Last week we shared Zarmina and Rafay’s Mehndi ceremony at Gaylord Springs. This week we are sharing their wedding day! It was an absolutely stunning day, just like the couple.
Getting Ready
The day started with the girls getting their hair and makeup done in their suite at the Opryland Hotel. Mina added all the personal touches of jewelry and shoes to complete her wedding day look.
Meanwhile in another area of the hotel, Rafay was also getting his attire on and was almost ready to see his bride.
First Look
It was time for the first look. It was done at a secluded location in an otherwise very busy hotel so the couple was able to share this moment alone.
Bride and Groom Photos
After the first look, the soon to be newlyweds wandered around Opryland Hotel for photos. The whole hotel is super photogenic so it was an easy task, especially with this adorable couple.
Wedding Party Photos
It was time for the wedding party to join in for some photos. The brightly colored dresses with intricate designs all looked lovely together, as did the gentlemen in their matching attire.
Reception Decor
The actual ceremonies happen during multiple days before the reception so during this portion of the celebration everything begins with the cocktail hour, followed by the big reception. The decor is everything you could dream of for a wedding, including another stage for the bride and groom. The guests were greeted with a seating chart with beautiful calligraphy and florals surrounding it. The centerpieces were a mix of designs with gold vessels and white florals.
The table settings included an program with the plan for the evening with a pretty little favor box filled with honey.
The stage was totally decked out in the most beautiful white florals I’ve ever seen. The aisle to get there was covered in draping, chandeliers and candles all the way up to the dance floor.
The cake had a combination of piping, beading and ribbon work, topped with more florals and donning the couples initials.
There was a flower filled photobooth and sweetheart table that the newlyweds would share their meal at.
Reception Highlights
This reception is a similar format to the Mehndi from the night before with the grooms family entering first, followed by the bride and her family.
After the entrance and once everyone is situated, there is a welcome speech followed by the ring ceremony which takes place on the stage. In this case, Mina’s mother delivered the rings to them on a beautifully decorated platter and both mom’s join them on stage for the exchange.
Following the ring ceremony is the cake cutting. For this, everyone on both sides of the family joins in and gets to try a bite of the cake!
Then the dinner buffet opened, Zarmina’s brothers did toasts and played the slideshow they prepared for the couple. After that, the guests are invited up to join them for photos.
Next it was time for the exit, which is quite an emotional portion of the wedding. It is considered a goodbye between the family and the daughter with the father sending off his daughter to a new home.
Mina and Rafay, thank you so much for having us as part of your day. We learned so much about weddings in the Pakistani culture and it truly was amazing to see. We wish you both the best!
Vendors:
Photographer – Mir Anwar Studios
Venue – Opryland Hotel
Cake – Merts Cakes
Caterer – Opryland Hotel and Bar-B-Q Tonite
Hair/Makeup – Dollhouse Beauty Bar
DJ – DJ Mavi Productions
Violinist – Bronwyn Davies-Mason
Florist – Millenium Events
Photobooth – Lets Booth It
Getaway Car – Matchless Transportation
Planner – Alex Bovee of Vision in White Events
