DC + Destination Wedding Photographer

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

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

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!

A moment for the drama 🤍🖤 On wedding days I get to cast my couples as the stars of their own show. My images are based on a combination of my spiritual reflections, the couple’s love and the light. Some images are bubbly and full joy while others understate the gravity of finding your partner. All of the images are you and the honor is mine. #destinationweddingphotographer #dcweddingphotographer #filmwedding #filmweddingphotography

A moment for the drama 🤍🖤 On wedding days I get to cast my couples as the stars of their own show. My images are based on a combination of my spiritual reflections, the couple’s love and the light. Some images are bubbly and full joy while others understate the gravity of finding your partner. All of the images are you and the honor is mine. #destinationweddingphotographer #dcweddingphotographer #filmwedding #filmweddingphotography

A story in three words 🤍 I’m so blessed to be able to photograph some of the most beautiful moments of people’s lives 🥹.