Print it out, Bookmark it, save it to your smartphones - this might be the wedding you dreamed of ...
Image Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Keeping you inspired!!
Rachyeta xxx
Showing posts with label Ideas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ideas. Show all posts
Tuesday, 17 April 2012
{Inspiration} Luxurious Perfect Peach Theme
This afternoon I would like to share with you a perfect Inspiration Board, one that is pretty, rustic, gorgeous, and chic! It is affordable, yet looks elaborate, it can be fun as well as darn right modern!
Print it out, Bookmark it, save it to your smartphones - this might be the wedding you dreamed of ...
Image Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Keeping you inspired!!
Rachyeta xxx
Print it out, Bookmark it, save it to your smartphones - this might be the wedding you dreamed of ...
Image Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Keeping you inspired!!
Rachyeta xxx
Monday, 16 April 2012
{Wedding Planning} Questions to ask your caterer - Stay one step ahead
So it's down to 3 course meal, 5 course meal, buffet or packed lunch? Your caterer can make or break your wedding for your guests and for yourselves. so deciding on a caterer that is good, but one that understands you is paramount. I have put together some key questions that will guide you to understanding your caterer and getting what you want out of them. It is an easy process once you know how to go about it and this way you won't have a bill of unexplained expenses - all will be clear after reading this post.
Image Credit: Pinterest
The Fundamentals: The Food & Drink understandably you would like to learn as much as possible as to the actual product your guests will receive. The quality, the variety and most certainly the service. Don't be afraid to ask questions, whether you think they sound silly. And don't sign anything until you are completely certain you will be happy with what you receive and what you will be paying.
1. Do they specialize in certain types of food?
2. What types of food do they offer for hors d'ouerves? For the main course? For dessert?
3. Can I sample their menu?
4. Do they offer food for certain dietary restrictions -- vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, etc.?
5. Do they work with fresh or frozen foods?
6. Are they able to supply a full bar? What is the fee for liquor?
7. Will they pack a snack for the bride and groom?
Image Credit: 1, 2, 3, 4
The hole in your wallet: The hidden Fees; whether it's VAT, additional cutlery, table linens or service charge, ensure you ask what the FINAL bill will be. You don't want any surprises, especially financially.
8. Is there a fee for a sample tasting?
9. What are their prices?
10. Do they require a minimum number of guests?
11. Are gratuities included in the food prices? If not, what is the gratuity charge?
12. How much is the deposit needed? When is the final balance due?
Image Credit: Pinterest
The Extras are all those small things that collectively will be pricey, but if your caterer can provide them then it usually works out cheaper. Think about table linens, cutlery, whether thy can provide a bartender or cloak room assistants - all are necessities.
13. Will the caterer provide any necessary rentals: tables, place settings, linens, chairs, etc.?
14. How many types of staff will the caterer provide -- waiters, bartenders, bussers, etc.?
15. What will the wait staff wear?
16. Can the caterer provide me with a wedding cake?
17. Will they provide food for the other vendors -- the photographer, planner, videographer and band?
Image Credit: 1
Need to know; being aware of anything that might otherwise obstruct the caterers from doing their job to the best of their ability. Keeping everything to plan and ensuring everyone is aware of their responsibilities and what is required.
18. Are they catering other weddings on my wedding day?
19. If my reception location does not have a well-equipped kitchen, will the catering company be able to bring in the necessary appliances -- refrigerators, ovens, etc.?
20. How will the food be served -- buffet style, table service or family style?
21. How long will it take them to set up and to break down the event?
22. When will I need to finalize the menu?
23. When will they need a final head count?
24. What is their cancellation policy?
And that brings our post to an end. The most important thing to take away with you is that questions are there to be asked. Your caterer will expect no less of you. Happy planning and best of luck!!
Keeping you inspired!
Rachyeta xxx
Image Credit: Pinterest
The Fundamentals: The Food & Drink understandably you would like to learn as much as possible as to the actual product your guests will receive. The quality, the variety and most certainly the service. Don't be afraid to ask questions, whether you think they sound silly. And don't sign anything until you are completely certain you will be happy with what you receive and what you will be paying.
1. Do they specialize in certain types of food?
2. What types of food do they offer for hors d'ouerves? For the main course? For dessert?
3. Can I sample their menu?
4. Do they offer food for certain dietary restrictions -- vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, etc.?
5. Do they work with fresh or frozen foods?
6. Are they able to supply a full bar? What is the fee for liquor?
7. Will they pack a snack for the bride and groom?
Image Credit: 1, 2, 3, 4
The hole in your wallet: The hidden Fees; whether it's VAT, additional cutlery, table linens or service charge, ensure you ask what the FINAL bill will be. You don't want any surprises, especially financially.
8. Is there a fee for a sample tasting?
9. What are their prices?
10. Do they require a minimum number of guests?
11. Are gratuities included in the food prices? If not, what is the gratuity charge?
12. How much is the deposit needed? When is the final balance due?
Image Credit: Pinterest
The Extras are all those small things that collectively will be pricey, but if your caterer can provide them then it usually works out cheaper. Think about table linens, cutlery, whether thy can provide a bartender or cloak room assistants - all are necessities.
13. Will the caterer provide any necessary rentals: tables, place settings, linens, chairs, etc.?
14. How many types of staff will the caterer provide -- waiters, bartenders, bussers, etc.?
15. What will the wait staff wear?
16. Can the caterer provide me with a wedding cake?
17. Will they provide food for the other vendors -- the photographer, planner, videographer and band?
Image Credit: 1
Need to know; being aware of anything that might otherwise obstruct the caterers from doing their job to the best of their ability. Keeping everything to plan and ensuring everyone is aware of their responsibilities and what is required.
18. Are they catering other weddings on my wedding day?
19. If my reception location does not have a well-equipped kitchen, will the catering company be able to bring in the necessary appliances -- refrigerators, ovens, etc.?
20. How will the food be served -- buffet style, table service or family style?
21. How long will it take them to set up and to break down the event?
22. When will I need to finalize the menu?
23. When will they need a final head count?
24. What is their cancellation policy?
And that brings our post to an end. The most important thing to take away with you is that questions are there to be asked. Your caterer will expect no less of you. Happy planning and best of luck!!
Keeping you inspired!
Rachyeta xxx
Friday, 13 April 2012
Exclusive ‘Brides’ Jimmy Choo Event – London and Manchester
Something that makes me and probably 97% of the female population completely nuts is shoes, and like any industry there are a few top ranking ones that make women go cookoo! Jimmy Choo is among those within the hierarchy and when there is a sale, passersby should be cautious!
So something that I was overwhelmed to hear about whilst reading this months’ ‘Brides’ magazine, was they are pairing up with Jimmy Choo to bring you some uber friggin cool bridal shoes practically off the catwalk! How can you say no to that? If you are a bride (unlike me) and in need for some sexy ‘look at me’ Jimmy Choo’s then look no further than Shaadi-Esque – we have all the info on where it’s happening, how to get tickets and what to expect.
Here is a little video, although made in 2010, it walks you through some of what Jimmy Choo really has to offer you as a Bride and as women with style and suave.
So the LONDON EVENT will begin with a drinks reception at one of the Boutiques, cupcakes, flowers - the whole shabbang! Also for brides to be - brilliant expert consultations with Bobbi Brown and demonstrating Bridal hair - Andrew Hohne.
The MANCHESTER EVENT will be held at the Selfridges concession in The Trafford Centre - again you can be spoiled with drinks, cakes, flowers by David Wayman, Bobbi Brown experts as well as Andrew Collinge Hair Stylist.
Brides's have really put on a great show for you guys, so it would be a shame to pass up this pretty rare opportunity. Get your tickets today, while places are still available...
Where: London and Manchester
Tickets are £15 each
So something that I was overwhelmed to hear about whilst reading this months’ ‘Brides’ magazine, was they are pairing up with Jimmy Choo to bring you some uber friggin cool bridal shoes practically off the catwalk! How can you say no to that? If you are a bride (unlike me) and in need for some sexy ‘look at me’ Jimmy Choo’s then look no further than Shaadi-Esque – we have all the info on where it’s happening, how to get tickets and what to expect.
Here is a little video, although made in 2010, it walks you through some of what Jimmy Choo really has to offer you as a Bride and as women with style and suave.
So the LONDON EVENT will begin with a drinks reception at one of the Boutiques, cupcakes, flowers - the whole shabbang! Also for brides to be - brilliant expert consultations with Bobbi Brown and demonstrating Bridal hair - Andrew Hohne.
The MANCHESTER EVENT will be held at the Selfridges concession in The Trafford Centre - again you can be spoiled with drinks, cakes, flowers by David Wayman, Bobbi Brown experts as well as Andrew Collinge Hair Stylist.
Brides's have really put on a great show for you guys, so it would be a shame to pass up this pretty rare opportunity. Get your tickets today, while places are still available...
Wednesday 9th May: Jimmy Choo flagship store, 32 Sloane Street, London, SW1; 6.30pm-8.30pm
Thursday 10th May: Jimmy Choo flagship store, 27 New Bond Street, London, W1; 6.30pm-8.30pm
Thursday 17th May: Jimmy Choo concessions at Selfridges, THe Trafford Centre, Manchester; 6.30pm-8.30pm
For the Sloane Street London or Manchester events - book your tickets on 020 7823 1051
For New Bond Street London event - book your tickets on 020 7493 5858
***If you attend, make sure you let us know how it went - we want to hear from you***
Keeping you inspired and definintely in the loop!
Rachyeta xxx
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
{Inspiration} The Queen's Jubilee and High Tea
2012 is most definitely an epic year for weddings. This year as well as this country, that'll be the United Kingdom, have several events that are paying homage to our culture and heritage of being British. These key events are the Queen's Jubilee and the 2012 London Olympics.
Image Credit
Concentrating on being British, we honour Queen Elizabeth II’s 60 year reign in the UK. Whilst doing my research for Her Majesty, it cannot be reckoned that actually she is a pretty extraordinary monarch. Take a look at some of these mesmerising facts about the Lady herself.
♥ The Queen is currently patron of over 600 charities and organisations, over 400 of which she has held since 1952.
♥ Since 1952, The Queen has conferred over 404,500 honours and awards.
