Each weekend I take part in what is one of the most important days in a couples life; the beginning of eternity together. I also get to be a part of their families and learn about their culture. I become friends with their friends and share so many special moments. So in return I want to share what that experience is like as their photographer, through my own eyes and emotions. Please let me share with you a brief look at Shivani and Russell’s epic Indian wedding.
I always try to photograph the details for an Indian wedding on the first night. The girls are having henna done (which is a slow process). There is just so much more time for this than on Sunday. We need lots of time, because there is a lot of jewelry, to photograph. A lot!
I also used some reflective surfaces and some fun lighting. Each peace of jewelry worn by the bride during an Indian wedding has so much meaning, and is so important to capture.
Most Indian brides are very weighed down by the jewelry, sometimes wearing up to ten pounds or more. Without writing a novel, it’s because each piece belongs to the family, and therefor are important that the bride wears them. This is similar to western traditions (something old, something new, etc.)
I love photographing the Haldi ceremony, in which turmeric powder is placed on by family members for cleansing. I really love the emotion of these photographs. I remember laughing along with the family.
On Friday the priest came to the home in the morning for the puja to offer blessing. After years of photographing Indian weddings, one thing I love about the Indian culture is that the whole family is involved. The room was filled with family for every moment of the blessings offered.
One of my favorite moments of the weekend was when a chain formed so each member of the family was connected.
The dressing process in the morning on the second day was impressive, and wow the purple popped! I was really excited to see the color and details come to life.
We only had a few moments to capture these two together on Saturday night before the dancing began, but the light worked perfect on these little steps next to the venue. Sometimes less is more and these very real moments say a lot about the way these two feel about each other.
It was so fun to photograph Shivani and Russell: they are really just silly and fun.
The Raas Garba took place on Saturday night. If you have never experienced this it is something to see. There is special dancing for the coupes as well several group dances, and yes more amazing Indian flavorful dishes. Shivani and Russell flew their caterers in from New Jersey so that the taste from their families region of India would be perfect. All I know is that it was spicy but delicious.
I love this image. Just the combo of perfect sky and beautiful window light.
Hair spray craziness!
Sunday Morning began with the girls getting ready. There is so much to photograph and it is all happens very fast. We often tell our couples how fast the wedding day goes, and to slow down and enjoy it. So I followed my own advice and found and I was able to capture some amazing images.
Shivani is a beautiful bride and I really loved her henna.
At the same time the girls are getting ready, the Baraat occurs. The Baraat is the marriage procession which represents the bond between the two families.
Indian weddings are very special, what I love the most is the amount of connected hands with the family and the bride and groom.
What?! I still can’t believe this image happened. I was actually walking the couple upstairs to do a reflection image. When I saw how the light was hitting I got a little excited.
Indian weddings often happen early in the morning which lends to more creative time before the evening reception. That gives us some time for some really amazing images.
The couple went with traditional dress for the evening. I really loved how the henna looked in the white dress.
The couple wanted to do a first look for their evening wear, which I thought was awesome!
By this point in the day everyone is so happy. Shavani and Russel did go with traditional wedding rings, and I had a blast photographing them.
The best things about photographing this wedding is how much their family made me feel a part of every moment. By the time the dancing began I didn’t just feel like I was their photographer but their good friend. Congratulations you two. Many blessing to your future.
