Instagram Story Viewer

In 2024, I realized that I don’t care about just making beautiful images anymore. In an age of artificial everything, I yearn to create images that bring people back to the magic of the moment—images that help them see and appreciate the beauty of their own lives.

This year, I also added a new layer to my job description: falling in love with the beauty of each person’s life and then capturing it in a way that helps them see that beauty for themselves. Whether it’s the way a spouse lights up at the sight of their partner or the way a child smiles genuinely while playing with their parents—I’m here for it all.
2025 will be a year where people must decide: will they pretend to have a perfect life, or will they fall in love with the perfect imperfections of their real one? For the sake of everyone’s well-being, I hope it’s the latter. The former only leads to a state of perpetual, unfulfilled longing.

These are some of my favorite vertically cropped moments from this year. If you allow yourself to truly look (watch it a couple of times if you need to), you’ll see a string of deep emotion connecting one photo to the next. That connection lives somewhere between deep gratitude and love, and I’m so honored to be a part of memorializing it.

If you know anyone recently engaged or parents looking for family portraits—and you feel they want authentic, heartfelt photographs—please share this reel or tag them below.

Lastly, thank you. To all of you who regularly support me (your likes, comments, and shares truly make a difference), to my wonderful clients who trust me, to my family (I say it all the time, but again—ASP is nothing without Nadia), and especially to @avecruth and @jenjuna . These two amazing women are often by my side at weddings—creating art, breathing peace into the moment, or, quite literally, stitching clothing mishaps back together.

See you next year, friend 🤍.

#dcweddingphotographer #filmweddingphotographer #2025bride #2026bride #dcwedding #washingtondcbrides #luxurywedding

Started 2024 off with one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve ever photographed. I’m still speechless and grateful. Grateful to @abbmcn and @aakash21shah for trusting me, @cgandcoevents for connecting us and to my team for working together like a well oiled-machine.

Follow these amazing creative partners:

Planner: @cgandcoevents
DJ: @dynasty_ave @mc_smarty_singh @dj_vicious
Ceremony and Reception Bridal hair and makeup: @caitlynmeyermua
Florist: @sophiefelts
Content Creator: @inthemomentcontentcreators
Sangeet Caterer: @thesignatureva
Sangeet Venue: @royalsonestacapitolhill
Ceremony Venue: @reaganitdc
Reception venue: @eventsustation
Rentals: @all_modern_rentals
Linens: @nuagedesignsinc
Reception Caterer: @designcuisine
Reception lighting: @frostlightingdc
Mehndi: @bhavnashenna
Videography: @antvision.media
Vow ceremony strings: @cherryblossomstringquartet
Sangeet bridal and Family Hair and Makeup: @sks_salon

Hi friends!

If you’re new here, welcome! I just turned 36 and am rarely in front of a camera and figure this would be a great time to show my face and reintroduce myself.

Here are some fun facts about me:

-I started Akbar Sayed Photography in 2010 after graduating from nursing school at University of Maryland👨🏽‍⚕️. I really didn’t think it would become what it is today and am so thankful 🥹.
- I still work as a RN 3 days a month because I love it but the vast majority of my professional energy goes to my photography business. The truth is I just love people and as long as I can make someones day better then it’s a good day.🤟🏽
-I’m happily married to my wife of 11 years and have three kind boys and a sweet cat. 👰🏽‍♀️👦🏽👦🏽👦🏽🐈‍⬛
-One of my motivations to get into photography was to be able to feel close to my father who passed away when I was 16. I now continue to honor him by using one of his film cameras for my wedding work 🤍
-I shoot digital and film photography as well as cinematography 🎥📷🎞️
-My photography style: elegant, timeless, natural.
-My clients have described me as: “wedding day therapist”, “kind”, “invisible”
-My super power: My empathy.💗
-My favorite hobby: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu! 🥋🔹
-On a lazy Sunday you’ll catch me wrestling around with my 3 little people or snuggling Nadia while watching trash TV (currently on the Indian Matchmaker!)
-If I could be anywhere in the world right now it would be snorkeling with my family in the Caribbean. 🤿

A huge thank you to the folks behind the shoot and branding:
@rudneynovaes
@lindahaevents @airhairandmakeup
@hazelduststudio
@mmodernweb

Hi friends!

If you’re new here, welcome! I just turned 36 and am rarely in front of a camera and figure this would be a great time to show my face and reintroduce myself.

