Nikasha Tawadey brings ‘Raat Ki Rani’ to WIFW

Mar 15, 2013 Fashion & Bridal Wear Leave a comment

One of our favorite designers Nikasha Tawadey showcased a collection titled ‘Raat Ki Rani’ at the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) earlier this week. Nikasha knows how to design for women who prefer the understated look and the collection was youthful and stylish as we expected. It consisted of fitted silhouettes like multi-coloured jumpsuits, mini-kurtas, choli-tanks, dhotis, shararas, saris and waistcoats in shades like orange, red, green, yellow and purple.

The Tale of Two Weddings

Mar 14, 2013 Marriage & Wedding Trends, Wedding Photographers Leave a comment

By JaspreetSoni
Urmi and Priyanka from Surat never thought while growing up that they will get married on the same day. When the two sisters got married this year, for the family it was more than a joyous and fun experience, it was a special celebration too; in 1994 Urmi had met with a tragic generator fire accident leaving everyone shattered, both emotionally and physically. We caught up with Urmi, the spirited young woman, who talked to us about the fairy tale wedding in Surat and how to live life to its fullest.

• Two sisters got married on the same day. Tell us more.

  It was of course a dream like moment. We never thought it would happen this way. My sister Priyanka was getting married to Ross and all of us were preparing for her wedding. Just two months before Priyanka’s wedding I met my to-be-husband Taral and it was decided that we should also get married on the same day.





• Being siblings, did you and your sister exchange notes on Wedding Planning all the time?

  The funny thing is we did not have any arguments. I know it’s hard to believe, but it’s true. My sister had left it all to me and our mother. She said, “I know I am putting my wedding-related responsibilities in the best hands!” I had to force her to give her opinion and feedback. Fortunately, she loved everything we picked.



• The wedding not only was larger than life but also a mix of cultures, right?

  It was full of magical experiences, not only for us but for all the guests and every time I see the photographs captured by our Candid Photographer AvantikaMeattle I smile, laugh or have tears in my eyes. My sister has fallen in love with this extraordinary man who always makes her feel precious. This was the first time in my family two cultures were coming together. We didn’t think it would be so easy to make Ross and his family to feel welcome. But they blended so well, all the more impressive since it was their first time in India. We all had the best times of our lives.







• You have been through an experience which left its scars and what I found most inspiring was that uninhibited beautiful smile on your face. Tell us a little about your journey.

  So far, my journey has been great with God’s blessings. There have definitely been many ups and downs, but if life was smooth and happiness filled only, we would not value it as much as we should. There is always a period in everyone’s life in which they have to start learning to appreciate life. For me, that period started at a very young age. Right after the fire in 1994, our lives completely changed; nothing was the same anymore. There are times I still wonder how beautiful I would have looked if I didn’t have these scars; it makes me feel sad temporarily, but I can’t stop living and enjoying, because of that one experience. We all have to learn to live again. My father always taught us to see the better side of everything. It’s amazing how love and care by your family members can do wonders. My family gave me the strength to be strong and positive. I am a very spiritual person so faith in God played a major part in keeping me happy and positive. I have been living and working in the US since sometime, and I think society has a major role to play in making you who you are. Maybe if I would have stayed in India, I wouldn’t have been as confident as I am –despite all the love and support of my family. America taught me that no matter how different I am from the majority,I can still live life to the fullest. Here, people taught me to see beautiful side of me, with my scars. If it weren’t for my family, faith in god and all my experiences here I wouldn’t be the person that I am today.

Wedding planner: Evolution Events & Entertainment

Photographs Courtesy:
AvantikaMeattle
www.facebook.com/delhiphotography
www.avantikam.com

Wedding Bells. Delhi boy engaged to Kirloskars daughter

Mar 11, 2013 Celeb Weddings to Watch out for Leave a comment

Rishi and Neetu Kapoor’s daughter Riddhima Kapoor Sahni may not get to plan her brother actor Ranbir’s shaadi very soon. But in a few months from now she will be busy with her brother-in-law’s wedding. Akshay Sahni, who is her husband Bharat’s younger brother is engaged to one of Pune’s most eligible singles- Aditi Kirloskar, the daughter of industrialists Atul and Aarti Kirloskar. The engagement was a low-key affair at the Kirloskar residence in Ganeshkhind Road, Pune last month. While the families have not announced the date yet we hear its most likely at a Palace Hotel in Rajasthan in November this year.

