Mona first met Richard at her favorite restaurant in Bloomington, Indiana where she was a regular patron and he worked. In her overly friendly fashion Mona stopped Richard on his first day at work to introduce herself and then immediately asked him if anyone had ever told him he shared a surprising likeness to Danny Bonaduce. Needless to say Richard did not appreciate the comment. He made a rather sarcastic comment and walked away. While that first awkward encounter made them both decide not to ask each other out, over the coming months a surprising flirtation developed over cups of coffee, crossword puzzles and games of volleyball – a flirtation that neither could deny. Their love morphed over months and a long distance love affair that helped grow their fondness and love for each other.
On a beautiful May afternoon many months later while standing on a sandy path between the beach and the dunes by the North Sea... Richard officially proposed asking Mona to marry him.
Mona and Richard... it was such a pleasure meeting the two of you and documenting your very special day. It was clear from the beginning that your wedding and your details would be awesome to photograph and their importance, as defined by their meaning to you and your backgrounds, would be a sight to behold . From the stacks of vintage books from the groom's father with vintage ink wells sitting atop each which served as your centerpieces, handmade/painted candles from the groom's Aunt, handmade traditional Pakistani favor bags made by the bride's mother and handmade letterpress type block name plates and vintage typewriter table numbers both made by the bride... this intimate affair was reaping of culture, history and love from both unique sides.
Finding out that my favorite detail was also your favorite part of the decor was really no surprise at all, once I thought about it.....The display of old black and white family pictures which represented the coming together not only of two people but of two entire families and their histories was just spectacular and your family and friends gathered around it from time to time all night long..
It is clear that the traditions of both cultures are rich and abundant and important to both of you... the pictures, books with family love, a mother's reflection of years past and present, friends providing toasts to the couple, songs sung to the bride and groom (with everyone laughing at the thought of ...singing? what? is this a tradition? ok... we will go for it), the most beautiful and passionate sitar music being played throughout, tears and laughter, dancing and bear hugs.. the evening seemed a perfect mix of ........ LOVE!!!!
Thanks for trusting me with all of the above as I know that these pictures will be amongst the others that are so near and dear to your hearts. I was honored to document your wedding and more importantly your love for each other. When you look into each other's eyes, what you see on the other side is so pure and true. May you always be able to make each other smile without saying a word and may you always love each other as sincerely and passionately as you do at this moment.
Mona and Richard chose to see each other before the ceremony also called a "First Look"
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here to see more Richard and Mona's wedding day.
Venue:
Old Town Hall Fairfax, Virginia
Catering by:
Main Event Caterers
Flowers by:
Karin’s Florist
Music performed by:
Josh Feinberg
Hair and Makeup:
Gina Hamrah
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