Story
Zarpheen and Iqbal met in 2007 at Oxford of Emory (Go Eagles!). They were both freshman in college hoping to accomplish their (and their parents') dreams. Considering how close-knit the Ismaili community is, Iqbal had heard about who Zarpheen was prior to college, but apparently Zarpheen did not know who Iqbal was (or so she says). Zarpheen and Iqbal immediately hit it off and became good friends and hung out through college (with random informal dates yearly!).
After they both graduated, Zarpheen and Iqbal stayed in touch here and there and were still friends through the years. They ran into each other briefly one night in 2018. Soon after, Iqbal contacted Zarpheen to join him for a friend's birthday at a night outing. They immediately connected - with years of friendship and maturation on their side, the rest was history. They rekindled their close bond and transitioned from a long friendship to a loving relationship later in the year. Timing is everything.
Tidbits
How did he propose?
It was a VERY COLD and snowy (a rarity) Saturday in March where Iqbal and Zarpheen had plans to attend a 'charity event' at a local brewery and restaurant, Bold Monk. With the help of some friends (THANK YOU TO ALL THAT HELPED AND SHOWED UP!), the outside patio at the restaurant was set up with pictures along with a heart made of 100 roses. Iqbal walked Zarpheen through the pictures and flowers up to the proposal spot, he got one one knee (with tears of joy) and proposed to Zarpheen.
After she said, "YES!," and they shared the moment, Iqbal told Zarpheen that they still had a 'charity event' to go to inside (lol!). As they approached the doors to the inside, her niece came running up with a rose to surprise her, followed by all their close friends and family. She was in shock!
Safe to say Iqbal pulled it off.
What's your favorite activity together?
Zarpheen and Iqbal have lots of activities they enjoy together. Just to name a few..
1. Going on morning walks with their dog, Saintley, and grabbing Starbucks coffee. Zarpheen has to use her Starbucks app and track how many stars she has weekly!
2. Jazz and DJ nights at the High Museum (they are members!)
3. Going to Hawks games when they're in season!
What are your favorite dinner dates?
Zarpheen introduced Iqbal to sushi and used to take Iqbal to Rusan's (would not recommend) in 2011. They continue to go on Sushi dates today and have elevated their taste to the finer restaurants in Atlanta.
Pizza dates at Varuni Napoli are Iqbal's favorites! They go so often that Chef Varuni now knows them by their names.
What's the most memorable trip you have taken together?
In September of 2021, Zarpheen and Iqbal went to Turkey and United Arab Emirates. They went to Istanbul for two days and visited all the beautiful mosques, parks, bazaars and enjoyed the beautiful views by the Bosphorous. From there, they went to Dubai and celebrated a friend's birthday. The trip to Dubai was no average trip, it consisted of a penthouse accommodation across the Burj Khalifa (tallest building in the world), a desert safari with dune bashing, a yacht sunset sail, a dinner 1500 feet in the air, and fun time bargaining for Gold at the local bazaar.
Zarpheen definitely thought Iqbal was proposing on this trip....
What's the best meal you have eaten together?
They were in Turkey in September 2021 and had the opportunity to have an excellent local guide (shoutout to Muzafar!) show them around Istanbul. He took them to a local kabob spot near the Grand Bazaar and the food was DELICIOUS! Best part of it, all three of them ate for a total of $8.
Schedule
Registry
We are thrilled to spend time with you to celebrate our love. If you would like to honor us with a gift, we would gratefully accept a contribution towards our a honeymoon or something from our small wish-list.
Travel
Getting In
We recommend flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The airport may feel a bit overwhelming but its easy!
Follow the plane train to baggage claim signs to exit the airport.
Uber/Lyft is available and is a 5-10 minute walk outside the airport. Follow the ride share signs or ask an airport employee for guidance!
Room Block (Discounted Rate) - Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
Rooms must be booked by April 15 to lock in our rate!
Guests may book directly with Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta Reservations Department by calling 404-253-3853. Guest should indicate group affiliation at the time of making the reservation in order to obtain the group rate by letting the reservationist know that they are booking for the Jinnah Lakhani Wedding Room Block.
Guests can make reservations online by visiting the Four Seasons Atlanta webpage at . Once on the site guests will click the “Check Rates” button on the website, enter their stay dates and enter the group booking code 230526JLW into the promo area to obtain their special room rate.
Things to check out in Atlanta
Our Favorite Restaurants
Things to do in Midtown near the Four Seasons!
Other Hotel Recommendations in Midtown
Q & A
For all our friends and family who have lots of questions, please check out our Q & A first!
Are kids welcome?
As much as we love your little ones, we will not be including them in the reception. However, we recognize that some of you will be traveling with your kids, so please know they are welcome at the Sangeet event. Please let us know if you will be bringing your kids to this event when you RSVP.
What will the weather be like?
Welcome to Atlanta, all of you out-of-towners! We are catching the end of Spring, leading into summer. Considering how erratic Atlanta weather can be, it could either be 70 degrees and beautiful or could be a hot 90 degree day. Hoping the weather all weekend turns out to be beautiful, but no saying what mother nature may bring that day.
Bring your swimming shorts! There is an indoor saltwater pool at the Four Seasons if you choose to stay there.
Where should I park?
At the Sangeet, there is parking at the event space.
At the reception, we recommend Valet parking.
Are the ceremony and reception locations wheelchair accessible?
Yes, all the events are wheelchair accessible.
What should I wear?
Please see our Schedule for the dress code. We love a good drip of swag.
Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?
The sangeet and reception will be indoors. Weather permitting, the wedding ceremony and cocktail hour prior to the reception will be outdoors on a terrace. The reception will take place indoors.
Is it okay to take pictures with our phones and cameras during the wedding?
Yes! Use our hashtag #gettingZIQQYwithIT
Whom should I call with questions?
If you have any questions, please email zarpheenandiqbal@gmail.com
Can I bring a date?
We have accounted for all guests invited to the wedding. If you would like to bring a date, please reach out to zarpheenandiqbal@gmail.com to see if we can accommodate.
Is there a gifts registry?
If you would like to honor us with a gift, we would most gratefully accept a contribution towards our honeymoon fund.
Get the app
Download Joy and join our app using our event handle ZarpheenandIqbal. View and share photos and stay up-to-date with details on the go.