Today's real bride was sent to me by Zainab of Maha Designs, a Chicago-area wedding photography service. The bride is wearing some gorgeous ensembles, in a few different styles, and I'm really loving some of the details in these shots. The dense, flowery mehdni in the first shot goes all the way up to elbows! You guys, I admire brides who have that stamina. I can barely keep the top of one palm for two hours. In the pithi outfit, I love the gold pathi contrasting with the velvet border. That actually makes me think I should add a similar detail to one of my outfits. Also, the velvet applique embroidery. And in the final ensemble, the royal purple and gold one, the whole cut and detailing is so figure flattering really brings out her luscious curves. Love it! Look for details, ladies, details.
Here's what Zainab had to say about photographing this wedding: Shanil and Pari are Ismaili muslim and their wedding event was a three day event chalk full of ceremonies and celebration. The mehndi took place at Shanil's sister's home. The intimate event took place in the backyard which was festively adorned with tents, pillows, delicious indian cuisine and sweets. The following day was the Pithi ceremony which was a visual feast of color, décor, rituals and fun! The Pithi refers to a cleansing ceremony generally held the evening before the wedding, in which the bride and groom are rubbed with turmeric paste in a beautification process. It is believed that turmeric softens and whitens the skin, so the purpose of this ceremony is to help the bride and groom to be radiant for their wedding. Shanil and Pari's family members and friends had a great fun getting the bride and groom completely covered in the paste. The night was finished off with choreographed dances by the couple's family members and a dandiya raas. The Nikkah took place the next day at the Ismaili Jamatkhana and followed by the reception at the Holiday Inn in Skokie, IL. One of the highlights of the event was the beautiful introduction video captured by Qalam Productions. Qalam Productions filmed the couple in the beautiful surroundings of Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, IL. Shanil and Pari did not want the hectic wedding schedule to take away the energy during their portrait session. So we decided to photograph them earlier in the week in the reception attire. The couple was relaxed and the chemistry between them made it a breeze to capture their photos. I would definitely suggest that to other couples as well.
Vendor Information:
Photography: Maha Designs
Videography: Sabah Ali Khan of Qalam Productions
Hair and Makeup: Anna Shafiei and Amana Siddiqui of Lipstick Squad
Venue: Holiday Inn in Skokie, IL and Glenview Jamatkhana