Daniyal and Soha's Indianapolis Pakistani Wedding

I was honored when Daniyal and Soha invited me to be a part of their Four Day Wedding event in Indianapolis! I was there documenting two days of the big event, in three different parts.

Friday Morning I met the family at Soha's Parent's house for the Nikkah Ceremony. The Nikkah Ceremony is the "offical" signing of the marriage certificate that is done in a beautiful, intimate, setting with just family and close friends there to witness. From there the Bride, Groom, and their families had a big lunch and then started getting ready for the Friday Night Festivities, The Mendhi Party. 

Mendhi Night is a big Pre-Wedding ceremony where henna is applied to the women of the family and to the Bride to represent Joy, Beauty, Spiritual Awakening and Offering. Soha had her Henna done the previous evening so she was able to enjoy the events of the night more freely, which included big elaborate entrances, choreographed dances, and lots of music and food. It is definitely a super fun party!! 

Finally, Saturday was the official Wedding Celebration and Soha looked AMAZING!! Since we already did the ceremony the day before, we went starlight from first look to portraits to cocktail hour and entrances. The Barat, or entrance into the Wedding is a big deal. First the Groom enters with his family and big troop of dancers and drums. After a big performance by the dancers, the Bride enters with her escort. Soha was escorted in by her Dad and Brother. They take her to her Groom and she lifts her veil. It is truly beautiful. The whole day was streaming live to Pakistan so the family that was not able to get travel visas could tune in and feel like a part of the day. 

Part 1 - Nikkah Ceremony

Part 2 - The Mendhi Party

Part 3 - Wedding Day!

A tradition they did for fun was a "buy the bride" negotiation. It was Epic, and so so fun to capture!! 

We have a deal! ;) 

The last tradition of the night is the Rukhsati, which is when the Bride "offically" leaves her family and exits with the Groom and his family. As you can imagine, this can get emotional. The following photos are the Rukhsati. 

Vendors: 

Planner: Plum and Poppy Weddings
Videographer: Unique Heart Productions
Second Shooter: Mike Belschner
Florist: McNamara Florists
Cake: The Cake Hole
Hair and Makeup: Brushworks by Dima
DJ: Naveen Sharma
Mendhi Night Venue: 502 Event Center
Wedding Venue: JW Marriott Indianapolis
Atmospheres Indy
Karen Hall and Co.
Anmol Barbeque