So much of life’s joy lies not only in experiencing wonderful events, but also in anticipating them. When we look forward to something, like a child eagerly awaiting Christmas morning, we create dreams for the future. Our minds become alive with hope and optimism and we live in the belief that tomorrow will bring something beautiful. That’s why, in many cultures, the period before marriage is nearly as important as the wedding itself. It allows the couple to grow closer through sharing their wishes and goals; both keys to a successful marriage. It’s also a celebration of creativity, freedom, and expression, as you’ll see in these Indian pre-wedding photos in Cyprus.
In India, the pre-wedding period has a special and enduring cultural importance. Traditionally, when most marriages in India were arranged, couples fell in love during the months leading up to their wedding. Their families and friends grew closer, too, as they guided the couple through a series of pre-wedding celebrations: First the Roka (engagement announcement and blessing), then the ring ceremony and Haldi day, a party at both families’ houses. Finally, the bride would be decorated with Mehndi and the families celebrated Sangeet, an evening of music and dance.
Even today, the pre-wedding period gives Indian couples the time and space they need to grow together. It’s seen as a chance to fall in love all over again before the hectic, busy wedding begins. To capture these precious, fleeting moments, many couples pour their heart into creating the perfect pre-wedding photoshoot. In addition to being a collection of beautiful photos, the pre-wedding photoshoot is an expression of who a couple is. Like a fingerprint of the soul, it’s a retelling of their love story in visual form.
As a Paphos wedding photographer, I’ve frequently had the privilege of welcoming Indian couples to Cyprus to celebrate their engagement. However, as soon as I met Meesha and Ravi, I knew their shoot would be special. Their vision, passion, and devotion to one another was evident in every detail of their pre-wedding plans.
For these Indian pre-wedding photos in Cyprus, we headed to a secluded spot within the courtyard of the Elysium Hotel. Here, framed by lush vines and classical stone pillars, Meesha shone with mythical beauty in her intricate traditional gown. Like the heroine of a Bollywood film, she embraced her prince in the sacred quiet of the hotel’s private garden. Then, as though stepping through time into the present day, the couple continued their romantic walk in modern attire. With this simple gesture, they showed that love is timeless and eternal, enduring through changing societies and traditions. They united the magic of the past with the dynamic, vibrant present being embraced by Indian youth.
As the shoot progressed, Meesha and Ravi walked hand-in-hand, pausing occasionally to kiss, or to appreciate the wonder of nature. They took joy in the glow of sunset, the smell of flowers, and the calm sigh of the sea… In every step, there was a beautiful moment to savour together. In every heartbeat, there was an echo of love’s never-ending story. Together they remind us that in love, as in life, the journey is just as important as the destination.
