Athena Bludé Photography
type: channel
description: Modern Fresh + Fun Wedding and Lifestyle Photography
date: 2017-10-26T00:46:43Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
generator agent: https://wordpress.org/
items: Fresh 48 | Welcome Baby Reese
items: Newport, RI Wedding | Married: Kara + Stephen
items: Cheshire, CT Engagement Session | Engaged: Heather + Andrew
items: Mystic, CT Family Photography | The Blaser’s Story
items: NYC Engagement Session | Engaged: Jessica + Dan
items: Barberry Hill Farm Wedding | Married: Emma + Ben
items: A Milford Yacht Club Wedding | Married: Amanda + Chris
items: CT Pakistani Wedding, Day 3 of 3: Hania + Zahan’s Valima
items: CT Pakistani Wedding, Day 2 of 3: Hania + Zahan’s Shaadi
items: CT Pakistani Wedding, Day 1 of 3: Hania’s Mehndi

Fresh 48 | Welcome Baby Reese
type: item
creator: Athena Bludé
date: 2017-10-26T00:44:24Z
subject: Family
subject: CT Documentary Photographer
subject: CT Lifestyle Photography
subject: CT Photojournalist
subject: CT Storytelling Photographer
subject: CT Storytelling Photography
subject: Fresh 48
subject: Lifestyle Photographer
description: Documenting the first hours to days of becoming a new family or when siblings...
encoded: Documenting the first hours to days of becoming a new family or when siblings and/or grandparents meet the baby for the first time, and preserving the memory of what would otherwise become a blur of a hospital or birth center stay with your new little one are what the Fresh 48 sessions are all about. As for this Fresh 48, I photographed the welcoming of Reese. Reese is the 3rd addition of my dear friend, Jess, and her husband, Justin, who have a set of 4 year-old twins (Cole’s buddies ). Jess had me come hours after she got out of recovery from her planned c-section so I could be there when the twins met Reese for the first time. I was also fortunate to be there when a few grandparents visited, too. Photographing these incredibly sweet moments of becoming a family or adding one to the family is as special and fleeting as it looks. And, trust me when I say fleeting because if you haven’t been through it yet it is a blink! It’s one minute you’re all preggo and then, BAM! Hi, fragile new person! And, then there are the honorable mentions of: hormones, sleeplessness, nurses constantly doing checkups, and visitors. It’s a whirlwind and before you know it, you’re home having to adjust to a new norm. So, all of that to say is this is certainly worthy of being documented, so it can be remembered and treasured forever. <img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-9916" src="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Fresh-48_Reese_01.jpg" alt="Fresh 48_Reese_01" width="750" height="501" srcset="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Fresh-48_Reese_01.jpg 750w, http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Fresh-48_Reese_01-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /> <img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-9917" src="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Fresh-48_Reese_02.jpg" alt="Fresh 48_Reese_02" width="750" height="501" srcset="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uplo…

Newport, RI Wedding | Married: Kara + Stephen
type: item
creator: Athena Bludé
date: 2017-10-12T18:34:33Z
subject: Weddings
subject: Connecticut Wedding Photographer
subject: CT Photography
subject: CT Wedding Photographer
subject: CT Wedding Photography
subject: CT Wedding Photojournalist
subject: Modern CT Wedding Photographer
subject: Newport Wedding
subject: Newport Wedding Photography
description: Kara and Stephen got married at the Regatta Place in Newport, RI where everything...
encoded: Kara and Stephen got married at the Regatta Place in Newport, RI where everything took place, with the exception of their wedding party photos – for those we hoped on a bus and went to the heart of Newport. It was such a pleasure documenting their day, which was filled with lots of heart and lots of fun! <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-9846" src="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Kara-Stephen-ABP_001.jpg" alt="Kara Stephen ABP_001" width="750" height="249" srcset="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Kara-Stephen-ABP_001.jpg 750w, http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Kara-Stephen-ABP_001-300x100.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-9847" src="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Kara-Stephen-ABP_002.jpg" alt="Kara Stephen ABP_002" width="750" height="501" srcset="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Kara-Stephen-ABP_002.jpg 750w, http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Kara-Stephen-ABP_002-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-9848" src="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Kara-Stephen-ABP_003.jpg" alt="Kara Stephen ABP_003" width="750" height="501" srcset="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Kara-Stephen-ABP_003.jpg 750w, http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Kara-Stephen-ABP_003-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-9849" src="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Kara-Stephen-ABP_004.jpg" alt="Kara Stephen ABP_004" width="750" height="501" srcset="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Kara-Stephen-ABP_004.jpg 750w, http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Kara-Stephen-ABP_0…

