Lamiya & Colin
Wedding Council
Lamiya
Bride
Her name is Syeda Lamiya Ahmed-Hottman, lover of the Lord of the Rings, singer of Disney songs, creator of henna art, dancer of Bollywood, admirer of Shakira/Taylor Swift/Billie Eilish, Jaan of Colin Joseph Hottman, and mother of kitties.
Colin
Groom
Things to know about Colin Joseph Hottman: he is a native Minnesotan with German and Irish ancestry, has amassed a large book collection that spans the entire living room wall, has played drums in several bands, and - despite being allergic to cats - is a proud cat-dad.
Merry
Kitty
Full name Merriadoc Brandybuck Ahmed-Hottman, Merry is Miss Ma'am, Mossy, WonderWoman, our most friendly and fearless feline. She's a known door-dasher, and demands love and attention 24/7.
Treebeard
Kitty
Treebeard of Fangorn Forest, aka Cankles, is the newest addition to the Ahmed-Hottman family. He is a shy cuddle-bug whose ideal day consists of food, pets, string, more food, and plenty of naps. He has been known to con his humans into feeding him the same meal multiple times a day.
Shazia
Bridesmaid
Lamiya's favorite sister in the whole wide world, Shazia aka Smike aka Spooky studies at NYU and spends her free time winning family game nights, sending Subtle Curry Memes to the family group chat and enjoying sister bondingly time.
Shahzad
Groomsman
Aka Shegam, Segaroo, and GumShoe, Lamiya’s brother is the funniest, most loving, yet snarkiest member of the sibling squad... He is basically Groot (tall, lean, spunky attitude). He bakes the best brownies, plays a mean game of chess, loves online gaming, and is a budding entrepreneur interested in growing his business acumen.
Aya
Bridesmaid
AyathePapaya is Lamiya’s hayati since undergrad and the adopted daughter of the family. She is a fellow LOTR fan, lover of sparkly and shimmery things, and crazy cat lady. She has enabled Lamiya’s cat obsession and there are no ragrats. She is one of the sweetest and most generous people ever, and Lamiya’s best Boyfrandddd. #Layoosh
Pam
Bridesmaid
Pam and Lamiya met on a Saturday night in 2013 during a girls night party, and danced the night away to Shakira. Since then, they have seen each other through many all nighters, labs, papers, and finals. They're also each others' beach buddies, salsa partners, and Guapos dates. Pam lives in Rockville with her fiance, Kike, a mere 10 minute drive from Lamiya's parents house (unfortunately, Lamiya no longer lives in Rockville. Fortunately, they Facetime regularly).
Sayema
Bridesmaid
Sayema and Lamiya's friendship flourished while growing up together, along with Nabihah, in the Bengali community. They spent many dawats enjoying biriyani, orange soda, and desserts together, not to mention DIY projects and photoshoots! She is Lamiya's role model for academic excellence and sisterhood. Sayema and her husband, Liban (aka Lamiya's Broski) are proud cat parents to Six the Shona.
Nabihah
Bridesmaid
Nabihah and Lamiya go way back, and, along with Sayema, this trio has had many great times together at Bengali dawats, brunch dates, and shopping trips. Nabihah and Lamiya have a thing about pumpkins, Nancy Ajram, Bollywood, and Lululemon leggings. Nabihah has a gift for talking through mental blocks and energy alignment with the people around you.
Mojan
Bridesmaid
Lamiya's azizam, Mojan-joon has been by her side since the eighth grade. She has the uncanny ability to know exactly what her friends need before they do, organizes the BEST holiday parties, writes amazing stories that leave her readers wanting more, and probably owns every red lipstick from Sephora. She could probably become Lady Whistledown with all of the secrets she has on Lamiya, alone (that's why her hair is so big). Catch her jet-setting off to fun places in Europe once it is safe to do so!
Milly
Bridesmaid
Millsthemello and Lamiya go way back to middle school, and have seen each other through many dangers (AP Bio dissections and presentations on stinkbugs, anyone)? They remained close through high school and undergrad. Milly loves LOTR, murder mystery podcasts, dessert and dogs. She is moving to San Fransisco in the Fall with her loves Jeff, Fox the Egyptian Baladi and Gwen the husky.
