A fashion shoot with TC Urban Couture at iChina Restaurant, Santana Row San Jose
The Team that made is happen
Outfits: TC Urban Couture
Muse: Shalini Srivastav
Hair and Makeup: Shalini Shrivastav
Venue: iChina Restaurant
Krishna and Joel’s Sangeet at Ruby Hill and Intimate Backyard Wedding at Silver Creek , San Jose
Krishna was the first bride who booked me for her wedding last year sometime in October 2022 (although the 4th wedding I shot). She found me on instagram but back then I did not have any weddings to show her. All I could tell her is I have 6+ years of experience, have been part of an award winning album in a 2 people team, photographed at most venues in the Bay Area but cannot show her any images from my past job. I clearly recall that it was one of the shortest client calls I have ever had.
I met Krishna and Joel for the first time on the day of the Sangeet.The Sangeet was hosted by her mama at the Ruby Hill Community Center. They are fun couple and it shows in their images. All I wanted to do is capture the happy genuine smiles.
The next day was a Pooja at Krishna’s house
The Wedding took place at her other mama’s house in San Jose attended by close family and friends. Krishna looked absolutely gorgeous and happy and I tried my best to capture and translate that feeling in the portraits. It is easy to capture what you see but often It is hard to ensure that you are also capturing the vibe and feeling that you feel as a spectator in the room.
I met the same group of people for 3 consecutive days and all the families were so warm and welcoming. These are the things I cherish as a photographer more than anything else. I will always be grateful to Krishna for believing in me when no one else did.
Awesome Vendors on the day:
Henna: Henna Sensation
Makeup and Hair on Wedding day: Makeup by Abhilasha Singh
Wedding Decor: Punjab Tent House Decor
Priest: Nilesh Pandya ji
Shefali + Mihir Engagement shoot at San Francisco city hall and Land’s End
Almost all photographers will agree we love the city hall but, imagine landing there on the busiest day I think I have ever seen. 5 different ceremonies happening at different levels in addition to Quincieras and engagement shoots. I reccomended we move away from the mad rush and to our luck we were blessed with beautiful backlight and smoke coming out of the vents which made it look even more magical. ( well I grew up watching Bollywood, smoke machines to recreate clouds and all) Add to it Shefali’s beautiful smile 😍once we moved away from the brawl and you have a fun session. Yes the city hall architecture is beautiful but to me what is most important is capturing the love 💕 . I would hate to have images which are technically so perfect but fail to capture that chemistry . I should say I have been blessed with clients who trust me completely.
Ankita’s Bridal Shower at Angelicas Restaurant in Redwood City
I had the opportunity to photograph Ankita’s bridal shower at Angelica’s restaurant in Redwood City. It was a fun filled event hosted by her mom and attended by friends and family. Decor by Piqniq Events inspired by the citrus colors added a punch of bright happy colors to the already very adorable venue perfect for hosting birthday’s, showers and small gatherings.
Venue: Angelica’s Restaurant in Redwood city
Decor: Piqniq Events
The Marathi Bride
The Marathi Bride ( Writeup below credits )
Model: Apurva Lonkar ,couldn’t imagined this shoot without you
Makeup and Hair: MiShal Sahdevv thank you for working your magic
Jewelry: Beautiful jewelry by Moraa Moraa Jewelry Thank you for your providing jewelry for Bothe the bridal shoots. Kavita Maheshwary and Sujata Singh
Henna: Henna Fairyy thanks for completing the look with your beautiful henna Zairin Hussain
assisted by : @avnibid @aayushkhator @varsha_vagad
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It has been a year since I shot the Punjabi bride and ever since then have wanted to photograph 'The Marathi Bride'. An ode to the diversity and beauty of my motherland.
Maharashtra is a state in the Western Peninsular region of India. A culture whose pillars are Simplicity and Humility. A community that values education over everything else.
The Marathi bride wears a saree drape style which is called 'Nauvari' 9 yards. The Nauvari saree, which means Nine Yards, has a historical milieu. It is said that during the Maratha rule, women were entrusted to help their fellow male warriors. To facilitate easy movement, Maharashtrian women introduced the Nauvari saree which resembled a male trouser.A society that was modern and progressive enough to include women in the army.
