South Asian Wedded Life
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RP Tip #3: Ceremony to Reception.

Disclaimer: RP Tips are based solely on our experiences as full time wedding photographers and posted at our discretion. RP Tips may not suit everyone’s wants or needs. RP Tips are offered as a benefit to brides planning their wedding day in an effort to get the best results from a photographer from our stand point. RP Tips are a trademark of Regeti’s Photography owned and operated by Amy and Srinu Regeti.

Let’s talk a little about timeline. There are a lot of important parts to a timeline, but this week I just want to talk briefly about the time from the end of your ceremony to the start of your reception and how valuable that time truly is for a photographer who yields creativity when given the time. As wedding season begins to approach this becomes the most popular question:

“How much time do I allocate for pictures in between?”

Typically after the ceremony you and your husband will exit the church/ceremony site, you may want to consider having your photographer exit with you and go straight into couple shots versus taking recessional photos, after all you have the processional photos. This will cut down on time wasted. I know that tradition says altar/arbor photos but let’s think about those photos and taking them into a better lighting situation, after all you do want the best photos that you photographer can offer to you. Consider keeping your shot list down to immediate family only and allow your photographer to catch other family members during the reception. Onto your bridal party, these usually consist of family or friends from your childhood, college, most likely you grew in some way through your life with them. Capturing all of you together should be very important and not in a stiff formal posed shot, why not casual it up a bit. This is where your photographer will come into play. It is just about you and the bridal party at this time. Remember that each posed shot may take 5 minutes or more (depending on your bridal party size) to set up so you want to be sure that you get the max out of your time and location. You should concentrate on locations with photo opportunity that will play well with lighting conditions. And remember to keep in mind how time will permit it to happen, the more time wasted in transport the less time is spent on photo opportunities.

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  • smaherJanuary 30, 2007 - 10:31 pm

    Amy- Did you do this because I was going nuts? Thanks, I needed it.ReplyCancel

  • AmyJanuary 30, 2007 - 10:36 pm

    Shannon I am happy to see that our girls are enjoying our tips! Feel free to post as well any advice you have for the other girls. Can’t wait till March!

    AmyReplyCancel

South Asian Wedded Life
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Kavya + Kyle 😍 Their wedding at Stonewall Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia, was every bit as emotional and beautiful as we hoped it`d be. There`s always a quiet moment right before a bride steps out — everything slows down, and you can just feel it. Kavya`s was one of those. Two families, two cultures, one couple who are so clearly, completely in love. We`re still smiling over these teaser images!



Want a wedding day that feels this real and this loved? Send us a DM or book a consultation with us — we`d love to hear your story.



@theregetis · Photographer

@njaree.monet · Wedding Planner

@djdlux_spinwax · DJ

@reverieroseillust · Live wedding painter

@goodearthflowers · Florist

@beautyglambymaria · Makeup and Hair

@stonewallgolfclub · Venue

@theeventgroupinternational · Wedding Planner

@ceremonyofficiants · Officiant

@house_of_sweetness · Cake Designer

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Open post by theregetis with ID 17992342878009541
Kavya + Kyle 😍 Their wedding at Stonewall Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia, was every bit as emotional and beautiful as we hoped it'd be. There's always a quiet moment right before a bride steps out — everything slows down, and you can just feel it. Kavya's was one of those. Two families, two cultures, one couple who are so clearly, completely in love. We're still smiling over these teaser images! Want a wedding day that feels this real and this loved? Send us a DM or book a consultation with us — we'd love to hear your story. @theregetis · Photographer @njaree.monet · Wedding Planner @djdlux_spinwax · DJ @reverieroseillust · Live wedding painter @goodearthflowers · Florist @beautyglambymaria · Makeup and Hair @stonewallgolfclub · Venue @theeventgroupinternational · Wedding Planner @ceremonyofficiants · Officiant @house_of_sweetness · Cake Designer

You may know WHAT they’re doing. But do you know why her footprints are red?



Let’s break down Kanku Pagla.



If you’ve been to a Gujarati wedding, you’ve probably seen some version of this: the bride’s feet covered in kanku — the red vermilion associated with auspiciousness — and the footprints she leaves behind.



Sometimes on cloth, sometimes on paper, sometimes carefully preserved. Depending on family, community and generation, when and how it’s done can look completely different.



But the tradition underneath all those variations is what fascinates us. Kanku Pagla literally means those red, auspicious footprints. And the symbolism reaches much further back than the keepsake we see today. In Hindu tradition, Goddess Lakshmi — prosperity, abundance, good fortune — is represented by her footprints. And a new bride arriving at her marital home has long been associated with the arrival of Lakshmi herself. That’s why one of the most recognizable forms of Kanku Pagla occurs during Griha Pravesh: the bride steps into kanku, leaving her red footprints as she enters the home for the first time as a married woman.



