A family wedding is always about good times, filled with laughter, love, and lasting memories.
For Ayzaaz Ahmed, the nine-hour journey from Melbourne to attend his niece’s wedding in Sydney, Australia, turned into something far more meaningful than just a celebration. It became a reunion of hearts and heritage.
Ayzaaz’s cousin, Gulsher Ahmed Khan, celebrated his daughter Zahra Khan’s wedding to Zariff Taki Khan in a lavish yet spiritual Muslim ceremony- the Nikah.
The cousins share deep family roots that trace back generations to Sabeto, Fiji.
Ayzaaz’s father, Aziz Ahmed, is the uncle of Gulsher Ahmed Khan, whose father, Nur Ahmed Khan, is the elder of the two brothers, a lineage that reflects the family’s enduring connections across generations.
“This wedding was not only a celebration of matrimony between two families,” said Ayzaaz, “but also a beautiful reunion, a chance to meet relatives I never knew and create lasting memories together.”
Ayzaaz reflected that while people often talk about how close families once were, the reality today is that many branches of the family tree have drifted apart.
Meeting so many relatives for the first time, he said, was a reminder of the importance of reconnecting and reintroducing ourselves, the first step toward keeping the lineage alive.
Ayzaaz was overjoyed to discover he shared both paternal and maternal links with many of those he met during the week-long festivities.
“Our fathers are brothers, and our mothers are first cousins,” he said with a smile.
“So, in essence, I was meeting one big family, many on the mother’s side I had never met before — and that made the journey truly special.”
Ayzaaz’s wife, Farzana Ahmed, and their children, Almira and Aakif Ahmed also cherished the experience of meeting so many family members for the first time.
“We’re so caught up with life that we often forget to make time for family,” Ayzaaz said.
“I’m glad my wife and kids got to meet everyone, including the fourth and fifth generations, It’s important for them know growing what family really means.”
As for the newlyweds, they basked in the splendour of the occasion — surrounded by heartfelt blessings, laughter, and the promise of a lifetime together.
Zarah Khan weds Zariff Taki Khan in a lavish yet spiritual Muslim ceremony — the Nikah. Pictures submitted/ Ayzaaz Ahmed.
