bi-smi llāhi r-raḥmāni r-raḥīm  •  In the name of allah, the all-merciful, the mercy-giving

Fahmida & Ahmed
get married for like ever

2018. 2019. 2020.

Our Story

Five years in the making

In 2013, Fahmida was 21 and began volunteering with a youth organization. That's where she noticed Ahmed; he was sporting a funky haircut (it was an afro, at least 5 inches high) and a colourful suit. She thought, "wow that's a cool guy." She followed him on Instagram.

Ahmed noticed Fahmida too. One of the youth he worked with (a Bengali kid) said, "Hey, that girl is Bengali, I know her!". Ahmed thought, "wow she looks cool, but she's not single so I won't follow her back on Instagram."

When Ahmed didn't follow Fahmida back on Instagram, she decided that he probably thought he was too cool, so she unfollowed him and vowed to never talk to him.

Ahmed and Fahmida orbited each other for many years (they went to the same events, and the occasional Muslim hipster party) though they were never formally introduced. Fahmida continued to think Ahmed was too cool, and Ahmed thought Fahmida was definitely unavailable.

In the summer of 2017, good friend and generally awesome human Sarah Hassanein (forever known as the Kamali-Saleh cupid) went travelling with Fahmida (she'd been friends with Ahmed since high school). After discovering that Fahmida was an ideal travelling companion, she decided that the two of them should meet; their personalities seemed very compatible (Ahmed, cool and collected; Fahmida, fiery and determined).

She coordinated a group date (with two other couples she was also trying to match) at a restaurant. Fahmida says she fell in love with Ahmed at first sight. Ahmed doesn't believe that story, but Fahmida was definitely too nervous to eat that night (something that never happens). After spending time with friends, Ahmed and Fahmida (with their faithful third-wheel, Alhasan Shanti) went to Riverdale park where Ahmed asked Fahmida 21 questions in an attempt to get to know her. Fahmida agreed only to participate if Alhasan did, and they all learned a little bit too much about each other that night.

Fast forward a few weeks, and one night over text Fahmida declared to Ahmed that she would marry him. That set into motion a series of meetings between the families, and led to the eventual planning of our great big-fat Omani-Bengali international three-year wedding event! We're so excited to celebrate and we'd love for our closest friends and family to be there!

Events

What we've planned

2018

The Nikkah

The Islamic ceremony, where the bride and groom become husband and wife at Ahmed's favourite mosque, ISNA Canada.

Learn more

2019

The Kickoff

An Omani tradition to conduct a prayer and announcement of the marriage at the mosque. Ahmed will be joined his male relatives.

Learn more

2019

The Reception

Ahmed's family are hosting Fahmida and her friends and family in Oman, where there will be a grand finale to our 2019 celebrations!

Learn more

2020

The Celebration

Fahmida and Ahmed will host a private celebration for their closest friends in Toronto at the end of 2020. Invitations to this event will be mailed in early 2020.

Accomodations

For your convenience

Missisauga

If you are travelling to Toronto for the Nikkah, here are some Airbnbs and hotels for you to consider that are near the location of the venue - ISNA Canada.

View Fahmida and Ahmed's Wedding hotels and apartments on Stay22

Muscat

If you are joining us in Muscat for either the celebration at the mosque or the reception at the Grand Hyatt, we recommend you consider checking out some nearby Airbnbs.

The Grand Hyatt is also offering a rate for our guests. You can contact the Grant Hyatt, Muscat at muscat.grand@hyatt.com and let them know you're part of the Saleh-Kamali party.

View Fahmida and Ahmed's Wedding hotels and apartments on Stay22

Events

All the details

Nikkah

Sunday December 23, 2018  •  Rabi Al-Thani 14, 1440

نيكا

The nikkah is the religious ceremony, where the bride and groom become husband and wife. You are invited to join our families after zuhr prayer at ISNA mosque, in the first part of our wedding ceremonies! An assortment of Bengali sweets will be served after the ceremony.

Date: Sunday, December 23, 2018
Time: 2:00 PM (Zuhr jamaat is at 1:40 PM)
Location: ISNA Toronto, Canada 🇨🇦

RSVP TO THE NIKKAH

Kickoff

January 3, 2019  •  Jumada Al-Awwal 27, 1440

Ahmed will join his father and male relatives at the mosque. There will be a prayer and an announcement of the marriage. Afterward, Ahmed will go to Fahmida, where we will celebrate the finalization of our marriage with the rest of our friends and relatives.

Date: January 3, 2019
Time: 4:00 pm
Location: Muscat, Oman

RSVP To THE KICKOFF

Reception

January 4, 2018    •    Rabi Al-Thani 26, 1440

وليمة

Omanis love weddings - it's a lovely reason to throw a big party! Ahmed's family is hosting Fahmida and her friends and family in Oman, where there will be a grand finale to our 2019 celebrations.
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Date: Friday, January 4, 2019
Time: 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Location: The Grand Hyatt Muscat, Oman

RSVP TO THE RECEPTION

Your questions, answered

FAQ

Where is the Canadian Nikkah ceremony?

Address: ISNA Toronto, 2200 S Sheridan Way, Mississauga, ON L5J 2M4

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Is there parking at ISNA?

Yes, there is parking!

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What time should I arrive for the Nikkah?

