Hamira and Haseeb’s reception was the perfect followup  after shooting their stunning nikkah at The Beekman and DUMBO Loft. I was expecting elegance and auspiciousness and the bridegroom and their families served that, and much more!

Getting Ready Photos with MadebyWaida

The day started off with getting ready with Hamira. She got ready at Waheda’s studio in Long Island. MadebyWaida is one of the best Pakistani makeup artists I have had the pleasure of working with in the Long Island area! Her work and talent speaks for itself and always photographs beautifully.

Hamira wore Sarah Rohail Asghar and pulled off the classic, timeless elegance with so much charm. I’m a sucker for traditional reds at weddings and all the complimentary details paired with Hamira’s soft makeup glam was a memorable vision.

Old Westbury Gardens Wedding Photos

We proceeded to do their wedding photos at the Old Westbury Gardens in Long Island, NY. I’ve had the pleasure to photograph here a few times now and it never disappoints. A fun historical tidbit about the estate that adds to its’ romantic charm is the fact that its builder and first owner, John Shaffer Phipps, designed the house to model after his wife’s old residence in her hometown of East Sussex, England. The late 19th century  Victorian era vibes have been maintained and I loved curating shots of Hamira and Haseeb against the many different backdrops. 

Pakistani Wedding Reception at Crest Hollow Country Club

The main event was held at Crest Hollow Country Club and it has become one of my favourite venues on Long Island. Lots of versatile spaces and the indoor-outdoor flow is quite wonderful during warmer weather. The guests enjoyed cocktail hour and appetizers in the gardens by the pool and it was a picturesque start to the afternoon. Haseeb entered with his family and I love it when families pull off matching colour palettes, all the way down to the kids. 

Hamira made her entrance in a regal fashion, escorted by her loved ones. 

As the bride and groom finally made their way together on the stage, there was an air of serenity, peace and joy throughout the whole room. Receptions that are rukhsatis as well tend to have many mixed emotions and I felt that during this occasion for sure. 

There were many personalized touches throughout the reception and I loved what they did with their favours! A caricature portrait of themselves on jars were a thoughtful and customized token of appreciation. 

Their family and friends knew how to have a good time and there was much laughter, music, and full “band baaja baraat” vibes. A celebration of harmony as the new couple enters the next exciting chapter of their lives. Rukhsatis get me very sentimental and Hamira’s was exceptionally poignant. She was the first daughter to marry and then move out of state and her family, while so happy and so excited of course, were overflowing with the unspoken bittersweet sentiments of their precious moving far away. Being a girl mom myself, it always hits me in the feels. 

And that’s a wrap on Hamira and Haseeb’s festivities! I want to thank the lovely couple for their openness, hospitality and graciousness. I love working with couples on every coast and being a traveling wedding photographer, it makes my job so much more joyful when the families like Hamira and Haseeb’s are a delight that remind me of home away from home.

Hair and makeup: MadebyWaida