Black, white and silver theme wedding for Avantika & Imran Khan
Dec 28, 2010 Celeb Weddings to Watch out for
Actor Imran Khan will usher in the wedding season in Tinseltown. He ties the knot with Avantika Malik at a court wedding on January 8, 2011. The other functions include a colorful mehendi at their Karjat farmhouse and a black, white and silver theme celebration on January 10. Select guests have received the invites, presented as a yearly planner for 2011, designed by Mumbai’s sought-after high-end invitation card designer Uttara Shah. Delhi designer Varun Bahl is designing Imran Khan’s wedding outfits. Avantika will wear a Manish Malhotra lehenga for the wedding, and a Shantanu-Nikhil gown for the main wedding function.
Avantika and Imran on their engagement day
Tags: Avantika Malik, Card, Court Marriage, Imran Khan, Invitation, Invite, Karjat, Lehenga, Manish Malhotra, Shantanu Nikhil, Uttara Shah, Varun Bahl, wedding
Four Tips to look Hot this Winter
Dec 27, 2010 Fashion & Bridal Wear
The party season is on, and everyone’s getting ready to make heads turn! Rod Anker, Creative Director of kimrobinson salon shares some simple style tips.
Tip 1- Shampoo and condition the day before you go out, not on the day you’re going out. Your hair will sit better, stay in place longer and not be as slippery. If you want movement, try braiding it with a little product, it will create some movement once it is dry.
Tip 2- Many people ask me what they can do for their hair in winter because the season tends to dry hair. Whenever you shampoo, make sure you also condition (if you open the cuticle you must close it too). Adding a leave-in moisturizer in a mist form is great as it will not weigh down the hair. A graphite comb is the best for not creating or adding to the electrical static you have. Comb your hair when in the shower with conditioner in it and then besides styling it don’t comb it again until your next shampoo.
Tip 3- In 2011 take baby steps towards the change you want to see. Add one small change at a time to make it different (that doesn’t mean you need to get bold). Every time you add to your hair something new that is not the “norm” it will lift you up and give you that extra confidence.
Tip 4- So you had your hair blow-set several days ago and now it is looking a little flat and lifeless? Do not stress! Get your products out, put your head upside down, lightly spray with hair spray the underneath making sure to get the ends also. With the hairdryer in your hand blast your hair from the floor upwards, add a little more spray and continue. After you have done it two times flip your head back and personalize the look. You will be pleasantly surprised to see so much more bounce in your hair!
Tags: bounce, graphite comb, hair care, hair styling, hair tips, kimrobinson salon, rod anker, style tips, winter
Party Fever at Golmaal
Dec 27, 2010 Fashion & Bridal Wear
Some great dresses from Golmaal to bring in the New Year. And the best part is that don’t cost a bomb! Simrita Dhillon of Golmaal talks about the hot looks and color trends for that cocktail/ hen’s party.
The ‘Festa’ collection- at Golmaal has been inspired by elegance and romance with a smack of glamour. It’s for the women of today who believes in carelessly flaunting her style rules while making her whimsical style statement.
At Golmaal, we have played with jewel colors (fruity pinks & aubergine in particular).
We believe ‘A little can go a long way’—and so we have a lot of short dresses to raise the party fever.
Solid colours are always a hit. The colours of the season are macaroon maroon, Fuschia, Mudd Beige, Blush Red and Electric Blue. A mix of sequins with silk give the garments a rich feel!
What a perfect way to start 2011- with Dazzle, Shine and Sparkle. Go to Golmaal!
Golmaal Store, 12 Greenfield Society, Opp. HDFC Bank,
Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri (West), Mumbai 400 053
Tags: cocktail, color trends, dresses, Golmaal, hens party, hot looks, Simrita Dhillon
Wedding Photography by Photo Tantra
Dec 27, 2010 Wedding Photographers
Snigdha Sheel and Vinayak Das the Bangalore-based husband-wife duo were pursuing photography as a hobby for many years, but they never experimented with wedding photography for a long time. Three years ago, they both quit their lucrative jobs to pursue wedding photography as a full-time profession. Says Vinayak: “Snigdha was working with a Property Management MNC while I was working as an engineer. Earlier we were only doing fashion, architecture, corporate events and documentary photography. Then we realised there was a big opportunity in wedding photography which we had’nt explored.”
Their creative unit is called Photo Tantra and each of them have their own photographic style which compliments the other. Says Vinayak: “My style is documentary, I love capturing the moods and moments, while Snigdha enjoys getting all the wedding elements, festivities and details into play”. Photo Tantra is focussing on large weddings. Adds Snigdha: “Quite a few of our clients are NRIs and while earlier most of our clients were Bangalore-based, we are slowly making inroads into the North—Delhi, Rajasthan and other destination weddings. And though we are based in Bangalore, the internet enables us to pitch to clients all over India.”
