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Pre-Wedding Shoot: Choosing the perfect location

Pre-weddings are fun. That’s all there is to it. Or, at least, that’s the way we see it. Over the past decade, we’ve seen firsthand how wedding photography has evolved and how integral pre/post wedding shoots have become to the whole package. But we don’t simply consider them as a mandatory item in the wedding photography checklist. The way we see it, a pre-wedding shoot is a great way to immortalise an image of you as a couple today. An image that reflects who you are today, your love and commitment to each other captured in a moment, before you transition to becoming husband and wife! Years later, when your hair turns grey and the memory of your youth seems like forever ago, these photographs will bring it all back to you with a solid dose of nostalgia.

Before you get caught up in the inevitable chaos that makes up an Indian wedding, a pre-wedding shoot is a good time to relax and unwind with your significant other. It is also a great warm-up session before the wedding, an ice-breaker of sorts. This is your chance to get comfortable in front of a camera with each other and the photographer. You can freely tell your photographer what you’re comfortable with and not and get to know his style.

While planning a shoot, one of the most important things is choosing a location. We are not saying that location is everything or that it trumps the skill and technique of a good photographer, but it does play an important role in that it provides a beautiful and comfortable environment to play with as a backdrop.

When choosing a location, the first thing to consider is your story (not to be confused with theme) – think about places that could possibly mean something to both of you or plays an integral part in your story as a couple.  The college you first met in, your first holiday destination together, or perhaps where he proposed you. If you have a location like that in mind, then it should definitely figure in your plans – it will bring out the relaxed and happy side of you as a couple. But if there aren’t any direct “story” related locations that you can pin-point, worry not. We have a few ideas for you to consider and plan your perfect pre-wedding shoot. We know how daunting it can be to plan everything down to a tee! So, sit back and let us do the work for you!

#1 Nature and landscapes

We have been blessed with almost all types of seasons, terrains and incredibly beautiful landscapes in India. Depending on what your preference is, you can choose from a plethora of gorgeous locations in our country. Just find what weather or terrain works for you – beach or mountains, autumn or snow. Freeze your love in the snow-capped mountains of Leh-Ladakh or let your love simmer in the deserts of Rajasthan. Try a laid back feel on the beaches of Goa or the backwaters of Kerala. In fact, make a mini-vacation out of it. Happy and relaxed people make the most beautiful pictures, and we love capturing the joy between them!

#2 Heritage buildings

If you want to capture a moment in time in a place that needs no description, we suggest you choose a heritage site. It gives such an instant “sense-of-place” to your photographs that they can’t help but be grand. If a certain city, for example, Bombay has been central to your journey as a couple, the iconic Gateway of India is your perfect spot. The heritage buildings have stood the test of time, remaining the same for generations. Why not immortalise your love in a place which has witnessed a thousand other love stories?

#3 Forts and Palaces

Has your love-story felt like it’s straight out of a fairytale? Then think no more! We have numerous fantastic locations all over the country. A lot of forts and palaces have been converted to heritage hotels. If you want a royal feel to your pictures, then this is just for you! These locations have all the feels of history and royalty while providing modern amenities (and hospitality support for the shoot) at the same time!

#4 Hotel and Resorts

What do you do when you want a stunning location but also the luxury of a super fluffy white bed and a jacuzzi? You find a luxury resort with amazing architecture + landscaping and trust your photographer to create magic! Plenty of properties around the country provide great packages specifically for pre-wedding shoots. Take your fiance and make a weekend out of it!

#5 Streets

If none of the above fit your bill of the perfect location, then try something off-beat. As photographers, we love the vibrancy and colours of streets. It’s perfect if you’re up for doing something adventurous and aren’t afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Take a walk in your favourite part of the city, maybe older parts of town, a chaotic market or even a heavily graffiti-ed area for a grungy feel, forget the photographer exists and get lost in spending time with your beloved!

In the end, all that matters is you pick a location that reflects your personality. If you’re comfortable and happy, the pictures will reflect it. So don’t choose anything out of your comfort zone in pursuit of a theme or a wild idea. Talk with your photographer and finalise a location that you and your partner can feel at home in. You, your personality and your story as a couple are way more important and should always trump what everyone else is doing – because after all, these are not just photographs, they are eternal memories and joy that you can revisit for a long time to come.

We’d love to know where and why you chose your pre-wedding location. Let us know in the comments!

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