Riddhima and Bharat with Ranbir Kapoor

Akshay, like his brother Bharat is an alumnus of Modern School, Vasant Vihar after which he went on to pursue his higher studies at the University of Southern California. He now works in the family business of textiles. Aditi, a graduate from Northeastern University is known to be extremely media shy and a private person with a passion for creative endeavors- she is involved in the family business and dabbles in exquisite home design and decor.

Riddhima Kapoor and Bharat Sahni at their wedding reception. Bride-to-be Aditi Kirloskar

Dubai Diary- Rajani family share their Wedding Planning Experiences

Mar 8, 2013 Destination Weddings Leave a comment

When Nanik Rajani, a Dubai based businessman was planning his younger daughter Sonia’s marriage to Dubai Jeweller Nitin, the time frame to plan it was less than two months. Having planned his elder daughter Sapna’s wedding in Pune two years ago, he and his family all in Dubai, were confident that they could manage to co-ordinate the younger daughter’s wedding in India too. A few days later, his daughter bride-to-be Sonia while researching online visited the website of Dubai Wedding Planner Rimjhim Bhagchandani. Sonia convinced her father that they should meet Rimjhim. Explains Rimjhim: “I have planned many weddings in Dubai and Thailand, but only one wedding in India. So I was unsure if I’d be interested in managing a wedding in Pune, a city I have never visited earlier. But in the last one year, many clients have been approaching me to manage their son or daughter’s wedding in India, so I thought why not take up the challenge.” Adds Rimjhim: “I had to make two trips to Pune, to meet with the venues, caterer, decorators and the team which would take care of the ground level hospitality– in the end it was all a great experience. Every wedding is different, and so is the process of organising it in different countries. This is the second wedding I managed in India, the earlier one in Amritsar and just like I felt that there was magic in the air in Amritsar, Pune too holds a special place in my heart.”

We met Mr Rajani at his apartment in Dubai and like every parent who are eager to talk about the wedding planning experience, he too was happy to share. “I wouldn’t call wedding planning stressful. As the bride/ groom or the parent of the bride/ groom you alone can control how stress-free you wish to remain, or how you want to sweat the small stuff and end up being stressed always. Even the decision to hire a Wedding Planner is personal. For many years, families have managed big celebrations without Wedding Planners, and now an increasing number of NRIs like us, are seeking the services of a Wedding Planner. In my opinion the big mistake many families make is to hire a Wedding Planner and then control everything themselves- this defeats the purpose. Being a creative entrepreneur myself, I realised a Wedding Planner can work effectively only if given all the freedom, you have to trust them and their decisions, else don’t hire one, go ahead and do it your way.”

Sonia says: “In a way I’m glad the planning period was short– everything went as per our plans. The only stress I had was with clothes. I met a Mumbai based designer who promised to deliver everything as per the desired dates, we gave an advance too, but he didn’t turn up for the second meeting. Fortunately I spoke to a friend who told me about a bad experience she had with the same designer, he didn’t deliver the clothes as per schedule, and after the delivery there were some alterations required, which couldn’t get done, so the outfit was literally a waste. I decided not to risk it and get my outfits from Sanskriti, the newly opened boutique in Bur Dubai. They may not have a great offering or choice like some well-known designer boutiques in Mumbai and Delhi but they deliver what they have to, as per the specifications on schedule. I had to worry about getting a good Makeup Artist too, since the best names were all booked, I was lucky to find Kumar Iyer who gave me the look I wanted for all the functions.”

Who else would the father of the bride like to recommend for those planning a Destination Wedding in Pune. “Soul Kitch for catering, we visited them just once to try their cuisine, and felt they were flawless- quality of food, variety and presentation. Hotel Sun n Sand for their excellent hospitality, the Marriott for their beautiful location and super service. Event Dynamics did a great job with the set-ups, flowers and the mandap. And not to forget DJ Manoj and singer Shobana from Dubai who rocked the parties.”

Photos Courtesy- http://www.tajmodeling.com/

Bridal Beauty Tips from Dr Rekha Sheth

Mar 6, 2013 Fashion & Bridal Wear Leave a comment

Our Celebrity Guest Blogger Dr Rekha Sheth, the renowned Cosmetic Dermatologist shares some advice for brides-to-be.