Website: www.phototantra.com
Tags: Photo Tantra, Snigdha Sheel, Vinayak Das, Wedding Photography
Anushka, the Wedding Planner’s Style
Dec 20, 2010 Fashion & Bridal Wear
Costume designer Niharika Khan designed 15 costumes for actress Anushka Sharma who plays the role of Wedding Planner Shruti in Band Baaja Baraat. This was an interesting assignment for Niharika since the film featured weddings set in varied locations—a budget wedding in a middle-class locality in Delhi, a big fat wedding in Sainik Farm and a destination wedding in Rajasthan. Explains Niharika: “Director Maneesh Sharma briefed me to design the wardrobe according to the profile of the wedding. So for upmarket weddings, I chose subtler colors, handmade embroideries in fabrics like real silk, georgette, velvets and chiffon by designers like Varun Bahl, Rohit Bal and Tarun Tahiliani.”
What about the creations for the budget weddings? She explains: “For the first wedding, set in Janakpuri we chose a lime green chiffon mirror work kurta. It was ‘Jhatak’ (in the words of the film) and we added baubles intermittently on the contrast dupatta.” In the second part of the film, Shruti moves to a new turf, Delhi’s elite Sainik Farm. Explains Khan: “For Shruti’s first assignment at Sainik Farm we wanted to show that she has made the effort to wear an outfit that ‘fits’ in with the Sainik Farms style and yet, is something which she loves—rich, colourful and vibrant. It was a purple and orange anarkali. I bought the brocade and border from Vandana Fabrics in Bandra after which it was embroidered and tailored to our specifications.”
For the grand finale i.e. Shruti’s own wedding, the cream gold orange and pink lehenga was designed by Varun Bahl. Says Niharika: “When it’s time for her own wedding, Shruti has evolved. She has travelled, earned money and knows a lot about bridal fashion & style (in the film she helps brides with wedding shopping). For this outfit, most time was spent on the embroideries– birds/peacocks in an oriental inspiration, and after rejecting sample after sample, the perfect size, shape & design for the panel emerged. The blouse was sexy, embroidered and the dupatta in net fabric. After that Varun Bahl weaved his magic.”
Tags: Anushka Sharma, Band Baaja Baraat, costume designer, costumes, dresses, Niharika Khan, Rohit Bal, Tarun Tahiliai, Varun Bahl, wardrobe
Janakpuri to Sainik Farms: BBB shows Big Fat Weddings in Delhi
Dec 14, 2010 Wedding People & Planners
Band Baaja Baraat (BBB) is a fun movie—for those who enjoy romantic flicks or like anything to do with shaadis. When we heard about the latest release by Yashraj Films with two Wedding Planners in the lead role we were excited, hoping they make a fun yet realistic portrayal on the life and times of people in the shaadi business. The film doesn’t disappoint. They are bang on when it comes to insights on how all families (wedding clients) behave—what they want (or don’t want to), their unreasonable demands and the big bollywood obsession. Equally interesting, are the insights on why so many youngsters want to be a part of the shaadi business—happy, childhood memories of weddings and the chance to eat yummy, delicious shaadi food.
Bittoo (Ranveer Singh) and Shruti (Anushka) are both from middle class families, and like all ambitious youngsters they have big dreams and aspirations. Fresh out of college they embark on a career in Wedding Planning. Shruti’s hard work and creative skills, and Bittoo’s sharp understanding of Dhanda (business) help the duo carve a niche. They quickly establish a name as the budget wedding planners in Janakpuri but Bittoo reminds Shruti that organising weddings in the budget of Rs 2.5 to Rs 5 lakh will take them nowhere, and they need a “high jump” to Sainik Farms. Luckily they gain a foothold in the space of big, fat weddings and they organise the Rs 2 to Rs 5 crore glitzy celebrations at farmhouses. But like life which cannot be a fun, happy celebration always, the film also makes a shift- to focus on Bittoo and Shruti’s differences and their relationship.
There is of course the filmi angle and the lead duo are projected as the super-creative, super-talented, super-efficient professionals. He has the ability to dance and entertain like Shahrukh Khan and manage clients as skilfully as Event magnate Wizcraft. She has the style sense of Manish Malhotra and the creative skills of decor queen Gurleen Puri. Together the duo create magic like India’s ace Wedding Planner Vandana Mohan—all this in a span of less than three years. The music is average and the sets and decor are just so-so. On the fashion front, we quite liked Anushka’s mix of Indian dresses- from dhinchak to rich and elegant worn in her official capacity as Wedding Planner at all the different locales.
