I spent my birthday this year in Manchester..not to celebrate but to shoot my first UK Asian wedding. I’ve known Irfan and his family for about 5 years now (we were renting their flat in Manchester back then). We’ve stayed in touch ever since and have become close friends with random visits whenever the opportunity arises. About a month ago, I was told by Irfan’s Mum that he wishes to have me as the photographer on his wedding day. I was more than happy to do it and it would certainly add to my portfoilio. So on the 29th July, 2009 I took an early morning train to Manchester to meet Irfan and his wedding party. As I was approaching the house, from inside the black cab, I could hear the load noise of asian drums and by the road side I could see a long strecthed Rover Limousine! As I expected, It was a BIG wedding with plenty of reds and bright colours around and Irfan was very handsome in his traditional outfit - fit for a King. Irfan and Amina met while they were in college in Manchester about 5 years ago. Irfan is now furthering his studies while Amina is teaching at a local school in Manchester. Here are some shots from the day. More to come - their wedding reception at Manchester United Football Club!

The Asian Drummer outside the house

Happy Aunties

A short prayer outside the house for blessings

Irfan in his cool M5 BMW ride

The Rover Limousine I was talking about

A cool ride for the ladies and children

Irfan and his little brother Suleman

Waving money around the groom’s head for luck - a unique culture

More drums on the way up to the hall

The groom’s party was stopped by the entrance - another unique culture

The Banquet Hall at Nawaab Manchester

The groom’s party is then paraded to the main stage

A quick shot of the groom’s party before the Nikah Ceremony

Irfan was very cool as he waits for the Nikah Ceremony

The Nikah took place smoothly on the main stage

Irfan being congratulated by his dad after the Nikah

Irfan with his cool cousins

Amina being led onto the stage to meet her in-laws

Both Irfan and Amina looked very shy on the stage

With the groom’s family

Exchanging flowers garland

Saying farewells before going back to groom’s house

Amina safely arrived at Irfan’s house

Married at last..a happy couple!

Here’s a video clip I shot on my new EOS 5D Mark II just to summarize to day..

More to come..

Their Reception at Manchester United FC