Meera + Hemal’s Oakley Court Indian Wedding
On probably one of the hottest Saturdays I can remember, Meera and Hemal had their hindu wedding ceremony and reception at Oakley Court, Windsor. I’d been part of the Vidhi and Civil ceremony, so I was very much starting to feel like family!
The best Grooms entrance, ever!
I’ve seen many grooms arrive at their wedding venue, but I think Hemal has topped the list of the best grooms entrance I’ve seen (so far!)…..the tranquil River Thames setting of Oakley Court was livened-up by the dhol drum beating, announcing Hemals arrival with all his family and friends…on a boat! It was pretty cool! Hemals family and friends danced their way to where the outdoors Hindu ceremony would take place and were met half way by Meera’s dancing family and friends. It was kind of like a family dance-off!
…but Brides do it best!
Hemal’s entrance was pretty good, but Meera’s was even more special! She arrived with her cousins leading the way to the classic Bollywood song “Kehna hai kya” playing from the film ‘Bombay’, making my neck hair stand on end! Truly amazing – and to see Meera’s Dad’s face as she walked towards the stunningly decorated mandap was priceless. Even better was seeing Hemal’s face light up when he saw Meera in her stunning lehnga. These guys have amazing chemistry and they were cracking jokes all day.
After the ceremony we had a chance to find some cool places along the River Thames to take some portraits before everyone got changed for the evening reception.
Instead of a sit down meal, Meera and Hemal had arranged for food vans serving the finest food! There was a great selection from fish and veg tacos, pizzas from an outdoor oven, middle-eastern and Mediterranean and plenty of Indian food and drink – including my favourite; pani-puri :)! It felt like a massive family garden party along the Thames with kids running around and plenty of garden games to keep them entertained.
In the marquee, there were some heartfelt, moving and hilarious speeches given by Meera and Hemal’s closest family and friends, which had many in (happy) tears. After their first dance, I don’t think I saw anyone sit down – it was packed! Hemal even went “full bhangra”! 🙂 I’ve got a lot of love for these guys and their awesome family and friends.
A special thanks to Lucy Lloyd for helping me on the day as second shooter and to Sundar Wedding Planners for making make sure the day was smooth sailing! If you’re interested in the other awesome suppliers, I’ve listed them below.
Here are some of my favourites from their amazing day:
I had a great time shooting at Oakley Court. It’s a perfect venue to have your wedding. If you’re planning a wedding in Windsor, or anywhere else in the UK then please get in touch, I’d love to hear all about it and have the opportunity to be your wedding photographer! 🙂
Venue – Oakley Court
Wedding planning – Sundar weddings
Mandap – Gayatri Mandaps
Catering – Luardos, Munch Movement, Nazari, Shayona
Wedding Cake – Ann’s Designer Cakes
Hair & Make Up – Shetal Umaria
Boat – River Thames Boat Party
DJ & Dhol Player– Professors Of Sound
Band – Gypsy Rhythm
31 Comments
Ben
August 4, 2017Cracking stuff Nav, I absolutely lover the opener!
Nav
August 8, 2017Thanks Ben!
Amanda Berube
August 7, 2017These are so genuine and beautiful. Stunning work 🙂
Nav
August 8, 2017Ahh thank you Amanda
Voyteck
August 8, 2017nice work dude, lots of action here!
Nav
August 9, 2017Ahhh thanks mate! Yeah, it was pretty full on lovely wedding!
Zibi
August 9, 2017Nice work Nav !!!
Nav
August 9, 2017Thank you Zibi! 🙂
Emmie Scott
August 10, 2017LOVE the colours! Gorgeous post!
Nav
August 10, 2017Ahhh thanks Emmie!
Adam Johnson
August 15, 2017So vibrant! Looks like a fun one! I love that opening shot.
Nav
August 15, 2017Thanks Adam! Yup, it was a fun one! 🙂
Arvid
August 16, 2017What a colors and what a beautiful venue!
Nav
August 16, 2017Thanks Arvid 🙂
Kim Gribbon
August 19, 2017Hey Nav, loved this colourful & vibrant wedding and the way you’ve managed to capture it from start to finish (the night lights at in the last few frames!). Also a big fan of your opening image. So compelling. Nice one!!!
Nav
August 31, 2017Ahh thank you for the lovely words Kim!
Nadine van Biljon
August 20, 2017Great work here Nav…really love the portrait of them in the shadows…so beautiful!
Nav
August 31, 2017Thanks Nadine! 🙂
Thomas Blake
August 21, 2017Colours are amazing awesome wedding
Nav
August 31, 2017Cheers dude!
Rob Dodsworth
August 22, 2017So much fun and colour – great work! I have an Indian and english fusion wedding at the weekend this has been great inspiration!
Nav
August 31, 2017Cheers Rob – hope it helped! 🙂
Ashley Davenport
August 22, 2017Cracking set of images dude – love the colour and connection with the couple. Awesome dance floor!!!! I wanna DANCE!
Nav
August 31, 2017Thanks Ash! Haha, yeah it was a great dance floor! 🙂
Dan Ward
August 24, 2017Absolutely beautiful set Nav. What a colourful and fun looking wedding!
Nav
August 31, 2017Thank you, Dan!
Lee Maxwell
October 2, 2017What a cool looking wedding, so much colour! That title shot is a winner!
Nav
October 2, 2017Thanks Lee!
Nick Labrum
July 12, 2019Dude, these are some awesome images. Top work! 🙂
Krystian
October 9, 2020The Colour palette is just stunning! Well done.
Karolina Paraschidis
October 11, 2021Awesome pictures, I love Hindu weddings 🙂 They are always so colorful!