Raeesah's Mehndi Evening Celebration | Cape Town Event Photography

2 nights before her wedding day, Raeesah had her Mehndi evening celebration in Cape Town and I had the honour of photographing it.

A Mehndi evening, also known as a Mehndi ceremony or Henna night, is a pre-wedding celebration held in many cultures, especially in South Asia and the Middle East. The word "Mehndi" refers to the application of henna (a paste derived from the Henna plant) on the hands and feet of the bride-to-be, as well as the female guests, as a way of wishing the bride good health and prosperity as she makes her journey on to marriage.

Henna application by Asmaa Kumandan: https://www.instagram.com/capetown_mehndiartist/

Mehndi Evening Event Photography

The evening was hosted at Cathkin Caterers in Rylands, Cape Town, which mirrored a scene from a real-life Bollywood movie. The space was decorated with the most beautiful shades of crimson and gold, giving it such a regal feel.

The mother of the bride-to-be wore a stunning turquoise Eastern-inspired garment, with exquisite stitching and details.

The bridesmaids looked equally as stunning in their colourful Eastern wear attire.

The evening was filled with dance performances by the bridesmaids and the bride's cousins, henna application, good food, laughter, and overall celebration!

It was such a good time spending the evening with the ladies. It's always such an honour to be welcomed into a culture that is different to my own and getting to experience life through the lens of others (excuse the pun!). Thank you to Raeesah and her loved ones for having me! I wish you a love-filled marriage and a lifetime of joy.