Here are some fun facts about me:

-I started Akbar Sayed Photography in 2010 after graduating from nursing school at University of Maryland👨🏽‍⚕️. I really didn’t think it would become what it is today and am so thankful 🥹.
- I still work as a RN 3 days a month because I love it but the vast majority of my professional energy goes to my photography business. The truth is I just love people and as long as I can make someones day better then it’s a good day.🤟🏽
-I’m happily married to my wife of 11 years and have three kind boys and a sweet cat. 👰🏽‍♀️👦🏽👦🏽👦🏽🐈‍⬛
-One of my motivations to get into photography was to be able to feel close to my father who passed away when I was 16. I now continue to honor him by using one of his film cameras for my wedding work 🤍
-I shoot digital and film photography as well as cinematography 🎥📷🎞️
-My photography style: elegant, timeless, natural.
-My clients have described me as: “wedding day therapist”, “kind”, “invisible”
-My super power: My empathy.💗
-My favorite hobby: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu! 🥋🔹
-On a lazy Sunday you’ll catch me wrestling around with my 3 little people or snuggling Nadia while watching trash TV (currently on the Indian Matchmaker!)
-If I could be anywhere in the world right now it would be snorkeling with my family in the Caribbean. 🤿

A huge thank you to the folks behind the shoot and branding:
@rudneynovaes
@lindahaevents @airhairandmakeup
@hazelduststudio
@mmodernweb

Hi friends!

If you’re new here, welcome! I just turned 36 and am rarely in front of a camera and figure this would be a great time to show my face and reintroduce myself.

Here are some fun facts about me:

-I started Akbar Sayed Photography in 2010 after graduating from nursing school at University of Maryland👨🏽‍⚕️. I really didn’t think it would become what it is today and am so thankful 🥹.
- I still work as a RN 3 days a month because I love it but the vast majority of my professional energy goes to my photography business. The truth is I just love people and as long as I can make someones day better then it’s a good day.🤟🏽
-I’m happily married to my wife of 11 years and have three kind boys and a sweet cat. 👰🏽‍♀️👦🏽👦🏽👦🏽🐈‍⬛
-One of my motivations to get into photography was to be able to feel close to my father who passed away when I was 16. I now continue to honor him by using one of his film cameras for my wedding work 🤍
-I shoot digital and film photography as well as cinematography 🎥📷🎞️
-My photography style: elegant, timeless, natural.
-My clients have described me as: “wedding day therapist”, “kind”, “invisible”
-My super power: My empathy.💗
-My favorite hobby: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu! 🥋🔹
-On a lazy Sunday you’ll catch me wrestling around with my 3 little people or snuggling Nadia while watching trash TV (currently on the Indian Matchmaker!)
-If I could be anywhere in the world right now it would be snorkeling with my family in the Caribbean. 🤿

A huge thank you to the folks behind the shoot and branding:
@rudneynovaes
@lindahaevents @airhairandmakeup
@hazelduststudio
@mmodernweb

I was listening to The Forty Rules of Love by @shafakelif while editing today. A year post Hajj, a passage stopped me where I sat.

When asked his name, he introduced himself as Shams of Tabriz and said he was a wandering dervish searching for God high and low. “And were you able to find Him?” I inquired. A shadow crossed his face as the dervish nodded and said, “Indeed, He was with me all along.” The judge interjected with a smirk he didn’t bother to hide, “I never understand why you dervishes make life so complicated. If God was with you all along, why did you rummage around this whole time in search of Him?” Shams of Tabriz bowed his head pensively and remained silent for a moment. When he looked up again, his face was calm, his voice measured. “Because although it is a fact that He cannot be found by seeking, only those who seek can find Him.”

This is it. Hajj is not about finding God somewhere else. It’s about finding Him everywhere.

I’m thankful for the experience & for the moments I captured on film. If any of these images call to you, they’re available as prints in a few sizes on my site. Link in bio.

A portion of all sales are donated to @pillarsofpeaceny

I was listening to The Forty Rules of Love by @shafakelif while editing today. A year post Hajj, a passage stopped me where I sat.

When asked his name, he introduced himself as Shams of Tabriz and said he was a wandering dervish searching for God high and low. “And were you able to find Him?” I inquired. A shadow crossed his face as the dervish nodded and said, “Indeed, He was with me all along.” The judge interjected with a smirk he didn’t bother to hide, “I never understand why you dervishes make life so complicated. If God was with you all along, why did you rummage around this whole time in search of Him?” Shams of Tabriz bowed his head pensively and remained silent for a moment. When he looked up again, his face was calm, his voice measured. “Because although it is a fact that He cannot be found by seeking, only those who seek can find Him.”

