Francesco & Mallika’s wedding was one of the most educational and enjoyable wedding experiences of my career so far. I’ve shot a handful of Indian weddings now and this time I was invited to shoot the Gaye Holud, Mehndi event and wedding day. This wedding was planned to perfection and Mallika’s attention to detail was second to none. You can tell by how all the colours come together perfectly at the ceremony. All of this was pulled off seamlessly by the wedding team at Belvoir Homestead…
Francesco & Mallika’s wedding was one of the most educational and enjoyable wedding experiences of my career so far. I’ve shot a handful of Indian weddings now and this time I was invited to shoot the Gaye Holud, Mehndi event and wedding day. I love Indian culture and Indian food but I’m new to all the cultural traditions. Mallika’s family was so patient with me and I’m grateful to Jonaki and Aastha (Mallika’s aunty and cousin) for explaining some of the cultural practices and food available. Let me tell you… One does not go hungry at an Indian wedding! I was made to feel like a member of the family and Sayanti (Mallika’s mum) was constantly making sure I had a full belly. Her reasoning? “We’ll get better pictures if the photographer is happy!”
Amen to that! Ahh so Asian. Life is generally better when you have a portable tandoori oven.
Francesco is Italian and his family travelled all the way to Perth from Milan. They’re about as stereotypically european as you get. Friendly but reserved and kind hearted. Then you throw them into the dance and festivities of Indian culture and they were ALL IN. Both feet. Turn up the music and they were right in the thick of the party.
This wedding was planned to perfection and Mallika’s attention to detail was second to none. You can tell by how all the colours come together perfectly at the ceremony. All of this was pulled off seamlessly by the wedding team at Belvoir Homestead.
As for us, we got right in on the action. We shot so many images at this wedding it was a record number of frames! When so much is happening and the moments don’t stop, what do I show?
When reviewing what I’d post for this wedding I realised something that I’d never noticed so obviously in the past. Many people think that photographers come and document a wedding. The assumption is that no matter who comes, they’re all presented with the same scenes and will more-or-less document the same story (maybe at different skill levels). However the reality is that with so much happening and such long coverage, the photographer actually decides how you will experience the day and what you see when you view the images.
Here is a small collection of my favourite images (65 to be exact) from all three days. It sums up how it felt to be right beside the action as well as the mood and experience of being part of Francesco and Mallika’s inner circle. I know the party is continuing in Calcutta and Milan so I can wait to hear more stories!
Future Indian brides… if you’re reading this, we’d definitely like more of this so please get in touch and we’ll make it an experience that’s even better than you remember!
Photos by JASON TEY and ADRIAN TAN
Venue: Belvoir Homestead – Swan Valley
Event Styling: Event Style – Event Styling and Catering
Hair & Makeup: Mel & Lesley at Lush Hair & Makeup
Wedding cars: Belle Classic Limousines
