A Stunning Multi-Cultural Celebration at il Tulipano

Misba and Amir describe their big day as “an Indian, Muslim, American fusion wedding.” The big day, on June 18, 2023 at il Tulipano, began with a Muslim Nikah ceremony outdoors. “My wedding day was beautiful,” says Misba of the 220-guest affair. “The venue was exactly what I was looking for with an outdoor option for my Nikah with nature and florals, and beautiful interior design for our reception with elegant style.”

Misba & Amir’s Story

Misba Gani and Amir Zain’s relationship has been built on three things: love, respect and common future goals. They met through a mutual friend in 2016. “He’s the more mature, patient and humble one,” says Misba. I’m the loud and spontaneous one. It’s the perfect mix.” She is Indian-American. He is Filipino- and Dominican-American. “We love learning about each other’s culture, and I love how much he loves and cares about me and my family,” says Misba.

The Proposal

Patience has also been key in their relationship. “We had to go through some hurdles because of our cultural differences,” says Misba. “We knew we were going to get married, but Amir asked my parents first.” Then, he planned a surprise proposal with family and friends at their home. “The place was beautifully decorated. I walked in with my favorite Hindi music playing and some candles and roses. He had a whole speech playing in the background for me. It was beautiful,” says Misba.

Their il Tulipano Wedding

Misba describes their big day as “an Indian, Muslim, American fusion wedding.” The festivities kicked off on June 15, 2023, with a Haldi event in their backyard, where friends and family applied turmeric to the couple’s faces. “It’s supposed to make the bride and groom glow from within,” says Misba. Afterward, they moved the 30-person party into their house for a Mehndi celebration, when everyone danced and got henna. The big day, on June 18, 2023 at il Tulipano, began with a Muslim Nikah ceremony outdoors. During the wedding ceremony, a flower divider stood between the bride and groom. The couple signed a big certificate called the Nikah Nama, and then Amir came through the flower divider, lifted Misba’s veil and kissed her head. “My wedding day was beautiful,” says Misba of the 220-guest affair. “The venue was exactly what I was looking for with an outdoor option for my Nikah with nature and florals, and beautiful interior design for our reception with elegant style.”

The Ensembles

All of Misba’s outfits were custom made, including her two ensembles for the pre-wedding celebrations. “My Nikah ceremony outfit was an off-white lehnga with fine details. It had the perfect elegance,” she says. “Then, I changed to my reception gown, which was a beautiful purple gown with gold details and pinks in it. Purple is my favorite color. It was glam and royal.”

Special Surprise

During the reception, Amir surprised Misba with a dance, which she really didn’t expect because he is usually quiet. “He had the whole crowd dancing,” she says. “He choreographed it himself with his groomsmen.”

Favorite Moment

“My favorite moment was just seeing all of my vision come to life,” says Misba. “When my family, bridesmaids and bridesman tried on their outfits that I designed and they loved them, I was so happy.” She adds: “Having my bridesmaids and bridesman get their henna done was amazing.”

Advice

“Take a moment to look around and take it all in,” says Misba.

Honeymoon

After their wedding, Misba and Amir drove to Canada and Pennsylvania for a getaway. The couple plans to go to Egypt this year for a larger honeymoon celebration. For now, the newlyweds, who are in their mid-twenties, are at home in Jersey City.