♥ The Queen has attended every opening of Parliament except those in 1959 and 1963, when she was expecting Prince Andrew and Prince Edward respectively.
♥ The Queen has answered around three and a half million items of correspondence.
♥ In 60 years, The Queen has undertaken 261 official overseas visits, including 96 State Visits, to 116 different countries.
♥ The Queen has sat for 129 portraits during her reign.
♥ The Queen learnt to drive in 1945.
♥ The Queen's real birthday is on 21st April, but it is celebrated officially in June.
♥ The wedding of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh was the first and so far the only time in British history that the heir presumptive to the throne had been married.
♥ Queen Victoria was the last and to date the only British Monarch to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee. The Queen, who will be aged 85 on Accession Day in 2012, will be the oldest monarch to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee. Queen Victoria was 77 when she celebrated hers in 1897.
60 Facts about the Queen
So in true British Tea Party Fashion, I have put together some brilliant 'High Tea' favourite desserts to astound your guests with. I actually showed this idea to one of my bride's the other day and she, much like myself has a great fondness of sweets and decadent desserts, almost fell forwards with the idea of a beautiful selection of 'Afternoon Tea-like' desserts on each table. Turning dessert into more of a social affair rather than a one moment and your out the door occurrence!!
Image Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Hoping that you enjoyed these delicious Diamond Jubilee - High Tea selection of desserts.
Keeping you inspired!
Rachyeta xxx
Image Credit
Concentrating on being British, we honour Queen Elizabeth II’s 60 year reign in the UK. Whilst doing my research for Her Majesty, it cannot be reckoned that actually she is a pretty extraordinary monarch. Take a look at some of these mesmerising facts about the Lady herself.
♥ The Queen is currently patron of over 600 charities and organisations, over 400 of which she has held since 1952.
♥ Since 1952, The Queen has conferred over 404,500 honours and awards.
♥ The Queen has attended every opening of Parliament except those in 1959 and 1963, when she was expecting Prince Andrew and Prince Edward respectively.
♥ The Queen has answered around three and a half million items of correspondence.
♥ In 60 years, The Queen has undertaken 261 official overseas visits, including 96 State Visits, to 116 different countries.
♥ The Queen has sat for 129 portraits during her reign.
♥ The Queen learnt to drive in 1945.
♥ The Queen's real birthday is on 21st April, but it is celebrated officially in June.
♥ The wedding of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh was the first and so far the only time in British history that the heir presumptive to the throne had been married.
♥ Queen Victoria was the last and to date the only British Monarch to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee. The Queen, who will be aged 85 on Accession Day in 2012, will be the oldest monarch to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee. Queen Victoria was 77 when she celebrated hers in 1897.
60 Facts about the Queen
So in true British Tea Party Fashion, I have put together some brilliant 'High Tea' favourite desserts to astound your guests with. I actually showed this idea to one of my bride's the other day and she, much like myself has a great fondness of sweets and decadent desserts, almost fell forwards with the idea of a beautiful selection of 'Afternoon Tea-like' desserts on each table. Turning dessert into more of a social affair rather than a one moment and your out the door occurrence!!
Image Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Hoping that you enjoyed these delicious Diamond Jubilee - High Tea selection of desserts.
Keeping you inspired!
Rachyeta xxx
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
{Inspiration} Biggest Wedding Centrepiece Inspiration Board
Ooh yes, you read the title, I reckon this could pass as a Guinness World Record for largest Inspiration Board for Wedding centrepieces. Well, that might be a little optimistic, however this really is a phenomenal board to be inspired over.
Centrepieces are focal points for your guests, they are added décor for the venue and are just so darn pretty! Have a look at this range of centrepieces and maybe you will find something you like!
Image Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Keeping you inspired!!
Rachyeta xxx
Centrepieces are focal points for your guests, they are added décor for the venue and are just so darn pretty! Have a look at this range of centrepieces and maybe you will find something you like!
Image Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10Keeping you inspired!!
Rachyeta xxx
Monday, 26 March 2012
{Supplier Love} Scarlet Event Design Spruce up your Wedding Venues
A particular supplier that has been brought up to Shaadi-Esque's attention is the newly formed Scarlet Event Design, with their chic bespokely designed Mandaps and their exquisite taste in elaborate design brings a new meaning to the word 'class'.
Launched in the not so distant 2010, Scarlet oozes Luxury, it is the feel you get from the moment you utter their name to the second you see their handmade designs.
♥ For those that do not know, tell us a little bit about Scarlet Event Design.
Scarlet specialises in Luxury wedding and event design. In particular, we specialise in Luxury Wedding stages and Mandaps for Asian weddings. We also offer Floral Design, Luxury Furniture Hire, Prop Hire and the UK’s largest range of Linen/Chair covers. Scarlet launched in 2010 with an aim to provide a Bespoke and Luxury event decor service. Since then we had an absolutely amazing response and a surge in demand for our services. The vast majority of our work comes from personal recommendation and because the client has seen our work at a previous wedding. Our clients approach Scarlet specifically for what we do and because they want a luxurious and classy look for their wedding.
♥ Who are the people behind ‘Scarlet Event Design’?
Scarlet was the idea of Creative Director Marc who, with a background in luxury visual merchandising, and a passion for Asian weddings, wanted to provide a service offering nothing less than excellence. Always striving to be the best at everything he does, Scarlet was a natural way of providing the very best in Luxury event design to the Clients who have high expectations and want only the best for their wedding.
Sajid our Operations Director celebrates his 10th year in the wedding industry. A background in Event management naturally led him into the Wedding Industry. His experience and charisma firmly keeps him as the number one contact person for many within the Asian wedding industry when it comes to anything Event related.
♥ What inspired the companies name ‘Scarlet’?
The name was inspired directly by the colour Scarlet. We wanted to portray a feeling of luxury and there is nothing more luxurious than Red Velvet. However the colour red is used everywhere and is the first colour that comes into someone’s mind when you ask a couple to think of a colour. We didn’t want to be the same as everyone else, we wanted to be different, something to think about and explore in more detail, which is why we chose the colour Scarlet. Although very similar to Red, its a different shade. A person who remembers the colour Scarlet, knows exactly what they are looking for, just like our Clientele.
♥ Is there a fashion when it comes to Mandap designs /decor? If so, do you find brides are quite responsive to these trends?
There is always a fashion when it comes to Mandaps. It’s usually the newest and most glamorous thing that comes in and many brides are after the same look. However we don’t follow trends or copy idea’s and our clients that hire us specifically want a classier look rather than the usual trend that is going on at that time.
♥ Do you find yourself reading bridal magazines to stay on-trend?
We do read Bridal magazines all the time, probably more because we love Asian weddings than to keep up with the latest trends! We do stay on top of what everyone else is doing however so we can do the opposite, which is why our clients love us. We are a company that people approach because they want a luxury wedding and love the things we have/do rather than just follow something that has been done hundreds of times over.
♥ What are your most requested services?
Our clients tend to have Scarlet firmly in mind a very long time before their wedding and so they know that we specialise in everything design related. Although the Mandap and Wedding stage is always the focal point of any wedding, we stress that for the complete finishing look, never forget the tables, chairs and lighting. White linen and Chair covers simply don’t work any more, which is why we offer bespoke table linen and luxury chairs. We work alongside some of the best florists in the UK providing an unlimited floral design service. We have bespoke luxury props and more. Although we do blog regularly on our website and facebook page, much of our portfolio and services can only be viewed by appointment only.
♥ Do you find you attract a certain type of bride?
Our Brides usually hire a luxury venue for their wedding and want to spend a lot of money to achieve a very classy and luxurious look. They have been dreaming about their big day for many years, have spent a long time planning it and know exactly what they want, who they want to hire and have a very large budget.
♥ What is it that you love most about what you do?
What I love most about being an event designer is creating something breath-taking and to know that I was responsible for it. To look at the Bride’s face as she walks in, knowing we gave her more than what she expected, the compliments from all the guests but most of all the genuine Thanks we receive from all of the family at the end of the celebration. Knowing we did someone proud and they now consider you as part of the family is probably the best feeling. Sajid, our Operations director still has clients calling him for their family weddings after 10 years.
♥ Looking back at your past few years in business, which wedding or event has been your most fun to plan?
I can't point to any specific wedding as they have all been stressful to plan! Although the end result has always been worth the stress. However the ones I enjoy most are the smaller, more intimate weddings where we can relax, take our time and create something beautiful.
♥ What is the future for ‘Scarlet Event Design’?
Every year we look to become better at what we do, this year saw the launch of our new 2012 collection of luxury furniture and table centres, as well as a bespoke Mandap being designed exclusively for us. Our passion for creating amazing events has led us into some of the Capitals most exclusive venues. Also we have expanded into Jewish and English weddings and over the course of the next 12-18 months we expect to become one of the biggest names in the UK wedding industry.
Wow, Scarlet Event design are a luxury brand, that work extremely hard and beautifully to bring together some of the finest weddings I have come across. I would like to thank Marc and his team of experts for their input and fabulous-ness.
To get in touch with Scarlet for your wedding here are their details:
Website: www.scarleteventdesign.co.uk
Email: info@scarleteventdesign.co.uk
Contact Number: 0203 589 4780
And if that isn't possible enough take a little look at their facebook page and follow them on twitter.
Keeping you inspired - have a beautiful week!
Rachyeta xxx
Launched in the not so distant 2010, Scarlet oozes Luxury, it is the feel you get from the moment you utter their name to the second you see their handmade designs.
♥ For those that do not know, tell us a little bit about Scarlet Event Design.
Scarlet specialises in Luxury wedding and event design. In particular, we specialise in Luxury Wedding stages and Mandaps for Asian weddings. We also offer Floral Design, Luxury Furniture Hire, Prop Hire and the UK’s largest range of Linen/Chair covers. Scarlet launched in 2010 with an aim to provide a Bespoke and Luxury event decor service. Since then we had an absolutely amazing response and a surge in demand for our services. The vast majority of our work comes from personal recommendation and because the client has seen our work at a previous wedding. Our clients approach Scarlet specifically for what we do and because they want a luxurious and classy look for their wedding.
♥ Who are the people behind ‘Scarlet Event Design’?