• Start your regime at least two weeks in advance- diet and skin care. Increase your liquid intake to include coconut water and green tea and eat plenty of raw fruit & vegetables–minimum four servings a day. Stress leads to water retention. Avoid white carbohydrates post 5.00 pm and increase your protein intake.
• In the evenings splash hot water on your face, take a mild skin lightening face wash and gently rub the lather for 2 to 3 minutes. Wash thoroughly and immediately use a night cream containing antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Niacinamide, CoQ10, green tea, resveratrol, pomegranate, etc. These are very soothing and safe antioxidants that will brighten your skin.
• Mornings– use the same antioxidant cream first and over it use a strong sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or more
• Look after your neck, décolletage as well as your back. You can gently scrub these areas with a soft sponge while bathing and use a body lotion with antioxidants as well as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)
• Beauty is not about the face alone. Look beyond the face. Take care of your hands and feet too– go in for a microdermabrasion or a gentle peel. Have a paraffin manicure and pedicure– this will brighten the skin immediately.
• Have your hair deep conditioned one or two days before the wedding day.

Photograph Courtesy
Sowmya Photography
http://www.facebook.com/SowmyaPhotography

Hollywood’s Biggest Stars wear Platinum Jewellery to the 85th Annual Academy Awards

Mar 4, 2013 Precious Platinum Leave a comment

From Anne Hathaway’s stud earrings to Naomi Watts’ cuff bracelet, Hollywood’s leading actresses chose to showcase their jewels in naturally white platinum settings that truly enhance the brilliance of diamonds and colored gemstones. Platinum is the precious metal that never changes color nor fades. It’s the ideal choice for life’s most unforgettable moments.

Anne Hathaway in Platinum by Tiffany & Co.

- Platinum and diamond Corsage necklace ($485,000)
- Platinum and diamond stud earrings ($39,300)
- Platinum and diamond Fringe bracelet ($200,000)
- Platinum and diamond Paisley bracelet ($115,000)

Jennifer Garner in Platinum by Neil Lane

- Darkened platinum and diamond necklace (200 carats)
- Darkened platinum and diamond earrings
- Darkened platinum and diamond bracelet

Naomi Watts in Platinum by Neil Lane

- Platinum and diamond drop earrings (20 carats)
- Platinum and diamond bracelet

Charlize Theron in Platinum by Harry Winston

- Vintage 1959 Platinum Lattice bracelet (58.07 total carats)
- Vintage 1959 Platinum Cluster bracelet (57.30 total carats)
- Platinum and diamond marquise Lattice bracelet
- Platinum and diamond ear studs (5 carats each), $1.6 million
- Platinum and marquise cut diamond ring

Sandra Bullock in Platinum by Harry Winston

- Platinum and diamond cluster brooch
- Platinum and diamond ring
- Platinum and round diamond ear studs

Adele in Platinum by Harry Winston

- Platinum and diamond cluster earrings ($1 million)
- Platinum and diamond ring

Zoe Saldana in Platinum by Neil Lane

- Platinum and diamond chandelier earrings with pearls
- 9 Platinum and diamond rings

Big Indian Wedding to take place in Florence

Feb 26, 2013 Celeb Weddings to Watch out for Leave a comment

Three years after one of India’s richest business tycoons hosted his daughter’s wedding in Florence, the city with centuries of history and tradition is set to host a grand Indian wedding again. In April end,
over 400 Indians from different parts of the world, will be flying to Florence for the shaadi celebrations to mark the union of two prominent Marwari families, from Mumbai and Dubai. The three day celebrations will be held at legendary hotels like St Regis and Westin Excelsior while one function we hear is at the estate owned by Italys’ famed Corsini family.

Landmark hotels St Regis and Westin Excelsior will be some of the venues for the Big Indian Wedding in April

Ever year, almost 1,000 couples visit Florence for their dream destination wedding. While the Florence media may not write about many of the spectacular weddings taking place there, there was quite a buzz when the first Indian wedding took place between 4th and 6th June, 2010. News reports from Florence read: ‘Indian tycoon’s daughter marries at Maharajah style wedding’. ‘700 guests this weekend to attend wedding of super-rich Indian’. ‘Fairytale wedding in Florence for daughter of Indian tycoon’. The celebrations then included a welcome-luncheon at the lavish lawns of the Four Seasons hotel and a dinner at Palazzo Corsini, the magnificent palace overlooking the Arno River. The main wedding function was at Villa Le Rose, the luxurious villa owned by the Ferragamo family.

The spectacular lawns of the Four Seasons and Ville Le Rose, were the venues for the magnificent Indian Wedding which took place in 2010

Thanks to the big buzz back in India, Florence’s most prominent wedding specialists and venues were looking forward to welcoming many high profile wedding families. The 2013 wedding is expected to be an equally grand affair, but since many invitees were present at the previous wedding a lot is expected to be different too. The families currently in the middle of wedding planning are in talks with the best names in decor and food; all of them have been asked to keep it quiet and hush-hush. Quite obviously, this is expected to be the most magnificent Destination Wedding of 2013!