Over generations, families carried and adapted that symbolism into their own traditions — including pre-wedding ceremonies like the one we’re photographing here.



And THAT is what we think matters.



South Asian traditions aren’t frozen in time. They travel. They change. They become regional, then familial. Grandmothers teach daughters, daughters teach granddaughters, families move across oceans…and sometimes the way something is done shifts while a piece of its original meaning quietly remains.



So the next time you see a bride’s feet painted red and paper sliding beneath them…don’t just see two little red footprints.



You’re watching a family carry forward an ancient idea of auspicious beginnings, prosperity, and the threshold between one chapter and the next.



Maybe that’s why we’re a little obsessive about photographing things like this.



Twenty years from now, someone will know those are her footprints.



We want them to know why they mattered.

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Open post by theregetis with ID 18419354686146227
You may know WHAT they’re doing. But do you know why her footprints are red? Let’s break down Kanku Pagla. If you’ve been to a Gujarati wedding, you’ve probably seen some version of this: the bride’s feet covered in kanku — the red vermilion associated with auspiciousness — and the footprints she leaves behind. Sometimes on cloth, sometimes on paper, sometimes carefully preserved. Depending on family, community and generation, when and how it’s done can look completely different. But the tradition underneath all those variations is what fascinates us. Kanku Pagla literally means those red, auspicious footprints. And the symbolism reaches much further back than the keepsake we see today. In Hindu tradition, Goddess Lakshmi — prosperity, abundance, good fortune — is represented by her footprints. And a new bride arriving at her marital home has long been associated with the arrival of Lakshmi herself. That’s why one of the most recognizable forms of Kanku Pagla occurs during Griha Pravesh: the bride steps into kanku, leaving her red footprints as she enters the home for the first time as a married woman. Over generations, families carried and adapted that symbolism into their own traditions — including pre-wedding ceremonies like the one we’re photographing here. And THAT is what we think matters. South Asian traditions aren’t frozen in time. They travel. They change. They become regional, then familial. Grandmothers teach daughters, daughters teach granddaughters, families move across oceans…and sometimes the way something is done shifts while a piece of its original meaning quietly remains. So the next time you see a bride’s feet painted red and paper sliding beneath them…don’t just see two little red footprints. You’re watching a family carry forward an ancient idea of auspicious beginnings, prosperity, and the threshold between one chapter and the next. Maybe that’s why we’re a little obsessive about photographing things like this. Twenty years from now, someone will know those are her footprints. We want them to know why they mattered.

That look right after the jaimala goes on — you can see it here. Garlands still settling, and they`re already stealing a glance like nobody else is on that sidewalk. This is one of my favorite in-between moments to catch because it`s not posed, it`s not planned, it`s just two people who can`t help but smile at each other.



Fusion weddings like this one are so special to shoot — two families, two traditions, blending into one really beautiful day. If you`re planning a wedding that mixes cultures (or doesn`t fit in a box), let`s talk about how we`d tell your story. Comment or DM us!

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Open post by theregetis with ID 18181372957416631
That look right after the jaimala goes on — you can see it here. Garlands still settling, and they're already stealing a glance like nobody else is on that sidewalk. This is one of my favorite in-between moments to catch because it's not posed, it's not planned, it's just two people who can't help but smile at each other. Fusion weddings like this one are so special to shoot — two families, two traditions, blending into one really beautiful day. If you're planning a wedding that mixes cultures (or doesn't fit in a box), let's talk about how we'd tell your story. Comment or DM us!

They’re not just sticking a colorful piece of wood into the ground. And this may be one of my favorite examples of how much meaning can hide inside a Gujarati wedding.



If you’ve grown up around Gujarati weddings, you may have seen some version of this ritual your entire life.



The decorated post is associated with the Manek Stambh and Mandap Ropan / Mandap Muhurat — the ceremonial establishing of the mandap before the wedding.



Before it is placed into the earth, the post may be wrapped with sacred thread and blessed as part of the family’s ritual. Then it is carried outside and planted into the ground.



But here’s the part I love:



Before we build the place where two people will be married, we acknowledge the earth upon which it will stand.



The Manek Stambh becomes more than a little wooden post. It represents the establishment of the mandap — the sacred space beneath which a new marriage will begin.



And depending upon the family, region and Gujarati community, the customs surrounding it may look a little different. That’s something I’ve learned after more than two decades of photographing South Asian families: there is rarely just one Indian way of doing anything.



Sometimes even the bride or groom knows what their family does because they’ve watched their parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles do it their entire lives…



…but they’ve never actually been told why.



That’s the part that gets me.



Because one day, someone is going to look at photographs like this and ask:



“What were they doing here?”



And I don’t want the answer to simply be, “Oh, that was something we did before the wedding.”



I want someone to remember.



The name.

