Aisyah & Hakim
Jasmine, before the akad
Aisyah's aunts threaded the melati at dawn. We arrive two hours early, so the first photographs are of a house waking up — not of a camera arriving.
Blessings at the mosque
The ijab kabul took one breath. What came after took an hour: uncles, aunts and old neighbours pressing blessings into Aisyah's hands. We stayed for all of it, without flash, at the side of the hall the imam showed us.
Two signatures, two little books
The marriage booklet is the least romantic object of the day and the one every couple asks us for. We take it outside, into the shade, and let them be silly with it.
Inai, still on her hands
At the bersanding that night the henna from the berinai was still deep red. We photograph hands at every Malay wedding: they carry the whole week.