Kashmir, the land of paradise and beauty, lures you in with its incredible scenery, houseboat sojourns and heart-warming stories. And what a beautiful tale it weaves as it mystically brings together an ace Kashmiri photographer cum poet to cross paths with a Dubai based, gorgeous lawyer.
A nostalgic Afsha wistfully says “I visited Kashmir in April 2017 with my parents. After a journalist friend saw some of my pictures he asked to write about Kashmir for a travel blog. As I was writing, I needed more photos and I came across Aamir’s breathtaking photography and poetry. I got in touch with him to use some of his photos and to share ideas on another trip I wanted to plan to explore Kashmir. Our initial discussion ended with both of us exchanging the usual remarks of agreeing to try and meet if I did make it to Kashmir again. At the end of September 2017, I went back to Kashmir. I met Aamir and within 24 hours we knew we were getting married!”
“What is ironic is that when I first saw Aamir’s photography, I had sent a friend a message saying “I found him!” I remember her jokingly asking me whether I found him for myself or for pictures for my story!! I had no idea why I said that then – but time would tell!”
“Aamir proposed. He put my hand on his heart, so I could feel his heart beat. He had wrapped the ring in a paper which he had written poetry on. The ring was extra special because it was designed in a way that looked like the trees from Kashmir – the place we met and fell in love.”
Aamir Wani and Afsha Karim left no stone unturned for their romantic coupling and celebrated their joyous union at breathtaking venues that further accentuated the scenic beauty that is Kashmir. The festivities began in the morning, with their ‘nikah’ ( the signing of their marriage contract ) taking place at the nearly 200-year-old Jalali House – a heritage structure that dates back to 1863; followed by their ‘Mehendi’ ceremony in the evening, held at the opulent Lalit Hotel. The celebrations ended the following day with a grand reception for all their guests at the magnificent Taj Hotel where it was apparent to all that their ceremonies paid a grand tribute to a love everlasting.
Devika Narain, the planner behind this incredible celebration said “I’ve never felt more at peace than I did at this beautiful wedding, the city is a treasure and designing it was an absolute adventure, impulsive and sometime even frightening. I came back feeling mesmerized and grateful for the opportunity and experience. Being able to translate the couple’s imagination into a real visual slate gave my team an exhilarating feel: a sense of joy”