Traditional Pakistani Wedding in Columbia, SC

This was more than just a wedding.  This was an event.  After two nights of filming awesome choreographed dancing, hilariously witty skits, games that gave you a glimpse into the lives of the bride and groom, and much more, I walked away in awe.  The amount of preparation and dedication from so many people who care about this couple is inspiring.  And it's contagious.  Thank you for letting me capture this amazing traditional Pakistani wedding in Columbia, SC.

This was my first time filming a traditional Pakistani wedding in Columbia, SC.  I researched Pakistani wedding traditions and ceremonies on the internet before the two big days arrived, but nothing would prepare me for the awesomeness I encountered.  As a matter of face, no other wedding video I watched compared to the one I was fortunate enough to be a part of.  As I said in the opening, I've never seen anything like it, and haven't since.  This wasn't just a wedding.  There were endless performances, comedy skits, and competitions that celebrated not only the bride and groom, but everyone who was lucky enough to be there.

Pakistani weddings are two days events.  The first day took place at 1208 Washington Place in downtown Columbia, SC.  The majority of the performances were held there and they did not disappoint.  I still don't know how the friends and family who performed remembered all of those dance steps and lines.  They had to have practiced incredibly hard to prepare, because the performances were flawless.  Even as I sat in my office editing this wedding movie, I caught myself replaying certain sections just so I could watch them again and again.

Day two took place at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.  The largest room in the convention center was rented for this day and it was still packed.  The grand entrances are a major component of the traditional Pakistani wedding in Columbia, SC.  Before they entered the room, I chatted with the guys about how to pronounce the name of the drum they played.  They said I eventually pronounced it right, but I think they were just being nice.  Either way, it was a cool moment to film when the wedding parties eased into the room with all eyes on them.