This is it. Hajj is not about finding God somewhere else. It’s about finding Him everywhere.

I’m thankful for the experience & for the moments I captured on film. If any of these images call to you, they’re available as prints in a few sizes on my site. Link in bio.

A portion of all sales are donated to @pillarsofpeaceny

I was listening to The Forty Rules of Love by @shafakelif while editing today. A year post Hajj, a passage stopped me where I sat.

When asked his name, he introduced himself as Shams of Tabriz and said he was a wandering dervish searching for God high and low. “And were you able to find Him?” I inquired. A shadow crossed his face as the dervish nodded and said, “Indeed, He was with me all along.” The judge interjected with a smirk he didn’t bother to hide, “I never understand why you dervishes make life so complicated. If God was with you all along, why did you rummage around this whole time in search of Him?” Shams of Tabriz bowed his head pensively and remained silent for a moment. When he looked up again, his face was calm, his voice measured. “Because although it is a fact that He cannot be found by seeking, only those who seek can find Him.”

This is it. Hajj is not about finding God somewhere else. It’s about finding Him everywhere.

I’m thankful for the experience & for the moments I captured on film. If any of these images call to you, they’re available as prints in a few sizes on my site. Link in bio.

A portion of all sales are donated to @pillarsofpeaceny

I was listening to The Forty Rules of Love by @shafakelif while editing today. A year post Hajj, a passage stopped me where I sat.

When asked his name, he introduced himself as Shams of Tabriz and said he was a wandering dervish searching for God high and low. “And were you able to find Him?” I inquired. A shadow crossed his face as the dervish nodded and said, “Indeed, He was with me all along.” The judge interjected with a smirk he didn’t bother to hide, “I never understand why you dervishes make life so complicated. If God was with you all along, why did you rummage around this whole time in search of Him?” Shams of Tabriz bowed his head pensively and remained silent for a moment. When he looked up again, his face was calm, his voice measured. “Because although it is a fact that He cannot be found by seeking, only those who seek can find Him.”

This is it. Hajj is not about finding God somewhere else. It’s about finding Him everywhere.

I’m thankful for the experience & for the moments I captured on film. If any of these images call to you, they’re available as prints in a few sizes on my site. Link in bio.

A portion of all sales are donated to @pillarsofpeaceny

I was listening to The Forty Rules of Love by @shafakelif while editing today. A year post Hajj, a passage stopped me where I sat.

When asked his name, he introduced himself as Shams of Tabriz and said he was a wandering dervish searching for God high and low. “And were you able to find Him?” I inquired. A shadow crossed his face as the dervish nodded and said, “Indeed, He was with me all along.” The judge interjected with a smirk he didn’t bother to hide, “I never understand why you dervishes make life so complicated. If God was with you all along, why did you rummage around this whole time in search of Him?” Shams of Tabriz bowed his head pensively and remained silent for a moment. When he looked up again, his face was calm, his voice measured. “Because although it is a fact that He cannot be found by seeking, only those who seek can find Him.”

This is it. Hajj is not about finding God somewhere else. It’s about finding Him everywhere.

I’m thankful for the experience & for the moments I captured on film. If any of these images call to you, they’re available as prints in a few sizes on my site. Link in bio.

A portion of all sales are donated to @pillarsofpeaceny

I was listening to The Forty Rules of Love by @shafakelif while editing today. A year post Hajj, a passage stopped me where I sat.

When asked his name, he introduced himself as Shams of Tabriz and said he was a wandering dervish searching for God high and low. “And were you able to find Him?” I inquired. A shadow crossed his face as the dervish nodded and said, “Indeed, He was with me all along.” The judge interjected with a smirk he didn’t bother to hide, “I never understand why you dervishes make life so complicated. If God was with you all along, why did you rummage around this whole time in search of Him?” Shams of Tabriz bowed his head pensively and remained silent for a moment. When he looked up again, his face was calm, his voice measured. “Because although it is a fact that He cannot be found by seeking, only those who seek can find Him.”

This is it. Hajj is not about finding God somewhere else. It’s about finding Him everywhere.

I’m thankful for the experience & for the moments I captured on film. If any of these images call to you, they’re available as prints in a few sizes on my site. Link in bio.

A portion of all sales are donated to @pillarsofpeaceny

I was listening to The Forty Rules of Love by @shafakelif while editing today. A year post Hajj, a passage stopped me where I sat.

