A Dream Years in the Making

When I first picked up a camera back in 2015, I dreamed of moments like this. I dreamed of flying across the globe to photograph love stories in places I had only ever seen in photos. This wedding, Leila and Dilan’s stunning celebration in Almaty, was that dream brought to life. What made it even more meaningful was that these two were not just clients. They were close friends.

I have photographed weddings in beautiful places like Whistler and Brazil, but this was my first time travelling halfway around the world for a traditional wedding in a place I had never been. And Kazakhstan absolutely delivered.
This was not just a destination wedding. It was an experience. A celebration full of emotion, culture, and so many unforgettable surprises. One I will never forget.

Why Bringing Your Own Destination Wedding Photographer Matters

One of the best decisions Leila and Dilan made was to bring photographers they trusted. We joined them in Kazakhstan because they wanted people by their side who already knew their story and energy. That kind of trust is everything. You do not need to explain how you want to be photographed when your photographer already understands your dynamic. You just get to be yourselves and enjoy the day while we take care of capturing every moment, big and small.

When you bring your own wedding photographer to a destination celebration, you are making sure your full story is told. Not just the highlights, but the real emotions, the quiet glances, and the once-in-a-lifetime moments that deserve to be remembered forever.

Getting Ready at The St. Regis Astana

We arrived in Astana two days before the wedding. The day before the celebration, we explored a few locations around the hotel and mapped out spots for portraits. Spoiler alert: we never had time for them that day. The wedding schedule was packed and fast-paced, so we saved those portraits for the next morning. (More on that in part two of the blog, where we go on a wild road trip through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan with the couple.)

But the wedding morning itself? Calm, fun, and filled with all the magic I love about destination weddings.

Leila and Dilan got ready together in their suite at The St. Regis Astana, and I will never stop loving when couples do this. There is something so refreshing and honestly powerful about throwing out tradition and doing what feels right for you. That is exactly what they did. Just like Sam and Patria did at my first destination wedding in Whistler, Leila and Dilan made the morning their own.

Getting ready together meant more time to be present. They shared coffee and laughter, fixed bowties and adjusted jewellery, looked out over the skyline of Astana as the sun climbed higher in the sky. The view from their balcony stretched across the city and out to the mountains. The light was soft, the room was warm, and the vibe was relaxed in the best possible way.

We even had time to get creative. Dilan was all in for some fun, slightly cheeky shots in the shower, and those turned out to be some of my favorite frames from the entire day. That kind of trust, that kind of energy, is what fuels me as a photographer. When my couples are having fun and fully being themselves, that is when the real magic happens.

Before the celebration swept us away, we captured a few quiet portraits in the hotel suite and hallways. Soft moments, elegant light, and a sense of connection that set the tone for the whole day. Moments like these are proof that you do not have to follow anyone else’s script. You can start your wedding day your way. And it will be unforgettable.

Couple Portraits at The St. Regis Astana: A Few Minutes of Magic

We didn’t have much time, but we had enough. The St. Regis is a dream for photographers. High ceilings. Clean lines. Architectural beauty everywhere. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathed everything in natural light. Grand staircases and elegant textures made every corner feel cinematic.
And Leila and Dilan? They were completely themselves. Relaxed. Playful. Present. They trusted us to create, and that’s when I do my best work. In a short window, we captured editorial-style portraits mixed with emotional, honest frames that I still think about.

If you’re planning a destination wedding, let this be your reminder: you don’t need hours of time. You just need the right light, the right vibe, and a photographer who sees you for who you are.

Reception Celebration – Dilan and Leila’s Wedding in Kazakhstan

Once guests were seated and the lights dimmed, the reception came to life with an unforgettable display of music, dance, and emotion. This was more than a wedding. It was a full-scale cultural experience, and the energy in the room was electric.

The celebration began with a group of traditional dancers performing in bold ceremonial attire. The men moved in perfect rhythm, each holding staffs and forming powerful shapes on stage. Their movements were precise and full of meaning, and from the very first beat, the crowd was completely engaged. It felt like we were watching the opening act of a theatre production, and it was just getting started.

Then came Dilan’s entrance.

He had been secretly preparing a choreographed dance with this dance group, and he kicked things off wearing a dramatic full-face mask. When the beat dropped, he pulled it off with a smile and the whole ballroom erupted in cheers. His confidence, the music, the choreography, it was a moment that made the entire room light up.

When Leila entered, the energy shifted again.

She was led into the space by a group of women dressed in flowing white and pink gowns with traditional headpieces. They surrounded her in a circle, creating a sense of ceremony and sacredness as they walked her toward the front. It was soft, emotional, and deeply rooted in Kazakh wedding traditions. You could feel the weight of the moment. This was the bride being presented to the world, and it was absolutely breathtaking.

