Tamil Brahmin wedding photography in Chennai
You already know how the morning runs. What's worth asking a photographer is whether they do.
We're Rohan and Puja. Over 500 weddings since 2013, a good number of them Iyer and Iyengar, at Gopinath Gardens on ECR, kalyana mandapams across the city, hotel halls and family homes.
Nobody needs to tell us what's coming next, or when something is about to happen that won't happen twice. Every ritual gets documented properly, and the faces around it get watched at the same time. The muhurtham is fixed to the minute and we're in position long before it. The traditional photographs your parents want are planned in advance.
One wedding a day, never two. Both of us lead every wedding and shoot alongside our own team.
Viratham
The groom takes his vow, the kaappu is tied, the families pray for the days ahead. Elders, priests, a small room.
Nichayathartham
The engagement, with the thamboolam exchanged and the lagna patrikai read out.
It's also where we learn your family. By the muhurtham we know which uncle expects to be in the frame and which grandmother won't come forward unless someone asks her.
Kashi Yatra
The groom sets off for Kashi, the bride's father talks him out of it, everyone laughs.
It moves and it's over quickly. One of us walks out with him, the other stays on the family watching, because the reactions are usually better than the walk.
Maalai Maatral
The garlands exchanged three times, both of you lifted up, everyone shouting.
Nothing here is still and nothing is repeated, so it's shot fast and from more than one angle.
Oonjal
The swing, the songs, the women circling, the rice balls and the milk and banana.
The one stretch of the morning with enough time to work properly. Best light of the day, family close enough to be in frame naturally, and most of what your parents eventually put on a wall comes from here.
Kanyadaanam
Your father gives you away.
We're on his face. The ritual is already covered in the wider frames, and this moment is not coming back.
Mangalya Dharanam
Three knots, nadaswaram at full volume, getti melam.
One attempt, and too loud for anyone to be directed. We're set before it starts and we don't move through it.
Sapthapadi
The seven steps, the seven promises.
Low, close and small, straight after the loudest minute of the day. It needs a different position from the muhurtham, and it needs it immediately.
Nalangu
The games, both families finally relaxed, everyone laughing at the two of you.
Always part of the coverage. The photographs from this hour are often the ones couples come back to, because nothing formal is happening.
The traditional photographs
Your parents want the full set, properly lined up, grandparents seated in front and we make sure it’s taken care of!
