The Colors of Love: A Photographer’s Journey Through a Punjabi Wedding
I’d always heard the stories—Indian weddings are a riot of colors, a whirlwind of rituals, and an explosion of joy. Honestly, it wasn’t something I’d ever thought would land on my photography bucket list. But then, life gave me a chance to capture a Punjabi wedding and let me tell you; it was nothing short of magical.
From the Mehendi ceremony until the final beats of the reception, I found myself engrossed in a culture so vibrant, so alive. It felt like stepping into a kaleidoscope of emotions and tradition. As a photographer, I felt as if I was not just behind the lens but in the heart of it all—capturing moments and witnessing the Punjabi wedding traditions that were as unforgettable for me as they were for the couple and family members.
Pre-Wedding Traditions
Anpreet and Karaka reached out to us at the beginning of February. They shared how badly they struggled to find an Indian wedding photographer. But we attracted their attention and got the chance to be their wedding photographer; thanks to all the hard work we had done.
We flew in on Thursday night, just in time to gear up for the Mehendi ceremony the next morning. As I dove into the pre-wedding events, I discovered that Punjabi weddings are different, vibrant, and full of energy, where people dance, laugh, and enjoy the beauty of their traditions.
Over the next few days, we captured the Kurmai, Sangeet, Jaggo, and Mehendi ceremony. I had never experienced such a blasting event, each with its own flavor and significance. The Kurmai was all about the engagement, a sweet and intimate moment where families came together to bless the couple. And the Jaggo followed by Sangeet? That was the real bash night. Sangeet was a women-only affair, and let me tell you, these ladies brought the energy. The dance floor was on fire, and the laughter was contagious. Being there didn’t feel like work—it felt like an opportunity to be part of such a beautiful celebration.
There was the Mehendi after Sangeet. Watching the artists work their magic, turning palms into intricate masterpieces, was mesmerizing. I learned that the groom’s name is hidden somewhere in the bride’s Mehendi. All these little details of each event just made me fall in love with their tradition and culture. On the flip side, I felt really grateful, blessed, and fortunate to have earned this opportunity and shoot for a Punjabi wedding ceremony.
Honestly, this wasn’t just another wedding photography shoot for me. It was a truly incredible experience that left me in awe—of the traditions, the energy, and the sheer beauty of it all. I walked away with not just photos but another story that will stay with me forever.
The Final Wedding Day
March 1st arrived, and with it, the culmination of days filled with color, music, and emotion. We packed up our gear, ready to capture the final chapter of Anpreet and Karaka’s love story. The setting was a serene Sikh Temple in St. George, Utah, Las Vegas—a place where sunlight danced through stained glass, painting the room in hues of gold and amber.
The guest list was small, just 30-35 people, but the energy? It was electric. It’s surprising and funny at the same time how intimacy can amplify emotion. Every smile, tear, and whispered prayer felt magnified as if the universe had paused to witness this moment.
Before the reception, we stole a moment. The sun was beginning its descent, painting the St. George sky in shades of orange, grey, white, and blue. We took the couple to a quiet spot, away from the hustle, where the desert met the horizon.
As a photographer, I’ve been to countless weddings, but this one? It was beyond my imagination. By the end of the day, my camera was heavy, but my heart was light with love and moments I had captured in my mind’s lens. Anpreet and Karaka had given me more than just a job—they’d given me an experience that rekindled my passion for the work I love.
A Tough Goodbye
Congratulations to Anpreet and Karaka for starting a new life together. I cannot be more thankful to them for giving me this opportunity to dive into the rich and vibrant culture where I learned and enjoyed so much. Like so many weddings I’ve photographed, this one stood out– not just for the reason I love what I do and vice versa, but for offering me a truly different experience.
The best of this journey was witnessing another love story success. The way the golden light during the sunset photoshoot highlighted Anpreet’s lehenga, making it sparkle like a thousand stars. The way Karaka’s smile softened as he looked at her, his love evident in every frame. The candid laughter during the Sangeet, the quiet intensity of the Anand Karaj, the intricate henna designs during the Mehendi—each moment was a photograph waiting to be taken and a story waiting to be told.
As a photographer, I live for moments like these. Every little detail, from capturing the intricate designs of the Punjabi wedding card to the vibrant energy of the Punjabi wedding traditions, held so much meaning for the bride, groom, and their families. Preserving their memories was my duty, and I’m proud to say we nailed it. When we handed over the final photographs, their faces lit up with pure joy. They adored every single moment we captured, and their happiness made every late night, early morning, and every ounce of effort completely worth it.
Saying goodbye was harder than I expected. It wasn’t just about packing up my gear; it was about leaving behind an experience I will long to witness many more times. Anpreet, Karaka, and their families had welcomed me into their world, and that’s something I’ll carry with me forever.
I never get tired of saying this: I truly love the work I do. If you too want us to capture your big day, book Punjabi Wedding Photographer – American Portra.