Cheshire, CT Engagement Session | Engaged: Heather + Andrew
type: item
creator: Athena Bludé
date: 2017-08-18T16:15:05Z
subject: Engagement
subject: Connecticut Wedding Photographer
subject: CT Photography
subject: CT Wedding Photographer
subject: CT Wedding Photography
subject: CT Wedding Photojournalist
subject: Modern CT Wedding Photographer
description: A sky full of stars and he was staring at her —Atticus
encoded: A sky full of stars and he was staring at her —Atticus <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-9828" src="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cheshire-ct-engagement-session-heather-and-andrew_01.jpg" alt="cheshire ct engagement session heather and andrew_01" width="750" height="501" srcset="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cheshire-ct-engagement-session-heather-and-andrew_01.jpg 750w, http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cheshire-ct-engagement-session-heather-and-andrew_01-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-9829" src="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cheshire-ct-engagement-session-heather-and-andrew_02.jpg" alt="cheshire ct engagement session heather and andrew_02" width="750" height="501" srcset="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cheshire-ct-engagement-session-heather-and-andrew_02.jpg 750w, http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cheshire-ct-engagement-session-heather-and-andrew_02-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-9830" src="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cheshire-ct-engagement-session-heather-and-andrew_03.jpg" alt="cheshire ct engagement session heather and andrew_03" width="750" height="501" srcset="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cheshire-ct-engagement-session-heather-and-andrew_03.jpg 750w, http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cheshire-ct-engagement-session-heather-and-andrew_03-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-9831" src="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/cheshire-ct-engagement-session-heather-and-andrew_04.jpg" alt="cheshire ct engagement session heather …

Mystic, CT Family Photography | The Blaser’s Story
type: item
creator: Athena Bludé
date: 2017-01-24T02:01:33Z
subject: Family
subject: CT Family Documentary Photographer
subject: CT Family Photographer
subject: ct family photography
subject: CT Family Photojournalist
subject: CT Family Storytelling Photography
subject: family documentary photography
subject: family photography
subject: family photojournalism
subject: family storytelling photography
subject: Mystic
description: This past fall I had the honor of photographing Melissa & David’s family again....
encoded: This past fall I had the honor of photographing Melissa & David’s family again. They travel to CT every year from California to visit Melissa’s side of the family, especially relishing time with Melissa’s aging grandma, who she affectionately calls Nana. They rented a beautiful home in Mystic, CT where I met up with them, their 1-year old son, with whom Melissa was 6 months pregnant at the last session, Nana, and this time Melissa’s dad, aunt and cousin were also included. I spent a couple of hours with them as they caught up in person, snuggling, playing with and watching the kids. And, with the exception of taking some quick portraits at the end, I spent the whole time documenting without any posing, just letting the visit naturally unfold. 4 generations under one roof – it doesn’t get much better than that! “Joy comes to us in the ordinary moments. We risk missing out when we’re too busy chasing down the extraordinary.” –Brene Brown <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-9756" src="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Mystic-CT-Family-Photography_001.jpg" alt="Mystic, CT Family Photography_001" width="750" height="501" srcset="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Mystic-CT-Family-Photography_001.jpg 750w, http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Mystic-CT-Family-Photography_001-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-9757" src="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Mystic-CT-Family-Photography_002.jpg" alt="Mystic, CT Family Photography_002" width="750" height="501" srcset="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Mystic-CT-Family-Photography_002.jpg 750w, http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Mystic-CT-Family-Photography_002-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-i…