When asked his name, he introduced himself as Shams of Tabriz and said he was a wandering dervish searching for God high and low. “And were you able to find Him?” I inquired. A shadow crossed his face as the dervish nodded and said, “Indeed, He was with me all along.” The judge interjected with a smirk he didn’t bother to hide, “I never understand why you dervishes make life so complicated. If God was with you all along, why did you rummage around this whole time in search of Him?” Shams of Tabriz bowed his head pensively and remained silent for a moment. When he looked up again, his face was calm, his voice measured. “Because although it is a fact that He cannot be found by seeking, only those who seek can find Him.”

This is it. Hajj is not about finding God somewhere else. It’s about finding Him everywhere.

I’m thankful for the experience & for the moments I captured on film. If any of these images call to you, they’re available as prints in a few sizes on my site. Link in bio.

A portion of all sales are donated to @pillarsofpeaceny

I was listening to The Forty Rules of Love by @shafakelif while editing today. A year post Hajj, a passage stopped me where I sat.

When asked his name, he introduced himself as Shams of Tabriz and said he was a wandering dervish searching for God high and low. “And were you able to find Him?” I inquired. A shadow crossed his face as the dervish nodded and said, “Indeed, He was with me all along.” The judge interjected with a smirk he didn’t bother to hide, “I never understand why you dervishes make life so complicated. If God was with you all along, why did you rummage around this whole time in search of Him?” Shams of Tabriz bowed his head pensively and remained silent for a moment. When he looked up again, his face was calm, his voice measured. “Because although it is a fact that He cannot be found by seeking, only those who seek can find Him.”

This is it. Hajj is not about finding God somewhere else. It’s about finding Him everywhere.

I’m thankful for the experience & for the moments I captured on film. If any of these images call to you, they’re available as prints in a few sizes on my site. Link in bio.

A portion of all sales are donated to @pillarsofpeaceny

I was listening to The Forty Rules of Love by @shafakelif while editing today. A year post Hajj, a passage stopped me where I sat.

When asked his name, he introduced himself as Shams of Tabriz and said he was a wandering dervish searching for God high and low. “And were you able to find Him?” I inquired. A shadow crossed his face as the dervish nodded and said, “Indeed, He was with me all along.” The judge interjected with a smirk he didn’t bother to hide, “I never understand why you dervishes make life so complicated. If God was with you all along, why did you rummage around this whole time in search of Him?” Shams of Tabriz bowed his head pensively and remained silent for a moment. When he looked up again, his face was calm, his voice measured. “Because although it is a fact that He cannot be found by seeking, only those who seek can find Him.”

This is it. Hajj is not about finding God somewhere else. It’s about finding Him everywhere.

I’m thankful for the experience & for the moments I captured on film. If any of these images call to you, they’re available as prints in a few sizes on my site. Link in bio.

A portion of all sales are donated to @pillarsofpeaceny

I was listening to The Forty Rules of Love by @shafakelif while editing today. A year post Hajj, a passage stopped me where I sat.

When asked his name, he introduced himself as Shams of Tabriz and said he was a wandering dervish searching for God high and low. “And were you able to find Him?” I inquired. A shadow crossed his face as the dervish nodded and said, “Indeed, He was with me all along.” The judge interjected with a smirk he didn’t bother to hide, “I never understand why you dervishes make life so complicated. If God was with you all along, why did you rummage around this whole time in search of Him?” Shams of Tabriz bowed his head pensively and remained silent for a moment. When he looked up again, his face was calm, his voice measured. “Because although it is a fact that He cannot be found by seeking, only those who seek can find Him.”

This is it. Hajj is not about finding God somewhere else. It’s about finding Him everywhere.

I’m thankful for the experience & for the moments I captured on film. If any of these images call to you, they’re available as prints in a few sizes on my site. Link in bio.

A portion of all sales are donated to @pillarsofpeaceny

I was listening to The Forty Rules of Love by @shafakelif while editing today. A year post Hajj, a passage stopped me where I sat.

When asked his name, he introduced himself as Shams of Tabriz and said he was a wandering dervish searching for God high and low. “And were you able to find Him?” I inquired. A shadow crossed his face as the dervish nodded and said, “Indeed, He was with me all along.” The judge interjected with a smirk he didn’t bother to hide, “I never understand why you dervishes make life so complicated. If God was with you all along, why did you rummage around this whole time in search of Him?” Shams of Tabriz bowed his head pensively and remained silent for a moment. When he looked up again, his face was calm, his voice measured. “Because although it is a fact that He cannot be found by seeking, only those who seek can find Him.”

This is it. Hajj is not about finding God somewhere else. It’s about finding Him everywhere.

