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Archive for August, 2012

Kitsch, Glam theme Celebrations and Gurudwara Wedding in Bangkok

Aug 29, 2012 Destination Weddings

Gaganjot and Manak got married in Bangkok. Their wedding celebrations commenced with a kitsch theme Mehendi at Sofitel Sukhumvit. The decor for this function was inspired by pop-art- riot of colors and kitsch artwork.

The ‘Glam Du Jour’ theme sangeet & ring ceremony was held the next day at the big ballroom of Hotel Plaza Athenee. Inspired by Moulin Rouge, the decor featured rich colors, deep shades of maroon, purple and gold. Shobana, the popular singer from Dubai sang melodious songs and the bride was dressed in a beautiful Sabyasachi lengha.

The Wedding ceremony at the Gurudwara was a simple and traditional affair.

Wedding Details

Wedding Planners: Elan Events by Nipunika
www.eventsbynipunika.com
DJ: DJ Maddy & the Dhol Crew
Photographers: Luxmi Studios, Delhi
Performers-
Mehendi: Renuka (Delhi)
Sangeet: Shobana (Dubai)
Bride’s Make Up: Ojas Rajani (Mumbai)

Tags: Bangkok, Elan Events, Gurudwara, Nipunika, Plaza Athenee, Sofitel Sukhumvit, wedding

A Wedding Anniversary Gift

Aug 27, 2012 Wedding Photographers

Biju was looking for a very special gift for his brother Shiju and sister-in-law Jacqueline on their first wedding anniversary. So he decided to give them a pleasant surprise with a blog post featuring the beautiful memories of their Big Day (27th August, 2011). Here are the photographs of Shiju and Jacqueline’s wedding at Marthoma Syrian Church in Chembur, Mumbai. The captions in the beautiful photographs tell you more about the traditions of a Kerala Protestant Weddings.

Groom is ready, the elders of the family bless him. Betel leaves and lime are offered to the elders as dakshina

Prayer led by the priest just before going to church

Mom and dad bless their son

The car is decorated

Wedding venue- MarThoma Syrian Church

Bride arrives

Bride is led by the brother

A funny moment

Priest conducts the marriage

Bride and Groom

Blessing the ring

Bless the chain and groom

Bless the bride

Groom ties the tali around the bride’s neck

Witness sign

The Reception Venue

Bride and Groom cut the cake

Bride + Groom thank everyone

The couple with the bride’s cousins

Portrait of the bride and groom

Bride and groom are offered milk back home

They drink the milk from the same cup

Mother of the bride hands over the bride to the mother-in-law

Photographs courtesy: www.bijuphotography.net

Tags: Gift, Kerala Protestant, Marthoma Syrian Church, Photographs, Traditions, wedding, Wedding Anniversary

Sasmira and Varun’s Pre-Wedding Film

Aug 24, 2012 Wedding Photographers

“While pursuing our MBBS we didn’t realise we’d lose what we were studying about- our hearts”, say the sweet looking duo. Meet Sasmira and Varun, both born in Delhi, met in Melbourne and photographed here in Sydney. Sasmira and Varun shared with us their pre-wedding film shot in Sydney. The moment we saw the really cool film, we couldn’t wait to share it. The film was shot by Colorblind Productions, over one day at Harbour Bridge and Opera House in Sydney.

The couple who are now practicing as doctors Australia are having a Destination Wedding at a Palace Hotel in Udaipur in 2013.

Video courtesy- Colorblind Productions
www.colorblindproduction.net

Tags: Colorblnd Productions, Harbour Bridge, Opera House, Pre-wedding film, Sydney

A Flash Wedding

Aug 24, 2012 Wedding Photographers

Nikunj Tanna and Dipti Sadalge were seeing each other for sometime, they were hoping to get married in a year or two. But then all of a sudden they had to rush to India to get married in ten days. The Boston based pharmaceutical professionals share their experiences.

