Sam & Sana’s Destination Ismaili Pakistani-Indian Wedding | Day 3 Ceremony | Zyka Indian Restaurant Decatur

The final day of Sam and Sana’s Ismaili Pakistani-Indian wedding! If you haven’t followed along be sure to click here for Day 1 Mehndi Henna Party and Day 2 Haldi & Temple Ceremony.

We started the day at just one venue, which was a huge relief compared to day 2 where we traveled all over Atlanta. All of the day’s events were held at Zyka Decatur’s Banquet Hall which is a large venue that I have shot at before. The tall vaulted ceilings are nice they just make photos a bit tricky to get the light even. First, some detail shots of the venue and the decorations!

Once things got into full swing the guests were arriving greeted by the groom’s parents.

Then the bride and groom finally arrived and made their grand entrance! Before going inside, Betty and I snapped a few quick photos outside of Zyka of the lovely couple fully dressed in their traditional wedding gowns.

For their grand entrance the entire room went dark, and the only illumination on the couple was from the light given off by my video camera. Betty’s flash illuminated this shot but I think you can still get a sense of the entrance, the video really tells the tale though.

Once Sam and Sana made their way to the stage, Sam’s brother acted as MC – Master of Ceremonies, not an MC like MC Hammer! He entertained the crowd by retelling the story of how Sam and Sana initially met over the internet while Sana was still in Pakistan and the trial and tribulations the couple faced. The entire story was also acted out as a Bollywood-inspired dance for all of the guests to enjoy while Sam’s brother narrated.

Sam and Sana both said a few words and had their first dance, again with the lights totally black except two spotlights from each side illuminating them on the middle of the room. Truly magical!

We even had a ring ceremony with it’s own sweet moments.

…followed of course by the cutting of the cake! After the bride and groom shared a piece of cake with each other they also shared some with all of the immediate family members.

Sana’s family sent over a video from Pakistan showing pictures of her childhood and growing up which the entire crowd and the newly wed couple watched together.

Things finally settled after these planned events and the entire crowd went off to enjoy the food and greet the couple on stage to congratulate them.

Everyone got together in the end to take a huge family group photo, smile and say cheese!!

Lastly, Sana made her departure and ceremoniously threw rice over her as she left signifying the end of her old life and the start of her new life with her proud husband, Shamz. We couldn’t be happier for these two!!

Congratulations Sam and Sana from the bottom of our hearts! Betty and I had so much fun during the three days of your wedding, and while it was exhausting it was a blessing to be part of your family for these three days. Wishing you two much happiness together in the future!

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Indian Wedding Photography Equipment List (B&H Affiliate Links)

2x Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Canon EOS 7D
Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS (For Videography)
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II
Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II
Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L
Canon EF 135mm f/2L
Canon Speedlite 580 EX II
Tiffen Steadicam Merlin (For Videography)

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Zachary Long and Betty Feng are a husband and wife team of wedding photographers based in Downtown Atlanta, Georgia but frequently visit Zyka in Decatur as this was the third Indian wedding that Zac has shot there! View our full wedding portfolio at http://www.FengLongPhoto.com/ and use the Contact page to inquire about 2011 and 2012 availability or send us an email directly at Zac@FengLongPhoto.com