Javeria Khurram and Hazzik Ali Chaudhry: An arranged match made in heaven

Weddings are a whirlwind of emotions, planning, and celebrations, especially when it comes to South Asian weddings. They are often grand affairs filled with love, laughter, and countless special moments. For Javeria Khurram and Hazzik Ali Chaudhry, their wedding was no exception – a beautiful, multi-day event that was a mix of tradition, personal style, and heartfelt moments.

Javeria, a 24-year-old content creator, and Hazzik, a 27-year-old marketing and communications manager for his family’s real estate business in Dubai, didn’t have the typical “boy meets girl” love story. Their journey began much earlier, long before they even knew each other. In fact, their mothers were good friends and neighbours. It was through them that Javeria and Hazzik were introduced, and what started as a familial introduction eventually blossomed into a lifelong partnership.

“We got engaged in 2021 while Hazzik was still studying in the US,” Javeria recalls. “He returned to Pakistan just before the first COVID-19 lockdown and stayed for eight months. It was during this time that we grew closer and knew this was the right path for us.” Though theirs was an arranged marriage, the love and mutual respect they developed for one another made it clear they were perfect for each other.

When it came to their wedding, both Javeria and Hazzik had different ideas. Javeria had always dreamed of a traditional South Asian wedding. “From the start, I knew exactly what I wanted for my bridal looks,” she shares. “I imagined myself in a classic red bridal dress, with kohl-lined eyes and a large ‘nath’ (nose ring). I wanted to look like a quintessential bride, and I’m so glad my vision came true.”

Their wedding venue, Diva Marquee in Islamabad, Pakistan provided the perfect backdrop for both their engagement and wedding. “The venue was already beautiful,” says Javeria. “But the decor took it to another level. It was magical.”

While Javeria had her heart set on a grand affair, Hazzik, on the other hand, preferred a more intimate celebration. “South Asian weddings can be very extravagant, but I would have loved something more low-key, maybe just a one-day event,” Hazzik admits. “However, I knew how important this day was for Javeria and her family, so I embraced the excitement and was fully on board with the planning.” Ultimately, their wedding became a blend of their two visions– extravagant and traditional but also filled with personal touches that made the day uniquely theirs.

No wedding is complete without a bit of chaos, and Javeria and Hazzik’s big day was no different. From the last-minute arrival of dresses to the two photography teams (one from each side) creating a bit of unintentional chaos, there were several moments where things could have gone wrong. But the couple handled it with grace.

“We made a pact early on that no matter what happened, we wouldn’t panic,” shares Hazzik. “Weddings are full of moving parts, but we focused on enjoying the day and delegated tasks. In the bigger picture, small mishaps wouldn’t matter.”

The key to making their wedding a dream come true for each other? Planning ahead and letting go of the stress. “We started planning eight to nine months in advance, so most things were sorted early on,” Javeria says. “The only thing we were waiting on were the dresses, which arrived late, but everything else went smoothly.”

For many brides, their wedding day is all about the dress, and Javeria was no exception. The highlight of her wedding wardrobe was her barat outfit, an Ali Xeeshan creation that perfectly combined peach and red, a colour combination she had always wanted. “It was everything I dreamed of and more,” she says. Her nikkah day was also particularly special. “People always say how magical it feels when you sign those papers, and they were right! My hands were shaking before I signed, and afterward, it felt surreal. At that moment, I thought, ‘That’s it? I’m a wife now?’” she laughs.

For the nikkah, Javeria had initially chosen a different outfit but decided at the last minute to get a new one made. “I’m so glad I did – it was perfect, and I knew Hazzik would love it.”

Each event during their wedding was filled with special moments, but the Mehndi stood out as one of the couple’s favourite highlights. “The happiest moment for me was seeing all of our loved ones on the dance floor, celebrating with us,” says Javeria. “I had one goal for the wedding – to enjoy every second of it without stressing. Seeing everyone having so much fun was incredible.”

The energy of their guests carried through all three days of the wedding, with family, cousins, and friends dancing until the lights went out and the music stopped. “The fact that no one wanted to leave until the very end made it even more memorable,” Javeria recalls.

As the festivities came to a close, Javeria and Hazzik reflected on what made their wedding so special. “The best part was how much we enjoyed every moment,” says Hazzik. “Weddings can be overwhelming, but we made sure to be present and not worry about every little detail.”

Their love for each other, their families, and the energy of everyone around them made their wedding not just an event but an unforgettable experience. Despite the chaos, the laughs, and the planning, what truly shone through was their love and commitment to each other. For Javeria and Hazzik, their wedding was more than just a celebration– it was the perfect beginning to their happily ever after.