Indian-Pakistani lesbian couple marry: One dresses as bride, other as groom

First Published Sep 3, 2019, 5:11 PM IST

Saima Ahmad and Bianca Maieli got married with the blessings of their families and friends. Maieli is a Muslim Pakistani woman and Ahmad is a Colombo-Indian Christian. The lesbian couple married in a beautiful ceremony in California, where they live and where they met.

Saima Ahmad and Bianca Maieli met in 2014 at a spoken word event called 'Coming Out Muslim'. The duo tied the knot in California.

Saima Ahmad and Bianca Maieli met in 2014 at a spoken word event called 'Coming Out Muslim'. The duo tied the knot in California.

The couple said to media that they have faced challenges in their relationship, but ultimately it was a blessing finding each other. Maieli is a Muslim Pakistani woman and Ahmad is a Colombo-Indian Christian. The couple had four wedding events with matching outfits for each one, designed by friend Bilal Kazimov.

The couple said to media that they have faced challenges in their relationship, but ultimately it was a blessing finding each other. Maieli is a Muslim Pakistani woman and Ahmad is a Colombo-Indian Christian. The couple had four wedding events with matching outfits for each one, designed by friend Bilal Kazimov.

Saima opted for a sherwani, traditionally worn by male grooms from South Asia. They went for similar vibes during their Mehendi (pre-wedding ceremony) too.

Saima opted for a sherwani, traditionally worn by male grooms from South Asia. They went for similar vibes during their Mehendi (pre-wedding ceremony) too.

Bilal Hussain Kazimov, South Asian fashion designer dressed Maieli up in a stunning ivory sari, complete with a maang tikka (head jewellery), gold bangles and pearl kadas (bangles).

Bilal Hussain Kazimov, South Asian fashion designer dressed Maieli up in a stunning ivory sari, complete with a maang tikka (head jewellery), gold bangles and pearl kadas (bangles).

In India, same sex marriage is not legalised. India's Supreme Court decriminalised gay sex in 2018. Pakistan has no same sex marriage and gay sex carries penalty.

In India, same sex marriage is not legalised. India's Supreme Court decriminalised gay sex in 2018. Pakistan has no same sex marriage and gay sex carries penalty.