A Unique Idea to Present Wedding Memories
Oct 31, 2012 Wedding Photographers
Rishitha & Vasanth who got married in Hyderabad wanted to share their wedding photographs and memories with their large number of family & friends. Instead of designing a traditional wedding album, their Wedding Photographer Amar Ramesh from Chennai came up with a unique concept to showcase the grand and stylish wedding. Ramesh’ team designed a 96 page wedding magazine with all the flair and polish of a high-end lifestyle magazine. It covered the wedding events, interviews with the bride & groom, the post-wedding photo shoot and quotes from close family and friends. Here’s a closer look at Rishitha & Vasanth’s wedding magazine.
The centerfold spread featured the photoshoots
Couple Speak
The magazine’s ‘fun’ section with spot the difference (using a photo from the wedding) and a word puzzle (with menus from the wedding)
The team that designed and executed the concept
Amar Ramesh
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Tags: Amar Ramesh, Chennai, Photographer, Unique Idea, Wedding Album, Wedding Magazine
Made for Luxury Wedding Invites
Oct 26, 2012 Wedding People & Planners
Everyone is talking about the Big Indian Wedding and how with it everything is getting bigger. The wedding invite has got fatter too, and while boxed invitations are all-popular, so are wow gifts that accompany the invite. Bruijn- a luxury brand from Dubai is now a hot spot for sourcing wow gifts among the well-heeled in Mumbai and Delhi. Brujin stocks pure Belgian chocolates, roasted nuts, sugar & chocolate almonds, dates, baklava, and other confectioneries and a spokesperson for Bruijn tells us that while the clients bill has got a little bigger, their boxes have become smaller: “This season clients are looking for a little of everything, for the sweet tooth, and healthier alternatives, in small & stylish boxes. We’ve just completed an order for 1000 boxes- with orange peel date, almond date, silver coated almonds and chocolates.”
Invitations by Ravish Kapoor accompanied with natural handmade fig with nuts bar.
Box invite by Ravish Kapoor with sugar coated almonds.
Bruijn showrooms are at Peddar Road (next to Vama) and Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.
Tags: Bruijn, Gifts, Invitations, Luxury Wedding Invites, Ravish Kapoor, wedding
Rock meets Bollwood@ Pre Wedding Shoot
Oct 25, 2012 Wedding Photographers
Neha loves Bollywood movies and Abhishek loves Rock music. And so, for their pre-wedding photo shoot they decided on the concept ‘Rock and Boll’. Neha was in a saree and asked Abhishek to play the guitar. The setting was in a park with a retro effect. The couple and their photographer Shreya Sen spent a lot of time collecting interesting elements for the shoot- like the gramophone and the vinyl records; they visited places like Chor Bazaar for signs, and where they found several hand painted romantic Bollywood posters. Explains Shreya Sen: “Since both of them have been away from India I wanted to add elements that were very Indian, Neha mentioned how they both enjoy drinking chai and coffee together hence the kettle and chaiwala container and the very kitsch desi muchi man. Neha also loves photography so we added the retro cameras. The essence of the concept was that music brought them together, so we created the ‘Save the Date’ message on a vinyl record.”
Neha and Abhishek tell us that besides being fun it was challenging too- the cops at Borivali National Park were not too happy with the set ups; they eventually gave them permission but by that time it was unbearably hot. But in the end they had a blast with all the crazy retro props.
Photographs by
www.shreyasenphotography.com
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Tags: Bollywood Posters, Ideas, Pre-wedding shoot, Props
Jewelry is the Centre Piece at an Indian Wedding
Oct 22, 2012 Fashion & Bridal Wear
Jewelry Designer Maheep Kapoor in conversation with Jaspreet Soni
Known for creating magic with precious metals, Maheep’s personality resonates in every jewelry design she creates. In an exclusive interview with WeddingSutra.com, the jewelry designer discusses her passion and relationship with the gems.
Maheep Kapoor will be exhibiting her new collection at Araaish on Monday, 22nd October.
WeddingSutra is proud to be associated with Araaish as the Online Partner
What is the new collection you are working on? And where are you exhibiting currently?