NYC Engagement Session | Engaged: Jessica + Dan
type: item
creator: Athena Bludé
date: 2016-12-08T00:59:40Z
subject: Engagement
subject: Connecticut Wedding Photographer
subject: CT Photography
subject: CT Wedding Photographer
subject: CT Wedding Photography
subject: CT Wedding Photojournalist
subject: Modern CT Wedding Photographer
subject: NYC Engagement Pictures
subject: NYC Wedding Photographer
subject: NYC Wedding Photography
description: Jessica and Dan met about 7 years ago at UCONN in their junior year....
encoded: Jessica and Dan met about 7 years ago at UCONN in their junior year. After college they navigated through their early 20’s securing jobs, law school and eventually making New York City their home before they got engaged. Their engagement session took place at a park near their home and these two couldn’t be more delightful. I loved getting to know them better while we walked around photographing. It has made me all the more excited for the beautiful wedding they’re planning with William Parkinson Events at The Branford House this next year. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-9667" src="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/NYC-Evening-Engagement-Session-Jessica-and-Dan_01.jpg" alt="nyc-evening-engagement-session-jessica-and-dan_01" width="750" height="501" srcset="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/NYC-Evening-Engagement-Session-Jessica-and-Dan_01.jpg 750w, http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/NYC-Evening-Engagement-Session-Jessica-and-Dan_01-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-9668" src="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/NYC-Evening-Engagement-Session-Jessica-and-Dan_02.jpg" alt="nyc-evening-engagement-session-jessica-and-dan_02" width="750" height="247" srcset="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/NYC-Evening-Engagement-Session-Jessica-and-Dan_02.jpg 750w, http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/NYC-Evening-Engagement-Session-Jessica-and-Dan_02-300x99.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-9669" src="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/NYC-Evening-Engagement-Session-Jessica-and-Dan_03.jpg" alt="nyc-evening-engagement-session-jessica-and-dan_03" width="750" height="501" srcset="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/NYC-Evenin…

Barberry Hill Farm Wedding | Married: Emma + Ben
type: item
creator: Athena Bludé
date: 2016-11-18T01:57:22Z
subject: Weddings
subject: Barberry Hill Farm Wedding
subject: Connecticut Wedding Photographer
subject: CT Photography
subject: CT Wedding Photographer
subject: CT Wedding Photography
subject: CT Wedding Photojournalist
subject: Modern CT Wedding Photographer
subject: Sarah Seven Wedding Dress
description: Emma + Ben got married on one of the hottest days in September at...
encoded: <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-9502" src="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/barberry-hill-farm-wedding-emma-and-ben_001.jpg" alt="barberry-hill-farm-wedding-emma-and-ben_001" width="750" height="501" srcset="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/barberry-hill-farm-wedding-emma-and-ben_001.jpg 750w, http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/barberry-hill-farm-wedding-emma-and-ben_001-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /> Emma + Ben got married on one of the hottest days in September at Barberry Hill Farm in Madison. Their wedding was epic and if you know me I never use that word since it’s so overplayed, but it truly was epic! It was quirky, having a “magic yourself” station at the ceremony and small, plastic toy dinosaurs hidden along the walking path, (I mean, not every bride and groom have a mutual love of dinosaurs and incorporate said love into their wedding). It was rustic, with chickens running around the working organic farm, and, it was beyond thoughtful, with every detail, blessing and toast having intentional meaning behind it that either made you well with tears from the sentiment or brought you to laughter from the joy. In what my words lack I hope my images make up for, but I am also pleased to share Emma + Ben’s words below, which I believe will also help bring their images to life: When Emma and Ben decided they wanted to get married, they agreed on a few things first: they wanted Emma to walk down the aisle to the theme of “Jurassic Park”, they wanted to have pie for dessert instead of cake, and they wanted to make sure their guests had a good time. Those agreements led the couple through their planning process which was at times fun, at times confusing, and at times exhausting, but it all paid off in the end. Emma tied 400 streamers to line the outside of our tent, Ben tried 400 songs before he found just the right one to walk down the aisle …

