Micro Wedding

Our youngest son and Madiha’s brother got married on November 14th at the beautiful Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks. Since our other son had gotten married a little over two months ago and both the brothers are only sixteen months apart, it was like a repeat performance with the exception of venue, outfits and decor.

Each family member on both sides were asked to take COVID tests two days prior to the wedding and submit the results. Luckily, every single guest tested negative. This wedding also had a couple of extra special guests, Counsel General of Pakistan and his wife as well as the former Ambassador to Japan who happened to be the bride’s father. Since the wedding was in Fall, Madiha decided on a jewel tone palette, not only in decor, but our family’s attire as well.

The day turned out superb and the venue was surrounded by magnificent oak trees with changing fall colors. It was indeed a picturesque sight! I had requested if Pakistan flag could be hung next to US and California flags and to her joy, that request was granted. Bride and her immediate family got to the venue in the morning for makeup/hair and to just hang out while photographer took candid shots. Our son on the other hand got dressed at Four Seasons Westlake where the couple was planning to spend the night and had his solo shots taken there. Our family got the to the venue at 2:00 pm for photos and because sunset was at 4:45 pm, we started the Baraat sharp at 3:00 pm.

Our older grandkids were carrying the signs saying “Groom Squad” and “Ladkay Walay” which means the same thing in our language and the the ladies of the family were carrying trays of sweets for post ceremony distribution. Bride’s family received us with great enthusiasm and fervor by showering us with rose petals and beautiful corsages and boutonnières for our family. With Pakistan flag in the background, it was indeed a nostalgic moment. Amidst a lot of dancing with the dhol player, guests were led to the patio where ceremony was going to take place. With the stunning views of the canyons, mountains and stunning estates, ceremony was conducted by the Imam with a short and heart warming sermon for the couple. Ceremony ended on a high note with cheers of congratulations and jubilation. A few traditional customs such as covering the couple with a shawl and placing a mirror in their laps, feeding them sweets were performed. Couple left for photos shortly after and guests were requested to transition to the cocktail area where they enjoyed tasty hors d'oeuvres and drinks while some took pictures at the photo booth. There was so much love and happiness in the air with both families overjoyed and delving in the festivities. 

At 5:30 pm guests were escorted to the room for dinner reception. The room was set with dozens of candles, flowers in deep jewel tones and amber lighting. There were lounge vignettes on one side with the sitarist on elevated platform and tea, coffee, dessert station and the bar. There were two long mirror top tables with jewel tone flowers and tons of candles. Tables were set to the nines with name plates for each guest and a napkin treatment of hand opened rose. The focal point was the beautiful arch under which the sweet heart that was set with china, glassware and flatware from my personal collection resided. The backdrop of Moscow lights which enveloped the cake and sweet heart table looked nothing short of spectacular. The end result was breathtaking and magical. Couple made the grand entrance and were escorted to their table. A decadent three course meal was served with lovely music being played in the background. Our grandkids made requests for their favorite songs and started the dancing which continued well after cake cutting and Viennese dessert display. At last, the beautiful night came to an end and our couple headed to the Four Seasons Hotel for an after party for a few friends in their suite.

-Nikki

A very special THANK YOU to:
Event Design/Planning: Exquisite Events
Florals/Decor: Butterfly Floral
Rentals: MTB Rentals
Venue: Sherwood Country Club
Photographer: Vinuthna Garidipuri
Videography: Avec Lumiere
Bridal Hair/Makeup: Beauty by Linda Chiriac
Bride and Groom Attire: Shehla Chatoor
Sitar Player: Ronobir Lahiri
Photobooth: Pixster Photobooth