101. Deepti and Shriram

Some love stories are two years old, some are 5 years old, but I’ve never heard of a love story where the couple knew each other from high school. YES, HIGH SCHOOL! I was actually proud of my love story, but this one just pushed it aside.

Deepti and Shriram went to the same school and were class-mates too. Many years later, something somewhere hit Shriram hard, really hard, that the one he wants to marry was actually on his contacts list on his phone. :)

And then something hit the broadband companies hard, really hard. They were two individuals using Skype and other online chat services non-stop. Yup, it’s a ‘Long Distance Internet Relationship’ (did I just coin a phrase?). Deepti holds a degree in ‘Clinical Psychology’ and Shriram works in the US of A for a non-software company. :) (Nice to meet people other than software engineers once in a while)

When I first saw their wedding’s invitation card, I set my expectations on what I’d be shooting the next few days. :)

The first event was a small private ‘Devarasamaradhane’ and Haldi function.

The decor was by Smitha. She owns a Architecture firm and uses wedding decor as a creative outlet. Trust me, she is one of the best. Just does not compromise on quality. Here are some details’ shots. Very elegant and very fresh.

First thing that you notice when you meet this family is the high levels of energy. Just so much fun.

Smiles  and laughter all around. :D

It was a very short event with just close family and friends.

In the evening, the place changed entirely. All the chairs vanished and there were places arranged on the periphery, where some of the family members were getting their Mehendi done. And Deepti was sitting near the stage which would be used later for some performances by either side of the family. She was sitting on a swing which was beautifully decorated with flowers and with a beautiful backdrop. I must also mention that her Mehendi artist was very creative too.

I was lucky to get this shot of the ‘most photogenic camera shy’ groom ever (atleast till then). They were being interviewed by his relatives and he was waiting for Deepti to answer a trick question.

Just look at the intricate art here. The peacock and the women playing some music. Beautiful!

Finally, that night, I managed to get this picture just in time. Both of them together.

On Christmas day, Meghna, Ram and me reached MLR Convention Hall early in the morning, where Deepti and Shriram’s wedding was going to happen that day.

We were all so happy to see such a beautiful setting for the wedding. Awesome!

To keep the blog short and to keep my website’s webhosting provider happy. I’m skipping a few rituals and going directly to the Kasi Yatra.

In their tradition (Madhva Brahmins), they hang these rings made of dough on either ear and the groom has to jump to free them. It’s really interesting and fun to capture on camera. But, just to save my life, I haven’t posted any pictures of that here. :)

Mr.Camera Shy Groom was smiling so much that you could make out how excited he was.

I love the way the passengers in the bus are straining their necks to get a peek at the action. :)

Once the Kasi Yatra was done, while Shriram waited on the stage with a cloth (the Antharapata) that blocked his view, the bride was escorted with a lot of care by her uncles.

The Jeerge-Bella ritual was next.

Well, as a valid witness, I can confidently say that Deepti won the challenge! :D

Then there was Akki-dhaare. Deepti is one of those brides who enjoyed every minute of it, without worrying about her hair, etc. :)

Love this picture. :)

And then it was time to make it official.

I wanted to get a closer look at Shriram’s expression while he was tying the thali.

Dude! You are the most bravest groom ever!

I think 1 in a 50 grooms actually smile while tying the thali. Let me try and clarify this, what I mean to say is that most grooms are tensed or anxious about tying the thali, not that they have second thoughts, but that they should tie the thali correctly since it’s the most important part of the wedding and they have to do it right. That smile on his face means so many things, something up Deepti’s alley. :)

Shriram took great care of Deepti while conducting all the rituals.

It was really nice to see them both smile. Even we cant help but smile while editing such pictures. :)

The Sapthapadi.

Just after the wedding, we had some time to get a few casual pictures.

I love this one, looks like a saree ad.

Yay! Reflections! :D

They are just perfect for each other. I cant help but say. I love this picture too. :)

Love Shriram’s expression when Deepti was formally handed over to be part of his family. (by making her sit on his lap, no wonder he is so happy)

That evening, the informal reception was on the lawns. The outdoor setting was breath-taking too. There were so many details all around, we took sometime to take it all in.

Now that they were married…. :D

How could I forget the wild bunch! :) (Honestly, it was inspiring to see each one of you so actively involved in the wedding)

Deepti and Shriram! Congratulations on finding each other. Wish you the best in life wherever you are!

Thank you for choosing CuspConcepts!

Hope you like the pictures. :)