Featured in MunaLuchi Bridal Magazine, Issue No. 27, Jamad & Loyan’s “Red Hot Romance” themed micro wedding in Ontario, Canada was an unforgettable experience!
Inspired by Jamad’s hopeless romantic nature, their “Red Hot Romance” took place at The Royal Ambassador Event Centre. With a lakeside gazebo overlooking lake Innis to exchange vows in, a private entrance for their grand reveal, and opulent chandeliers decorating the reception hall, the venue created the regal vibe they were both looking to achieve. Wedding Planner, Nia Khalil, of Weddings with Nia, and Baneen Abidi from BlissfulBeginnings helped bring their vision to life with luxe floral decor including all things red, red roses, and candles.
Highlights of the day included tributes to their shared Somali Canadian cultures and love of R&B music with DJ Amal creating a playlist of love songs that brought a nostalgic early 90s vibe to their reception. The couple also shared a memorable private first dance before their reception. Looking back on that special moment, Jamad shares, “It was the most special part of our night… We didn’t have to think about posing for pictures or smiling at a crowd. It was just us, swaying with the music and embracing the moment.”
More details from their “Red Hot Romance” themed wedding below!
- Couple: Jamad Artan & Loyan Mohamed
- Occupations: Both Bride and Groom are Healthcare Practitioners
- Photographer: Karimah Gheddai
Quick Facts From The Bride:
- Location of Wedding: The Royal Ambassador Event Centre (Ontario, Canada)
- Wedding Date: August 25th, 2021
- Wedding Theme: Red Hot Romance
- Wedding flowers: Red Roses
- Favorite item on the menu: Everything on the dessert station especially the waffles and ice cream!
- First dance song: If This World was Mine by Luther Vandross
- Advice for brides: Plan ahead and stay organized. If you think you need a planner then I highly recommend getting one!
How they met…
We had a few mutual friends and the first time I met Loyan was in a casual group outing with a few friends. We didn’t talk that much that night, but we ended up in similar social gatherings a few times after that. Loyan is very much an outgoing social butterfly and knows a lot people. So one summer, my friend Davis, asked him to set me up with one of his buddies.
He messaged me that night to ask me about what I was looking for in a man, and we ended up talking all night about everything and anything under the sun. Loyan started calling me every night after that call under the pretense of wanting to set me up, but we never really talked about any potential suitors. Soon after, Loyan told me that he actually had feelings for me the whole time and that he didn’t want to set me up with anyone and asked me to give him a chance instead, and well… the rest is history!
Dress reveal…
The proposal…
For our proposal, Loyan reached out to Davis and my sister to help him. He told me he was helping his best friend set up for a surprise proposal for his soon-to-be fiancé and told me to dress up nicely so we could take engagement photos with them and I actually believed it. I remember getting there a little late and hearing music playing inside and immediately started worrying If I was about to ruin her surprise.
As I opened the door the first thing I saw was roses on the floor and candles everywhere! I think every emotion possible ran through my head when I saw the LED “Marry Me” sign in the background and a man with a violin playing “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri beautifully. I noticed Loyan standing at the end of the room, with no one else in sight, and my heart was beating like crazy!
He met me halfway on the pathway made up of rose pedals, took my hand, and lead me to the massive heart of roses at the end of the room. The camera man following our every move as he got one knee and told me everything I’ve ever wanted to hear and asked me to marry him! One of the best nights of my life.
Their first look…
How she knew he was “the one”…
I knew he was special because I never once felt awkward around him. Our conversations just flowed and he made it easy for me to be myself around him, allowing me to trust him with anything. And I’m so grateful for that.
Celebrating culture…
For our traditional wedding night, we incorporated an old tradition of Somali culture called Buraanbur which is an art form of poetry. It was a great part of the night where guests from each side of the family would take turns dancing to the beat of the drums while poetry was being read out paying homage to each family.
Wedding style…
I wanted to portray romance and elegance and wanted to surround our hall in beautiful red roses and candles. I am so grateful to have been connected to Baneen at Bliss Beginnings who was able to help me bring my vision to life. She helped me add the details that created a more timeless and vivid look. It was more than I could’ve ever imagined.
Wedding dress…
I loved my wedding dress from the moment I laid my eyes on it. It was a fully decorated mermaid Eva Lendal gown with a deep sweetheart neckline. It also had a beautiful detachable skirt with matching lace.
Favorite accessory…
For my shoes, I just had to get the nude Louboutin Follies Strass pumps which were, by far, my favorite accessory.
Favorite wedding day memories…
A wedding is a blessed time to share with your family and loved ones but I am so glad we were able to plan some alone time for each other. It was the most special part of our night when we shared a private first dance before our guests entered the banquet hall, where we were able to share an intimate dance together. We didn’t have to think about posing for pictures or smiling at a crowd. It was just us, swaying with the music and embracing the moment.
Navigating Covid…
With everything that has happened in the last few years with covid, I learned, like many others, how much harder it could be to plan weddings. I believe now there is a shift in wedding culture, where a lot of young couples are really taking the time to think about what truly is important to them about getting married.
Thankfully, the covid restrictions started to lift just a couple of weeks before our date but we still wanted to keep our initial guest count the same, despite many people wanting us to invite more people. We still felt that it was even just as important to keep our day as intimate as possible. Everyone we cared about attended and it truly allowed our special night to be full of positive energy and joy.
Reception room reveal…
Decor…
Sweet details…
Place settings…
Wedding advice for other engaged couples…
The best thing you can do is to start planning as soon as you get engaged! After announcing your engagement; take a moment to talk to each other about both your expectations for the big day and any major obligations that need to be fulfilled. That way you both understand where each stands and if any compromises need to be made, you can plan for it accordingly.
Another thing I’d like to add is the importance of not letting other peoples’ opinions overshadow your own visions for your big day. And that could be anything from overbearing family members wanting extra invites or not liking your color scheme choices. Follow your gut so that you don’t have any regrets later on your wedding day.
Looking for more inspiration like this “Red Hot Romance” themed wedding?
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Vendors:
- Planner: Weddings With Nia
- Venue: Royal Ambassador Event Centre
- Decorator: Bliss Beginnings
- Photographer: Karimah Gheddai Photography
- Second Shooter for Karimah Gheddai Photography: Shahzia Afghan
- Suit: CE Clothier
- Tablescape: Roselle & Co
- Linen Rentals: Right Choice Linen
- Vintage Sofa & Chair Rentals: Luxe Rentals
- Bouquet: Zuhoor Designs
- Hairstylist: Hair by EStylez
- Makeup: BBM Beauty
- Dj: Dj Amalx
- Saxophonist: Jays 2 Smooth
- MC: Zaki Zeeko
- Vinyl Floors: North Floor Design
- Cake: Berries in Bloom
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