Falls Church, VA Indian Wedding by Akbar Sayed Photography

Raheel and Farah met through mutual friends ten years ago. It was this Maharaja’s infectious funny nature that really had Farah sweeping. As all of us ladies know, a husband that keeps you laughing is  one of the best perks of marriage! It was during a key moment during dinner at a favorite restaurant that Farah knew she had found the one. Farah wanted to personalize each special event herself and took on the role as wedding planner. Each instrumental moment of designing the gown quickly became a memory that the bride was proud to be part of. For the beautifying process, Caitlyn Meyer was brought on to create the perfect bridal look for Farah. Artistry by Arti handcrafted intricate henna designs that were the perfect traditional complementary to the bride’s overall look. After the bride was all ready, it was time to meet her beau. One of the most memorable moments of the day was the first look! Akbar Sayed Photography captured all the stills for the night with Samson Productions shooting all the live action. Head into the gallery if you are seeking ideas and inspiration for your Pakistani wedding. Farah was kind enough to share the special details of her wedding celebration down below!

Share the scoop on your Proposal Story!

The night before Raheel proposed to me, we were supposed to go to dinner at my friends house. He couldn't tell me, but he backed out on dinner at the last minute because he was secretly going to pick up my ring that he custom made. I of course was irritated that he cancelled last minute. The next day, a group of us were surprising my best friend and her husband with a dinner for their wedding anniversary. Since I was one of the hosts, I got to the dinner early and Raheel was running late. Raheel's best friend, T, met me early and gave me company while we waited for the other guests to arrive. While we waited, T, asked me when I thought Raheel was going to put a ring on it. I replied i have NO idea and thought nothing of the question. Towards the end of the dinner, Raheel I asked Raheel for his jacket. Since the ring was in the jacket he started to act weird. I still had no clue. He quickly dropped his phone on the floor and asked me to pick it up (if you know Raheel, he NEVER EVER drops his phone). I bent down to get the phone and when I turned back around he had pulled out the ring and everyone started screaming. He gave a little speech and of course I said Yes.

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.

I planned my wedding with the help of course of my mom and sister and friends. I could not have gotten anywhere without them. My aunt brought some things from India and all my clothes came from Pakistan. Overall i loved each vendor I picked. I made it a point to pick vendors that I could have a great time with, because after all they were going to put together an important day for Raheel and I.

How did you select your bridal lengha or wedding dress? Did you have a favorite color in mind?

I wanted a hybrid western/eastern gown for my wedding. I wanted to make a more modern version of my mom's wedding lengha, so I always wanted to wear white or ivory. I found a picture of something I thought was the middle ground between East and West and asked my designer to help me make the dress the way I wanted it.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?

There are so many...I was not there, but when my mom and Raheel met at the mehndi for the first time. The photographer captured that moment really well and that picture still brings tears to my eyes. Another moment was when they opened the doors before I walked down the aisle. All I looked at was Raheel's face and he had a huge smile. That made me at peace. Last moment(s) was that my little nephew, Gian, was by my side through all the festivities. When I was getting ready or when we were just hanging out, he always was there like a little body guard/maid of honor. I cherish those moments.

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.

I loved everything! Both sides did amazing jobs at the dances. We had a good mix of dances.The mannequin challenge was a crowd favorite. All the details were great. I made uniforms for the caterers and bartenders that had our hashtag on it. I was happy that all my vendors obliged to everything and it was a really smooth wedding. All my vendors were amazing! ALL OF THEM! From my gown, to my photography, to video, make up, cake, food, the decor! My decorator went out of his way to do lots of things for me that he really didn't have to. I still talk to all of my vendors!!! I love them!

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?

Just relax. It will all work out, even if something goes wrong (which it will), just let it go and enjoy. In the end it's about you and your man and that's all that counts. Also build a relationship with your vendors. The more you all vibe together, the stronger your trust will be and the better your outcome will be.

We return right back with the wedding ceremony details as well as the reception party at the BWI Marriott!