We had 2 Pakistani weddings this past August and we really enjoy every moment of it. Pakistani weddings are so rich in traditions and colors, and we particularly admire how this couple stay true to their parents’ culture, despite of growing up here most of their lives.

A traditional Pakistani weddings could  last up to 5 days and they did the shortened version… just 2 days! Part 1 is the day of the ceremony and the next post will be the reception day. This might be the most colorful post we’ve ever done.

The ceremony took place in the Lenexa Conference Center on a beautiful day. Check out the sky!

The bride’s family came early to decorate the place

Getting the “stage” ready

A kiss from the bride’s father upon her arrival

I loved all the colors everybody wore. The bride was wearing a yellow and red Pakistani outift.

The colors matched down to their shoes (worn by the bridesmaids) !

The bride and groom were seated in two different rooms during the Nikah. There were a lot of going up and down the stairs.

Signing of the marriage agreement

An emotional moment for the bride and her sister after the signing of marriage agreement

Preparing for mehndi

After the Nikah, the bride is about to be seated next to the groom

During rasams. The bride and groom were being fed ludoo.

A fun tradition, which the bride’s sister was holding to the groom’s hand and wouldn’t let go until they negotiate a certain price for “what her sister’s worth”.

The place was packed with everybody surrounding the bride and groom during rasams. All cameras were out. This was the view right behind me.

Before dinner started, little packets with sweet dates were passed around

Details of the hand with henna (left). The couple were asking somebody to take a picture of them with the groom’s phone camera (right).

The night ended with some dancing

Melissa and Dan were married in a super quick ceremony, followed by a fun reception at the Maceli’s in Lawrence, Kansas. We enjoyed being at the wedding, mostly because of the easy-going attitude that they had and the relaxed atmosphere all throughout the day. Congratulations to Melissa and Dan!

Melissa had two choices of wedding dresses and decided on this elegant dress that fitted her perfectly. The top part is a long fabric that you’d have to wrap around the body to take shape. So neat!
The bride had her make-up done in the hotel, with a help of a friend.


Dan and the two groomsmen

Dan did a good job smiling all day long for the camera

Found some colors for backdrops in the back alley

Melissa had such a good posture. This wasn’t posed.

I love the mirrors at the entrance of Maceli’s

They picked the bright-colored Gerbera daisies as their main flower for the wedding. I thought they complemented the contemporary paintings at the Maceli’s nicely.

Dan was excited to see Melissa coming toward him

Melissa was excited too!

After the kiss, comes the hug

Melissa’s mom told me that her daughter couldn’t find a wedding cake that she liked. It’s probably because she wanted brownies for her wedding cake!





I love the moment that’s captured in this last picture.