Neha & Arjun: A Tamil–Punjabi Wedding Story

candid wedding photography, Tamil wedding photographer, Punjabi–Tamil wedding, woman wedding photographer in Bangalore, Iyengar wedding, cultural wedding photography, South Indian wedding traditions, couple portraits, real wedding stories, documentary wedding photography.

Ten years ago, I photographed Neha and Vivek’s wedding — a day that brought together two families, two cultures and a lot of warmth. It was a Tamil–Punjabi wedding where every ritual felt rooted in tradition, yet the day itself moved with ease and laughter.

Neha, a Punjabi bride dressed as Aandal (customary for brides in iyengar wedding tradition to style herself as Aandal), carried herself with quiet confidence. Her look - from the temple jewellery to the detailed mehndi - reflected both heritage and individuality. Arjun, a calm and composed Delhi-born Tamil Brahmin groom, complemented her perfectly. Together, they created a blend of two traditions that truly felt effortless and natural.

The wedding followed the Iyengar style ceremony, complete with sacred chants, rituals, and moments of joy that unfolded through the day. As a woman wedding photographer, I remember how the families interacted - the small gestures, the laughter, the emotions that can’t be staged. Those are the moments that stay with me.

I’ve always believed that the best images aren’t posed; they’re observed. Candid photography allows people to simply be themselves and that honesty translates into lasting memories. From the bride’s mother hugging the groom during nichyadhartham to the bride taking a selfie with her would-be in-laws - these are small yet precious moments.

When we stepped aside for the couple portraits, things slowed down. No instructions, no staged poses — just Neha and Arjun being themselves. Between smiles, quiet pauses, and shared jokes, they forgot the camera was there. Those photographs still feel real, even after a decade.

Today, as they celebrate ten years of marriage, I see how the same connection continues - their shared passions, the travel expeditions undertaken and general relishing of life!

Every wedding I photograph reminds me why I do this - to document real stories where families connect, cultures meet, and moments become memories worth keeping.

Here are some of my favourite images..