I was asked to witness the very special union of my dear friend, Areej, to her faithful champion, Rafi, at their home in Whitefield, UK.

It was my very first time witnessing such a private and intimate union, and felt tremendously honored that I was asked to capture their special day.

Home wedding and all, it didn’t stop Areej from getting beautifully dolled up for the occasion in her traditional Pakistani garment.

They took a few moments to pray to their Allah about the important step that lay ahead.

They received very warmly administered wise counsel from their Molana.

Rafi then did the do! He put a ring on it. Areej was completely beaming through out the entire moment. Sliding that ring up her finger happened in slow motion, and I was just as giddy.

Following all the excitement from adorning of the jewelry piece above all jewelry pieces, they spent a few moments playfully taunting each other with delicious, bite sized pieces of cake.

Weddings like these truly make me appreciate the whole point of weddings – the marriage.

And just like that, my friend went from woman to wife.