Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram: A Tamil Wedding by the Sea

There are some weddings where the energy, the light, and the setting align so effortlessly — it feels like magic. That’s exactly what happened at this Tamil wedding we recently photographed at the Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay in Mamallapuram.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Bay of Bengal, this property offers more than just a luxurious venue — it’s a place where tradition meets tranquility. Every frame here came alive with warm coastal sunrises, ancient temple silhouettes, and the vibrant spirit of a Tamil celebration.

A Sacred Muhurtham by the Ocean

The wedding ceremony took place at dawn, as is customary in many Tamil weddings. The bride walked barefoot on the grass, her saree trailing gently behind her, with the rhythmic beat of the nadaswaram echoing in the breeze. The mandap was set up by the sea — simple, elegant, and facing the rising sun. As photographers, we couldn’t have asked for a more ethereal canvas.

From the golden hues of the early morning to the stillness of the sea behind the vows — every element added to the emotional gravity of the moment. The couple exchanged garlands just as the first light hit the waves.

Design That Let the Culture Shine

The décor was rooted in Tamil tradition, with banana leaves, marigolds, and brass urulis lining the pathways. There was no over-the-top styling here — just thoughtful, minimal design that paid homage to the rituals and the coastal surroundings.

We particularly loved capturing the little in-between moments: the bride’s grandmother adjusting her saree pleats, the groom sharing a quiet laugh with his cousin, and the sacred fire flickering in the ocean breeze.

A Resort That Understands South Indian Weddings

What makes Radisson Blu Temple Bay a favorite among couples planning Tamil weddings is its versatility. It has spacious lawns that can host a full-scale muhurtham or reception, sea-facing villas for the families, and stunning spots for portraits at every turn.

Whether it was the long palm-lined walkways, the infinity pool reflecting sunset hues, or the proximity to the Shore Temple — every corner of this resort gave us a new story to tell.

Evening Reception Under the Stars

The celebrations didn’t end with the morning rituals. The evening brought a breezy beachside reception, where fairy lights met the sound of the waves, and the couple danced under the stars. There was joy, laughter, speeches in Tamil and English, and the warm clink of filter coffee tumblers.

We ended the night with a quiet couple shoot under the lit temple dome — a modern love story framed in the timeless elegance of the South.

Beyond Labels: A Fun-Filled Gender-Neutral Wedding At The Tamarind Tree, Bangalore

Love finds its way for those who are destined to be together. Aditi and Amrit had known each other from their school days, but they discovered their feelings for each other much later in life. Eventually, that led to their decision to get married in a vibrant wedding ceremony.

The lovely couple decided to take their vows in a majestic setting, accompanied by their family and friends. They selected Tamarind Tree in Bangalore as the wedding venue. With its blend of natural elements, this spacious heritage venue provided the perfect backdrop for the wedding.

Click here for our complete Tamarind Tree Bangalore Wedding Guide.

A Lively Mehndi Ceremony

Aditi and Amrit’s mehndi ceremony marked the start of their wedding celebrations. Dressed in a pink and orange lehenga choli and her hair let loose, Aditi looked resplendent. She completed her look with elegant jewellery.

Amrit wore an off-white kurta set and layered it with a half-sleeve jacket in pink and off-white. He looked dapper with his hair tied back in a neat bun and a gorgeous necklace adorning his neck.  

Aditi and Amrit made their entry to the flower-decked venue on a bike. Their friends, who had traveled from around the world, welcomed them with a flower shower and smoke bombs.


While Aditi went for elaborate mehndi designs that covered her forearms, Amrit got his palms covered in matching traditional designs. The fun-filled event had the vibe of a party and involved a lot of dancing and merry-making. Many of their friends and family, too, put on mehndi on their hands.

A High-Octane Sangeet

A sangeet followed the mehndi ceremony. It was a dazzling evening event in which everyone participated with equal enthusiasm.

Amrit and Aditi took to the stage and mesmerised everyone with their performances. Their friends, too, participated in the event with several dance performances that elevated the mood of the evening. The venue, decorated in canopy style and highlighted with fairy lights, proved to be an ideal setting for the event.  

A Memorable Tamil Wedding

Aditi and Amrit were sure about one thing – they wanted their wedding to be a gender-neutral affair.

For the wedding ceremony, Aditi dressed up in traditional Tamil style. She chose a bottle-green silk saree with a golden border and paired it with a pink bouse. Adorned with traditional jewellery and a floral garland in her hair, she looked every bit the quintessential Tamil bride. We captured the glowing bride in various moods as she got ready for this big event of her life.

