Aamir + Larissa's Mehndi — Exquisite Events

Aamir and Larissa met on March 6th 2021 at a friend’s birthday dinner. A little over a year later, he decided to pop the question. Aamir is a huge soccer fan and since they both love to travel, they went to Madrid for Real Madrid soccer and to also celebrate Aamir’s 40 th birthday. His team made it to the finals in Paris which were to be held May 2022, just a couple of months after. Larissa knew how much it meant to him to be there but little did she know the surprise that awaited her. It never crossed her mind that he was going to propose on this trip as she thought they were going for soccer. Meanwhile Aamir had carefully orchestrated the surprise proposal. The location he chose was Capri and he proposed on a boat with Larissa’s favorite Andrea Bocelli song playing in background. According to him, she was crying so hard that it took her a few minutes to compose herself to give an answer. Shortly after they returned, wedding date was set and preparations began.

It was a dream come true for Nikki to be involve with this wedding as she had met Aamir’s mother when she was expecting him. Not only is Nikki and her entire family close to the Shah’s, she has always been very fond of both the brothers.

Planning process was an absolute joy and extremely seamless. The first event was “Mehndi” which Fiza, Aamir’s mom wanted to reflect Mehndi events in Pakistan, with ethnic flair, vibe, design and flavor. Colors chosen were deep yellows, orange and emerald green. After visiting a few locations, Hyatt Regency Newport Beach was chosen for this event. Entrance to the space was embellished with dozens of colorful lanterns in various sizes, while lanterns hung above on the greenery.

This created quite an entrance and a first visual! As soon as guests came down the steps, huge vessels containing Arabian Jasmin and roses filled the air with fragrance that transported guests back to Pakistan. Center of the Arbor housed a circular emerald green bar with huge marigold chandeliers hanging above. Surrounding the bar were multiple Raj Tents in ivory and emerald green border that housed variety of food stations. The bar was definitely a focal point and created a huge wow factor and the cohesively of design was experienced by all.

One of the tents was dedicated to Hookah Lounge for Aamir’s friends.

What brought amazing memories from Pakistan back was the food, ambiance, attire and vibe. A very carefully curated menu of food items served at Mehndi events in Pakistan was decided. Best part of the evening was the grill and tandoors that were in plain sight and guests not only got to enjoy fresh naans and hot barbeque coming out straight from tandoor but they were also able to enjoy hot barbeque by walking up to the chefs and requesting their desire for a particular item and enjoying it straight off the grill. This created such a sensory experience with the sights, sound, smell and touch thus invoking all senses.

After bulk of guests had arrived, Larissa arrived in a traditional “Doli” carried by her cousins and brother to the spot where her groom eagerly awaited her.

Couple was led in to the ballroom accompanied by dancers and dhol (drummers) players and escorted to the stage.

The room was draped in saffron yellow with ivory and gold valance. Stage looked straight out of mehndi events from Pakistan with a beautiful backdrop of roses, marigolds and greenery. Red love seat with matching chairs and gold ottomans added to the décor and ambiance and gold dance floor was a perfect addition to the tie it all up.

The night had all the traditional elements of a Pakistani Mehndi and consisted of choreographed family dances, Mehndi Procession by the groom’s family, Groom’s Procession and Bridal Entry, key elements of a Mehndi in Pakistan that took place on the stage with families partaking in traditions such as placing mehndi on couple’s hands, feeding of sweets and dressing the bride with floral jewelry.

All food stations were open from the moment guests arrived along with desserts, tea /coffee. Paan Wala (beetle leaf with cardamon and some other flavors) and Hookah Lounge added further to the ambiance. In spite of this event held on a week night, guests stayed late enjoying music, dancing, food and ambiance. They say all good things must come to an end and such was the case with this night too.