Beautiful memories captured with a creative twist

As a wedding photographer, based just outside of London but having worked around the world, I am familiar with outstanding and striking venues. Few come close to the impressive, soulful beauty that is found in a Gravesend Gurdwara wedding. The Guru Nanak Dabar Gurdwara, the largest Sikh temple in Europe, is, in a word, remarkable.
Opened in 2011, it manages to balance modern global and British Sikh culture with traditional and outstanding Indian architecture, stonework and wood carving. It is, without doubt, a pleasure to be a Gravesend Gurdwara wedding photographer.
Pair the Gurdwara with a beautiful couple, like Dee and Raj, and I was treated to the pleasure of being able to immerse my creative photography to create natural, stunning wedding photos. Here’s my take of the day: the shots, the venue and everything that went into creating this memorable Gravesend Gurdwara wedding.

With clear skies with the odd playful wisp of cloud, I was able to convey the majesty of the couple’s venue before focusing on the couple and guests.

To the beating of the drums…

The excitement of Raj’s baraat was a chance for me to showcase the vibrancy of the morning atmosphere. His family danced their way to the beat of dhol players as they approached the temple. Dee’s family were waiting and I was keen to portray the sense of movement, action and noise in the images from this part of the day.

As formality began, I shifted the feeling of the images. We moved from the party-atmosphere of the baraat, to a striking image of the groom and his best men, using the temple as a backdrop. Then I moved to the unique portrait of Raj in front of the iconic window, capturing his thoughtful movement towards the ceremony.

Lehenga, mehndi and peace

I think Sikh and Asian weddings lend themselves to flamboyancy, as the photos of the baraat show. Moreover, the outfits, details and celebrations are renowned for colour, spirit and passion. But this overlooks the crescendo that drives the rest of the day. After the bride is ready, there’s a moment of peace for her.
At the Gravesend Gurdwara wedding of Dee and Raj, before the Milni, I took the opportunity to capture some relaxed shots of beautiful Dee in her stunning clothing, jewellery and makeup. As the families had breakfast together, I wanted to focus on Dee.

It’s no surprise that the photos of Dee’s lehenga went viral, featured in the Times of India. From the popular designer Sabyasachi, her dress was exquisite and featured on the Brides of Sabyasachi Instagram page.
But for these photos, the dress really was a backdrop for a chance to focus on Dee’s jewellery, mehndi and makeup. Together with flawless makeup from Gini Bhogal, I was able to use the natural window light to create these thoughtful and peaceful morning shots. Her jewellery from Preeti Mohan, and mehndi by Harps Brar, are the stars of the show here (alongside Dee herself of course!).

A wedding story to be told at Gravesend Gurdwara…

Following the Milni and family breakfast, the bustle of the day began. After that, my mission is always to follow the natural flow of the wedding. Especially capturing the moments that make for a fun and unique day. Therefore resulting in quietly being ready to capture fleeting moments. Such as when Raj’s sister removed his kalgi before he went to sit in front of the Guru Granth Sahib.

In particular, with the scale of the Gurdwara being evident, the photos of the groom entering and bowing to the Holy Book, backed by his family, were effortless.

As Dee entered with her father, the blue and gold of the carpet created a fantastic juxtaposition to the subtle pale golds and creams of the couple.
There was a moment I needed to act quickly yet subtly: when Dee and Raj looked to each other and shared a small smile, full of love and anticipation. I wanted to capture this moment of love and two lives becoming one.

Photography during the Anand Karaj at Gravesend Gurdwara Wedding

Significantly, Sikh weddings are enveloped in symbolic imagery and ritual. Capturing the romance, love, emotion and commitment in details such as the bride’s father placing Raj’s Palla in Dee’s hands. Or during the circling of the Guru Granth Sahib while the four levan are began to be read, was important for telling the story of the ceremony.

The Gurdwara in Gravesend is large and impressive for a wedding. As the couple walked around the interior, circling the raised platform with Guru Granth Sahib during each stanza of the lavan, I was able to quietly follow them with my lens. The result is that I was able to use the Gurdwara creatively. Creating natural but atmospheric images which held the symbolic and subliminal moments of the ceremony. Certainly the stained glass, chandelier, gold canopy and natural light were all elements for me to draw into the artistry of the ceremonial shots.

The beautiful couple

Raj and Dee were a pleasure to work with. After the wedding ceremony at Gravesend Gurdwara, there was a chance to create images which enshrined those first moments of togetherness, away from the guests. It’s essential as a photographer to allow these moments so the natural interaction between the couple are elevated.
This is why the person behind the lens is important to the final image. Looking at testimonials of your wedding photographer are vital to your choice. It’ll give you an understanding of the person. And why they are able to create the shots they do.
In addition, this is evident in one of my favourite images from the day. This one of Raj and Dee in the earliest moments after the ceremony in front of the stunning window. The reflection on the floor mirrors the two lives which have now joined. The closeness of the couple is evident.

Heading outside, I used a fashion-style to capture the couple. Again, Dee’s Sabyasachi lehenga is glorious, and Raj’s outfit from Gujralsons was majestic, completed with his turban from Bespoke Turbans. With the soft hues in both wedding outfits and the white brickwork of Gravesend Gurdwara basking in natural light, it created a fantastic backdrop.

It’s no wonder that these pastel shades sparked a trend for other couples choosing their colour scheme.

To conclude, are you looking for a Gravesend Gurdwara wedding photographer? If so, I hope these images from Dee and Raj’s day will make you feel inspired to get in touch.