Arusa and Ahkum had a beautiful wedding in a marquee in her parent’s garden

Arusa and Ahkum met on a dating site. "I was the one who made the first move by swiping on his profile and sending a message," says Arusa. "He responded, and we clicked straight away. It was as though we'd known each other forever. We had a lot of banter, but the conversation was cut short as he was getting to know someone else and was due to go on a date with her. I respected this and asked to be friends, however, we did not speak again. Half a month or so later, Ahkum sent me a message stating the date didn't go well, and I was the first person he thought to message. He was attracted to my confidence, smile and how we could talk about anything and I was drawn to his physical appearance (of course), his honesty and the fact that he showed respect and integrity from the beginning, which is a rare quality to find."

Ahkum popped the question on the 17 May, 2020, without a ring due to COVID-19. "It was during a picnic in Sunbury Park," shares the bride. "The date wasn't significant in any way, but it was a surprise. He decided he wanted to be with me forever and the distance between Birmingham and London was far more than the both of us were willing to handle especially given the pandemic, which didn't allow us to be together for months on end. COVID-19 actually brought us together in a weird way, and we grew stronger and closer. He officially proposed on the 6th July, 2020, at Sunbury Park, but this time with a ring we'd bought together."

Arusa and Ahkum's contacts

Marquee, Birmingham Marquees, www.instagram.com/birminghammarqueeandtents 
Photographer, Trilion Productions, www.trilionproductions.com 
Hair stylist, Hair by Humera, www.instagram.com/hairbyhumera 
Make-up artist, Anishas Artistry, www.instagram.com/anishas_artistry 
Groom's suit, Moss Bros, www.moss.co.uk 
Cake, SugarGlam, www.instagram.com/sugarglam
Flowers, Joanne's Florist, www.joannesflowers.co.uk 
Catering, MKB Catering, www.mkbcatering.co.uk