Boho Backyard Pakistani Wedding | Dallas, TX

I got the honor of photographing Sabeen & Mohammad’s backyard Pakistani wedding recently in Dallas, TX and it was a stunning celebration. I was actually the second photographer for Lana del Mar, a Texas wedding photographer and I’m so glad I got to tag along!

 

The Wedding Details

Sabeen & Mohammad’s celebration was a traditional Pakistani wedding with a boho twist. It featured a neutral color palette, orange accents, and light pink reception decorations. Pampas grass was everywhere, and the beige, orange, and pink decor went together so beautifully. This wedding is every bohemian lover’s dream!

 

Keep reading for more details of the wedding & information about Pakistani wedding traditions!

 

Pakistani Weddings

I got to learn more about Pakistani wedding traditions at this wedding. And got to witness so many unique wedding traditions I hadn’t seen before! Pakistani weddings last an average of 3-7 days, so they’re huge celebrations compared to traditional one-day-only weddings.

Here are some basics to know about the days of celebration in Pakistani weddings. This is all from Mazaa Catering Co’s website (see the full article here):

• The Dholki (pre-celebrations):

  • “Pakistani weddings usually begin with a Dholki. This is a pre-celebration which usually takes place one or two weeks before the main celebrations. The bridal party, close friends and relatives of the bride and groom are in attendance. During this event guests sing and dance traditionally while beating on a dholak drum.”

• The Mehndi (Henna night):

  • “Before the main ceremony occurs, one of the most important events for a bride is the Mehndi (henna party) where the bride has intricate henna patterns drawn onto her hands and feet. The designs symbolise luck, joy and love – with the groom’s name usually hidden within the intricate detail. Female friends and family members will also have henna patterns applied with less elaborate designs than the bride.Traditionally the mehndi is known as the ‘Bride’s day’ which is spent with her close relatives and friends. However over recent years the groom has become involved in the day with family and friends applying oil to his head. There is music and dancing involved to create a lively atmosphere and get everyone in the mood for the forthcoming wedding.”

• The Nikah (ceremony):

  • “The most important part of the wedding is the Nikah, a formal ritual where the bride and groom exchange vows and make promises to one another. Before the couple are even allowed to see each other, a mehr, or symbolic presentation of gifts or money, is given to the bride by the groom.”

• The Walima (reception):

  • “After the Nikah ceremony there is a wedding celebration called the Walima. It is the final dinner organised by the groom’s side once their marriage is official and it is a celebration of the two individuals coming together. Typically the groom opts for a formal Western suit or tuxedo and the bride will wear a dazzling dress with gold jewellery provided by the groom. The reception is a huge celebration with many relatives and guests of both families in attendance.”

 

I attended & photographed the formal ceremony and the final night of the wedding, both of which were beautiful to witness and be a part of. The formal ceremony actually took place on the couple’s family’s rooftop, making it even more special!

One tradition I got to capture was at the end of the ceremony night, when the couple made their exit. It was a very emotional ending, symbolizing the bride leaving her family and entering the groom’s family. A Qur’an was held over Sabeen’s head as she walked out to the car to bless and protect her. Her family was crying the whole time and it was so special and intimate!

Enjoy their gorgeous gallery!