de Lovely Affair: mehndi

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

{Real Wedding} Shilpa and Chirag from Binita Patel Photography

I have to say before we get started that I am absolutely in love with this couple and their obvious love for one another. I am grateful that the fabulously fabulous Binita Patel offered to share this sweet, sincerely moving Real Wedding with us. Shilpa and Chirag look like the kind of couple who are just eternally happy, which in turn makes me happy!

Here is what Binita had to say about the couple along with her images of this gorgeous, traditional and yet modern Indian wedding.

Shilpa and Chirag are one of those really sweet, really authentic couples who just warm your heart. You can just tell that they really make each other feel comfortable and loved; and being around them just puts you at ease.

Their wedding day was full of color, love & laughter. Gorgeous flowers, beautiful materials, filled with tradition and family, and lavish ceremony made it a wedding to be remembered for a long time to come.

The traditional Hindu ceremony took place at La Renaissance in Connecticut with Mandap King, also of Connecticut, providing the mandap and exquisitely detailed decor. Shilpa was a gorgeous bride; her mehndi done by a local Connecticut artist Shabhana, her dresses direct from India and her hair and make up compliments of Amisha’s Artistry. Like most brides, she seemed to be the somewhat quiet...

However the bride and the rest of the wedding were certainly ready to put their party shoes ON once the reception got started. Seriously, Shilpa has sooo much energy. This bunch really knows how to party!

Starting from the baraat (the traditional procession of the groom from his home to the wedding location), all the way through the reception… the dancing just DID NOT STOP!! Thank you for letting me be a part of the glorious day, this coming together of family and tradition. It was an absolute joy!

Photography/Cinematography - Binita Patel Photography + Binita Patel Cinematography

Venue - La Renaissance

Hair/Makeup - Amisha's Artistry

Mandap/Decor - Mandap King

Cake - Modern Pastry Shop

DJ - Vishal Sharma, Bounce Entertainment, Manchester, CT

Make sure you check back later today for the Shilpa and Chirag's highlight video! What fun they had at their celebration, all weddings should be this joyful! Many thanks again to Binita Patel for sharing her work with de Lovely Affair.

Also, if you have a Real Wedding you would like featured, check out the Submissions page up top!

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Have a deLicious day!

Monday, January 17, 2011

South Asian Wedding Week + Monday Eye Candy

Welcome to South Asian wedding week here at deLovely Affair, your practical guide to multicultural and worldly weddings. South Asia is a hub of rich culture and ethnically diverse communities, known for colorful, vibrant, and festive celebrations; weddings are no exception. From Pakistan, to India, to the island country of Maldives, wedding traditions vary across religion, caste, ethnicity, language, region and no two weddings will be the same. Weddings can last for days and include lavish rituals, dancing, food, henna tattoos and ceremonial baths--South Asian weddings are true family and community events.

As with anything, we recognize that we are not experts and there will be some generalities. In a region rich with tradition, culture, folklore, we could spend our entire lives devoted to the topic of South Asian weddings...it would be impossible to cover it all. So instead we will talk about what we do know, give you some inspirational Eye Candy, tips and advice, share a gorgeous wedding from the fabulous Binita Patel, and an easy DIY project for the eco-conscious bride. We hope to inspire you to reimagine how your wedding can be when you rediscover and reconnect with culture.

Because today is *technically* Monday Eye Candy, here are some swoon worthy photos of my favorite aspect of South Asian weddings...Mehndi, that gorgeous henna artwork seen delicately spirally around the bride’s hands and feet. Enjoy!