There is a single, quiet moment that often gets lost in the grand spectacle of a celebrity wedding. It is not the elaborate mandap, the designer lehengas, or the galaxy of stars in attendance. It is the unscripted, raw emotion that flashes between two people, completely unaware of the cameras. For legendary photographer Joseph Radhik, who documented Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s wedding in Tuscany, that precise moment wasn’t just a shot; it was the entire philosophy of the event captured in a single frame.
In a recent revelation that resonated with fans and photography enthusiasts alike, Radhik named the now-iconic image of Virat gently kissing Anushka’s forehead as his personal favorite from the entire collection. But the story behind the photo is far more impactful than the image itself. It speaks to a growing desire, even among the world’s most famous couples, to trade perfection for authenticity.
The Mandate: “Keep It Real”
Long before the first shutter clicked in Italy, Virat and Anushka gave their photographer a clear and powerful brief. They did not want stiff, formally posed pictures. They did not want to look like they were acting. Their central request, as Radhik shared, was that their photos be real.
This directive might seem simple, but in the high-stakes world of celebrity weddings, it is revolutionary. It shifts the photographer’s role from a director orchestrating perfect scenes to a visual historian, tasked with capturing the truth of the day. The pressure to deliver “instagrammable” moments is immense, but Kohli and Sharma chose a different path. They trusted Radhik to find the magic in the in-between moments—the whispered jokes, the nervous glances, and the quiet, overwhelming bursts of love.
Why the Forehead Kiss Stands Out
So, what makes this particular photograph so special? Joseph Radhik’s choice highlights key principles of documentary-style wedding photography.
It Was Unscripted and Unreplicable
The forehead kiss was not a pose called out by the photographer. It was a spontaneous gesture of affection and comfort from Virat to his new bride. This means the emotion is 100% genuine. You cannot stage that level of tenderness. The photo works because it is a true record of a relationship’s dynamic, not a performance for the lens.
It Tells a Deeper Story
A photograph should answer more questions than it asks. This single image speaks volumes about the couple’s relationship. It suggests protectiveness, deep affection, and a comforting intimacy that exists away from the public eye. It tells us more about who they are as a partner than any grand, staged portrait ever could.
It Highlights the Power of Candid Photography
For years, the benchmark for Indian wedding photography was sharp, well-lit, smiling-at-the-camera group photos. While those have their place, the cultural shift towards candid storytelling, championed by photographers like Radhik, allows the true narrative of the day to unfold. This approach prioritizes emotion over aesthetic perfection, creating a more personal and lasting memory.
The Bigger Trend: Authenticity in the Age of Social Media
Virat and Anushka’s wedding album did not just set trends for its beauty; it set a precedent for its honesty. In an era where every life event is curated for social media, their conscious choice to embrace imperfection was a powerful statement.
This desire for authenticity is a growing trend among modern couples. They are moving away from the pressure of a “perfect day” and toward the goal of a meaningful one. They want to see their real laughter, their happy tears, and their unique, quirky moments reflected in their photos. They are choosing photographers based on their ability to tell a story, not just take a picture.
This trend is evident in the work of other renowned photographers and is a popular topic on platforms like Instagram and photography blogs, where the search for “candid wedding photography” has skyrocketed.
How to Capture Your Own Authentic Moments
You do not need a celebrity photographer or a Tuscan villa to capture this genuine emotion on your own wedding day.
- Choose the Right Photographer: Look for a professional whose portfolio is filled with laughing, crying, and interacting people, not just smiling faces looking directly at the camera.
- Build Trust: Have a thorough conversation with your photographer. Share your story as a couple. The more they understand your relationship, the better they can anticipate those real moments.
- Let Go of the Plan: Be present. Do not worry about how you look in every single second. Trust your photographer to do their job while you focus on experiencing one of the most important days of your life.
- Embrace the Imperfections: A smudge of mascara from a happy tear, a loved one’s uncontrollable laughter—these are the details that make your story uniquely yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who was the photographer for Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma’s wedding?
A: The wedding was photographed by the highly acclaimed and award-winning photographer, Joseph Radhik, and his team.
Q2: Where did Virat and Anushka get married?
A: The couple had a private, intimate wedding ceremony in Tuscany, Italy, in December 2017.
Q3: What is candid wedding photography?
A: Candid wedding photography is a documentary-style approach that focuses on capturing spontaneous moments and genuine emotions as they happen naturally throughout the event, rather than directing posed shots.
Q4: Why are candid photos often considered more valuable?
A: Candid photos are valued because they evoke the true emotions and memories of the day. They tell the real story of how people felt, offering a more personal and emotional connection than traditional posed portraits.
Q5: Can you have a mix of both posed and candid photos?
A: Absolutely. Most modern wedding albums are a blend. The key is balance. Typically, photographers will schedule a short time for essential family formal portraits but spend the majority of the day discreetly capturing the event as it unfolds.
Conclusion: The Legacy of a Single Moment
Joseph Radhik’s favorite photo from Virat and Anushka’s wedding endures because it is a masterclass in storytelling. It proves that the most powerful images are not about the most glamorous settings or the most perfect lighting, but about the truth of human connection.
It serves as a beautiful reminder to all couples planning their weddings: amidst the checklists and the chaos, remember to prioritize the real, the raw, and the heartfelt. Because years from now, it will not be the perfection of your pose you cherish, but the unmistakable reality of your joy.
What’s the most authentic moment from a wedding you’ve ever witnessed? Share your stories in the comments below.