Nailah & Hasan’s Intimate Muslim Ceremony

Guests gathered under an open tent on the Liberty Warehouse’s promenade with a collective feeling that what they were about to experience would be extraordinary for many reasons. They were not only about to witness two people that they care about get married, but do so under the most extreme of circumstances brought on by Covid-19. Nailah expresses the elation she still feels when thinking about how everything worked out in the end. “We are incredibly grateful for being able to have closest friends and family join us in the midst of a worldwide pandemic. There were so many moments when it seemed so far out of reach… something that we never imagined would be possible.” Here, she talks about her and Hasan’s intimate Muslim ceremony.

Ceremony and Flower Archway

The Muslim wedding unfolds in a series of rituals in honor of the bride and groom as they prepare to start a new life together. Nailah explains, “In the Islamic tradition, the beaded prayer band is wrapped around the bride’s arm, symbolizing blessings and safety.” She continues, “The Ghor ceremony takes place just before the official ceremony. Close family members take a coin from a tray and circulate it around the bride and groom’s head while saying a prayer for best wishes. And just as the bride walks away, she is showered with flower petals.”

 

Soon after, Nailah, escorted by her father, made her way to the aisle, which was laid out in an eye-catching mirrored runner. “We wanted the décor elements of our ceremony to be unique and unexpected and came across the idea of a mirrored runner after hours of searching,” Nailah says. “My parents have a company that makes commercial signs and displays for stores and businesses. They recently started a branch called Custom Creative Events and made many of our décor elements including the backdrop for my bridal shower, our welcome sign, card box, table numbers, and menus. They were able to custom make the runner for us – it came out beautifully!” Garden-inspired arrangements of white hydrangeas, stock, roses, delphinium, snapdragon, plumosa, Italian and Israeli ruscus, silver dollar eucalyptus, and lemon leaf accentuated the path.

 

 

She met Hasan under a beautiful floral archway with picturesque views of the New York harbor off in the distance. The couple took their seats under the blooming structure composed of lush hydrangeas, various types of roses, and mums in shades of white and blush complemented by silver dollar, seeded, and willow eucalyptus and Italian ruscus. The misty, overcast sky contrasted with the elegant décor, adding a dreamy atmosphere all around. After signing a marriage contract and exchanging vows, Nailah and Hasan took their first walk hand-in-hand as newlyweds.

 

 

Stay tuned next week for when Nailah shares the final chapter in her Real BB Wedding Story.

Couple’s Vendor List

Venue: The Liberty Warehouse
Photographer: Jenna Cavanaugh Photography
Videographer: Maisie Snyder
Bride’s Dress: Chana Marelus at Spina Bride
Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Groom’s Tux: Canali
Hair + Makeup: Senada K. Ceda
Cake: Pips n’ Bits
Stationery, Seating, + Aisle Runner: CC Events
Rings: Tiffany & Co.
Catering: Moghul Caterers