By Tasneem AlSultan

Being a wedding photographer in a mostly Arab and Muslim dominated society, the first thing most of my non-Arab friends ask: “Your weddings are segregated? How does THAT work?”  Would you believe I still don’t have a perfect answer?  Can’t I just say: “Imagine a party of girls only, with no alcohol, but the same drama and fun” ? But I there is so much more to share…

Arab women love extravagant art, high-taste shopping until you drop, literally. So it’s only normal for them to start planning their weddings with a theme in mind, and have a stage setup fit for a queen! As fortunate as brides here are with taste, they sacrifice their dream wish for an outdoor wedding to have one in multiple ballrooms. Heat, humidity, and space are huge issues here in Saudi Arabia so hosting your wedding in air-conditioned ballrooms is a must. But what makes their wedding more unique than the last? Everything!

That’s the main difference between the Western and Arab brides I’ve shot. We usually have a Kosha (stage and decor) set up in every ballroom to introduce the engaged couple to the guests. The Kosha can be a minimal love seat that’s slightly elevated, or a huge wall of flowers, chandeliers or art. I’ve seen too many beautiful designs and backdrops and it’s all a swirl in my head now! Brides would select the best wedding and event planners in the region to trust with setting up the tables, flowers, light and stage to all be different from the last event held in the same ballroom, only the night before.

As the bride and groom enter at the midst or end of the night…wait, I didn’t mention the wedding timing, did I? HAHA! Here we go…Since my mother’s time and probably my grandmother’s, I think before global warming was to blame, women in the Middle East would celebrate weddings at the end of the day. From country to country it would range, so in United Arab Emirates brides would walk in at 8 or 9pm, whilst in Saudi…take a deep breath…it would be normal for a bride to walk in after midnight. Initially I thought brides were kidding, but no. The guests get ready and come to the weddings at 11pm, which then makes sense for the bride to walk in after everyone was seated and ready at midnight.

Going back to the entrance of the bridal couple, it differs from one culture to another. And that’s the fun part for me. Witnessing how each neighboring country as close to the next, celebrates love in a slightly different way. Whether it’s entering with a full on group of men dancing the Debka, or a group of adorable young children dancing and throwing rice and petals, it’s the emotions and laughter mixed with tears that really merges borders.

For more information on Tasneem AlSultan and her beautiful wedding photography, we invite you to visit her website and blog.