Politics in New York is usually a sea of stiff suits and staged handshakes. But then Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Socialist who recently pulled off a massive upset to become the 112th Mayor of New York City, decided to get married.
He didn't do it with a ballroom gala at the Plaza. He did it on the subway.
The Zohran Mamdani wedding photos that have been trickling out since early 2025 aren't your typical political "look at my perfect family" shots. Honestly, they look more like a lo-fi indie movie poster. You’ve probably seen the main one: Mamdani in a sharp royal blue sherwani and his wife, artist Rama Duwaji, in a white lace dress, huddling together on a crowded 7 train.
People are obsessed with these images because they feel weirdly real for a guy who just moved into Gracie Mansion.
The Hinge Match That Ended Up at City Hall
Before there were wedding photos, there was a dating app. Mamdani has been pretty open about the fact that he met Rama on Hinge back in 2021. He even joked on The Bulwark podcast that "there is still hope in those dating apps."
The couple had a very low-key engagement in October 2024. Then, things moved fast.
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In February 2025, just as the mayoral race was heating up, they headed to the Manhattan City Clerk’s Office. No motorcade. No security detail blocking the sidewalk. Just Zohran, Rama, and their friend—photographer Kara McCurdy—lugging gear onto the subway.
McCurdy later shared some "unseen" shots from that day. She talked about how they were on this "really, really, really mobbed train" and Rama was just looking at Zohran with "goo-goo eyes." It’s sort of sweet, actually. While other politicians are busy hiring PR firms to curate their "relatability," these two were just trying not to drop the bride's bouquet while the train screeched around a turn.
A Tale of Three Ceremonies
If you’re looking for Zohran Mamdani wedding photos, you’re actually looking for three different aesthetics. They didn't just stop at the courthouse.
- The Dubai Nikkah: Before the New York civil ceremony, they had a traditional Islamic Nikkah in Dubai. That’s where Rama grew up. These photos are a bit more "glam"—think skyline views and a beaded gown with floral appliqué.
- The NYC Subway Run: The February 2025 civil ceremony. This is the one where Rama wore the vintage-style white dress with a brown fur coat and those trademark flat boots. It’s very "cool Brooklyn artist meets Astoria politician."
- The Uganda Celebration: This is where things got a bit controversial. In mid-2025, they headed to Zohran’s birthplace: Kampala, Uganda.
The Uganda event was a three-day blowout at the Mamdani family estate in the wealthy Buziga Hill neighborhood. It was private. Tightly controlled. We’re talking phone-jamming systems and 20 special forces guards in masks.
This sparked some "culture clash" backlash. Critics pointed out the irony of a socialist candidate throwing a high-security party in an elite enclave while his neighbors were in a period of mourning. It was a rare moment where the "man of the people" image hit a bit of a snag.
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Why Everyone Is Talking About Rama Duwaji
Rama isn't your standard political spouse. She’s a Syrian-American illustrator and ceramicist who has worked for The New Yorker and The Washington Post.
When "right-wing trolls" (Zohran's words) started coming for her during the campaign, Mamdani didn't do the usual "no comment" thing. He posted a black-and-white photo of her on Instagram and basically told everyone to back off. He insisted she’s an artist who deserves to be known on her own terms, not just as "the mayor's wife."
She’s definitely keeping that independent streak. Even at the victory party in November 2025, where Mamdani defeated Andrew Cuomo, she wasn't wearing a standard sheath dress. She wore a denim top by Palestinian-Jordanian designer Zeid Hijazi.
What the Photos Tell Us (and What They Don't)
You can tell a lot about a public figure by their wedding album. Or at least, what they allow us to see of it.
The Zohran Mamdani wedding photos show a guy who is hyper-aware of his brand. The subway shots scream "I’m one of you." The Uganda photos—what little we saw of them—remind everyone that he comes from a very prominent, intellectual, and global family. (Lest we forget, his mom is world-renowned filmmaker Mira Nair and his dad is academic Mahmood Mamdani).
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But beyond the strategy, there's a genuine chemistry that's hard to fake. In the shots from election night on June 24, 2025, Zohran is seen kissing Rama's hand. It doesn't look like a staged "photo op" for The New York Times. It looks like two people who are genuinely relieved to be done with a brutal primary.
Where Are They Now?
As of January 2026, the couple has officially moved out of their one-bedroom apartment in Astoria. They’ve traded the "leaky" Queens rental for Gracie Mansion.
If you want to keep up with the latest visuals, keep an eye on Rama’s Instagram. She mostly posts her ceramics and drawings, but occasionally you’ll catch a glimpse of the new "First Lady" of NYC doing things her own way.
Actionable Insights for the Curious
- Check the Credits: If you want the full aesthetic, look up photographer Kara McCurdy. She’s the one responsible for the "romanticized NYC" vibe of the wedding photos.
- Follow the Art: Rama Duwaji’s work is arguably more interesting than her wedding dress. Her illustrations often deal with identity and displacement; they’re worth a look if you like socially conscious art.
- Watch the Style: If you’re into fashion, keep an eye on how Rama uses her platform. She’s already being called a "Gen Z First Lady" for choosing independent Middle Eastern designers over big-box luxury brands.
The fascination with these photos isn't just about celebrity gossip. It’s about a shift in how New York power looks. It's less "Wall Street" and a lot more "Hinge match on the 7 train."