The highlight of my day was witnessing my marriage ceremony in the mosque, and hear my husband say the words in arabic that he takes me to be his wife. The best moment of the day was the first moment we saw each other. In Islam, the men handle the marriage ceremony while the bride waits for her husband to come to her. The videographer covered his eyes and made him walk to me until he was right infront of me. They then uncovered his eyes and we literally flew into each others arms.
We went on honeymoon two days after our wedding. For the wedding night we stayed at Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel in the luxury sweet, which was amazing. The day after we then went to Kwantu Private Game Reserve situated in Sidbury, Port Elizabeth.
I had two wedding dresses, one for my marriage ceremony in the morning and one for the afternoon reception. My morning dress was a traditional gold and bronze indian bridal Anarkali (type) dress with red and gold indian jewellery. I had cream rose bouquet and traditional mendhi (henna) on the inside and outside of my hands.
I had my afternoon wedding dress made by my best friends mother. I chose the wedding lace myself and the design of the dress. My wedding dress was ivory/off white with small soft pearls. The dress shape was wide A-line with v-neckline that had lace trim on it. I also had a string of approximately 40 covered buttons on the back of the dress, with lace on the sleeve, bodice, and lace applique on the rest of the dress. The applique was also on the bottom of the veil.
My wedding bouquet was a mix of pinks, yellow and cream imported garden roses. For my shoes: I wore light pink pumps and glued lace applique all around the shoe to give it a bridal feel. I had a diamante bridal crown, with crystal tear drop earrings. My make up artist used deep pink shades, browns and light pinks to round up my look with a sleep up-style to position my veil.
Since my religion is Islam, I got married in a mosque. Habibia Soofie Saheb Mosque located in Rylands Estate, Cape Town.
In terms of my beauty regime. I generally drank lots of water, went to gym thrice a week, and had balanced meals. The week leading up to the wedding I was advised by my make up artist to drink more water, and smother my face with coconut oil or any oil that would increase hydration. On the wedding day, my face and skin was so hydrated that my make up application was easy, flawless and radiant! To get rid of wedding stress and spoil myself, two days before the wedding I booked myself in at The Westin Hotel in Cape Town. I booked the full bridal package consisting of full body massage with hot stones, body polish, 24k gold facial, gel manicure and pedicure application and waxing treatments. It was so relaxing and they really made me feel like a bride.
The groom wore a classic black slim fit suit with a tie. He had no groomsmen but since I have loads of nephews we had many tiny kiddies. The page boys wore black slim suits, white shirts with a bow tie and sneakers.
My wedding was during Spring and I wanted to incorporate all the lovely pastel flower colours. My flower girls wore guava pink dresses with flower crowns and rose gold pumps.
In Islam , a Sheikh (Pastor) is the marriage officer and married me on behalf of my eldest brother. My father passed away, so my eldest brother takes over the role of my father.
My photographer is Riyaad Daniels. He is a private photographer. His images can be viewed on Instagram under @rdvelop.
My videographer is Zunaid Jacobs and his webpage can be found on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zunaidjacobsfilms/
I planned my wedding day!
