BAPS Swaminarayan Temple Auckland – Indian wedding photography

Photographed by Isaac & Amber

Chandana & Sai’s wedding took place over a week – with many Indian traditions to capture. They’re based in the US … and if you think planning a multi-day, huge event is a mission – try doing it from overseas!

This is a small preview across all the days – from their relaxed beach wedding vows, through to the ceremony and reception days.

Their final collection of images has more than 2500 images from across the week… here’s just 100 to give you a taste of what it was all about. Enjoy 🙂 

DAY ONE – VOWS


Chandana & Sai wanted to write their own personal vows to one another and make it really meaningful.
However – they didn’t want to try squish these into the short civil ceremony that needs to happen alongside the Indian wedding ceremony – as there was already plenty happening that day!

So they decided to make the most of the opportunity – and took a trip out to one of their favourite beaches – Bethells Beach on Auckland’s west coast.

At sunset, they walked along the beach, until we found the perfect spot – and they shared their promises with each other. It was intimate, secluded, and absolutely perfect.

DAY TWO – SANGEET

Chandana & Sai had their sangeet party at The Wharf in Northcote.

It was a super fun evening – complete with performances from both sides of the family (a family dance-off – no less!) – some beautiful food, and plenty of epic dancing.

Just before they joined their guests inside – we sneaked away for a few photos in their outfits, at a nearby location.

DAY THREE / FOUR – CEREMONY


The wedding ceremony took place at the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Avondale, Auckland.

Early in the morning we headed over to capture Sai & Chandana getting ready, followed by their arrival at the temple and welcome of their families.

We’re pretty familiar with many of the customs involved in Hindu weddings – but one thing I really love is that every single time, there is a tradition that I’ve never seen before. This time, it was Chandana being carried up the aisle of the temple by her family in a basket!

The day after the Indian wedding ceremony, there were some more rituals at Sai’s family home – followed by the civil ceremony. After that – we headed out to Muriwai Beach for a photo session.

DAY FIVE – RECEPTION

All too quickly – the final day had arrived. It was time for their beautiful wedding reception at the Cordis Hotel in Auckland.

Chandana’s dress weighed 20kgs… it only just made it to the USA from India in time for Chan’s sister to ferry it back with her to New Zealand. An entire checked luggage weight in one garment! It looked absolutely stunning.

Before the reception proceedings got underway, we headed out for a quick photo session in the nearby area. I love this part of urban, downtown Auckland – always plenty of great photo locations within a short walking distance.

Inside the reception, the decorations were spectacular – perfect lighting – and the food was amazing. There were beautiful speeches – some hilarious ones by their friends, and some really touching ones by their parents. Tears and laughter – what more could you want.

Finally, it was time to kick off the dancing. Their first dance was next level – clouds of dry ice wisping around the dancefloor, and then showers of fireworks. So magical!

They partied the night away (who knows where those energy reserves came from, at the end of a week worth of wedding!)… and what a party it was.

Chandana & Sai – thank you both for entrusting us with capturing these images.

We know it’s a massive deal, handing someone the keys to your wedding memories. We are so grateful that we got to hang out with you for a week – being the photographer basically means unimpeded access to everything … sometimes more access than the family get! You guys were always so welcoming, so gracious, and so patient with everything happening around you – total power couple.  

If you’d like to check out more of our Indian wedding work – click here :  Indian wedding photography. We are available to capture weddings anywhere in Auckland, or nation / worldwide.

Vendor Shoutout:
Reception Lighting: La Lumiere
Mandap decoration and styling: 0800 Mandap
Hair and Makeup: Lexia Dyer
Flowers: Floral Stylist