Shaazia and Abbas, Mumbai
A traditional haldi, an intimate Nikah and a regal wedding reception were just some of the highlights of Shaazia and Abbas’s beautiful wedding celebrations.
That there is exquisite beauty in simplicity was evident in Shaazia and Abbas’ wedding celebrations curated and planned by Weddings by Shilpa and Sonika. The couple was married in the tradition of the Bohras and their festivities after were cultured and elegant.
Here, Shaazia tells us about their relationship and their wonderful wedding.
How we met
“My mother’s friend met Abbas and then wanted me to meet him. She had a lot of coaxing to do but she finally convinced me to have dinner with him. His parents live in Kuwait, he lives in Dubai and in August he accompanied his mum to Bombay for her medical treatment. He texted me and we agreed to meet at 5 p.m. But I got delayed at work and he gave up any hope of me showing up and was having a drink with a friend when I called him. It was two and half hours later but he was kind enough to suggest us going out to dinner.
He says he doesn’t remember much of what went on during dinner and that’s probably why he texted the next day and asked to meet the day after. One meeting kept leading to another and both of us couldn’t figure it out. I didn’t want to move to Dubai and he didn’t want to move to Bombay. But the meetings turned liking into love and here we are today!”
Wedding Functions
Haldi
The celebrations kick-started with the traditional Haldi ceremony at home and it was an intimate affair with just the close family friends taking part.
Nikah
The Nikah ceremony was another intimate ceremony that took place at home. The house was decorated in fresh florals and their wedding hashtag #ShaazgetsAbs tagged the couple’s picture amongst other colorful gifts laid out. The quirky décor was inspired by the city of Mumbai.
The prayer ceremony was as much a union of the couple as the chance for the family to come together. Abbas wore a traditional white kurta and pyjama and Shaazia looked gorgeous in a bright orange and pink lehenga with intricate gold designs on the blouse. She accessorized her beautiful ensemble with simple diamond jewellery.
Mehndi and Sangeet
The function was hosted at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu and the theme for this evening was ‘Mumbai to Dubai’. The décor had an interesting twist with elements that represented the two cities – Dubai and Mumbai, their respective home cities. There was a lot of light-heartedness and fun courtesy a crystal ball reader, numerologist, jewellery maker and a tattoo artist arranged for the evening’s entertainment. While the couple made a grand entry in a colorful cycle rickshaw, the energy at the function was infectious as they made sure there were great food and drinks to go around. Shaazia wore a gorgeous Sabyasachi lehenga and accessorized it with a bespoke necklace, statement earrings and a beautiful mang tikka.
Reception
The grand reception was personally planned by the couple and their families and took place at Grand Hyatt Mumbai with décor that turned the entire venue into an ethereal wonder. The white-themed décor was replete with fresh flowers and purple lighting making for great ambiance. Huge marquee letters of the wedding hashtag overlooked the beautifully decorated platters of food served. Shaazia dazzled in a grey saree gown and Abbas looked dapper in a velvet crimson tuxedo.
The Wedding Makers
Wedding Venues: JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu (Mehndi and Sangeet), Grand Hyatt Mumbai (Reception)
Wedding Planners: Weddings by Shilpa and Sonika
Decor: National Decorators
Makeup Artists: Kapil Bhalla, Stacy Gomes, Reema Patil, Rachna B
Mehndi: Mussarat Siddiqui (Mumbai)
Bride’s Outfit: Sabyasachi Mukherjee
Photography and Videography: Imprint Studios