The reason.

Who held it.

Who tied the thread.

Who taught them how to do it.



Because somewhere between tradition being practiced and tradition being explained is where legacy either gets passed down—or quietly disappears.



And THAT is why we photograph the little things. 🤍

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Open post by theregetis with ID 17905784829309096
They’re not just sticking a colorful piece of wood into the ground. And this may be one of my favorite examples of how much meaning can hide inside a Gujarati wedding. If you’ve grown up around Gujarati weddings, you may have seen some version of this ritual your entire life. The decorated post is associated with the Manek Stambh and Mandap Ropan / Mandap Muhurat — the ceremonial establishing of the mandap before the wedding. Before it is placed into the earth, the post may be wrapped with sacred thread and blessed as part of the family’s ritual. Then it is carried outside and planted into the ground. But here’s the part I love: Before we build the place where two people will be married, we acknowledge the earth upon which it will stand. The Manek Stambh becomes more than a little wooden post. It represents the establishment of the mandap — the sacred space beneath which a new marriage will begin. And depending upon the family, region and Gujarati community, the customs surrounding it may look a little different. That’s something I’ve learned after more than two decades of photographing South Asian families: there is rarely just one Indian way of doing anything. Sometimes even the bride or groom knows what their family does because they’ve watched their parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles do it their entire lives… …but they’ve never actually been told why. That’s the part that gets me. Because one day, someone is going to look at photographs like this and ask: “What were they doing here?” And I don’t want the answer to simply be, “Oh, that was something we did before the wedding.” I want someone to remember. The name. The reason. Who held it. Who tied the thread. Who taught them how to do it. Because somewhere between tradition being practiced and tradition being explained is where legacy either gets passed down—or quietly disappears. And THAT is why we photograph the little things. 🤍

The gasp. The hands flying up. The one friend who literally cannot keep it together. THIS is what we live for.



There`s something so pure about the moment a bride`s crew sees her for the first time, all dressed up, before anyone else does. Coordinated olive sharara sets, then that red and gold lehenga glowing against them as she walks in — it`s real, it`s unscripted, and it happens exactly once. We just have to be standing in the right spot to catch it.



Who would you want to see you first — your person, your parents, or your crew? Tell us below, and if you`re planning a day full of moments like this, DM us to chat.

#SouthAsianWeddings #IndianWeddings #WeddingPhotographersInVirginia #IndianWeddingPhotographersInVirginia #IndianWedding #DesiBride #SouthAsianBride #FusionWedding #WeddingPhotography #RegetisPhotography #BigFatIndianWedding #DesiWeddingVibes #IndianWeddingPhotography

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Open post by theregetis with ID 18090844091531778
The gasp. The hands flying up. The one friend who literally cannot keep it together. THIS is what we live for. There's something so pure about the moment a bride's crew sees her for the first time, all dressed up, before anyone else does. Coordinated olive sharara sets, then that red and gold lehenga glowing against them as she walks in — it's real, it's unscripted, and it happens exactly once. We just have to be standing in the right spot to catch it. Who would you want to see you first — your person, your parents, or your crew? Tell us below, and if you're planning a day full of moments like this, DM us to chat. #SouthAsianWeddings #IndianWeddings #WeddingPhotographersInVirginia #IndianWeddingPhotographersInVirginia #IndianWedding #DesiBride #SouthAsianBride #FusionWedding #WeddingPhotography #RegetisPhotography #BigFatIndianWedding #DesiWeddingVibes #IndianWeddingPhotography

Madhu is ready to get this baraat started - nothing like a morning baraat to really get you moving! There`s something so joyful about a daytime baraat - the sun`s out, the dhol is going, and the groom is dancing his way to the mandap surrounded by the people who`ve known him his whole life. That arms-wide, head-back energy? For some it might be McDonald`s but for us --- t`s why we wakeup early in the morning on the weekends.



If you`re planning a baraat and want photos that capture the actual joy (not just posed smiles), let`s talk. DM us or drop a comment below!

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Open post by theregetis with ID 18122792524764969
Madhu is ready to get this baraat started - nothing like a morning baraat to really get you moving! There's something so joyful about a daytime baraat - the sun's out, the dhol is going, and the groom is dancing his way to the mandap surrounded by the people who've known him his whole life. That arms-wide, head-back energy? For some it might be McDonald's but for us --- t's why we wakeup early in the morning on the weekends. If you're planning a baraat and want photos that capture the actual joy (not just posed smiles), let's talk. DM us or drop a comment below!

There will always be a place for a macro lens in our bag. 😍 These are the bride`s bangles, and in Indian culture, they carry so much meaning — often gifted by family, symbolizing blessings, prosperity, and the beginning of a new chapter. Getting close enough to catch every sparkle and reflection like this is one of our favorite parts of wedding day details.



