Tamil weddings are full of customs and traditions and it is a real honour as a wedding photographer to be involved in capturing this exciting event. Tamil wedding photography needs to ensure the atmosphere of this wedding celebration is immortalised in beautiful photographs to keep the memories alive forever. 

Days of Celebration Before the Wedding

Leading up to the formal day of the ceremony there are a number of important rituals that should be photographed as part of the wedding package. These can include:

• Panda Kaal Muhurtam – the bride and groom’s families pray to their deity for the couple to have a successful marriage.
• Palligai Thellichal – this is a ritual to bless the marriage and is usually conducted by 5-7 married women.
• Naandi Shardham – here the groom is welcomed to the bride’s home. There is usually a shower of rose water and the groom is fed sweets by his future mother-in-law to bless the couple.
• Vrutham – the day before the wedding the groom carries out a ritual to signify his transition from being a bachelor to being a married. A thread is tied around his wrist to ward off any evil energy. A ritual is also carried out by the bride. 

On the Wedding Day

On the day of the formal celebration, a variety of traditions and customs are enjoyed. This will often involve travelling to the home of the groom and then the bride. Rituals that seek blessing for the marriage from deities are also performed and exchanging garlands is a particularly fun event for everyone. 

After the couple has been pronounced as married there is a traditional giving away ceremony where the bride is handed over from the father to her new husband and their hands are tied with a sacred thread.

Tamil Weddings and Family

In the UK, weddings are mainly focused on the happy couple. Some close relatives have significant roles in the celebration but not to the extent that family is involved in a Tamil wedding. Family is hugely important during the rituals before the ceremony, including prayers for the couple to have a happy marriage together. 

The family also plays a big part on the day of the formal celebration with many customs involving both the bride and groom’s families. 

Sumangalis hold a particularly significant role during the celebrations. These are usually women who are relatives or friends of the bride and who have had happy successful marriages. They take part in a range of rituals and should be included in any wedding photography.

Choosing a Tamil Wedding Photographer

As a photographer who is experienced in Tamil wedding photography, I am aware that your requirements are likely to include much more than just the day of the formal marriage. 

I enjoy photographing the family rituals leading up to the ceremony, ensuring the vibrant colours of the clothing and food are captured and the laughter and fun are visible on every photograph. 

If you would like to discuss your wedding with me so that I can understand your requirements, please get in touch. I would love to be a part of capturing your memories at this exciting time.