A Magical Wedding Amidst the Mangroves

Weddings are often described as fairy tales, but some truly feel like they've stepped out of a dream. This was one of those weddings—an unforgettable celebration of love, friendship, and the beauty of nature. It was the kind of event that left everyone speechless, a perfect blend of emotion, elegance, and the untamed magic of the outdoors. I had the honour of attending the wedding of my childhood friend, Krish, and his beautiful wife, Nikki, and I'm still in awe of how everything unfolded.

Krish and I have known each other for as long as I can remember. He was always this big eyed (and long nosed) adorable little kid brother who loved and worshipped me and I was always playing the part of the protective older brother. As it usually goes, life happened and we drifted apart post school and lost touch with each other until we met again weeks before the wedding and picked up right where we'd left off. I wanted to give him and Nikki something special and heartfelt for their wedding and since I don't really feel as passionately about anything in life as I do for photography, I honestly couldn't think of anything better. I purchased an old medium format analog camera, the Pentax 645 from an era before both of us were born and shot about half a dozen rolls through it at the wedding. Most of the photos in the gallery are shot on the Pentax 645 and a few on the Nikon f3 (which another very dear friend & brother gifted me on my birthday earlier this year!) But, I digress, back to the beautiful wedding location...

A quiet mangrove forest, where the sun filtered through the thick canopy of leaves, casting dappled patterns on the earth. The forest, with its twisting roots and lush green landscape, created an ethereal atmosphere that felt both otherworldly and grounded. The sunlight filtered through the thick canopy in golden beams, illuminating the mandap that was nestled under a tall mango tree. Birds called in the distance, inquisitive monkeys peeked out of treetops nearby, and the air smelled faintly of saltwater and earth—a perfect, natural perfume for the day.

As I walked into the clearing, I felt the unmistakable weight of the moment – the air laden with moisture, the soft rustle of leaves, and the quiet murmur of guests settling into their seats—all of it created a sense of peace and reverence. The world seemed to slow down in this hidden haven, and for a moment, it felt as though we were suspended in time, watching two souls pledge their love amidst the magnificence of the earth.

In a world that often moves too quickly, this wedding was a reminder of what truly matters: love, connection, and the power of memories made with the people who mean the most to us. It was an emotional day, not only for Nikki and Krish but for all of us who had witnessed their union. The mangroves may have been the backdrop, but it was the love between two childhood sweethearts that stole the show—and I will forever be grateful to have witnessed it.