I'd like to take you through one of the most memorable weddings I've ever shot. This wedding was a three-day event that took place at Arabella in Kleinmond, and it was my first Hindu/Muslim interfaith wedding. The couple spared no expense, and every detail was carefully planned to perfection.
When I first met the couple, they took me through the entire process of a Hindu/Muslim wedding. The first two days were filled with traditional Hindu wedding celebrations, and we, as photographers, had to capture every moment as the festivities unfolded. The ceremonies were so intricate and diverse, and I had to ensure that I captured everything accurately. On the third day, which was the big wedding day, we took photos as if it was a normal wedding day.
The venue itself was an exceptional location for photography. Arabella provided a perfect backdrop, and every day, there were two functions, one outside and one gala event inside. The decorations and the food were something that I have never seen before. Every day had a new theme and a new look and feel, which made for an exciting challenge as a photographer.
One of the special moments that stood out for me was during the traditional Indian ceremony where the couple was covered with eggs, food, tomato sauce, mustard powder, and more to bring good fortune to the couple. It was a hilarious activity that everyone participated in, and it was incredible to capture those moments.
As this was a Hindu/Muslim wedding, I had to consider the cultural differences when taking the couple's photos. The Muslim and Hindu customs for couple photos were different, and I had to be careful about how I photographed the couple according to their respective traditions. The Muslim traditions didn't permit certain poses and gestures, while the Hindu customs allowed for more freedom.
What I enjoyed most about this wedding was that every day was completely different, and I never knew what to expect. The whole experience was unique, and it was an honour to be part of such an extravagant celebration.
The wedding took place in the morning, afternoon, and evening, basically the entire day for three consecutive days. It was an intense experience, but it was all worth it. My iconic photo of this wedding has to be the Good Fortune celebration, where the couple was covered in food and other items. It was such a unique moment and something that I will never forget.