Scarlet was the idea of Creative Director Marc who, with a background in luxury visual merchandising, and a passion for Asian weddings, wanted to provide a service offering nothing less than excellence. Always striving to be the best at everything he does, Scarlet was a natural way of providing the very best in Luxury event design to the Clients who have high expectations and want only the best for their wedding.
Sajid our Operations Director celebrates his 10th year in the wedding industry. A background in Event management naturally led him into the Wedding Industry. His experience and charisma firmly keeps him as the number one contact person for many within the Asian wedding industry when it comes to anything Event related.
♥ What inspired the companies name ‘Scarlet’?
The name was inspired directly by the colour Scarlet. We wanted to portray a feeling of luxury and there is nothing more luxurious than Red Velvet. However the colour red is used everywhere and is the first colour that comes into someone’s mind when you ask a couple to think of a colour. We didn’t want to be the same as everyone else, we wanted to be different, something to think about and explore in more detail, which is why we chose the colour Scarlet. Although very similar to Red, its a different shade. A person who remembers the colour Scarlet, knows exactly what they are looking for, just like our Clientele.
♥ Is there a fashion when it comes to Mandap designs /decor? If so, do you find brides are quite responsive to these trends?
There is always a fashion when it comes to Mandaps. It’s usually the newest and most glamorous thing that comes in and many brides are after the same look. However we don’t follow trends or copy idea’s and our clients that hire us specifically want a classier look rather than the usual trend that is going on at that time.
♥ Do you find yourself reading bridal magazines to stay on-trend?
We do read Bridal magazines all the time, probably more because we love Asian weddings than to keep up with the latest trends! We do stay on top of what everyone else is doing however so we can do the opposite, which is why our clients love us. We are a company that people approach because they want a luxury wedding and love the things we have/do rather than just follow something that has been done hundreds of times over.
♥ What are your most requested services?
Our clients tend to have Scarlet firmly in mind a very long time before their wedding and so they know that we specialise in everything design related. Although the Mandap and Wedding stage is always the focal point of any wedding, we stress that for the complete finishing look, never forget the tables, chairs and lighting. White linen and Chair covers simply don’t work any more, which is why we offer bespoke table linen and luxury chairs. We work alongside some of the best florists in the UK providing an unlimited floral design service. We have bespoke luxury props and more. Although we do blog regularly on our website and facebook page, much of our portfolio and services can only be viewed by appointment only.
♥ Do you find you attract a certain type of bride?
Our Brides usually hire a luxury venue for their wedding and want to spend a lot of money to achieve a very classy and luxurious look. They have been dreaming about their big day for many years, have spent a long time planning it and know exactly what they want, who they want to hire and have a very large budget.
♥ What is it that you love most about what you do?
What I love most about being an event designer is creating something breath-taking and to know that I was responsible for it. To look at the Bride’s face as she walks in, knowing we gave her more than what she expected, the compliments from all the guests but most of all the genuine Thanks we receive from all of the family at the end of the celebration. Knowing we did someone proud and they now consider you as part of the family is probably the best feeling. Sajid, our Operations director still has clients calling him for their family weddings after 10 years.
♥ Looking back at your past few years in business, which wedding or event has been your most fun to plan?
I can't point to any specific wedding as they have all been stressful to plan! Although the end result has always been worth the stress. However the ones I enjoy most are the smaller, more intimate weddings where we can relax, take our time and create something beautiful.
♥ What is the future for ‘Scarlet Event Design’?
Every year we look to become better at what we do, this year saw the launch of our new 2012 collection of luxury furniture and table centres, as well as a bespoke Mandap being designed exclusively for us. Our passion for creating amazing events has led us into some of the Capitals most exclusive venues. Also we have expanded into Jewish and English weddings and over the course of the next 12-18 months we expect to become one of the biggest names in the UK wedding industry.
Wow, Scarlet Event design are a luxury brand, that work extremely hard and beautifully to bring together some of the finest weddings I have come across. I would like to thank Marc and his team of experts for their input and fabulous-ness.
To get in touch with Scarlet for your wedding here are their details:
Website: www.scarleteventdesign.co.uk
Email: info@scarleteventdesign.co.uk
Contact Number: 0203 589 4780
And if that isn't possible enough take a little look at their facebook page and follow them on twitter.
Keeping you inspired - have a beautiful week!
Rachyeta xxx
Tuesday, 20 March 2012
Tuesday Shoesday: The Bright Red Diamanté heels
Good afternoon, quite obviously Tuesday today, and a bright sunny Tuesday it is!
If any of our long lasting readers can remember Shaadi-Esque would feature a tuesday shoesday blog post every week. Up until recently this has been neglected, however .... we welcome back Tuesday Shoesday with a Bang!
I would like to showcase this wonderful bright number, which glistens and sparkles its way down the aisle!
Image Credit: Kadam Shoes
Keeping you inspired with an indulgence of colour and glamout this Tuesday afternoon!
Rachyeta xxx
If any of our long lasting readers can remember Shaadi-Esque would feature a tuesday shoesday blog post every week. Up until recently this has been neglected, however .... we welcome back Tuesday Shoesday with a Bang!
I would like to showcase this wonderful bright number, which glistens and sparkles its way down the aisle!
Image Credit: Kadam Shoes
Keeping you inspired with an indulgence of colour and glamout this Tuesday afternoon!
Rachyeta xxx
Friday, 16 March 2012
{Inspiration} It's almost St Patrick's Day
For all of those celebrating St Patrick's Day tomorrow - this is a special inspiration board inspired by you. This one is full of different shades of green, from lime to the garden variety. Green in this board, represents chic and everything classic about it; from the wedding mint favour tins, to the bouquet, couture gown to the apple place names.
If you are in London this weekend, then I most certainly recommend you join the St Patrick's Day parade on Sunday 18th March from 12-2pm, although the festival carries on until 8pm! It will be a full filled day with marching bands, floats, food stalls, performers and most definitely live music. The parade will start at at Green Park and will continue through Piccadilly, Regent Street, Pall Mall and Whitehall. So that will most certainly be another superb cultural event in London - you have got to love living in such a colourful city!
Image Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
If you will be celebrating St Patrick's day tomorrow, be safe and have a wonderful day - lets hope for some sunshine!
Keeping you inspired!!
Rachyeta xxx
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
{Wedding Planning} Choosing your wedding photographer
Good morning guys, today we are focusing on wedding planning tips for all you brides and grooms out there. Choosing your photographer is most definitely one of the most valued allocations of your wedding budget. Your photographs will stay with you forever, they will remind you of those precious moments and they will capture those still moments you weren't able to see.
Image Credit
Choosing a photographer whose style you appreciate is one part of the small puzzle to find your ideal photographer.
Tip #1 : Look around, look at blogs, websites, talk to your friends or family who have recently gotten married. Find out who they recommend, who they trust and who they had spoken to.
Tip #2 : When you find a photographer whose style inspires you, book an appointment and look at entire albums. Anyone can take 500 pictures and post 2 good looking ones on a website, but when you are looking at websites and albums ensure you view a complete album. Look at how your photographer unwinds a couple's story, from start to finish.
Jay Dhokia, Creative Director and Photographer of Jay Dhokia Photography outlines some key questions you may need to ask your photographer before you sign on that infamous dotted line.
1. What is your Availability?
Once you have your wedding dates secured, you might want to know that your photographer is available for that day. This might be a good opportunity to discuss the times you might need your photographer, whether or not he/she will need to work overtime and if he may need to be in two places, an additional photographer may be needed.
2. What is your style of photography?
Each photographer has their own style of photography, it is important that if it is not clear from their website to clarify this.
3. When are you available for pre wedding shoot?
It is always nice to have a pre wedding shoot, to showcase at your wedding reception or to keep for your memories, of what once was ... :) This you can be more flexible with, as long as it is before the wedding and the photographer can have the edited final images ready prior to the wedding
Image Credit
4. What equipment do you use?
Any SLR camera can take a decent shot outside for a daytime wedding, but most indoor wedding receptions are in a Low Light setting which requires certain requirements outside of the standard amateur photographers range of equipment. If you are approaching a reputable wedding photographer you would not need to worry about this (and they may get touchy about this, as would any professional who has spend numerous years perfecting and pleasing), however if you are approaching a very new photographer then be sure they are aware of the setting conditions at the ceremony and reception. No doubt they will know what they need.
5. What is our payment schedule?
Its probably crucial to know firstly, how much the total charges are including travel, additional hours and any taxes. Secondly, ensure your photographer and yourself are aware of when the first deposit is due and when the final payment is. Suppliers are helpful when it comes to creating a payment plan, they understand the strain a wedding can have on couples and their families.
6. What is your willingness to travel?
This partly ties into question number five. If you plan to have your ceremony or reception out of town, find out whether your photographer is happy to travel, and if it is far - there may be an additional charge. Discuss to come to a clear figure and ensure that is added to the total cost.
7. What can you offer Post production? I.e. Album production, digital copies.
Some couples may just want digital copies on a cd to keep and to create their own albums or to send images to their friends, you may find that the inlaws will most definitely want a madeup album to show to their friends and be proud of. So have the discussion about photo albums - if your photographer doesn't create these themselves, then they will most definitely know a company that does who will be able to give you a discount. (Its a great system!)
8. May we see some examples of your previous work?
As I mentioned at the very top of this post, its obvious that you will be keen to see the photographers previous work whether it is a photo album or a digital one alike.
9. If you have a summary of the day or at least have a break down - show it to your photographer.
No doubt they would have done this before and know what works and what you may need to allocate more time too. Your photographer should/will know how the day will pan out - but every wedding is different and its key you let your photographer know of any surprises.
10. Finally, Relationship building.
If all these questions were conducted over the phone then you might consider meeting up for a coffee or a drink. Trusting your suppliers is one side of the coin, but the other side is a complete match of personalities. When you meet your suppliers and they understand you, the importance of your big day and the feel you want from their photographs you create an ultimate trust. The two sides go hand in hand. When you trust your suppliers, you trust them to do their job correctly and you have no need to worry throughout your wedding day over it.
