Pooja + Dhruv - The Wedding.

This for me was by far THE WEDDING of this season. Not because it was at some fancy destination... not because the sets were extraordinarily huge... not because it was attended by big bollywood celebrities... no none of those reasons. But because i was with them EVERY step of the way. I documented their Engagement (click here to view that post), I did a themed couple-shoot session for them, and then I was with them for the complete four day celebration that their wedding was. Had such a strong connect with them that they wanted to take me to their honey-moon... to which i politely declined :(

These are a few images i made for them at various ceremonies -

Mendhi -

This was two days before the Wedding. Pooja had Harin Dalal doing her Mendhi. And he is an Artist in the true sense! Have documented Harin's work earlier too and every time it is unique. Check it out the images below -

Mendhi - The Unmistakable Essence of being a Bride.

This Mendhi Ceremony In Progress.

Henna being applied using intricate patterns and details.

Human figures are the trademark of Harin and he does it beautifully.

The Bride... looking beautiful as ever.

Harin takes almost 4 Hours to finish his work. But the wait is worth the while.

Mum's first look at the Mendhi!

The final result was simply exquisite.

Harin at his best!

Mendhi is a big celebration and marks the start of the wedding festivities!

The Pre – Wedding Ceremonies (Vidhi) -

The other Pre-Wedding Ceremonies or Vidhis as they are called before a Gujarati Wedding are - Griha Shanti, Pithi (Haldi) & Padlu. Each has its own importance and each has its own set of customs.

Today I caught myself smiling for no reason… then I realized I was thinking about you...

Getting Ready For The Padlu Ceremony.

Bride's Attire.

Dhruv's Father. The jolliest person in the whole Wedding :)

The In-Laws arriving at Bride's home for the ceremony.

The bride receives gifts, which consists of clothes, jewellery & other gift items.

The Bride's Maids helping her with the gifts.

The Bride.

Pithi / Haldi Ceremony.

Griha Shanti.

One of the rare occasions when THIS happens ;p

This ceremony conducted to seek the blessings of all the nine planets.

The Bride looking STUNNING as usual.

The ceremonies coming to an end.

Sangeet -

We sneaked out before the Sangeet and did a small impromptu couple shoot at the Science Center. These are the images we made -

One plus one equals both.

The Bride Getting Ready And Bridal Portraits -

This without a doubt is the part i enjoy shooting the most! And when the Bride is as beautiful as Pooja, it makes the job for me and the make-up artist (Rahul Shah in this case so much easy!)

Getting ready for the life's only true adventure.

I really liked Make-Up which was very Subtle and Simple and yet highlighted the special features of the Bride.

Beautiful!

Simple and Elegant. Rahul is good at what he does.

The Gajra.

The Bride.

The unmistakable essence of being a Bride.

Sisters.

THE WEDDING -

From a photographers point of view :)

Now join your hands, and with your hands your hearts.

Varghodo: The Groom’s Procession.

Making some entry :)

The Traditional Aarti Welcome!

Tilak.

The Dooli - The Bride's Procession.

The Bride’s Maternal Uncle escorts her to the Mandva.

Hasta-Milap

This knot and the joined hands of the couple symbolise the union of two souls joined together in holy matrimony.

The Varmala.

The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.

Kanya Daan.

Kaanya Daan.

The Pheras.

The Groom leading Her into his own world.

The groom also recites mantras which express his heart’s desire and seeks the loving support of his wife.

Anyone can be passionate, but it takes real lovers to be silly :)

And finally Maang Bharai which completes the Wedding.

The Groom.

The Vidaai.

The sad moment when the bride is wished farewell by her parents, siblings, relatives and friends.

The bride’s first steps towards her new home.

And then just as she was about to leave, she calls me, holds my hand & says -

"Thank You for everything!"

And its the best compliment ever, being acknowledged by the bride in the single most emotional moment of her life (Vidaai).

The Reception -

A few images from the Reception Ceremony and a small impromptu couple shoot we did.... again!

True love stories never have endings.

Celebrations!

Pooja.

"...you are my rainbow to keep. My eyes will always be watching you; never will I lose sight of you"

Neha.

Kunal.

Mr & Mrs Jariwala :)

Diana.

There is no remedy for love but to love more...

And this is me signing off and wishing them a very very happy ever after :)