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.
Smiling bride arrives with her brother
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: the real Mehndi will be painted on later by the professional artist
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
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.
Natural, unposed, wedding photo of gorgeous Asian bride at her Mehndi
Mehndi-hands, beautifully decorated with Henna
April 14th, 2011 at 10:34 pm
just looking through the pictures and the mendhi looks stunning. Just want to know which mendhi was used…. thanx
April 16th, 2011 at 4:59 am
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
December 9th, 2012 at 5:44 pm
Hi I was in this wedding my photo is on here I really enjoyed it
December 10th, 2012 at 12:18 am
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
February 3rd, 2013 at 6:11 pm
Hi Elaine thankz for taking these pics hope to see u sometime when I come over to Yorkshire :))
February 3rd, 2013 at 6:13 pm
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
February 3rd, 2013 at 7:01 pm
Yeh I’ll be there too 🙂
February 3rd, 2013 at 7:02 pm
But I’m not sure if ill be there before
February 4th, 2013 at 5:20 pm
Excellent! I am starting to feel like part of the family, not “just” the wedding photographer, which is wonderful! Thanks Zara! xx Elaine
February 5th, 2013 at 8:33 pm
That’s ok 🙂
February 14th, 2013 at 8:59 am
My pleasure Elaine