This Bride and Groom were looking for an adventurous engagement session and that’s exactly what the potential of Rajasthan, India had to offer. Along with their incredible photographer, Adi of Axioo Bali, they chose seven stunning locations to document the beginning of their journey into marriage and oh, my friends, is it magnificent. Take a peek in the below for a list of the beautiful spots you see below!
From the Bride… Every girl dreams of a fairytale ending, but I personally aim for the adventure. I always knew that our ideal engagement session should represent what I want in my relationship and marriage, a thrilling adventure. It should signify the beginning of an escapade, not the end of it.
We chose India despite having zero idea about it. It got even more exciting when our photographer also admitted to having no experience whatsoever about the exotic destination. Knowing that we got our work cut out for us, we explored and surveyed the area a day prior. You’d think that I’d be a nervous wreck for being absolutely clueless, but therein lies the excitement and joy in the uncertainty of it all!
Our little team set our eyes on this beautifully haunting spot, a 4,000 year old cemetery located in Ahar, Rajasthan. Yes, you read that right – a royal cemetery named Ahar Cenotaphs. This is the spot where the stories of Maharajas and royals were told, and I just knew I couldn’t miss my new favorite spot for the world – even if we had to keep it hush hush from our parents. It’s traditionally considered taboo for a bride and groom to step foot anywhere near an inauspicious event.
Thanks to the internet (and everyone’s eagerness), we did more research and decided to start early next day. We then secured permits for the “no photo” zone and gained access for early entrance. Our prewedding adventure then began 3 am with makeup in progress and setting out as early as 4:30 am. The rush only added the element of fun and to our success, there were little crowd and we managed to catch the sweet golden hour.
I really have to credit the success to our photographer Adi from Axioo Bali. I know it’s easy to find a wedding photographer these days in the era of Instagram and everything else, but finding one that you have a good chemistry with can be quite tricky. Adi was not only super professional behind the camera, but he brought out our inner confidence with ease. His directions were clear, and most of all, his enthusiasm was genuine.
Truly, it’s a pre-wedding session of our dream: An epic adventure in an out-of-storybook location, plus a sidekick photographer that has it all.
Photography: Axioo Bali | Dress: Hope Stanley | Makeup Artist: Kathleen Claudia | Location: The Pierre | Location: Albert Hall Jaipur | Location: Hawa Mahal | Location: Amber Fort | Location: City Palace | Location: Ahar Cenotaphs | Location: Nahargarth Fort