Says Nikunj: “My parents were visiting us here in Boston, and they brought up the topic of us getting married. We had thought about getting married after a year or two, but not given serious thought to a fixed month. When we looked at our leave schedules and visa stamping dates, we realized that we would not be able to come to India together for the next 3-4 years. Thats when we decided to take the leap in a short time frame. Once the decision was made, it was a crazy week- less than 10 days, before we actually got onto the plane. I was co-ordinating with my brother and bhabhi from here, and Dipti was coordinating with her mother, and then my brother was in turn coordinating with her parents. Because of the time difference, we had some sleepless nights here even before we got onto the plane. It was quite nerve wrecking, to think about how people in Mumbai would be able to arrange everything in less than two weeks. What was more frustrating was that we, sitting in Boston, could really do nothing but talk. Luckily we were able to find a good wedding hall, caterer & decorator and everything worked out.”

“When we finally got onto the plane, it started sinking in, that in one week’s time, we would go from ‘in a relationship’ to ‘married’. It was a weird feeling, we were excited, nervous, tense, elated. Due to lack of time, we had our engagement on the same day morning at 8.30 am and the wedding at 12.30 pm. I almost had the worst engagement, because I was trying to hunt for my engagement ring all over Mumbai. Over 3 to 4 days I had tried all the major jewellers in Mumbai. More than 80% rings did not fit my finger, and the ones that fit, I didn’t like at all. I had my heart in my mouth, in my last ditch attempt, I tried my luck at one jeweller at 9.30 pm on Friday night (the night before the engagement) in the hope of finding my ring, and I finally ended up liking something that fit my finger. It was such a big relief, I have no words to explain my feelings at that moment. It almost felt as if the entire story was scripted”.

“I believe, no matter how much time you have for Wedding Planning– two months or ten months, in all likelihood you will be stressed and tense. We were lucky to find a good wedding hall and caterer in less than two weeks. Honestly, though, 2 weeks is too short a time to plan a wedding- 2 months, I think is just fine- you don’t get too stressed over a long period of time, yet have enough time to take care of the little details for the big day.”

Photographs Courtesy- Rama Ahuja
www.facebook.com/pages/Memoirs-Photography/292437587485857
Cell No: +91 9321150652

Tags: Dipti Sadalge, Experience, Flash Wedding, Nikunj Tanna, Rama Ahuja

‘Banaras’ inspired jewellery by Zoya

Aug 23, 2012 Fashion & Bridal Wear

Zoya, the exquisite Diamond Boutique, from the House of Tata, launched its latest jewellery collection, ‘Banaras’ evoking picturesque images of the divine lotus, temples and floating diyas on the river Ganges at dusk.

Parvathy Omanakuttan showcases Zoya’s Banaras collection necklaces

The collection was unveiled through a dramatic representation that brought the mystique and charm of the world’s oldest city, Banaras, at the Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, with the stage emulating the ancient ghats of Banaras on the edge of the holy Ganga. The evening also showcased a collection of Taj Khazana’s glorious Banarasi sarees, beautifully complementing each of Zoya’s stunning creations.

Zoya’s Banaras striking pieces find inspiration from eternal images of the city- a lotus blooming in the sacred waters with glistening dewdrops on its petals; captivating chandelier earrings ending in white polkis are inspired by the lamps used for the Ganga Aarti performed each evening on the ghats; a hansli is inspired by the domes and spires of temples that dot the landscape of Banaras.

Noted Educationist Indu Shahani at the event

Models in Banaras inspired jewels and sarees

Tags: Banaras, Indu Shahani, Parvathy Omanakuttan, Taj Khazana, Zoya

“Brides don’t buy jewellery to store in safety vaults” says The Queen of Style

Aug 20, 2012 Fashion & Bridal Wear

Anyone interested in Fashion & Society people would be curious to know more about Queenie Singh. After all, the former model turned jewellery designer is one of India’s hippest fashionistas. We met Queenie at her boutique ‘Jewels by Queenie’ at Peddar Road in South Mumbai.

Q- Your new collection previews at your store on August 21st. Which other cities are you exhibiting in?
I am travelling extensively from later this month till October. ‘Jewels by Queenie’ is exhibiting at Indore, Delhi and Chandigarh, Pune, Hyderabad and Chennai, Singapore and Dubai. I don’t usually participate in larger exhibitions (except Araaish in Mumbai and Bride in Dubai), I prefer hosting exclusive exhibitions where I can meet clients interested in Timeless Jewellery. I must emphasise that the majority of my clients are not the super-rich, or those looking for very expensive jewellery. Nor are they looking for jewellery for special occasions only. My clients are women who love jewellery and who believe in wearing jewellery that can be seen, or paired beautifully with chic ensembles!

