Muslim Weddings

The Start of a Winter Wonderful Wedding

Tasnim and Sami’s winter wonderful wedding was set in the beautiful Meridian Grand whilst the snow trickled outside during the festive month of December.

Tasnim arrived early in the morning, having spent the previous night in a hotel which is a short distance away from the venue. Making her way to the bridal suite to get ready for the big day, she was greeted by the Meridian Grand hostess as soon as she arrived. The hostess helped her to get comfortable and settle in, before her hair and makeup artist arrived.

Tasnim had the luxury of getting ready in our stunning and well-equipped VIP bridal suite, which includes an en-suite bathroom and a spacious room with glistening gold wallpaper which has often been a very popular feature for brides and photographers to capture getting ready shots.

Whilst Tasnim was getting ready in her own private bridal room, suppliers were busy creating a dream come true set up for the Bride and Groom in the Meridian Grand Ballroom.

Drinks Reception

Meridian Grand Catering had the pleasure of making a bespoke drinks and food menu for the newlywed couple.

Guests started arriving in the entrance foyer area from 1pm. The enchanted floral theme started from the entrance foyer area, with green foliage and blush roses draping down the staircase. Guests were mesmerised as they walked into the charming setting. For friends and family to enjoy, there was a Tuk Tuk photo booth in the Entrance Foyer for some fun and creative shots.

Guests were greeted with a selection of drinks, created and designed by our in-house team. Inspired by love and marriage, the drinks were called: Apple of My Eye, Blushing Bride & Mint to Be. With a range of mocktails bursting with fresh flavours, and classic Canapes with a unique twist, guests were truly enjoying the Meridian Grand experience.

Guests were greeted with our special in house brewed winter warmer drinks, which were created to warm guests up during the winter month. Family and friends appreciated this even more so after their journey travelling in the heavy snow. Our canapes which included our signature Chattpatte Mushroom and Chicken Tikka were a delightful start to excite everyone’s taste buds.

Groom Arrival

Sami, the Groom arrived in style in a white Rolls Royce with a trail of cars behind him filled with excited family members. When the Bride’s side heard of the Grooms arrival, they started preparing for the fun and games ahead. The Dhol Players created an exciting atmosphere whilst the Groom walked into the venue.

As the Groom attempted to walk in, he was stopped by a red ribbon and the Bride’s family members, who were teasing him and asking for money for Tasnim’s hand in marriage. All taking place under our stunning Swarovski chandelier, after lots of fun and laughter, the Groom was able to pass through the crowd – and was a step closer to seeing his beautiful bride!

Sami made his first appearance into the Ballroom, the romantic setting for his big day.

After some photos with family and friends, Sami went up into the Bridal Suite to see his beautiful Bride for the first time, so that they could prepare for their big entrance together.

In the meantime, kids were kept entertained upstairs in the Infinity Suite with a children’s film, allowing parents to relax and take in every moment.

The Bride & Groom Entrance

The Meridian Grand venue looked beautiful with an array of trestle and circular tables split by a mirrored dancefloor and a 32ft led back drop screen portraying the walkaway into heaven. The venue surrounded by a selection of stunning pink and purple themed flowers which looked magical in the dreamy like setting, with golden peach lights glimmering across the ballroom. As guests eagerly awaited the Bride & Groom’s entrance, Tasnim and Sami had a surprise in store!

The DJ requested all guests to look up, the mirrored balcony doors opened, and Tasnim & Sami made their first appearance as Bride & Groom, whilst giving a royal wave. Guests were then asked to stand up as the Bride & Groom made their entrance into the exquisite Grand Ballroom! As they walked in, the room was lit up with the sparkling chandeliers and lots of smiling faces.

Hand in hand, Tasnim & Sami walked down the aisle through the Meridian Grand Ballroom, the spotlight was shining bright, following their every step as they walked towards the main stage.

Once they reached the main stage, they started the traditional ceremony by exchanging milk, sweets and flower garlands. They had a bespoke religious service to conduct the auspicious ceremony of the Bride and Groom.

Meridian Grand Catering

Each table was embellished with bespoke menus with a stunning picture of Tasnim & Sami from their Civil Ceremony, creating that added personal touch to their special day.

Tasnim, Sami & the families attended a food tasting during the initial stages of their wedding planning. They were overjoyed with the outstanding taste and presentation of the food and happily decided to put their trust in Meridian Grand Catering to look after everyone on the special day.

Guests were treated to a luxurious three course meal served to the table. With a mixture of traditional dishes and contemporary dishes, it was the perfect combination. Starters included Lamb Sheekh Kebabs, Lollipop Chicken, Chilli Paneer and Samosa Chaat. The Bride & Groom had chosen dishes from the Meridian Grand Shapla Package – and it was most certainly the perfect decision. Tasnim commented ‘Since the wedding, everyone has been going on and on about how the food was so tasty.’

Mains were a mixture of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options including Vegetable Jalfrezi and Murgh Tikka Makhani – Meridian Grand’s speciality dish!

