Maimuna and Qasim's DC Holud Ceremony

I wish I could have been booked for all six days of this wedding! Photographing Maimuna and Qasim was a special treat. I don't often get to photograph south Asian weddings (this being the second one), and I knew I was in for something different. I photographed the Holud ceremony, the day before the formal wedding. Maimuna prepped me well for what was going to happen, from her grand entrance, her husband-to-be's arrival, to the painting of tumeric on their faces by family and friends. I was even tipped off, thanks to one of the bride's sisters, when Maimuna's family was going to steal Qasim's shoes. (He retrieved them after some successful haggling. You'll see those photos below!) Maimuna and Qasim watched dances performed by their family and laughed at skits that provided humorous commentary, with inside family jokes, on the couple's relationship. After a full evening, with excellent food, Maimuna and Qasim left the tent under sparklers.

Thank you, Maimuna and Qasim for inviting me to document this important day. 

Ceremony Location:Goose Creek Gardens and Pavilion

Coordinator: Tahsin Imam, Snazzy Soiree