Congratulations Zahara and Mahmoud! I had the joy of capturing their two-day long celebration in Tampa FL as they began life as newlyweds. Zahara and Mahmoud planned a beautiful wedding weekend that honored their family and cultural traditions, and truly paved the way to married life. Their celebrations took place at the Tampa Museum of Art (one of my favorite Florida wedding venues!) and Armature Works. Both celebrations were gorgeous and it was so special to be a part of Zahara and Mahmoud’s meaningful moments. 

Their Love Story

Zahara and Mahmoud actually met online. Mahmoud likes to joke that he slid into Zahara’s DMs and the rest was history. He always felt she was out of his league, but they dated long distance for awhile. Finally, Mahmoud was able to propose and now, they’re husband and wife. While Mahmoud felt like Zahara might have been beyond his reach, she actually shared that she felt that she lucked out with him during her surprise speech for him at the wedding. It was the sweetest! 

Mehndi Day at the Tampa Museum of Art

To honor their cultural traditions, Zahara and Mahmoud hosted their Mendhi Day at the Tampa Museum of Art. Mehndi Day is a South Asian wedding tradition to celebrate the bride. Zahara told me it was one of her favorite parts of their wedding! Mehndi Day is often held the night before a wedding day to celebrate the bride and send her into marriage with positive wishes and the best luck. It can include Henna applications and is always known for its bright colors, music, and lots of fun. Zahara and Mahmoud delivered on all of those aspects! 

Zahara and Mahmoud wore traditional attire in their portraits on Mehndi Day. I loved the colors in their outfits – the gold and teal looked amazing together! The museum really was the perfect spot for Mehndi Day because it’s got some really colorful and unique exhibits we could include in their portraits. This celebration is full of bright colors and energy – and it’s a great chance for everyone to let their hair down and have fun… especially after all the planning they’ve had to do!

Zahara and Mahmoud hosted their guests in a bright reception, with lots of yellow, pink, orange, and fuschia flowers. Their celebration included some great cultural performances – which also occurred during their second wedding. It was honestly such a fun day and I loved learning more about Zahara and Mahmoud’s cultures throughout the day! 

Armature Works Wedding

On Saturday, Zahara and Mahmoud welcomed their guests to Armature Works for their actual wedding celebration. Zahara and Mahmoud brought all the elegance to their wedding – from a classic gold and white invitation suite to their elegant reception. Zahara’s wedding gown might have been one of my favorite parts of their second day wedding. With an off-the-shoulder bodice and her long veil, she was a gorgeous bride! I’m still obsessed with her all-white bouquet of ivory roses and baby’s breath!! Her bridesmaids wore light blue gowns and they were the perfect pop of color against the black and white of Zahara and Mahmoud’s attire. 

After their ceremony, the real party began! Zahara and Mahmoud welcomed their guests to an elegant reception full of ivory flowers, gold accents, and luxury. One of the coolest parts was that Zahara and Mahmoud entered with a Palestinian band. It was super fun and another great nod to their cultures! To end the night, Zahara and Mahmoud bride and groom gave impromptu speeches to each other during the reception praising each other and talking about their favorite things about each other – so sweet! 

Congratulations again, Zahara and Mahmoud! I loved being a part of your incredible two-day celebration and seeing how you brought together your cultures, personalities, and families. It was an incredible weekend! Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it all.  

I love getting to capture these special moments so that you can remember your wedding day for the rest of your life! For me, your wedding day is so much more than just a day.

You deserve a wedding photographer who is invested in you and capturing every moment! Reach out and let’s connect to book your wedding day here in Florida (or around the world)!

Tampa FL Wedding Vendors

Wedding Planner: Moments by Monica
Day 1 Venue: Tampa Museum of Art
Day 2 Venue: Armature Works
Florist: Florist Fire
Rentals: Kate Ryan Event Rentals
Hair: TBQ Hair
Makeup Artist: Onsite Beauty
Caterer: Salt Block Hospitality
Photographer: Ruth Terrero Photography
Transportation: Star Trolley