This Couple Had A Magical Arab Wedding Inspired By A Midsummer Nights Dream

Love knows no bounds, as evidenced by Sara and Tarek’s remarkable love story. This couple’s connection was rooted in a shared passion for social justice, literature, felines, and the great outdoors – an uncommon bond that blossomed into a lifelong partnership. As their relationship evolved from friendship to romance, it was only fitting that their wedding celebration would be a testament to the magic of their love.

Set amidst Australia’s picturesque Southern Highlands, Sara and Tarek’s special day unfolded like a fairytale, replete with whimsical charm, natural beauty, and a strong sense of community. As the couple exchanged vows, the air was filled with an unmistakable sense of joy, warmth, and togetherness.

All the Details of Sara and Tarek’s Wedding in Australia’s Southern Highlands

The Proposal

Tarek’s proposal was a masterclass in storytelling, weaving together elements of his and Sara’s love story with nods to their cultural heritage. The surprise day trip to Byron Bay, known for its breathtaking natural beauty, served as the perfect backdrop for his thoughtful gesture. As they enjoyed a romantic lunch and took a leisurely horseback ride along the beach, Tarek seized the moment to pop the question.

And in a nod to the serendipity of their relationship, Sara’s resounding ‘yes’ solidified their bond and sealed their fate. The photo, captured by Meri Mas Photography, perfectly captures the joy and intimacy of that special moment.

Planning The Wedding

Sara and Tarek’s wedding celebration was a vibrant tribute to their rich heritage and the land they called home. To honor their Palestinian-Lebanese-Egyptian roots, as well as the Indigenous land where they stood, the couple incorporated meaningful symbols and colors into their special day. Olives, eucalyptus branches, sunset natives, and pomegranates became integral elements of the celebration, paying homage to their cultural heritage and the land they cherished.

Finding the perfect venue was crucial, and The Book Barn exceeded their expectations. As self-proclaimed book lovers, Sara and Tarek were enchanted by the walls lined with books, the whimsical fairy lights, and the lush greenery. The warm hospitality of the staff and the delicious Arab-approved cuisine added the final touches to their dream venue. Planning their wedding became an exciting six-month journey.

They created a comprehensive website featuring two main sections: one for invitees, providing essential details about dates, schedule, transportation, accommodation, dress code, and registry; and another for their own planning needs, including an RSVP tracker, budget monitor, and task manager. Once the major decisions like theme, venue, and dates were settled, ticking things off the list became a thrilling game.

Sara & Tarek’s Favorite Elements

The couple’s most treasured aspects of their special day were undoubtedly the enchanting venue and the theme that came to life through the tireless efforts of their vendors, who not only shared their vision but also resonated with their cherished values of art, food, community, love, and joy.

Every meticulous detail was a testament to this harmony, from the heavenly cake that tasted as divine as it looked to the thoughtful touches like bookmarks bearing poetic quotes and golden-framed displays featuring passages about love from celebrated authors. The vendors’ dedication allowed every element to shine, much like the couple’s love for each other. The wedding was filled with unforgettable moments.

The grand zaffe entrance, accompanied by a captivating mix of Arabic-English music, had everyone on their feet, dancing and rejoicing. The photographer worked with seamless ease, capturing timeless moments that allowed the couple to relax and enjoy every second of their special day. Sara’s decision to preserve her bridal bouquet as earrings was a brilliant move, allowing her to treasure this keepsake forever.

Asma, the couple’s dear friend, took center stage to perform a poignant Quranic recitation, selecting a verse that highlighted the importance of mercy and compassion between partners in marriage. It’s rare to see a woman take on this role at a Muslim wedding, but Asma’s performance was nothing short of outstanding!

The Wedding Gown

As the evening unfolded, Sarah’s dress transformed from a classic blend of elegance and sophistication, reminiscent of Grace Kelly and Lily Collins, to a more relaxed yet still stylish ensemble. The versatile design allowed her to effortlessly swap her heels for comfortable lace-ups during the post-ceremony photo shoot, blending the best of both worlds seamlessly. A stunning turban designed by Australian milliner Ann Shoebridge added a touch of glamour, tying the entire look together perfectly.

Meanwhile, a small beaded purse, once belonging to Sarah’s late grandmother, held sentimental value and served as a meaningful connection to her heritage on this momentous occasion. The photo captures the essence of the evening, taken by the talented photographer at Instagram. com/merimasphotography.

The Couple’s Favorite Moments

As the lights dimmed and the music began to sway, Tarek’s initial reservations about dancing in public melted away. On their wedding night, he surprised himself by twirling his wife effortlessly, creating a tender and intimate moment between them. The warm and heartfelt speeches that followed left both the newlyweds and their guests deeply moved, with laughter and joy filling the air.

A highlight of the celebration was the shoe game, which replaced traditional shoes with humorous photos, bringing the house down in applause. Meanwhile, Tarek’s calm demeanor throughout the planning process kept Sara grounded, reminding her of the unwavering love and support they shared.

The Wedding Vendors

The Berkelouw Book Barn is the perfect venue to host your special day, thanks to its unique styling and ambiance. With event planning expertise from Susan Almaani, every detail will be taken care of. To satisfy your sweet tooth, Viola Marie Cakes will provide an exquisite cake, while The Coffee Counter in Sydney will keep your guests energized with their specialty coffee.

Get the party started with DJ Richy’s infectious beats and capture the memories through stunning photography by Merima’s Photography. For the bride-to-be, Pronovias wedding dresses from Marry Me Bridal will be a dream come true. A touch of glamour can be added to your look with Dollface by Yas makeup, while an elegant turban from Anne Shoebridge will complete the ensemble.

Finally, add a pop of color and freshness to your decor with a beautifully arranged fruit table featuring Sydney produce from Lakemba.