You all know how much I love photographing a beautiful Shaadi. Laila and Ali’s Pakistani wedding was a two-day event of non-stop stunning outfits, traditional ceremonies, dancing, feasting, and celebrating.
Day 1
With the Nikkah and Mehndi on day one and the reception on day two, you can imagine how many gorgeous images we captured. I can only put so many images here on my blog and I narrowed it down to the one billion highlight images below haha! What can I say? I overshare sometimes, but I can’t help it! Let me dance you through the photos!
Laila’s Nikkah accessories were so striking with gold, crystals, and gems. They had also created some modern matching wedding stationery. So I was in my happy place when I arrived at the bride’s parent’s house to take the detail photos. Everyone was already coming with gifts, food, flowers, and offerings and wearing luxurious traditional outfits and bright smiles. There was a lot of excitement downstairs as Laila continued to get ready upstairs.
Ali arrived wearing an incredible outfit with an elaborate sehra made from fresh flowers.
Big credit has to go to Zehra’s Creations for the florals and Events by Faiza for the decor. Their work was over-the-top perfection, and I was impressed by the beauty of everything from the small details to the grand backdrops. Look at the Nikkah layout. It is a beautiful blend of colors with the ceremonial items laid out with attention to detail. The fabric and lace draping was the perfect finish.
The Nikkah started, and the groom entered Samjhawan. Soon Laila arrived, looking absolutely captivating. She wore an elegant white lehenga adorned with intricate details and a feminine dupatta. The bride walked down the aisle to Ve maahi instrumental. What a joyous ceremony full of sentiment and emotion.
The couple signed documents, and we had lots of group photos. The food was laid out as nicely, with the highlight being the sweet creation Cakes by Tasneem made. The couple cut the cake, and everyone enjoyed a meal together.
At the same time, we sneaked the couple away for some intimate bridal shots. Laila’s portraits showing her intricate henna design and detailed beading on her dress are some of my favorites. She is truly a beauty. Together Laila and Ali couldn’t stop smiling, and seeing these beautiful souls get married was so special.
If you thought that was amazing, get ready for the Mehndi. Everything was spectacular. The elaborate red, orange, and gold-hued backdrop with gold furniture and stunning florals were the room’s centerpiece. The lighting set a romantic mood with guest tables adorned with colorful linens, vintage lanterns, and red candles. What a dream!
Then Laila and Ali appear, looking like royalty in exquisite traditional outfits. We had the first look at the sunset in front of glass windows that reflected the blue sky. This couple is so relaxed and natural. They share a warm and authentic bond, and you can tell they genuinely light up each other’s lives.
Ali was guided to the mehndi first by family and friends, followed by Laila. It was a festive start to the celebrations. After some Indian rituals, we had group photos before the dancing kicked off with DJ Riz in control. For their first dance, the love birds danced to Ve maahi. The family performances were epic, and the dancing only got better as the night went on. Bollywood moments were all around.
The performances done by their family and friends were amazing. I don’t know how many times I can highlight this, but I do love Pakistani and all other South Asian weddings. True, they are LONG and at the end of the multi-day events, I usually lay down for days – but I wouldn’t change it for anything!
Laila’s performance was the highlight of the night!
Day 2
The reception on the second day of this gorgeous Pakistani wedding was even more impressive than you can imagine! Laila and Ali had another first look with their new outfits and Ali’s reaction was just priceless.
At this point, Laila and Ali was so used to my camera, they were effortlessly posing – just having fun while looking all gorgeous. My heart <3
We started the reception with Laila and Ali’s entrance with their families and proceeded with duas and speeches from the couples family members and friends.
Laila’s father’s speech brought all the emotions out!
After the cake cutting, we proceeded with lots and lots of group photos. Although couples tend to think group photos take forever, having done weddings for more than 10 years, at this point I’m pretty fast at it. I want my couples to enjoy their night as much as possible.
After the group photos, Laila and Ali played the shoe game where Dj Riz asked questions about “Who’s the most *fill in this blank* and the couple raised their shoes…
But then Laila’s sister stole Ali’s shoes and started bargaining with him about it. LOL!
Just as she thought she was getting herself a deal, Ali’s team tricked her into a few dollars. Yup, from a few thousand dollars into just a few dollars. Her face was PRICELESS.
After the shoe game, the couple shared their first dance of the night.
And the night ended with their grand exit.
Laila and Ali, it was my absolute pleasure to work with you and your families. Everything was beautiful and I can’t wait to see you two in the near future! I wish you both a long life lived together with so much happiness, health, wealth and good luck!
LAILA AND ALI ARE MARRIED Y’ALL!
Venue: Hyatt Regency Frisco – Dallas
Photography: Tara Arseven
Vidoegraphy: ANA Video
Florals: Zehra’s Creations
Dj: DJ Riz
Cake: Cakes by Tasneem
HMUA: Sarah Aasif
If you are looking for a wedding photographer for your traditional South Asian/Asian wedding in Texas or beyond, drop me a line below, and I’ll more than happy to share more of my portfolio with you.
