Nazrin and Zara tie the knot

KUALA KANGSAR: The Raja Muda of Perak, Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, and Zara Salim Davidson were married at the Istana Iskandariah in Bukit Chandan here. 

The simple wedding ceremony yesterday was nonetheless steeped in Perak royal custom. 

Symbolof love: Raja Muda ofPerak Raja DrNazrin Shahslipping adiamondwedding ringonto the fingerof Zara SalimDavidsonduring the royalakad nikahceremony at theBalai Istiadat,IstanaIskandariah, inKuala Kangsaryesterday. Theceremony wasofficiated by thePerak MuftiDatuk SeriHarussaniZakaria.

The marriage was solemnised by Perak Mufti Datuk Seri Harussani Zakaria and witnessed by Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Shah, Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Bainun, other members of the Perak royal family and Zara's family at the Balai Istiadat of the palace. 

At 11am, Raja Nazrin, 50, who cut a dashing figure in a white baju Melayu with matching sampin, calmly pronounced the marriage vow once.  

His younger brother, Datuk Seri Raja Ashman Shah, who is the Raja Kecil Tengah of Perak, and Datuk Seri Mohd Salleh Ismail, the husband of Raja Nazrin's younger sister, Datuk Seri Raja Azureen, were the witnesses for the akad nikah (marriage solemnisation ceremony). 

Zara's father, Salim Davidson, had delegated the role of wali (guardian who gives away the bride) to Harussani for the marriage solemnisation.  

Wedding ceremony: Raja Dr Nazrin’s marriage to Zara(below) being solemnised by the Perak Mufti in the ceremonial hall ofthe Istana Iskandariah, witnessed by Sultan Azlan Shah, TuankuBainun, Zara’s family, Perak royalty and other guests. — Bernama

The ceremony was also witnessed by Zara's mother Sharifah Azaliah Syed Omar Shahabudin and brother Jeffri. 

After the marriage solemnisation, Harussani recited the doa (thanksgiving prayer).  

Raja Azlan Shah and Tuanku Bainun then left the Balai Istiadat while Raja Nazrin went to an adjoining room where Zara, 34, was waiting and slipped the wedding ring on her finger.  

Zara then put a silver ring on Raja Nazrin's finger and kissed his hand.  

The bride was resplendent in a contemporary long kebaya of French lace adorned with crystals and beads, and a ivory chiffon sarong. She also wore a three-metre veil.  

Her wedding dress was the creation of local fashion designer, Kuala Kangsar-born Radzuan Radziwill. 

The marriage solemnisation ceremony began with the Orang Kaya Temenggong Paduka Raja Datuk Seri Wan Fathir Wan Hussain paying homage to Sultan Azlan Shah to seek his permission to begin the ceremony. 

Then, royal court attendants brought in nine trays of gifts from Raja Nazrin for his bride which included the mas kahwin of 250g in gold wafers and a diamond ring. 

The bride's delegation, led by Datuk Tunku Hamdy Tunku Ahmad Tajuddin, handed over 11 trays of gifts, including a silver ring, to Raja Ashman for Raja Nazrin. – Bernama