A Celebration of Colour & Culture at Rosewood Mayakoba

Photographing Shanya and Shiv’s three-day wedding at Rosewood Mayakoba meant stepping into a celebration that was constantly changing. Across the weekend, Indian traditions, fashion, music, family, and the landscape of Mexico’s Riviera Maya came together in a way that gave each event its own character while still feeling connected to the same story.

What I loved most was the visual rhythm of the three days. There were moments filled with colour and movement, followed by quieter exchanges between Shanya, Shiv, and their families. As a photographer, that contrast gives me so much to work with. I can approach one part of the celebration with energy and spontaneity, then shift completely when the moment becomes more intimate.

Fashion was an important part of the story. Shanya wore custom Sabyasachi throughout the celebrations, styled by Puja, with each look bringing its own personality to the setting. I am always interested in how fashion interacts with architecture and landscape, and here the richness of the textiles, craftsmanship, and colour created a striking contrast against Rosewood Mayakoba’s tropical surroundings.

Emerald waterways, mangroves, tropical gardens, and the open landscape of the Riviera Maya gave me very different ways to photograph the couple throughout the weekend. Rather than treating the resort simply as a backdrop, I wanted the surroundings to become part of the visual language of the photographs.

SJS Events brought the three days together with a clear creative vision, while Sterling Experiences transformed each setting through florals and production that shifted naturally from vibrant daytime celebrations to more atmospheric evenings. With so many layers to photograph, my focus was always on finding the balance between the scale of the design and the smaller moments happening within it.

The wedding and my photographs were later published by both Vogue India and Vogue Australia. Seeing the celebration recognized by two editions of Vogue was especially meaningful because fashion, culture, and personal expression were such important parts of the weekend itself.

What I remember most, however, is the feeling of moving through three days where no two moments looked or felt exactly the same. Shanya and Shiv created a celebration deeply connected to their Indian heritage while allowing Mexico to become part of the experience. For me, that combination of tradition, place, fashion, and genuine emotion is what gave the photographs their identity.

