Naureen & Ghazaly’s Epic Indian Wedding Reception & Walima – Part III

We are back with the conclusion of Naureen and Ghazaly’s gorgeous wedding! We already featured their nikkah and reception, as well as the mayoon and mehndi celebrations.

Today we are featuring their stunning wedding reception and walima.

The wedding reception was full of lavish velvety reds, crystals, and a sari wedding cake. Oh my that wedding cake! And Naureen and her family and friends helped with plenty of DIY projects too. The Walima was a vintage chic affair with a blue ombre wedding dress and turquoise/pink theme. Cake pops and cupcakes along with glittery table clothes brought this wedding to a beautiful close.

Naureen has been super awesome to allow us to share their children’s coloring book! Having lots of kids at a wedding? Well, give them a coloring book themed around your wedding and let them be artists. Please use this document as a guide and don’t copy it (would be weird to have their faces instead of yours!).

{Wedding reception}
From Naureen: When I visited India for my cousin’s wedding and squeezed in time to buy my wedding necessities, I never imagined finding the wedding dress of my dreams. It was a difficult task to find that one, elusive dress that you’ve pictured in your mind. But, the trick is trying a number of outfits and being open to a variety styles. When I wore my red, mermaid cut red lengha, I fell in love with it. I could see myself walking down the aisle in that dress and anticipating my husband’s reaction.

Oddly enough, I managed to find four of my outfits from one boutique and two from another store all within Kolkata, India. It required some digging, but I’m so happy with the outfits I purchased- especially given they were within my budget. (phew!)

After securing the outfit, the harder part was definitely planning the wedding from a distance. I was (still am!) studying in graduate school in New Jersey, but the wedding events were all in my hometown of Atlanta. Fortunately, my parents, family and friends formed an amazing support system to ensure each and every detail was perfect.

My bridesmaids/friends were amazing, and I wanted to surprise them with something special. On the day of the wedding, I gave them something they could keep and wear for years on end. The vintage brooches were a fun and elegant addition to all of their outfits- the silver and red accents really tied them all in! They all looked absolutely stunning.

In terms of DIY for the wedding, we went all out! We made custom coloring books for the kids, a candy buffet for all, photo booth props, advice cards for the tables, and personalized bubbles for our entrance.

{The Walima}
From Naureen: Out of all the wedding events, the most stress-free was probably the Walima, a reception given by the groom’s side. I can’t take credit for any of the planning or DIY projects, as it was completely conducted by my in-laws and amazing sister-in-law.

The Walima was held in Austin, Texas at the gorgeous Chateau Bellvue.

Walking into the reception, my husband and I were floored by the beautiful and creative displays they put together. I was personally a big fan of the cake pops and mustache-themed candy stash! I guess I can blame my Bengali roots for my sweet tooth.

Advice for future brides
From Naureen: Planning wedding events is a tedious task, but it is definitely doable if you keep organized to-do lists and delegate tasks among your family and friends. We created a wedding website, Facebook group, and guest information folders to ensure our guests had access to all the information and resources they need.

It helped to provide a guide on traditional wedding customs for those unfamiliar with Indian traditions, directions to venues, contact information for salons, and the like. If your guests enjoy your wedding, it is a pat on the back for all the hard work that goes into the planning and set up of an event. My husband and I are eternally grateful for the family and friends who helped make our special days one of the most memorable of our lives.
 
 
Thanks again to This Modern L<3ve Photography and Zignat Abdisubhan.
We wish you both the very best, insha’allah.

Cinematography: One Entertainment Productions
Venue: Marriott Marquis
Décor: Fifth Season Design
Makeup: Noorface
Photography: This Modern L<3ve Photography
Venue: Chateau Bellevue, Austin, Texas
Photographer: Zignat Abdisubhan