The Jelley Wedding

Nadhrah Iman Rafiq and Aaron Jelley share their meet-cute story, which led up to their union and a trio of celebrations

Nadhrah Iman Rafiq and Aaron Jelley share how they met plus the many surprises they had in store for each other, right up to their wedding

While reading law in Leicester, England, Nadhrah Iman Rafiq and her friends often dined at the Italian establishment, Carluccio’s. And it was here that she was first smitten by the tall and blue-eyed Aaron Jelley, at the time a student at De Montfort university, who worked part-time at the restaurant.

After a few (more regular) visits, and with the encouragement of her friend Sophie Raynaud, she mustered up the courage to make the first move, and left him her number on a piece of paper. The pair eventually went on their first date, at yet another Italian eatery, San Carlo, and began seeing each other.

However, upon completing her studies, there was a sense of uncertainty, as Nadhrah returned to Malaysia. Sometime later though, a dishevelled Aaron made his way to her home, while backpacking. Her father wasn’t at all impressed by the stunt but the daughter was, as Aaron presented Nadhrah a bright blue Dior bag, which proved how well he knew her, and the lengths that he would go for her.

Aaron eventually won over Nadhrah’s father’s approval, and got to know her entire family well, before the couple both decided to move back to London. While there, he introduced her to his family, and they immediately loved her. Then it was time for Aaron to concoct his next plan—the proposal.

He used a ruse to get her there— saying they’re going out to celebrate his promotion. Yet it wasn’t all a lie, because he did get upgraded from boyfriend to fiancé, as she said yes

The venue of choice was the Painted Hall of The Royal Naval College. Aaron first got in touch with Nadhrah’s sister Diyanah, to help select the perfect ring for his bride-to-be. On that fateful day, he filled the hall with candles, and used a ruse to get her there—saying they’re going out to celebrate his promotion. Yet it wasn’t all a lie, because he did get upgraded from boyfriend to fiancé, as she said yes.

Then it came time for Nadhrah to put in her share of effort as she diligently planned out the wedding ceremonies here in Malaysia, despite being all the way in London. With the help of friends and family, the first part of the celebration, the akad nikah, was a joyous and vibrant event that took place in her home.

And the following day was the wedding reception, which took place in the Grand Hyatt. The hall was elegantly decorated and saw a number of guests from all over the globe witness their union. During the event, the couple still managed to surprise each other. For her part, she invited YouTube-sensation John West (one of Aaron’s favourite artists) to perform. Then towards the end of the night, Aaron got on stage and sang a rendition of Belaian Jiwa for his bride and guests.

The third and final celebration was an intimate do, for close friends and family, which took place in Casterne Manor in the UK.