone to Rafiq’s company to conduct a workshop which he was also part of and funnily enough we bumped into each other at a restaurant the same night!
‘Mayun’
My Mayun was a small home function and a big thanks goes to my sister here who made a stunning lehnga choli for me in less than 50,000 PKR. We went to Ghousia Market in Karachi, got the kapra and had it stitched from our tailor. Those who don’t know about Ghousia, it’s a small market set in Gizri where you can find so much fabric and kaam – it’s totally worth it if you are willing to put in the ground work. I find it a better experience than Kehkashan which is always too crowded and while the craftsmanship is great, the tailoring is not upto the mark with vendors there.
‘The Nikkah Event’
For my Nikkah, I wanted a simple red outfit but couldn’t find anything. I liked some pieces which were available in other colours but the designers were not willing to customise it to red. Luckily I found Samina Shajani – a small boutique in Clifton, Karachi. I had been to her before for formals and always liked the work her team does. She worked with me and what I had in mind and made me a beautiful red lehnga and gown that was perfect for the occasion. For my event decor I found Spring Events! I sent them pictures of what I wanted and they executed effortlessly. The venue was transformed into an elegant ballroom overlooking the creek. My function was scheduled to start at 4 pm and everything was ready before that.
‘Reception’
I had a great experience with Table Setting & Co. Everything was setup to perfection. I had one meeting with the founder and we planned everything else over Whatsapp.
Words From The Bride:
‘Here is the thing about being the bride, you actually don’t get to see the final outcome of events until you literally WALK IN AS THE BRIDE. Therefore having the right vendors, who you can fully trust is so important. It’s overwhelming, a lot of coordination and hard work but have fun and enjoy every minute with your family! It’s meant to be the celebration of your new life, some things might go up and down but no one notices- all that matters is how happy the two of you are!
Tips from the Bride:
Keep a small, oil-based perfume in your bag as the smell lasts longer!
Vendor Reviews:
Reception Bridal Designer: Tena Durrani
My first mission was to find a bridal outfit. Luckily I had a best friend getting married around the same time so we ventured into the world of bridal boutiques. We even took a flight to Lahore from Karachi. I must have visited about 8 – 10 stores to find my dream outfit. Tena Durrani was the third store I visited in my search and I tried on a bridal, the minute I saw myself I knew it- this is the one but I kept going with the hopes that maybe something better is out there. After that every time I would visit a store I just kept thinking about the Tena outfit and that’s the one I ordered. It was so much fun getting it designed from her because throughout the process, she and the team kept me posted and took my feedback. The day I came for my first trial and put it on- that is the day I felt it! I was getting married!
Event Decor & Food: HHH Catering
The Mayun was put together by HHH Catering. Through timely execution, they brought Pinterest boards to life and transformed the whole place into yellow, pink, and blue. But the best part remained the FOOD! I kid you not, people to this date tell me how the food at my Mayun was amazing!
Makeup Artist: Omayr Waqar
I have always been shy of heavy makeup and that’s why a makeup artist who understands my comfort level was super important. I am so happy that I chose Omayr Waqar. He understood my features and my skin color and truly made me feel like a bride.
