In the spirit of glittering gold this November, we’re sharing the beautiful Rukhsati of Ayeza and Saad. Held in the peak of COVID, meant that the couple not only had to cut their guest list but decrease the size of their venue and what followed was a celebration they’ll never forget. Glittering gold outfits, not one, but three cakes, and their very favourite people made this ceremony unforgettable. As evident through every beautiful shot captured by Sal Singh Photography.

“Our rukhsati was smaller than initially anticipated due to restrictions related to Covid. Typically our weddings are multi-day events with hundreds of people” explains bride Ayeza. “Unfortunately, we were unable to invite a majority of our friends and loved ones due to strict restrictions, particularly as we both had friends and family originally planning to come from overseas. Our event turned out to be a loving celebration with our closest nearest and dearest” it was intimate which in some ways felt more meaningful. Although we were limited with what we could potentially do and the number of people we could invite – this meant we had to improvise. The theme was “a magical and whimsical night” and it truly felt that way.”

For those playing at home, a Rukhsati is a “sending off” (sometimes called Doli (ڈولی) – “palanquin”) held in Islamic or Pakistani weddings. Ayeza explains “The Rukhsati takes place when the groom and bride leave the wedding venue together with the elders of the family. Before this point, the bride and groom will have already been married in the eyes of God by the imam in the nikkah. The nikaah can be held on the day of the rukhsati or earlier depending on the circumstances.”

Glittering gold traditional outfits, donned by the bride and groom set the scene. “We both wore traditional handmade outfits from our home country of Pakistan. My clothes weighed at least 10kg due to the heavy intricate embroidery. My husband had it easy” laughs Ayeza.

“Our photographer, Sally Singh was excellent” remarks Ayeza. “She was super organised and kept every one of tasks – which was needed often. She knew what we wanted to create and we are thankful for that. Her work also speaks for itself.”

The couple held their Rukhsati at Brisbane City Hall. “We came across the venue somewhat last minute but loved the style. The venue was local, the staff was accommodating and very close to our home and our elders. Easily accessible and made for great photos. Brisbane City Hall was also very accommodating and supportive of our requirements for the day.”

The bride and her mother did much of the decor themselves. “Due to covid restrictions and availability of various vendors, the hall decorations were hand made by myself and my mum, I’m glad mum was able to take the reigns and she had a clear vision of what needed to be done. It took us a few weeks to get these organised. This meant multiple trips to shops, flower markets and online shopping and hours upon hours of handiwork from my mother.”

Recalls Ayeza “The whole event was based upon celebrating the start of our lives together as a married couple. There was cake cutting, dancing, exchange of gifts and rings followed by us walking together as husband and wife. Bride’s head covered under a Quran is a ritual highly followed by Pakistani Muslims after their daughter goes to her spouse’s house.”

And although not what they originally planned, this celebration was utterly magical. “Our rukhsati ended up being a ‘magical whimsical night’ unexpectedly” remembers Ayeza. “It felt very intimate and we were surrounded by some of our closest loved ones. Intimate weddings are a foreign idea to ethnic subcontinental weddings but this made the event very special and allowed everyone to let their hair down and have fun.”

A big congratulations to you both Ayeza and Saad! We are so honoured to be able to share your celebration. Thank you both for allowing us to share your story and to Sal Singh Photography for sharing this one with us.