This Houston Bride Designed Her Own Gown and Veil From Scratch!

This Houston bride designed her own dress and veil from scratch, and it’s only the beginning of the list of luxurious elements to love from this elegant chateau wedding! Afia and Ahmad started their big day apart from each other, but exchanged texts to share their excitement about what was to come! Afia and her bridesmaids started getting ready at the vast, exquisite bridal suite at Chateau Nouvelle while groomsmen played cards in their quarters. Eventually, Afia slipped into her custom-made gown, and final touches on hair and makeup were made so she was ready to walk down the aisle! In Islam, partners are wed through a religious ceremony called the nikkah, where the imam, an Islamic priest, makes a religious speech and the bride and groom sign contracts in being pronounced husband and wife. After a few words from the imam about the special bond between husband and wife, both signed papers and they were pronounced married! Everyone cheered and clapped as they walked down the aisle into the start of their forever. In Lebanese culture, once bride and groom are married, it is customary for the couple to do a grand entrance called the zaffe. Afia and Ahmad were preceded by a group of dancers in a performance to escort them into the reception! After cutting a rug for a while, dinner was finally served! On the menu was a mix of the bride’s native Pakistani food and Arabic food since the groom is from Lebanon. They dined at their lovely sweetheart table adorned by florals from the bride’s re-utilized bridal bouquet as well as romantic candles! After dinner, the newlyweds headed to the dessert bar to cut the cake. When Afia and Ahmad cut their cake, a confetti blower released glittering confetti to cascade from the top floor and sparkle down over the couple and their guests. How magical! After sentimental and heartfelt toasts that left no dry eye in the room, sparklers were passed out and Afia and Ahmad walked between guests for their grand exit. As the sparklers died down, a grand firework show began and Afia says at that moment, she knew her wedding had the fairy tale ending she had always wanted! Keep scrolling to soak in all the luxe elements of their elegant chateau wedding and read on for a note from this Houston bride about her favorite wedding detail. Cheers to Afia and Ahmad!

Photo // Shaimaa Photography

From the bride: “I designed and sketched my own dress, and had it personally tailored to my desires. The dress had a seven-and-a-half foot train and fifteen-foot veil. I was very proud of my wedding dress.”

Plans to tie the knot soon yourself? Check out some of our favorite Houston wedding vendors here to get the planning started! Cheers!