Alex and Rida’s love story is a beautiful celebration of their diverse cultural backgrounds and shared love. Alex, hailing from England, and Rida, born and raised in Pakistan, came together in a stunning destination wedding celebration in the vibrant city of Dubai. 

Follow the couple’s journey from how they met to their magical proposal and unforgettable wedding day, as we explore the cultural elements that made their love story so special.

Their Story

The couple’s story begins in London, where they both met while working there. Having already spent several years in the UK earning her degrees, Rida had settled into life in London when fate brought her and Alex together. The couple fell in love and started dating, and in the summer of 2022, they jetted off to Florida for a romantic holiday.

The Proposal

It was during a magical moment on a boat watching fireworks over Disney that Alex surprised Rida by getting down on one knee and asking for her hand in marriage. It was June 9th, 2022, and just a day before Rida was to celebrate her 30th birthday. Overwhelmed with joy, Rida said yes, and the couple began planning their future together.

The Wedding

The celebration of Alex and Rida’s love story began with their Islamic nikkah ceremony in London in November 2022. In Pakistani culture, the nikkah ceremony is a traditional wedding ritual that formalises the union between the bride and groom in the presence of witnesses. 

Pakistani weddings are known for their unique cultural traditions and lavish celebrations, and Alex and Rida’s wedding was no exception. In February 2023, the couple continued their wedding festivities with an intimate destination wedding in Dubai at the luxurious Four Seasons venue. With around 80 guests in attendance, the wedding was a simple yet stunning celebration of the couple’s love and diverse cultural backgrounds.

The Four Seasons venue in Dubai is known for its stunning views of the city’s skyline and its unparalleled luxury, it is a great venue for Dubai destination weddings like this one. The venue’s elegant architecture and world-class amenities provided the perfect backdrop for Alex and Rida’s special day. With every detail carefully planned, from the exquisite white decor to the delectable cuisine, the wedding was a true reflection of the couple’s modest style and personality.

The Attire

The attire worn by the bride and groom played an essential role in creating a culturally rich and stunning wedding celebration. Rida donned a classic Pakistani wedding outfit known as a lehenga, featuring intricate gold embroidery and a beautiful red colour. The colour red is a popular choice for Pakistani brides, symbolising femininity, prosperity, love, passion, power, and new beginnings. The bride also adorned her hands with beautiful henna patterns, drawn during the mehndi night, a traditional pre-wedding ceremony in Pakistani weddings.

Alex’s outfit for the wedding was a simple yet elegant beige suit, with accents of Pakistani male attire incorporated into the shirt and blazer. It was a beautiful way for him to pay tribute to Rida’s culture and honour the significance of their union. 

The Photographer

According to the photographer, @candid.image, Alex and Rida’s wedding was incredibly emotional and filled with heartfelt moments. As photographers, @candid.image tend to “hunt” for those special expressions and emotions that truly capture the essence of a wedding day. However, with Alex and Rida, it was almost effortless. The couple’s love and connection were so evident, making it easy to capture those perfect moments. It’s a testament to the strength of their relationship and the beauty of their wedding day.

Alex and Rida were lucky enough to find @candid.image through social media, and it’s clear that they made a perfect choice. The stunning images captured by @candid.image truly showcase the beauty and uniqueness of this couple’s wedding day.

Alex and Rida’s wedding was a beautiful blend of cultural traditions, love, and luxury, making it a truly unique and unforgettable celebration.

Supplier Spotlight

Bride: @rida.s

Planner: @meraki.ae

Photographer: @candid.image

Venue: @fsdubai

Makeup & Hair: @kiranfarooq

Bridal Outfit: @farazmanan

READ MORE: Dubai Allows for Las Vegas-Style Weddings: Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Wedded Wonderland is excited to launch the Get Wedded in Dubai 2023 digital magazine, featuring the unparalleled beauty and charm of destination weddings in Dubai. The magazine showcases captivating real weddings across cultures, highlights leading venues, offers guidance from innovative wedding planners, fashion designers, and jewellers, and features a comprehensive directory of preferred suppliers nationwide. 

Read the magazine below!