A close-up of a couple touching foreheads and gazing into each other's eyes with affection outdoors.
A couple in white clothes holding hands, walking on a sandy beach near the ocean with palm trees and green bushes, under a partly cloudy sky.
A black and white photo of a man and woman facing each other outdoors. The man has dark, curly hair, and is wearing a light-colored, textured shirt with short sleeves and light-colored pants with his hands in his pockets. The woman has dark hair tied
A couple embracing on the beach with palm trees and cloudy sky in the background.
A black-and-white photo of a smiling young man and woman on a beach, facing each other, with rocks in the background. The woman has long hair and is wearing a sleeveless crocheted top. The man has short, tousled hair and is wearing a short-sleeved, p
An aerial view of a beachfront resort area with a swimming pool, outdoor tables with chairs, lounge chairs, and palm trees along the sandy beach.
Group of people walking towards the entrance of a modern building with large doors, surrounded by lush green tropical plants.
A couple dressed in white walking into a festive gathering or party, surrounded by people in white and light-colored clothing.
People gathered outdoors near a pool at a daytime social event, with palm trees, a modern building, and cloudy sky in the background.
An outdoor evening social gathering at a beachside venue with palm trees, string lights, and people sitting and standing around tables, enjoying food and drinks.
A woman in a dress taking a mirror selfie with a camera at a social gathering or event, with people talking in the background.
People dancing and socializing at a party or nightclub with pink and purple lighting, a wooden ceiling, and a sliding door.
People celebrating at a party or wedding reception, dancing, smiling, and holding drinks in a dark room.
Tropical indoor jungle setting with hanging wicker lamps, lush green plants, and a welcoming sign for Gina and John's banquet, October 14th, 2022.
A young couple dressed in traditional South Asian attire sharing an intimate moment on a wooden pathway surrounded by lush green tropical plants and hanging lanterns.
A couple dressed in traditional Asian attire standing on a wooden walkway inside a lush, tropical forest with decorative hanging lanterns overhead.
Outdoor seating area with circular white concrete bench and black cushions, orange throw pillows, a fire pit in the center, lush green bushes, a thatched-roof hut, palm trees, and a beachside setting.
A couple dressed in traditional Indian attire sharing a romantic moment near a fire with a background of green leaves.
Woman in a pink floral lehenga standing on a sandy beach with green bushes and a thatched roof hut background.
A happy couple walking hand-in-hand on a sandy beach, with traditional and colorful Indian wedding attire, in front of a thatched-roof hut and string lights, during evening.
Outdoor dining table set for a meal with pink napkins, wine glasses, candles, and floral decorations.
A table setting with a floral centerpiece of pink and orange flowers, lit candles in glass and wicker candle holders, and a reserved sign for immediate family.
A beautifully decorated dining table with pink and peach flowers, candles, wine glasses, and pink napkins in a cozy, lush outdoor setting.
Outdoor dining area at night with tables decorated with pink flowers and candles, surrounded by greenery and string lights overhead.
Outdoor dinner table set with flowers and candles near a beach with palm trees at dusk.
A man and woman performing a traditional dance on stage, wearing colorful traditional Indian attire. The stage is decorated with flowers and warm lighting.
A woman in traditional Indian attire dancing at a party or celebration, with colorful lights and motion blur in the background.
A young man and woman dressed in colorful traditional Indian clothing, dancing and celebrating at a cultural event or wedding, with a dark background and soft lighting.
A group of men dressed in traditional Indian clothing dancing on a stage decorated with flowers.
People dancing at a lively party with colorful lighting and string lights, with flowers in the foreground.
People dancing at a celebration, wearing traditional South Asian attire, with one person in focus raising their hand and eyes closed in enjoyment.
People dancing at a party or celebration with colorful lights and fog, with a woman in the center raising her arm and holding a drink.
A flat-lay of wedding invitation cards, stamps, a necklace, a flower, and decorative elements on a wooden surface.
Black and white photo of a woman in traditional Indian attire and jewelry, smiling and holding a young man's neck. The woman is dressed in a floral-patterned saree, wearing earrings, a necklace, and a maang tikka. The man is wearing a dark textured s
A young man dressed in traditional Indian green attire with intricate embroidery, stands among lush green tropical plants beside a cream-colored wall, looking to his left.
A black-and-white photo of a woman with short dark hair, wearing traditional Indian jewelry, sitting on a wooden bench, holding a glass of water, with a serious expression on her face.
A couple in traditional Indian attire standing on a wooden dock by a green lake, with lush trees in the background.
Person in green pants and sandals sitting on a beige armchair, with a pair of brown embroidered slip-on shoes on an intricate patterned floor.
A woman and a man dressed in traditional Indian wedding attire, sharing a kiss outside a modern house with greenery on the side.
A young man dressed in traditional South Asian attire standing indoors in front of a plain wall with a large framed picture. He is wearing a dark kurta with decorative buttons and a matching patterned shawl draped over his shoulder, along with dark p
A blurred close-up image of a person in bridal attire, wearing a veil with golden embellishments and a tiara, with closed eyes and soft makeup.
A couple dressed in traditional Indian attire walking outdoors on a sunny day surrounded by lush green plants and tall palm trees.
A woman wearing traditional Indian attire and jewelry, leaning close to a man dressed in a green coat, against a blue background.
A man sitting in a modern, elegant setting, wearing traditional South Asian clothing with green kurta, gold embroidered jacket, and brown leather loafers. He is seated on a wooden chair with a white cushion, holding a smartphone.
A woman in traditional Indian attire and jewelry, adjusting her saree in front of a mirror, with vases and a tall decorative object in the background.
A couple dressed in traditional South Asian wedding attire, kissing amidst lush green tropical plants.
