Shams and Shazia booked me to shoot their wedding the month before it happened. That's right, kids. One month. Talk about your super-planners. Did I mention that they were also planning this whole shebang from Los Angeles? I can't make this up! And for as elaborate as their celebrations were, they put everyone they knew in charge of something and the result was nothing short of fabulous!

The night before the wedding was the Mehndi ceremony where the couple are feed sweets by various family and friends all to wish them well.There's also a rather feisty bargaining for the bride by the ladies! These girls essentially held the groom hostage until they got the appropriate payment from the groom's family and friends. It was intense!



Shams and Shazia got married at the Daar ul Islam Mosque in a short but lovely ceremony. So many people came and the clothing was beyond beautiful and colorful! After the ceremony, there was a lunch for the guests and the couple and I were off for some portraits in Queeny park and the Arch grounds. I just loved how Shams and Shazia were attached to each other once they were married. Even just walking along to our next photo locale, they strolled hand in hand and only had eyes for each other. Be still my heart! You just don't see that kind of sweetness everyday, or even at every wedding! I was so happy to be there and document it!

After a short break, they each went back to change and get ready for the reception at the Grand Hall at Union Station. Oh yeah, there's another dress! A deep crimson one, at that. Not that everything Shazia wore wasn't stunning but this one takes the cake for gorgeousness. I made sure to get some portraits and details of her after she was glammed up. And Shams was quite the catch, himself, for the evening. Shazia's mom did all the flowers for the decor and the whole place looked perfect! Check out that arch!

The reception was filled with amazing food, warm speeches, and fond memories of each of them. We even got to sneak out at the end of the night to get a few shots in front of Union Station all lit up. As I was leaving, they were taking a walk around the fountains outside enjoying one last quiet moment of their beautiful day. What a way to end the night!