A Milford Yacht Club Wedding | Married: Amanda + Chris
type: item
creator: Athena Bludé
date: 2016-11-09T02:21:18Z
subject: Weddings
subject: Connecticut Wedding Photographer
subject: CT Photography
subject: CT Wedding Photographer
subject: CT Wedding Photography
subject: CT Wedding Photojournalist
subject: Modern CT Wedding Photographer
description: On a beautiful September day at the Milford Yacht Club, Amanda +...
encoded: <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-9274" src="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/milford-yacht-club-wedding-amanda-and-chris_01.jpg" alt="milford-yacht-club-wedding-amanda-and-chris_01" width="750" height="501" srcset="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/milford-yacht-club-wedding-amanda-and-chris_01.jpg 750w, http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/milford-yacht-club-wedding-amanda-and-chris_01-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /> On a beautiful September day at the Milford Yacht Club, Amanda + Chris, read the vows they wrote for each other. Hearing the words Chris spoke for the first time where he sited specific details, times and even calculated distances Amanda smiled from ear-to-ear. It wasn’t just the beautiful pledge he made to her and their blended family, but it was that unbeknownst to each other they practically wrote the same thing. Personally, I believe that there is more than just one person out there for everyone and I believe that love is work and love is choice. With that said, I also believe in soul mates and some people are lucky to find theirs. It couldn’t have been more clear to me that Amanda + Chris not only choose love, but they have something extra special—they are each other’s soul mates. Amanda + Chris, you have a beautiful family; I loved getting to know you all better. Thank you for having me document your day. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-9275" src="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/milford-yacht-club-wedding-amanda-and-chris_02.jpg" alt="milford-yacht-club-wedding-amanda-and-chris_02" width="750" height="247" srcset="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/milford-yacht-club-wedding-amanda-and-chris_02.jpg 750w, http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/milford-yacht-club-wedding-amanda-and-chris_02-300x99.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100…

CT Pakistani Wedding, Day 3 of 3: Hania + Zahan’s Valima
type: item
creator: Athena Bludé
date: 2016-11-02T19:09:25Z
subject: Weddings
subject: bridal henna
subject: Couture Wedding Dress
subject: CT Henna
subject: CT Henna Photography
subject: CT Indian Wedding
subject: CT Indian Wedding Photography
subject: CT Mehndi Photography
subject: CT Pakistani Wedding
subject: CT Pakki Wedding
subject: CT Valima
subject: CT Wedding Photographer
subject: CT Wedding Photography
subject: Henna
subject: Love Wedding
subject: Pakistani Bridal Fashion
subject: Pakistani Wedding
subject: Valima
description: The Valima is a reception thrown by the groom’s family and the conclusion of Hania...
encoded: <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-9196" src="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Pakistani-Wedding-Day-3-Hania-and-Zahan-Valima-01.jpg" alt="pakistani-wedding-day-3-hania-and-zahan-valima-01" width="750" height="1123" srcset="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Pakistani-Wedding-Day-3-Hania-and-Zahan-Valima-01.jpg 750w, http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Pakistani-Wedding-Day-3-Hania-and-Zahan-Valima-01-200x300.jpg 200w, http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Pakistani-Wedding-Day-3-Hania-and-Zahan-Valima-01-684x1024.jpg 684w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /> The Valima is a reception thrown by the groom’s family and the conclusion of Hania + Zahan’s 3-day Pakistani wedding. The Valima took place in Rhode Island where Zahan’s family is from. The evening began with his family standing by to welcome Hania’s family by showering them with rose petals as they entered together. Shortly after, Hania + Zahan arrived making their first appearance as husband and wife. They, too, were showered with rose petals by Zahan’s family as they made their way to another platform sitting area. Then, toasts were given, dinner served and copious group photos were taken with the newly married couple as congratulations were extended. It was an amazing 3-day event, which gave me a new appreciation for tradition, wedding planning and coordinating. I mean, not to take away from traditional American weddings, but Hania and Zahan’s felt like a detailed marathon in comparison. First of all, it was 3 days, that right there is crazy. It took place in 3 different locations, had 3 different garments, a guest list that grew each day, vendors to coordinate, and I could go on, but you get the picture. And then, as if that wasn’t it enough, making it all the more meaningful was that this was a wedding that had some odds stacked against it, but love prevailed! For that reason alone I consider mys…

