Yasmin + Qumars *Just Married*

Meadow Gardens Golf and Country
August 3, 2008

After a day's rest (which incidentally was my birthday!), we're back with Yasmin and Qumars to photograph their wedding. We just love working with these two as they are just so grounded and so in love. We are also privileged to witness yet another blending of cultures - Ismaili and Afghan. Here's how we documented the awesome day...

The Pronovias La Sposa dress...

Qumars had a real battle with the tie. In the end, Yasmin's dad helped him tame the unruly tie!

It's all about the shoes!

Last minute touch-ups...

If the shoe fits... and it does!

This watch is an antique that belonged to Yasmin's grandmother.

A close-up detail of the dress which had it's own dramatic episode that I will not recount on this blog... :)

On to some portraits in Pitt Meadows... first, our girls - Farzana, Yasmin and Shemina.

Our cool guys... Alban, Qumars and Syavash...

Check out Q's cool stare...

I remember when we were taking this shot, one of the girls mentioned how peaceful Yasmin looked. That she does... that she does...

Yasmin, already knowing how we work, said "I guess you want me in that light"? We do! We do! Oh, what a delight!

Then a few more portraits of Yasmin and Qumars...

Of course we need to highlight the mehndi again.

Just a couple of fun shots.

Back to the details... the bouquet...

The rings.

Yasmin in the same wedding saree that her mom and sister wore on their weddings at their respective nikkah ceremonies.

During the Afghan wedding ceremonies, there was a short Afghan dance in native Afghan attire...

Qumars and Yasmin blowing out the candles at the end of the Afghan ceremony.

Qumars' speech was really funny.

But as expected, his speech also brought tears as they remember Q's dad and recognize his mom's strength...

And to cap off the celebration, a rhumba number from the newlywed!

On our drive home, Rico and I reflected on how lucky we are that we are immersed in (albeit for a day) these different cultures and religions. At the end of the day, we realized that it does not matter what cultural background you come from or what your religious beliefs are. When we witness a wedding, we see that we all pray for peace and happiness. And what is important is our friends, our families and above all, love.

Yasmin and Qumars, thank you for inviting us into your world. We hope you're enjoying Greece!