Real New England Wedding: Azra Nanji & Fiyaz Kanji

August 30, 2008
Hyatt Regency Cambridge & Artists For Humanity Epicenter, South Boston

Blind dates are tough enough, but being set up via phone by a relative is even more awkward. At the urging of his cousin, however, Fiyaz Kanji dialed Wellesley native Azra Nanji from California, his home at the time. The pair ran up phone bills for weeks before planning a first date in Boston. “We walked to the reflecting pool at the Christian Science Center,” recalls Azra. “Then we went bowling. I’m pretty sure I won, too.” Two years and 21 cross-country visits later, Fiyaz relocated to the Hub. In August 2007, while preparing for a trip together to France, Azra suspected an overseas proposal was in the works. But Fiyaz had other plans. In a nod to their first face-to-face date, he proposed at the reflecting pool the day before they left. “It caught her totally off-guard!” he says—just like  the idea of finding a life partner over the phone.

The groom’s mother sprinkles rose petals over Fiyaz and Azra to impart blessings for a good life together.

The couple’s parents traveled from Canada to see their children get married.

Azra donned a different dress for each wedding event. “That’s the best part of an Indian wedding!” she says. Gold bangles accessorized one of her outfits.

The vibrant décor was in keeping with tradition. “Indian weddings are full of bright colors,” Azra says.

The bride’s yellow and white bouquet came from Petalena.

Azra’s ornate henna mendhi took four and a half hours to create.

The intricately piped cake matched the reception’s jewel-toned color scheme.

Azra’s favorite part of the day was the first dance. “We really prepared for it,” she says. “We practiced for a month!”

The File

Gown: Indian sari from Frontier Bridal in Vancouver, British Columbia

Menswear: Hugo Boss

Hair + Makeup: Noelle Ford, A Cut Above the Rest

Flowers: Petalena Flowers

Lighting: Alankar

Limo: Lynette’s Limousine

Catering: Bombay Club

Cake: Cakes for Occasions