I flew down to Cabo once more to photograph the wedding of Kim and Kevin and I gotta say they pulled out all the stops. First we were at the Riu Palace, quite possibly the best resort in Cabo. They really know how to do customer service well down there. Our rooms were comfortable and the ammenities were killer. The humidity was high which kinda played havoc with my lenses but it was alright.

I walked away with so many killer shots that it will take me a few days to work them up and blog about them. Soooooo to do this wedding justice (and cause I want ya’ll to visit me again and again) i’m gonna do this in a 5 part blog post. Starting with the hotel and the couple session on the beach, then some more couple session on the beach and the rehearsal, then the wedding itself, then the bridal party photos and then culminating the blog entries with the amazing reception.

The wonderful resort, the skies and the colors were just amazing and the pool was something that you would not want to get out of.

Sometimes you just have to look up for inspiration and you’ll find skies and trees that just want to be photographed.

Another great resturaunt at the resort and this one will come to play in the last few blog posts.

Such a cute couple at the beach, I got tons of shots from this session, some I will post tomorrow.

The true test of love, what do you do when the crazy photographer asks you to kiss just as a HUGE wave breaks behind you? Well you just kiss and forget about the rest and know that we’ll walk away with an amazing photo.

So while I get some rest, you guys get a few cold ones too…

Today I had the pleasure of photographing Neepa and Nomit’s Engagement portraits. We wanted to mix things up a bit between nice safe shots and my normal funky things I create. I absolutely loved the session today cause Neepa and Nomit are two very cool, non-traditional funky individuals who know how to have a good time.

Here are some shots for ya’ll to see..

This is what I call my mom shot, moms love this pose of the bride and groom looking in the camera. I missed this shot once and the mom made sure I take it a few times on the wedding day. So mom, here you go, this one is just for you with much love.

Here is just a casual portrait of Neepa with Nomit in the background. I had to move him back cause his million dollar smile was blinding me.. hehe (god I need better jokes)

Repeat after me folks – “You can’t pose these moments” Now say it 10 more times. I just love these two and the magic they brought to the session. Whenever photographers ask me about my photographs and the appeal they have to the public I tell them that a lot of the credit goes to the couple and booking the right type of client that loves and wants your style.

Going a bit old school here, these two just scream to be on the cover of some mag.

In the bar, nuff said.

So we had lost a lot of light due to slow wait service at the bar and had to resort to using artificial lighting (last resort) so decided to get a bit funky with the lighting and bring out the colors.

Getting a bit funky here both with the non traditional posing and the lighting courtosey of some loading dock light in Deep Ellum.

Then the action started to heat up a bit..

Had to get closer look at the action…

Someone called the cops on us (just kidding folks) but thought we would wrap up the session with a nice casual portrait in front of downtown Dallas and a Cop car.

I can’t wait for their wedding in two weeks…

Binish and Shayan were my 7/7/7 couple and I gotta say they knew how to party. This was a traditional Pakistani wedding where events were spread over 6 days. Hanging out with these two for 6 days was awesome not only because they know how to have a great time but I also got to know their families and friends who really made my job a lot easier.

Here are some photos in no particular order that struck me as KEWL!!

They had some great dances and Jenna really knew how to bring down the house. I could so see Jenna on So You Think You Can Dance and actually winning it… She’s really that good.

Mehndi (Henna) being applied at the Mehndi Ceremony

They had a HUGE 3000SQFT tent with A/C that had amazing lighting.

Bangels as party favors.

This is at Binish’s Pitthi ceremony in Irving, TX following the Mehndi ceremony.

Binish’s sister Naureen at the salon waiting for her turn

Binish getting ready.

The couple leaving for their religous ceremony

Married and now performing the Khoba Khobi ceremony where I believe it was Shayan who came up with the coin.

Marriott in Las Colinas, couldn’t have asked for a better venue.

The couple spending some time together prior to the reception.

A Fashiony shot of the couple.

I love the sidewalk by the lake behind the Marriott.

The couple’s first dance.

Fast forward to the following day, Binish is finally leaving her home and is being sent of by her family to her new home. Binish is throwing rice as she leaves her home, I just love the arc formed by the rice.

