nabila and navid's wedding weekend took place over the course of three days; starting with the application of her incredibly intricate mehndi (henna) designs, among family and friends at her home in baltimore, then moving to the traditional "gaye holud" event and finally to the wedding itself and reception.here are some of my favorites from nabila's mehndi and holud nights! it was such a pleasure to be welcomed into nabila's home and among her friends so warmly; nabila's happiness radiated throughout both families the whole weekend and made the extravaganza truly a wedding photographer's dream. a bit about the gaye holud: a bengali tradition, it refers to the turmeric paste traditionally applied to the bride's and groom's skin in preparation for the wedding day, but the evening encompasses so much more. both sides of the family wowed the crowd with elaborate entrance dances for first navid then nabila; on stage, where the two were separated by a curtain of flowers, family members applied the turmeric paste as well as feeding bits of sweets to each of them; prayers and tears both flowed freely as mother, sister and aunts asked for God's blessing on nabila's marriage; and finally, friends and family on both sides performed skits and dances in celebration of the couple's union. most definitely a party to remember! stay tuned for nabila and navid's incredible wedding ceremony and reception in downtown baltimore...!