Today is very exciting for me, because we’re featuring our very first Muslim wedding here on Cap Classique! One of the things I am beyond proud of about being a South African is the huge number of different kinds of heritage, cultures, languages and religions that we have in our country – overseas folks may not know that we have: 11 national languages, 3 capital cities and 2 national anthems. Diversity is our thing. So I love welcoming all Cape brides and grooms. Islamic weddings are particularly spectacular, usually beginning with a Mehndi ceremony for the bride beforehand (and who doesn’t want to wear multiple dresses!). I absolutely fell in love with these gorgeous pics of Naz and Mohammed’s wedding sent over by Alan Browne – aren’t they just the most beautiful looking couple? Their wedding was full of colour and laughter from their friends and families, combined with Naz’s modern vintage vision. It’s a feast for the eyes – enjoy!

From the stunning bride, Naz:
Mohammed and I met once at a mutual friend’s braai (BBQ), very briefly in early April 2010. We started chatting to each other on Facebook, and after about a week of this, he picked me up and took me to my favourite restaurant for our first date. We went out very often after that, and officially became an item in May. I was never an outdoors person before I met him – he showed me how to take super long mountain walks and introduced me to fishing, which he loves. We did this almost every Sunday after that – a very fresh change for me! We found ourselves in each other… content, and very happy!

He proposed on my birthday in August at Beluga in Green Point, Cape Town. My special birthday dessert had just arrived, and he took my hand. I was still laughing and joking around when he said: “I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you.” He was definitely nervous! He then asked me to marry him. I was speechless, and kept asking if he was being serious – it felt so right but I still could not believe it! I said YES… and continued being speechless for a good few minutes. I couldn’t wait to get home to tell my parents, I was so excited!

We were married on 21 May 2011 – 21 being my lucky number! My concept for the wedding was modern vintage: black, white, lace, crystal candelabras and lush flowers. We chose Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens as our venue – can you get any prettier, especially in Autumn? The venue suited my guest list perfectly, and it’s cosy.

Our wedding decor and planning was done by my husband’s family (his mum, dad and brothers) as they have an events company (Rosy’s Events). That made life so much easier! I just had to tell them my ideas, see a few mock-ups and they made it happen for us – amazing! Mohammed and I shared ideas – we got little diamante initials for table sprinkles, black vases for purple tulips & white carnations, my favourite vintage purple roses… everything related to us and our personalities. Little gift boxes were made and decorated by his family for each guest and had prayer beads in them (also made by his family), which was very special.

I had such a feeling of relief on the day, seeing that everything was perfect, even the weather! I also loved seeing our families so happy together. Our wedding was intimate and personal and that’s what I loved about it. Our photographs were even shot at our home, which made it even more special!

My advice to future brides is: don’t stress! Everything falls into place when you’re calm and know what you want. Just sort out your dress, makeup, shoes, jewels & photographer, and you’re sorted! Delegate as much as possible, and get enough rest.

Congratulations, Naz and Mohammed! I just love what Naz said about “finding yourselves in each other” – here’s wishing you a lifetime of happiness together. And a big thanks to Alan Browne for sharing this wedding with us – you can see more on his blog.

Service providers:

Venue: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Catering: La Elegante Catering
Photography: Alan Browne Photography
Co-ordination, flowers & decor, hiring and entertainment: Rosy’s Events
Cake: Chris Eksteen
Stationery: Invitations by The Paper Shop, all other stationery by the bride and groom
Bride’s dress: Fahiema (Aunty Fay), Claremont
Makeup: Carla Abrahams