I absolutely love being a wedding photographer.

Over the years, photography has taken me to some incredible places and allowed me to witness things I never imagined I would experience. I have photographed hundreds of weddings, met thousands of wonderful people and been trusted to capture some of the most important moments in their lives.

Even after all this time, I never take that privilege for granted.

Every wedding is different. Every couple has their own story, every family has its own personality, and every celebration brings something new. That is one of the things I enjoy most about my work. Wedding photography is not simply about taking beautiful photographs. It is about meeting people, building trust, experiencing different traditions and documenting moments that families will treasure for generations.

On Tuesday, I will have the enormous pleasure of photographing the wedding of Surbhi and Dale. Their celebrations will include not one, but two wonderful wedding ceremonies: a traditional British ceremony followed by a traditional Hindu ceremony. It promises to be an incredibly colourful, meaningful and emotional occasion, bringing together different traditions, cultures and families in one unforgettable celebration.

The wedding festivities began today when I visited Surbhi and Dale’s family home to photograph their beautiful Mehndi ceremony, often known as the henna ceremony. This was the first of several special occasions taking place across the three days leading up to and including the wedding itself.

As soon as I arrived, there was a wonderfully relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Members of both families had gathered together to enjoy the celebration, talk, laugh and take part in a tradition that has been passed down through generations. It was immediately clear that this was much more than simply having decorative patterns applied to the skin. It was a chance for everyone to spend time together, celebrate the upcoming marriage and share in an important cultural tradition.