Dania + Samer // Chicago Palestinian + Lebanese Wedding

HELLO!

There are a few days in my career that I consider so pivotal and impactful that they will stay with me for the rest of my life, and Dania + Samer’s wedding was unequivocally one of those occasions. I don’t think I’ve ever witnessed such a vibrant, life-giving celebration in over a decade of photographing weddings. Capturing a Palestinian + Lebanese wedding amid the ongoing genocide is a profound testament to resilience and hope. This celebration symbolizes not just the union of two beautiful people, but the enduring spirits of communities that continue to resist even in the face of the most arduous adversity. Documenting these moments is an incredible honor. I hope these photographs tell a story of joy as resistance - serving not only as a celebration of life but also as a reminder of what is at stake.

If you’re able, I’d love for you to consider making a donation to plant olive trees in Palestine; something that holds significant cultural, economic, and environmental importance. As olives are a key agricultural product in the region, they provide a sustainable source of livelihood. Environmentally, olive trees play a crucial role in combating soil erosion, preserving biodiversity, and promoting a balanced ecosystem. The act of planting olive trees fosters hope, serving as a peaceful assertion of existence and belonging in a land fraught with colonization and political violence. The cultivation of olive trees is not just an agricultural endeavor; it is a vital investment in the future and well-being of Palestine.