There’s nothing we love more than a huge bash of a wedding and we just can’t get enough of this gorgeous Indian Muslim wedding out of Massachusetts.
With photographer Aaron Spagnolo snapping away, over 300 guests arrived at the oceanside Seaport Inn and Marina in Fairhaven. Fifteen groomsmen and eleven bridesmaids helped Nilofer and Arif celebrate their big day. We talked to Aaron about the lovely couple’s big day.
Family and friends dropped in to sneak a peek of the blushing bride, offering help and running errands. Meanwhile, downstairs in a room on the opposite side of the hotel, Arif was getting ready with his family, who all arrived from London.
Nilofer chose beautiful flowing pink dresses for her briesmaids, their hands and feet covered in henna and colorful banglesthat contrasted beautifully against the sand and seashells for the beachside ceremony.
Since this was a large-scale wedding with various and sometimes simultaneously occurring traditional ceremonies, both Nanore (Aaron’s partner and second shooter) covered everything, splitting up and converging as needed. A beautiful high school a block away was a great spot for formals with the wedding party. Further down the road, a small park by the ocean became the perfect spot for the first look.
Soon, the baarat began, with the ‘jaan’ (groom) and his family making their way dancing to the outdoor ceremony area accompanied by a dhol player. The bride’s family greeted the groom with traditional Gujarati customs and some lighthearted banter. Guests greeted the groom, dancing. Next, the bride and groom’s families agreed on the Mehar (nuptial gift).
Upon the Imam’s arrival, the Nikaah (wedding ceremony) began, with readings of selected verses from the Quran. The Walis (in this case, Nilofer’s uncles and brother-in-law alongside Arif’s father and brother) play an important role in the ceremony, serving as witnesses of the Ijab-e-Qubul (proposal and acceptance) and presenting the Mahar (compulsory nuptial gift given by the groom to the bride).The bride and her party then made their way outside to join the groom and his family for the final leg of the ceremony. The couple and guests then moved inside for the reception and dinner, a lavish affair of lamb, chicken, rice, salad, and sweets—all traditional Indian recipes. There was much dancing and laughter, until it was time for the final post-wedding ceremony, the rukhsati, where the bride’s family said their emotional farewells as the bride left with the groom and his family.
Congratulations and best wishes to you, Nilofer and Arif! Thank you for sharing your big day with us.
Vendors:
Photographer: Aaron Spagnolo Photography // Event Venue: Seaport Inn & Marina // Professional: Dmitry Gordievsky Film // Jewelry: Inida Trend // Caterer: JMP Fine Indian Cuisine//Design and Decor:Luisa’s Decorations