I’m thankful for the experience & for the moments I captured on film. If any of these images call to you, they’re available as prints in a few sizes on my site. Link in bio.

A portion of all sales are donated to @pillarsofpeaceny

I was listening to The Forty Rules of Love by @shafakelif while editing today. A year post Hajj, a passage stopped me where I sat.

When asked his name, he introduced himself as Shams of Tabriz and said he was a wandering dervish searching for God high and low. “And were you able to find Him?” I inquired. A shadow crossed his face as the dervish nodded and said, “Indeed, He was with me all along.” The judge interjected with a smirk he didn’t bother to hide, “I never understand why you dervishes make life so complicated. If God was with you all along, why did you rummage around this whole time in search of Him?” Shams of Tabriz bowed his head pensively and remained silent for a moment. When he looked up again, his face was calm, his voice measured. “Because although it is a fact that He cannot be found by seeking, only those who seek can find Him.”

This is it. Hajj is not about finding God somewhere else. It’s about finding Him everywhere.

I’m thankful for the experience & for the moments I captured on film. If any of these images call to you, they’re available as prints in a few sizes on my site. Link in bio.

A portion of all sales are donated to @pillarsofpeaceny

I was listening to The Forty Rules of Love by @shafakelif while editing today. A year post Hajj, a passage stopped me where I sat.

When asked his name, he introduced himself as Shams of Tabriz and said he was a wandering dervish searching for God high and low. “And were you able to find Him?” I inquired. A shadow crossed his face as the dervish nodded and said, “Indeed, He was with me all along.” The judge interjected with a smirk he didn’t bother to hide, “I never understand why you dervishes make life so complicated. If God was with you all along, why did you rummage around this whole time in search of Him?” Shams of Tabriz bowed his head pensively and remained silent for a moment. When he looked up again, his face was calm, his voice measured. “Because although it is a fact that He cannot be found by seeking, only those who seek can find Him.”

This is it. Hajj is not about finding God somewhere else. It’s about finding Him everywhere.

I’m thankful for the experience & for the moments I captured on film. If any of these images call to you, they’re available as prints in a few sizes on my site. Link in bio.

A portion of all sales are donated to @pillarsofpeaceny

I was listening to The Forty Rules of Love by @shafakelif while editing today. A year post Hajj, a passage stopped me where I sat.

When asked his name, he introduced himself as Shams of Tabriz and said he was a wandering dervish searching for God high and low. “And were you able to find Him?” I inquired. A shadow crossed his face as the dervish nodded and said, “Indeed, He was with me all along.” The judge interjected with a smirk he didn’t bother to hide, “I never understand why you dervishes make life so complicated. If God was with you all along, why did you rummage around this whole time in search of Him?” Shams of Tabriz bowed his head pensively and remained silent for a moment. When he looked up again, his face was calm, his voice measured. “Because although it is a fact that He cannot be found by seeking, only those who seek can find Him.”

This is it. Hajj is not about finding God somewhere else. It’s about finding Him everywhere.

I’m thankful for the experience & for the moments I captured on film. If any of these images call to you, they’re available as prints in a few sizes on my site. Link in bio.

A portion of all sales are donated to @pillarsofpeaceny

I was listening to The Forty Rules of Love by @shafakelif while editing today. A year post Hajj, a passage stopped me where I sat.

When asked his name, he introduced himself as Shams of Tabriz and said he was a wandering dervish searching for God high and low. “And were you able to find Him?” I inquired. A shadow crossed his face as the dervish nodded and said, “Indeed, He was with me all along.” The judge interjected with a smirk he didn’t bother to hide, “I never understand why you dervishes make life so complicated. If God was with you all along, why did you rummage around this whole time in search of Him?” Shams of Tabriz bowed his head pensively and remained silent for a moment. When he looked up again, his face was calm, his voice measured. “Because although it is a fact that He cannot be found by seeking, only those who seek can find Him.”

This is it. Hajj is not about finding God somewhere else. It’s about finding Him everywhere.

I’m thankful for the experience & for the moments I captured on film. If any of these images call to you, they’re available as prints in a few sizes on my site. Link in bio.

A portion of all sales are donated to @pillarsofpeaceny

I was listening to The Forty Rules of Love by @shafakelif while editing today. A year post Hajj, a passage stopped me where I sat.

When asked his name, he introduced himself as Shams of Tabriz and said he was a wandering dervish searching for God high and low. “And were you able to find Him?” I inquired. A shadow crossed his face as the dervish nodded and said, “Indeed, He was with me all along.” The judge interjected with a smirk he didn’t bother to hide, “I never understand why you dervishes make life so complicated. If God was with you all along, why did you rummage around this whole time in search of Him?” Shams of Tabriz bowed his head pensively and remained silent for a moment. When he looked up again, his face was calm, his voice measured. “Because although it is a fact that He cannot be found by seeking, only those who seek can find Him.”

