"You are my everything, my all" exclaimed Mayuri as Rashmi applied haldi to her face.
Mayuri and Rashmi had their wedding within a week of each other. We were privileged enough to document their celebrations on both occasions but more importantly to witness their heartwarming bond.
I received a call from Mayuri who was planning her Indian wedding all the way from Germany. Not an easy task planning your wedding from overseas. We connected immediately. During our several conversations, she mentioned her best friend Rashmi is also planning her wedding and would love to connect us. I had little idea about the kind of connection I would then go on to witness between them.
They were by each other's side during the week, helping each other get ready, present during their bridal make-up, getting their outfits on (they even chose the same designer!).
Romantic relationships are often waxed eloquent about as being the ultimate bond, one to aspire, plan and make a final goal of life. From which would emerge all the support and love one is seeking. But I think a lot can be said of the strength of female friendships. They can often be our pillars, our true north. Someone's who in our corner no matter what version of ourselves we bring to them. This is something I personally still continue to discover in my own life.
Of course credit also goes to the other two people in this equation, who are happy to complement this friendship as partners - Shardul & Abhinandan.
Since then we've gone on to shoot more weddings within this circle of family and friends. However this week in November will always be Mayuri & Rashmi's week (and Shardul & Abhinandan's too).
If you're wondering, yes, they also went on their honeymoon together :)