Ayesha had planned for the most ethereal garden dusk ceremony, with fairy lights hanging above while the sun is slowly setting in the distance, surrounded by their loved ones, a dream.
Then we all woke up to one of the rainiest days imaginable.
For a little while, it looked like we might get lucky. When I first arrived at Markovina Vineyard Estate, the rain eased just long enough for us to sneak away for a few portraits before the skies opened up again. Looking back now, I'm so glad we took that opportunity.
Although the weather had other plans, the heart of the day never changed.
Their cross-cultural ceremony was one of my favourite parts of the entire wedding. I loved how both families were involved throughout the ceremony, each tradition blending beautifully into the next. One moment that has stayed with me was watching their dads exchange a firm, heartfelt handshake as they blessed the marriage. It made for such a powerful photograph. While they may not have had the fairy-lit garden ceremony they had imagined, they had something equally as beautiful, powerful and meaningful.
As soon as the ceremony ended, the celebration began. A cultural drum performance welcomed everyone into the reception before Ayesha and Jalal opened the dance floor almost immediately. I remember Ayesha telling me during our planning session that she didn't want people waiting around all night before they were allowed to dance. She wanted everyone to have a good time right from the get go, and let me tell you... they did.
There was another thing Ayesha was especially excited about... the food.
Markovina has the some of the best wedding food in Auckland and they absolutely delivered with this one. The food was incredible,!! And the venue surprised us with our own romantic candlelit dinner.
The rain had left behind the dreamiest atmosphere, so after the guests left, we went back out for another photo session, the night was dark, moody, and cinematic, the soft drizzle added another layer to the images and we created something completely different from what we had done in the morning. Sometimes the photos you never planned for end up becoming your favourites.
Here is Ayesha and Jalal's beautiful day at Markovina Vineyard Estate.
Ayesha & Jalal's ceremony was held indoors by the fireplace as a rainy day plan B.
