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Mar
04
Wedding Spotlight: Zaydee and Alberto’s Hispanic Wedding
When we first met Zaydee and Alberto, we were extremely intrigued by their personalities. They were exciting, lively and completely in love. They had a passion for each other that was so strong and apparent. The beautiful couple was planning a Hispanic wedding with about 100-150 people at the stunning Villa Siena– and we couldn’t wait to be a part of it!
When the wedding day arrived, we knew it was going to be an amazing event. The couple had selected a gorgeous color palette of deep purples, blues and an ivory white. Zaydee looked absolutely spectacular in her wedding gown that was adorned with impressive jewels and beadwork. 
She was accented with diamond earrings and an eye-catching diamond hair clip that held her hair beautifully in place. Even her wedding shoes were perfectly selected to match her wedding ensemble. Zaydee looked absolutely radiant for her big day.
At this particular event, we were given the opportunity to capture unforgettable photos. The Villa Siena is full of 
amazing backdrops for perfect wedding photos. With dramatic archways, eye-catching greenery and scenic architecture- this venue was a wedding photographer’s dream come true! Inside the venue itself, there was grand ballroom that was accented with perfect wedding lighting and adorned with an almost medieval chandelier.
As multicultural wedding photographers, our team always appreciates the difference in the cultured weddings we attend. This particular Hispanic wedding held a loving and close-knit ambiance. The couple’s families were intriguing to watch as their bond was so obvious. At one particular moment, Zaydee had a first look with her father. It was done by surprise, and the moment was deep and memorable. She came out of the room, nearly in tears- and her father’s reaction was priceless. Our team cherishes these monumental moments. Thank you Zaydee and Alberto for allowing our team the beautiful opportunity to capture your Hispanic wedding on film! We wish you luck in your amazing future together.
Mar
02
Indian Wedding Rituals (Part Two)
Last week we shared a feature about the first portion of Indian wedding traditions. If you caught up with that post, then you already have an idea of how culture rich an Indian wedding can be. With a deep focus on family and the bonding or joining of both sides, an Indian wedding hosts a variety of meaningful rituals. In today’s article, we are going to cover the remaining portion of Indian wedding rituals- that way, in case you are planning an Indian wedding- or just attending one- you will have an idea of what to expect.
Vivah Havan (The Lighting of the Sacred Fire)- Following the Kanyadaan and Hasta Melap, the priest will then light the sacred fire or Agni. The Agni symbolizes the divine presence as a witness 
for the ceremony. When a commitment is made in the presence of Agni, they are considered to have been made in the presence of God.
Mangal Phere: The bride and groom will then walk around the sacred fire seven times. At this time, they will be thinking about the four aspirations in life: the Dharma- their duty to each other, their family, and God.), Artha- prosperity, Karma- energy and passion, and Moshka- their salvation. At first, the bride will lead the groom for the first three rounds, then the groom will lead the last four rounds. Rice grains will be placed in the bride’s hands (usually by her brother) as she completes each round. This signifies his pledge to support her or protect her in any time of need.
Saptapadi: Also known as the Seven Sacred Steps, the couple will take seven steps together while takings a sacred vow with each step. The vow varies depending on personal preference or belief. A detailed example can be found here. 
As they return to their seats, the bride will sit on the groom’s left side. This signifies her taking the closest position to his heart. The groom will then place a mangalsutra, a sacred necklace, around her neck while offering her lifelong protection. He will also apply sindoor, red vermilion powder, on her forehead. It is at this time that they will exchange rings and feed each other sweets.
Aashirvaad: It is then time to bless the married couple. The women from both sides of the family will proceed to whisper blessings into the bride’s ear. After, the couple will bow to the priest, their parents and their older relatives in order to receive their final blessings. Afterwards, the guests will shower the bride and groom with rice and flowers while wishing them a happy and long marriage.
