S2 Images photography captured Aarifah & Sawood’s wedding day, starting out at The Holiday Inn in Leicester. Whilst preparing for the big day, they had friends and family members popping in and out of their rooms. Aarifah had the talented Anika working away on her wedding hair and makeup. We have to add, she did an amazing job, as Aarifah’s hair and make-up remained immaculate all day!

There was a real buzz in Aarifah’s room in particular, not to mention the added pressure of writing letters to each other to send to their soon to be spouse.

Once they were ready, Aarifah signed over permission for her father to give her away. The men then went over to a local masjid in Leicester for the Islamic wedding ceremony. The women went into a conference room in The Holiday Inn, where they could hear the traditional wedding ceremony taking place through a laptop. Due to the Imam’s religious beliefs we were unable to photograph the men at this point.

There were then dates and drinks handed out amidst the congratulations and everyone made their way to the wedding venue at The Empire Hall. This venue used to be a church but has now been renovated to cater to all faiths. It still has the main features of a church, including beautiful stone arches and stained glass windows.

Aarifah & Sawood met on a mountain during a charity event. They decided to incorporate this theme into their wedding cake. When they initially mentioned this to us, we didn’t know what to expect but when we saw their wedding cake we were amazed. It was absolutely beautiful and so unique.

Once all of the guests were seated, Sawood was waiting anxiously on the stage at the front of the aisle. Aarifah arrived at the back of the venue in a Jaguar. Her friends greeted her with smiles, excitement and blowing lots of kisses.

It was now time for Aarifah to walk down the aisle, with her father by her side plus bridesmaids and page boys in front. They exchanged vows, rings and held their hands up in excitement once they were pronounced man and wife.

After cutting their beautiful cake, lunch was served whilst some cheeky guests raided the sweet cart. They also had some interesting favours. Pots of flavoured tea, which had a card attached stating ‘this is an invitation to visit us for tea.’ This was such a lovely idea.

After this, we took some photographs of Aafirah and Sawood on the balcony at the back of the hall and took the requested group shots off the balcony and also on the stage.

There was then the traditional Asian ‘Rukhsati’ ceremony, where the family well up with sadness as their children are finally leaving them to embark on their new journey together. As the bride, groom and their guests left the venue, they were handed traditional Mauritian cakes, which are similar to shortbread with jam and were absolutely delicious!

Once the couple left the venue and got in the car, Aarifah’s family and friends stopped the car, requesting money from Sawood. This is an Asian tradition and a good laugh for the guests. Sawood then went and consulted his friends to come up with a sum of money to give them, so that they could then be on their way.

At this point we took the opportunity to get some lovely couple shots at Abbey Park in Leicester, as the sun was setting.

During this day we were working alongside Adam and Rachel of Adam Galwas Productions. The most caring and talented videographers we have ever worked alongside. We definitely recommend them if you are looking for videography for your wedding day.

Here is their trailer for Aarifah and Sawood’s wedding day.

S2 Images Ltd are husband and wife wedding photographers based near Warwick. We photograph weddings nationally, having covered areas such as Warwickshire, Leicester, Worcestershire, the Cotswolds, Dorset, Leeds and London. We can even venture worldwide should you wish. We would love to know your wedding photography plans. Please get in touch via our contact page if you are interested in our services.

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