BUKHARA MANCHESTER WEDDING: SAJIDA + SHAHID
On Saturday 5th January, I photographed my first wedding of the year in my hometown of Manchester. Almost 8 months before the wedding, the bride’s sister, Zulaykha enquired about my service by e-mail hoping to surprise her sister, Sajida by booking me for her special day. Zulaykha knew that her sister had been following me on Instagram (@tanyaweekes) for quite a while and mentioned that she adored my work. What Zulaykha didn’t know, was that the bride had already beat her to it – she had e-mailed me a few days before! The booking went ahead anyway as planned and Zulaykha was a great help with providing the information I asked for, such as the wedding timeline I requested. It was really great to finally meet them both for the first time, on the day of the wedding.
My photography coverage started from the bride’s house. When I arrived, Sajida, was just finishing up with the make up artist. I took a few pictures and then photographed a few of her wedding details including some of the wedding stationary which the bride got from Etsy and Jimmy Choo wedding shoes in a marquee that was set up at the back of the house for a party the day before. Marquees are always great because the white draped ceilings and wall make for lovely soft light. It was really lovely how the wedding stationary coordinated beautifully with the bride’s dress and decor of soft pastels and gold.
From the house, we headed to Longford Park which was just 5 minutes from the family home.
I love the engraving inside the grooms wedding ring. Sajida explained that they had already had the Muslim wedding ceremony (the nikkah) earlier last year and the wedding was in January was more of a celebration.
Shahid, the groom was great and although I know he was freezing (it was pretty cold that day), he happily indulged me with my photo direction. I love his mild mannered nature and the relaxed energy he had throughout the day.
We had about 45 minutes in the park which great. It was a really overcast day which made for soft, diffused light.
Sajida has four sisters who are all lovely. I have to give special thanks to Fatima who came to the park with us for the bride and groom portraits and was a big help when it came to making sure Sajida’s dress looked great and making sure we ran to schedule.
I really love, Love, LOVED all the wedding stationary, including the wax sealed invitations and seating plan. Still can’t believe that Sajida arranged it all, including the printing, for the seating plan, invites and the Welcome sign.
The wedding reception took place in Manchester at Bukhara Manchester.
I love the simplicity of the cake by @naazcakes and how it tied in with the overall theme.
The venue also arranged the stage decor but Sajida’s sisters added the lanterns and candles as an extra finishing touch.
The couple had two dessert tables from @mushyssweets with all sorts of delights. I tried the miniature cheesecake which was beautiful. There were also macaroons, which were a nod to the groom as he is from France.
During the wedding reception, guests listened to specially selected music and nasheeds (Islamic music) as well as a recitation of the Qu’ran and some words of wisdom about marriage.
Sajida’s beautiful henna design is by @madeeha.makeupartistry
Lastly, Sajida put together a message of her own words for guests to read which I thought was a really beautiful, personal touch. She spoke about her Mum who sadly had passed a way and messages of thanks and appreciation to her Dad and siblings. Such a beautiful wedding. I wish Sajida and Shahid a beautiful and happy marriage.
Photography by Tanya Weekes | Venue and stage decor: Bukarah Manchester | Henna Artist:@madeeha.makeupartist | Dessert Table by @mushyssweets | Wedding cake by @naazcakes | Hair and makeup by @lubnanazir