Abi
Bridesmaid
Lamiya’s Abikins and cofounder of the Poultree club, these two have been besties since the ninth grade. Abi lives in Colorado with her hubby and her demon void, Neela, who is her light and joy. She also loves Star Wars and Harry Potter, always.
Melinda
Bridesmaid
Probably one of Lamiya's most level-headed, mature, responsible, and gentle friends, Melinda provides the balance to Lamiya's otherwise rollercoaster life. They have been longtime friends since high school, and no distance can keep these two apart. Melinda has only one true failure in life: she foster failed, and is now a proud new dog mom to Molly the Pupperooni.
Sidrah
Bridesmaid
Sidrah-ji and Lamiya-ji connected instantly when they met at work with a bright hello and warm hug. They bonded over their love of LOTR, Bollywood, and Maluma, and now they celebrate their friendship through cooking dinners together and sharing memes on IG.
Nevina
Bridesmaid
Nevina is Lamiya's habebti since the first day they met in undergrad. She loves traveling, trying new restaurants and driving under the speed limit. Nevina is probably Lamiya's only friend who does not like LOTR, but how can you hold that against her when she's got a huge heart of gold and the most memorable laugh?
Neha
Bridesmaid
Neha and Lamiya are cousins and sisters, and although they had a rough patch in their early days (toddler Lamiya may or may not have whacked baby Neha on the head with her milk bottle), they are two peas in a pod, and catch up where they left off every time they talk. Lala and Tish forever!
Samira
Bridesmaid
Fellow animal lover Sampy is Lamiya's sweetest little cousin and sister. She is smart, hard working, and kind, and will steal your heart with a smile.
Lamisa
Bridesmaid
The other Lami of the family, Lamisa is a scientist, an icon, and probably grandma's favorite. She almost always falls asleep during movies and TV shows.... she hasn't made it through a full viewing of LOTR, but will stay awake for GoT.
Alisha
Bridesmaid
Cousins and sisters, Ali and Lala spent many holiday breaks staying up all night giggling over inside jokes, creeping on family drama, and losing it over Ludo.
Molly
Sister of the Groom
Molly is Colin's younger sister. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband Doug and their black lab Eddie. She is a vegetarian, and a world champion natural bodybuilder.
Tara
Sister of the Groom
Tara is Colin's fraternal twin sister. They were in school together all the way through college. Afterwards, they moved to opposite sides of the country, as Tara earned a PhD in German from UC Berkeley. She has taught both at Berkeley and at San Quentin State Prison, and recently moved to Richmond.
Andy
Groomsman
Andy grew up in Minnesota with Colin, and he's now an attorney in Seattle. Andy and Colin share a taste in punk rock music. While he and Colin disagree on a lot of political and economic views, they have a lot of fun arguing about it.
Ben
Groomsman
Ben met Colin in middle school upon moving just down the street from him. Ben now works in Marketing at Land O'Lakes, only a few blocks from where they grew up. He is a better Axis and Allies player than Colin.
Bud
Groomsman
Bud is Tara's fiancé. He grew up in California, although he is currently in law school at the University of Richmond. In his free time, he is a fan of gardening and basketball.
Dan
Groomsman
Dan has known Colin since the 3rd grade. He is the director of prize-winning music videos, such as this one which features Ben and his wife as main characters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUdMLTuphKw Dan is also an accomplished American Ninja Warrior.
Doug
Groomsman
Doug is married to Colin's sister Molly. He is her biggest supporter, a proud Packers fan, and enjoys Magic: The Gathering.
Keshav
Groomsman
Keshav and Colin met while doing PhDs in Economics at Columbia University. Keshav still resides in New York City, although he showed Colin around his hometown in Scotland one summer. Keshav also enjoys arguing with Colin about economics and politics.
Patrick
Groomsman
Patrick also met Colin while doing his PhD in Economics. He now resides just blocks from Colin and Lamiya in Washington, DC. He teaches others the game Go in his free time.
Pippin
Kitty
Full name Peregrin Took Ahmed-Hottman, Pippin was our first beloved cat. We drove twice to Baltimore to catch him from our friend's backyard and bring him home. He is gone, but not forgotten, and shared many milestones and memories with us (from our engagement, to our Nikah, to our move to DC).