After a seriously long search, interviewing many photographers in the New York City area, we had become so exhausted with the search that we ready to pick one of the many that we interviewed at random. None of them quite seemed to fit what we were looking for especially with the budget that we had in mind. When my fiance suggested that we drive out to New Jersey to meet Abhishek, I initially didn’t want to have to go through the effort of renting a car and going all the way out to meet him. I am so glad that she changed my mind! During that first meeting with Abhishek, we were very impressed. As soon as we left his place and got back in to our car, we knew we wanted to hire Pandya Photography.

During our meeting, Abhishek really took the time to get to know us as a couple. He understood our concerns and he was aware of the all the cultural factors to consider. We walked through the timing of all the ceremonies and events and he provided us some much needed insight based on other weddings he has photographed. We discussed the wedding attire and various logistics about how to handle photo shoots. Soon after that initial meeting we decided to work with Abhishek and kept in constant communication via e-mail about updates to the wedding itinerary and logistics. We talked about doing an engagement shoot at Central Park but the combination of weather and schedules didn’t work out. It’s too bad, because I’m sure it would have turned out amazing!

We had ceremonies over two days. On the first day, Abhishek and Ronak were ready to go on time. We had a brief photo shoot with immediate relatives outside the venue. Even though we were a little crunched for time, Abhishek and Ronak pulled it off very efficiently and we got all the photos that we wanted with the families just before guests started arriving. I was particularly impressed by how they handled the cultural sensitivities about directing where people should stand in a group shot. At other weddings, I have seen some photographers practically yelling at the guests to move from one location to another. Abhishek and Ronak are very good at interacting with guests and the manner in which Ronak showed people how to stand was particularly impressive. She was able to show them without being rude and without touching elders to realign them in a shot.

Abhi was the photographer at my sangeet, and my biggest regret has been that I didn’t find him early enough to sign him up to be at my wedding!! He’s gone out of his way to offer his advice on my wedding albums and is always super professional and friendly. As for my sangeet pictures, they are truly beautiful. He has an amazing eye and talent to capture the details that make those precious moments come alive. I make sure to recommend him to everyone who is getting married (I’ve even recommended him to strangers!).

-Richa Jindal