I am working on a collection of jhumkas which I am pretty excited about. Apart from private viewing exhibitions, I am also associated with Araaish which has a cause that is very close to my heart.
How do you think Jewelry trends have changed over the years?
We always talk about trends but since jewelry lasts much longer than clothes, most brides and families still prefer to buy classic elegant pieces. They can be big or small, for weddings or other occasions but something that should stand the test of time. That’s what my clients look for when they approach me. Re-usability and that combination of comfort and elegance is all-important as far as I am concerned. If I make a piece of jewelry, it is something that I would want myself as well as my daughter to wear.
In India, many brides buy jewelry from traditional jewelers while a few get it designed by Jewelry designers.
A women’s attitude and personality is reflected in the jewelry that she wears. A jewelry designer, suggests and designs based on how you articulate what you want, or what she thinks will look great on you, a designer gives you ideas not only about the jewelry but about your outfit and accessories too. In my personal opinion, the big mistake most brides make is to buy the outfit first and the jewelry next. Jewelry is the centerpiece and not the other way round. Most brides do get excited when they see a lovely wedding outfit, and decide to buy it before figuring out the jewelry bit. But as maturity sets in, they realize that jewelry is something that will remain relevant and more wearable for many years. So it definitely needs more attention and care in selection.
How would you define Maheep Kapoor designs?
Vintage yet sophisticated. I also like to have a free hand with emeralds and rubies that Indian women carry off well. I am very interested in Indian Jewelry art that dates back to the Mughal era and I think we have enough inspiration in our culture to stir the imagination and recreate that aura. Earlier this year, I launched a collection of Chand balis (Nizami influence) that became hugely popular and that is proof enough that we love beautiful craftsmanship and vintage styling.
Tags: Araaish, Brides, Jewellery Designer, Maheep Kapoor
Awadhi Cuisine, Sufi Songs. Saif-Kareena’s Elegant Reception in Delhi
Oct 19, 2012 Celebrity Wedding Pictures
If Kareena and Saif’s wedding celebrations in Mumbai were a star-studded affair, the reception at 31 Aurangzeb Road, Delhi was more a political affair with lots of political big wigs in attendance. Those who attended commented it was a very elegant evening, with all its subtle nawabi influence. The guests greeted each other with ‘adaabs’, old candle stands cast a nostalgic light in the spaces and diyas glimmered over the entrance. Over a hundred policemen surrounded the bunglow, while a huge number of media personnel eagerly waited to photograph all the celebrity guests who included the Prime Minister’s wife, Rahul Gandhi and several other Ministers and MPs.
Sharmila Tagore steps out to talk to the media
Saif wore a black sherwani and Aligarhi churidar, Kareena was in a pink sharara by Manish Malhotra. They didn’t come out to get photographed but Saif’s mother stepped out to thank the media- she looked stunning in a pale gold tissue saree teamed with kundan jewellery. We are curious to know who did the catering- Awadhi cuisine. The decor was done by one Tipsy Anand who runs an Event Management company named ‘Good Earth’. The highlight of the evening was a performance by the very beautiful Sonam Kalra who rendered Sufi songs.
The Guests- Designer Diva Ritu Kumar, Media Magnate Shobana Bhartia
So finally, Kareena and Saif’s wedding was quite different from what was speculated or reported. Their terrace party@home was not a sangeet, but just an intimate welcome party. They didn’t have a Nikaah or Church Wedding, they just exchanged vows at the hotel, before the musical evening at Taj Mahal Palace. There was no celebration in Pataudi Palace, instead Sharmila Tagore chose to host it at a government bunglow in Delhi, perhaps keeping in mind the security factors. One of the reporters asked Sharmila what she is planning next, hoping she would talk about another big celebration. She was quoted: “I have had enough of parties. There is no celebration in Pataudi, not now at least. Abhi sab thak gaye hain. Abhi daal-chawal ka time aa gaya hain (we are all very tired and want to keep things simple).”