Q- What are brides interested in buying? And what is the question most of them ask you?
The days of a bride wearing jewellery from head-to-toe is gone; for most special occasions, they want to wear one or two big pieces. My creations are classic, elegant and versatile, which can be worn during the wedding celebrations or later. Me, or for that matter my clients, don’t believe in buying jewellery pieces to be stored in the safety vaults; we like to quickly wear what we buy and experiment with teaming it with different types of clothes.

Today, when it comes to jewellery, brides have many options— there are so many jewellery designers and exclusive jewellery boutiques. But I presume their interaction with me would be different from their interaction at other spaces— they seek my advice on their ‘look’. This is one question I am asked by brides in all cities. Advice on what would look good- not just jewellery, but clothes and make-up too!

Q- Do you find a big difference in the tastes in different cities?
When clients visit my SoBo store or my exhibition, they come looking for contemporary statement pieces. So there is not much difference in what I sell in Chennai or Delhi. What is bought is an array of rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces- they are bold, sit well and distinctly Queenie. Brides are usually interested in diamond necklaces and big bracelets.

Q- Tell us a little about more about how you manage your super-hectic life.
Jewellery Designing is my main focus, but I also enjoy hosting parties and writing regularly. I enjoy multi-tasking and it has always upped my energy and enthusiasm levels. Thanks to my exhibitions in different cities in India I get a chance to visit local markets and try different local foods. Meeting so many different people of different communities has helped me grow as a person.

To relax and unwind I go for a long evening walk with my son or daughter or a close friend, and I try to meditate or do yoga every day.

Queenie Singh exhibition is on 21st August, 2012 (Timing 11.00 am to 7.00 pm).
Jewels by Queenie Store, New Poornima Apartments, C-Wing, Peddar Road, Mumbai

Tags: Araaish, Brides, Jewellery Designer, Jewels by Queenie, Queenie

Cake Walk

Aug 20, 2012 Wedding People & Planners

By Disha Waghani

Towering tiers, hundreds of flavours in a variety of colors; name it and you shall have it! Wedding cakes, earlier an American concept, have caught everyone’s fancy in India, and an increasing number of brides and grooms, from all communities search for their dream wedding cake. Bunty Mahajan, Chef and owner, Deliciae, Bandra tells us why the cake is a must-have: “A cake is not just a cake it’s a work of art. And the younger generation love tiered cakes as they add to the wow and glamour element at the celebration.”

Cakes by Bunty Mahajan (Deliciae Bandra)

(right) Peacock theme Wedding cake by Ruchika and Nitin Khurana

Deepika Sarin, a Delhi-based Chocolatier, specialises in cupcakes. Steering away from the conventional cakes, Deepika believes that weddings in India are about families and not just the bride and the groom. She explains: “The mother-in-law’s favourite flavour is as important as the brides. Cupcake towers enable the client to choose from as many as 50 flavours and combinations! It gives them the freedom to incorporate everyone’s favourite flavour.” She adds, “Our clients spend lots of time on the details. They want to match their cupcakes to the theme and décor. I did a cupcake tower in orange, green and red for a mehendi ceremony to match the vibrancy and the energy of the festivity. However, for the reception, I stuck to pastels and added lots of edible glitter since the celebration was a glitzy affair”.

Ruchika and Nitin Khurana, one of Delhi’s finest cake makers share their experience, “Clients have asked us to make cakes with their favourite brand logos, poker hands, edible glitter and Swarovski crystals. Musical cakes, those printed with edible photographs, 3D and 4D cakes are all-popular too.”

We all know a cake eventually gets cut, so is the taste, flavour and the quality of food stuff used compromised on to make it visually appealing? Deepika Sarin explains: “all the ingredients I use are internationally procured and are of the best quality. My prices may be a notch higher, but everything from the Danish butter to the chocolate and sprinklers is of the best quality. So there’s no compromise at all.” Alpa Pareira who runs Toujours in Breach Candy, Mumbai asserts the taste is something you can never compromise on and the reason why people are ready to pay her what she charges is because the quality and taste is always a priority along with visual appeal.