For Desserts, Tasnim & Sami went for the signature Gajar Halwa Crumble and Ice-Cream, which Meridian Grand added a surprise twist for the guests, who were left wowed by this creative and delicious dessert.

Fahmina Choudhury – the Meridian Grand Event Manager on the day stated ‘It was an honour to host Sami & Tasnim’s big day, they were a pleasure to work with and as a thank you for putting their trust in us, and we presented a complimentary Shagorana Taal which is traditional to the Bengali culture. Our Head Chef was overwhelmed with the huge round of applause he received whilst walking through the ballroom, to hand deliver the Taal to the couple’

Event Management

With every event, Meridian Grand provide an in-house Event Manager to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day.

‘At Meridian Grand, our vision just isn’t to be the host venue, but to play a key part in delivering an event that friends and family will cherish forever.’ Fahmina Choudhury.

The Event Manager took care of everything, allowing the Bride & Groom to relax and embrace every moment of the day. From reserving car parking spaces, to looking after Tasnim & Sami, to ensure everything is running to schedule.

The Meridian Grand team displayed images of the Bride and Groom on the projection Screens for all guests to enjoy and see. The in house events team created a personal welcome Message for Sami & Tasnim for guests as they entered the venue.

The couple provided miniature wooden regal elephants on the head table which added a personal touch, this was then placed and presented by the Meridian Grand Team, it is the small touches that play a big part in Event Management within Meridian Grand.

The End of the Day but the Start of a New Chapter

After the guest’s enjoyed the feast, the Bride, Groom and family took photos together on the main stage, creating unforgettable memories.

Tasnim was overjoyed with how her special day went ‘You all were amazing on the day. All our guests were so impressed, and you guys went above and beyond- we can’t stop raving on about the service from Meridian Grand. Not to mention the food! So literally everything you guys did was perfect, I wish I could do it all over again- I loved every moment of the day’.

Whilst the snow settled outside during the chilly month of December, hearts were melting inside, filled with love. The Bride and Groom left in a cool white Rolls Royce after their winter wonderful wedding, waving goodbye to the Meridian Grand venue with nothing but sweet filled memories.

A big thank you to all of the suppliers who made Tasnim and Sam’s winter wedding a huge success!

Caterers: Meridian Grand Catering

Décor: Enchanted by Syma

DJ: Royal Events

Cake: Asian Wedding Cakes

Makeup Artist: Sonia Zarine

Photography and Videography: Memoirz

Photobook: Mobile Moments

Lighting: CDS Lighting

Frequent supplier to Meridian Grand and well-known hair stylist Shamalah and her husband Raju had their wedding at Meridian Grand this Autumn. Having worked with Shamalah in the venue many of times, it was an honour to host her magnificent wedding and help her plan the details of her special day.

Shamalah looked simply resplendent, arriving at Meridian Grand in a vintage car. She made her way upstairs to the VIP bridal suite to relax, allowing her to spend time with her close friends and family before her grand entrance.

Shamalah mentioned ‘’The look of Meridian Grand venue stood out from all the others to me and I knew this was the perfect one to get married in’’.

Mohsin Ali Photography

Guests started to arrive in the Entrance Foyer with welcome drinks flowing in the luxury ambience for the stunning wedding. Shamalah had chosen an enchanted theme, with decor by Enchanted by Syma’ and a range of other suppliers, coordinated by Meridian Grand, including a tuk tuk photo booth. The show-stopper in the entrance foyer was a romantic floral display of two swans in pink. This perfectly enhanced the elegance of Meridian Grand’s entrance foyer. There was a welcome message on the venue’s TV screens, designed and created by Shamalah’s event manager at Meridian Grand. As Raju arrived in a red Bentley, the Groom’s side were welcomed into the venue by the bride’s side, as they celebrated a union of two families within the spacious entrance foyer.

Guests made their way into ‘Emerald Paradise’ that had transformed the Meridian Grand Ballroom.

Mohsin Ali Photography

The decorator, Enchanted by Syma, worked with Meridian Grand’s team to set the ballroom beautifully for 650 guests. Emerald crushed velvet table linen, combined with oversized enchanted woodland floral arrangements created a stunning look for Shamalah’s wedding. The decor was perfectly complimented by a huge LED screen featuring a forest and waterfall, with a bespoke printed Dancefloor. Pops of burgundy, lilac and mauve further enhanced the magical element of the forest-like setting. Meridian Grand’s crystal chandeliers tied in perfectly and took the whole design concept to a new level.

Mohsin Ali Photography

Décor designer of the day, Syma mentioned ‘I always love working at Meridian Grand, I find it such a beautiful venue to showcase my décor and create magical themes within’

Shamalah said ‘’The day was a dream come true, it was even better than my expectations and the décor complimented the venue perfectly’’.

Mohsin Ali Photography

Thanks to all the amazing suppliers:

CATERERS: Friends Corner

DÉCOR: Enchanted by Syma

DJ: Royale Events

CAKE: Asian Wedding Cakes

PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER: PicturThat