Sonam Kalra with her multi-faith accompanists. Picture courtesy Mail Online India
Tags: 31 Aurangzeb Road, Awadhi, Delhi, Good Earth, Kareena, reception, Saif, Sonam Kalra, Tipsy Anand
Bejewelled Chat with Rohan Begani
Oct 18, 2012 Fashion & Bridal Wear
By Megha Bissa
The Begani family has been in the jewellery business for over three decades when Subodh Begani established Diatex International in 1974. Rohan Begani joined his family business in 2008 and he established Begani Jewels a year later.
Begani Jewels presents Araaish an exhibition in aid of Save the Children India. (22nd October – Blue Sea, Mumbai). Seen here Richa and Rohan Begani with Mana Shetty and Sharmilla Khanna, the co-organisers of Araaish.
Luxury item and investment
Explains Rohan: “When my father started, he mainly dealt with loose stones and made jewelry as per the brief from his customers. After I joined my father I learnt that readymade jewelry is the future of this market. Today, we offer a versatile range- colorful stones and jadau jewelry apart from our trademark diamond pieces.” What makes this young entrepreneur different from others is his understanding of the market. “Comfort is all-important, so we make light weight and easy- to-wear creations which many other brands don’t offer. We make sure that each piece is not just a luxury item for the customer but also an investment which can be passed on to generations.”
Begani Jewles new festive/bridal collection 2012
Craftsmanship- the biggest strength
Being one of the older jewelry retailers in the country, the craftsmanship of their designs is their biggest strength declares Rohan. “A lot of thought and effort goes behind designing each piece. We overlook every minute detail multiple times before putting it out for display.”
People buy what they see and instantly like
So does he think traditional jewelers like him have an edge over the present day jewelry designers? Pat comes the reply, “Yes and no because today people buy according to the occasion. For instance, if it’s a birthday, they indulge in something modern or if it’s a festival they go for something traditional. Even for something as sacred as weddings, it all depends on the bride and what her choice is. One cannot be judgmental; everyone has their loyal customers with unique tastes which benefits both a traditional retailer and a contemporary designer.” With increasing number of designers making a foray in the industry, Rohan affirms that there has been a change in the scenario of the market. “Things have changed greatly over the years. We have realized that in today’s world, people buy what they see and instantly like; there is no time to wait and therefore we have to change with the times.”
A traditional touch
As a parting note, Rohan states, “At the end of the day, no matter how modern someone is, in our country they will always have a traditional taste. The same way, each piece that we create has been given a traditional touch and that is what makes it so attractive to so many customers.”
Tags: Araaish, Begani Jewels, Richa Begani, Rohan Begani
@The Taj Mahal Palace on the Big Day
Oct 17, 2012 Celebrity Wedding Pictures
“We don’t know anything” was the response from our friends who work at The Taj Mahal Palace in Colaba, when we asked them about the arrangements for Saif- Kareena’s wedding. The General Manager of the hotel and Head Chef Hemant Oberoi were personally involved in overseeing the details for the most awaited Bollywood wedding, so quite obviously very few individuals outside the core team had any information on what was going to happen on 16th October, 2012.
Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan wave to the media after their registered wedding at home
We visited the hotel on 16th afternoon. Bouncers hired by Event Management company Carving Dreams (Saif Ali Khan’s trusted talent managers who took care of wedding planning & management) dotted the space leading to the Ballroom on the first floor. Sister Karishma Kapoor was entering the Ballroom along with decor queen Gurleen M Puri and her partner Sudha Khanna. We didn’t want to enter the ballroom, but took a dekko from outside- lots of white flowers and gold fabric which covered the walls. As we exited the first floor a host of young men in traditional attire were entering– we asked them if they are the music troupe, and they proudly handed over to us their card- ‘Anand Omkar Bhatt Kalakar’ which detailed all their services- Dhol & Bhangra, Dandia, Kachi Ghodi, Chudiwala among others.
Karishma Kapoor and Randhir Kapoor
On reaching the ground floor, a very relaxed looking Kareena crossed our path; our camera was in hand, but since she crossed us all of a sudden, the thought of photographing her didn’t even come to our mind; the stern looking bouncers kept staring at our cameras with that ‘don’t you dare’ look. We left the hotel’s main door and outside we could see hundreds of onlookers and a host of television and newspaper cameramen. For the latter, it was an assignment with a difference, one of the few celebrity weddings where they wouldn’t be able to easily photograph the celebrity guests, as media entry into the hotel was strictly prohibited.
