Riding the Wave with Donya & Khalid
I cannot adequately express the energy and love; the genuine experience of really being present together, to be a small piece in a huge community- 650 guests, give or take a few. The feeling of love and support hung thick in the Coast Plaza Ballroom and could be felt all the way into my core. Donya and Khalid's wedding celebration centred around family, food, and community. Focused on the expression of love and joy through dance, song, and prayer :)
We started the day at the bride's home welcoming the groom and his family in a grand procession including musicians, singers, family, and friends.
Rose petals. Tears. Music. Dancing.
Excitement vibrated. Each aspect from ceremonies & traditions to decor & flowers, were heartfelt and vibrant. Don't even get me started on the food!
Both the bride and the groom were introduced with a musical, dancing processions along side their families where the two meet in a bright tent. Here everyone gathered for the singing of prayers, blessings, even more, dancing. We were all then treated to a lunch fit for kings.
With sweets to-go, we took off with the wedding party & close family for a few formal images. Arriving at Eau Clair Market, we found ourselves in the middle of the Calgary Turkish Festival. If you know anything about Turkish culture, it is full of vibrant music, joy, and food! So just perfect :)
From Princes Island beauty we traveled to the Coast Plaza Hotel, and back into full on party mode.
The grand entrance of our lovely bride & groom began with a dance starting with just the two of them. It slowly to began to draw close family creating circle surrounding the couple and more and more guests moving steadily, outwards in consecutive circles until everyone in the hall was dancing. Hand in hand sings songs new and old. Together!
Can you believe this was all before s dinner? Which was catered by the fabulous chefs at the Coast Plaza and was lovely, by the way. Once all the formalities were complete, it took no time at all for everyone to yet again be up on their feet.
The band beginning softly for Donya & Khalid's first dance and lifted everyone to the feet, keeping the beat going for hours!! Dancing the dabke in style.
It is impossible not to feel uplifted and joyful attending a wedding, but Donya and Khalid's left me both exhausted and joyful. I could not be more honoured to have been present to capture every moment!!!!
