One of my favorite things about the wedding business is the opportunity to work with fun,  interesting people, and learn about their families, their friends, and their traditions. After all the years I’ve been in the business, it’s funny to me that this was my very first Muslim wedding, but it turned out to be a fantastic learning experience. Jasmine spent a lot of time answering all my questions in advance of the celebration; I really appreciated that, as of course, I wanted to get everything right.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with South Asian and Muslim traditions (Jasmine’s family is from Bangladesh and Sami’s is from India), on the evening before the wedding, there’s a very cool ceremony called a Mehendi. The main part of this is when the bride and groom present each other with their wedding day outfits–that’s right, this is the first time they see what they’ll be wearing the next day! Then, on Saturday, comes the main event–the wedding ceremony, or Nikkah. This was held at the new Muslim Community Center in Schenectady; Jasmine’s father was instrumental in the planning of this facility, so she was understandably pleased to have her wedding there. Imam Yaki made the ceremony very personal and explained the various aspects of it, as there were people of many backgrounds present. Then, a week later, Sami hosted the Walima just outside Boston; this reception welcomed Jasmine into his family, and allowed for many of their Boston area friends to attend, as well.

You’ll be able to easily distinguish among the three events in the photos below, just by the different (and spectacular) outfits Jasmine is in for each one! Hope you enjoy the photos–it was an honor to be a part of these ceremonies–Jasmine & Sami make a fabulous couple, and I was proud to work with them in documenting their marriage.

Also, special shoutouts to the other professionals who contributed to this event: Total Events, Surroundings Floral Design, Shalimar Restaurant (catering), and the Muslim Community Center.

When I first saw Jasmine at the Mehendi, she was waiting in a very dark room. As I was thinking about how I could photograph her without using the flash, she looked at her cell phone...which provided all the light for this image.

The bridesmaids escorting Jasmine...

Lower left: Sami's mother showing Jasmine her jewelry for the wedding...while Sami waits patiently!

Now, on to the wedding day…

Just about ready--the dupatta (a long, traditional scarf) is next.

Aleena had this calm demeanor all day, even when I grabbed one of her Goldfish. Truly a gorgeous flower girl!

Heading to meet Sami for their first look.

An incredibly photogenic bride, from every side and angle!

I love the feel of this one.

Just before the ceremony was to begin, there was definitely some nervous anticipation.

Melissa and her crew from Total Events made the room look beautiful, and the Nigerian girls rocking those traditional outfits were awesome, too.

Jasmine's brother Zam escorted her to the stage, after the bridesmaids walked her to meet him.

Zam making sure that Sami will take good care of his new bride!

The Muslim ceremony is really all about the contract, outlining the responsibilities of the bride and groom.

Sami's mother watching the ceremony.

Imam Yaki noting that Zam has moved to the side, now that the contract has been signed!

A week later, at Henderson House in Weston, MA, Sami hosted the Walima, to welcome Jasmine into his family.

The Walima includes a small ceremony and some speeches; that's Sami's father watching the proceedings in the top photo.

A super couple, with great friends and families–definitely a memorable event for us.

But Tom, what about Natalie?  She’s a longtime resident of the Hudson Valley, and loves the station, too.  As part of the Fall 2011 fundraising effort, Natalie offered to do a benefit concert, with the proceeds going to the station.  Very cool of her, to say the least!  I’m not sure how the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, MA was chosen as the venue, but what a fabulous place it is for a show like this.  I’ve loved Natalie’s music since her days with 10,000 Maniacs–she has a unique and beautiful voice, and she’s a great musician and lyricist.  In addition to a lot of her classics, Natalie also sang some of her newer material, children’s poems that she has set to music…unusual, maybe, but they’re beautiful, and made for a nice juxtaposition with her more well-known work.

Opening the show were Elizabeth Mitchell and Daniel Littleton of the band Ida…check them out, too.  Her voice, the harmonies and guitars…gorgeous!  She even played a harmonium…bet you don’t know what that is!

Uh-oh…suffice it to say that I’m no music critic, so I won’t try to start now.  For me, it was a great night–hope you enjoy the photos!

Joe Donahue, radio host and interviewer extraordinaire, and a great guy!

Ida's Elizabeth Mitchell and Daniel Littleton

The Patriots were playing, and they had at least one avid supporter!

Dr. Alan Chartock, President & CEO of WAMC...and a true visionary. Love the guy!

Alan with the star of the show

Accompanied by Erik Della Penna on guitar, and the Coriolan String Quartet

Natalie--backstage after the show, with Alan

One last backstage photo of Natalie and Joe