Model Marriages

Feb 22, 2013 Celeb Weddings to Watch out for Leave a comment

Model and actress Lisa Haydon announced her engagement on Twitter. Her fiance Karan, a DJ by profession is the son of Society Darlings Deveika and Suresh Bhojwani. The groom-to-be announced the good news on his FB page. “I asked and she said YES!!!!! I’m the luckiest man in the world. Lisa and I got engaged last night!!! Love is all you need!!! We are one xxx”.

Born to an Indian father and Australian mother, Lisa Haydon was the face of Lakme Cosmetics. She moved to India in 2007, when she was 21 to pursue a career in modelling. Lisa and Karan have been seeing each other for long, and Mumbai is looking forward to the Shaadi. Will it be a destination wedding by the beach or a grand celebration in South Mumbai? We’re still guessing.

There’s more knotty news. Leggy model Carol Gracias tied the knot with long-time boyfriend Samuel Ziza. The wedding was a traditional Goan Catholic affair at Ashvem Beach, Goa. Samuel who earlier worked as a journalist, is from Paris. Samuel and Carol are business partners too, they run online venture WittyGift, that lets people express their love for family and friends by gifting them experiences wrapped in pretty boxes.

Two of Mumbai’s most talented Fashion Photographers said ‘I Do’ in February. R. Burman’s wedding in Kolkata was an elegant, grand celebration while Prasad Naik’s wedding in Mumbai was a simple affair. The Photographer and Fashion fraternity is now looking forward to the next shaadi celebration- US returned Fashion Photographer Sameer Parekh weds on March 16th in Colaba, Mumbai.

Wedding Photography Trends You Need to Know

Feb 19, 2013 Wedding Photographers Leave a comment

Super saturated colors? Vintage? Bokeh? Sounds like mumbo jumbo but these are some of the hottest trends in wedding photography. Check out what they mean and if you would like to incorporate them, share them with your photographer.

Super Saturated Color
Super saturated photos in simple terms mean colors are more brilliant in photos than real life. They are great for creating trendy and whimsical engagement and wedding portraits and making wedding decor photos pop.

“I believe in bright rich colors for an indian wedding since it brings out the true emotions and spreads happiness. My photos are always post processed to ensure bright rich popping colors”..,” says Mili Ghosh, Creative Director, Memories in Motion Cinematography & Films http://www.memoinmotion.com/

Vintage effect
Give your photos a washed out or dated look as if they are from a completely different time. Vintage look is not for everyone. If you love the vintage look and it reflects your personality, you could ask your photographer to use vintage effect for some of your engagement and wedding portraits to create nostalgia.

“When it comes to editing, I give my clients an option for something different than the traditional edits. And many of them prefer the vintage edits over the conventional edits. And if it’s a summer wedding, it
brings a warm glow to the photos”, said Nirav Solanki of Indian Wedding Snap www.indianweddingsnap.com.”

Grunge Textures
It is an effect created by heavily editing and enhancing images in order to make them look textured, edgy and dramatic. It finds favor with fine art photographers and rock aficionados. It’s great for engagement and wedding portraits if you want them to look moody.

“I rarely use Grungy texture, and when I use, it’s to get a specific look that the client needs or to bring the photo closer to an envisioned image. In most cases it brings a mood to the photo and to take away the attention from the details of the photo. This also makes the subject stand out through different layer with effective use of lighting,” says Saneesh Sukumaran, https://www.facebook.com/saneeshphoto

Bokeh
The word “Bokeh” has Japanese origins. It means “blurred” or “hazy” and in photographic term it means part of the image is aesthetically blurred or out-of-focus in a way that objects in focus stand out beautifully.

“Quality of bokeh is very important for me to make my subject or subjects stand out in my shots. I strive to achieve bokeh and shallow depth of field in the shots where its least expected”, says Kunal Mehta, Photographer/ Owner, www.eventsbyspl.com

Mahera & Mahir. MF Husain’s grand-daughter weds in Mumbai

Feb 15, 2013 Celeb Weddings to Watch out for Leave a comment

Its celebration time for the Husains and Palejwalas. Mahera, grand-daughter of celebrated artist MF Husain is marrying Mahir Paljewala and the celebrations commenced yesterday with an intimate and fun Mehendi at Blue Sea in Worli Sea Face. The Nikaah and Reception is at a Hotel in Juhu tomorrow.

Mahera, a hairstylist is the co-owner of Smashh, a salon in Khar. Groom Mahir works and lives in Kuwait.