When these beautiful and meaningful rituals are complete, it is then time to celebrate! There is dancing, live performances and festivities to celebrate their union. The excitement is intriguing and makes for amazing wedding photos! If you would like to see more, feel free to browse our impressive selection of Indian weddings.
Feb
29
Venue Spotlight: The Ashley Castle in Chandler, AZ
Ready to turn your dream wedding into a reality? You can do exactly that in Chandler’s very own, Ashley Castle. Our 
team has had the privilege to attend countless weddings in the Arizona area. We have seen some of the most beautiful venues in the Valley and even captured some unforgettable footage at these locations. The Ashley Castle is definitely on that list. In this week’s wedding spotlight, our team shares their account for this elegant and enchanting wedding venue.
Description:
When it comes to beautiful and impressive scenery, the Ashley Castle doesn’t disappoint. It hosts an array of sites where you can share your vows or have an eye catching backdrop for your wedding photos. From the luscious green of the surrounding gardens to the elegant and remarkable architecture of the castle itself, this venue is a wedding photographer’s dream come true. (Just check out the beautiful wedding of Mays and Ali.)
The Ashley Castle offers a unique European charm in a local setting, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a one of a kind wedding experience. With a host of ceremony and reception packages, this venue offers flexible options for those considering this location. You can choose to have the ceremony only, or you can select their Imperial Package- an all inclusive option that takes care of nearly every detail. Whichever you select, you will have full access to the stunning and awe-inspiring scenery on the property.
Details:
The Ashley Castle offers a variety of amenities and unique details as well.
Capacity: The maximum capacity for an outdoor ceremony is 300 guests. For an indoor reception, the maximum capacity is 300 guests as well.
Time Restrictions: Their set up time is flexible and can be arranged for early morning if necessary. All events must be complete by 11:30 pm at the latest. They do not currently offer Sunday events.
Rental Fees: Their rental fees range in price and a quote can be requested via their website.
Catering & Alcohol: Catering options are provided from the Ashley Castle. Alcohol is “Bring your own.”
Additional details include: Event coordination, Bride and Groom dressing areas, podium or stage, tables and chairs, linens and silverware, outdoor lighting, security, venue set-up and clean-up, votive candles, large parking lot, non-alcoholic beverages included.
Overall, if you are looking for elegance and a striking wedding experience- the Ashley Castle is a wonderful wedding venue option. Need a more visual example of it’s potential, feel free to browse our the beautiful wedding photos from Mays and Ali’s Chandler wedding.
Feb
26
Wedding Spotlight: An Epic Mexican and Arabic Wedding
In this week’s Wedding Spotlight, our team is proud to feature Rita and Hosam’s Mexican and Arabic wedding. After years as wedding photographers, we see beautiful and impressive wedding celebrations- all the time. This one in particular, was one of the most epic, invigorating and unforgettable events we have ever attended. Rita and Hosam were two very exciting and personable individuals. Their love for each other was so obvious- and amazing to capture on film. Our team genuinely enjoyed every minute of their beautiful multicultural wedding.
Getting Ready…
The day started as our team of female wedding photographers spent time with Rita, her bridal party and a few friends and family members as they got ready for the epic event. Rita got ready at a hotel with her crew as our photographers captured the wonderful memories on film. They were laughing and having an amazing time as they prepped for her big day. Rita looked stunning as we got remarkable footage of her and her mother, her bridesmaids and even by herself.
The Ceremony…
The ceremony was held at the exquisite Paseo near the Superstition Mountains. Our team has an unbelievable eye for amazing shots, so for us- the Paseo was a dream come true. The backdrop for their ceremony was breathtaking. With the magnificent Superstition Mountains on the horizon and a gorgeous surrounding scenery, our team was able to take monumental footage of their ceremony.
With all the weddings we attend, we genuinely enjoy the heartfelt moments that go with them. Rita and Hosam’s ceremony did not disappoint. At one particular moment, the couple exchanged some of the most moving and 
heartbreaking vows we have ever heard. They had such passion and shared their beautiful story making their love even more amazing to capture on film.
