An Indian Pakistani Cross-Cultural Wedding In Sydney: Shaheen + Qaseem
It comes as no surprise that cross-cultural weddings now account for almost a third of all weddings in Australia. So we were absolutely over the moon when bride Shaheen submitted her beautiful wedding to us.
Shaheen and Qaseem overcame some initial cultural barriers, to eventually host the most colourful, multi-day Indian and Pakistani cross-cultural wedding in Sydney.
The couple’s festivities were full of epic dance performance, delectable food as well as an epic holi themed pre-wedding party.
The Romantic Proposal
Shaheen and Qaseem’s paths first crossed one another when they struck love via a Muslim Tinder dating app.
“We met through a Muslim tinder dating app. Things went really well however, after a short while we had to part ways and follow our individual journey’s. Qaseem was supposed to opt for an arranged marriage, however, our love was so strong that we could not let go of each other.”
For bride, Shaheen, the proposal was truly romantic. Qaseem went to the length of including a personal message.
“It was quite a romantic proposal for me. Whilst walking to dinner one night with friends, I saw Qaseem holding the biggest sign, which said – Grow old with me. I then noticed him standing in front of the metal sign with the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background. I honestly could not have dreamt of a more perfect proposal actually!”
Quirky Yet Traditional
Shaheen and Qaseem’s cross-cultural wedding in Sydney was a riot of colour during each and every function and event.
They combined their heritage to celebrate each other’s love in a unique manner. It was so lovely to see both families come together and unite as one big family for their official nuptials.
What made it even more special were the little quirky touches that Shaheen paid close attention to detail to.
“We both were pretty chilled out and I wanted a simple traditional wedding with all the rituals and ceremonies but added some quirky elements. Our official wedding hashtag was Shaheen Ki Shaadi; Qaseem Ki Barbaadi and there were hand made cookies with the message, Shaheen Trapped Qaseem.”
The wedding festivities included a traditional haldi ceremony, sangeet, mehndi and Nikah.
There was a nice blend of traditional and modern décor elements, kicking off with quite a colourful haldi event, followed by a fun-filled holi themed party.
After being smeared in turmeric, both Shaheen and Qaseem played holi with their guests and as the photos depict, everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves!
The mehndi and sangeet parties were equally as colourful with the couple rocking the stage with their own dance performances. They also enjoyed sharing the dance floor with their wedding guests who kept the party atmosphere pumping all night long.
The Quintessential Sabyasachi Bride
Shaheen did not settle for less and opted for the quintessential velvet, Sabyasachi bridal lehenga.
She looked like a dream in her deep maroon lehenga paired with royal kundan jewellery. Qaesem chose to wear a Pakistani made suit, which complemented Shaheen’s opulent lehenga so beautifully.
“I always wanted to be a modern Sabyasachi bride, however everything traditional looked better on me!”
For the sangeet party, Shaheen was glowing in a classic, silver-grey chrome applique Falguni and Shane Peacock lehenga with matching beaded choli blouse.
She stayed neutral for her haldi function, but looked glamorous at her mehendi function, dressed head to toe in a gorgeous emerald green lehenga, with a slick, high ponytail and simple jewellery.
Shaheen’s family and her aunt travelled all the way to India to decide on her looks. She had them by her side throughout, which gave her the emotional support too.
“My mum, dad and my aunty who is a family friend, all travelled with me to India, just to help me with my wedding shopping. I literally wouldn’t have been able to decide without these guys by my side.”
Memorable Moments
Shaheen and Qaseem Indian-Pakistani cross-cultural wedding in Sydney could not have been made possible without the support and guidance of her parents.
Despite facing the main challenge of convincing families, the couple’s wedding was truly memorable.
Some of Shaheen and Qaseem’s most cherished moments were shared during their private photo shoots with their photographers.
“I loved pre-wedding photo shoots before every event. One minute of silence before the chaos.”
Special Mentions
There’s no doubting how beautiful bride, Shaheen looked during every occasion.
Special praise of course went to the talented hair and makeup team behind Gather And Stitch.
“I have to thank Gather And Stitch. They listened to me and created a natural make up style as requested.”
Advice for the Future Couple
Bride, Shaheen stated that she never wants to have to do this again and rightly so!
“Never doing this again. A wedding is literally a one time thing.”
She also had to share this piece of advice with our brides, which we think is absolute gold.
“Let things go. Also agree to things that he wants as well. It’s not always about the bride.”
A huge thank you to Shaheen who has been so kind to share all the details from her colourful Indian Pakistani cross-cultural wedding in Sydney.
If you would like to share your festivities with us, feel free to email us directly at info@themaharanidiaries.com
SUPPLIERS
Photography – SARKODIE PHOTOGRAPHY and ANGI KIM PHOTOGRAPHY // Videography – BAQDROP // Venues – LE MONTAGE (Nikah), ROMA FUNCTION CENTRE (Sangeet) // Décor and florals – DÉCOR A SHAAN // Stationery – Designed by the bride // Catering – URBAN TADKA, TANDOORI HUT, BILLUS // Cake – LE MONTAGE // DJ/Entertainment – DJ VINNY // Bride’s outfits and accessories – FALGUNI & SHANE PEACOCK (Sangeet), SABYASACHI (Wedding) // Hair and Makeup – GATHER AND STITCH // Mehndi – ARORA MEHENDI // Groom’s outfits – from Pakistan // Rings – GREGORY
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!