Image Credit
Tip #3 : Photographers are one supplier you do not want to save the pennies on. If you can imagine hiring your friend or a newby photographer to take the photographs of your wedding and they get the lighting wrong or their thumb is is every picture or they spill drink on the memory card etc. Enjoying your wedding photographs is something you will most certainly have for years and decades to come.
Tip #4 : Your guests will pester your photographer for pictures of themselves, and that might be fine for the first few, but photographers are much more confident at saying 'No'. At the end of the day, they are being paid by you to produce an album full of you and your friends and family - not your friends and family and then the happy couple. Be sure to allocate a time for your photographer or even your second photographer, if you have one, to go around taking group shots.
Jay says: "Photographers are artists and you are investing in their art. Wedding Photography is definitely a competitive market. Work with photographers in your budget but not all good photographers are expensive."
I hope you have enjoyed our wedding planning blog this morning, just remember if you would like anything featured on Shaadi-Esque, then all you need to do is drop us an email on blog@rsbridalgroup.co.uk.
Keeping you Inspired!!
Rachyeta xxx
Image Credit
Choosing a photographer whose style you appreciate is one part of the small puzzle to find your ideal photographer.
Tip #1 : Look around, look at blogs, websites, talk to your friends or family who have recently gotten married. Find out who they recommend, who they trust and who they had spoken to.
Tip #2 : When you find a photographer whose style inspires you, book an appointment and look at entire albums. Anyone can take 500 pictures and post 2 good looking ones on a website, but when you are looking at websites and albums ensure you view a complete album. Look at how your photographer unwinds a couple's story, from start to finish.
Jay Dhokia, Creative Director and Photographer of Jay Dhokia Photography outlines some key questions you may need to ask your photographer before you sign on that infamous dotted line.
1. What is your Availability?
Once you have your wedding dates secured, you might want to know that your photographer is available for that day. This might be a good opportunity to discuss the times you might need your photographer, whether or not he/she will need to work overtime and if he may need to be in two places, an additional photographer may be needed.
2. What is your style of photography?
Each photographer has their own style of photography, it is important that if it is not clear from their website to clarify this.
3. When are you available for pre wedding shoot?
It is always nice to have a pre wedding shoot, to showcase at your wedding reception or to keep for your memories, of what once was ... :) This you can be more flexible with, as long as it is before the wedding and the photographer can have the edited final images ready prior to the wedding
Image Credit
4. What equipment do you use?
Any SLR camera can take a decent shot outside for a daytime wedding, but most indoor wedding receptions are in a Low Light setting which requires certain requirements outside of the standard amateur photographers range of equipment. If you are approaching a reputable wedding photographer you would not need to worry about this (and they may get touchy about this, as would any professional who has spend numerous years perfecting and pleasing), however if you are approaching a very new photographer then be sure they are aware of the setting conditions at the ceremony and reception. No doubt they will know what they need.
5. What is our payment schedule?
Its probably crucial to know firstly, how much the total charges are including travel, additional hours and any taxes. Secondly, ensure your photographer and yourself are aware of when the first deposit is due and when the final payment is. Suppliers are helpful when it comes to creating a payment plan, they understand the strain a wedding can have on couples and their families.
6. What is your willingness to travel?
This partly ties into question number five. If you plan to have your ceremony or reception out of town, find out whether your photographer is happy to travel, and if it is far - there may be an additional charge. Discuss to come to a clear figure and ensure that is added to the total cost.
7. What can you offer Post production? I.e. Album production, digital copies.
Some couples may just want digital copies on a cd to keep and to create their own albums or to send images to their friends, you may find that the inlaws will most definitely want a madeup album to show to their friends and be proud of. So have the discussion about photo albums - if your photographer doesn't create these themselves, then they will most definitely know a company that does who will be able to give you a discount. (Its a great system!)
8. May we see some examples of your previous work?
As I mentioned at the very top of this post, its obvious that you will be keen to see the photographers previous work whether it is a photo album or a digital one alike.
9. If you have a summary of the day or at least have a break down - show it to your photographer.
No doubt they would have done this before and know what works and what you may need to allocate more time too. Your photographer should/will know how the day will pan out - but every wedding is different and its key you let your photographer know of any surprises.
10. Finally, Relationship building.
If all these questions were conducted over the phone then you might consider meeting up for a coffee or a drink. Trusting your suppliers is one side of the coin, but the other side is a complete match of personalities. When you meet your suppliers and they understand you, the importance of your big day and the feel you want from their photographs you create an ultimate trust. The two sides go hand in hand. When you trust your suppliers, you trust them to do their job correctly and you have no need to worry throughout your wedding day over it.
Image Credit
Tip #3 : Photographers are one supplier you do not want to save the pennies on. If you can imagine hiring your friend or a newby photographer to take the photographs of your wedding and they get the lighting wrong or their thumb is is every picture or they spill drink on the memory card etc. Enjoying your wedding photographs is something you will most certainly have for years and decades to come.
Tip #4 : Your guests will pester your photographer for pictures of themselves, and that might be fine for the first few, but photographers are much more confident at saying 'No'. At the end of the day, they are being paid by you to produce an album full of you and your friends and family - not your friends and family and then the happy couple. Be sure to allocate a time for your photographer or even your second photographer, if you have one, to go around taking group shots.
Jay says: "Photographers are artists and you are investing in their art. Wedding Photography is definitely a competitive market. Work with photographers in your budget but not all good photographers are expensive."
I hope you have enjoyed our wedding planning blog this morning, just remember if you would like anything featured on Shaadi-Esque, then all you need to do is drop us an email on blog@rsbridalgroup.co.uk.
Keeping you Inspired!!
Rachyeta xxx
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
{Supplier Love} Meet the Professionals at Rozier Wilkinson Wedding Cinetography
The two talented and pretty darn funny guys of RozierWilkinson Cinematography show us some of their pretty unique work and talk to us about who the guys behind the camera are, what makes them love what they do and why they shoot weddings of all things. You are all going to love this blog post - it's a definite smile reader!
Image: Matt and Peter, two filmmakers at Rozier Wilkinson
♥ Who are the people behind the camera?
PW: Hello - I'm Peter (Wilkinson) a writer and producer.
MR: And howdy - I'm Matt (Rozier) a director and cameraman.
PW: I started working in the theatre in London, firstly as an actor and then as a script reader, and I slowly started making the move into film a few years ago.
MR: I was an actor too for about 10 years. That was how we originally met, many years ago, in a play at the Globe Theatre in Germany. We instantly hit it off - kicking opinions on film around and we've been mates ever since. I made the move over to directing a few years ago, first for the stage, and then for the camera, and we met up in 2009 to shoot something for Pete and decided to form our sister company Blind Crow Pictures.
PW: I'm originally from the North-East of England but trained and worked in London for many years and now oscillate between the two as work demands.
MR: And I'm based in Bucks with my long-term lady and little daughter Poppy - she's two and quite possibly an evil genius. She's calling me a lazy tortoise at this very moment.
Below is one of Rozier Wilkinson's Love Story Style Wedding Videos.
[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/32005456 w=620&h=330]
♥ What do you do? What are you great at?
PW: One thing Matt and I feel very passionate about is the individuals with which we work - it is one of the easiest things in the world to produce a film or video that is generic in nature - that almost makes the couple and the wedding fit into a box that is already created for them and that is used for every other couple - this isn't what we like to do, and this isn't what we are paid to do. I am proud that we look at each couple, each wedding, each shoot as being individual, and that we have the ability to produce a film that is specific to that couple, wedding and shoot.
MR: Yeah, I think we're really proud of the work that we do - we've come at wedding filmmaking back to front, most filmmakers begin in events, move into corporate work and end up in narrative drama. We've done the whole thing in reverse. For us, events and weddings aren't a job that we have to do to get to the next rung in the ladder, they're something we choose to and enjoy doing. The great bonus about working backwards is that we can take the skills we've honed on big film sets and use them to give people what they really want, a beautiful, original and delicately crafted snapshot of themselves. Stuff like that never dates!
♥ What inspired the start up of your company?
PW: There were various threads that fed into our forming RozierWilkinson, but for, personally, I would say that it was the pleasure we got from hearing and seeing the reactions to our films that really made us take the plunge into wedding cinematography. We have both worked for a number of years and in a range of roles within the theatre and film industries and, to be honest, more often than not, it can be quite hard going in terms of working with other people. It can be very competitive and quite insincere and, frankly, rude, a lot of the time. A little over a year ago, in the middle of working on our short film and a couple of promotional film jobs, we were asked by a friend of mine if we would be willing to shoot her wedding. We agreed to this as a favour and thought we would just quickly get it out of the way and get back to our other work - we had no idea that we would enjoy the filming process so much! We had such a good time, the people were fantastic, there was none of the problems and bad characters that we were used to on our professional sets, and there was so much emotion and humanity and good will for us to capture and edit together. And, to produce something that really means a lot to someone - to be a part of such a special day and to have the responsibility of capturing that and putting it together in such a way that affects someone and can make them happy for years and years to come gives one such satisfaction. After experiencing this for the first time, it wasn't very long before Matt and I were discussing filming another wedding, as opposed to another promotional film.
MR : A big inspiration for me (weirdly!) was actually watching several friends having unhappy experienced with unscrupulous vendors. Don't get me wrong - there are some incredible filmmakers out there, really talented, really professional and they deserve a great following, but there are a few which care much more about getting paid than getting good.
A few years back I was asked by a friend to fix a few problems he'd had when he'd received the edit of his wedding film. I crafted a new edit, but was shocked to see so little care gone into the simplest of shots. There's only so much that can be fixed in post and weddings aren't like films, you can't shoot another take again if something doesn't go right. Preparation and planning are key! When I found out how much the filmmaker had charged I was even more shocked. When talking about shooting a wedding Peter and I kicked around the idea of creating a company that would shoot with the professionalism found on a corporate set, the creativity found on a narrative set at a reasonable price and with a smile, not a fake 'fries with that' smile, but a genuine warmth. We enjoy what we do - why bother trying to hide it?! Plus, It's a really nice feeling to be running a company which you know cares more about the quality than the cash - I feel like Steve Jobs!
♥ What drives your passion?
