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May 30, 2019

Art Gallery of Hamilton Wedding | Zainab + Saad

Filed in: Weddings & Engagements

One of the best things about being a wedding photographer in the Greater Toronto Area is the different cultural practices I get to witness and capture. It’s an enriching experience to be exposed to endless ethnicities, languages, and religions. This South Asian Art Gallery of Hamilton wedding was a cultural and visual feast.

Zainab and Saad’s wedding was a perfect mix of traditional and modern. They honoured their cultural heritage while being able to incorporate many modern wedding trends, and the result was simply beautiful.

The Wedding Story

It’s a wedding that, on the one hand, looked like it took place in a different time, in a different world. Yet Zainab and Saad put their own little twist on it.

Vivian Lyttle Events coordination and design team were the absolute best to work with. Everything went super smoothly, and they made everything totally gorgeous. I mean really, those lanterns hanging from the ceiling? Such a nice touch.

They began they day at their lovely home on a quiet Hamilton street, with Saad getting ready on the main floor and Zainab upstairs. They decided to do their first look in their own backyard, and then head to nearby Gage Park for the photos.

After that, it was over the the Art Gallery of Hamilton for the ceremony on the beautiful rooftop, and then the reception.

The whole day was filled with emotion, and even yours truly had to fight back a few tears when the bride’s father spoke. You could see how much Zainab and Saad are loved by those around them

The Traditions

Although I had photographed several Hindu wedding ceremonies in the past, this was my first Nikah ceremony of the Muslim faith.

Perhaps my favourite element (and there were a lot to choose from) was Zainab’s insanely gorgeous and detailed sari. It was custom made and hand stitched by Mani Jessal, one of Toronto’s leading designers of South Asian fashion. It was truly something to behold. All the intricate details and patterns were a photographer’s dream.