After an incredible first date during their residency years, Dr. Sameera Siddiqui and Dr. Zain Hyder knew their lives were about to change. “It was as if every piece felt like it was effortlessly in place, offering a sense of contentment and certainty that we had found something truly special in each other,” smiles Sameera. One year later, Zain proposed at the same award-winning restaurant, and after relishing in engagement bliss, the pair began planning their dream wedding. 

“We realized that a wedding is truly a production, involving elements like sound, lighting, décor, and setup, each managed meticulously by our wedding planner, Andrea Eppolito. Her expertise and renowned talent were indispensable in orchestrating such a beautiful event,” confirms the bride, adding that they were grateful to have expert guidance that allowed them to think outside the box and seamlessly blend modern luxury with key aspects of Indian and Muslim traditions. 

Prior to their religious Nikkah ceremony, Sameera and Zain exchanged vows in an intimate setting. “It was a moment for just us and our wedding parties,” the bride adds. Meanwhile, guests found their seats in the lavish ceremony space inspired by the timeless elegance of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. “My wife adores Disney, and Andrea totally captured that vibe,” describes Zain. “There was this incredible shine to everything that made it truly feel like you stepped into a beloved, classic Disney movie.” 

The décor mirrored the breathtaking ballroom from the film, complete with glittering chandeliers and golden reflections, as well as a beautifully adorned pillar structure highlighting lush florals and sparkling crystals. Sameera walked down the dreamy gilded aisle towards her groom wearing a muted gold ensemble paired with a dramatic veil and hand-tied bouquet of cream roses with a touch of red – a nod to the traditional Indian wedding hue. Though the ceremony music had primarily included romantic Bollywood songs, the mood shifted to celebration with Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling” marking the pair’s joyful transition as newlyweds. 

“There was this incredible shine to everything, with touches of gold and lights that made it truly feel like you stepped into a beloved, classic Disney movie.”

Attendees enjoyed a social hour before the grand reveal of a sparkling fairy-tale reception that echoed the grandeur of the Beast’s ballroom with cream-and-gold chairs, mirrored tables, elegant floral centerpieces, bullion tree-like arrangements, and crystal candelabras. “Strategic cool lighting and sheer drapes in blush complemented the ballroom’s teal carpet, transporting guests into the beloved, timeless scene of my favorite movie,” says the bride. 

“I’d say the standout feature of our wedding was definitely how it looked and felt, thanks to Andrea [Eppolito]’s amazing touch,” asserts Zain, who changed into a tuxedo for the festivities. The groom was also impressed with the blending of the indoor and outdoor spaces. Guests mingled at lounge areas and hookah stations in a laid-back, yet elegant atmosphere on the patio with views of the twinkling Las Vegas lights, and then stepped into an enchanted-forest setting inside. “It was like she created this seamless transition between worlds, and it made our wedding feel like a dream come true,” he adds. 

After Sameera and Zain’s first dance to “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran on the gold-mirrored dance floor, the bride’s sister kicked off the revelry with a DJ set. “My sister-in-law took charge as the DJ and absolutely stole the show,” the groom shares. “We also had an electric violinist in the crowd, which was a huge hit!” Friends and family savored slices of a towering white-and-gold wedding cake and were also treated to a luxury portrait studio providing professional, archival portraits by the end of the night that captured the joyful spirit of the newlyweds’ union. 

“The entirety of our wedding day is etched in my memory as a whirlwind of joy, and it all passed too quickly!” muses Sameera of the soirée. “Seeing the photographs, I’m reminded of the joy and love shared with my husband and our loved ones on this unforgettable day. Plus, I simply felt the most beautiful I have ever felt – all a reflection of pure love and happiness!”

This real wedding was originally published in the Fall 2024 issue of Inside Weddings magazine. 

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