Day one: The Nikah Ceremony

The nikah, or marriage contract signing, was an intimate affair where Sayyeda & Shoaib celebrated at Anjuman-e Asghari with their love ones.

This was my first muslim wedding and it was an incredible experience with the kindest,

informative and supportive family to help guide my team through this special two-day event.

The bride

The bride's wedding attire is a stunning fusion of modesty and elegance. I take care to photograph the intricate details – the delicate embroidery on her dress, the subtle shimmer of her carefully chosen accessories. Each element tells a story of tradition and personal style intertwined.

Bride in elegant beige gown seated on ornate throne with green and white backdrop.
Traditional Muslim bride wearing embroidered beige lehenga and hijab with delicate floral details.
Close up of bride wearing embellished beige hijab and traditional South Asian wedding attire.
Close-up of intricate henna design on hand with pearl bracelet and gold ring against embellished fabric.
Close-up of mehndi-decorated hands with white floral detail against sparkly traditional dress.

Women's Partition

One of the most captivating moments comes as the bride's mother applies kohl to her daughter's eyes. It's a tender interaction, steeped in tradition.

I adjust my camera settings to capture the intimacy of this moment.


As the time for the nikah ceremony approaches, there's a shift in the atmosphere. The bride takes a moment- her radiant smile and the joy in her eyes tell the story of a woman ready to embark on a new chapter of her life.

Traditional wedding celebration with guests in pastel traditional attire.
Guests gather around to celebrate during a traditional wedding ceremony with decorative backdrop.
Wedding celebration with guests in colorful traditional attire interacting during festivities.
Celebration scene with guests in traditional dress gathering around during a wedding ceremony.
Traditional wedding preparation scene with decorative elements and elegant styling.
A bridal preparation moment with traditional white and embellished wedding attire.
Wedding scene with elegant white drapes and gold chairs featuring yellow traditional outfits.
Wedding portrait with attendees in bright yellow and beige traditional dress.
Elegant wedding stage with green and white drapes featuring ornate seating arrangement.
Elegant wedding stage setup with green and cream drapes features traditional seating with yellow-clad attendants.
Festive celebration in a gymnasium with colorful traditional South Asian attire and decorations.
Wedding celebration in a gymnasium with elegant green and gold stage decor and seated guests.

The Groom

The groom emerges into the room, a picture of composure. His attire is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity - a crisp white thobe paired with an intricately embroidered bisht (cloak). I take a moment to capture some detail shots, focusing on the fine stitching and the way the fabric catches the light.

A groom in traditional white attire sits elegantly on a chair against cream-colored draped curtains and chandelier backdrop.
Groom in traditional white sherwani with floral boutonniere against gold curtain backdrop.
Close-up of white embroidered sherwani with floral boutonniere and intricate sleeve details.
A traditional groom in an elegant white sherwani poses against gold curtains under a crystal chandelier.

Men's partition

 I start with some casual shots as he chats with his groomsmen, their laughter and easy camaraderie making for great candid moments. The mix of traditional thobes and modern suits among the group creates a visually interesting dynamic.

Two people interacting at formal event, one wearing white traditional attire.
Two people in formal attire seated on ornate chairs against elegant draped backdrop.
Two people in traditional wedding attire seated on ornate chairs against gold curtained backdrop.
Formal gathering with traditional greetings taking place against elegant curtained backdrop.
Religious leaders seated on stage with elegant cream curtain backdrop during formal gathering.
Religious leaders speaking during formal gathering with decorative curtain backdrop.
Traditional wedding ceremony moment with guest in burgundy patterned dress.
Wedding ceremony venue with guests seated on floor facing decorated stage area.
Muslim prayer gathering in a carpeted room with white walls and burgundy accents.
Group gathered in traditional white cultural attire during indoor celebration.
Attendees seated in formal attire at a cultural event.
Group photo at formal event with participants in traditional and western attire.

Signing the Certificate of nikah

The signing of the Certificate of Nikah is a beautiful blend of legal formality and spiritual commitment. It represents the couple's dedication to each other and their faith, marking the official beginning of their journey together as husband and wife.

Two people examine and sign documents during a formal ceremony.
Someone in an ornate beige dress signs official documents while seated on an elegant white couch.
Wedding invitation with gold Arabic and English text engraved on cream-colored paper.
An elegant wedding certificate with gold details and a decorative pen with pearls and feathers.
Elegant white feather and pearl-adorned bridal accessory with gold beading on velvet background.

MOMENT OF REVELATION

When the couple finally saw each other, time seemed to stand still. I rapidly clicked away, capturing a range of emotions - the groom's awe-struck expression, the bride's shy smile, and the tears that welled up in both their eyes

Elegant wedding stage setup with white sofa, crystal chandelier, cream and emerald green drapes, and traditional bridal attire.
Wedding celebration in traditional attire on ornate red carpet with guests in formal ethnic wear.
Intimate wedding moment on decorated stage with white and green drapery.
Traditional wedding ceremony with ornate decorations and elegant attire in rich cultural setting.

FRAMING THE SCENE

The send-off usually occurs after the nikah ceremony and celebrations. As guests begin to gather, there's a palpable shift in the atmosphere. The jubilant mood of the wedding gives way to a more reflective energy. I take this moment to adjust my camera settings, preparing to capture the range of emotions that are about to unfold.


The bride's goodbye to her family is often the most emotionally charged part of the send-off. While the bride is often the focus, I make sure not to neglect the groom. His interactions with his new in-laws can be equally moving. 

