As Alina put on the final touches to her makeup, the scattered rain showers we were worried about suddenly stopped. Our backup umbrellas would not be needed today! Both Alina and Mahmood were getting over a cold after a week’s worth of hard earned family celebrations leading up to their wedding day. They’ve been engaged for over two years, living a long-distance relationship, and were both so happy that their special day was finally upon them. Mahmood, living the surf and and sand life out working as an accountant in San Francisco and Alina, completing her psychology studies in Michigan in pursuit of higher education, put their heads together to plan a beautiful wedding reception in Mahmood’s hometown of Ottawa. So of course, it was destined that allergies would flare up and colds would be had. Despite all of this, Mahmood and Alina were full of energy, looked bang on glamorous and found those moments in between to breathe a breathe of happiness that two years of being apart have now come to an end.

Alina, Mahmood - thank YOU for having Ali and I join you in the battle against the rain, runny noses, losing and finding Alina’s embroidered purse during the portrait session and the pink and purple-clad aunties (you know who you are!). We are so glad that you and your guests enjoyed the same-day slideshow of your portraits that we set up at the reception. Thank you for trusting us to be by your side on the most important day of your lives. We wish you the all the best in your new adventures together out in northern California!

Ali + Batoul