Tags: Band Baaja Baraat, Career, Gurleen Puri, Manish Malhotra, Shaadi Business, Shahrukh Khan, Vandana Mohan, Wedding Business, Wedding Planners, Weddings, Wizcraft, Yashraj Films
The Wedding Planners in Band Baaja Baraat (BBB)
Dec 9, 2010 Wedding People & Planners
You often see Wedding Planners in Hollywood movies, but only occasionally in Bollywood movies– where slick and fashionable Wedding Planners conjure exotic themes and decor for picture perfect destinations. An exception was Dubeyji in Mira Nair’s Monsoon Wedding. The foul-mouthed Jugaadu decorator, who performed all his tasks in the last-minute, but kept all his promises.
Band Baaja Baraat, a Yashraj Films Production releases on Friday, 10th December and the lead-duo are both Wedding Planners. Actress Anushka Sharma who plays the lead role in this romantic comedy spoke to WeddingSutra on her role: “We play wedding planners but the film is not about wedding planning- it’s just the backdrop. Band Baaja Baraat is a love story where I play the role of Delhi girl Shruti Kakkar. My role didn’t require me to delve too much into the world of weddings—but gain few insights into the typical life of event and wedding managers- so I learnt how to speak fast, give a lot of directions, and repeated instructions quickly. What I really worked on was speaking in a way a Delhi girl would talk. I am from Bangalore and I had to learn a certain lingo—and that was fun.”
We visualise lead actors Bittoo (Ranveer Singh) and Shruti (Anushka) doing those fun, crazy kinda tasks and coping with the unreasonable demands of stressed wedding families. We’re waiting to watch how real their reel roles will be. And since so many youngsters would love to be a Wedding Planner, we hope the film does not just showcase the ‘glamorous’ side of this career.
Tags: Anushka Sharma, Band Baaja Baraat, Bittoo, Bollywood, Career, Dubey, Monsoon Wedding, Ranveer Singh, Shruti, Wedding Planners
Live your Royal Dreams
Dec 8, 2010 Taj Hotels Resorts Palaces
Live your Royal dreams– think polo-playing princes and beautiful princesses- with a honeymoon in Rajasthan. Pick a Taj Hotel at your choice of destination and experience the finest tradition of Rajput hospitality. Experience a taste of royal living – a luxury and extravagance that was once the sole preserve of kings.
Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur
Udaipur is known as the “city of lakes”—and Taj Lake Palace sits right in the middle of most famous of them: Lake Pichola, a dream of white marble and mosaic glistening in the moonlight with the Aravalli mountains providing a majestic backdrop.
The Romance:
Scenic courtyards with blossoming lawns, lily-filled ponds, gush fountains and indoor spaces filled with period pieces and extravagant embellishments will transport you into a world of fantasy, romance and magic.
The hotel boasts of opulence, royalty and luxury in all of its 83 rooms and suites. Although every suite is spectacular and if we had to recommend one for the honeymooners, it would be Jal Tarang. Evocative of the waves of water, this suite offers scenic views of the tranquil waters of Lake Pichola and the mountains. The beauty of this suite has been enhanced by enclosing the corner chattri, once semi-open pavilion to enjoy the view and breeze, and adding a Jacuzzi in the snug space. With a flick of a switch, the glass panel changes from frosted to clear. So you can soak yourself in complete privacy with a drink and a spectacular view of the lake and mountains.
Dinner on the Mewar Terrace makes for an extremely scenic and romantic experience, with spectacular views of the surrounding palaces and Lake Pichola, and a lilting serenade of contemporary music.
And for the eternal romantic an intimate table for two floated on a pontoon in the moon kissed waters of the Pichola is a must do experience.
Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur
Home to Jodhpur’s royal family, the Umaid Bhawan Palace perched high above the desert capital, is one of the world’s largest private residences, and now offers guests a taste of royal living.
The imposing palace was designed by renowned Edwardian architect Henry Lanchester, with a blend of eastern and western architectural influences. An immutable tribute to art deco, the Palace has in its luxurious fold 64 rooms and suites.
The Romance:
Each suite here is different, with subtle underlying themes of a favourite colour or princely passion. The suites have a private sit-out with stunning palace views of the city, panoramic lawns or courtyards. Perfect for honeymooners!
Take an exhilarating drive through the enchanting city of Jodhpur in a vintage car, accompanied by your royal butler.
Stop beneath the starry night sky for a divine grilled feast accompanied by the music of the desert.
Experience the art of India’s ancient healing wisdom in the romantic new setting of the Jiva Grande Spa.
