Nilam & Fahad - Pakistani Wedding With Punjabi Flavor

Traditionally, a Muslim wedding celebration starts with the henna party, which takes place at a banquet hall, if you have lots of guests. Or, you can do like the groom's family and bring the banquet hall at home:

 Even though - technically - it's a tent:

 Henna is being prepared:

 Fahad is leaving the house for the banquet hall:

 It's only meters away

 But the vegetation changes:

 Nilam's turn to leave the house:

 She's welcomed by her future husband:

 The actual henna was done before the party and it looks very different than what I've seen so far:

 Fahad's sisters in law bring some more stuff for the ceremony. It looks important, but I have no idea what it is. My only chance is to guess, and I guess....

 Still thinking about it....

 I give up because there's another mystery I have to solve. So, Fahad and Nilam hold a flower each in their right hands and every guest puts henna in the flower. I know what I just said doesn't make too much sense, but I have the pictures to prove I'm right:

 One thing I do know: it's a good idea not to eat anything for 3 days before the party! Everybody will stuff you relentlessly. Makes for very artistic picture opportunities, as well:

 For beginners, a hands on guide is provided:

 I've seen something like this in the movies. Fahad shows respect to his soon to be mother in law:

He's happy to see the moms getting along so well:

 Almost:

 Now I know what's going on and so should you, if you've been around lately:

 Jaago always makes me happy!

 Nikha ceremony takes place the next day. The turban is set on Fahad's head by his father:

 This is the only ritual before leaving the house.

 Obviously, the turban is very important:

 The shoes are not that important, but I like them:

 Nilam shows up and everything else fades away:

 We go to the nearby Eagle Rock Golf Course for a few pictures:

 The limo picks us up on our way back:

 The reception is one week later. We hide from the rain inside Hotel Macdonald:

 The bride is enchanted by her husband:

 I feel inspired, too:

 Fahad's parents host the party:

 The Pakistani version of pinata:

 Even more fun than the original:

 We have a winner:

 A medal, as well:

 A warm thank you to everyone:

 Followed by something I did not expect:

 An outrageous party, well beyond the bounds of crazy:

 The Khan brothers lead the way:

 All the way:

 "Hey, that's my husband! Get your own!" :

 Congratulations, Nilam & Fahad! You managed to exceed my expectations one more time!

Thank you so much for everything!

love.more.cosmin