Surya Garigipati Photography & Films photographs Marathi weddings across New Jersey and New York: the haldi, the Gauri Har puja, the antarpat lowered at the end of the mangalashtak, the garlands, the saptapadi and the vidaai. Surya leads every wedding, a second photographer covers the other side, and the film team records the mangalashtak in full.
At a glance
| Traditions | Marathi ceremonies, among the Gujarati, Punjabi, Telugu, Tamil, Bengali and Sindhi weddings the studio photographs |
| Studio | Surya Garigipati Photography & Films LLC, Flemington, New Jersey |
| Experience | Weddings since 2013; more than 400 South Asian celebrations |
| Team | Lead and second photographer, cinematographers in-house since 2016 |
| Travel | New Jersey, New York City and Philadelphia included in every collection |
| Delivery | Sneak peeks within 48–72 hours; full gallery in six to eight weeks |
What makes a Marathi wedding different to photograph?
Its rhythm. A Marathi ceremony is usually held in the daytime, it is compact compared with many North Indian weddings, and its emotional peak is a single, collective moment: the antarpat, the silk cloth held between the bride and groom while the priests and guests sing the mangalashtak, lowered at the last verse so the couple see each other as the room throws akshata. Miss the second the cloth drops and the album is missing its most important page. Everything else in the plan is built around being in the right place for it.
Which moments do we plan for?
- Haldi. At home, in the morning light: close, colourful and full of family.
- The mundavalya and the green chuda. The strings of pearls tied across both foreheads and the bride’s green bangles, photographed close while she gets ready.
- Gauri Har puja. The bride’s quiet prayer before the ceremony, often in the yellow saree from her maternal family: one of the most intimate frames of the day, photographed without flash.
- The antarpat and mangalashtak. Two photographers, one on each side of the cloth, so we have the bride’s face and the groom’s as it falls, and the film team records the singing through lapel microphones and the sound system.
- Varmala, kanyadaan and saptapadi. The garlands, the giving away and the seven steps, from positions agreed with the priest beforehand.
- Mangalsutra and the vidaai. The thread tied and the farewell, which is often the moment the parents are photographed best.
- The reception. Lit with soft, constant light rather than on-camera flash, so a Paithani or a nauvari reads in its true colour.
How long should we allow for portraits?
Because the ceremony is compact, a Marathi wedding day often leaves more daylight for portraits than a long North Indian one. We use it: family groups straight after the ceremony from a list built with you on the planning call, then twenty to thirty minutes for the two of you in the best light the venue offers. The Indian wedding shot list shows how to build the list.
Where do you photograph Marathi weddings?
Across New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, in banquet halls, hotel ballrooms and temples. Travel within 90 miles of New Jersey is included in every collection, and our guide to Indian wedding venues in New Jersey covers the rooms we work in most.
How do we book?
Send us your date, your venue and the muhurtham if it is set. Surya replies personally within 24 hours, then a twenty-minute call and a written proposal, itemised to the dollar. Most couples book twelve to eighteen months ahead. See packages and prices and our page for a Hindu wedding photographer in New Jersey, or check your date now.
Questions Marathi couples ask us
Do you photograph Marathi weddings?
Yes. Marathi ceremonies are among the Hindu traditions the studio photographs, alongside Gujarati, Punjabi, Telugu, Tamil, Bengali and Sindhi weddings.
How do you photograph the antarpat?
With two photographers, one on each side of the cloth, so both faces are captured as it is lowered at the end of the mangalashtak. The film team records the singing in full.
Do you photograph the Gauri Har puja?
Yes, quietly and without flash, from a position agreed with the family. It is one of the most intimate moments of the morning.
Can you cover the haldi and the wedding as one booking?
Yes. The Wedding Weekend collection covers every event as one story with a consistent team; the haldi can also be booked as a single celebration.
How far ahead should we book?
Most couples book twelve to eighteen months out. Send your date and Surya confirms within 24 hours whether it is open.
Your Marathi wedding
Tell us your date, your venue and the muhurtham. Surya replies personally within 24 hours.
Check Your Date