Sabaa + Samuel by Nisha Ravji

All of the values we were looking for in another person we found in each other, like our traditional South Asian heritage, views on religion and American upbringing. When we met at a Ramadan charity event, everything just clicked.

Samuel is a physician and Sabaa is a physician’s assistant. We’re passionate about caring for others, whether it’s through work or charitable endeavours and we can’t wait until the travel restrictions are lifted because it’s something we love to do. We worked as front-line healthcare workers during the health pandemic, this year, in the first year of our marriage. It’s been a true test of our love and commitment.

We’re constantly learning from each other and value happiness over everything. We got engaged, while taking a road trip down the Pacific Coast Highway in California when Sammy proposed I was helping with the directions when he suddenly detoured to the beautiful beachtown of Carmel-by-the-Sea. We sat down to watch the sunset and Sammy handed me a book by my favorite author, Rumi, and he’d bookmarked some poems we both love. As I flipped to one of the poems there was a ring on the bookmark! It was simple, beautiful and relaxed. It couldn’t have been more perfect.

We got married in an early twentieth-century mansion in New York. We wanted our guests to feel our love and warmth so filled the venue with pictures of us growing up, hundreds of candles, beautiful roses and cherry blossoms. It was an intimate celebration with close friends and family.

One of the leading designers in India is Sabyasachi. He’s known for his craftsmanship and ability to combine contemporary design with traditional aesthetics. I chose a beige gown inspired by our modern upbringing, with silhouettes to reflect our cultural background. For Sammy and I, our Imam’s meaningful and memorable sermon was a highlight on the day. He talked about the importance of respect, love and friendship in a marriage, and it was a message that everyone can relate to, regardless of their religious or cultural background. 

For us, and the rest of the world, 2020 was not what we’d planned, but we’re so grateful for what we have. We’re adjusting as best we can, and remain hopeful that we’ll be able to see our friends and family again soon. We’re so thankful that we can give back to our community by helping others and are grateful for our health. Being married means having a partner to inspire, challenge and nurture you. For us, married life is a beautiful culmination of two fiercely individual people who have found synchrony

photographer Nisha Ravji / bride & groom’s outfits Sabyasachi / planner/hire/flora Elegant Affairs / rings Majestic Diamonds Inc. / bride’s jewellery Jaipur Gems / bride’s ring Her late grandmothers / bride’s mehndi (henna tattoo) Dhara Suvarnakar at Mehndikälogie / venue & catering de Seversky Mansion / celebrant Imam Suhaib Webb, muslimweddingservice.com / day of coordinator Brittany Felice / entertainment BWD Entertainment / styling Sadaa Dam (the bride’s sister) / cake Wonderful Wedding Cakes / bride’s shoes Manolo Blahnik / groom’s shoes Junaid Jamshed / makeup Lorena Ferreira / fragrance Amarige by Givenchy