Indian Wedding

Last February, we had the chance to visit India for the first time. We already imagined that this experience would be special, but once we stepped out of Chennai airport, we were certain that we would experience a whole new planet on the following days, after all, we were in the incredible India, to shoot an Indian wedding. Chennai is the capital of the Indian State of Tamil Nadu. Located on the Coromandel Coast off the Bay of Bengal, it is the biggest cultural, economic and educational centre of south India. Chennai is home to many museums and galleries, and it is a major centre for music, art and culture in India, known for its classical dance shows aswell.

We already imagined that this experience would be special, but once we stepped out of Chennai airport, we were certain that we would experience a whole new planet on the following days, after all, we were in the incredible India. Sim and Kartik gave us such a sweet welcoming and they comfortably installed us in Chennai’s Novohotel alongside with all their invitees from all over the world. We spent the arrival day walking on the streets and damn, we were absolutely overwhelmed with the colors, the smells, the sounds, the beyond chaotic streets! Planet India was presenting itself to us in all its glory!

Day 1 was a day to get up before the sunrise. We had planned to do some shots on this amazing temple by the beach (Mahabalipuram Temple). However, once we got there, we were told that a special permit was required in order to shoot inside the temple area. The session was lost but the visit to the temple and surroundings was unforgettable. At this stage, jet lag was hitting us hard so we decided to go for a power nap after lunch. What was supposed to be a 30min/1h nap took 3h. Regardless, it was needed as the wedding celebrations would start on that night with this amazing welcome dinner on the Blue House. Day 2 celebrations would include the Haldi Cerimony (in which a paste of haldi is applied on the bride and the groom’s body before their wedding by their near and dear ones), the Holi party, traditional dances and Dinner with Sarangi Music. We had such a big expectation for this day!  The venue, Dakshina Chitra was absolutely amazing, we couldn’t be more amazed! Regardless, the sun was unforgiving and the temperatures were really hard to stand, yet we guess the adrenaline kept us going, and we had so much fun! The holi fest with that unique Indian background was an experience to remember. After a good night sleep, we headed to The Royal Palms for the Mehendi Cerimony. Celebrated by the Bride’s family, in this ceremony, a henna paste (Mehendi) is putted in the hands and feet of the bride, in beautiful and intricate designs, especially done with the help of an expert. After the Mehendi, everyone was ready for the Sangeet Party. The word Sangeet means music, but in an Indian wedding, it translates to Music Night or Musical Party. This music night is a celebration of the union of not only the couple, but the bonding of both families. It is here that both sides bring down their barriers and mingle in a fun environment. It’s usually held a day before and Sim and Kartik chose this amazing venue to celebrate it. It was huge, it was loud and it was fucking epic!! We finally got to the wedding day that happened in the Ideal Beach Resort. We still wonder how Sim, Kartik and all their invitees found enough strength to wake up at sunrise to kick off with the celebrations. The Groom’s arrival (Vara Yatra) is a celebration in itself… we were absolutely amazed with the vibe and with every single sound that was surrounding us, we were completely out of this planet, damn, what an experience! Kartik’s epic arrival ended with a Tilak ritual! The wedding was held in a Mandap which is a temporary structure constructed for the purpose of the marriage ceremony. This Mandap is an elevated platform and it was amazingly decorated with flowers, greenery and fabric. The Indian wedding ceremony has a lot of prayers and meaningful “steps”, yet we can underline the beautiful necklace the groom places in the bride. Then, both their garments are toed up together as they circle a fire seven times (saptapadi). The main significance is establishing friendship, which is the basis of a hindu marriage. After this, the newlyweds showered each other with rice (talambralu), and this symbolizes fertility, prosperity and happiness. 

Our friend Sebastian chose our film Neon.Ballroom. as his first review on Let’s tell a story club! We are so honored for this, thank you for your words Seb! Also, huge congrats to all the guys behind Let’s tell a story, such an amazing project you’ve put up together! (Riccardo, Sebastian, Giuseppe& Luigia, Shayne, George, Stam, Kristine Rhome, Remi & Pui-Yuk Schouten-Man)

Neon Ballroom: Some extracts:

Did you ever watch a movie that was so captivating, intense and visually astonishing that made your heart stop for a second? But when you were to tell your friends what the movie was really about you had a hard time finding the correct words? Well that’s how Jose’s films make me feel, and you know what? I love that feeling. He told me that: “I do not consider myself as a storyteller so neither my videos nor video-concepts have that in mind. I think my instinct always leads me to recreate a wedding video into a visual and emotional experience.”

Originality: That’s where Jose Santos shines the most. The Neon Ballroom is far beyond original – it sets new standards and boundaries to all wedding videography. In this film you will not find a chronological approach that concentrates on the venue, bride’s dress, speech or even the story per se; but you will be taken by force and against your will into a surreal universe, where the choice of cuts, color correction and use of music will slap you straight into your face and yell at you: “wake up, it was all a dream”

There are many ways how you can frame your subject but the right choice of lenses and distance can really make the viewer experience more. With all those tight shots you get the feeling that you are right there with the couple almost feeling their touch and breath. When you are almost too close, Jose cuts the film with a drone shot to give you a little break and space to inhale the film better. All in all the cinematography is not complex or technically difficult but is right on point and emphasized by the amazing edit and sound design.

“you are my person”

was told using binary code in Sam’s vows to Lou. Sam & Lou live in London, but they chose the beautiful Pousada Mosteiro de Amares in Portugal to celebrate their love with family and closest friends, and…what a ride it was! Sam’s vows were about binary code, and he told Lou “you are my person” in this code.

It was intimate, it was ethereal, it was emotional, it was a celebration of love and it was such an amazing party!

Thank you guys for all the love

“Viva el amor!!”

MR is a very happy Mexican girl who met Joel, a Switzerland native boy.

To celebrate their love the proper way, they have decided to get married twice. One celebration in Switzerland and another one in Mexico.

This is their second wedding film. This was a huge celebration, with “tequilla and fiesta” that lasted for 3 days.

This all event was an incredible experience… let’s face it, a Zapotec Wedding in Oaxaca Botanic Gardens is not every day…

We returned home with a lot of good memories… all the colors, the warmth of people, all the spiced food, the incredible Hierve el Água and it’s narrow, winding unpaved road leading there, with all the gear on our backpacks… gosh! We just have a blast!