While the media went gaga about Kareena and Saif’s ‘Sangeet’ at the terrace of their building on 13th October, it was actually just a welcome party. Interestingly the couple chose to celebrate their Sangeet post the registered marriage on the evening of 16th. Contrary to speculation there was no Nikaah either. Just before the commencement of the Sangeet, they exchanged vows. Manish Malhotra a close friend of Kareena spoke to the media: “The wedding was not held as per any custom- it was a very private affair.” But what made it a glitzy affair was the presence of so many superstars. The Indian Express rightly quipped: “After all the brouhaha about Kareena and Saif’s wedding, the couple had a simple registered wedding at home, an anti-climax of sorts.”
According to reports, for the exchange of vows, Kareena wore a gharara designed by Ritu Kumar which was inspired by an heirloom garment of the Pataudis. Later, for the post-wedding celebration Kareena wore a creation by Manish Malhotra- a bungundy color embellished gharara with a maroon dupatta. Saif wore a Banarsi brocade ‘achkan’ by Raghuvendra Rathore.
Kareena’s best friend, Actress Amrita Arora and her husband entering Taj Mahal Palace
Kareena’s uncle and aunt, Rishi and Neetu Kapoor
Tags: Carving Dreams, Gurleen M Puri, Kareena, Manish Malhotra, Ritu Kumar, Saif, Taj Mahal Hotel, wedding, Wedding Planner
No Entry for Media@ Saifeena’s Wedding Venue
Oct 15, 2012 Celeb Weddings to Watch out for
Kareena and Saif’s reception in Mumbai is not at Bollywood’s favourite venue- Taj Lands End, Bandra. The venue is the iconic Taj Mahal Palace, Colaba. Kareena and Saif like a few other brides and grooms who live in and around Bandra have preferred to celebrate not at the Taj property closer to their home but at Mumbai’s landmark hotel overlooking Gateway of India.
Saif and Kareena are marrying at the legendary hotel that has played host to the most high profile dignitaries and enthralled guests for generations.
According to sources, the couple have booked rooms for most guests at The Taj; the registered marriage is on 16th noon and the post wedding celebration, in all likelihood is at the Crystal Room. We can’t wait to know more details- like the decor theme & colors to be executed by Gurleen M Puri; and the menu that will be prepared under the personal supervision of Chef Hemant Oberoi. Unlike most celebrity weddings, where media are usually permitted to photograph the guests entering the venue, the hotel may be completely out of bounds for the press. We asked Bombay Times Photographer Prathamesh Bandekar if he is disappointed that he may be unable to photograph all the action there: “Kareena and Saif have always indicated that theirs will be a very private wedding- it’s their big day so it’s important everyone respect their wishes- that of course will not stop curious journalists, photographers and even the public from hanging around near the venue to see who is coming and leaving- after all this is the most awaited wedding of 2012.” Taj spokespersons refused to comment on the preparations and plans for the 16th, but sources inform us that security at the hotel will be very ‘tight’- but this should be not too complex a task for them since they have hosted heads of states and international cricketing teams.
Interestingly, there is another Saif Ali Khan & Taj Mahal Palace connection. Last year, Saif made headlines when he got into a brawl with a guest at Wasabi, the Japanese restaurant of the hotel. There were allegations and counter-allegations by both parties, and last heard the matter was not closed in the police files.
Tags: Crystal Room, Gurleen M Puri, Kareena, Media, Saif, Taj Mahal Palace, Wedding Reception
31 Aurangzeb Road
Oct 12, 2012 Celeb Weddings to Watch out for
Whenever we visit Delhi, it is a beautiful experience to drive through the majestic Aurangzeb Road. With sprawling bungalows on both sides, we try not to miss the name boards which occupy pride of place. Some of the country’s most powerful politicians, bureaucrats, supreme court judges and industrialists live or work here. Most of the residences are elegant colonial bungalows, with the exterior edifice not being altered too much; now we hear some luxury apartments have come up on Aurangzeb Road.