Post Ceremony Photoshoot…
After their romantic ceremony, our team of multicultural wedding photographers had the opportunity to do a personal and stunning photoshoot of Rita and Hossam. The couple were patient and easy to work with, as well as beautifully photogenic. The desert landscape stood behind them marvelously as we took individual shots of each as well as photos of them together looking amazingly in love!
Reception…
With a mixed influence from the Mexican and Arabic cultural, Rita and Hossam’s reception was an exciting and compelling event. The Paseo in particular was a fascinating venue. One aspect that stood out was the hall itself. It had such an invigorating open feel to it. Through the evening, the breeze would flow through and the ambiance was unforgettable. For the reception, Rita had changed into a beautiful dress allowing her the opportunity to dance the night away with her new husband. One of our favorite moments was when the angelic newlyweds were dancing under the string of luminous lights. They appeared to be so magically in love.
As multicultural wedding photographers, our team genuinely cherishes the mix of emotions and events of a multicultural wedding. Rita and Hossam’s wedding was truly one of the most epic and unforgettable events. It is one that we will cherish the memory of as the love, passion and excitement were so easy to capture on film. Thank you Rita and Hossam for choosing to work with Saiaf Films. We wish you a beautiful future.
Feb
24
Planning a Walima?
As multicultural wedding photographers, our team at Saiaf Films has the ability to attend and observe all the wonderful and unique wedding traditions that take place within the different cultures. Over the years, we have witnessed some of the most beautiful and meaningful wedding rituals and captured those unforgettable moments on film. Not too long ago, we visited Las Vegas for the walima of an intriguing couple, Aroob and Zeeshan. We noticed that just like other cultures, Islamic weddings have their own variety of traditions that can vary from planning a regular wedding. Here, we would like to share our tips and ideas for planning a walima.
Have a meeting
Planning a walima starts best by implementing a meeting between the bride and groom and any individuals who would like to help in the process. Select a comfortable location (perhaps your home or a decent restaurant) and arrange to have everyone present. Allow everyone the opportunity to share their ideas. Be sure to discuss the main aspects such as: will it be a small or a large walima? Is it going to casual or formal? Who is going to do what at the walima? This meeting will be very useful in establishing the basics and keeping an organized plan. It may also help to designate a walima coordinator. Perhaps a parent or someone who has knowledge of planning a walima. That way, they can handle any of the stressful factors that may arise.
Shariah Requirements
It might help to select someone to ensure that the Shariah requirements are carried out. The individual should make sure of the following:
- What kinds of foods will be served at the walima (They can ensure that there is no pork or food that is not halal at the event.)
- Make sure the details of the marriage contract are established, including the Mahr and any additional conditions that apply.
- They can determine the state’s requirements for marriage to guarantee that all legal aspects have been taken care of.
- Make sure that any immigration issues have been resolved and won’t interfere with the marriage.
Walima Location
Selecting a venue is always a fun aspect to planning a walima. Whether you choose a Mosque, a reception hall, a park, etc- just make sure it’s a location you love. There are a few considerations when selecting the location of your walima. Consider the price and make sure it is within your budget. Double check with the venue to guarantee that there will accept your selected catering service. Try to book the hall at least 3-5 months ahead of time.
Looking for some great visual motivation for planning a walima? Check out our gallery of Islamic walimas that we have had the privilege of capturing. And don’t forget- we have an exceptional team of Islamic wedding photographers and videographers that are available to capture your special event!
Feb
22
Indian Wedding Ceremony Events
Last week, our team shared some detailed information about typical pre-ceremony events at Indian weddings. This week, we would like to share some facts about what takes place at the Indian wedding ceremony. As you may have noticed, Indian wedding are full of meaningful traditions. Whether you are planning your own or have been invited to one, it’s nice to know what to expect. Keep reading for a detailed list of Indian wedding ceremony events.
A traditional Indian wedding ceremony involves a host of religious and spiritual rituals that are used to unite the couple as well as their families. The ceremony kicks off with the arrival of the groom.
