My First Indian Wedding in Greece: Day 1 - Colors, Chaos, and Celebration !

Mar 16

indian-wedding-greece-seafront-couple-photos

So, I finally got to photograph an Indian wedding in Greece! And let me tell you, it was an experience. Vaishali and Manhar, a lovely couple from England, chose Greece for their intimate celebration. As a wedding photographer based in Athens, I'm used to capturing special moments, but this was something completely different – a vibrant, energetic, and joyous explosion of culture.

We started the day at the Vincci Ever Eden Beach Resort, where the bride and groom were getting ready. Honestly, I was a bit stressed. This was my first full-on traditional Indian wedding, and I wanted to make sure I captured everything perfectly. I did my homework, reading up on the rituals, but nothing prepares you for the real thing. Meeting with Vaishali and Manhar beforehand definitely helped, they walked me through the key moments.

The morning was relatively calm, with the bride and groom preparing in their traditional attire for the Haldi ceremony, the colors day. Then, everyone piled into coaches and headed to Island Art and Taste in Varkiza. It was a beautiful October day, sunny but with that classic Athenian wind – a bit chilly but not a problem for the guests and for my team.

The couple made a relaxed entrance, greeting their loved ones. After a ton of family photos (and I mean a ton!), it was time for the Hindu ceremony. The venue, with its sea view and colorful mandap, was stunning. But the real magic started when the ceremony began.

Let me tell you, photographing the ceremony was wild! Everyone was so involved, teasing the couple, and it was a joyful free-for-all. Trying to get clear shots was a challenge. I went from my 35mm 1.4 to my 16-35mm zoom just to capture the sheer energy. Huge shoutout to my team for helping me navigate the chaos.

The post-ceremony celebration was… intense. Picture this: bright colors everywhere, pea soup, red liquids, and the groom's clothes a bit worse for wear. It was a fun, messy, and unforgettable experience.

After a quick clean-up, Vaishali and Manhar reappeared in new, elegant outfits. While henna artists worked their magic on the guests, we took the couple down to the rocky beach for some portraits. We got some playful and romantic shots against the backdrop of the Aegean Sea.

Then, it was back to the party! The couple made a grand, dancing entrance, followed by the hilarious chair game – conflicting answers were guaranteed! The guests put on amazing dance performances, and then it was the bride and groom's turn, with their respective groups. The night ended with everyone on the dance floor, a full-on Indian party in Greece!

Honestly, I was blown away by the energy and the sheer joy of the day. It was a privilege to capture such a special celebration. And that was just day one! Stay tuned for the second part of Vaishali and Manhar's incredible Indian wedding in Greece. I learned so much, and I can't wait to share more photos and stories.

See the second day of this wedding HERE