In an era where weddings are as much about creating memories as they are about the moment, luxury wedding photography has evolved into an art form that captures not just events, but also emotions, heritage, and generational legacy. Today’s couples are seeking more than picture-perfect frames; they’re looking for photographers who can preserve the soul of their story.
At the forefront of this evolution is Ankita Asthana, founder of WeddingNama, a name synonymous with honest storytelling and visual poetry. With a deep-rooted belief that photographs outlast trends and transform into heirlooms, Ankita has spent years documenting weddings across the globe with authenticity, heart, and nuance. Recently featured in the Women of the Year 2025 magazine unveiled at the WOW Awards Asia 2025, she shares what it truly means to capture a wedding—not for today’s scroll but for tomorrow’s legacy.
1. In your experience, how does luxury wedding photography go beyond visuals to become a part of a family’s legacy?
Luxury wedding photography isn’t just about how it looks—it’s about how it feels. It goes far beyond the visual. It’s about preserving emotions, stories, and moments that families will return to for generations.
You can’t put a price on that feeling. The truth is—everything else at a wedding gets spent or fades away with time. The decor, the food, the outfits—all beautiful, but fleeting. The only tangible takeaway is the photographs and films. They’re timeless. They allow you to relive that day, feel those emotions again, and pass them on. That’s the true value—they become a legacy.
2. You’ve captured stories across cultures and continents. Is there a particular wedding where the emotional or generational aspect moved you deeply?
Honestly, every single wedding moves us differently. We intentionally take on a limited number of weddings so we can be emotionally invested in each one—and that connection shows in the work. There was one wedding where the bride’s father, during his interview, simply said, “I salute my daughter.” That moment struck us deeply. It was so powerful, so full of pride and emotion—it stayed with us.
Another time, the couple’s dog was the ring bearer. We became such good friends with him during the shoot! It’s those unexpected connections that make each wedding unique. And then there are the grandparents—always a special part of the story. Couples go to great lengths to ensure their grandparents can attend. If they shed a tear, sing a song, or give a speech, those become treasured moments. We’ve had couples come back to us and say, “Thank you for capturing that hug with my mother,” or “We watched our wedding film with our child.” That’s when we know our work truly means something.
3. What is the most underrated element of luxury wedding photography that people often miss?
Subtlety. In luxury photography, less is often more. The power lies in quiet, intentional storytelling—not dramatic poses or over-the-top edits. It’s in the soft glances, unscripted moments, the way a hand is held, or a nervous smile exchanged before walking down the aisle.
It’s also about knowing when not to shoot—when to step back, observe, and allow the scene to unfold naturally. That kind of restraint takes experience and intuition. And often, those are the frames that carry the most weight.