Baraat (Aka: The Groom’s Procession)
On the day of the wedding, the groom makes a grand entrance to the wedding venue. Traditionally, the groom would arrive on a white horse. Over the years, some grooms have taken a more creative approach and arrived on jet skis, helicopters, etc. When the groom arrives, he is met with excitement from his friends and family. There is usually music played by a professional dhol and dancing. The bride’s family meets the baraat at the entrance of the wedding venue to take part in the celebrations.
Milni: The milni is a welcoming ritual between the bride’s mother and the groom. Relatives from both sides will greet one another with garlands. The bride’s family will accompany the groom to a canopied altar, called a mandap. The mandap is used to symbolize the home that the couple will build together.
Ganesh Puja: At the start of the ceremony, a priest will guide the couple’s parents in offering sweets, flowers and prayer to Lord Ganesh, the destroyer of all obstacles.
Kanya Aagaman (The Bride’s Arrival): At this moment, the bride will enter the hall to be escorted to the mandap by her maternal aunt and uncle. This tradition varies in an Indian wedding ceremony and can vary on whom escorts the bride.
Jai Mala: Here, the couple will exchange floral garlands that signify their acceptance of each other.
Kanyadaan and Hasta Melap: The bride’s father will then pour sacred water into her hand. Then, he will place her hand into the groom’s, officially giving her away to the groom. This is always a very meaningful and emotional moment at an Indian wedding ceremony- the kind our team loves to capture on film! After this, the groom’s sister will tie the end of the groom’s scarf to the bride’s sari.
As you can tell, an Indian wedding ceremony is packed full of wonderful moments. There’s even more than what we have listed here. Stay tuned for our next post about Indian wedding ceremony events. Meanwhile, feel free to browse our impressive Indian wedding photo gallery from some great visuals on Indian wedding events!
Feb
19
As traveling wedding photographers and videographers, our team has had the pleasure of visiting an enormous amount of impressive locations for weddings. One of our favorite places to visit is San Jose, CA. With beautiful scenery and gorgeous backdrops, filming a San Jose wedding is both exciting and memorable for our team. With Maha and Hussein’s San Jose wedding, we had the ability to capture some magnificent shots.
When the couple first contacted us, we knew it was going to be an exciting event. They were a vibrant couple and had planned a grand wedding with around 200-300 guests. On the day of their wedding, we had the opportunity to shoot at the Pasadena Grand Courthouse. The photos we captured were breathtaking. The architecture was surreal and manifested an unforgettable backdrop. With grand columns and artistic arches, the Grand Courthouse was dramatic and perfect for their wedding photography.
For the ceremony, Maha wore an elegant hijab with a beautiful jeweled headband on top. The jewels matched perfectly with the diamond belt that surrounded her white wedding gown. Her veil hung nicely from her hijab and draped down the back of her wedding dress. She was both beautiful and traditional for her San Jose wedding event.
For their reception, the beautiful couple had a gorgeous purple and silver wedding theme. The reception hall was elegantly decorated and was the perfect atmosphere for dancing and an all night celebration. For their first dance, the couple implemented the use of a fog machine to create an amazing and unforgettable ambiance. The rest of the evening was exciting as their friends and family celebrated. Maha and Hussein’s San Jose wedding traditional and memorable for our team at Saiaf Films. Thank you Maha and Hussein for allowing us the wonderful opportunity to attend your wedding and capturing your beautiful memories.
Feb
17
What Goes Into the Pre-Ceremony Events of an Indian Wedding?
As Indian wedding photographers and videographers, our team understands the grandeur and excitement that comes with an Indian wedding. But, we also understand the enormous amount of planning that it takes to organize such an event. We also know that not everyone quite understands all the amazing and meaningful moments that go into an Indian wedding. We would like to share the basics of an Indian wedding to help anyone who may be planning- or plans to attend- an Indian wedding.
