Nuleen and Sanjeev - Warren House Hotel/Shree Ghanapathy Temple
When my beautiful dear friend asked me to photograph her wedding, I was so excited! She was apprehensive at first to ask me as it was due to take place on my birthday. I’m so glad she did as it was one of the best birthdays. I couldn’t think of anywhere else I would have rather spent my birthday, and it was one I will never forget, and I love the fact we share this special date with each other.
The day started at Warren House, a gorgeous Victorian Manor House in Kingston, it was surrounded by acres of beautiful gardens. Nuleen was getting her hair and make-up done by Le Rouge De La Vie. Her stunning wedding lehenga was hanging up. It was the most vibrant crimson red, which was decorated with beautiful gold embroidery and bead work. It was certainly the heaviest wedding outfit I had ever known. It was made by Sabyasachi Mukherjee, he is an Indian fashion designer, who has dressed many celebrities and even made the wedding lehenga of Priyanka Chopra.
Nuleen and Sanjeev are Hindu and were having a traditional ceremony, so there were many customs that were followed when she was getting ready, from the clothes, jewellery and make-up. It felt such an honour to be able to document these long lived rituals. I am of Indian heritage, but have been bought up without any knowledge of Indian traditions, so for me I found it such beautiful and interesting experience.
When Nuleen and Sanjeev were ready we went out into the pretty grounds and I took some photographs of the beautiful couple. It was so nice to be able to enjoy the surroundings and make the most of the venue. Nuleen and Sanjeev’s friends arrived and we all took the short drive to the Ghanapathy Temple. It was the most wonderful and magical ceremony to witness, from the exchange of floral garlands; the throwing of rice; to how integral fire is to the ceremony. There were so many special moments to capture and Nuleen and Sanjeev’s friends so kindly guided me and helped me photograph them all. They gave me a commentary of what was happening and even involved me in them too. It was an occasion for all the senses, the aromatic smells, the rhythm of the prayers and chants. The colours of the couples and all their guests clothes; the flowers and the beautiful decorations in the temple were so rich and vivid. I experienced such a grounded and connected feeling too, as you must remove your footwear before entering the temple. The ceremony also includes so many of the guests. It is such a group celebration, everyone is involved. It was a colourful, beautiful and truly enlightening day. It was such a privilege to be able to be a part of such a special moment, and share it with my lovely friend. I always think I am so lucky to be able to be a part of all the weddings I am able to photograph, I feel so fortunate.
After this wonderful experience it was back to the hotel another wonderful experience, the wedding feast! Life is made for adventure and new experiences and I really feel so lucky that my job enables the to do that.
