Sascha and Laiqa's akad nikah took place a week after the festive Mehndi ceremony. Akad nikah is a religious affair of solemnizing the marriage of a couple according to the Islamic requirements. The Khan's family residence was once again the venue of choice for this ceremony. Two hundred guests which consisted of family members and close friends were invited to witness this happy occasion.
Ambience
Unlike the warm colors of the Mehndi ceremony, this formal occasion carried a fresh palette of white and green. The colors were chosen because they symbolized the sacredness of the couple's union and fresh beginning of their life together.
Lighting played a major role in achieving the desired atmosphere. Moroccan lanterns and white votive candles in glass holders were arranged on the pathway leading to the main entrance of the house. Candles and fairy lights were also hung amidst the branches of the trees surrounding the lush residential garden. Adding romance to the brilliant setting were the scattered rose petals along the pathway. Needless to say, the overall effect left everyone in complete awe.
Equally impressive were the interior décor of the living room. A dais was erected adjacent to a large window overlooking the affluent neighborhood. Beautiful combination of white and pastel green orchids, roses, gerberas and green ivies dressed the dais. The large glass window which served as the backdrop was stunningly decorated with rose pomanders, crystal drops and roses creatively arranged in frames.
Large lanterns with fairy lights and crystal drops were hung from the mezzanine level to give a high-ceiling and translucent effects. Just like the Mehndi ceremony, soft pillows and bolsters were arranged strategically on the carpeted floor for the guests to recline. Sofas and chairs were also arranged along the walls to accommodate those who prefer to be seated.
Akad Nikah
The guests were showered with rose petals by kebaya clad usherettes upon their arrival. Shortly thereafter, the sounds of kompang announced the arrival of the groom and his 'baraat' (entourage that was comprised of his family, relatives and friends).
Everyone was elegantly dressed especially the men who looked splendid in their white Sherwanis. To distinguished himself as the honorable person of the night, Sascha completed his look with a maroon 'pugree' (turban) and a pair of traditional foot wear called 'jooti'.
The groom's entourage carried the 'hantaran' (gifts) which would be presented to the bride. These gifts which were nicely presented on silver trays included items such as shoes, a complete set of clothing, perfume, jewelery, hand bag and so on. Likewise, the bride's family reciprocated with gifts for the groom which were presented on oriental wedding baskets which included items such as a belt, perfume, 'songkok' (head wear), and cakes.
The group was warmly greeted by Laiqa's father who proceeded to place a flower garland around Sascha's neck. Sascha was then led to the dais to prepare him for the akad nikah.
The ceremony begun with a marriage sermon given by the imam. After a short prayer, the groom then sought the bride's consent to marry her. Formal consents of both parties must be obtained as they signified their willingness to unite in marriage. The imam who was satisfied the bride's answer, would then prepared himself to perform the akad nikah.
As Sascha and the imam hold hands in a handshake manner, the room fell into a hush. The imam then declared that Sascha would marry his bride with a certain amount dowry. In one breath, Sascha accepted the declaration and was confirmed by the two official witnesses. This confirmation was received with joyful claps and cheers among the guests.
After the akad nikah, religious duties of both husband and wife was read out to the couple of which they acknowledged by signing up the marriage documents. Sascha soon proceeded to slip a wedding ring on Laiqa's finger.
Dining Experience
Guests were tantalized with a lavish buffet spread; an extended treat from the Mehndi ceremony a week before. Middle Eastern cuisine such as traditional Iraqi kebab, Iraqi chicken rice and Musakka graced the table. Equally tempting were the Indian cuisine – Vegetable Pakora, Chicken Tikka, Fish Tandoori, Kadai Murgh, Aloo Palak, Vegetable Malabar, tandoori roti and naan. A variety of dips with fresh breads like humus, mutable and tabouleh were also served. To delight everyone's palate, Ras Malai and fruits were offered as desserts.
As the dinner was done on an informal setting, the guests were free to mingle about or sit crossed-leg together in groups chatting and enjoying their meals.
Entertainment and Program
A four-piece string quartet were engaged to entertain the guests with classical music that filled the air and echoed off the walls. Izlyn Ramli, a well-known Malaysian singer also lent her voice to entertain everyone. Her strong and sultry vocal belted out some jazz numbers with a four-piece instrumental accompaniment.
While everyone enjoying their dinner, Laiqa quickly changed into her second dress for the cake cutting ceremony. She looked truly lovely in her Pakistani dress, which was exquisitely sequined and beaded. To complete her elegant attire, a long embroidered dupatta graced her head and a 'tika' (pendant) on her forehead.
After the cake cutting ceremony, the newly weds performed their first dance accompanied by several couples including their parents. As the night progressed, Sascha plucked up a courage to sing a song for his bride, which prompted a mischievous Laiqa to present him with a stalk of white rose.
The couple continued to celebrate their joyful wedding till late night in the presence of families and close friends. At the end of the night, a sequined pouch containing black Turkish prayer beads was given to each guest as a token of appreciation. To add some personal touch, each prayer beads was engraved with the couple's name. Though the night was the ending for the two weeks celebration, it was a new beginning not only for the couple but also for their families. Two different cultures were united in a marriage which without a doubt would be remembered by everyone for a very long time.