Asian wedding photography – the Mehndi at Al Hikmah Centre in Dewsbury

Just a couple of weeks ago Gulfaam approached me to cover his sister’s wedding – taking place this week.  He wanted someone local, but who also had experience of Asian wedding traditions.  The very first Asian wedding I ever did  around 9 years ago was a baptism of fire!  Four stretched limos, a parade through the streets, and over 2,000 guests at the Groom’s Walimah – the main reception day.

So today’s Mehndi, though I shot over 600 images in the space of 4 hours, was a real pleasure.  It helps that having met her family already, I know they are kind and friendly people, and that the bride is truly beautiful in her wedding outfit.

Asian Muslim Bride arrives for her Mehndi with her brother, Gulfaam

Smiling bride arrives with her brother

Asian Family members pose on stage for the Mehndi at the Al-Hikmah Centre in Batley

Family members pose on stage for the Mehndi at the Al-Hikmah Centre in Batley

Henna is squeezed onto a leaf on the bride's hand

Henna is squeezed onto a leaf on the bride's hand: the real Mehndi will be painted on later by the professional artist

Asian wedding photography: Oil is rubbed onto the bride's hair as part of the Mehndi ritual

Oil is rubbed onto the bride's hair by all the close family guests as part of the Mehndi ritual

Ritualistic feed of the Asian bride at her Mehndi

Ritualistic feed of the Asian bride at her Mehndi

All the close family members file past, painting henna onto a” leaf” on the bride’s hand, then rubbing oil on her hair, feeding her an Asian  sweet, then handing over money.  The real work of art will begin later on her hands and feet, by a professional henna (Mehndi) artist.

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Natural, unposed, wedding photo of gorgeous Asian bride at her Mehndi

Asian Wedding photography: Hands decorated with Henna

Mehndi-hands, beautifully decorated with Henna

11 Responses to “Asian wedding photography – the Mehndi at Al Hikmah Centre in Dewsbury”

  1. zara Says:

    just looking through the pictures and the mendhi looks stunning. Just want to know which mendhi was used…. thanx

  2. ReelLifePhotos Says:

    Hi Zara

    Glad you like it Zara Give me a call if you wish to discuss your own wedding though. That particular Mendi took place in October 2010. Am in the Seychelles at the moment as covered another lovely couple’s wedding here last week, but will be backl on Sunday night. xx Elaine 07990 867058

  3. Zara Says:

    Hi I was in this wedding my photo is on here I really enjoyed it

  4. ReelLifePhotos Says:

    Of course you were Zara! Great you found the pics! Thanks for the comment too Zara. Hope to see you and your Dad sometime. xx Elaine

  5. Zara Says:

    Hi Elaine thankz for taking these pics hope to see u sometime when I come over to Yorkshire :))

  6. ReelLifePhotos Says:

    Absolutely Zara! Just let me know if you are up before your Uncle’s wedding, and maybe I can arrange for Levana to be around too. xx Elaine

  7. Zara Says:

    Yeh I’ll be there too 🙂

  8. Zara Says:

    But I’m not sure if ill be there before

  9. ReelLifePhotos Says:

    Excellent! I am starting to feel like part of the family, not “just” the wedding photographer, which is wonderful! Thanks Zara! xx Elaine

  10. Zara Says:

    That’s ok 🙂

  11. Zara Says:

    My pleasure Elaine

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