PW: Perhaps Matt may want to distance himself from my answer to this! I have to be honest and say that tears drive my passion. Happy tears - to be more specific. There is not a better feeling, for me, than knowing that what we have produced has moved someone so much that they couldn't help but shed a tear. We got a message the other day from one of our brides and she said that she had sat down with her Mother and watched a 'pre-wedding' film that we had made for her, and they both sat there together and cried as they watched it. Obviously there are a hundred other things that I love about the job and that I want to get right and that I feel passionate about - but bringing out emotion in those we work with is something I always aim for. It tells me that we have done our job.
MR: Pete's answer just made me cry. I'm kidding. But he's right; it's a really special feeling. Just to add to that - I love, love, love, finding the hidden story. Weddings are strange beasts, full of friends and family who aren't always close and aware of the stories behind the couples. I love to find those hidden stories and to help couples tell them - I get a real kick out of thinking that after watching one of our films you'll know just a little bit more about what makes this marriage special. When you know, when you see that love for what it is it's then that you invest in it and really root for it. It's the difference between saying – Ah they make a good couple and I can't ever imagine them being apart.
PW: Okay, now you just made me cry.
MR: Sigh.
PW: Kiiddddding!
Below here is a personal favourite of Rozier Wilkinson's 'Save the date' video.
[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/31628777 w=620&h=330]
♥ Is there anyone in the industry doing what you do? And how do you differ?
PW: I think it is safe to say that there is no-one doing quite what we do and that we do have a bit of a unique approach to our work. There are obviously some fantastic wedding film companies out there, and some incredibly talented cinematographers, but I like to think that what Matt and I offer is quite special. Coming from a narrative film and theatre background, we are instinctively interested in the humanity and the character of not just the event, but of the couple and the relationship the couple have had, and will continue to have beyond the wedding day. And, also because of our background, we are in a fantastic position to not only identify these qualities, but to develop a film that best represents them. I think that this, combined with the equipment we use and therefore the quality of the footage we capture, combined with our technical knowledge, and combined with our way of working in general, makes us quite different.
MR: I think there are a few companies that share our values, but it's a really American approach. Most of the companies we really admire, that really care about the people they shoot and try to offer more than just a 'record of your day' are based in the US. I think a big thing for me, which they do much better than us is to ask themselves - how can we go beyond what we're employed to do? If you think like that you find that you're generous with your work, and if you're generous with your work then people take note and they want to tell people about how happy they are. Nothing spreads like happy thoughts.
PW: Apart from margarine
MR: Margarine and happy thoughts..... Hey perhaps that's a better name than RozierWilkinson? Pete, you can be margarine.
PW: We offer a range of other films which are typically done in a super cheesy way
MR: But we're allergic to cheese
PW: Such as Post wedding thank you films or Pre-wedding 'love story' films. These sessions are great, as they allow us to talk to both bride and groom before the wedding and to find out a little bit about the back-story behind the partnership. How did they meet? How did you realise he was the one?
MR: All of the questions are great and some bring a lot of great humour out, but it's the twinkle in the eye that you can see when they talk about each other that's soooooo rare. I've never seen that in a wedding film. I've seen great dresses and great cakes, and great shots on cranes, but that twinkle, that's so rare. That's what we're after.
♥ What are the advantages of hiring your services?
PW: People hiring Matt and I will get a comprehensive service - we truly and sincerely care about our work and the people we work with. There are so many options with our films, in terms of how we approach them and the different films and edits we offer such as pre-wedding, e-invites, post-wedding, etc, that any couple working with us can tailor what they get to suit their wedding, and suit their budget. The other advantage to hiring us, over, say, some other wedding videographers, is, as mentioned above, our approach to the couple. Of course their wedding day is special, but there is one thing that is even more special, and that is the couple themselves - the relationship - and that relationship started before the wedding, and will go on for many years after, and so we want to set the wedding day that we film within the larger context of the relationship - it means so much more when it has that depth and texture.
MR: I think another thing that we do well is that we're open, friendly and approachable.
PW: We're also funny
MR: We're very, very funny. Hilarious would you say?
PW: Yes, I think I would.
MR: But that doesn't mean that we don't take things seriously, we work hard, it just means that we're easy to have around.
PW: Like Guinea Pigs.
MR: Yes. Like Guinea Pigs with expensive cameras.
♥ Guide us through the moment you meet a client till the finished product?
This can actually be found here on our website, so I've just copied and pasted it here for you :-)
The needs of couples are always unique, sometimes it’s hard to pin down a definite process when creating your piece. But to give you an idea of how your film may be created, we’ve highlighted a step by step guide of ‘what to expect’ below. The aim of this is to make life as easy and stress free for you as possible, it can be as flexible as you need it to be. The main thing is you knowing that you’re in a safe pair of hands, and that your needs and wishes have been fully communicated.
When Making Enquiries
When making enquiries we’re more than happy to talk with you in whatever medium you’d prefer, you can find all our contact details on our contact page. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have – don’t worry, no questions are too small or too cheeky – if we can help in some way we certainly will.
When You Book With Us
If you decide to book with us, we’ll typically arrange a time that we can come to meet with you. We’ll also send across to you any administrative forms and we may take a few of the larger details of your wedding (i.e. when, where, what style of wedding etc.).
At the First Meeting
When we meet with you, we like to get a clear idea of the kind of people you are, and the kind of film you’re interested in creating. This gives us time to plan the techniques and gear we may need to make this happen. We like to find out what sort of package you may be interested in, the rough logistics of your wedding (the when and where) and what sort of feel or mood you’re looking to create.
Talking to you is important to us so that we can get to know what makes you unique – it's this uniqueness we want to capture in your film.
A Month Before the Wedding
We’ll typically contact you a month before your wedding, just to touch base with you and put your mind at rest that we’re fully prepared. We like to make sure that any questions you may have are answered well in advance of the day leaving you to relax and enjoy yourselves – let us take away your stresses – it’s your big day after all.
A Week Before the Wedding
A week before your wedding we’ll drop you a line just to confirm dates and places and that everything is moving forward as planned. On the day we don’t want to pose as any distraction,
We want to capture genuine moments between genuine people – the look from the father of the bride to the ‘little girl’ he’s giving away, the glances of reassurance and respect between nervous groom and even more nervous best man, that moment of relief and love when a newly made husband and wife realise that they’re finally married.
These moments you can’t fake, these moments you can’t pose and these moments you can never repeat. It’s our job as filmmakers to capture as much of these as they happen and when they happen. We like to make sure we have a timed plan of your day so that we can be at the right place with the right equipment at the right time.
On Your Wedding Day
There are two main types of event filmmaker – those that direct the action, and those that capture the action. We fall into the second camp. We don’t like to tell couples and guests ‘what to do’ or ask them to ‘repeat it for the camera’ as in twenty years time you’ll look back and think,
‘Oh yeah, that was that time we posed for the camera!’
It’s for this reason that we’re as unobtrusive as possible. In fact, you’re more likely to be directed by your caterer than by us.
We do need to move around, but we’re very discrete and subtle about it – you should always be the centre of attention, never us.
We’re always looking for ways that we can push our own boundaries and we strive to plumb the depths of our creativity on each shoot. ’What’s the real story?’, and ‘how can we tell it?’ are the two questions we’re constantly asking ourselves.
We’re never in a rush to leave and we stay as long as you’d like us. When you book us for your wedding day – that means the whole day.
After Your Wedding Day
Once we’ve got all of your footage, we’ll then work to put together the films that you may have selected. We’ll add music, titles and add motion graphics if required. If choosing a Facebook package, you can typically expect to receive these via online transfer no later than two weeks after your wedding.
Just before finishing the process we’ll send you a link to a low resolution copy, just so that you can double check for anything that you may want excluded from the piece. Then we’ll professionally colour grade your films and send you your completed wedding DVDs. If you ordered highlight or Facebook reels, we’ll typically also provide digital copies of these so that you can share them with friends and loved ones immediately.
We are genuinely proud of our level of client satisfaction, and so if the above is unfeasible or impossible, we can provide as much flexibility as you may require. The key is, we actually love the process of meeting you and making your movie, it’s that love and attention which we are sure you’ll see in your finished film.
Last video from Rozier Wilkinson, and that is of one of their wedding shoots of a wonderful couple Julie and Tony.
[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/26801039 w=600&h=330]
♥ If you could choose a celebrity (dead or alive) you would like to video, who would it be and why?
PW: I would have to go with Orson Welles. I don't believe there to have been a more interesting and talented individual in the world of film. Ever. Having read so much about him, his experience range from dinners with Churchill in Venice, performing magic with Houdini on the continent, marrying Rita Hayworth and working with everyone under the sun, as well as writing, directing and acting in perhaps the greatest film of all time. I would have loved to have made a film about him that truly communicated how special he was.
MR: For me, ah this is tough - Oliver Reed maybe?! I'll be honest - it doesn't interest me as much. As ex-actors ourselves we know that on your day off it can be weird to be the centre of attention - you kind of just want to fade into the background - you know - I'd MUCH prefer to film the wedding of the crazy drunk guy who was constantly propping up the Walkabout Bar in Wimbledon between 2001-2009 - his wedding would be a ball! Actually I think I love shooting weddings which are really visual - that's a massively broad spectrum, but the more visually interesting the better!
♥ What is in the future for you company?
PW: For the near future, I hope, it will just be more weddings!
MR: Me too!
PW: Meeting more couples and making them happy. In terms of the type of work we do, we always set ourselves the task of being ahead of the curve as to trends and techniques, and so hopefully that will continue and it would be wonderful to gain a reputation for original and exciting wedding films.
MR: Yeah I think Pete's right, we tend to try and think ahead of the curve - so we'll be trying to find new interesting techniques to help support the stories that people want to tell. We've had a few enquiries this year for weddings on the continent, so that's really exciting and we're just really enjoying ourselves at the moment. It's a really exciting time for us and we're just pleased as punch to be out there, meeting great new people and making films which we know will be cherished for many years to come.
I would totally recommend getting in touch with Matt and Peter, you can email them on sayhey@rozierwilkinson.com, give them a call on 07779 783 488 and most definitely check out their website www.rozierwilkinson.com. They are also on Facebook and Twitter.
I do hope you have thoroughly enjoyed reading and watching some of Rozier Wilkinson's pretty stupendous work. If you haven't found a videographer yet, I certainly recommend reaching out to them on the details above.
