Sikh wedding cinematographer Coventry – Ruu and Nav
Is there any type of wedding more vibrant and colourful than a Sikh wedding? I had so much fun as the cinematographer for Nav and Ruu’s Coventry wedding film – what a day and night that was!
My day started at the family home of the bride, Nav. Nav was stunning in her red and gold wedding lengha, her hands decorated with an intricate mehndi pattern and her bridal bangles jangling prettily on her wrists. Sikh brides put an enormous amount of preparation into their wedding day and Nav looked utterly breathtaking. While I was with Nav my second cinematographer, Aleksandra, was with the groom. He sat solemnly as he had his traditional red turban fastened but there was no belying his eagerness to get to the temple and see his bride-to-be. I had only met Ruu in modern clothing before and he looked every inch the traditional Sikh groom in his elegant cream suit.
There was a real sense of excitement as I filmed guests arriving for the Sikh wedding ceremony at Ramgarhia Gurdwara in Coventry. The women’s jewellery and crystal adorned outfits sparkled brightly in the sunshine, giving me something pretty to film wherever I looked. Nav and Ruu’s conventional Sikh wedding ceremony included the milni which I always love witnessing. Weddings are about more than merely the bride and groom, they are about uniting two families to create a new and extended network of relatives, and the exchange of floral garlands represents this perfectly.
Ruu and Nav cleverly incorporated their contemporary tastes in a way which complemented the more formal aspects of their wedding perfectly. One of these was in their choice of reception venue: the Glass Box at the Honiley Court Hotel. The clear sided marquee afforded guests fantastic views of the surrounding countryside, and was large enough to accommodate the energetic bhangra dancing which took place later that night. Ruu was triumphant as he entered the reception with his gorgeous bride to the cheers and clapping of their guests.
Thanks to the bride and groom for letting me be part of their special day, and to their families for welcoming me into their home to film. It was a fantastic occasion I am glad I was able to film. Congratulations!
Photographer: Sunny Marwaha