Jyoti and Rajan

Everyone looked so beautiful in their finery at Jyoti and Rajan’s stunning Anand Karaj wedding ceremony at Singh Sabha Gurdwara, Southampton. I took the piece back to the studio to give more attention to Jyoti’s sensational dress, to the Punjabi on the chanani (over-hanging cloth) and to portray the kind, proud expressions in their parents’ portraits.

There was so much to take in… and I wanted to include it all! The whole way through the painting process, I felt I was going to omit the hanging chiffon decorations from the scene but decided to include them at the last minute… and I’m glad I did because I like their almost ethereal texture, which I feel adds to the spiritual vibe I was trying to recreate. I feel very honoured to be asked to paint ceremonies and regard holy places, such as these, with the utmost respect.