The morning preparations unfolded with intention and quiet elegance, beginning at the Nobu Hotel where the bride and her bridesmaids gathered for hair and makeup. The room carried a calm energy, punctuated by soft conversation, laughter, and moments of stillness as each look came together.
Traditionally, a Zaffa band includes drummers, horn or mizmar players, dancers, and sometimes torch or candle bearers, creating a rhythmic, celebratory atmosphere rooted in centuries-old customs.
Art Institute of chicago
gallery 04
chicago
feb
Candid images captured the transformation in progress—makeup brushes mid-air, pins being placed carefully into hair, reflections exchanged in mirrors—while detailed photographs documented the products, hair accessories, and jewelry chosen for the day. The bride’s attire and her bridesmaids’ dresses were laid out thoughtfully, allowing for clean, editorial detail shots of fabrics, shoes, and heirloom jewelry before they were worn.
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As evening approached, Maghrib prayers marked an important spiritual pause before the reception doors opened shortly after. The couple’s entrance followed during dancing a Zaffa band, honoring the blend of Pakistani and Iranian cultures, observed without music in respect to the moment and its meaning.
As evening approached, Maghrib prayers marked an important spiritual pause before the reception doors opened shortly after. The couple’s entrance followed with a Zaffa, honoring the blend of Pakistani and Iranian cultures, observed without music in respect to the moment and its meaning.
This transition from preparation to ceremony reflected the balance of celebration, faith, and family—each moment carefully observed and documented as part of a wedding rooted in cultural tradition and shared legacy.
Rituals
This transition from preparation to ceremony reflected the balance of celebration, faith, and family—each
moment carefully observed and documented as part of a wedding rooted in cultural tradition and shared legacy.
Select portraits were taken, grounding the imagery in nostalgia and honoring a sense of heritage through texture, tone, and storytelling.
Bridal portraits followed with the dupatta, focusing on the craftsmanship of her attire, the structure of the garment, and her natural beauty before the final ceremonial elements were added.