The sisters meeting once more before Binish leaves for her home.

Folks, what a nice surprise I got this evening when Brooke Raines posted this wonderful comment on my blog…

“Humza,
You were a blessing in disguise! Your presence brought peace to me and my family. Many people have complimented on how wonderful you are. Thank you so much for making my wedding such a memorable experience. The images that you have taken will allow me to never forget my wedding day! Thanks for everything.”

This truly underscores why I do what I do.. These words mean more to me than anything else and is the ultimate reward all photographers seek.

You can view the full set of images and slideshow at the following url:

Brooke and Jason’s Wedding

Yesterday I had the great fortune of photographing Brooke and Jason’s wedding and boy what a fun day it was. They had a fun day planned at a great venue with some amazing friends and a LOVELY family… I was truly blessed to be there to witness their day and preserve their day for them all the while experiencing the love the guests and the family and friends had for Brooke and Jason.

The wedding was at Perkins Chapel on the SMU campus and the reception was at one of my favorite venue Arlington Hall. This venue has to be one of the most efficient and fun place to shoot. The Maitre’d even asked me how I wanted to bride and groom to be to get the best shot possible for their album. I was floored at their level of consideration for the couple and all the other vendors there.

Randal got the party started and man can he read the crowd… Not a single individual left the dance floor once Randal got the party started..

Bridesmaid dress with some killer light at Arlington Hall..

Brooke had red shoes for the reception…

The rings…

Brooke getting ready at the church, I love the light in the stairwell..

Moments like these you can’t force or pose, they just happen and you are either ready to get them or you miss out on life.

The entire party post ceremony

The happy couple in front of Perkins Chapel

CAKE FIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Couple heading back to the ceremony after hanging for a few minutes with yours truly.

I saw this image in my head a few days ago and when I walked outside for a 5 minute break I saw the North Star and knew I had to grab this oppurtunity to make this image for the couple

The sweetest and the coolest flowergirl period…. she totally rocked and was on the dance floor partying it up.

Brooke and Jason dancing with killer lighting compliments of Arlington Hall, Randal Stout and a flash light…

Great images are not made with cameras or powerful lights, they are made of emotions and love and this wedding had enough to spare..

Thanks guys for letting me be a part of your day…

Well today I met up with Mike and Ann for their engagement session and man what a GREAT afternoon.  These two are troopers in the real sence of the word and I am absolutely looking forward to their wedding in Banff.  We started the day with a nice lunch and a wonderful chat, talking to them is so easy because they are so down to earth.  Once lunch was over we decided to walk around the Dallas historical West End, from there to the Dallas Museum of Art and then on to Joe Pool Lake for a quick walk down a bike trail for some really cool shots.   Here are some from what we shot today…

This year I have a TON of weddings out of the Dallas/Fort Worth area..   Listed below are my travel dates just so you guys know where and when I will be travelling.

June 20th – June 24th – Detriot – Fashion Shoot
August 30th – September 2nd – Cabo San Lucas – Wedding
September 14 – September 17th – Banff Canada – Wedding
October 26th – October 28th – San Antonio – Wedding

Take care guys, stay inside, it’s hot outside and what’s up with the gass prices?  YIKES!!!

Just got back from Arkansas after photographing Poonam and Biran’s wedding.  We started at 6:00 AM and finished at 12:30 AM but it was totally worth it.  They had my favorite DJ from Chicago who kept the party rockin..

Here are some pics from the wedding, it was fun giving a non-traditional take to a traditional Indian wedding.

We started fairly early in the morning and I think Poonam was VERY sleepy from Friday night’s ceremonies.

I just LOVE how she looks here, the way her eyes and her hair and how gracefully she runs her fingers through her hair, this woman is one graceful bride.

I think she liked the part where she could close her eyes during the make up.

A statue of Ganesh at the enterance of the wedding blessing the happy couple to be.

Love, love, love the henna, the jewelry and her wedding dress detail.  Instead of just showing the dress hanging I loved how it matched up with the jewelry and the henna.

Biran arrived to the ceremony on horseback and his barat had a lot of people dancing.

Everyone got into the dancing spirit and had a great time.

