FROM SMITI & NILESH
Sam & Ekta were the first photographers we reached out to when we got engaged, and from the very first phone call we had we were sold! These are two of the most genuine, dedicated and talented people you’ll meet - to say they are INCREDIBLE at what they do would never be enough. They really go the extra mile at every step - they work on getting to genuinely know you, integrating into your family, and then seamlessly capturing the most precious and even tiniest of moments over some of the most important days of your life while you don’t even realise they’re around!
We have been lucky enough to have had Sam & Ekta capture our journey for our engagement, pre wedding portrait shoot and wedding. The way they have documented our wedding is allowing us to relive it over and over again, and that's really the best thing you could have with you after your wedding! They are one of the best wedding decisions we made and we’re so grateful to have had them. If you’re reading this to decide whether to have Sam & Ekta document your wedding - don’t think for another second, cause they’re the absolute BEST! ♥️
THE STORY
Smiti & Nilesh got married in the magical city of Jaipur, Rajasthan at the (formerly) JW Marriott Resort & Spa. Our relationship with these two began way back, with the first phone call they made to us, telling us they are getting engaged and would like us to document it. From there, to their wedding, and even after, it has been an incredible journey.
So push play below and let’s dive right into what happened, because we can’t wait to narrate it.
The Pool Party
The pool party began on time, as everyone waited for Smiti & Nilesh to appear. And they did so, hand in hand, dancing to the music.
They vaulted themselves into the pool, and then Nilesh’s friends threw him up in the sky!
Right from the time they made their entry to the time they got out of the pool, Smiti & Nilesh never stopped dancing.
The Sufi Night
The Sufi night was an absolutely other worldly experience.
Smiti began with her mehendi (henna) application early in the evening. The guests slowly streamed in as the Nizami Bandhu took the stage.
With every passing second, their music brought us all closer and closer to the divine.
It was romantic & spiritual, just as Sufi music is meant to be.
The Haldi
Smiti & Nilesh had wildly different haldis. While Smiti’s was full of smiles & hugs, Nilesh’s was full of fun & mischief.
At Smiti’s haldi, she was showered with petals of flowers. At Nilesh’s, he was bombed with marigolds!
The Mehendi
Smiti arrived at the Mehendi before Nilesh did. When Nilesh came in on his ATV, Smiti’s bridesmaids gave him three challenges which he had to complete before he could meet her.
One, dedicate a poem (Shayari) to her. Two, do 10 push ups. Three, eat a raw green chilli there and then. Our groom completed all three.
Smiti & Nilesh’s friends then performed a hilarious skit which gave all of us a tongue-in-cheek glimpse of how their story began, and the shenanigans that followed.
After we recovered from bouts of laughter, Smiti’s friends danced for her. It was a complete surprise, and for some reason a lot of us got emotional - none as much as Smiti though.
As soon as the dancing ended, she got up and all the girls wrapped each other up in a giant hug. It was beautiful.
The Sangeet
Since these two met at their Bollywood dance club at university, it was obvious that the Sangeet was going to be epic. And epic it was.
Words do not do justice to the energy and sheer brilliance we saw on stage. Every single dancer up on stage was either a friend or family. And every single one of them was amazing.
It has been the best sangeet we have ever been witness to, hands down. The amount of effort that everyone put in, and to be in sync in spite of being separated by continents during practice was unreal.
The Wedding
We love weddings that happen in the light of the Sun. They look and feel beautiful. And Smiti Nilesh’s ceremony was really special.
There was so much to love about this day - the look on Smiti’s bridesmaids faces as they saw her for the first time. Nilesh’s Spanish family enjoying the baraat.
Smiti’s walk to the mandap, and her and Nilesh’s eyes being locked on each other the entire time, only made possible thanks to the amount of respect and space all the guests at the wedding gave them.
Their vows to each other that made us all believe in the phenomenal power of love.
It was a ceremony that still gives us goosebumps as we think about it.
The Reception
Just as they had made an entry at the pool party, Smiti & Nilesh made a dancing entry to their reception. They continued to dance to a medley of their favourite songs, as all of us surrounded them, trying to pick our jaws off the floor every few seconds. Their performance concluded with an epic firework display, which Smiti & Nilesh watched, embraced in a tight hug.
Once the toasts ended, the music began. And this evening, Smiti surprised Nilesh by having his favourite singer, Lisa Mishra sing for them.
And then we all went to the afterparty where we danced, and danced, and danced some more.
The Portraits
A few months before their wedding, Smiti & Nilesh flew down from London to Jaipur. We met them there, walked to a few interesting places, and made a few photographs. Here are some of them.
Thank you Smiti & Nilesh, for having us document your beautiful story. It has been an absolute honour for us to receive so much warmth and love from you and your incredible families & friends. We look forward to seeing you in some part of the world, soon!
All photos on this blog by Sam & Ekta
Photography team at the wedding: Sam, Ekta, Manish, Lloyd
Planned by Panodrama Events & Decor by Tanvi and Co