How Pankaj & Darshana’s Love Story Began
Pankaj and Darshana’s post-wedding shoot illuminated the vibrant cityscapes of Bangkok, Thailand. Pankaj cleverly tricked his bride into packing outfits for their stunning photoshoot, emphasizing how the time and effort he invested in planning everything paid off. The journey began when Darshana’s mother expressed interest in Pankaj as a potential son-in-law on a matrimonial website. Pankaj recalls, “I wasn't a regular on the portal, and by the time I noticed Darshana's update, she had already deleted her account. I was eager to connect, so I sent her a message on Facebook and followed up with a friend request.” This led to message exchanges, birthday greetings, and eventually, a date. “What started as a casual coffee break turned into a four-hour date,” he adds. After several meetings, Cupid successfully worked his magic, and the couple decided to tie the knot.
Source: WeddingSutra
Source: WeddingSutra
Source: WeddingSutra
The #DarPan wedding featured a blend of traditional Sindhi rituals and exotic carnival dancers, but the highlights were the surprises Pankaj meticulously planned. “From our caricature wedding invitation cards to the artist performances, our honeymoon, and even the post-wedding photoshoot, everything was a surprise for Darshana. While planning these details required significant effort, her priceless reactions made it all worthwhile.” For their post-wedding shoot, Pankaj whisked Darshana away to Bangkok, the "land of smiles," to capture joyful moments.
Source: WeddingSutra
Source: WeddingSutra
Source: WeddingSutra
Source: WeddingSutra
As an event planner experienced in orchestrating weddings in Bangkok, Pankaj was familiar with the city's locales and knew exactly where to take their photos. “I selected three iconic locations: the lively Khaosan Road, the striking Sathorn Bridge surrounded by towering buildings, and the stunning Wat Benchamabophit Temple. In recent years, Bangkok's street art has flourished, becoming an essential part of the city's scenery. We captured a series of photos against a vibrant wall of street art, swapping our fairytale attire for modern looks,” Pankaj recalls.
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Source: WeddingSutra
Source: WeddingSutra
Thanks to his connections in the events industry, Pankaj had a list of Bangkok-based photographers to choose from. “I knew many photographers there, but I selected Nant because I admire his creative approach to photography. He’s not just an excellent photographer; he also has a flair for artistic editing, making his work stand out. Plus, he speaks fluent English, which is a rarity among photographers in Thailand,” Pankaj explains. He also paid close attention to detail, including hair and makeup for himself, as it’s often overlooked by grooms. “Mrs. Dilraj Arrora, one of the leading Indian makeup artists in Bangkok, took care of our hair and makeup.”
Source: WeddingSutra
Source: WeddingSutra
Source: WeddingSutra
Source: WeddingSutra
While all the preparations went smoothly without Darshana suspecting anything, the challenge arose when Pankaj needed her to pack the right outfits. “At first, I considered sneaking her clothes into my bag! After some thought, I devised a plan. We were headed to Goa after our reception for post-wedding celebrations. A few hours before our departure, I suggested to Darshana that she pack some lovely clothes in case we found a photographer in Goa for some photos. She agreed, and I managed to get everything I needed for our shoot,” he shares.
Source: WeddingSutra
Source: WeddingSutra
However, that wasn’t the only hurdle Pankaj anticipated. July is typically the monsoon season in Bangkok, bringing days of overcast skies. Fortunately, the couple spent their entire day shooting without a single drop of rain, as if the stars were aligned for them. “Our shoot lasted 14 hours, during which we changed outfits several times. Since we didn’t have time to return to the hotel, Nant brought a portable tent for us to change in. We were essentially changing clothes on the streets! Everything would have been compromised if it had rained, but luckily, the weather held off until we finished. The moment Nant took the last shot, the skies opened up, and we got soaked! It was truly one of the most memorable days of our lives. So much effort went into this day, but the results were fantastic. Of course, credit goes to Nant for capturing the chemistry between Darshana and me perfectly and to Dilraj for making us look like movie stars!
Advice for Couples
“If you're planning a photoshoot in Bangkok, choosing a photographer who speaks English is crucial to avoid language barriers. Additionally, select your locations in advance, as some spots may require permissions that can be time-consuming and costly.”
Photos Courtesy: PhotoNuma
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Why Bangkok Was the Perfect Post-Wedding Shoot Destination
Bangkok, often called the Land of Smiles, offers everything a destination wedding planner looks for:
Urban skylines
Historic temples
Vibrant street culture
Modern street art
Easy logistics
For couples, it means capturing multiple moods in a single day, making it one of the best international locations for post-wedding photography.
Iconic Locations Chosen for the Bangkok Post-Wedding Shoot
Drawing from his experience as an event professional, Pankaj shortlisted three iconic locations:
1. Khaosan Road - Urban Energy
Perfect for lively, candid shots that reflect the pulse of Bangkok.
2. Sathorn Bridge - Modern Architecture
Towering buildings and dramatic city lines created bold, editorial-style frames.
3. Wat Benchamabophit - Timeless Elegance
The serene marble temple added tradition and grace to their visual story.
Street art walls were also used to add a contemporary fashion-editorial vibe.
Choosing the Right Photographer for a Bangkok Post-Wedding Shoot
Selecting the right photographer is critical-something every experienced wedding planner emphasizes.
Key reasons behind Pankaj’s choice:
Strong creative vision
Advanced artistic editing
Fluent English communication
Experience with long outdoor shoots
This ensured smooth coordination across locations, outfits, and time constraints.
Hair, Makeup & Groom Styling - Often Overlooked, Always Important
While brides usually plan every detail, grooms often skip grooming-something Pankaj consciously avoided. Professional hair and makeup for both bride and groom ensured consistency across 14 hours of shooting.
This attention to detail reflects luxury wedding planner standards, even for post-wedding shoots.
The Biggest Challenge - Packing Outfits Without Suspicion
One of the most clever parts of the plan was getting Darshana to pack the right outfits-without revealing the surprise.
The trick?
A decoy plan involving Goa, suggested casually before departure. The result: multiple outfits ready, no suspicion, and a flawless shoot.
Weather Luck & A 14-Hour Marathon Shoot
July in Bangkok usually means rain. Surprisingly, the skies stayed clear for the entire 14-hour shoot. Outfit changes happened on the streets using a portable changing tent-true destination shoot professionalism.
The moment the final shot was captured, it poured-almost cinematic in itself.
Advice for Couples Planning a Post-Wedding Shoot in Bangkok
From a wedding planner perspective, here’s what couples should remember:
Choose an English-speaking photographer
Finalize locations in advance
Check permissions for temples & public spots
Plan outfits based on location themes
Be flexible with weather and timelines
Why a Post-Wedding Shoot Is Worth It
A post-wedding shoot allows couples to:
Avoid wedding-day stress
Experiment with outfits
Travel internationally
Capture editorial-quality photos
With proper planning, it becomes a once-in-a-lifetime experience, just like Pankaj & Darshana’s.