Obviously, Indian weddings are full of rich and meaningful traditions. In order to cover them all, we will be breaking down basics of Indian weddings into two separate posts. Here, we will showcase the Pre-Wedding/Ceremony traditions followed by the ceremony itself in a future post. So keep an eye out for the additional information!
Pre-Wedding Events
The pre-wedding rituals are a very important part of the entire Indian wedding event. They are believed to hold an enormous amount of importance and are used to set the tone and promise of the impending wedding. Normally, these events last for about a week and do an amazing job of drumming up the excitement and joy for the bride and groom as well as their friends and family.
Pithi: A pithi is a good luck ceremony where friends and family apply a pithi to bride and groom’s skin. Pithi is a yellow paste made of turmeric, rose water and chickpea flour and is believed to brighten the skin tone.
Mehndi: This is a vibrant and exciting celebration that is normally held the night before the wedding. There is usually a professional mehndi artist that applies henna to the hands and feet of the bride in intricate and meaningful designs. These designs are believed to symbolize beauty, joy and spiritual awakening and offering. Looking for more information about planning a mehndi? Check out our posts about the basics of a mehndi.
As professional Indian wedding photographers and videographers, we have had an enormous privilege capturing some really amazing Indian wedding events and traditions. Our team has a skillful eye for the important and key moments that go along with the traditions and cultural aspects of an Indian wedding. Feel free to check out our impressive Indian wedding photography to see the beauty and grandeur of Indian weddings.
Feb
15
Pakistani Wedding Checklist
If there is o
ne thing we have learned from attending Pakistani weddings, it’s this- they take a lot of planning! There are so many wonderful and entertaining events that go along with a Pakistani wedding, and sometimes, it can be hard to keep track of everything that needs to be planned. That being the case, our team at Saiaf Films would like to share an easy to use Pakistani Wedding Checklist. This will help you to stay on track and make sure all those extra special details don’t get left out!
Download a Printable here: Pakistani Wedding Checklist
12+ Months
- Announcements: Notify your friends and family of your Baath Paki/engagement.
- Meeting: Arrange a sit-down with your fiance, both sets of parents and any other individuals that may be contributing financially to your wedding. Make sure to clarify who is paying for what and what traditions you plan to have at your event. Handle any details that you don’t want to be confused about later on!
- Time-frame: Decide on a time-frame that fits your desired date for your Pakistani wedding. Keep in mind, weddings around Labor Day and Memorial Day tend to be costly. Consider the amount of out-of-town guests and what days may be easiest for them to have time off for the wedding events.
- Research: Start researching wedding venues, wedding planners and possible wedding themes or styles. Visit some venues to start narrowing down a selected few.
9-12 Months
- Book Your Venue: Decide on a venue that suits your event the best. If possible, consider one that you can celebrate the Mayoun, Mehndi, Nikah, Shaadi and Valima at.
- Research Vendors: Take some time to research possible vendors. Look for possible florists, DJs, caterers, bakers, etc. For photography and videography- contact Saiaf Films (we can cover all of your traditional Pakistani Wedding Events flawlessly!)
- Wedding Website: Start building a wedding website. Check out our tips for planning the perfect wedding website.
- Go Cake Testing: Start testing out different types of wedding cake. Check out our ideas for selecting the perfect wedding cake.
- Guest List: Start putting together a wedding guest list.
6-9 Months
- Book Your Vendors: Start booking your vendors.
- Locate an Imam: Speak with your selected Imam on whether or not he will be performing a speech.
- Song Selection: Start selecting which songs you would like played at your Pakistani wedding. Select songs for the bride’s arrival, the groom’s entrance, cutting the cake, rasams, rukhsati, etc.
- Wedding Party Selection: Notify your wedding party to let them know you would like to have them in your wedding.
- Locate a Mehndi Artist: Locate a Mehndi artist for your Mehndi event.
3-5 Months
- Send out invitations.