If you would like to pray Zuhr, please arrive by 1:30 PM (Zuhr jamaat is at 1:40 PM). If you are attending the nikkah ceremony only, please arrive by 1:50 (the nikkah ceremony will take place between 2:00 - 3:00 PM).

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Where is the 2019 Omani reception?

Address: Grand Hyatt Muscat, Shatti Al Qurm, P.O. Box 951 Muscat, Oman, 133

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Do I need a travel visa to go to Oman?

Canadians must have a visa to visit Oman. You can obtain and pay for a visa upon arrival at Muscat International Airport. You can also obtain a visa on-line. Obtaining your visa before arriving would allow you to avoid delays. Read about visa eligibility, and apply online a thttps://evisa.rop.gov.om/en/visa-eligibility

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What time are the events scheduled to end?

Canadian Nikkah Ceremony: The Nikkah will end at 3:00 PM

Omani Reception: We'll party until we get tired! (Or, when the Hyatt kicks us out at midnight.)

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How should I RSVP?

We are only doing online RSVPs!

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When should I RSVP by?

Canadian Nikkah ceremony: If you are joining us in Toronto for the Nikkah, please RSVP to us by Friday, December 7.

Omani Reception: If you are joining us in Muscat for the Omani reception, please book your plane tickets ASAP and RSVP to us by Friday, November 30, 2018. We can also put you in touch with other friends who will be going.

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Can I bring a plus one?

Canadian Nikkah Ceremony: We are asking that only guests indicated on the invitation attend the Nikkah ceremony, as the venue has limited space.

Omani Reception: You may bring a plus one! (Please fill out the RSVP form for each guest.)

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What is the dress code for your wedding?

Canadian Nikkah ceremony: The Nikkah will take place inside a mosque, a sacred and holy space for Muslims. Everyone is asked to dress modestly (arms and ankles should be covered, and women should bring a shawl to cover their hair when inside the mosque).

Omani Reception: For the first part of the Omani celebrations (the religious event), we would ask you follow the same rules as the Canadian Nikkah ceremony. For the party at the Hyatt, dress as you wish! (Fahmida will wear something shiny, and Ahmed plans to arrive in a bold tuxedo!)

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Are there any colours you would prefer me not to wear?

We encourage you to be bold and colourful! Let your outfits be an extension of your personality.

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Have you reserved hotel room blocks?

Canadian Nikkah ceremony: We have not booked hotel room blocks for the Toronto event (check out the Stay22 plugin for Airbnb and hotels recommendations!).

Omani Reception: If you are planning to go to Oman, get in touch with us. We'll connect you to our other friends who are planning to go; we recommend you coordinate with them to book a villa! The Grand Hyatt is also offering a rate for our guests. You can contact the Grant Hyatt, Muscat at muscat.grand@hyatt.com and let them know you're part of the Saleh-Kamali party.

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Are there any local places you’d recommend I visit while I’m in town?

Toronto: We love eating, so all our recommendations are going to be food related! Check out our list of favourite restaurants: Artisan Noodle, Bang Bang Ice Creamery, Buk Chang Don Soon Tofu (their soon tofu is awesome for cold Canadian winters, but we'd also recommend the broiled BBQ beef), Chop Chop, Chubby's Jamaican, Descendant Pizza (when Ahmed had this pizza I recommended, he knew I was the one), Hailed Coffee (this cafe has cardamom-infused coffee and is run by very cool Muslims!), Insomnia Restaurant (their homefries are the best), Kay Pacha (we think about the ceviche from this restaurant at least once a week), La Cubana, Le Gourmand (the best chocolate chip walnut cookies in the world), Lasa by Lamesa, Lake Inez, Maha's, Mamakas, Martino's (our favourite late night greasy pizza spot), Seven Lives Taco, Sabai Sabai, Sugar Marmalade (get the shaved ice!), Sugo, Souk Tabule... and that's just the short list.

Oman: Coming soon!

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Can I bring my children?

Canadian Nikkah Ceremony: Sorry, no. The only children present will be Fahmida's first cousins and her nieces.

Omani Reception: Sorry again, no.

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Will the ceremony be taking place indoors or outdoors?

Canadian Nikkah Ceremony: Indoors!

Omani Reception: Both! Omani winters are cool and beautiful.

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What type of food will be served?

Canadian Nikkah Ceremony: No meal will be served after the Nikkah; an assortment of Bengali sweets will be distributed to take home.

Omani Reception: Foods from across the world!

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Will there be vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free food options?

Please let us know in the RSVP form if you have dietary restrictions!

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Can I take pictures and/or post photos of your wedding on social media?

Canadian Nikkah Ceremony: You may take pictures, but we request you do not post these on social media until after January 4, 2019.

Omani Reception: Yes! Don't forget to tag us! (@fahmidafromcanada and @saleh.digital)

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I want to bring a gift. Will you be registering anywhere? 

We won't be setting up a gift registry. If you would like to give a gift, a monetary gift is preferred (we'll put it towards our honeymoon and purchasing furniture for our shared digs!).

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Is there someone I can contact if I have any other questions about the wedding?

Get in touch with us at fahmidaahmedwedding@gmail.com.

Contact us

Get in touch

Directly e-mail us at fahmidaahmedwedding@gmail.com.