Mohammad and Mina’s Afghani Wedding

What an absolute pleasure it was to photograph Mohammad and Mina’s wedding.
I had met Mohammad quite some years ago when I was part of a career’s day at Wanganui school in Shepparton as Mohammad was very interested in photography. We caught up a few times at different places and then I  remember him being awarded best landscape photograph at a Youth Photography Awards a few years ago. It was annonymous judging of which I was part of in the shire of Strathbogie. Today Mohammad works at the Shepparton Camera House and still photographs landscapes and weddings and other things. I was overjoyed when he contacted me to ask me to his wedding and would I be available to photograph.
Please listen to the spoken stories here and at the bottom of this post to find out more about their wedding, traditions and culture and likewise their  inspiring journeys as to Australia.  Thank you Mohammad and Mina for sharing with us.
I value you very much learning more about and immersing in other cultures.

Out of cultural respect
I do not show any of the woman’s faces
and have permission from Mohammad and Mina
to share with you these particular images and stories

To understand more about this marriage and celebration I highly recommend listening to the short spoken stories above. 

The wedding is a two night celebration
–  the first being a slightly smaller gathering like a hens and bucks night celebration and henna ceremony
– the second night is the main wedding celebration

 

Henna Ceremony

It is tradition for the groomsmen to dance in front of the groom to lead him wherever he goes

Mohammad and his dad

Gifts of clothing from the bride’s family are given and the groom and his father were completely redressed. Gifts of shirts and other things were given to other guests.
In a similar way gifts were given to the bride and her guests

Mohammad’s dad traditional singing was one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard

I encourage you to listen to these extra stories – I am sure you will find them very inspiring

I would dearly love to photograph weddings of any culture in Australia and beyond
For more information please contact me at liz@lizarcus.com. To see more of my work go to www.lizarcus.com