Tahira and Reza
Here’s what our editors love about this Calypso Lounge affair:

Tradition

We loved the way that tradition coalesced with du jour at this wedding reception, held at Calypso Lounge at Crowne Plaza. The marital celebration was based on Muslim beliefs. The Quran (the Muslims’ holy book) and Hadith (practices of the Prophet) prescribe how a marriage should take place. This process involves a proposal, and acceptance, witnessed by two people, as well as a dowry (gift) given to the bride by the groom. Friends and family are then invited to feast and share in the moment with the happy couple.

This sacred affair included a brief introduction by the Imam, a small prayer and explanation of how the ceremony would be conducted, after which the two witnesses, including the father of the bride, were dispatched and returned with word that the bride had in fact accepted the groom’s proposal. The bride then made her entrance into the wedding hall, to the tune of the Indian instrumental, Kal Ho Na Ho.

The Look

Plum and eggplant-purple with green, gold and champagne, is a very strong colour trend for 2011. These colours bring forth combinations that are rich, lush and simply elegant! It is this formula that Bernard, of La Tropicale, worked on the Calypso Lounge hall: a regal colour scheme played out in eggplant purple, with green, champagne and hints of burgandy. White cala lilies and red rose petals adorned the cake whilst cala lilies with white roses made up the bridal bouquet.

The Dress

Tahira wore stunning SaBelle by Maggie Sottero: A one-piece, full A-line gown with lace-up closure. This striking silhouette, in rich Bordeaux Taffeta, features cascading bustles draped asymmetrically over an embellished lace skirt. Beaded lace accents the gentle sweetheart neckline and surrounds the signature lace-up back. Handmade flowers are nestled within the bustles of the skirt.

The Honeymoon

Tahira and Reza spent two nights at the Hyatt Regency, Trinidad, before heading to Las Vegas. This city is rated among top honeymoon destinations for good reason: upscale accommodation and dining at great rates.The couple stayed at the Bellagio: a luxury, AAA Five Diamond award-winning hotel and casino located on the Las Vegas Strip. The hotel, inspired by the Lake Como resort of Bellagio in Italy, is famed for its elegance, and appears in various movies including Ocean’s Eleven and The Hangover. One of its most notable features is the Fountains of Bellagio - a large, dancing water fountain, synchronized to music, housed in an 8-acre lake between the building and the strip. Inside Bellagio, Dale Chihuly's Fiori di Como, composed of over 2,000 handblown glass flowers, covers 2,000 sq ft of the lobby ceiling. Bellagio is also home to Cirque du Soleil's aquatic production "O".

The newlyweds enjoyed viewing this production, as well as time spent shopping at Fashion Show Mall, located on the Las Vegas Strip (one of the largest enclosed malls in the world, with over 250 stores, 7 anchors, an elevated stage, and fashion runway shows). Honeymoon highlights included the Gondola Ride at the Venetian Hotel and the Eiffel Tower Ride. The Gondola ride is modeled after authentic Venetian gondolas - from the soothing sound of water lapping the sides of the gondola to the eloquent singing of the gondoliers, passengers feel as if they are transported to Italy. The gondolas make their way through the Grand Canal Shoppes, beneath bridges and below the quaint shops and cafés.

The Eiffel Tower Ride is a signature of the Las Vegas skyline. From the top is a breathtaking, panoramic view of the city. The replica is a half-scale exact reproduction of one of Europe's most famous landmarks!

Recommended Vendors

Photographer: Gary Jordan, www.garyjordan.com
Wedding Dress: Maggie Sottero Bridal Collection
Makeup: Sandra Hordatt, sandrahordatt@gmail.com
Florist: La Tropicale, (868) 628-0769
Invitations, Cake Boxes and Programs: House of Jaipur, www.houseofjaipur.com