Your London Wedding - January/February 2021 (Issue 75)

41 Ina and Waleed’s day changed dramatically because of COVID-19 regulations, but they still held the most incredible celebration with their closest family and friends Images courtesy of Epic Moments Photography MAKING REAL WEDDINGS 41  I na and Waleed first met when Waleed was looking for models to extend his photography portfolio. They chatted over coffee and realised there was something between them. “He’s super-positive and always makes me laugh,” Ina says. Waleed says it was Ina’s beautiful smile, freckles and caring personality that grabbed his attention. Completely unplanned, a few weeks after they met, the couple had both booked skiing trips. The day before departure, they realised they were staying in the same French resort! “We bumped into each other a lot!” Ina remembers. When it came to popping the question two years later, Waleed knew the ideal place. “We went back to the same resort, along with my brother,” Ina says. “My brother distracted me on the day, while Waleed prepared rose petals on our favourite slope. My brother told me to go down the next slope by myself, where I see Waleed waiting. It looked amazing with the blue skies, snow and rose petals!” The pair set the date for 17 th October, 2020, at Queen Mary University. No one could have imagined that a pandemic was about to hit, but the couple adapted amazingly – organising a micro- ceremony at the venue followed by a reception to remember aboard a City Cruises boat. Ina tells us more.. waves