There is something incredibly special about a wedding day that bridges cultures and brings families together in a whole new way. I recently had the honor of capturing a stunning celebration at Rosewood Farms in Elkton, Maryland, which featured not just one, but two beautiful ceremonies—a traditional Muslim Nikah and a Christian service.
Getting Ready & The First Looks: We arrived at the farmhouse to capture the final touches of the bride’s hair and makeup as she got ready with her mom and bridesmaids in her traditional white wedding dress. The energy in the room was full of anticipation. Meanwhile, just down the path in another building the groom was putting a very concerted (and slightly stressful!) effort into tying his bowtie perfectly before finishing with the rest of his suite.
Despite the day being a bit cold and a bit wet, we found the perfect spot for a first look with the bride’s father followed immediately by her first look with the groom. We then scouted a few beautiful locations around the farm’s property to capture portraits of the couple together that felt intimate and warm.
The Nikah Ceremony: After an outfit change into a beige dress, the Nikah ceremony began in the chapel. It was fascinating to watch the Imam explain the ceremony in such detail, walking the guests through the deep meaning behind every step before the couple signed the official papers.
The Christian Ceremony: Following the Nikah, the bride changed back into her white gown for the Christian ceremony, which was also held in the same chapel. Seeing both ceremonies back-to-back was fascinating; it truly highlighted how much both religions value the same foundations in marriage.
The Reception: After the vows were exchanged, we walked down the path to the reception room for a delicious dinner. The evening was highlighted by heartfelt speeches from the best man and maid of honor that had the whole room smiling. Once darkness fell, the party officially began. The couple kicked things off with a romantic first dance, followed by a sweet father-daughter dance that opened the floor to everyone else.
The bride then changed back into her white dress for the Christian ceremony also in the chapel. Seeing both ceremonies back to back was interesting in that you saw how really both religions valued the same things in marriage.
After, we walked down the path to the reception room for a delicious dinner and wedding speeches by the best man and maid of honor. After dark the party began, kicked off by a first dance of the couple and then with the brides fathers.
My goal as a photographer is truly to have you not worry much about photography and instead focus on what I can do myself to capture great wedding photos for you. In between what you see below are are 1000+ more other moments that we are more than happy to share as well.
