Now showing: Old Kolkata locales help would-be brides, grooms set couple goals
Times of India | 7 February 2024
Kolkata: Iconic landmarks and famous streets of Kolkata have turned hot spots for pre-wedding photo shoots this marriage season with couples opting for pictures that encapsulate their romance with a blend of heritage and a dash of nostalgia.
Standing against the red-brick buildings of Bow Barracks, walking down the narrow lanes of Kumartuli flanked by the idols of various deities, driving on the front seat of a yellow cab dressed as bride and groom or navigating through colourful flowers in Mullickghat, couples can be spotted flocking these pockets followed by an entourage of photographers, make-up artists and other hangers-on.
According to the couples, the backdrop of Kolkata’s heritage lends splendour and a vintage feel to the photographs, both essential ingredients for social media.
“Pre-wedding shoots have become an integral part of marriages in the past few years. Couples set aside a sizeable amount from their wedding budget for the wedding shoots. Shooting inside a café, a marketplace or an ordinary room will make the pictures very average. But doing the shoot with Kolkata’s iconic landmarks as the background make the pictures stand out,” said Arnab Nandy, who organised his pre-wedding photo shoot in December.
Some of the most sought-after destinations are the flower market, riverfront, Prinsep Ghat, boipara, Kumartuli, yellow cabs, and hand-pulled rickshaws. Shoots are done either early in mornings or late in the afternoons to avoid the rush.
For many couples, fees running into tens of thousands are a small price to pay for images that they say encapsulate their romance. “Iconic monuments and heritage hot spots give a destination wedding effect to the entire photo gallery. They also give a vintage feel to the photographs that are excellent for posting on social media platforms,” said Bineeta Sengupta, who recently wrapped up her pre-wedding shoot in Bow Barracks.
To profit off the trend, wedding photographers have created their own Instagram handles of stunning brides-to-be walking down the steps of a ghat at the riverfront or groom-to-be bringing the baaraat in Kolkata’s iconic yellow cab.
“This is the latest craze among couples about to try the knot. And it works out good for us as we do not have to spend a fortune during the shoot,” said Sanjoy Ghosh, a wedding photographer.
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