Couple in matching cream and gold traditional wedding attire seated on ornate white sofa.
Newlyweds in coordinated cream outfits showing their decorated hands while seated.
Wedding celebration scene with guests in traditional attire around decorated stage area.
Wedding celebration in a hall with traditional red carpet and guests in formal attire.
Wedding ceremony moment with guests in traditional formal attire.
Wedding celebration in gymnasium with decorated aisle and guests in colorful traditional attire.
Wedding guests in traditional dress gathering in hallway with framed photos.
Bride in beige embroidered dress holding white bouquet outdoors.
Emotional moment during wedding celebration with guests in traditional attire.
Wedding celebration scene showing traditional South Asian attire and decor outside brick building with copper roof.
Festive gathering with guests in colorful traditional South Asian clothing embracing outside building.
Person in white traditional attire walking from car at evening wedding celebration.
Wedding party in emerald green and traditional attire posing together outdoors.
Emotional farewell moment between family members at cultural celebration.
Celebratory moment between attendees wearing traditional attire near parked car.
Joyful embrace between celebration attendees in traditional dress beside car.
Bride in sparkly traditional dress sitting in car during wedding celebration.

Stolen moments: art of quick private shoots

As a photographer specializing in weddings, I've learned that some of the most magical shots come from those brief, stolen moments when the couple can slip away from the festivities. Finding that perfect window for a private shoot requires careful planning and a bit of luck.


What makes these private shoots so special is the change in the couple's demeanor. Away from the watchful eyes of family and friends, they often relax and show a more playful, affectionate side. I love capturing these genuine smiles and tender glances.

Intimate wedding moment captured under decorative floral arrangements with soft lighting.
Ornate beige wedding dress with detailed embroidery photographed in a sunny outdoor garden setting.
Detailed shot of henna-adorned hands with white rose corsage against embellished wedding attire.
Traditional white wedding attire with embroidered details photographed in golden sunlight.

Day two: WALIMA

On the second day, I captured the vibrant energy and beautiful traditions of a Muslim wedding reception, known as the walima. The reception kicked off with the couple's grand entrance. The bride, resplendent in a heavily embroidered lehenga, and the groom in his sharp blue suit, made a stunning pair. 

Wedding rings displayed on palms showing contrast between mehndi-decorated and plain hands.
Close-up of intricate henna designs on hands with wedding rings and a pink rose accent.
A wedding couple in a blue suit and silver lace dress with traditional hijab styling.
A peach rose boutonniere pinned to a royal blue suit jacket with black bow tie.
Reception hall scene with guests in colorful formal wear and decorated space.

Speeches

A Muslim walima is more than just a party - it's a celebration of love, family, and cultural heritage. Through my lens, I strive to capture not just the events of the day, but the emotions, the connections, and the start of a new chapter in the couple's life.

Speaker in red traditional attire reading from podium during ceremony.
Elegant wedding stage with white floral arrangements, chandeliers and throne chairs against black backdrop.
Two speakers at wooden podium during formal event in gymnasium setting.
Traditional celebration with performers in formal ethnic wear on stage.
Speaker in blue suit delivering speech at wooden podium during formal event.
Formal speaker in navy suit presenting at wooden podium during ceremony.
Celebratory gathering with attendees in traditional formal attire.
A speaker in a pink lace dress and hijab holds a microphone and phone during a presentation.
A presenter wearing a navy patterned dress and light hijab speaks while holding a phone.
A figure in a purple and gold embroidered dress stands near a podium on stage.
Audience members listen to a speaker at a formal event with floral decorations.
A presenter in a light blue suit speaks at a podium during an indoor event.
A speaker in beige dress and light hijab addresses an audience in an indoor venue.
A couple sits on an elegant white couch with floral decorations and dark curtains behind them.
Elegantly decorated wedding reception hall with guests gathered around white tables.

Cake Time

Bride and groom sit together by their wedding cake table in an elegantly decorated venue.
White tiered wedding cake decorated with cascading blue flowers on display.
Bride and groom prepare to cut their elegant silver and blue wedding cake together.

Family Photos

Throughout the reception, I kept an eye out for intimate family moments. A tearful hug between the bride and her mother, the groom sharing a laugh with his new father-in-law, siblings posing for impromptu photos - these candid shots often become some of the most cherished.

A family group sits together at a wedding celebration with the bride wearing a silver-gray gown.
A guest in a light blue suit reads from a paper during a wedding ceremony.
Traditional ring exchange ceremony taking place at a cultural wedding celebration.
A tender moment between bride and family member during a wedding ceremony.
A heartwarming moment shared between the bride and a family member at the wedding.
Wedding party poses under a floral arch with chandelier and white decorations.
Wedding party members pose under an elegant white floral arch with chandelier.
Large group portrait of wedding guests in formal attire against floral backdrop with black curtains.
Wedding party seated on white sofa under elegant floral arch and crystal chandelier.
Extended family portrait under floral arch with elegant chandelier backdrop.
Wedding couple seated on white sofa with groomsmen under white floral arch and chandelier.
Wedding party seated together on elegant couch during reception celebration.
Large wedding party group photo under white floral arch against black backdrop.

Vendors

Lead Photographer: Maivab Photography

Associate Photographer: Poetic Lens Photography by Kalia Vang

Venue: Anjuman-e Asghari

Food: Spice Shack

Decor: Noor's Decor and Events

"It was a pleasure working with Kat and Kalia at our family wedding and reception. Both were professional yet friendly with all our guests. They took right pictures at the right magical moments. The guests mentioned both of them were patient and cordial to them. I would highly recommend both for any important events in your lives. A definite 5 star rating. Thanks Kat and Kalia for making our family event a memorable one."

—Mulla & Kermali Families