I love being right in there with the crowd as that allows me to get some killer shots and true personalities.

Biran was hoisted up in the air and even he got into the dancing spirit.

The lovely Poonam entering the ceremony escorted by her uncles and aunts.

The couple performing the pheras (Circling the Agni).

Poonam’s parents were quite emotional during the ceremony.

Here is Poonam being comforted by her mom.

But when it was time for Poonam’s vidai (departure with the groom after the traditional ceremony) even her mom couldn’t keep her emotions in check.  I have to admit, it was tough for me to keep my emotions in check and yes my assistants gave me a tough time because of it.  Hey I get attached to my couples as they become friends for life you know…

We started the reception photography by photographing the cake and using the hall lights and the 1000 watts of lights setup by the video crew for ambience.   I really like this shot of the cake and the abstract lighting in the background.

Here comes the happy couple for their reception.

Love the look on Poonam’s face here during their first dance.

Oh and the bride and groom got into the dancing spirit when Poonam’s cousin’s performed a musical number for them.

Uhhh I think these are some new bollywood dance moves.. LOL!!  Biran swears he loves this shot (somehow I doubt it), but hey atleast he had a good time while dancing..

We didn’t get a chance to do portraits during the day so the couple and I sneaked out for a few shots using some dramatic lighting.

And then the party started….

Here is the lovely bride getting down on the dance floor.  The stage lights provide a really cool background.

Once the party was over, things again turned emotional as Poonam was walked to the waiting buses to take them home.

Poonam is loved by one and all and everyone was VERY emotional as she left for her new home in Dallas.

Biran and Poonam, I have a blast at your wedding and I promise, we’re gonna set a time to do a fashiony shoot soon and in the meantime hang tight for all the photos that i’m going to put online for you in a few weeks.

Thanks for letting me be a part of your special day….

Today I was going through my mail since I have been out of town on a regular basis due to conventions and weddings and came across a VERY touching card that Jessica and Greg sent me after their wedding.  This card made me realize why I do what I do.  Photography to me is not just my business buy my passion and my life because I get to document people and capture them for all eternity.  Guests, family and friends all dress up and are happy and I get to preserve that for my clients, what better gift can a man give to others?  Jessica and Greg are forever my friends and part of my inner circle of people that have truly touched me with their passion and love for each other and for all around them.  Looking forward to many many many years for friendship..

Here are a few shots of the card as their words truly truly make me glad I am a photographer and still not stuck in an executive office in corporate America…

Much love guys, see you soon…

Today I had the pleasure of photographing Kim and Kevin’s engagement session around the Dallas area.  The session started of strange with the security at Mockingbird station telling us we can’t shoot there (in a public area BTW).  I think we still got some great shots and even my newest buddy Bandit made it in the shoot.  I will be photographing Kim and Kevin’s wedding in Cabo San Lucas and I am soooo looking forward to that wedding because this is one couple that knows how to have a blast.

Kim and Kevin at the DART station… I just loved the light and the way it was reflecting of the metallic wall.

My Buddy BANDIT!!!   This little fella will jump crazy heights and land on his head for a photo op.

The light in their kitchen was cool, kinda isolated them.  The Crown bottle i’m sure will be put to good use at a later time

We made it out to Deep Ellum, still one of my favorite spots to shoot.  This was done in a drive way to a local bar.  I love the back alleys of Deep Ellum, most photographers stick to the main streets.

Piggy back ride anyone?

A different prespective…

Love the murals in Deep Ellum, some of the most artistic individuals are down there.

Get great light and a good looking couple and i’m happy!!

Yes they are not only funny they are hot!!  They’re bringing Sexyback in Dallas and soon will be bringing Sexyback in Cabo.

Dunno what he said but it was funny as heck!!

Love the architecture in Deep Ellum

Love the murals!

While Kevin is in front I love the mural and location play I did with Kim in the background.

Yep ladies and gents, they know how to have fun.

We kicked and threw a few kids to get on the swing..  I’m sure they’ll get over it…  I hope!!

WWWWHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

Just love this image for the texture, the moment and the love these two share.  I had such a blast and i’m looking forward to spending more time with them at their wedding in Cabo where I am sure we will get some GREAT shots!!!