An Afghan-American wedding at Queluz Palace, Portugal
Two days, two families: Reed and Sueraya's celebration near Lisbon, published in British Vogue
- Who
- Reed, from Texas, and Sueraya, a bride with Afghan roots
- When
- 6 and 7 June 2025
- Where
- Welcome dinner at Forte da Crismina above Guincho beach; wedding at Queluz Palace
- Guests
- Around 100
- Planner
- DOMA Portugal Weddings
- Published in
- British Vogue
Some weddings are planned around a venue. Reed and Sueraya's was planned around two families. Over two days in June, Sueraya's Afghan heritage and Reed's Texan roots met near Lisbon: a welcome evening above the Atlantic, then a wedding at a royal palace that began with a Nikah in the gardens and, at midnight, turned into the Attan. We are Vadim and Irina Pastuh, a husband-and-wife team of destination wedding photographers based in Lisbon, and this is how the two cultures shared one celebration.
Why PortugalA palace on this scale
The couple wanted a palace, and a real one. Queluz was a summer residence of the Portuguese royal family, with formal gardens, lakes and statues outside and gilded halls inside, a short drive from Lisbon. Few places in Europe can host a Nikah in a royal garden, a dinner in a throne room and a party in front of a lit baroque façade on the same night.
Day one · 6 JuneSunset at Forte da Crismina
The weekend began at O Forte, the restaurant inside Forte da Crismina, a small fort on the cliffs above Praia do Guincho, west of Cascais. Buses brought the guests from Lisbon for a welcome cocktail at half past six, then a buffet dinner and a party until half past ten, with the Atlantic right below the fort.
Before dinner we took Reed and Sueraya out onto the cliffs. She wore an embroidered champagne gown and a long lace veil, he a pale blue suit, and the wind off Guincho did the rest. We stayed until the sun went into the ocean.
Day two · 7 JuneGetting ready in Lisbon
Sueraya got ready at the Corinthia in Lisbon, Reed at Pestana Palace. By six they were all at Queluz.
18:00The Nikah by the Nereida Lake
The ceremony was a Nikah, the Islamic marriage ceremony, held outdoors by the Nereida Lake with the palace behind the couple. It was led by an officiant in traditional dress. Sueraya walked down the aisle to Ahesta Bero, the traditional Afghan song for the bride's entrance. Her mother covered her with a green shawl for the ceremony.
18:30Portraits in the gardens
While the guests had cocktails by the Neptune Lake, we took Reed and Sueraya around the palace for portraits in the last warm light: the terraces, the fountains and the pale blue and yellow façade.
For timings and the best light at the palace, see our Queluz Palace venue guide →
20:00Dinner in the Throne Room
The couple entered dinner to Ahesta Bero again. Dinner was set in the Throne Room under its chandeliers, with flowers by Decorelle and speeches from the couple and from both brothers. At ten, the cake was cut in the Malta Garden under sparklers.
After darkAfghan traditions on the dance floor
The party moved outside, onto a black and white dance floor in front of the lit façade. Then the families took over.
For couplesPhotographing a multicultural wedding
We build the shot list with both families: which rituals matter most, who stands where, which relatives must be in the portraits. We always work as two photographers, because the ceremony, the guests and the dance floor often happen at the same time. And on a multi-day weekend we plan the light and the locations for each look.
TimelineThe wedding day at Queluz
- 17:30Guests arrive, welcome cocktail with a string quartet
- 18:00Nikah by the Nereida Lake
- 18:30Cocktail hour by the Neptune Lake, couple portraits
- 20:00Dinner in the Throne Room, speeches
- 22:00Cake cutting in the Malta Garden
- 22:30First dance and party in front of the palace
- 23:30Gifts and jewelry for the couple
- 00:00The Attan
- 02:00The end, last bus at 02:30
QuestionsFAQ
Do you photograph Afghan weddings in Portugal and Europe?
Yes. We photographed Reed and Sueraya's two-day Afghan-American wedding near Lisbon, published in British Vogue, and we travel across Portugal, Italy and Europe.
Can you have a Nikah at Queluz Palace?
Yes. Reed and Sueraya held their Nikah outdoors by the Nereida Lake in the palace gardens. Events at the palace follow the rules of Parques de Sintra, so plan it with an experienced local planner.
What is the Attan?
The national dance of Afghanistan, danced in a circle that grows as more guests join. At Reed and Sueraya's wedding it started at midnight and filled the whole dance floor.
What is Ahesta Bero?
A classic Afghan wedding song whose title means "walk slowly". It is traditionally played as the bride enters. Sueraya walked down the aisle to it, and the couple entered dinner to it again.
How many days does an Afghan destination wedding usually take?
Often two or three: a welcome night, the wedding day, sometimes a brunch. Reed and Sueraya celebrated over two days, with a welcome dinner by the ocean and the wedding at the palace.
Do you work as a team?
Always. Vadim and Irina photograph together, which matters when rituals, family portraits and the party happen at once.
CreditsThe team
Planner: DOMA Portugal Weddings · Venues: Palácio Nacional de Queluz, O Forte at Forte da Crismina · Florals: Decorelle · Hair and makeup: Tom Perdigão · Strings: ADLIB Strings · DJ: Roshan · Lighting and sound: Rituais · Stationery: In Love · Video: Faisal Event Media · Photography: Vadim & Irina Pastuh
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