CT Pakistani Wedding, Day 2 of 3: Hania + Zahan’s Shaadi
type: item
creator: Athena Bludé
date: 2016-10-20T17:36:20Z
subject: Weddings
subject: bridal henna
subject: Couture Wedding Dress
subject: CT Henna
subject: CT Henna Photography
subject: CT Indian Wedding
subject: CT Indian Wedding Photography
subject: CT Mehndi
subject: CT Pakistani Wedding
subject: CT Pakki Wedding
subject: CT Shaadi Photography
subject: CT Wedding Photographer
subject: CT Wedding Photography
subject: Henna
subject: Love Wedding
subject: Pakistani Bridal Fashion
subject: Pakistani Wedding
subject: Shaadi
description: Day 2 of Hania + Zahan’s Pakistani wedding: The Shaadi, also known as,...
encoded: <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-9115" src="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Pakistani-Wedding-Day-2-Hania-and-Zahan-Shaadi-001.jpg" alt="pakistani-wedding-day-2-hania-and-zahan-shaadi-001" width="750" height="501" srcset="http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Pakistani-Wedding-Day-2-Hania-and-Zahan-Shaadi-001.jpg 750w, http://athenablude.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Pakistani-Wedding-Day-2-Hania-and-Zahan-Shaadi-001-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /> Day 2 of Hania + Zahan’s Pakistani wedding: The Shaadi, also known as, the wedding. In Pakistani weddings the groom, Zahan, stays with his family about a week before the wedding (remember the day before, the Mehndi, was just for the bride). For the Shaadi, there are no rehearsals or hotel reservations close to the venue the night before. Instead, the groom travels from his home, and in Zahan’s case, that was Rhode Island, with his family in a grand procession to the ceremony. Usually music is played as they make their entrance together with the bride’s family waiting to welcome them by showering them with rose petals. Zahan then moves to a stage eagerly anticipating Hania’s entrance where she is escorted by her dearest uncle and father to be presented to him. Standing and then eventually sitting, Hania and Zahan are greeted and congratulated by their guests before proceeding with customary traditions. Toasts were given by family and friends, they cut the cake and there was a playful custom where Hania’s sister and cousins stole Zahan’s shoes for a ransom, which is negotiated back and forth with the groom’s family. In between these traditions family and friends took various arrangements of group photos with Hania and Zahan on the stage and they were also able to sneak away for some portraits with me. Finally, the day ends in a collective send off. Their family escorts them out while the Quran is held over Hania’s hea…

CT Pakistani Wedding, Day 1 of 3: Hania’s Mehndi
type: item
creator: Athena Bludé
date: 2016-10-12T02:08:58Z
subject: Weddings
subject: bridal henna
subject: CT Henna
subject: CT Henna Photography
subject: CT Mehndi
subject: CT Mehndi Photography
subject: CT Pakistani Wedding
subject: CT Pakki Wedding
subject: Henna
subject: Mehndi
subject: Pakistani Wedding
description: It had been on my wish list to photograph an Indian wedding for...
encoded: It had been on my wish list to photograph an Indian wedding for a minute, so when Hania reached out about her 3-day Pakistani wedding and how they’re extremely similar I immediately began to salivate and chomp at the bit. I was intrigued by the henna, colors and customs; excited about the opportunity to shoot something out of my norm. Since this was my first Pakistani wedding I needed to be schooled on each day’s order of events. So, I met with Hania and Zahan and Hania’s sister a week prior to the wedding where they shared with me about their customs, its names, and we went over the timelines so I would know what to expect. I even acquired a tiny history lesson, (did you know that Pakistan separated from India just 69 short years ago? If you’re like me and didn’t know, now you know). In preparation for the 3-day wedding, Hania began with her henna application, selectively choosing Sarah from Breath of Henna out of Toronto. It was a 6-7 hour process of applying the beautifully intricate design on Hania’s feet, forearms and hands. Afterwards, Hania was able to invite a handful of friends to join her in getting a design on their finger and down their hand. Hania graciously included me in that experience and I loved it, like fleetingly contemplated getting a tattoo of it, loved it. Next, and the first day of the 3-day wedding, was the Mehndi, also known as the Henna ceremony. The Mehndi is the pre-ceremony celebration. It’s a lively and colorful party, where the groom doesn’t participate. The bride’s entrance is elaborate, which follows girls carrying tea light candles leading Hania to a platform area where she was greeted by guests, served sweets by married couples and takes group photos. Then, there are several choreographed dances performed, followed by group dancing. And finally, the fun filled night ends with her family singing songs with a drum on a seating area. The opening ceremonies started off with a bang and it was everything I expected and more. Enjoy my fa…