She wears a nose ring called the nath and adorns a chandra bindi. Lastly she also wears a thread around her head called the 'Baashing'
We tried to portray the scenes where the bride is getting ready for the wedding. She prays and calls upon her favorite God before the big day. In my culture daughters are referred to as Godess Laxmi so I thought of using the Lotus as a prop.
Thanks to everyone in San Ramon who offered everything required to create the set and more than what I had ever asked and needed. Blessed to be part of an amazing community! Shipra Marwaha Geeta Goyal, Kirti Maheshwari Chauhan Bindu Vijay Latha Amilineni
Jahnavi + SreeKrishnan Brentwood Intimate South Indian Wedding and Reception at the Wedgwood Brentwood Rise
Jahanavi and Sree got married in an intimate wedding ceremony in their backyard in Brentwood, California. The groom built the mandap himself which I think is such a sweet gesture. I had the most fun time capturing beautiful moments for this very sweet, goofy couple. What I will cherish as a photographer is how warm and inviting the families were and how friendly the bridal party was. I shot for 3 days Wedding, reception and haldi and it never felt like work!
The Reception took place in Brentwood Rise, A Wedgewood property. We started with couple portraits followed by some very energy packed performances by the friends and a smashing dance floor. It almost felt sad to say goodbye. I pray, May I always get clients like this.
The Awesome Vendor List
Wedding
Makeup Artist: Namrata Belleza
Henna Artist: Henna by Jinal
Reception
Venue: Brentwood Rise by Wedgewood Weddings
Makeup Artist: Morsalz
Henna Artist: Henna by Jinal
Shipra Ravi 25th Wedding Anniversary Spring Portraits
When your friend asks if you can Photograph them for their 25th wedding Anniversary, you are happy to oblige. At this time of the year, San Ramon looks like a scene from Yash Raj movies. I had a beautiful couple and I put my movie glasses on for this shoot.
Isn't 25 year old love endearing!
Sanjana + Pranav - An Intimate Indian Wedding in San Jose
I have 6+ years experience working as a wedding photographer and have shot predominantly Indian and Indian Fusion Weddings at most venues in the Bay Area. However, Sanjana and Pranav’s wedding will be always special as this is the 1st wedding I shot as Pink Blossom Studios.
A level 3 storm was predicted the day of the wedding in California and I cannot deny the fact that I did feel a bit apprehensive about the situation. I very slowly suggested to the bride that in the worst case situation of the rains not stopping, I will make sure she gets her outdoor images if she is willing to get a bit wet after the ceremony was done. To my surprise I had a very willing couple and as a photographer I couldn’t have asked for anything more. I knew I had to do my best!
We started the day with getting ready portraits at their apartment before heading out to the venue. I loved capturing Sanjana’s sweet demenour and excitement which very obviously reflected in her eyes. Sanjana and Pranav got married at Vishnu ji ki Rasoi surrounded by close friends and family in a traditional Marathi wedding ceremony that was conducted by Pranav’s maternal uncle. I had a very happy couple who smiled and giggled throughout the ceremony and that made for some beautiful moments for me to capture. To our surprise once the ceremony ended, we were blessed with beautiful blue skies and we drove to a nearby park for couple portraits. They say the sun shines bright for beautiful people and I truly believe that.
Thank you Sanjana and Pranav for being my first bride and groom and trusting me with capturing your big day! Thank you so much for your trust!
Jahnvi + Sree Bay Area Engagement shoot
When Jahnvi and Sree approached me for their pre wedding engagement shoot and wedding photography, I distinctly remember they had only one request. They told me they were a fun loving couple and that is what they would loved to be reflected in their images (No stoic poses please). We did just that at their engagement pre wedding shoot in San Ramon. We shot the first half of the images at The Lot in San Ramon and later half at a beautiful hill in valley. We had a blast at the shoot and I captured this effervescent couple and their chemistry. My goal is always to capture images that reflect you and your love for each other. It is not about just capturing a pretty image but to capture images that make you say, “oh that’s us.“. Looking forward to photographing their South Indian wedding ceremony in Brentwood very soon!