Cupcake Towers by Deepika Sarin

Get the cake, and eat it too- all you need to do is get in touch with a master baker.

Tags: Bunty Mahajan, Cupcakes, Deepika Sarin, Delhi, Delic, Deliciae, Mumbai, Nitin Khurana, Ruchika, Toujours, Wedding Cakes

Raipur family hosts a Glittering Golden Wedding Anniversary Celebration

Aug 20, 2012 Wedding People & Planners

When the Agarwals from Raipur decided to celebrate the golden wedding anniversary of their senior most family members, they were clear about one thing. That the decor for the momentous day would have to be done by Mumbai’s leading wedding management company. The family chose Var Vadhu, the wedding management & decor company to execute the elaborate decor for the morning Varmala and Krishna puja and the glitzy Sangeet, the highlight of which was performances ace musicians Sunali & Roop Kumar Rathod.

The Agarwal family

Neha Seth Arora, CEO of Var Vadhu tells us more: “The venue was VW Canyon Hotel, the first five star hotel of Chhattisgarh state. For the morning function, the theme was very traditional– with Kundan work as the highlight. The look for the evening function was contemporary- with carnations, roses, crystals and a specially designed gold frame. The evening event was truly special for all the 1,000 guests- after all, they were blessed by the happy couple on their golden wedding anniversary day.”

‘Kundan’ was the decor theme for the morning celebrations

Contemporary and modern theme for evening celebrations

Photographs courtesy- www.varvadhu.net

Tags: Golden Wedding Anniversary, Raipur, Var Vadhu, VW Canyon Hotel

The Wedding of Divya & Mantar

Aug 14, 2012 Wedding Photographers

by Mahesh Shantaram

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to witness the wedding of Divya & Mantar in my home city of Bangalore.

It was the traffic jamming event of the day attended by thousands of people, most of whom were ferried from Hassan district, a hotbed of Karnataka politics, where Mantar’s father is a much-respected MLC. Sure enough, the wedding and reception was attended by noted persons cutting across party lines (even if their entry and exit was carefully choreographed keeping the political order of the day in mind!). For anyone who finds flavour in Karnataka politics (an acquired taste, no doubt), it was an evening to spot some of the State’s past, present, and even future chief ministers!

Fortunately for me, as personal photographer to this strikingly beautiful couple, I was privy to some of the interesting moments of their day amidst all the frenzy under the burning lights of celebrity. I also had the tremendous pleasure to work with Turei Jones Cooze who was literally a one-man army as he single-handledly shot and produced the wedding video.

Video courtesy- Turei Jones Cooze
To view the wedding photographs by Mahesh Shantaram click here

Mahesh Shantaram is a photographer who documents Indian wedding culture and the personal stories of individuals who drive it. You can reach out to him through his website (www.thecontrarian.in/weddings)

Tags: Bangalore, Mahesh Shantaram, Photographer

Bandra’s popular Wedding Planners open a Gift & Wedding Store

Aug 13, 2012 Wedding People & Planners

Marry Me- The Wedding Planners run by husband-wife duo Candice Pereira and Jarret D’Abreo, have now launched a Gifting & Wedding Store. It is located on the first floor of Candies, one of Bandra’s most popular restaurant. The store presents a unique and interesting selection of home decor, gifts, accessories, packaging options and more. Says Candice Pereira: “As wedding planners, we are constantly on the lookout for beautiful things that can be used for weddings, as well as gifted, to the bride and groom or as give-away’s at functions like the Mehendi. At Marry Me- the store there is something for everyone, every occasion and to suit every budget (ranging from Rs 50 to Rs 1500)- elegant candle holders, chic cushion covers, packaged stationery and hair accessories. Also, we are happy to take orders and even personalize merchandise as required.”

Candice and Jarret explain that as Wedding Planners, they typically take on few weddings every month, but now as store owners, they are looking forward to interact with many more customers. Explains Jarret: “Of course we’d like to emphasise that we are not a wedding store alone, but one where there are a range of gift options for those looking for elegant give-aways.” Adds Candice: “The best part is that visitors can just drop in to browse for gifts while they are at Candies for a meal.”