This is it. Hajj is not about finding God somewhere else. It’s about finding Him everywhere.

I’m thankful for the experience & for the moments I captured on film. If any of these images call to you, they’re available as prints in a few sizes on my site. Link in bio.

A portion of all sales are donated to @pillarsofpeaceny

I was listening to The Forty Rules of Love by @shafakelif while editing today. A year post Hajj, a passage stopped me where I sat.

When asked his name, he introduced himself as Shams of Tabriz and said he was a wandering dervish searching for God high and low. “And were you able to find Him?” I inquired. A shadow crossed his face as the dervish nodded and said, “Indeed, He was with me all along.” The judge interjected with a smirk he didn’t bother to hide, “I never understand why you dervishes make life so complicated. If God was with you all along, why did you rummage around this whole time in search of Him?” Shams of Tabriz bowed his head pensively and remained silent for a moment. When he looked up again, his face was calm, his voice measured. “Because although it is a fact that He cannot be found by seeking, only those who seek can find Him.”

This is it. Hajj is not about finding God somewhere else. It’s about finding Him everywhere.

I’m thankful for the experience & for the moments I captured on film. If any of these images call to you, they’re available as prints in a few sizes on my site. Link in bio.

A portion of all sales are donated to @pillarsofpeaceny

I was listening to The Forty Rules of Love by @shafakelif while editing today. A year post Hajj, a passage stopped me where I sat.

When asked his name, he introduced himself as Shams of Tabriz and said he was a wandering dervish searching for God high and low. “And were you able to find Him?” I inquired. A shadow crossed his face as the dervish nodded and said, “Indeed, He was with me all along.” The judge interjected with a smirk he didn’t bother to hide, “I never understand why you dervishes make life so complicated. If God was with you all along, why did you rummage around this whole time in search of Him?” Shams of Tabriz bowed his head pensively and remained silent for a moment. When he looked up again, his face was calm, his voice measured. “Because although it is a fact that He cannot be found by seeking, only those who seek can find Him.”

This is it. Hajj is not about finding God somewhere else. It’s about finding Him everywhere.

I’m thankful for the experience & for the moments I captured on film. If any of these images call to you, they’re available as prints in a few sizes on my site. Link in bio.

A portion of all sales are donated to @pillarsofpeaceny

I was listening to The Forty Rules of Love by @shafakelif while editing today. A year post Hajj, a passage stopped me where I sat.

When asked his name, he introduced himself as Shams of Tabriz and said he was a wandering dervish searching for God high and low. “And were you able to find Him?” I inquired. A shadow crossed his face as the dervish nodded and said, “Indeed, He was with me all along.” The judge interjected with a smirk he didn’t bother to hide, “I never understand why you dervishes make life so complicated. If God was with you all along, why did you rummage around this whole time in search of Him?” Shams of Tabriz bowed his head pensively and remained silent for a moment. When he looked up again, his face was calm, his voice measured. “Because although it is a fact that He cannot be found by seeking, only those who seek can find Him.”

This is it. Hajj is not about finding God somewhere else. It’s about finding Him everywhere.

I’m thankful for the experience & for the moments I captured on film. If any of these images call to you, they’re available as prints in a few sizes on my site. Link in bio.

A portion of all sales are donated to @pillarsofpeaceny

I was listening to The Forty Rules of Love by @shafakelif while editing today. A year post Hajj, a passage stopped me where I sat.

When asked his name, he introduced himself as Shams of Tabriz and said he was a wandering dervish searching for God high and low. “And were you able to find Him?” I inquired. A shadow crossed his face as the dervish nodded and said, “Indeed, He was with me all along.” The judge interjected with a smirk he didn’t bother to hide, “I never understand why you dervishes make life so complicated. If God was with you all along, why did you rummage around this whole time in search of Him?” Shams of Tabriz bowed his head pensively and remained silent for a moment. When he looked up again, his face was calm, his voice measured. “Because although it is a fact that He cannot be found by seeking, only those who seek can find Him.”

This is it. Hajj is not about finding God somewhere else. It’s about finding Him everywhere.

I’m thankful for the experience & for the moments I captured on film. If any of these images call to you, they’re available as prints in a few sizes on my site. Link in bio.

