Riverview Wedding: Osama + Chanya

Osama plus Chanya equal a romantic wedding day on π day!

They met in 2006 through mutual friends. They started to hang out purely as friends four days a week. It was at a poker tournament when they met a couple there who was celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Osama asked what made their marriage work and they responded, “You marry your best friend.” Thereafter, their relationship progressed and they started to date in August 2006. About two years ago the two of them joked about eloping on “pi day” so on March 14, 2015 (3.14) Osama and Chanya celebrated their marriage celebration.

Osama and Chanya decided to see one-another before the ceremony. Their first look took place outside the Chicago Cubs Spring Training baseball park.

Osama hit that ball out of the park when it came to pursuing Chanya. They share that love, “…can’t-eat, can’t-sleep, reach-for-the-stars, over-the-fence, World Series kind of stuff, right?” (Quote)

Chanya had detailed henna designed on her hands, forearms, and feet in honor of her wedding day.

Before their “I do’s”, we strolled Riverview’s park in the peak of the afternoon. Arizona has gorgeous weather and beautiful clear skies; the perfect setting for wedding photos.

Chanya lit Osama up; a smile was on his face the entire day.

The bride wore a beautiful white wedding dress from Azteca. While taking their wedding couple photos, a young girl approached Chanya and told her how beautiful she was; I couldn’t agree more.

Chanya’s henna was memorizing. I love this middle eastern wedding tradition.

Chanya’s bridesmaids wore Monaco Pacific Islamic head coverings called Hijabs and held Calla Lilly bouquets with hints of Peacock feathers.

A few nights before the wedding day Chanya held a henna bachelorette party, some of her bridesmaids had henna designed on their forearms and hands.

Osama and Chanya made their commitments and celebrated at the The Landmark Restaurant.

Their loved ones had a lot of fun commemorating their marriage. There were two adorable twin girls running around the Lankmark’s wedding grounds.

The evening held many festivities. For the couple’s cake cutting they cut their first dessert, a pie in honor of pi day. For entertainment, the couple surprised their guests with a live belly dancer. The rest of the evening they danced and celebrated with their friends and family.

I will end on an epic note: the most candid garter toss reaction. That kid was thrilled and knew how to dance to show his enthusiasm.

Thank you Osama and Chanya for inviting me to document your love and to experience your wedding with all of it’s cultural traditions.

IF YOU LIKE THE EXPERIENCE SEEN IN THESE PICTURES YOU CAN BOOK YOUR MEMORY MAKING WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER TODAY!

Many thanks to the wedding creative team who helped in the celebration of two souls committing the promise of forever:

Wedding Photos Venue: Riveview Park in Mesa
Photographer: April Maura Photography
Second Shooter: Zac Dobbs
Bridal Dress: Azteca in Phoenix
Caterer: The Landmark Restaurant
Wedding Venue: The Landmark Restaurant
DJ/Band: Mojococo Entertainment
Makeup: Mercedes
Hair Stylist: Kalei