Many cultures around the world celebrate the birth of their baby by organizing what is called a Naming Ceremony. It differs in different countries, and even within countries, may differ within families. Working with Rukayya and her family for the second time, I kind of knew what to expect seeing that I’ve documented the arrival of their first birn daughter, Nadine, a couple of years ago.

This time, with the birth of Nadia, Rukayya had chosen to birth and celebrate in Dubai. Her birth took place at Al Zahra hospital and the naming ceremony took place at a beautiful Moroccan restaurant downtown called Bab Al Mansour.

A Naming Ceremony includes the official naming of a child that has been newly welcomed into a family. Parents and significant family members have an opportunity to come forward with declarations of their promises & commitments to raising this new baby. It is a wonderful experience to watch how family members come together to celebrate this brand new life, and wonderful to see how despite being thousands of miles away from home in Nigeria, Rukayya and her family still chose to hold one here in Dubai!

Don’t forget to check out the video below!

Natural Hospital Birth Photography In Dubai, UAE

I met Nazli and Henry when Nazli was only 32 weeks pregnant. I remember leaving their home feeling completely invigorated by the love they have built into their lives, and I really hoped that I would be able to shoot their birth story. It is always incredibly special if you're able to make it to a birth, specially as a photographer, because things can sometimes happen so quickly that you might miss it all!

Nazli's due date rolled by. We both waited patiently for baby to announce the right time to begin it's journey. Finally, a few days later, I got a text from Henry indicating that things might be starting to happen *Butterflies* The next morning, I got another text from Henry at around 6am that Nazli's checked into the hospital. A couple of hours later I made my way out to meet them. It was finally happening!

Walking into the labor and delivery room, I had the exact same feeling I had when I walked into their home just some weeks earlier, and then watching them as a couple work together through the contractions as they came in. Breathe in. Breathe out. Embracing. Synchronized. Like a couple of surfers attached at the hip, riding those waves as they came in. My God. It was beautiful. God Bless them!

Nazli and Henry, thank you so much for trusting me with this incredible honor. Wishing your new family of three lots of love, harmony and peace, and can't wait to see you guys all again!