Secret Garden

Zaraf and I met online on a dating website. I pretty much struck gold because he was the first person I met and we just clicked (excuse the pun!) 
We met close to Oxford Circus which is where Zaraf was working at the time. He suggested we meet at the Apple Store on Regent Street, as ‘everyone knows where that is’. Everyone, except for me, as it turned out! I got very lost. So the first time we spoke was on the phone, and I was frazzled about being late. 
Thankfully things got better from there. We went for a drink and then on to dinner, talking non-stop the whole time. It became clear very quickly that we had a lot in common. I remember calling my friend that night and telling her I felt giddy, I was so excited to have met someone who felt so right.

The bride: Fatima Qureshi, 27 
The groom: Zaraf Singh, 29 
Married: 25th July 2015 
Venue: Poundon House
Photography: Aparat Photography

The Venue

Finding a venue was tough as I had something really specific in mind. I needed a home away from home, somewhere in the countryside where we could spend time outdoors and which would be flexible with what we wanted to do. And that’s what I found in Poundon House. It couldn’t have been more perfect.

The Decor

Poundon House has a huge marquee in the back, which is already set up for weddings, so we didn't go overboard with our own decorations.
Instead of a top table we chose 5 main tables so our parents could enjoy spending time with their friends and family who had travelled from afar for the wedding. Each of these tables were decorated with a sequined silver table cloth which my mum had commissioned especially.
Flowers were by Jessica Rose Flowers who my mum found at the last minute. Despite never meeting Jessica, the floral arrangements she designed for us went beyond my expectations. 
The Speeches

Toasts were made by my dad, the Best Man Andrew, my Maid of Honour Kate and Zaraf. Zaraf, who usually finds it difficult to express his feelings publicly, made me cry during his speech. It was beautiful and he finished it with lyrics from one of our favourite songs, Lovesong by The Cure – “However far away, I will always love you. However long I stay, I will always love you. Whatever words I say, I will always love you. I will always love you”.