A Proposal Made for Paris
Even though we had already committed to each other in a cultural ceremony known as baath paki (a traditional promise of engagement) before moving in together, the proposal itself was the most incredible surprise. Julien had secretly planned everything with the help of my brother and proposed to me in Paris, which is my absolute favourite city in the world. It was romantic, thoughtful and dramatic, just like me. It was exactly what I wanted.

Italian Dreams
I’ve dreamed of getting married in Italy for as long as I can remember. There’s something timeless, romantic and almost ethereal about Lake Como that captured my heart years ago. It’s one of those rare places where beauty doesn’t need to be enhanced. Our ceremony took place at the breathtaking Villa Erba, which is an iconic 19th century villa located in Cernobbio, on the western shore of Lake Como. The beauty of our venue spoke for itself. I love how it embodies Italian elegance and old-world charm with its frescoed ceilings, manicured gardens and views. I knew I wanted to keep everything minimal and elegant. I chose a soft palette of green and white, with delicate 3D floral accents that blended with the natural charm of Lake Como. The entire aesthetic was designed to flow harmoniously – from the scenery to my dress, so nothing felt out of place.

Blending Cultures
Planning a wedding abroad is no small feat, especially when blending two rich cultural traditions. Both Lebanese and Pakistani weddings are known for being large and vibrant, but we envisioned something more intimate with just our closest family and friends. Convincing our parents took time and heartfelt conversations, but once they saw how meaningful the experience was, they were so happy we stayed true to our vision.

A Menu of Cultures
Food was an important part of our celebration, and we worked closely with Class Eventi to create something deeply personal. We flew to Italy months before the wedding for a full tasting experience, curating a menu that felt inclusive and reflective of us. Lebanese and Indian-inspired hors d’oeuvres were served during cocktail hour, alongside signature mocktails and plenty of vegetarian options to ensure every guest felt considered and cared for.

Special Moments
One of my favourite touches from the day was our “wedding confessional” during the afterparty. We surprised guests by pulling them aside one by one to film their answers to fun, playful questions about the wedding. Some even revealed behind-the-scenes drama! It was hilarious, heartfelt, and something we’ll treasure forever. The speeches were also a highlight. Every single one made people laugh, cry or both. Because our wedding was so intimate, each speaker had a real, personal connection to everyone in the room. That made the words feel even more powerful. The atmosphere was full of love. One of the most profound moments was simply looking around the room and realising that every single person there had travelled across the world just to celebrate us. It was incredibly humbling and we felt so deeply loved.

Advice for Couples
Something will go wrong – accept that early and don’t let it take away from your joy. Give yourself space to feel, but don’t get stuck in stress. At the end of the day, your wedding is about you and your partner. Be present and soak in every moment, because those are the memories that will stay with you forever.