Rambagh Palace, Jaipur
For nearly two centuries, the Rambagh Palace has been home to generations of royals. And now it makes the perfect backdrop for a romantic honeymoon. Fondly called ‘The Jewel of Jaipur’, the palace boasts of elegantly appointed rooms, airy verandahs, marbled corridors and majestic gardens.
The Romance:
Stay at one of the majestic suites – with their opulent décor, high ceilings, exquisite chandeliers, palatial windows and breathtaking views, an experience of a lifetime.
Enjoy a memorable evening of romance in a private tent lit with flaming torches on the Palace greens.
Indulge in an opulent dining experience in the gold gilded Suvarna Mahal with exotic regional cuisine, lilting classical music and vintage wines from the Palace cellar.
For more information, call Taj Hotels.
Toll Free No: 1 800 111 825
Pheras in the Palm Gardens! Big Fat Indian Weddings in Dubai
Dec 7, 2010 Destination Weddings
Dubai’s central location, easy access from all over and the variety of locations it offers have made it a hugely popular destination for Indian weddings. Park Hyatt is one of the most sought-after locations in Dubai and their clients include families who live in Dubai, and outsiders who host exotic Destination wedding there.
Park Hyatt Dubai offers a number of romantic outdoor venues like the Palm Garden and the Fountain Garden. The hotel’s location right by the Dubai creek and its breathtaking environment, make it the ideal venue for exclusive and personalised wedding events. Through the gates and palm-lined streets leading to Park Hyatt Dubai, guests discover a secluded retreat inspired by the magnificent Moorish palaces of old. Within, the hotel’s exquisitely landscaped gardens and flower-draped courtyards provide the perfect setting for intimate weddings. For larger receptions of up to five hundred, there is the majestic and spacious Creek Ballroom.
According to Waike Papke, Director of Sales & Marketing, Park Hyatt Dubai has paid a special focus on food with emphasis on North Indian cuisine and live cooking stations. “Banquet Chef Nisar Ahmed from Delhi and his team of chefs from all over India are able to cater to the most discerning tastes. Most of our clients like traditional decor with Marigold flowers. If the weather permits they prefer to hold the pheras in our beautifully decorated Palm or Fountain Gardens.”
Adds Rimjhim Bhagchandani, a Dubai-based Wedding Planner: “Dubai is a great destination for Indian weddings. There is a wide choice of venues- small ballrooms for 50 to those with 4000 plus capacity. It is very easy to organise a wedding in Dubai. There are so many options of vendors to suit all budgets—be they florists or AV suppliers. The world’s best decor fabric is available here, and a variety of flowers are available all year round. Hyatt is one of the best hotels, and most of the other hotels are also very co-operative. Thanks to efficient systems in Dubai, even if you don’t know a soul here, you could still pull off a huge wedding all by yourself!”
Tags: Destination wedding, Dubai, Locations, Nisar Ahmed, Park Hyatt, Rimjhim Bhagchandani, Waike Papke
Wedding Belles In Mauritius
Dec 6, 2010 Celebrity Wedding Pictures
The Grand Mauritian and Intercontinental Mauritius played host to the wedding of Amit Puri and Prita Jiwrajka between 26th and 29th November. The welcome cocktail party was held at the Grand Mauritian poolside, and what a welcome it was with an amazing fire show & dance! The ladies were dressed in their finest cocktail gowns– and it was a truly fashionable event! The Paris House Addicts played the opening set for the party- an incredible fusion of violin, saxophone and percussion followed by DJ Zubair from Dubai.
The sangeet was held at the Intercontinental where both families put up a great entertainment show. The bride was truly ‘a desi girl’ with her well choreographed dance along with her friends; and the groom and his best men out-did themselves by making the guests gasp ‘OMG’ by dancing to the tune of Usher. Well-known duo Sajid-Wajid performed at the sangeet followed by a closing set by DJ Bosco who played until the early hours of the morning.
The wedding was a lavish affair held at the beach and poolside of the Intercontinental. The mandap was elegant and placed at the end of the pier so that all the guests could look out towards it. The sacred ceremony was marked by a stunning display of fireworks.
The guest list included Suresh & Kavita Chellaram, Mahesh Jethmalani, Ravi & Madhu Ruia, Queenie, Esther & Raju Daswani. Mumbai-based AKA: A Klass Apart, managed by Divya & Neha Chadha handled the RSVP & Hospitality and wedding logistics for the Puri family. The décor for the events was handled by Delhi-based Vandana Mohan.
Tags: amit puri, Decor, esther daswani, grand mauritian, intercontinental mauritius, kavita, mahesh jethmalani, prita jiwrajka, Queenie, raju dawani, suresh chellaram, Vandana Mohan, wedding
