If there’s one thing that we’ve seen over the last few years, it’s the concept that weddings are becoming far less gendered. In a world that is moving towards equality, we couldn’t be happier about it. With this change in the industry, we’ve also seen a rise in engagement rings for men. Whether you’re part of a loving same-sex couple or you just want to surprise the love of your life with his own ring, men deserve a ring to symbolize the major life changes too. That’s why we’ve searched high and low to round up some of our favorite engagement rings to help you seal the deal with your future forever partner.
Now that you’ve picked out the perfect engagement ring for your significant other, it’s time to think about how you’re going to pop the question. We’re helping you pull off the ultimate surprise proposal with these five steps–and sharing 15 proposal ideas that are as sweet as they are creative. And then once they say “yes” (because they definitely will), check out these first steps to take in the wedding planning process!
Hafeezah and Irshaad, with unwavering determination, transformed their wedding dream into a breathtaking reality over a span of two years. From the striking fashion choices to the meticulous attention to detail, their Casa Labia wedding was a floral-infused perfection from every angle. Starting with their chosen venue, the Casa Labia exuded a rich historical significance, setting the stage for their special day. Bursting with vibrant hues, their color palette brought electrifying energy to the atmosphere. The arrangements and decor were nothing short of show-stopping, capturing the attention of every guest. What’s even more remarkable is that they accomplished all this without the help of a wedding planner!
The couple decided to infuse their Nikkah—the traditional part of their wedding—with a touch of uniqueness. Instead of the usual mosque setting, they chose to have it in Hafeezah’s parents’ garden, turning the occasion into a truly enchanting experience. Nestled beneath two majestic 20-meter-high trees, Hafeezah’s father had created a cozy nook. Adorned with a beautifully crafted green carpet, they stood there surrounded by the soothing melodies of chirping birds. It was within this serene sanctuary that they exchanged their heartfelt vows, sealing their love and embarking on their journey of marriage.
Their marquee reception at the Casa Labia grounds surpassed all expectations, leaving guests in awe. The scene was adorned with lavish floral installations and shimmering crystal chandeliers, all nestled beneath a transparent tent that allowed the sky to be seen in all its glory. The tablescape exuded elegance, with exquisite blooms, flickering candles, and opulent gold settings. Every aspect of the wedding was thoughtfully planned—from the intricate details of the wedding dress and the brush stroke cake to the personalized illustrated tote bags and signs, showcasing the bride’s exceptional talent. It’s truly a sight to behold, and luckily, Misha Lee beautifully captured every element, so make sure to keep scrolling. Trust us when we say, you won’t want to miss out on this breathtaking celebration.
Our wedding venue, The Casa Labia, was one of the first things we decided on. It’s the former family home of one of Irshad’s best friends. The Casa Labia was built in the 1920s by Italian architect Giovanni Battista Comminetti, and its romantic lush-colored walls, the mixture of ornate chandeliers, and the collection of art and furniture with rich fabrics and intricate patterns led the way in keeping the overall look of the wedding rosy, luscious, and warm. We also wanted to ensure that our shared love of nature was central to the overall feel of the wedding.
Creating An Enchanting Floral Wonderland
To bring those flowers and mood lighting together, we found Mabel Flowers. We worked closely together, meeting often at the Casa Labia, to ensure we had the perfect mix of blush pinks, reds, and yellows. From that vision, sprang lots and lots of dahlias, peonies, orchids, and other flowers set in greens. It was gorgeous! Mabel also provided the table settings and chandeliers. My goodness, Mabel is a magician when it comes to creating an otherworldly vibe. Her bubbly personality and passion for flowers and aesthetics were the cherry on top.
A Magical And Unconventional Garden Nikkah And Vote Of Thanks To Honor All Their Guests
Our Nikkah, the traditional aspect of the wedding, took place in Hafeezah’s parents’ garden instead of a mosque, which is the usual setting. Honestly, it was the first Nikkah that both of us had ever attended outside of a mosque. It was a truly magical experience. The other special moment was the vote of thanks. Hafeezah and I decided to do a joint vote rather than the traditional groom only. We scripted something to honor all our guests and to thank those that had gone the extra mile. Some of it was cheesy, but it was really lovely and a great way to start our partnership together.
Advice For DIY Wedding Planning: Efficient Vendor Coordination
If you’re planning your wedding yourself, as we did, it’s essential to arrange a meeting with all your vendors beforehand, even if it’s just a Zoom call. This ensures that photographers, videographers, caterers, florists, and decorators all know each other. Wedding planners often prefer working with a select group of professionals who have already collaborated, but if your vendors haven’t worked together before, it’s important to create a sense of ease among them. One promise we made to each other was to handle the stress until the night before the wedding and simply go with the flow on the actual day. At some point, things are out of your hands, and that’s perfectly okay. Leave room for the unexpected, as it often adds to the magic of the day.
Overcoming Obstacles While Planning Their Casa Labia Wedding
Turning our wedding dreams into reality was a two-year endeavor. Throughout the planning process, we faced the challenge of being in different countries—Hafeezah was dedicated to her master’s studies, while Irshad managed two jobs. In September, Irshad embarked on his own master’s program and joined Hafeezah in South Africa at the end of November. Despite a few mishaps on the day itself, such as the seating plan going awry, successfully pulling off the wedding was a significant achievement. Planning this event marked our first major undertaking as a couple, which we believe holds true for many. Our goal was to set a tone for our relationship by infusing empathy, understanding, joy, and patience into every moment. Both of us willingly went the extra mile for each other, and it made a remarkable difference. Although there were moments of tension, we navigated them with grace and harmony.
