Lovely Aliyah & Leo.

We received an email from a couple asking if we were available to capture their nikkah (wedding) at Holland Park Mosque. We responded that we were available and I (Em) offered to meet in person to chat about the specifics/nuances of the day as it would be our first Muslim ceremony. I met up with Aliyah and we chatted and chatted and I think we ended up chatting for well over an hour - possibly up to 2 hours? - from memory.

I learned that we shared much in common. We both held similar values as we navigated challenging topics, such as genocide. It was a wonderful, memorable meeting, as Aliyah radiated kindness and thoughtfulness as she walked me through their priorities for the day. I felt grateful to have crossed paths! We locked in the date and counted down to A+L’s nikkah.

As our calendar reminds us of upcoming events, I usually find my anxiety builds due to how much I care about ensuring that the day is captured perfectly, etc. However, I felt an incredible sense of calm in the lead-up to A+L’s day - including on the day. Of course I wanted to give the day everything we had, but I felt so aligned with A+L that I knew it would all work out.

A+L’s nikkah was beautiful and heartfelt. In line with their spirit of inclusivity, A+L invited Chloe, our daughter, too. In the process, they unintentionally ended up with a third photographer, so we credit Chloe McDonald with some of the images below. I had asked Aliyah if it was okay to share their special occasion. Aliyah provided an enthusiastic yes; in fact, A+L were keen to share their day and values with as many people as were interested. Therefore, with that as the context, please enjoy A+L’s love-filled day with family and friends.

For more information related to the Holland Park Mosque, refer to the ABC’s ‘You Can’t Ask That – Muslims’ (S01E07) and/or SBS Australia’s ‘The Mosque Next Door’ to learn more.

Thank you, Aliyah & Leo, for sharing some of your life with us! May you both enjoy a blessed and meaningful life together. <3