A portion of all sales are donated to @pillarsofpeaceny

Hi lovelies, take a behind the scenes look of a glamorous day💄📸 Our photoshoot captured the elegance of our eveningwear and chic details of our space. We can’t wait to reveal the final results! ✨

Our talented team 🤍
Photographer @akbarsayedphotography
Models @monicasingh__ @itsvictoriacatherine
Beauty Team
@isabellavabrebeauty
Artist 1 @donebycindyy_
Artist 2 @makeupbyst3ph

When second best pulls up to the engagement session. 🐸

When second best pulls up to the engagement session. 🐸

When second best pulls up to the engagement session. 🐸

When second best pulls up to the engagement session. 🐸

Happy Mother’s Day to these two women in particular 🤍🧿.

Film developed by @photovision.co

Happy Mother’s Day to these two women in particular 🤍🧿.

Film developed by @photovision.co

Intricate white textures and gold accents set the stage for a day rooted in faith and tradition. From the sacred promises of the Nikah to the elegant details of the celebration, every moment was a reflection of Amna and Mohammed's love story. 🤍⁠
•⁠
•⁠
// Photo: @akbarsayedphotography⁠
•⁠
•⁠
Other Vendors: @makeupbysonga , @ravikabobhouse , @zuriador , @shaheventsdmv , @crescentislamiccenter , @qamariacoffee , @inspiredbynasra_ , @redpinevisuals , @abbys.events.g2g⁠
•⁠
•⁠
#wedsociety #wedsocietynorthernvirginia #northernvirginiaweddings

Intricate white textures and gold accents set the stage for a day rooted in faith and tradition. From the sacred promises of the Nikah to the elegant details of the celebration, every moment was a reflection of Amna and Mohammed's love story. 🤍⁠
•⁠
•⁠
// Photo: @akbarsayedphotography⁠
•⁠
•⁠
Other Vendors: @makeupbysonga , @ravikabobhouse , @zuriador , @shaheventsdmv , @crescentislamiccenter , @qamariacoffee , @inspiredbynasra_ , @redpinevisuals , @abbys.events.g2g⁠
•⁠
•⁠
#wedsociety #wedsocietynorthernvirginia #northernvirginiaweddings

Intricate white textures and gold accents set the stage for a day rooted in faith and tradition. From the sacred promises of the Nikah to the elegant details of the celebration, every moment was a reflection of Amna and Mohammed's love story. 🤍⁠
•⁠
•⁠
// Photo: @akbarsayedphotography⁠
•⁠
•⁠
Other Vendors: @makeupbysonga , @ravikabobhouse , @zuriador , @shaheventsdmv , @crescentislamiccenter , @qamariacoffee , @inspiredbynasra_ , @redpinevisuals , @abbys.events.g2g⁠
•⁠
•⁠
#wedsociety #wedsocietynorthernvirginia #northernvirginiaweddings

Intricate white textures and gold accents set the stage for a day rooted in faith and tradition. From the sacred promises of the Nikah to the elegant details of the celebration, every moment was a reflection of Amna and Mohammed's love story. 🤍⁠
•⁠
•⁠
// Photo: @akbarsayedphotography⁠
•⁠
•⁠
Other Vendors: @makeupbysonga , @ravikabobhouse , @zuriador , @shaheventsdmv , @crescentislamiccenter , @qamariacoffee , @inspiredbynasra_ , @redpinevisuals , @abbys.events.g2g⁠
•⁠
•⁠
#wedsociety #wedsocietynorthernvirginia #northernvirginiaweddings

Intricate white textures and gold accents set the stage for a day rooted in faith and tradition. From the sacred promises of the Nikah to the elegant details of the celebration, every moment was a reflection of Amna and Mohammed's love story. 🤍⁠
•⁠
•⁠
// Photo: @akbarsayedphotography⁠
•⁠
•⁠
Other Vendors: @makeupbysonga , @ravikabobhouse , @zuriador , @shaheventsdmv , @crescentislamiccenter , @qamariacoffee , @inspiredbynasra_ , @redpinevisuals , @abbys.events.g2g⁠
•⁠
•⁠
#wedsociety #wedsocietynorthernvirginia #northernvirginiaweddings

Intricate white textures and gold accents set the stage for a day rooted in faith and tradition. From the sacred promises of the Nikah to the elegant details of the celebration, every moment was a reflection of Amna and Mohammed's love story. 🤍⁠
•⁠
•⁠
// Photo: @akbarsayedphotography⁠
•⁠
•⁠
Other Vendors: @makeupbysonga , @ravikabobhouse , @zuriador , @shaheventsdmv , @crescentislamiccenter , @qamariacoffee , @inspiredbynasra_ , @redpinevisuals , @abbys.events.g2g⁠
•⁠
•⁠
#wedsociety #wedsocietynorthernvirginia #northernvirginiaweddings

