“I do photography too…” she told me as I unpacked my lenses from the bag.
“Really? What type of photography? Landscape, portraits, …?” I asked interested in knowing.
“I like taking portraits. Weddings are not my thing.”
I stopped, looked up, and laughed in disbelieve. “But I loveeeeeeeeeeeeeee weddings. I like photographing them because everyone looks beautiful and happy and everybody is laughing…..” I said in one breath.
“But sometimes the laughs look fake…” She said with a frowning face.
Her best friend entered the room and they got busy with meet&greet while I took mental notes of what to focus on.

Amna is certainly not like my other brides. Pretty, yes, but with an open personality, style, ease, an amazing sense of humor, and danced the night away. Her dance moves couldn’t be outshined. As much pleasure as it was photographing her & Saleh’s formals, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and documenting her family.

Right before leaving, I sat down next to her on the stage and asked “…you remember how you mentioned the laughs at the wedding sometimes look fake?” She looked at me with questioning eyes. “Well, I just want you to go through this.” I held my camera forward.

OMG. omg. Oh-My-God! OHhhh-my-gowdddd….She said in every way possible as we went through the photos. All of those were candid photos of her and her family & friends laughing, hugging each other with love, dancing, and having fun. “That’s why I love documenting weddings!” I said. She hugged me tight & thanked me.

Here are some photos from her colorful engagement party. Full of colors, gold, and completed with love & laughter.

Amna & Saleh, thank you for melding me into the orbit of your love. May you always hold each other’s hand, make each other laugh out loud, share happiness, and celebrate your beautiful individual personalities as one.

Love,
~ Rima