Nicole Chan Photography, Best wedding photographer in Boston, MA

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  • Portfolio
    • Weddings
    • Family
    • Travel
    • Commercial
  • About
  • Info
    • FAQ & Pricing
    • Why hire us?
    • Blog
    • Favorite gear
  • Planning Tips
    • Should I book the same photo/video team?
    • Do I need a second photographer at my wedding?
    • How to live stream your wedding
    • Best Boston Venues
    • Best Engagement Spots
    • Microwedding
    • Boston Elopement Guide
    • Timeline Planning
    • Family Photo Tips
    • Boston City Hall Weddings
    • Boston Proposal Ideas
    • More wedding tips!
  • Contact

Indian wedding

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan PhotographyWHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A BOSTON INDIAN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER AND VIDEOGRAPHER

  • Full Day Coverage – Many photographers are surprised to hear that Indian wedding photography coverage will start with getting ready at 6am and won’t stop until the after party at 3am. Boston Indian weddings typically do not fit in the typical 8 hour wedding photography package. In the wedding photography and videography industry, there’s a funny thing that we call “The wedding vendor hangover” because wedding photographers won’t drink enough water or exercise enough leading up to wedding season. Pricing depends on number of days and hours.
  • Multiple Day Coverage – Many of our couples hire wedding photography and videography for multiple days of their Indian wedding celebrations. It’s typical for us to provide photography for Mehndi Parties, Sangeets, Day-After Wedding Brunches, and other wedding events.
  • Multiple photographers and videographers – Our team includes two Boston Indian wedding photographers and two videographers.
  • Experience and Understanding of Culture – We are fun wedding photographers that have photographed over 200 Indian weddings in New England.
  • Comfort in chaos – The best wedding photographers should be comfortable with the traditions of Indian weddings.
  • Here is more information about our Boston wedding videographer services.

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

BOSTON WEDDING INDIAN PHOTOGRAPHY TIMELINE

Take a look here for a sample timeline for a Boston Indian wedding as well as a handful of my timeline tips

As a Boston Indian wedding photographer who has been photographing Indian weddings for the last 11 years, we’re experts in crafting timelines! In the timeline, we also collaborate on a photo checklist so that we don’t miss any important portraits, detail photos, or others!

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

INDIAN WEDDING CEREMONY TRADITIONS

“Wow, you know more about the Indian weddings than I do.” I hear this often when I speak to couples on the phone about their photography.

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

Baraat

Baraat is a celebratory groom procession

These are some of the most energetic moments of the Indian weddings and we love to capture candid photos and video of everyone having a great time. Wide angle lenses for photography here are fun because they capture wedding photos with a lot of energy!

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

Dhol

Tip for wedding photographers: As a wedding photographer that likes to squat to get the best angles for wedding photography, I have gotten hit a couple times by the drum stick… and it hurts!

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

Milni

Milni is the introduction and welcoming ceremony. Sometimes, family members try to pick each other up during the hug.

In terms of Indian wedding photography traditions, this is one of the most light hearted candid events to get on photo and video!

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

Arti

The arti is a ceremony of light. It is part of welcoming during Hindu weddings. The mother of the bride waves lighted wicks around the groom before walking him to the mandap.

In order to get the best candid photo and video, stay close to the mother and use a wide angle lens, just in case you can’t back up. It’s important for Indian wedding photographers to remember that they’re not in a studio setting. In a studio, you get full control of the space. During Indian wedding photo and video, you’ve got one chance to capture these candid moments!

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

Ganesha Puja

This puja is performed on the special day for good luck. All auspicious ceremonies in Hindu religion commence with a prayer to Lord Ganesh.

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

Joota Chupai

The ultimate goal is to steal the Groom’s shoes. He takes them off prior to entering the mandap. It’s a big search and negotiation!

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

Kanyadaan

Kanyadaan signifies the acceptance of her father’s blessing.

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

Varmala

The varmala is when the couple first meet on the mandap. This is one of my favorite moments to capture at weddings and a photo that always makes it into the photo album. They exchange garlands to start off the Hindu wedding day.

Laaja homam

Laaja homam is the offering of puffed rice to a sacred fire.

Kansar

The groom will feed her sweets, sharing their first meal.

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

Mangalsutra

The auspicious thread represents love and protection, tying their souls together. This is one of my favorite photography moments to capture as a wedding photographer

Mangal Phera

Couples walk around the fire 4-7 times.

Ashirawd

The couple touch their parents’ feet and bow their heads to show obedience. I always get a emotional during these moments. It’s such a special sign of respect to capture in a photo. This is one of the “must have moments” that I like to include in the wedding video and also in the wedding photography gallery for my clients.

