The air was fragrant with love at the blissful Indian Wedding of Chaitra and Kunal in Bangalore.

Bangalore swayed in winter’s beauty, and it showed on the lush green milieus of The Tamarind Tree, one of the most serene wedding venues in Bangalore. The air was fragrant with the scent of flowers and that occasional whiff of mud rising from the freshly watered foliage that covered the landscape. I was there to chronicle the blissful Indian wedding of Chaitra and Kunal, a cheerful couple accompanied by the most adoring group of family and friends. The merriments began with the families all gathered up in the courtyard, dancing to the lively music that flowed from the bandsmen’s flamboyant instruments. Hours spun with felicity at this wedding in Bangalore, and soon enough, the families gathered for pre-wedding rituals. The auspicious engagement ceremony was followed by mehendi, where henna sprayed the air fragrant with glee. And as the colours deepened on the palms of the bride and groom, so did the sky above. Sunset brought with it a much-anticipated evening. A carefree cocktail party ensued, where the friends and cousins all raised a toast to the couple’s love.

It wasn’t long before the sun rose to another beautiful morning. It was the big day for Chaitra and Kunal, and I found them both at the break of dawn, preparing for the celebrations that awaited with open arms. For her Indian wedding, Chaitra donned a traditional red saree of silk, flowing gracefully with the charms that only a bride adorns on her big day. Kunal tastefully complimented her with muted white and gold tones, which came out fittingly in his set of turban, dhoti, and kurta. While they braced for the ceremony, I walked over to the wedding dais, taking in the chirping of birds and distant laughter of the wedding guests. Decorated with fresh flowers in an enchanting design, the dais for this Indian wedding looked like a spot straight out of a fairytale. Soon, merry folks in shades of red and beige decorated the space, enlivening it with their laughter. And thus, the day passed in rituals and merriment, with scores of affectionate moments, conversations, and gestures. As one of the top wedding photographers in Bangalore who is perennially looking for sweet little wedding moments to unfold, I cherished capturing the couple’s friends and family in their light-hearted element. Overcome with joy, they all posed for sweet, goofy portraits near the end of the celebration, adding more mirth to their memories. Endearing moments like these remind me repeatedly why I love photographing people and their stories–fewer emotions supersede the pure happiness and love I find in such events.

Testimonial

Each one of us felt free to be our natural selves and let our love and friendship show on camera

I had been following Arjun’s work for a number of years and had decided on him to photograph my wedding well before a wedding or a groom was on the horizon. It was easy to reach him over email and then over phone. We had detailed conversations on how each event would go, which parties would be involved in each event etc. Each of these conversations was very smooth, clear and friendly. I appreciate the clarity he gave me on payment schedules, requirements, things he would do, things he wouldn’t do, and the final deliverables. During the event, I found him and his team very professional, punctual, detailed and non-disruptive to guests, other vendors or the events in progress (which was important to me because I wanted the wedding to remain a solemn and family event, and not be a ritual staged for the cameras).

The output, as expected, were exceptional. It captured the mood of each event exceptionally well and was lauded by everyone who saw the photographs. Everyone particularly appreciated the candid photographs of the bridal parties and friends; these photographs were so beautifully cued/directed by Arjun that each one of us felt free to be our natural selves and let our love and friendship show on camera. Our wedding was rescheduled because Covid-related lockdowns at the last moment and there were a lot of moving things, indecision and changes arising out of the developing situation.

Arjun was so kind in understanding our situation, so genuinely caring to check on our covid-afflicted families’ health and ultimately so patient with the rescheduling that having him on board for the wedding seemed like a blessing. The outstanding quality of the photographs was almost expected from him given the consistency he shows in all his projects, but I am grateful for the consideration he showed during those Covid-uncertain times and even the conversations we had when Covid had sucked out all the joy out of this wedding. Glad to be on the other side of the wedding now and unequivocally recommending Arjun to anyone looking for a great photographer to capture their once-in-a-lifetime memories.

Chaitra & Kunal
Bangalore, India

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