Yes, it's been a while. No, I can't help it. The lack of updates blatantly spells out the fact that I've been busy. From marking exam scripts to assignments and class presentations, I'm super pooped. And it doesn't end there...

The wedding preparation is hectic but coming along very well. The major things are already in order and minor ones are gradually taking shape. The nitty-gritty will be sorted out later.

Conventionally, the boy and girl + their families work independently in the preparation stage, with occasional meetings (between families) to synchronize plans. Some of my married friends (Punjabi of course) claim that this is the most stressful phase because they were given very little room to decide on matters related to their OWN wedding.

I've been photographing Punjabi weddings for nearly a decade and admit... I've seen it all with my own eyes. Dominant or vocal family members become self-appointed wedding planners. They will bulldoze their ideas through in almost all matters. Latent family members will stage an act, as though they play a pivotal role in the wedding - small contributions are amplified and made seem like a big deed to the world. And not to mention the bickering that goes on for months.

The best are those who operate wordlessly and its easy to spot them. You can see the sincerity and joy in their eyes.

I'm grateful to my parents who have given me the liberty to decide on things the way I want it to be. Thankfully, I don't have to encounter the experience described above.

If it happens, though unlikely, the gift of speech will take its natural course.

Shopping, shopping and more shopping. Preparing for a Punjabi wedding can be quite a stressful affair. But contrary to popular belief, our preparations are going pretty well. Infact, Ruby and I are enjoying it very much.