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

Mandap

The bride and groom have their Hindu ceremony in a pillared structure called the mandap. A family photography session usually happens afterwards.

Guests love taking their camera out to photograph a portrait on the mandap after the wedding.

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

Vidaai

The vidaai is an event that marks the beginning of the bride’s life as wife. Not all of my clients have a vidaai, but during these amazing ceremonies, emotions run high. Vidaais are specific to Indian wedding photography and there are beautiful candid moments to capture on camera.

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

INDIAN BRIDAL ATTIRE

Wedding photography also incorporates fashion photography. It’s important for me to capture a photo that she will love in her Indian bridal attire.

Chura

The Punjabi wedding Chura is a symbol of the blessings.

Maang tikka and bindi

The maang tikka is a piece of jewelry typically worn on the forehead. Love the stunning details!

Dupatta

The dupatta is a traditional scarf that South Asian women wear on their heads. Dupattas come in many different colors, patterns, details, and lengths!

Kalire

Kalires look like gold chandeliers. They have beautiful details and are so enjoyable to take creative photographs of.

Lengha

The lengha skirt typically has an intricate vibrant design. I love clothing photography for weddings!

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

INDIAN GROOM ATTIRE

Most people think of fashion photography to be females only, but men should get their spotlight photo, too!

Sarpech and Safa

A sarpech is a traditional brooch style ornament for the groom’s safa or turban.

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

THREE THINGS TO TO LOOK FOR IN AN BOSTON INDIAN WEDDING VENUE 

  1. Outside caterer – Be sure the venue allows outside catering service!
  2. Parking Lot or Garage – Many Boston South Asian weddings have 150-600 guest lists Esy parking service is ideal.
  3. Space for a baraat event! – Savor that vibrant moment on that horse or elephant!

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

BEST INDIAN WEDDING VENUES IN MASSACHUSETTS

  • Boston Marriott Cambridge
  • Hyatt Regency Cambridge
  • Indian Pond Country Club
  • Danversport
  • The Peabody-Essex Museum
  • InterContinental Boston
  • Lantana
  • Lombardo’s
  • Marriott Boston Quincy
  • Mechanic’s Hall

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

BEST BOSTON INDIAN WEDDING DECORATORS

  • Love Decor – I photographed Shruti and Rishi’s wedding day! Great service. Lovely people. Be sure to contact Shruti!

Here are some of Love Decor’s 5 star reviews:

“LoveDecor was a pleasure to work with for my mehndi night and shaadi reception. She works with your budget to make your dream wedding day decor come to life.” – Farah

“We hired Shruti and her team at LoveDecor for our wedding/reception day! We had a Sri Lankan/Greek wedding.” – Nishanthi

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

BEST BOSTON INDIAN WEDDING PLANNERS

  • Firgun Events
  • Blueprint Occasions

BEST BOSTON INDIAN WEDDING DJS & LIGHTING

  • SILK Events –  DJ Rishi and I went to college at Bentley together. He was always the life of the party. Check out their reviews here.
  • Xtreme Productions
  • Boston Light and Sound

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

BEST BOSTON HENNA ARTIST

  • Henna Cafe – Manisha is an amazing Boston henna artist for your mehndi or sangeet day. She’s wildly attentive to detail. Sometimes, brides request the name of the groom to be hidden so he can search for it. Love the detail that goes into this custom! Be sure to message her for pricing.

BEST BOSTON INDIAN WEDDING CATERER 

  • Masala Art
  • Gourmet India

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

BEST BOSTON WEDDING MAKEUP AND HAIR STYLIST 

  • Hitesha

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

WHAT KIND OF INDIAN WEDDING FILMS DO YOU CREATE?

We provide three different types of creative wedding films:

The first is a highlight film, a short-form emotional movie trailer of your wedding day.

The second is a clean edit, your ceremony start to finish.

The third is a short 59 second creative teaser film, perfect for Instagram friends!

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

WHAT KIND OF WEDDING PORTRAITS WILL WE TAKE?

We’ll take portraits of the individual bride and groom, the couple with their wedding parties, family portraits, and photographs of the couple with their extended family and friends.

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

WILL YOU TRAVEL FOR OUR DESTINATION INDIAN WEDDING WEDDING?

Absolutely! The team is excited to make an epic wedding portrait for you. We’ve traveled to six continents to photograph destination photographs!

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

WHAT IS YOUR STYLE OF INDIAN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY?

I’m a photojournalistic wedding photographer that documents the beauty of the candid.

I specialize in capturing candid moments and natural-looking timeless portraits. I believe that the best wedding photography tell a story of the couple. Our goal is always to be able to capture candid and meaningful photo and video, and ultimately design an heirloom wedding album and wedding video.

