Batterea Arts Centre is a beautiful space for a wedding. Having photographed a couple of weddings here before I was so excited when I got an email from Joshna.  Little did I realise that Joshna was planning her wedding in the newly renovated Grand Hall. This space is epic and with a 400 strong guest list, I knew this would be an incredible day. 

I have photographed a couple of anglo-indian fusion weddings before but this was my first hindu ceremony. This is a ceremony steeped in history and tradition and it is so emotionally charged. It is full of moments and traditions that build to the final farewell and the beginning of the couples life together.

The final part of the ceremony is the Vidaai, a ritual of goodbye that is by far the most emotional part of the ceremony.  The bride says goodbye to her family, one member at a time, her parents are sending her forward into her new life.  It is incredible powerful to witness and I dare anyone not to tear up watching this ritual unfold. This is such an important moment in the cermony and one that needs to be documented so while fighting back tears I photographed Joshna’s Vidaai. I have to say this tradition really does embody the family bond.

A month before the wedding, I met up with Joshna at Battersea Arts Centre to take a look around the Grand Hall and to run through their plans for the day. We ended up having a drink and chatting about everything including falling in love. It’s a conversation that has stayed with me as it was so obvious that these two were meant for each other.

This wedding will always hold a special place in my heart. Joshna & Hitan completely trusted to document their day, giving the freedom to do what I do best, to witness and document. It’s incredible to watch 400 people pray and celebrate with a couple, to support and encourge a wonderful new adventure.

Battersea Arts Centre Grand Hall Wedding Photography

‘Lisa!!!! We are blown away, we were left awestruck last night, we can’t thank you both enough! Oh my gosh we went from tears to belly laughs and this began with the slideshow and continued on throughout the whole album!! Since the wedding we’ve just been getting on with life really, so going through the album really transported us back to everything from all the mad planning and shot nerves culminating into all the love and heart that was there on our wedding day. The moments you’ve captured are so wonderful. Thank you so so much, you’re an absolute genius! We can’t wait to share this with friends and family, I’m sure they’ll be equally blown away. We’ve already started organising viewing days.

Much love, Joshie and Hitan’

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If you are planning a Battersea Arts Centre Grand Hall Wedding & looking for a modern, honet, documentary London wedding photographer, get in touch.  

I want to get to know you, hear all about your plans and work with you to create some lasting memories.

Battersea Arts Centre Grand Hall Wedding Photography by Lisa Jane Photography