‘Something borrowed to discover the self’

Written & Directed by Saira Hussain.  LIMA ES PHOTOGRAPHY

 All I ever wished to do was wait till I had that one opportunity to know you; the moment where everything would change because I to become a part of your existence. You lifted my head because you were certain about my capabilities of making the world a better place; my smile. Providing me with dear  companionship in situations where I was uncomfortable, where life was misinterpreted you were there to confide in. I had encouraged myself to do as I pleased when it came to my growth with a career because you told me, I was my satisfaction. 

Then, it happened…I was to be married. The life that you had shown me was suddenly nonexistent; as if the moon had been unstitched from the very night of hope. Awakening that morning surrounded by a floral breeze and white porcelain teacups,  I could see myself admitting to the cultural hesitation that I once was so good at avoiding. 

Being a middle-class family member, I encouraged my personality to shine in Ammi’s reception lehenga (bridal skirt and top) because I knew I wanted to keep her close. The words myself, I, me and being suddenly all reflected a woman I had never thought envisioning. Everyone around me was here to criticize, a glimpse of struggle or discomfort, a constant inquire about why I chose to marry this late. All I can think of is my happiness, underlined with threads of resham with Ammi's smile. Thank you Ammi for letting me love myself first. 

Notes from Artist: Having a woman, outside of the south asian norm to portray a Bride is never a difficult task. As a Bride, one is always seen being placed into a cultural assumption of following trends, setting trends and creating a personalized wedding. Honestly speaking, there is nothing personalized because family is our birth right. The series of photos with Breath of Henna are created to indulge in the relationship of being the Bride.

VIEW THE STYLED SHOOT FEATURE HERE : 
http://www.indianweddingsite.com/indian-wedding-styled-photo-shoot-lima-photography/

Her smile, ‘go balle balle’ dance moves are her best moments captured by Photographer Salima Esmail from LIMA ES Photography. The sun kisses Mariam’s skin as she glows and the Henna remains in the contrast to her vivid personality. 

In conclusion of this series, one will learn to love themselves and appreciate the details that stay as the stain of the Henna. Rav B beauty concepts created a natural look for Mariam, and Kaashni Brar’s hair couture created a whimsical 80’s blow out. The Bridal Lehenga is of my Ammi’s from her wedding reception in 1987, which still feels vivid to the touch. Styling Mariam in the lehenga provides a playful perspective on the arranged marriage and our parents' traditions, 

CREATIVE TEAM
LIMA ES Photography
Breath of Henna
Rav b beauty Concepts
Kaashni Brar
Mariam Chan
2014