Styled shoot with TC Urban Couture and Mander by Karn at the Legion of Honor, San Francisco
To the Team that made it happen
In Frame: Apurva Lonkar and Vikas Anandatta
Bridal Outfits for Apurva and Vikas: TC Urban Couture
Reception Outfit for Apurva: TC Urban Couture
Reception Outfit for Vikas: Mander by Karn
Hair and Beauty: Mishal Sahdev
Safa: Royal Turban Tying Service
Henna: Henna by Jinal
Punjabi Sikh wedding at a private estate in Danville, California
I had the opportunity to take editorial photographs for Anais Events for a beautiful outdoor Sikh wedding ceremony at a private estate in Danville, California. Such Beautiful decor by Flowers by Edgar! Loved the pastel color palette in soft pinks and peaches and lavenders mixed with sage greens!
Planning and Design: Anais Events
Decor: Flowers by Edgar
Rentals: Fine Linen Creations
Stationery: Shaadi Papery
Catering : Jalsa Catering
DJ and lighting: Wicked Entertainment
Karishma + Gaurav, SF City Hall Engagement Shoot
Karishma + Gaurav
The San Francisco City Hall is a very popular location for couple shoots and weddings. It lends beautiful architectural backdrop to the images with its white stone and beautiful gold gilded metalwork. I have shot at the city hall several times and still cannot get over the beauty of this beautiful building.
The Awesome Vendor list below
In image: Karishma + Gaurav who looked absolutely stunning
Outfits: Beautiful Formalwear womenswear and custom tailored suits/bandhgalas and achkans for men that will help you look your best by Soohab by Kaur
Jewelry: Intricate pieces for any event by Timeless Treasures SF
Makeup and Hair : Morsalz. She helps you look and feel like a princess
Vandana and Raj’s wedding Anniversary at the Thomas Fogarty Winery
Vandana and Raj celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary at the beautiful Thomas Fogarty Winery in Wooded. It was a pleasure capturing memories for their family. click to view the highlights from this beautiful event.
The awesome vendor list below:
Venue: Thomas Fogarty Winery
Decor: Nona Tai
Catering: Jalsa Catering
Entertainment: Amor de Samba
DJ: its DJ Asif
Henna: Henna Traditions
Film: Martin Films
ਲਾਡੋ (lado) -A Punjabi bridal styled shoot
ਲਾਡੋ (lado) - It means Beloved daughter in Punjabi.
I have never been to Punjab, a Northen State in India which gets its name from the 5 rivers that make the land fertile. I imagine a bride ( A beloved daughter) getting ready for her anandkaraj and her beloved sister helping her with getting ready, early in the morning as warm sun rays enter a house made of clay . The set is a figment of my imagination influenced by movies like DDLJ and Veer Zara, folk songs and stories I have heard. As photographers and artist we draw inspiration from all we see and feel.
I imagine it to be a place where daughters are loved and respected and lovingly called ਲਾਡੋ(Lado) ….
Looking forward to doing a series - Brides of India and hopefully will be supported by friends and vendors without whom this shoot would be impossible. Definitely looking to photograph a Marathi bride/couple dressed in a maharasthrian Navari - a 9 yard saree).
The Thank you Roll call below:
Thank you Vini for responding to my post on Facebook for a model call and not just letting me photograph one, but both of your beautiful daughters. Thank you Noor and Mehma for being extremely patient and amazing models.
Zairin (@HennaFairy) for the beautiful henna without which a Bridal look is incomplete.
Kavita and Sujata from Moraa Moraa Jewelry for letting me borrow their beautiful jewelry for the shoot.
Navpreet, @Soohab.by. Kaur for lending me the beautiful phulkari shawls.
Neighbors and friends who pitched in when I was looking for a myriad of missing pieces to complete the outfits. I think whole shoot was something which was thought of and executed in a week. So thank you to all again who helped and all who have always been encouraging!
Ending with my favorite folk song …
dedicated to all the loving daughters , The sherniya’s of Punjab
Trisha’s 16th Birthday shoot at the Legion of Honor, San Francisco
We decided to do a mini shoot at the Legion of Honor to celebrate my daughter’s milestone bday. She turned 16. Sharing a few of my favorite images from the shoot.
