This was my first opportunity to photograph an Arabic wedding celebration. Samya and Ali had already legally married in Dubai a few weeks earlier, and this was the time for their celebration with family and friends at the Jumeirah Carlton Towers in London’s Knightsbridge.
Samya had arranged for a team of hair and make-up artists to look after her and her closest friends and family and the result was stunning – Samya looked amazing in her Caroline Castigliano Dress.
And I’m completely in love with her Jimmy Choos.
Then Samya and Ali posed for some portraits whilst their guests were arriving in the room across the hall. Unfortunately the weather outside was truly dreadful, so we were limited to one room for our portraits so that our guests wouldn’t see the couple.
The room was beautifully set up.
After the couple’s big entrance, they took their seats on the sofa where the guest took turns to come and congratulate the couple and to have a photograph taken with them.
After the meal it was time for the cutting of the cake, and then the gentlemen headed out into a separate room whilst the ladies stayed and let their hair down – literally. Once the men had left, they could take their head-scarves off and dance the night away. I can’t share those images with you to protect the ladies’ modesty, but at the end of the evening, the groom re-entered the room to join in with the dancing and to have a final boogie with his bride (and her baby niece).
It was a wonderful evening of celebration and I wish Samya and Ali the very best in their new life together.
by Yvonne
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