Savvy Budget Management And Vendor Coordination
Initially, we had a budget in mind, but ultimately, the total cost ended up being around 1.5 times higher. It was a common warning we had heard from others, and unfortunately, it proved to be true. However, we consciously decided to indulge a bit more in select areas where we felt it was possible. To track our expenses effectively, we maintained a detailed and regularly updated Excel sheet, diligently recording quotes from various vendors. With our chosen wedding venue, it was our responsibility to gather most of the vendors ourselves. Negotiating with vendors to prioritize our “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves” became a significant part of the process. It was essential to discuss the exact breakdown of all-inclusive packages, be transparent about our financial budget, and collaborate with the vendors.
The Bride Drew Inspiration From Her Parents Colorful Style
My style inspiration derives from my parents, combining my dad’s evolving taste with my mom’s eye for detail. When I tried on my mother’s wedding dress for fun, I instantly fell in love with it and decided to add my own touch by having it rebeaded with pink and green beads, reflecting a nature theme. The dress was sent to India for the beadwork and, after a detour in London, it was expertly assembled by a helpful uncle. I wanted my wedding to be a colorful celebration, and that’s exactly what it became—from the nikkah ceremony to the dress, flowers (orchids, dahlias, and peonies), venue, and cake, which resembled lush vines and flowers. It was a sumptuous and vibrant experience.
Showcasing The Bride’s Talent Through The Custom Illustrated Tote Bags And Signs
Hafeezah, an illustrator alongside her consulting work, wanted to infuse her artistic talent into our wedding to make it truly personal. She sketched a picture of the two of us, along with her uncle, who played a significant role in assembling her dress. Using this illustration, her uncle, a clothing designer and manufacturer, created calico cotton tote bags. We incorporated the same image on the menus, lending a cohesive and personalized feel to the entire event. We aimed to give out favors that were meaningful and relevant, and after hearing that millennials love tote bags from Haf’s dad, we decided to give personalized tote bags as our favors.
Congratulations are in order for Hafeezah and Irshaad on their unforgettable Casa Labia wedding. The culmination of their hard work and meticulous planning resulted in a truly unique and remarkable celebration. Every detail was carefully curated to perfection, reflecting their love and personality. And a special shout-out goes to the talented Misha Lee for skillfully capturing all the magical moments, allowing us to relive the joy and beauty of their wedding day.
One of the key takeaways from Hafeezah and Irshaad’s Casa Labia wedding is the importance of good communication with vendors. They built strong connections with their vendors from the beginning, expressing their vision and preferences openly. And if you’re embarking on your own wedding planning journey, check out our directory of the world’s best wedding vendors. It’s the perfect starting point for building your dream team and ensuring a truly remarkable celebration.
When thinking of the ideal place for their elopement, Ella and Cole knew the Tantalus Mountains had to be it. These adventure seekers curated their “I do’s” around their favorite outdoor activities and a relaxed schedule that fit their laid-back personalities.
After kicking off their morning by getting dressed and doing hair and makeup together, the two lovebirds–and Junebug photographer Candice Marie–caught a helicopter up to the snowy mountaintops. Surrounded by stunning views, the couple exchanged heartfelt vows, snapped sunset portraits, then headed back down the mountain to cook their first meal together as a married couple (which they were sweet enough to share with their photographer and videographer).
To wrap up the day, the newlyweds spent the evening reading letters from friends and family and popped open a bottle of champagne to commemorate the start of their lives together. Keep scrolling through to see what your wedding day could look like if you celebrate your love with an unforgettable intimate adventure like these two.
DIYing Every Detail Helped Them Pull off the Elopement of Their Dreams
We were able to do everything on our own, which was intimidating but helped us really lean into our own intuition when it came to design, settings, etc. We did have help with our helicopter and videographer choices (shoutout to our photographer Candice), but other than that, we chose our own outfits together, styled our own makeup and hair, designed our cake, etc. I believe this is another reason why our day was so flawless.
Why A Loose Timeline Worked Perfectly for Their Laidback Personalities
With it just being us, we were able to focus on each other without any distractions or agendas to follow. We set a loose schedule for our helicopter ride, vows, and letters, but other than that, we were truly able to soak in every moment. Doing each other’s makeup and hair, helping put on dresses and jewelry, even just talking to each other throughout the day, and remembering why we decided to spend the rest of our lives with one another.
Wedding Advice: Do What Makes You Happiest
As cliche as it may sound, do what makes you feel the happiest without worrying about what others will think. If you want a grand ball for a wedding, do it. If you want to go to the courthouse with your close family and then have a party in your backyard, do it. This is a once-in-a-lifetime day that you will want to look back on with fond memories, not regrets of what should have been.
Why A Tantalus Mountains Elopement
The first time Cole came to British Columbia, we went to Squamish and had the best time of our lives. So when we were thinking of where we wanted to vow to spend the rest of our lives together, it was an obvious answer on both ends. We then got our photographer to help us find some unique spots in Squamish, which led us to the side of the Tantalus Mountain range, just above Lovely Lake. It turned out to be more beautiful than we ever could have dreamed.
Congratulations to Ella and Cole on their sweet Tantalus Mountain elopement and a big thank you to Junebug photographer Candice Marie for documenting their intimate adventure beautifully. To see more of Candice’s work, check out her profile in our directory of wedding photographers from around the world!
If you’re feeling inspired to elope, start your planning with our elopement planning checklist. We help break down everything from choosing a location, to planning a ceremony, and more. And, of course, if you want to take things up a notch, you’re going to want to see this guide on how to decorate your elopement!
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