Salena & Ejaaz’s lavish Caribbean-Muslim wedding at Holy Trinity Reception Center in Maitland, FL
A multicultural elegant luxe Caribbean & Muslim traditional Nikah wedding at Holy Trinity Reception Center in Maitland, FL | Orlando Wedding Photographer & Videographer
Author Made creative lead & founder Michael, photography associate Kelly, and team videographer Rob captured this beautiful celebration of blended culture in Maitland, FL.
Salena & Ejaaz’s wedding day was a vibrant, emotional, and deeply moving celebration of love, family, and heritage. With guests flying in from around the world and a jam-packed day that spanned sunrise to late night, their wedding honored their Islamic faith and Caribbean roots while blending in modern elements that were all their own. From teary-eyed parents and a packed house in Clermont to a joyful Nikah and an energetic reception with tassa music and heartfelt speeches—this day was the perfect reflection of their story: fast-moving, fated, and filled with meaning.
Getting ready at home(s)
The day began before sunrise in Clermont, FL at groom Ejaaz’s family home, where the energy was building in anticipation of the day ahead. Then it was off to the bride’s parents’ home, where over 30 people were already gathered cooking and helping one another get ready. Salena had started her glam process around 5 a.m., and by 9 a.m., her mom and sister were already holding back tears when they saw her dressed and glowing. (Her henna, done the day before, was still deepening beautifully.)
The Nikah ceremony at Holy Trinity Reception Center
By late morning, our team arrived at Holy Trinity Reception Center in Maitland, FL for the Nikah ceremony. Over 300 guests gathered inside the spacious ballroom, seated reception-style for the religious proceedings. The room was filled with family and friends who had traveled from across the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Trinidad & Tobago—all coming together to witness this sacred Islamic union.
Ejaaz’s uncle opened the ceremony, guiding everyone through prayers and recitations. The Imam led the Nikah itself, taking time to explain the significance of the rituals. In true tradition, each partner was asked three times if they accepted the marriage—an emotional moment that echoed through the hall. Elders were then invited to offer advice and blessings, adding layers of wisdom and history to the day.
After the Nikah, the couple was immediately surrounded by family eager to hug, celebrate, and (of course) grab a photo. Lunch was served soon after—catered Caribbean-inspired Chinese food that reflected both the heritage and taste of the couple’s families. Following the meal, guests and family took a much-needed break before the evening’s second celebration.
Venue Spotlight: Holy Trinity Reception Center, Maitland FL
Tucked away just outside of Orlando, Holy Trinity Reception Center in Maitland, FL is a treasured event venue known for its elegant architecture and spacious indoor halls. Designed with Mediterranean influence, the exterior features dramatic columns and Spanish roof tiles, while the interior’s stunning ballrooms offer a prime canvas for large weddings, cultural ceremonies, and formal receptions alike.
The ballroom comfortably accommodates guest counts of 300+ and offers seamless transitions between ceremony and reception spaces, which is especially helpful for events like Salena & Ejaaz’s Nikah and evening celebration. The venue also includes manicured gardens and a large outdoor courtyard perfect for portraits, cocktail hour, or simply giving your guests some breathing room during a packed timeline.
One of the key advantages of the Holy Trinity Reception Center is how easily it can be personalized. Whether you're planning a traditional South Asian wedding, an Islamic Nikah ceremony, or a Western-style evening reception with dancing and speeches, the venue adapts beautifully. From a planning perspective, we appreciated the flow of the space, ease of vendor access, and the thoughtful layout that allows multiple components of a wedding day to happen under one roof without feeling overcrowded.
Dresses, tassa, and tears
By evening, the tone shifted to a more Western-style reception—complete with glam gowns, tailored suits, and a limo arrival. The bridal party walked through the reception hall to the lively rhythm of tassa drums, and we stole a few moments for portraits around the ceremony space just before sunset.
Salena’s uncle returned to host the reception, which was packed with speeches, stories, and more than a few tears. Nearly every toast included a joke about weddings running late because of all the speeches, but no one seemed to mind—each speech was so full of love, humor, and emotion and it was clear just how cherished these two are.
There was also no shortage of stories about Ejaaz’s near-death experiences (yes, plural), and how his family views him as the baby of the bunch. Through every toast, laugh, and tear, the overwhelming theme was that this marriage had been destined long before Salena and Ejaaz even met. (Their parents knew each other back in 2010 and had even traveled together years before the couple reconnected online.)
Salena & Ejaaz, your day was nothing short of incredible. It was loud, joyful, faith-filled, and emotional in all the right ways. Thank you for letting us be a small part of such a big, beautiful story.
Vendors:
Author Made Team Photographers: Michael Kuo & Kelly Jazwa
Author Made Team Videographer: Rob Shannon
Venue & Catering: Holy Trinity Reception Center in Maitland, FL
Lighting: Precious Moments Decor & Lighting
Hair & Makeup: Henna Allure
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