Keeping you inspired!
Rachyeta xxx
Image: Matt and Peter, two filmmakers at Rozier Wilkinson
♥ Who are the people behind the camera?
PW: Hello - I'm Peter (Wilkinson) a writer and producer.
MR: And howdy - I'm Matt (Rozier) a director and cameraman.
PW: I started working in the theatre in London, firstly as an actor and then as a script reader, and I slowly started making the move into film a few years ago.
MR: I was an actor too for about 10 years. That was how we originally met, many years ago, in a play at the Globe Theatre in Germany. We instantly hit it off - kicking opinions on film around and we've been mates ever since. I made the move over to directing a few years ago, first for the stage, and then for the camera, and we met up in 2009 to shoot something for Pete and decided to form our sister company Blind Crow Pictures.
PW: I'm originally from the North-East of England but trained and worked in London for many years and now oscillate between the two as work demands.
MR: And I'm based in Bucks with my long-term lady and little daughter Poppy - she's two and quite possibly an evil genius. She's calling me a lazy tortoise at this very moment.
Below is one of Rozier Wilkinson's Love Story Style Wedding Videos.
[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/32005456 w=620&h=330]
♥ What do you do? What are you great at?
PW: One thing Matt and I feel very passionate about is the individuals with which we work - it is one of the easiest things in the world to produce a film or video that is generic in nature - that almost makes the couple and the wedding fit into a box that is already created for them and that is used for every other couple - this isn't what we like to do, and this isn't what we are paid to do. I am proud that we look at each couple, each wedding, each shoot as being individual, and that we have the ability to produce a film that is specific to that couple, wedding and shoot.
MR: Yeah, I think we're really proud of the work that we do - we've come at wedding filmmaking back to front, most filmmakers begin in events, move into corporate work and end up in narrative drama. We've done the whole thing in reverse. For us, events and weddings aren't a job that we have to do to get to the next rung in the ladder, they're something we choose to and enjoy doing. The great bonus about working backwards is that we can take the skills we've honed on big film sets and use them to give people what they really want, a beautiful, original and delicately crafted snapshot of themselves. Stuff like that never dates!
♥ What inspired the start up of your company?
PW: There were various threads that fed into our forming RozierWilkinson, but for, personally, I would say that it was the pleasure we got from hearing and seeing the reactions to our films that really made us take the plunge into wedding cinematography. We have both worked for a number of years and in a range of roles within the theatre and film industries and, to be honest, more often than not, it can be quite hard going in terms of working with other people. It can be very competitive and quite insincere and, frankly, rude, a lot of the time. A little over a year ago, in the middle of working on our short film and a couple of promotional film jobs, we were asked by a friend of mine if we would be willing to shoot her wedding. We agreed to this as a favour and thought we would just quickly get it out of the way and get back to our other work - we had no idea that we would enjoy the filming process so much! We had such a good time, the people were fantastic, there was none of the problems and bad characters that we were used to on our professional sets, and there was so much emotion and humanity and good will for us to capture and edit together. And, to produce something that really means a lot to someone - to be a part of such a special day and to have the responsibility of capturing that and putting it together in such a way that affects someone and can make them happy for years and years to come gives one such satisfaction. After experiencing this for the first time, it wasn't very long before Matt and I were discussing filming another wedding, as opposed to another promotional film.
MR : A big inspiration for me (weirdly!) was actually watching several friends having unhappy experienced with unscrupulous vendors. Don't get me wrong - there are some incredible filmmakers out there, really talented, really professional and they deserve a great following, but there are a few which care much more about getting paid than getting good.
A few years back I was asked by a friend to fix a few problems he'd had when he'd received the edit of his wedding film. I crafted a new edit, but was shocked to see so little care gone into the simplest of shots. There's only so much that can be fixed in post and weddings aren't like films, you can't shoot another take again if something doesn't go right. Preparation and planning are key! When I found out how much the filmmaker had charged I was even more shocked. When talking about shooting a wedding Peter and I kicked around the idea of creating a company that would shoot with the professionalism found on a corporate set, the creativity found on a narrative set at a reasonable price and with a smile, not a fake 'fries with that' smile, but a genuine warmth. We enjoy what we do - why bother trying to hide it?! Plus, It's a really nice feeling to be running a company which you know cares more about the quality than the cash - I feel like Steve Jobs!
♥ What drives your passion?
PW: Perhaps Matt may want to distance himself from my answer to this! I have to be honest and say that tears drive my passion. Happy tears - to be more specific. There is not a better feeling, for me, than knowing that what we have produced has moved someone so much that they couldn't help but shed a tear. We got a message the other day from one of our brides and she said that she had sat down with her Mother and watched a 'pre-wedding' film that we had made for her, and they both sat there together and cried as they watched it. Obviously there are a hundred other things that I love about the job and that I want to get right and that I feel passionate about - but bringing out emotion in those we work with is something I always aim for. It tells me that we have done our job.
MR: Pete's answer just made me cry. I'm kidding. But he's right; it's a really special feeling. Just to add to that - I love, love, love, finding the hidden story. Weddings are strange beasts, full of friends and family who aren't always close and aware of the stories behind the couples. I love to find those hidden stories and to help couples tell them - I get a real kick out of thinking that after watching one of our films you'll know just a little bit more about what makes this marriage special. When you know, when you see that love for what it is it's then that you invest in it and really root for it. It's the difference between saying – Ah they make a good couple and I can't ever imagine them being apart.
PW: Okay, now you just made me cry.
MR: Sigh.
PW: Kiiddddding!
Below here is a personal favourite of Rozier Wilkinson's 'Save the date' video.
[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/31628777 w=620&h=330]
♥ Is there anyone in the industry doing what you do? And how do you differ?
PW: I think it is safe to say that there is no-one doing quite what we do and that we do have a bit of a unique approach to our work. There are obviously some fantastic wedding film companies out there, and some incredibly talented cinematographers, but I like to think that what Matt and I offer is quite special. Coming from a narrative film and theatre background, we are instinctively interested in the humanity and the character of not just the event, but of the couple and the relationship the couple have had, and will continue to have beyond the wedding day. And, also because of our background, we are in a fantastic position to not only identify these qualities, but to develop a film that best represents them. I think that this, combined with the equipment we use and therefore the quality of the footage we capture, combined with our technical knowledge, and combined with our way of working in general, makes us quite different.
MR: I think there are a few companies that share our values, but it's a really American approach. Most of the companies we really admire, that really care about the people they shoot and try to offer more than just a 'record of your day' are based in the US. I think a big thing for me, which they do much better than us is to ask themselves - how can we go beyond what we're employed to do? If you think like that you find that you're generous with your work, and if you're generous with your work then people take note and they want to tell people about how happy they are. Nothing spreads like happy thoughts.
PW: Apart from margarine
MR: Margarine and happy thoughts..... Hey perhaps that's a better name than RozierWilkinson? Pete, you can be margarine.
PW: We offer a range of other films which are typically done in a super cheesy way
MR: But we're allergic to cheese
PW: Such as Post wedding thank you films or Pre-wedding 'love story' films. These sessions are great, as they allow us to talk to both bride and groom before the wedding and to find out a little bit about the back-story behind the partnership. How did they meet? How did you realise he was the one?
MR: All of the questions are great and some bring a lot of great humour out, but it's the twinkle in the eye that you can see when they talk about each other that's soooooo rare. I've never seen that in a wedding film. I've seen great dresses and great cakes, and great shots on cranes, but that twinkle, that's so rare. That's what we're after.
♥ What are the advantages of hiring your services?
PW: People hiring Matt and I will get a comprehensive service - we truly and sincerely care about our work and the people we work with. There are so many options with our films, in terms of how we approach them and the different films and edits we offer such as pre-wedding, e-invites, post-wedding, etc, that any couple working with us can tailor what they get to suit their wedding, and suit their budget. The other advantage to hiring us, over, say, some other wedding videographers, is, as mentioned above, our approach to the couple. Of course their wedding day is special, but there is one thing that is even more special, and that is the couple themselves - the relationship - and that relationship started before the wedding, and will go on for many years after, and so we want to set the wedding day that we film within the larger context of the relationship - it means so much more when it has that depth and texture.
MR: I think another thing that we do well is that we're open, friendly and approachable.
PW: We're also funny
MR: We're very, very funny. Hilarious would you say?
PW: Yes, I think I would.
MR: But that doesn't mean that we don't take things seriously, we work hard, it just means that we're easy to have around.
PW: Like Guinea Pigs.
MR: Yes. Like Guinea Pigs with expensive cameras.
♥ Guide us through the moment you meet a client till the finished product?
This can actually be found here on our website, so I've just copied and pasted it here for you :-)
The needs of couples are always unique, sometimes it’s hard to pin down a definite process when creating your piece. But to give you an idea of how your film may be created, we’ve highlighted a step by step guide of ‘what to expect’ below. The aim of this is to make life as easy and stress free for you as possible, it can be as flexible as you need it to be. The main thing is you knowing that you’re in a safe pair of hands, and that your needs and wishes have been fully communicated.
When Making Enquiries
When making enquiries we’re more than happy to talk with you in whatever medium you’d prefer, you can find all our contact details on our contact page. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have – don’t worry, no questions are too small or too cheeky – if we can help in some way we certainly will.
When You Book With Us
If you decide to book with us, we’ll typically arrange a time that we can come to meet with you. We’ll also send across to you any administrative forms and we may take a few of the larger details of your wedding (i.e. when, where, what style of wedding etc.).
At the First Meeting
When we meet with you, we like to get a clear idea of the kind of people you are, and the kind of film you’re interested in creating. This gives us time to plan the techniques and gear we may need to make this happen. We like to find out what sort of package you may be interested in, the rough logistics of your wedding (the when and where) and what sort of feel or mood you’re looking to create.
Talking to you is important to us so that we can get to know what makes you unique – it's this uniqueness we want to capture in your film.
A Month Before the Wedding
We’ll typically contact you a month before your wedding, just to touch base with you and put your mind at rest that we’re fully prepared. We like to make sure that any questions you may have are answered well in advance of the day leaving you to relax and enjoy yourselves – let us take away your stresses – it’s your big day after all.