- Finalize your vendors. Book your florist, DJ, Mehndi artist, hair and makeup artist Imam and meet with Saiaf Films for your photography and videography.
- Start booking your honeymoon.
- Decide wedding favors, table numbers, place settings.
- Start ordering outfits for the Mehndi, Shaadi and Valima.
- Research rental supplies: Decide what equipment you will need to rent.
- Select the necessities for the Mehndi and Shaadi:
- Motives/candles
- Mehndi cones
- Dhol player
- Mehndi trays
- Dupatta
- Flowers to throw with baskets if necessary
- Mithai for rasams
1-2 Months
- Verify details with all vendors and send them the event schedule.
- Send playlist to DJ.
- Contact any guests that have not RSVP’d.
- Form a seating chart.
- Attend a final dress/outfit fitting.
- Purchase accessories.
- Purchase wedding bands.
1-2 Weeks
- Confirm any remaining details with vendors (cake selection, arrival times, etc.)
- Confirm seating arrangements.
- Make a list of any individuals or groups that plan to dance at the Mehndi or would like to give a speech at the Shaadi.
- Finalize event schedule, guest list and seating chart and send it to any necessary vendors.
- Try on wedding and event outfits with accessories. (Break in your shoes!)
- Get a manicure and pedicure before your henna is applied.
- Double check that all guests have necessary accommodations.
- Spend some quality time with family and friends!
One Day Left
- Get plenty of rest.
- Organize anything that you may need or will be taking with you.
- Make a list of all necessary makeup or accessories and check it off as you pack!
- Select an individual to make final payments to vendors. Put the money in envelopes and label them.
Event Time!
- Get ready, smile, feel beautiful and enjoy your special day!
Above all, remember to relax and stay as organized as possible when planning your Pakistani wedding. These will be some of the most memorable days of your life! Plan well and enjoy every minute of your Pakistani wedding!
Download a Printable here: Pakistani Wedding Checklist
Feb
12
Elegant Wedding Hijab Styles
Chicago Muslim Wedding Photographer / Indian Wedding Photographer / Muslim Wedding Photographer Posted by Saiaf Films
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Beautiful Wedding Hijab Looks
As a wedding photography and videography team that specializes in multicultural weddings, Saiaf Films has had the privilege of capturing some of the most beautiful brides! Our experience has provided us with a deep understanding of the beauty and elegance behind the wedding hijab and the brides who wear them. The hijab is a type of veil worn by a bride to symbolize spiritual aspiration. Over the years, it has been adapted for brides to express their own style by adorning the hijab with different drapings or accessories. Here, our team shares the beauty and elegance in a variety of wedding hijab styles and the beautiful brides who wore them.
Elegant Turban Style Hijab
Words can’t even describe the beauty and elegance of this particular hijab style. It provides the perfect combination of lace, pearl and tulle all in a gorgeous bright white. The bride is wearing a white under-scarf beneath an elegant lace accented fabric. Placed into a turban style hijab, the bride is complimented perfectly by the vibrancy of the white material. We love this chic elegant style which gave this bride a classic and timeless appeal!
Jeweled Hijab
This bride selected an elegant, simple white hijab that is accented with a eye-catching jeweled headband. The hijab itself is topped with single tier, tulle veil that drapes behind her perfectly. The soft cream colored wedding hijab frames her face in a subtle, yet beautiful way. Her jeweled headband pairs with the elegant jeweled belt of her wedding dress adding a unique combination of accents.
The Lifted Hijab
This stunning bride is adorned with a hijab that is lifted towards the back to provide a heightened effect. The hijab itself is draped in multiple folds towards the front in order to create a subtle cascading look. Her face is framed beautifully by this particular hijab style.
The Regal Hijab
This hijabi bride looks majestic with her heavily embroidered dupatta. This particular hijab is exquisitely accented with an abundance of jewels, which complement her wedding style perfectly. She looks stunningly regal as the wedding hijab lays loosely over her shoulders. Elegance and beauty are obvious with this gorgeous style.