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH PRE-WEDDING OR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHS?

Yes! I love capturing South Asian pre wedding and engagement photos.

Some couples even have a destination pre wedding session! The photo session can be in the mountains, oceanfront, or even in my studio in Boston. Our portrait studio is at 177 Tremont St. The benefit to the portrait studio is that we don’t have to worry about the weather!

Capturing engagement photo sessions is a relaxed way to have photos that tell the story prior to the wedding day.

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

What can we do with our pre wedding or engagement photos?

My couples use their engagement and pre wedding photographs for save the dates, their wedding website, and large framed prints for their wedding reception!

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

Where can we read reviews about your award winning Indian wedding photography?

Wedding Wire Reviews and Google Reviews are established and credible.

If you look at most of the reviews, the underlying trend is that I am pretty dang good at capturing intimate emotions. My photo and video crew believe that capturing these candid moments tell the real story.

Here are some recent reviews:

“AMAZINGGGG!!!!! We had a three day Indian wedding and she made sure to capture every moment. She was so easy to work with. It was one of the best decisions we made. Everyone loved her and the wedding photos!!!! WE LOVE HER! :)” – Shruti

You can read more reviews here

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

Where can I read reviews for my wedding vendors?

Reviews are a great research! I like Wedding Wire for vendor reviews!

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

Is it important that my Indian wedding photographer be Indian?

Though I am not Indian, I have impressed many aunties and uncles with my understanding of the wedding day and sangeet traditions and Indian wedding day photography.

After 11 years of full time photography, 200 Indian weddings, I’ve danced to all of the Bollywood songs at the wedding reception and taken millions of engagement photos. We provide photo and video services for the smallest intimate Indian weddings to the largest ballrooms. Someday, I’d like to fly to India and photograph Indian wedding events in India.

When in doubt, check reviews!

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

If you could photograph a wedding in India, where would it be?

Delhi! Our photo and video crew wants to visit The Leela Palace in New Delhi. I’m also interested in photographing at The Roseate. I think it’d be a great day of Delhi luxury, but also intimate as the same time. I love reading TripAdvisor reviews and dreaming about our next destination!

Boston Indian Wedding Photographer Nicole Chan Photography

DO YOU OFFER DRONE PHOTOGRAPHY?

Yes. Adding in a photo and video drone service allows you to have an incredible birds’ eye photography view. I love the “up top” perspective for wedding photo and video!

When booking drone photo and video, be sure the pilot has his/her Part FAA 107 license.

INTERESTED IN BOOKING US FOR YOUR BOSTON INDIAN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY?

Let’s create a custom collection and packages for you. Each mehndi, wedding, and reception is different. We’re excited to be photographing your wedding, documenting your moment, and telling your love stories!

Contact us for your wedding day

a couple of women standing next to each other.

Sheraton Needham Boston Indian Wedding | Hemali & Josh

Chinese and Indian wedding at Belle Mer in Newport, Rhode Island by Nicole Chan Photography

Indian & Chinese multicultural Newport wedding in Belle Mer

Indian wedding at Omni Providence Hotel wedding by Karen, Providence Wedding Photographer of Nicole Chan Photography

Indian wedding at Omni Providence Hotel wedding, Sri + Sushant

Indian wedding photos at The Casino and Roger Williams Park in Providence, Rhode Island by Providence wedding photographer, Karen, of Nicole Chan Photography

Sangeet Indian wedding celebration at The Casino at Roger Williams Park in Providence, Rhode Island

boston-taj-hotel-wedding-boston-indian-wedding-photographer-nicole-chan-photography

Shrutih and Neel’s colorful cultural wedding at the Newbury Hotel

a wedding ceremony in front of a city skyline.

Indian Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson wedding

Boston Indian wedding photographer - Nicole Chan

Mughal-inspired Boston Indian wedding photography

Indian Boston InterContinental Hotel ballroom wedding

Indian Boston Intercontinental Hotel wedding

Danversport Yacht Club Indian fusion wedding photos

Indian wedding at Danversport Yacht Club – Sapna + Eric

Kirkbrae Country Club traditional Indian wedding ceremony photos

South Indian wedding at Kirbrae Country Club – Shreya + Alvin

Colorful and outdoor Belle Mer Indian wedding in Newport, Rhode Island

Sikh wedding at Belle Mer in Newport, Rhode Island

Indian Pond Country club south asian wedding photos in Kingston, MA

Indian Pond Country Club wedding: Keerthi & Peter

Culture and lifestyle of your wedding

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View more Boston wedding types

Vibe of your Boston weddings venue

  • Beach wedding
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View more Boston wedding settings

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617.506.9059
nicole@nicolechanphotography.com 

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