The Special Couple: Annie + Taariq

THE FIRST SIGHT

Taariq and I were good friends before we got together. We first met at a friend's 21st, where I didn't know many people, so I kept to myself a bit, but Taariq was there, and he was so nice and friendly to me. That's when we slowly started to hang out as friends in a group setting. It wasn't until five years later when he was helping me move, that he made the first move, and we decided to take things to the next level. It was a half-a-decade slow burn that was so worth the wait.

THE PROPOSAL

I was very much involved when it came to the design of my ring, so I knew a proposal was coming, but this was during the lockdown in 2021, and Taariq told me the ring was delayed because of that. Also, because of all the restrictions, we had to stay home at all times, and I didn't think anything was coming for a long time. One night I did the cheeky thing and snuck out to his place, thinking we were going to have dinner with his family, but when I got there, it was just him, and he told me he had a surprise for me. That's when he blindfolded me and led me to the backyard, where he had fairy lights, candles and lanterns lighting up his garden. When I took off my blindfold, he was down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I was so surprised I didn't register what was going on, but luckily I was able to say yes.

THE VENUE & INSPIRATION 

I didn't really have a theme in mind when planning the wedding I just did things that I liked but I would say the wedding theme turned out to be whimsical/fairy tale like.

THE BRIDAL LOOK & SAYING "YES" TO THE DRESS 

I grew up on Disney and have always wanted a ballgown or princess dress. I always knew I wanted a Galia Lahav wedding dress, and I tried on five other Galia gowns before choosing the Querida as my wedding dress. I wanted a ballgown silhouette but thought to try on different styles to ensure that's what I wanted. All the gowns I tried on, as pretty as they were, didn't make me feel like a bride regardless of the style or silhouette and seeing the Querida on the hanger, I didn't think much about it. When I tried it on, I loved the fit of the bodice and the grand train, but I wasn't sold on it yet. It wasn't until my Eternal Bridal stylist suggested adding the off-shoulder detail and other little alterations to make it more me that I fell madly in love with it.

THE HIGHLIGHT OF OUR DAY 

The day was such a blur, full of emotions and excitement, but I would say a highlight was seeing Taariq at the end of the aisle. When our eyes locked and I held his hands, all the nerves and anxiety disappeared, and I felt so at ease and peaceful. I felt like nothing else mattered but us.

ANNIE'S ADVICE

When it comes to weddings, you can't make everyone happy, so it's best to do what makes you and your partner happy.

Annie wore Querida wedding dress from Galia Lahav. See more gowns from Galia Lahav Collection here. 

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