Dinner was served shortly after, but the show never stopped.

While guests dined, a constant rotation of performances kept the celebration flowing. Traditional musicians played stringed instruments native to Kazakhstan, their melodies weaving through the air and filling the space with atmosphere. A live duet between two musicians stood out as one of the most moving moments of the night. Later, a well-known Kazakh pop artist took the stage and had everyone clapping, singing, and dancing along. It was a concert, a party, and a love story all in one.

As the evening unfolded, one of the most emotional parts of the night took place. Leila’s family gathered to symbolically send her into this next chapter of life. Her grandmother placed a large ceremonial bridal hat on her head, followed by her mother wrapping a traditional wedding belt around her waist. These powerful traditions are rich with symbolism and history, marking the transition from daughter to bride. Leila’s eyes welled up as each family member stepped forward to complete the ritual.

Once she was adorned, her bridal attendants led her toward Dilan, who stood waiting at the stage. The entire room watched in silence as she made her way to him. They took each other’s hands, shared a private glance, and exited the reception space together.

Leila changed into her next gown, and when they returned, the celebration kept going strong. Guests filled the dance floor, music played late into the night, and the Astor Ballroom remained glowing with joy.

The Reception That Never Slowed Down

After the excitement of the early reception, Leila and Dilan slipped away to a private room at The St. Regis Astana. While their guests kept dancing and celebrating outside, the two of them took a quiet moment to themselves. Leila changed into her white wedding dress, and Dilan put on his formal suit. Then, just the two of them, they shared a first look in the hallway.

It was quiet, intimate, and full of meaning. While the ballroom pulsed with music and celebration, they were in their own little world. That balance between grand celebration and private connection was one of the most beautiful parts of the entire day.

Soon after, they returned to the Astor Ballroom and the energy shifted once again. Leila’s father walked her in and formally presented her to the guests in her wedding gown. What followed was one of the most emotional moments of the night, a father and daughter dance that brought everyone to tears. The way he held her, the way he smiled through the emotion, it was impossible not to feel it.

The ceremony itself was heartfelt and beautiful. Right there in the middle of the reception, surrounded by friends and family, they exchanged vows and rings. It felt spontaneous and perfectly timed, a reminder that weddings do not need to follow a script to be unforgettable.

Then came the first dance. A choreographed, joy-filled performance that blended grace and personality. Leila twirled with the biggest smile on her face while Dilan watched her with pride and admiration.

And the party? It did not stop. Dancers, performers, light shows, and music that had everyone on their feet until late into the night. It was vibrant and alive in every way.

To close out the evening, Leila and Dilan stepped outside. The sky was dark, the air still. Then the drones began to rise. Dozens of them lit up the night, creating a dazzling light show high above the hotel grounds. As everyone watched in silence, the drones spelled out their names in glowing lights. It was the first drone show of its kind in Kazakhstan. A historic moment for a wedding that had already felt legendary.

They held each other and looked up at the sky. A perfect ending to an unforgettable day. This was not just a destination wedding. It was a celebration of culture, family, friendship, and love that radiated through every detail. And we were so lucky to be there for every moment.

Part Two of this story takes us across Kazakhstan and into Uzbekistan, chasing light, landscapes, and love with Leila and Dilan. Stay tuned.

What Made It Unforgettable

Yes, the performers were amazing. The venue was luxurious. The drone show was a showstopper. But what stayed with me most was the connection between Leila and Dilan.

Through all the movement and excitement, they stayed grounded in each other. You could see it in the way they kept checking in with little touches or shared looks. The way they leaned into the joy of the day but never lost sight of what it was really about. That kind of love stays with you.
They trusted us completely. That trust allowed us to photograph the day without barriers. To capture it honestly, emotionally, and in a way that will always reflect how it truly felt.

Advice for Planning a Destination Wedding

If you are planning a destination wedding, my advice is simple. Bring your people with you. Your photographer, your planner, your makeup artist if you can. Choose people you trust, who make you feel calm, seen, and taken care of.
Destination weddings are unpredictable in the best ways. New places, unfamiliar timelines, jet lag, cultural moments you may not expect. The beauty is in the spontaneity. That is why it matters so much to have a team who can go with the flow and still create something amazing.

The goal is not just to have a pretty wedding. The goal is to live the day fully and remember it honestly. That is what we do.

Part Two Coming Soon

Leila and Dilan’s wedding was just the beginning. After the celebration, we packed up our gear and headed off on an unforgettable road trip with them and their family. We explored Kazakhstan, drove through epic landscapes, and even crossed into Uzbekistan.
That story deserves its own space. And it’s coming soon.

Stay tuned.