Intricate white textures and gold accents set the stage for a day rooted in faith and tradition. From the sacred promises of the Nikah to the elegant details of the celebration, every moment was a reflection of Amna and Mohammed's love story. 🤍⁠
•⁠
•⁠
// Photo: @akbarsayedphotography⁠
•⁠
•⁠
Other Vendors: @makeupbysonga , @ravikabobhouse , @zuriador , @shaheventsdmv , @crescentislamiccenter , @qamariacoffee , @inspiredbynasra_ , @redpinevisuals , @abbys.events.g2g⁠
•⁠
•⁠
#wedsociety #wedsocietynorthernvirginia #northernvirginiaweddings

Intricate white textures and gold accents set the stage for a day rooted in faith and tradition. From the sacred promises of the Nikah to the elegant details of the celebration, every moment was a reflection of Amna and Mohammed's love story. 🤍⁠
•⁠
•⁠
// Photo: @akbarsayedphotography⁠
•⁠
•⁠
Other Vendors: @makeupbysonga , @ravikabobhouse , @zuriador , @shaheventsdmv , @crescentislamiccenter , @qamariacoffee , @inspiredbynasra_ , @redpinevisuals , @abbys.events.g2g⁠
•⁠
•⁠
#wedsociety #wedsocietynorthernvirginia #northernvirginiaweddings

What I did this month instead of running my print business:

Shot weddings, proposals and engagement sessions. Showed up for my family. Continued my spine rehab. Built content for clients. Planned what’s next.

What Pass Platinum did for me in the background:
Ran campaigns. Answered client emails. Processed orders.

That’s the actual product. Not software. A team.

Link in bio if you want yours.
@passgallery

Immediately after recessional I love to quietly follow my couples and observe their new reality hitting them. This moment between C & B is so real and so beautiful. The reality of their forever person hits them.

Vendor Team
📋 Planning: @marriageandmimosas
📷 Photo: @akbarsayedphotography
🏩 Venue: @hotelwashingtondc
🎶 DJ: @mydeejay
💄 Makeup: @mab.artistry
💐 Florals: @lalmoyadesign

#dcweddingphotographer #weddingphotography

A celebration that proves modern design and cultural depth don’t just coexist, they elevate each other.

Set within the timeless architecture of the Hamilton Hotel, this wedding layered bold tropical textures with clean, contemporary lines creating a space that felt both vibrant and intentional. 

From rich color moments to refined structural design, every detail was considered without ever feeling overworked. The result was a celebration that felt immersive, personal, and effortlessly expressive.

This is what happens when style isn’t chosen from a category but built from identity.

Not just beautiful
Aligned

Plan with purpose on Novela

Such a beautiful time at the Great Marsh Spring Soirée last weekend!!!
Loved connecting with potential clients and catching up with amazing friendors!

Looking to elevate your next event? We offer curated lounges, seating charts, custom builds, bars, decor rentals, and more—let’s bring your vision to life!

Such a beautiful time at the Great Marsh Spring Soirée last weekend!!!
Loved connecting with potential clients and catching up with amazing friendors!

Looking to elevate your next event? We offer curated lounges, seating charts, custom builds, bars, decor rentals, and more—let’s bring your vision to life!

Such a beautiful time at the Great Marsh Spring Soirée last weekend!!!
Loved connecting with potential clients and catching up with amazing friendors!

Looking to elevate your next event? We offer curated lounges, seating charts, custom builds, bars, decor rentals, and more—let’s bring your vision to life!

Such a beautiful time at the Great Marsh Spring Soirée last weekend!!!
Loved connecting with potential clients and catching up with amazing friendors!

Looking to elevate your next event? We offer curated lounges, seating charts, custom builds, bars, decor rentals, and more—let’s bring your vision to life!

Such a beautiful time at the Great Marsh Spring Soirée last weekend!!!
Loved connecting with potential clients and catching up with amazing friendors!

Looking to elevate your next event? We offer curated lounges, seating charts, custom builds, bars, decor rentals, and more—let’s bring your vision to life!

Such a beautiful time at the Great Marsh Spring Soirée last weekend!!!
Loved connecting with potential clients and catching up with amazing friendors!

Looking to elevate your next event? We offer curated lounges, seating charts, custom builds, bars, decor rentals, and more—let’s bring your vision to life!