Nafilia and Aleem's big day has arrived and all the details have to be perfect:
Good thing I took a shower just before I came. There's a long line:
But Naf keeps a tight schedule, so everything runs smoothly. Upstairs and downstairs:
Dao can't hide her excitement to play with the bride's hair:
I can't get over how awesome these paper flowers are:
Same morning, different location, Aleem starts the day with the right foot:
And works his way up:
We go to a park - not my first choice because of the midday sun - for the first touch on the shoulder:
And the first hug, which is, actually, the last hug as an engaged couple:
Between FIFA Women's World Cup opening game and the Pride Parade, you would think that we have enough excitement for one day. But we can do better with the help of Calgary mayor, Naheed Nenshi, who's always game for some pictures:
We cool off a little bit inside the Belle Rive Jamatkhana, where the Nikah ceremony is about to begin:
Making his way in, Aleem has something of a pontifical demeanour:
Aleem: 'I have known Naf for what seems like ages. She has always had this amazing personality, but only once we started dating three and a half years ago, did I realize how thoughtful and caring she really is. I had no idea that I was capable of loving someone as much as I love her. She is the nicest, kindest, most beautiful person inside and out that I have ever met. I can't wait to share every moment of my life with her and I'm so excited for what the future holds for us.'
Always a delight to see how relaxed and joyful the Ismaili marriage ceremony is:
Signing takes about half of the event duration:
Followed by a prayer:
And blessings:
Et voila! We have the newest married couple in town:
There are a few more rituals before we can leave:
This is the one Aleem was training for over the last few days:
Naf: 'Aleem was always my go to person for any computer issues I had, until one day I realized that I needed a permanent tech support in my life. He's always there to put a smile on my face after a long day and he never fails to surprise me. Our relationship is my most favourite thing and transitioned from a friendship into so much more, so easily. He really is the person that completes me. I look forward to our life together and am excited for this journey ahead of us.'
Probably the newly weds would rather stay home and cuddle now, but they have to change for the reception:
I couldn't find anything online about this tradition. It goes like this. Just before they go to the party, the bride and her bride's maids do shots. Or mugs, wine glasses and straight up bottles:
One last first look:
A lot of sweetness is welcoming guests at the Capilano Conference Centre:
The paper flowers are here, as well:
I strongly recommend Jamil and Alyna for your MC-ing needs:
The evening begins with the Cherro ritual:
The bride's and groom's sisters detain the couple by holding their clothes. Each side demands ransoms before they allow the newly weds to take their respective positions in their families:
Purses, jewelries and an almost live cat will do:
This is a fun game where Nafilia seems to be winning:
The final speech brings a lot of emotions:
The first dance is like a dream. Actually, none of my dreams have dry ice in them, but you know what I mean:
Naf has one more surprise for her guests. It's the comfortable kind:
Flip-flops you can dance with, but not everybody gets the idea:
Congratulations one more time, Nafilia and Aleem! Thank you so much for inviting me to your Ismaili celebration. It was much better than the Women's World Cup and the Pride Parade!
love.more.cosmin
Vendors 'n' Things:
Nikah Ceremony - Belle Rive Jamatkhana
Reception Venue - Capilano Conference Centre
Wedding Planner - Story Weddings and Events
Hair - Dao (It's actually Naf's hair; Dao just made it look pretty)
Lots of Makeup - Barbie, Naila Jivraj, Riti Jain
Colourful Henna Artist - Zahra Rajwani
Incredibly Awesome Paper Flowers - The Paper Wedding by Carmen
Fancy Decor - A Chair to Remember/Wonderful Weddings
Custom Sapatia - Shazmin Jamal
Top MC's - Jamil & Alyna Kara
Coolest Mayor of Calgary - Naheed Nenshi
Photobooth - Hype Photobooth
Cake - Sonia
Video - Style Video
Second Shooter - Nicole
Ismaili Wedding Photographer - Muslim Wedding Photographer
You like? You want? Please get in touch: cosmindanilaphoto@gmail.com
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