السلام عليكم The first time Ali and Samra met wasn't in person, instead it was over the internet, because Ali and Samra lived halfway across the world from each other. Ali in Chicago has an open relationship with his parents and would have frequent conversations with them about relationships and career besides other topics, of course. This was sometime around his 3rd year undergrad at University of Illinois Chicago with a major in Biology . Meanwhile, Samra in Lucknow had also completed her 3 years of Undergraduate degree in Commerce and her parents were apparently having similar conversations with her ! It was a chance phone call between both sets of parents that got them thinking about having their kids try to get to know each other. There was some skepticism with both Ali and Samra essentially around the socio-cultural differences in the way they were raised in two very different continents. Not surprisingly, they took a long time to get to know each other and were in no rush to make any decisions. However, their thoughts changed dramatically as they got to know each other better as days and months went by......! What followed later was not just a conversation between potential marriage prospects but also a conversation between the best of friends. Months would pass as Ali and Samra would begin to develop romantic feelings for each other that of course led to a curiosity to meet each other in person......!

Their first meeting was in Spring 2019 and they thoroughly enjoyed each other's company ! Both very nervous and uncertain in the beginning which did not last long !! So, to keep this romance story short and sweet, sometime in summer, Samra's parents expressed a desire for an engagement event called as "Imam Zamin Ceremony" per the culture and tradition of Lucknow. This event has a religious and symbolic significance that personifies seriousness of a relationship. Samra chose a pink dress for this event and looked very pretty indeed. The Red and Golden oval band on Ali's right hand is the symbolic representation of " Imam Zamin " engagement ceremony.

The next step for Ali and Samra, the two young lovebirds was the marriage or " Nikah and Ruksati " Should it be this year or next was the debate. Everyone settled for 2 separate events - "Nikaah" in fall and Ruksati / Walima in Winter this year keeping in mind that it may very well take Samra another year or more to migrate to Chicago ! Ali has plans to take challenging exams and apply for Medical Schools next year 2020, inshallah! Samra as well desired to support Ali in all his endeavors. They chose to have their Nikah on an Islamically significant day in the Shia Muslim calendar-Eid-e-Ghadeer. which was on August 20th, 2019. Samra chose a bright red and golden Lehnga dress for the Nikaah while Ali chose a matching fancy traditional Kurta and golden Turban ! Mashallah, they made a handsome couple ! They went back to their universities after this event ready to begin preparing for Ruksati / Walima in December.

As we are aware, in the traditional Indian culture, a Nikah isn't the only marital ceremony that occurs when a couple decides to unite in holy matrimony. Although, from a Islamic perspective, this is the main and most important part of a marriage. The event of Ruksati was set on December 24th,2019 and Walima on December 25th,2019 . The month of December was chosen because Ali had a month off from his University and this is also the season in Lucknow with good weather to host such functions, not to mention that it is holiday season all almost everyone. Ali and Samra are eager to share their most memorable moments in their life with family and friends who can make it to this 2 day event in India and hope that everyone truly enjoys every minute of their time! Since most of Ali's relatives, peers and family friends ( and Samra's Aunt) live in North America, including his grandparents, aunt (s) uncle(s) and cousins, they are hopeful of sharing their joy at a future Reception in Chicago, IL in late 2020 after Samra is allowed into the US. PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR THIS INVITE NEXT YEAR INSHALLAH.....!