Alianza

Introduction: My name is Ali Hakim, and I am from the country of Lebanon. I have been a professional photographer for over 25 years. From 1990-2012, I was the personal and professional photographer for Prime Minister Raffic Hariri of Lebanon. During my employment with the prime minister, I traveled to many countries and photographed various events, including but were not limited to: meetings with heads of state, international conferences held by The United Nations and fundraising benefits, as well as photographing official events. I was responsible for photographing private occasions for the Hariri family, including weddings, birthdays and anniversaries. After Raffic Hariri's death in 2005, I began to photograph events and engagements for Mrs. Hariri. Mrs. Hariri participated in high-profile fundraising events and fashion shows in Paris and Milan, as well as sponsoring several family weddings and birthday parties. In addition to working for Mrs. Hariri in 2005, I created a wedding planning company named Alianza. My company offered photographic services for weddings and engagements encompassing staging, lighting, music, flowers, video and photos with Photoshop editing. Along with four employees, Alianza provided complete professional wedding services to more than 60 couples. Another facet of Alianza included family and personal portraits in several different settings. Each portrait was individually edited, printed and at the request of clients, matched with a beautiful frame. At the time of my departure from Lebanon and my relocation to The United States in 2012, I sold the company to one of my employees. Alianza continues to be successful in providing wedding and portrait services in Lebanon.