Through The Lens Of A Pakistani Wedding Photographer: Laila and Syed

As professional Pakistani wedding photographers, we encounter countless ceremonies every year. But each is unique. And Laila and Syed's wedding celebration was no different.

As an official NJ Wedding photographer, we love capturing uniqueness. Integrating our eye for photography with the excitement of festivities. It's a privilege to be able to capture such emotions.
Though the rituals may be the same, the family and friends make them unique. Filling the days with colors and feelings to complete them.

Pakistani Weddings: An Opportunity for Reunions

Weddings and family occasions are always memorable, but cross-country ones are something else. After all, how many chances do families from opposite coasts get to gather in one place?

Syed and Laila’s wedding was one example: their special day was the perfect excuse to bring their families from LA and NJ together. But with the couple being as charismatic as they are, friends from many other states and regions flew in to celebrate with them in Edison, New Jersey, too. 

All present agreed that even before the couple entered the room to say their “I do’s,” the atmosphere was already full of love and magic.

Happy Films photographers and videographers spent two full days with Laila and Syed, capturing every moment of their matrimonies. Since both come from Pakistani families, their wedding included a sangeet, a beautiful nikah ceremony, and much more. 

Sangeet Night

Sangeet comes from the Sanskrit word that means “sung together.” Therefore, it is a ceremony marked by music. Traditionally, only female family members participate in sangeet, but males have also started attending in recent years.

To be clear, this is not a religious ceremony - it is simply a party to celebrate the couple and a chance for their family and friends to mingle before the wedding.

Sangeet Singing

A Pakistani wedding photographer knows: whether you call it Sangeet as the Indians do or Dholki like the Punjabis, the evening is special!

While still a formal affair, Laila and Syed’s sangeet at the Shahi Palace in Woodbridge, NJ, was relaxed and full of casual fun. The hall was decorated with colorful, shimmering backdrops, elegant swings, and bright bangles to match the lively festivity.

As tradition dictated, the elders led the singing. Sangeet (or Dholki) songs cover specific wedding topics, ranging from jokes and quip about in-laws to serious advice on how to have a successful, lasting marriage. 

As the singing wound down, the dancing began, and everyone got their turn on the dance floor.

In centuries past, the sangeet was observed for ten days before the wedding day. But the current practice has compressed the dancing into one day to hasten the arrival of the main event: the Nikah Ceremony.

Nikah Ceremony

The sun rose bright and early the next day, with crisp, rejuvenating morning air blowing through the billowing curtains. Though all guests were tired from the prior evening’s dancing, the beautiful morning heightened everyone’s spirits as it foretold a magical day at the Mirage Banquet Hall in Edison, NJ.

The Nikah Ceremony is the most important ceremony of Muslim weddings. It is the official contract signing between the bride and groom stating that they both willingly enter into the marriage with each other. Once signed, it is against Islamic law for them to get a divorce. Therefore, their contract binds them for life.

Though Nikah is a crucial and vital ceremony, it was a light and joyful one for a couple as in love as Laila and Syed. Both sides eagerly signed the contract, promising to stand by each other’s side always and forever. 

Many friends and family lost the fight to hold back tears of joy as they beheld the sparkling couple on the brink of the new stage of their life. But once all the tears had been shed, it was time to get down to serious business: it was time to party!

Laila and Syed danced the night away, surrounded by loved ones. But despite being surrounded by people, flashing lights, clinking jewelry, and loud music, they only had eyes for each other.

Pakistani Weddings To Be Remembered

The photos we at Happy Films capture are never just photos: We treat each one as a precious moment frozen in time for the couple to keep for decades to come. Photographers give couples the power of time travel.

But, as the Spiderman movies say, with great power comes great responsibility. Being a Pakistani wedding photographer is not a simple task: It is an enormous responsibility that takes intense focus, skill, and patience to wait for the right moment. But with it comes the immense privilege of witnessing so many beautiful moments being made.

Let us celebrate beauty, love, and joy together on your next special occasion! Contact Happy Films today to see how we can make beautiful memories together.