Surya Garigipati is an Indian engagement and pre-wedding photographer in Flemington, New Jersey. A session runs two hours across one or two locations, with location scouting and outfit guidance included, and you receive more than eighty hand-edited images within two weeks, in time for save-the-dates. Save-the-date films are available too.
At a glance
| Session | Two hours, one or two locations |
| Included | Location scouting and outfit guidance |
| Delivery | More than eighty hand-edited images within two weeks |
| Film | Save-the-date films available |
| When | Three to six months before the wedding works well |
| Where | Across New Jersey, New York City and Philadelphia; travel within 90 miles of New Jersey is included |
| Photographer | Surya himself, who also photographs the wedding |
Why do a pre-wedding session at all?
The photographs are the obvious reason: portraits for the save-the-dates, the welcome sign and the families who want something to frame before the wedding. The less obvious reason matters more. Two hours in front of Surya’s camera before the wedding means that on the day itself you already know how this works: where to stand, how much to ignore the camera, how quickly a portrait is made. Couples who have done a pre-wedding session are visibly more relaxed in their wedding portraits, every time.
It is also the first time we work together properly, so by the haldi we know how you laugh, which side of your face you prefer and how your partner looks at you when they think nobody is watching.
Where should we have our engagement shoot?
Somewhere that means something to you, or somewhere with the look you want on the wall. New Jersey gives you both: the Manhattan skyline from the Jersey City and Hoboken waterfront, gardens in bloom in spring, and stone, brick and character in the older towns. We scout the location, plan the light and handle permits where a park needs one. Our guide to Indian engagement photoshoot locations in New Jersey compares the favourites, with the best time of day for each.
What should we wear?
Most couples bring two looks: one traditional, one Western, so the gallery has range and the second location feels like a new chapter. Outfit guidance is part of every session; we talk through colours against the location, fabrics that move and jewellery that photographs well. The full advice is in what to wear for an Indian engagement shoot.
Can we add a save-the-date film?
Yes. Save-the-date films are available alongside the session, made by our in-house cinematographers, with a vertical cut for Instagram. Our save-the-date video ideas guide has concepts that work well for Indian couples.
Do you photograph the engagement ceremony too?
The pre-wedding session is a portrait session for the two of you. The engagement ceremony itself, a roka, a sagai, a ring ceremony or an engagement party, is a family event, and we cover it as a single celebration: a lead photographer with a second shooter, full coverage of the event and a complete edited gallery. The guide to roka and sagai photography explains how those days run.
How do we book an engagement session?
Most couples book the session as part of their wedding collection, and every service we offer can also stand on its own. Send us your date and the look you have in mind; Surya replies personally within 24 hours. The investment page shows how sessions sit inside the wedding collections, and the portfolio has more pre-wedding work.
What couples wrote on Google
"Surya was absolutely exceptional for us! He went above and beyond in our engagement photoshoot, and on the day of, his team was awesome to work with." — Chetan Jhaveri
"We had a great time with Surya and his team capturing some of the best moments of our life. Right from pre wedding shoot to the wedding, Surya made sure to capture every frame in the best way… Even during a foggy day for the pre wedding" — Aishwarya Chandrasekaran
Planning the wedding too? Our pages for an Indian wedding photographer in New Jersey and a Hindu wedding photographer cover the main event.
Questions about engagement sessions
How long is an Indian engagement photo session?
Two hours, across one or two locations. That is enough time for two outfits and two different settings without rushing.
How many photos do we get from a pre-wedding shoot?
More than eighty hand-edited images, delivered within two weeks, in time for save-the-dates.
When should we do our engagement shoot?
Three to six months before the wedding works well: early enough for save-the-dates, close enough that you look the way you will on the day.
Do you help choose the location and outfits?
Yes. Location scouting and outfit guidance are included in every session, and we handle permits where a park requires one.
Can we get a save-the-date video?
Yes. Save-the-date films are available alongside the session, made by the studio’s in-house cinematographers.
Your engagement session
Tell us your wedding date and the kind of place you love. Surya replies personally within 24 hours.
Check Your Date