Puja & Michael – 9.12.15

Puja and Michael, this was one of those couples that I think I was just as excited to photograph their wedding as they were to get married! I got an email saying they wanted to do there pre-wedding shots at a comic book store followed by a reception and ceremony at an art gallery. Like holy cow, talk about an awesome opportunity! Comic book store, SIGN ME UP!

These two were just so fantastically amazing to work with and photograph. From the moment we had our first video conference to meet each other I knew this was just going to be a blast to photograph. Puja and Michael both emit this happy nerdtastic vibe that got everyone excited (including this photographer!) to spend the day with them, celebrating their marriage.

Even meeting and getting to know each other was kind of a happenstance #dorklove story made by the cosmos. While attending Drexel (two completely different majors mind you, Engineering and English) they happened to cross paths in their final semester while taking a Philosophy in Science Fiction course. They bonded over their love of science fiction and as Puja put it, “the British musician Imogen Heap for some odd reason.” They said they both knew that they were each other’s plus one after spending a night meeting up for tea and closing it (and multiple other places down). They kept moving from location to location, chatting about life and common interests. It still took them like another few weeks to be forced to recognize by common friends that they had feelings for each other and were, in fact, dating though.

Their whole reception was completely them too. This is always great for a photographer who shoots so many weddings. I got to see something new and unique that was totally Puja and Michael. Their love of art, books and literature showed throughout the night. The centerpieces were made of antique and used books that they had spent months finding at various public library sales. After the second library they had more than enough books but they were so excited about finding new rare books that they discovered their new love of ‘book treasure hunting.’ Each place setting also featured library book checkout cards featuring details regarding the 2nd part of their weddings celebrations. Their cake featured their ‘love formula’ and they picked food from their favorite restaurants to cater.

Throughout the whole experience this couple was just so lovely to work with. Every time I got off the phone or sent an email I had a smile of my face. All the unique ideas and love these two had for what they were doing, made my job so much more fun and enjoyable. It was such a honor to get to photograph something so unique, capturing the love that Puja and Michael’s family and friends have for them, and the love they have for each other. So enjoy the photos below because seriously… who wouldn’t enjoy wedding shots in a comic book store!