What`s a piece of jewelry or heirloom from your family that means the most to you? Tell us in the comments — or DM us to chat about capturing yours on your big day! ✨

@pinnacle_live @uthsaav @omnihomestead @diegostuartfilms @abhishekdecorators

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Open post by theregetis with ID 18017750444866127
There will always be a place for a macro lens in our bag. 😍 These are the bride's bangles, and in Indian culture, they carry so much meaning — often gifted by family, symbolizing blessings, prosperity, and the beginning of a new chapter. Getting close enough to catch every sparkle and reflection like this is one of our favorite parts of wedding day details. What's a piece of jewelry or heirloom from your family that means the most to you? Tell us in the comments — or DM us to chat about capturing yours on your big day! ✨ @pinnacle_live @uthsaav @omnihomestead @diegostuartfilms @abhishekdecorators

That view, though. Shatakshi and Madhu chose the Omni in Hot Springs, VA for their sangeet celebrations, and honestly, those mountains rolling out behind the property? Chef`s kiss. There`s something about getting a little distance from the everyday that makes a sangeet weekend feel even more special — everyone`s there, phones are (mostly) down, and it`s just family, dancing, and stories.



@shakess09 @uthsaav @abhishekdecorators @diegostuartfilms @pinnacle_live @omnihomestead @carolinaeliteevents @cbcatering.usa
@makeupsolutionsbynila


We love when a venue becomes part of the celebration instead of just a backdrop. Got a mountain wedding or sangeet in the works? Drop a comment or DM us — we`d love to hear about it.

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Open post by theregetis with ID 18133247002714101
That view, though. Shatakshi and Madhu chose the Omni in Hot Springs, VA for their sangeet celebrations, and honestly, those mountains rolling out behind the property? Chef's kiss. There's something about getting a little distance from the everyday that makes a sangeet weekend feel even more special — everyone's there, phones are (mostly) down, and it's just family, dancing, and stories. @shakess09 @uthsaav @abhishekdecorators @diegostuartfilms @pinnacle_live @omnihomestead @carolinaeliteevents @cbcatering.usa @makeupsolutionsbynila We love when a venue becomes part of the celebration instead of just a backdrop. Got a mountain wedding or sangeet in the works? Drop a comment or DM us — we'd love to hear about it.

There`s a very short list of moments that can rival a mother`s joy on her daughter`s wedding weekend — and this forehead-to-forehead hug is definitely on it. Maybe her birthday gives it a run for its money, but honestly? I`m not so sure. The way she cupped her Mom`s face just as Mom was getting emotional, mehndi and all, said everything words couldn`t.



Moments like these are exactly why we do what we do, why we want to be present for you and YOUR family. Have a mother-daughter moment from your wedding you`ll never forget? Tell us about it in the comments, or DM us to chat about capturing yours.

@abhishekdecorators @cbcatering.usa @diegostuartfilms @pinnacle_live @omnihomestead @uthsaav @makeupsolutionsbynila

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Open post by theregetis with ID 18124744342698808
There's a very short list of moments that can rival a mother's joy on her daughter's wedding weekend — and this forehead-to-forehead hug is definitely on it. Maybe her birthday gives it a run for its money, but honestly? I'm not so sure. The way she cupped her Mom's face just as Mom was getting emotional, mehndi and all, said everything words couldn't. Moments like these are exactly why we do what we do, why we want to be present for you and YOUR family. Have a mother-daughter moment from your wedding you'll never forget? Tell us about it in the comments, or DM us to chat about capturing yours. @abhishekdecorators @cbcatering.usa @diegostuartfilms @pinnacle_live @omnihomestead @uthsaav @makeupsolutionsbynila

That laugh. That stride. That candid, can`t-fake-it energy — this is the stuff we chase every single wedding season. 😍



So... if you`re getting married in 2027, we need to know! Drop your date below 👇 and tell us — are you thinking just photo + cinema, or are you ready to go full Legacy Makers experience with The Regeti`s and Diego Stuart Films? Either way, we`d love to chat. DM us or book a consult — let`s make your walk this good too.

@abhishekdecorators @cbcatering.usa @diegostuartfilms @pinnacle_live @omnihomestead @uthsaav @makeupsolutionsbynila

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Open post by theregetis with ID 18027983927847628
That laugh. That stride. That candid, can't-fake-it energy — this is the stuff we chase every single wedding season. 😍 So... if you're getting married in 2027, we need to know! Drop your date below 👇 and tell us — are you thinking just photo + cinema, or are you ready to go full Legacy Makers experience with The Regeti's and Diego Stuart Films? Either way, we'd love to chat. DM us or book a consult — let's make your walk this good too. @abhishekdecorators @cbcatering.usa @diegostuartfilms @pinnacle_live @omnihomestead @uthsaav @makeupsolutionsbynila