A Week Before the Wedding
A week before your wedding we’ll drop you a line just to confirm dates and places and that everything is moving forward as planned. On the day we don’t want to pose as any distraction,
We want to capture genuine moments between genuine people – the look from the father of the bride to the ‘little girl’ he’s giving away, the glances of reassurance and respect between nervous groom and even more nervous best man, that moment of relief and love when a newly made husband and wife realise that they’re finally married.
These moments you can’t fake, these moments you can’t pose and these moments you can never repeat. It’s our job as filmmakers to capture as much of these as they happen and when they happen. We like to make sure we have a timed plan of your day so that we can be at the right place with the right equipment at the right time.
On Your Wedding Day
There are two main types of event filmmaker – those that direct the action, and those that capture the action. We fall into the second camp. We don’t like to tell couples and guests ‘what to do’ or ask them to ‘repeat it for the camera’ as in twenty years time you’ll look back and think,
‘Oh yeah, that was that time we posed for the camera!’
It’s for this reason that we’re as unobtrusive as possible. In fact, you’re more likely to be directed by your caterer than by us.
We do need to move around, but we’re very discrete and subtle about it – you should always be the centre of attention, never us.
We’re always looking for ways that we can push our own boundaries and we strive to plumb the depths of our creativity on each shoot. ’What’s the real story?’, and ‘how can we tell it?’ are the two questions we’re constantly asking ourselves.
We’re never in a rush to leave and we stay as long as you’d like us. When you book us for your wedding day – that means the whole day.
After Your Wedding Day
Once we’ve got all of your footage, we’ll then work to put together the films that you may have selected. We’ll add music, titles and add motion graphics if required. If choosing a Facebook package, you can typically expect to receive these via online transfer no later than two weeks after your wedding.
Just before finishing the process we’ll send you a link to a low resolution copy, just so that you can double check for anything that you may want excluded from the piece. Then we’ll professionally colour grade your films and send you your completed wedding DVDs. If you ordered highlight or Facebook reels, we’ll typically also provide digital copies of these so that you can share them with friends and loved ones immediately.
We are genuinely proud of our level of client satisfaction, and so if the above is unfeasible or impossible, we can provide as much flexibility as you may require. The key is, we actually love the process of meeting you and making your movie, it’s that love and attention which we are sure you’ll see in your finished film.
Last video from Rozier Wilkinson, and that is of one of their wedding shoots of a wonderful couple Julie and Tony.
[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/26801039 w=600&h=330]
♥ If you could choose a celebrity (dead or alive) you would like to video, who would it be and why?
PW: I would have to go with Orson Welles. I don't believe there to have been a more interesting and talented individual in the world of film. Ever. Having read so much about him, his experience range from dinners with Churchill in Venice, performing magic with Houdini on the continent, marrying Rita Hayworth and working with everyone under the sun, as well as writing, directing and acting in perhaps the greatest film of all time. I would have loved to have made a film about him that truly communicated how special he was.
MR: For me, ah this is tough - Oliver Reed maybe?! I'll be honest - it doesn't interest me as much. As ex-actors ourselves we know that on your day off it can be weird to be the centre of attention - you kind of just want to fade into the background - you know - I'd MUCH prefer to film the wedding of the crazy drunk guy who was constantly propping up the Walkabout Bar in Wimbledon between 2001-2009 - his wedding would be a ball! Actually I think I love shooting weddings which are really visual - that's a massively broad spectrum, but the more visually interesting the better!
♥ What is in the future for you company?
PW: For the near future, I hope, it will just be more weddings!
MR: Me too!
PW: Meeting more couples and making them happy. In terms of the type of work we do, we always set ourselves the task of being ahead of the curve as to trends and techniques, and so hopefully that will continue and it would be wonderful to gain a reputation for original and exciting wedding films.
MR: Yeah I think Pete's right, we tend to try and think ahead of the curve - so we'll be trying to find new interesting techniques to help support the stories that people want to tell. We've had a few enquiries this year for weddings on the continent, so that's really exciting and we're just really enjoying ourselves at the moment. It's a really exciting time for us and we're just pleased as punch to be out there, meeting great new people and making films which we know will be cherished for many years to come.
I would totally recommend getting in touch with Matt and Peter, you can email them on sayhey@rozierwilkinson.com, give them a call on 07779 783 488 and most definitely check out their website www.rozierwilkinson.com. They are also on Facebook and Twitter.
I do hope you have thoroughly enjoyed reading and watching some of Rozier Wilkinson's pretty stupendous work. If you haven't found a videographer yet, I certainly recommend reaching out to them on the details above.
Keeping you inspired!
Rachyeta xxx
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
{Inspiration} Under water turquoise Inspiration Board
Good Morning, it is a cold and horrid day so far, so I bring you this fun and uplifting inspiration board, we have called this the Underwater inspiration board full of lovely blues, aqua's and turquoises. Such a pretty inspiration for you - its so purrty!!
Cake, Hair flowers, Invitations, Birdcage centrepiece, Dessert Table
Happy Tuesday and have a wonderful week ahead!
Keeping you inspired!
Rachyeta xxx
Cake, Hair flowers, Invitations, Birdcage centrepiece, Dessert Table
Happy Tuesday and have a wonderful week ahead!
Keeping you inspired!
Rachyeta xxx
Friday, 2 March 2012
February Round Up ...
February has been quite the whirlwind, with wedding features, wedding planning advice and plenty of inspiration and suppliers to keep your brainwaves stimulated.
We heard the announcement of the Miss India Competition, eventhough we have already congratulated her, we must say another well done to Deana Uppal for her pretty honorary title. Valentine’s day was among the highlights of this month, where plenty of you treated your other halves out for dinner where roses were the symbolic gift of the night. Shaadi-Esque are troopers for spunking things up so we created an inspiration board of pretty peaches and lovely orange and pinks. It is our alternate vision of Love – everyone has one.
We featured two pretty amazing Weddings this month; M&R Photography shared with us the elaborate traditional Hindu Wedding of Shivani and Gurdeep. They blew me away with their beautiful attire, their lush Mandap and their striking decor. The atmosphere was light and traditional but there was most definitely a spark or two of fun and mischievousness.
M&R Photography also shared with us the wedding of Tina and James; their fusion wedding really sparked my interest as it is primarily this that Shaadi-Esque feels so strongly about. It was the intertwining two cultures and the adjoining of two separate roads as one. Tina’s peach infused gown with Indian-felt embroidery made my heart skip a beat. It was an elegant and completely unique gown that suited Tina from the start. This bride and groom really knew how to have a good party and it was this that gave their wedding the fun element.
I loved both of these weddings just as much as each other. There were elements of everything, fun, tradition, fusion, culture and all with their own little spunk!
As you might rightly know that Shaadi-Esque is an advocate for chic new wedding styling, it is this reason we bring you these pretty suave inspiration boards for you to admire and use. This week’s Navy Couture Inspiration board was a take on a royal and regal theme. The blue is a royal navy blue and it reflects a serious, proud theme, but don’t be afraid of this – you can down play or up this theme however way you want. ***But the important thing is that when you come across one of these theme’s – print it out, add it to your bookmarks – save them, add them to your wedding scrap book!***
You may want to refer back to something that you liked – so it’s good to keep it nearby or in a safe and easy to find place.
Along with this Navy Couture inspiration board, we also had another board this month which we called ‘Purrty in Pink Chic’, because it is exactly what it says it is. It is a super pretty, and chic wedding inspiration with just the right amount of pink to make it classy and not a Barbie’s fun house.
As a team of wedding planners we aim to help our readers with all and every wedding planning situation out there, last month we gave you a breakdown of all the Hindu Wedding Ceremonies, which we got some great reviews so we thank you for taking the time to let us know your kind thoughts. So we thought we would bring you the equivalent Sikh Wedding Ceremony breakdown and you guys loved it just the same.
Attending and planning weddings, we have put together some Bridal Etiquette faux pas for your consideration and at the request of a reader we have prepared some questions you should ask your venue coordinator. It’s all so handy when your wedding planner is writing your inspiration blogs!
We are a ground-breaking, modern bridal inspiration hub for the changing face of British Asian Weddings. With our continued growth and need for fresh zesty new blood, we are calling upon your own experiences or expertise. If this sounds interesting to you, then take a look here (Guest Blogger Lookout) for further details on how you can get involved.
I hope you enjoyed February's coverage and I look forward to the rest of the year!! Don't forget that if you want to speak to a wedding planner in regards to your wedding, drop us an email at mail@rsweddingconsultants.co.uk.
Keeping you inspired!!! Have a lovely weekend!!!
Rachyeta xxx
We heard the announcement of the Miss India Competition, eventhough we have already congratulated her, we must say another well done to Deana Uppal for her pretty honorary title. Valentine’s day was among the highlights of this month, where plenty of you treated your other halves out for dinner where roses were the symbolic gift of the night. Shaadi-Esque are troopers for spunking things up so we created an inspiration board of pretty peaches and lovely orange and pinks. It is our alternate vision of Love – everyone has one.
We featured two pretty amazing Weddings this month; M&R Photography shared with us the elaborate traditional Hindu Wedding of Shivani and Gurdeep. They blew me away with their beautiful attire, their lush Mandap and their striking decor. The atmosphere was light and traditional but there was most definitely a spark or two of fun and mischievousness.
M&R Photography also shared with us the wedding of Tina and James; their fusion wedding really sparked my interest as it is primarily this that Shaadi-Esque feels so strongly about. It was the intertwining two cultures and the adjoining of two separate roads as one. Tina’s peach infused gown with Indian-felt embroidery made my heart skip a beat. It was an elegant and completely unique gown that suited Tina from the start. This bride and groom really knew how to have a good party and it was this that gave their wedding the fun element.
I loved both of these weddings just as much as each other. There were elements of everything, fun, tradition, fusion, culture and all with their own little spunk!
As you might rightly know that Shaadi-Esque is an advocate for chic new wedding styling, it is this reason we bring you these pretty suave inspiration boards for you to admire and use. This week’s Navy Couture Inspiration board was a take on a royal and regal theme. The blue is a royal navy blue and it reflects a serious, proud theme, but don’t be afraid of this – you can down play or up this theme however way you want. ***But the important thing is that when you come across one of these theme’s – print it out, add it to your bookmarks – save them, add them to your wedding scrap book!***
You may want to refer back to something that you liked – so it’s good to keep it nearby or in a safe and easy to find place.
