The Story
Our story began in 2019 at a work networking event, a few weeks after which we met for a coffee and began falling for each other. We quickly discovered how similar we are, and it felt like we had always been looking for one another.
Fast forward to a crisp winter’s day December 2021 – I thought we were heading to Surrey Hills, but instead Aqib bought me to Bulgari Hotel in Knightsbridge where he proposed to me in the Onyx Spa Suite. He had decorated it with flowers, candles, and photographs of us over the years – a truly magical day.
The ring was more beautiful than I could have imagined: custom-made, tapered gold band with a round diamond in a raised solitaire setting – I stare at it in awe to this day.
Soon after we had our religious ceremony at a manor house in Buckinghamshire, after which we intended to host our civil ceremony and wedding reception in London.
Venue
After extensively searching for the perfect venue, we couldn’t find a place that worked. However in July 2023, when we learned Bulgari Hotel became licensed for civil ceremonies, it felt like the stars aligned. From our first meeting with the lovely Hannah (Head of Events) we knew it was the venue for us. The stunning ballroom and glamorous vibe is exactly what we were looking for.
So, in August, we booked our wedding date for 2nd December – a mere 4 month lead-in time.
Fashion
I knew I wanted two looks in the day. The first was a regal South Asian dress by my favourite Pakistani designer, Mohsin Naveed Ranjha. It was embellished with subtle green gems and a blush pink lining to give it that touch of whimsey which I adore.
For the wedding reception I wanted glamour and edge. I worked with Mongas to create the ideal reception look: a custom pistachio-green sparkly dress. My favourite part of the second look was the shoulder pads which I decided to add just 10 days before the wedding for extra flare.
I was lucky enough to receive 2 “something blue” gifts. One from the amazing Hannah at Bulgari who gifted me a blue Bulgari bracelet on my wedding day (yes, I cried) and the second from my sweet friends – a cook book from Honey&Co which is a restaurant very special to Aqib and I (yes, I cried again!).
Aqib’s No.1 tailoring choice has always been SuitSupply, so he swiftly settled on their black-tie package – suspenders and all. The classic fabrics and modern fit were complemented by a Gucci jacquard bow tie. Aqib’s boutonnière was specially made by Moyses Stevens, our amazing wedding florist.
Jewellery
It was incredibly special that I got to wear my mum’s wedding day set, a beautiful pearl and gold choker with matching gold earrings and a headpiece (known as a “tikka”).
For my reception look I went for a silver 3-piece set from Yashwanti London to complete the evening look.
Of course, my favourite piece of jewellery was gifted to me by Aqib at our ceremony – a diamond half-eternity band from Stone and Strand to complement my engagement ring.
Aqib wore a silver MIANSAI ring with green detailing to match elements of my dress. His wedding band – by David Yurman – is silver and titanium with a subtle cabling design.
Bridal Party
I gifted each member of my bridal party a dainty piece of jewellery from Hush, John Lewis.
Tablescape
Our incredible florist Moyses Stevens crafted a mix of opulent white florals with an abundance of candles across 4 long tables, creating a soft and glowing feel. Kirstie (Events manager, Moyses) completely understood our vision and massively exceeded our expectations! They also created the most beautiful flower arch for our ceremony.
Our place cards were from Papier – simple and elegant to match the feel of the room.
For that personal touch, I handmade 100 black velvet ribbons which were placed on top of a folded napkin with the menu tucked inside. I loved how the look came together to add that final touch of simple luxury.
For wedding favours, we opted for a live illustrator, Shaina Bains, who illustrated stunning portraits of our guests. Shaina was simply fabulous and people couldn’t stop saying how much they loved this unique keepsake.
Food & Drink
Our reception was catered by the outstanding Bulgari team. Where do we begin? From the lamb rump roast to the grilled King Ora salmon to the pistachio gnocchi – we were all truly wowed.
As non-drinkers we take our mocktails very seriously, serving up both a BVLGARI-branded peach & Jasmin soda and an elegant strawberry daiquiri.
Our gorgeous all white cake was designed to complement the white florals in the room.
Entertainment
We had a mix of music to reflect our blended upbringing – from Bollywood/Bhangra to classic RnB/Soul to modern Hip-Hop. Our amazing DJ – Kabir (of Kudos Events) brought our Reception music vision to life and then some. We kick-started the dance portion of the night with a series of choreographed dances then opened up the floor to everyone.
Beauty Regime & Wellness
Of course, the Bulgari Hotel Spa and Gym was a perk like no other – it felt incredible to unwind at one of the most luxurious spas in the country.
My hair stylist, Shrena, was amazing. She created an effortless half-up look with lots of volume. She also did my mum’s hair – credit to Shrena for being so calming that my mum fell asleep during the process.
I’ve always loved makeup, so I decided to do my own on my wedding day. I really enjoyed the process, and it was the best decision I made (second to saying ‘I do’ to Aqib).
In the run-up to the wedding, I made sure I was getting regular facials and using the best skin products from my regular skin clinic, Trikwan Aesthetics.
The beautiful, customary henna on my hands was applied by the very talented Ferzina.
Honeymoon
We decided against the classic Maldives trip for a more adventurous getaway – starting in America to watch our favourite artist, Drake, after which we shoot off to Mexico.
Advice
- Invest money and time in the aspects of your wedding that you truly care about – this way your day will reflect what’s most important to you
- Work with your partner and share the load – two brains are better than one.
- Challenge the status quo – don’t just do things because it’s the norm. Take risks and do what feels right for you.
With Thanks…
Bride / Groom: Zunera Diwan @zuneradiwanraja / Aqib Raja @aqibhr
Venue: @bulgarihotels
Caterer: @bulgarihotels
Dress: @mohsin.naveed.ranjha (dress 1), Mongas @mongasuk (dress 2)
Groom outfit: @suitsupply
Florist: @moysesstevens
Tableware: @bulgarihotels
Stationery: @papier
Photographer: @rahulkhona
Videographer: @wedlock.collective
Wedding rings: @davidyurman / @davidyurmanmen and @stoneandstrand
Illustrator: @shainabainsillustration
DJ: @djkabir
Makeup: @zuneradiwanraja
Hair: @shrena.kara
Bridesmaid gifts: @johnlewis
Wedding Planner: @hannahevittsevents
Cake: @neens.cakes
Skin treatments: @dr_zoyadiwan
Henna: Ferzina @rang.the.colour.of.love
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