Amrit looked chilled out in a cream kurta and white dhoti. We had a lot of fun clicking them together as they had a good time just before their wedding ceremony began. When it was time for the wedding, the groom changed into a traditional off-white dhoti with a sleek border.

The open-air floral-decked wedding venue overlooked a beautiful pond. The bride entered the venue accompanied by her brothers and her pet dog. Her brothers held the chaddar for her as she walked to her wedding.

The couple followed traditional Tamil wedding rituals for their marriage that involved events like maalai maatral (exchange of garlands) and oonjal (sitting on a swing).

What turned it into a unique wedding was that they observed kanyadaan as well as purushdaan as part of their wedding rituals. The couple also tied thali to each other to mark their wedding ceremony.

After the wedding, both Aditi and Amrit went for grahpravesh. They had a traditional feast served on banana leaves as part of the wedding ceremony.

A Gorgeous Cocktail Party

The couple hosted a post-wedding cocktail party for their friends. Aditi turned up for the event in blue and pink, while Amrit twined in a blue outfit.

Friends and family members of the couple took to the stage and shared anecdotes and good wishes for the couple. Everyone had a lot of fun. After the event, we captured the couple in a quick photo shoot.

To Wrap

This wedding was a path-breaking one in many ways. We had a lot of fun capturing shots of this lovely couple, but it was their gender-neutral rituals that made a lasting impression on us.

Brunton Boatyard CGH Earth, Kochi: A Gorgeous Gujarati Destination Wedding

Every love story deserves a fairytale ending, and for Jhanvi and Michael, their dream came true in the serene city of Kochi. As a wedding photographer, I had the incredible privilege of witnessing and documenting their love-filled destination wedding at the picturesque Brunton Boatyard by CGH Earth in Kochi. From the vibrant Mehndi ceremony to the emotional wedding vows, and the joyous reception, every moment unfolded like a captivating story against the backdrop of a destination wedding that will forever be etched in our hearts.
Click here for The Best Destination Wedding Venues in Kerala Guide
& our
Destination Wedding Locations in India Guide.

A Warm Welcome

The day began with a heartwarming welcome, as the families and their loved ones gathered at Brunton Boatyard, lovingly transformed into "Gudka Niwas" to honor Jhanvi's family name. The air was filled with excitement as guests were adorned with garlands and received a traditional tilak. 

Mehndi Magic

As the day progressed, Jhanvi's radiant smile illuminated the atmosphere as she adorned her hands with intricate Mehndi designs. Surrounded by her cousins and friends, the celebration came alive with the enchanting performances of Kathakali artists, adding a touch of cultural elegance to the occasion. With the setting sun casting a golden hue, we captured timeless portraits of Jhanvi and Michael.

The Grand Welcome Dinner

The welcome dinner was a night of celebration and merriment. Amidst the laughter and heartfelt speeches from family and friends, the highlight of the evening was the mesmerizing performance by Jhanvi's aunts, who delighted everyone with their graceful dance moves. 

A Gujarati Wedding Extravaganza

On the day of the wedding, anticipation hung in the air as the bride and groom prepared to embark on a lifelong journey together. Jhanvi donned a resplendent red and off-white lehenga, adorned with intricate details and a delicate veil that added an ethereal charm to her beauty. Michael was welcomed with exuberant dhol beats and vibrant dances, symbolizing the merging of two cultures and families.

Amidst a backdrop showcasing the breathtaking Kochi backwaters, the wedding ceremony unfolded in the traditional Gujarati style. Jhanvi, accompanied by her brother and cousins, made a grand entrance, showered with fragrant petals. The Unicorn Weddings team had crafted a magnificent decor, emphasizing the beauty of the surroundings. As Jhanvi and Michael circled the sacred fire, pledging their love and commitment, the joyous atmosphere was tangible.

The wedding reached its emotional crescendo during the Sindoor ceremony. Jhanvi, filled with love and reverence, exchanged her traditional mangalsutra necklace for a personally crafted wedding bracelet, symbolizing their unique bond. 

As the sun began to set on this extraordinary day, Jhanvi and Michael bid farewell to their loved ones, embarking on their new journey together. A vintage car awaited them, carrying them into the sunset.

An Enchanting Evening Reception

The evening reception was a magical affair. The couple made a grand entrance, hand in hand, radiating love and happiness. The decor embraced an intimate ambiance, with candlelit table settings creating a warm and romantic atmosphere. Jhanvi and Michael shared a mesmerizing first dance.

The heartfelt speeches from Jhanvi's father and mother resonated through the room, leaving no eye dry. Their words beautifully expressed the love and pride they felt for their daughter and their joy in welcoming Michael into their family. The dance floor soon came alive with laughter, joyful conversations, and the soulful melody of Michael singing alongside his friends.