This photographer shares behind-the-scenes moments from the Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant wedding

Brides Today: You were an intrinsic part of one of the biggest weddings of the century. What was the experience like?

Himanshu Patel: It’s been weeks now, and we still haven’t fully recovered from what we witnessed over the past six months. I don’t think I will ever be able to do justice with words to describe how it felt. It was an unforgettable experience to photograph the wedding of the century. It felt like witnessing a live movie, unscripted and exclusive, never to be screened anywhere else.

BT: Could you share some unknown tidbits about the wedding and the Ambani-Merchant families?

HP: Both the Ambani and Merchant families are incredibly hospitable. Through this wedding, they showcased Indian culture and hospitality to the world. As our tradition says, ‘Atithi Devo Bhava,’ they treated everyone with immense warmth and respect at every event. The Ambanis share a wonderful equation not only with celebrities but with everyone around them, be it their employees, staff or any vendor. They always make you feel comfortable and valued.

BT: What one moment stood out from the myriads you caught from the Ambani wedding?

HP: The most special moment I captured was a series of photos depicting Viren Merchant walking his daughter Radhika down the aisle. It was bittersweet as her father beamed with pride mixed with a pang of separation. As they were about to reach Anant, he and Radhika shared a long hug, and in that moment, you could see a multitude of emotions in their eyes. While her father’s eyes held an unspoken understanding, in Radhika’s, there was a spark of excitement for the future. This sequence of photos captured the full range of emotions of their special day—the love, pride and bittersweet beginnings. It’s something I’ll never forget.

BT: How do you envision bringing a couple’s story to life through your photos and videos?

HP: Bringing a couple’s story to life is a deeply emotional and creative journey. It’s about reproducing the essence of their love, their unique connection and the beginning of their shared journey. Every couple has a story, and my goal is to tell that story in the most authentic and beautiful way possible.

BT: What do you love about being behind the lens at one of the most special occasions of a couple’s life?

HP: During the Anant and Radhika’s wedding, the Banaras theme was more than just a décor choice; it was a reflection of the sacred essence of this holy place. By focusing on these cultural nuances, I aimed to capture the richness of their heritage while also showcasing their modern love story. Candid, real moments filled with fun, love, and anticipation leading up to each event are crucial. These moments tell the story of the excitement and joy that surround a wedding. From the bride’s quiet moments of reflection as she gets ready, to the groom’s nervous laughter with his friends, each photograph adds a piece to the puzzle of their story.

BT: Do you have any favourites among all the celebrity and non-celebrity weddings you’ve shot?

HP: Each photograph is a piece of the couple’s heart, a memory frozen forever. The trust they place in me to capture their most cherished memories is something I hold dear. I get to witness the culmination of their love story, countless shared experiences, challenges overcome, and dreams realised. It’s a beautiful responsibility, and it fills my heart with gratitude. Each wedding I’ve had the privilege to capture holds a special place in my heart, whether it’s a celebrity or noncelebrity wedding. However, the recent wedding had some moments that stand out for their unique blend of emotions, settings and stories. Like I mentioned, there was a particular series of photos from the Ambani-Merchant wedding that I hold dear—the father walking the bride down the aisle. The emotions in that moment were palpable: the pride, the bittersweet sense of letting go and the joy for the future. Capturing Radhika’s father beaming with pride and the unspoken understanding in their eyes as they hugged was a powerful experience. Those photos are not just images; they are a visual symphony of love, transition and new beginnings.

BT: Is there one moment that you look forward to capturing the most? For most people, it’s when the bride is walking to the mandap, or the groom watching her at that moment.

HP: The moment when the bride walks to the mandap and the groom sees her for the first time is indeed magical and highly anticipated. The emotions in those few seconds are incredibly raw and powerful. The bride’s anticipation, the groom’s reaction, and the emotions of the bride’s family create a beautiful tapestry of feelings. However, there are other moments I look forward to capturing just as much, if not more. For instance, the quiet, intimate moments between the couple at the mandap when they think no one is watching often hold a special charm. It could be a tender touch, a shared laugh, or a fleeting glance— these moments reflect their unique bond and genuine love for each other.

BT: What are the most beautiful locations you’ve visited for your projects? Which were your favourites among them?

HP: We’ve been to more than 20 countries to unfold beautiful stories. Yet, my top three locations are in Rajasthan. The more I travel to different countries, the more I fall in love with India. No destination can beat Udaipur and Jaipur because of their rich culture, heritage, architecture and hospitality. These locations offer a perfect blend of historical grandeur and romantic beauty, making every shot timeless and enchanting. 

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