31 Aurangzeb Road may be in the news for a different reason now. An interview with Randhir Kapoor, father of bride Kareena Kapoor features alongwith it, the invitation to their Dawat-e-Walima on Thursday, 18th October in Delhi. The venue for the reception is not the Pataudi Palace near Gurgaon but 31 Aurangzeb Road. We googled to know who lives in 31 Aurangzeb Road- the top result shows that the address in Lutyen’s Delhi was supposed to be the address of former President APJ Abdul Kalam after his retirement in 2007. However, the former Vice President late Bhairon Singh Shekhawat moved in there, where he lived till May 2010. The bunglow is referred to a Type VIII bungalow (we gather Type VIII bunglows are allotted to the senior-most ministers) built on a 5,000 square feet plinth area. More recently it was reported that Pranab Mukherjee, when he was Finance Minister used to conduct some of his meetings at 31 Aurangzeb Road which was not his residence.
The Dawat-e-Walima (post wedding reception) is hosted by the groom’s family. In the interview to Times of India Randhir Kapoor stated: “As much as Babita, me and the entire Kapoor family would like to have a reception party, we have to respect the sentiment of the couple who are marrying. Kareena and Saif want to have a small, private wedding, and only the immediate relatives of the Kapoors and the Khans, and friends close to my children have been invited. I would personally like to say sorry to those who’ve not been invited to the wedding. The bigger reception in Delhi has been organised by Saif’s mother, a lot of politicians will be attending that one as Sharmilaji is very well-connected politically.”
Tags: 31 Aurangzeb Road, Dawat-e-Walima, Delhi, Kareena, reception, Saif, Venue, wedding
Meet Kareena’s Wedding Makers
Oct 10, 2012 Celeb Weddings to Watch out for
Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan’s shaadi may not be a Big Fat Indian Wedding, but there’s lots to talk about the most-awaited wedding of the year. We don’t have any details on the Reception to be held at Pataudi near Delhi, but here are the Mumbai wedding specialists who are involved with the celebrations in Mumbai- at Saif’s home in Bandra and the Taj Hotel.
Magical Decor by Gurleen M Puri
The very stylish and elegant Gurleen M Puri has been in the business of wedding decor since over two decades; though her company is primarily involved in wedding decor, she is popularly known as one of India’s most successful Wedding Planners. Gurleen is married to construction magnate Vijay Raheja and the day to day operations of Gurleen M Puri Associates are managed by her able business partner Sudha Khanna. We can’t wait to know about the wedding decor theme, and the elements & colors with which Gurleen and Sudha execute bride Kareena’s dreamy vision.
Family Man Manish Malhotra
At the ongoing Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week, Manish was asked what he is designing for Kareena Kapoor’s wedding. “It’s a wedding which is very close to my heart. After all, it is like a family wedding. I cannot divulge much, except that it has got an Indian appeal to it”, said Manish.
Gurleen M Puri and Manish Malhotra
Makeup Magician Mickey Contractor
Kareena who is Lakme’s Brand Ambassador has chosen Mickey Contractor to get her ready for the big day. For three decades makeup magician Mickey Contractor has been wielding his magic wand on Bollywood’s brightest beauties usually for hit films and advertising campaigns. So naturally, most of the beauties choose to get Mickey for their wedding day, provided of course he is free on the big day. Mickey Contractor who is the Director of Makeup Artistry for MAC India recently co-launched the MAC + Mickey Contractor 2011 makeup line that is customised to suit the Indian woman’s skin tone.
Right Moves by Rajendra Masterji
The gregarious dance choreographer we hear is taking classes for the couple’s closest friends- with everyone’s hectic work-day schedules, giving them instructions on what to do late at night, is no easy task. But this may come easy to the endearing dance master who was the choreographer for Abhishek-Aishwarya’s shaadi too.
Mickey Contractor and Rajendra Masterji
On record- DJ Bosco
DJ Bosco is one of India’s most sought after Disc Jockeys for Events. A favorite among NRI Sindhis, Bosco is known to be the master of all genres of music.
DJ Bosco
Tags: Gurleen M Puri, Gurleen Manchanda, Kareena Kapoor, Manish Malhotra, Mickey Contractor, Rajendra Masterji, Saif Ali Khan, Taj, Venue, wedding