Close-up of a person wearing a traditional dark green embroidered outfit with gold accents, buttons, and intricate patterns, crossing their hands in front of their body against a light blue background.
A young woman wearing traditional Indian jewelry and clothing, looking at the camera with greenery partially obscuring her face.
A woman dressed in a traditional colorful embroidered gown, standing in a brightly lit indoor space with wooden sliding doors and stone walls.
People dressed in traditional South Asian attire walking outdoors in a garden with palm trees and a white building in the background.
A woman dressed in traditional Indian attire with jewelry, sitting with hands clasped, against a plain wall.
A woman with dark hair and earrings has makeup applied by another person, visible hand holding a brush. She is wearing traditional jewelry and clothing with intricate detailing, possibly for a special occasion.
People dancing in traditional attire on a dock by a waterway, with lush trees and palm trees in the background, under a partly cloudy sky.
People celebrating colorful festival with yellow smoke, wearing vibrant traditional attire, in a lush tropical setting.
A group of people dressed in traditional Indian clothing standing outdoors among lush green tropical plants and trees.
Outdoor wedding ceremony setup with rows of chairs decorated with flowers, an arch draped with flowers and ribbons, and lush greenery trees in the background.
A decorative floral arrangement at a wedding or event with pink, white, and peach roses, arranged on top of a post, with hanging garlands of pink and white flowers, surrounded by green palm leaves, under a blue sky.
A wedding altar decorated with pink and white flowers, including roses, set outdoors against a backdrop of lush green trees. The altar has white columns and chairs are arranged on a white aisle runner with floral arrangements along the sides.
A table decorated with various pink, peach, and purple flowers, with a row of wooden chairs with white cushions in the background at an outdoor event.
Outdoor wedding ceremony setup with rows of white chairs, a decorated floral arch, and a small staircase, surrounded by greenery and trees.
People standing together outdoors, celebrating or enjoying a moment, with some throwing confetti in the air, black and white photograph.
A person is holding a decorative flower pot with green leaves and a wrapped gift or item inside, and appears to be exchanging or offering it to another person.
A wedding procession walking under a floral canopy with women dressed in vibrant traditional attire, surrounded by lush greenery and onlookers capturing the moment.
A traditional Indian wedding ceremony with the bride and groom seated in the center, surrounded by family members. The bride is wearing a pink floral embroidered lehenga with jewelry, and the groom is in a green sherwani with a turban and floral garl
A man and woman, dressed in traditional Indian wedding attire, sitting outdoors surrounded by flowers and greenery. The man is smiling with his hand covering his face, while the woman is speaking, reading from a paper, and holding a microphone. Flowe
Aerial view of a boat sailing on a river near lush green tropical trees and a wedding ceremony with guests seated under a canopy.
A black and white photograph of a bride with a traditional Indian outfit. She is wearing intricate jewelry, including a headpiece and necklace, and is holding a floral garland. Her eyes are closed, and her hair is styled neatly.
A traditional Indian wedding ceremony with women dressed in ornate sarees and embroidered clothing, performing a ritual with flower and leaf decorations on the ground.
A couple dressed in traditional Indian attire sharing a kiss at their wedding ceremony, surrounded by floral decorations and guests taking photos.
Outdoor evening dining area set up with tables decorated with flowers, candles, and glassware, illuminated by hanging string lights, with trees overhead and a dark blue sky in the background.
Table setting with a decorative plate, gold cutlery, a black napkin, a menu, flowers, candles, and a glass of wine.
A large fire burning on a body of water at night, with reflections on the water surface and blurred lights in the background.
A long banquet table prepared for a formal event, decorated with floral centerpieces, candles, and glassware, set outdoors at night with city lights in the background.
A man and woman holding hands, dressed in formal evening wear, standing on a marble floor next to a wooden wall in an indoor setting.
A man and woman dressed in formal attire, closely embracing and looking at the camera. The woman has long dark hair, makeup, and a silver dress, while the man has dark curly hair and is wearing a tuxedo.
A man and a woman dance together outdoors at night. The woman is leaning back while dancing, and the man is holding her hand. Several onlookers are in the background, watching the dance. The scene is lit with warm lights and surrounded by greenery.
A man in a tuxedo with a bow tie holding a microphone is speaking at an outdoor event during the night. Other people in tuxedos are sitting at a table behind him, and string lights with round woven lamps are hanging above.
Guests at a formal dinner taking photos and enjoying a meal outdoors at night.
A bride and groom sharing a kiss at their wedding reception. The bride is wearing a white dress with leaf embroidery, and the groom is in a black tuxedo. There are string lights overhead and a wedding cake decorated with flowers on the table.
A white cake with a Skava & Shuv cake topper, placed on a white surface with a blurred background of greenery.
A person in a white shirt smiling and making a gesture with their hands, illuminated by bright lights background.
A woman being lifted above a crowd at a nighttime celebration, reaching with arms outstretched, under decorative hanging lights and surrounded by smiling people.
A couple dancing and smiling at a celebration. The man is wearing a white shirt with a black bow tie and black pants. The woman is wearing an elegant white dress with a geometric pattern. Other guests are visible in the background, and the ambiance s
Woman in an ornate dress dancing at a party or celebration, with blurred motion indicating movement, and other guests in the background.
Group of people at a celebration, with some holding sparklers, and a woman in a white dress bending backwards with her hands on the floor, surrounded by dancing and cheering guests.

Wedding Design Planning: Sjs Events, Venue: Rosewood Mayakoba, Floral and Production: Sterling Experiences, Bridal stylist: @styledbypuja, Wedding gown: @bridesofsabyasachi‍ ‍Sabyasachi, Bridal makeup: @zoeelizabethmakeup

  • Featured in Vogue India & Vogue Australia

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