Getting Ready
For their big Pakistani Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium wedding Memona and Salman got ready at nearby hotels The Jefferson and JW Marriott. Memona got ready in calm and quiet with just herself and Malia’s artistry team until her sister and cousin came to join her for a short period. Salman, on the other hand, chose to have all of his groomsmen with him. For this wedding, a second shooter was a must since both bride and groom were getting ready in two different locations and the number of details to be captured.
The First Look
We set up the first look on the third-floor patio overlooking Constitution Avenue with a view of the Washington Monument. I loved the regal look of the pillars and the natural light on the patio. It also gave us shelter from the light rain that came and went throughout the day. Some of my favorite photos of the day are of Memona walking through the empty halls of the Andrew Mellon Auditorium. We also took their bridal party portraits on the patio.
The Wedding
Spring Fever Farm brought a beautiful dressed up white horse for Salman’s Baraat. There was also a dhol (South Asian Drum) player as the groom and his family and friends made their grand entrance into the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium. Once inside, Salman was met with Memona’s sisters and bridesmaids who would only make way for Salman once he paid up, and pay up he did. Once inside then Memona and her bridesmaids made their entrance. There was then a short Nikkah ceremony (Muslim wedding ceremony) followed by a doodh pilai rasam (offering turmeric milk custom). The dance floor then opened up with a choreographed dance performance by Memona’s friends. The night ended with a grand rukhsati. The rukhsati is the ceremony where Memona is officially leaving her family to be with Salman. She was carried out in a doli, a traditional carriage held up by 4 men of her house until she was at the doors of the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium. Salman and Memona then left in style in a classic Rolls Royce.
See their photos and highlight reel below.
Memona and Salman Pakistani Wedding from Akbar Sayed Photography on Vimeo.
