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