A magical Indian Dutch wedding in Udaipur, Rajasthan
I was truly honoured to be asked to shoot a wedding in Rajasthan, India. Although I am of Indian Heritage, my great grandparents left India in the late 1800’s/early 1900’s for the shores of East Africa, before the Partition.
So to go to India was a dream come true, and Rajasthan even more so… I have always been fascinated by the times of the British Raj, one of my fave books being ‘The Kashmir Shawl’ by Rosie Thomas.
As the taxi drove into the hills of Udaipur, up towards the hotel, Fateh Garh where the wedding was to take place, I couldn’t believe my eyes.
Udaipur felt like a time warp, it was exactly how I pictured it in books and films, with the old vintage British cars, the magical fog that lingers over the vast green land and the sound of flutes playing at sunrise.
The day I arrived, the heavens were truly pouring down, and I honestly thought it was going to be a Monsoon Wedding in the making with the sound of heavy rain pouring into buckets and marigolds being adorned around the palace.
On the day of the Mehndi and Sangeet, the weather changed to a hot 35 degrees and some super fun and dancing took place. Diipa had her mehndi applied near the pool with trees adorned with spring coloured ribbons swaying in the wind. Diipa changed outfits for the Sangeet where she danced the night away with her friends and cousins.
The day of the wedding was to be hectic, with four events, and five dress changes, the last weighed more than 20kg and took 2 men to carry in!
The morning of the Wedding, Diipa was dressed in a simple gold lehnga outfit, and beautiful florals in her hair, ready for the Haldi Ceremony.
The Chura Ceremony took place on the veranda of the palace, a truly emotional event with Diipa’s close family. She wore a stunning floral skirt and maroon blouse by Sabya Sachi.
The main Hindu Ceremony took place just before sunset in the courtyard. It was intimate ceremony with just close friends and family.
Diipa had chosen a Faraz Manan outfit for the Reception, which she sported in true style given how heavy it was.
Being a wedding photographer means I get to be a part of the Bride and Groom’s families for the duration of the wedding events, and sometimes for many years afterwards. Diipa and Oleg’s families were so warm and hospitable, I’m very grateful to have felt at home on my first journey to the motherland. Udaipur is a stunning setting for wedding photography in India.
Here are some of my faves from the wedding. And a youtube link showing the behind the scenes and events as they took place.
Bride and Groom Diipa Khosla, Oleg Buller
Photographers Zehra Jagani, Sam Hoonjan for Zohaib Ali
Cinematography Musemotions
Decor Altair Decor
Mandap The Royal Retreat
Hair Aamir Naveed for Aveda
Make Up Nisha Sirpal for Mac
Scenting Jo Malone
Outfits Sabya Sachi, Faraz Manan, Aashni & Co
Jewellery Amrapali Jewels
Click here for the Youtube link for Diipa and Oleg’s Wedding Celebrations
Diipa and Oleg on their Wedding Haldi Ceremony, Fateh Garh, Udaipur India
Diipa and Oleg just after the Wedding ceremony at sunset, when I literally dragged them to the back of the palace for this set of couple and family photography.
An impromptu portrait of Diipa whilst she walked down the stairs towards the cloakroom to freshen up, taken in just three or four takes.