Last year Alex & Gautam asked me if I would like to film their English-Hindu fusion wedding video. My answer was a resounding yes and I was excited when their wedding day arrived in early June!

Alex & G had hired a house in Poole near to the Italian Villa, where the bride, groom and close family had stayed the night before the wedding. Myself and my second shooter Tom began filming Gautam who had started to get into the outfit (Sherwani) that he would wear for the Hindu ceremony. He was accompanied by his Nephew, who was also his biggest fan and ring bearer.

The bridal party was in a different area of the house – in the purpose built studio with the make-up artists and hair stylists. Alex’s henna had been completed the night before and it was amazing to see the intricate details that had been applied to Alex’s hands.

Gautam and his brother made their way to the Italian Villa where the Hindu and English wedding ceremonies were taking place. He greeted friends and family who were enjoying the good weather outside in the courtyard. Inside the Hindu priest prepared various dyes for the Hindu ceremony, which would come first.

Meanwhile Alex was was changing into her navy and gold Lehenga and closing the clasps on gold necklaces and bracelets. Gautam later told Alex how she “absolutely took my breath away twice today” after seeing her in her Hindu Lehenga and “Western” wedding dress respectively. You could tell how true this statement was by his reactions as Alex walked up the aisle each time.

The Hindu ceremony lasted approximately an hour and Alex & Gautam took the opportunity to take some photos in their Hindu outfits with their photographer Kirsty MacKenzie (who I highly recommend). Alex & G then separated and changed into their Western wedding attire in preparation for the second ceremony.

This was my first wedding with two ceremonies and I wasn’t sure how a bride and groom would feel emotionally for the second ceremony after already seeing each other once that day.

The answer to that thought – it was like Alex & Gautam hadn’t seen each other yet – Gautam was beaming as Alex walked down the aisle with her father.

Alex & G tied the knot to the applause of their friends and family and were showered with vibrant flower confetti as they walked out of the villa into the Italian gardens. There was a short spell of rain earlier in the day, but that had subsided and sun broke through the clouds.

There were 5 speechmakers in total and no-one was safe. The families and in-laws were clearly a tight knit group and there were no shortage of embarrassing stories. Gautam was roasted comprehensively by his brother, which provided a lot of laughs to friends and family (and for myself and Tom).

After the speeches, Alex & G cut their cake and took to the dance floor for their first dance. Music performed by the uber-cool “Princes of Motown” who got the guests into the swing with renditions of some Motown and pop classics.

Thank you Alex & Gautam for letting me document your day. It was a real pleasure to film and editing has been thoroughly entertaining (especially the speeches). I wish you the all the best as husband & wife!

– Andy