Along with this Navy Couture inspiration board, we also had another board this month which we called ‘Purrty in Pink Chic’, because it is exactly what it says it is. It is a super pretty, and chic wedding inspiration with just the right amount of pink to make it classy and not a Barbie’s fun house.
As a team of wedding planners we aim to help our readers with all and every wedding planning situation out there, last month we gave you a breakdown of all the Hindu Wedding Ceremonies, which we got some great reviews so we thank you for taking the time to let us know your kind thoughts. So we thought we would bring you the equivalent Sikh Wedding Ceremony breakdown and you guys loved it just the same.
Attending and planning weddings, we have put together some Bridal Etiquette faux pas for your consideration and at the request of a reader we have prepared some questions you should ask your venue coordinator. It’s all so handy when your wedding planner is writing your inspiration blogs!
*** REQUEST FOR GUEST BLOGGER ***
We are a ground-breaking, modern bridal inspiration hub for the changing face of British Asian Weddings. With our continued growth and need for fresh zesty new blood, we are calling upon your own experiences or expertise. If this sounds interesting to you, then take a look here (Guest Blogger Lookout) for further details on how you can get involved.
I hope you enjoyed February's coverage and I look forward to the rest of the year!! Don't forget that if you want to speak to a wedding planner in regards to your wedding, drop us an email at mail@rsweddingconsultants.co.uk.
Keeping you inspired!!! Have a lovely weekend!!!
Rachyeta xxx
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
{Wedding Feature} Tina and James' Perogative
This morning on the blog, I bring you a gorgeous couple who ooze style and know how to enjoy the moment. Tina and James' wedding was a soiree of fun, frolics and plenty of love.
Tina and James have turned their multicultural wedding into a beautiful elaborate do. In the settings of a Grand mansion house, surrounded by serene landscapes and gardens, the couple infused Tina’s Asian background with James English Heritage. A fusion wedding is what it was.
The Bride adorned a pretty peach fusion gown with silver and crystal embroidery and a rouge red scarf covering her head in a glamorous chic, modern way. She most certainly went ethnic with her jewellery as she worked her bindi. Her bridesmaids wore western knee length rouge red, strapless dresses with Asian infused jewellery to make a perfect match to Tina.
The Groom worked a very suave tux with a deeper red tie and pocket square. A dashing groom he was as his face lit up on the arrival of his bride.
Special credit goes to M&R Photography for sharing these amazingly gorgeous photo's of Tina and James.
{Don’t forget that if you are looking for a wedding planner or have questions relating to wedding planning, our experts are on hand – just comment on the blog or email them at mail@rsweddingconsultants.co.uk – Enjoy!!}
Keeping you inspired!!
Rachyeta xxx
Tina and James have turned their multicultural wedding into a beautiful elaborate do. In the settings of a Grand mansion house, surrounded by serene landscapes and gardens, the couple infused Tina’s Asian background with James English Heritage. A fusion wedding is what it was.
The Bride adorned a pretty peach fusion gown with silver and crystal embroidery and a rouge red scarf covering her head in a glamorous chic, modern way. She most certainly went ethnic with her jewellery as she worked her bindi. Her bridesmaids wore western knee length rouge red, strapless dresses with Asian infused jewellery to make a perfect match to Tina.
The Groom worked a very suave tux with a deeper red tie and pocket square. A dashing groom he was as his face lit up on the arrival of his bride.
Special credit goes to M&R Photography for sharing these amazingly gorgeous photo's of Tina and James.
{Don’t forget that if you are looking for a wedding planner or have questions relating to wedding planning, our experts are on hand – just comment on the blog or email them at mail@rsweddingconsultants.co.uk – Enjoy!!}
Keeping you inspired!!
Rachyeta xxx
Monday, 27 February 2012
{Inspiration} Navy Couture-Esque Inspiration to Wow your guests
Monday morning was not as nice as our wonderfully bright and warm weekend, so I bring you this couture-esque navy blue inspiration board, full of exquisite centrepiece jewels, gorgeous lilly bouquet, a glamorous navy and pearl wedding cake and some small touches that will make your wedding adorned and luscious - but most importantly a Uber Fabulous Soiree your guests will remember for years to come!
{Don’t forget that if you are looking for a wedding planner or have questions relating to wedding planning, our experts are on hand – just comment on the blog or email them at mail@rsweddingconsultants.co.uk – Enjoy!!}
Bouquet, Venue, Cake, Place Names, Invitations, Sari, Sherwani
I hope you are feeling this Navy inspiration board, I think it is elegant, and elaborate without being OTT!
Keeping you inspired!
Rachyeta xxx
{Don’t forget that if you are looking for a wedding planner or have questions relating to wedding planning, our experts are on hand – just comment on the blog or email them at mail@rsweddingconsultants.co.uk – Enjoy!!}
Bouquet, Venue, Cake, Place Names, Invitations, Sari, Sherwani
I hope you are feeling this Navy inspiration board, I think it is elegant, and elaborate without being OTT!
Keeping you inspired!
Rachyeta xxx
Questions to ask before booking your Wedding Venue
So you are trying to find that all-so-perfect wedding venue which will be the hallmark of your most memorable union to date. There is quite the expectation to get this right, so here is a helping hand to get you on the right track. Shaadi-Esque has put together some thoughtful pointers to help you make the right decision for yourselves and for your guests.
Image Credits: 1, 2
Before jumping into such a huge decision such as signing your name on a venue for your big day there are a few things you should consider before even looking at venues:
♥ The Date, the most important piece of information. Work out some dates that work well for you and your primary guests, then you can see which venues are available of those selected dates. But it is always key to have this piece of information.
♥ Number of guests, this will most certainly narrow down the number of venues who can hold your capacity.
♥ Whether you want the ceremony and reception at the same venue or separate, some venues will not be able to cater to this, whereas others will.
♥ How much of your budget are you willing to spend on the wedding venue, this is usually a large chunk of your overall budget, however when you discover how much this is per person, you will evaluate and further narrow down your search of venues.
Image Credit 3
Here are 12 key questions to ask yourself and the event planner/organiser at the venue whilst visiting:
♥ With your theme in mind, would this venue best represent or reflect your theme or will it require a lot of hard work and money to transform?
♥ Some larger venues offer their in house catering and many only allow particular outside caterers – so be careful about booking a venue when they do not permit your caterer.
♥ If you have disabled, elderly or small children attending the venue, it is important that the venue hall is easily accessible and that there are not too many flights of stairs to climb.
♥ Will there be a cloak room attendant, or will someone have to be allocated there and will this cost extra?
♥ Always ensure you are aware of the small print on the contract – this may mean being aware of the cancellation policy, timings for deposits and final payments, even any hidden charges or overtime charges.
♥ Does the venue have a liquor license, how much will corkage be if you are allowed to bring you own alcohol?
♥ What time will guests have to be out of the venue at the end of the night?
♥ Are their back rooms for the bridal party to change clothes or to relax?
♥ Does the venue have a PA system for the band or entertainment?
♥ Is there a guest car park or flexible parking in the area?
♥ Are there limitations on décor or candle usage?
Remember, that you don't want to choose a venue that you are ultimately pleased with. Some of you will be marrying for the first time and it should be as perfect as you have dreamt it to be. But do not sacrifice your bank balance for it. Be sensible and remember, any venue can be transformed into perfection ... any venue!
Keeping you inspired!!
Rachyeta xxx
Image Credits: 1, 2
Before jumping into such a huge decision such as signing your name on a venue for your big day there are a few things you should consider before even looking at venues:
♥ The Date, the most important piece of information. Work out some dates that work well for you and your primary guests, then you can see which venues are available of those selected dates. But it is always key to have this piece of information.
♥ Number of guests, this will most certainly narrow down the number of venues who can hold your capacity.
♥ Whether you want the ceremony and reception at the same venue or separate, some venues will not be able to cater to this, whereas others will.
♥ How much of your budget are you willing to spend on the wedding venue, this is usually a large chunk of your overall budget, however when you discover how much this is per person, you will evaluate and further narrow down your search of venues.
With these key points in mind, you can start looking around for venues in your preferable location i.e. through magazines, blogs, websites etc.
Image Credit 3
Here are 12 key questions to ask yourself and the event planner/organiser at the venue whilst visiting:
♥ With your theme in mind, would this venue best represent or reflect your theme or will it require a lot of hard work and money to transform?
♥ Some larger venues offer their in house catering and many only allow particular outside caterers – so be careful about booking a venue when they do not permit your caterer.
♥ If you have disabled, elderly or small children attending the venue, it is important that the venue hall is easily accessible and that there are not too many flights of stairs to climb.
♥ Will there be a cloak room attendant, or will someone have to be allocated there and will this cost extra?
♥ Always ensure you are aware of the small print on the contract – this may mean being aware of the cancellation policy, timings for deposits and final payments, even any hidden charges or overtime charges.
♥ Does the venue have a liquor license, how much will corkage be if you are allowed to bring you own alcohol?
♥ What time will guests have to be out of the venue at the end of the night?
♥ Are their back rooms for the bridal party to change clothes or to relax?
♥ Does the venue have a PA system for the band or entertainment?
♥ Is there a guest car park or flexible parking in the area?
♥ Are there limitations on décor or candle usage?
Remember, that you don't want to choose a venue that you are ultimately pleased with. Some of you will be marrying for the first time and it should be as perfect as you have dreamt it to be. But do not sacrifice your bank balance for it. Be sensible and remember, any venue can be transformed into perfection ... any venue!
Keeping you inspired!!
Rachyeta xxx
Saturday, 25 February 2012
{Inspiration} Cake Cake Cakes
Today we have gone cake bonkers! From elegant chic, to the bright, the totally sweet to the outrageously awesome!
Below are some of our chic elegant, stylish wedding cake picks! For the stylist bride and groom, who are swave without having to admit it.
Image Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
These wonderful colourful spectacles below are for the outrageous couples who aren't afraid of a little fun.
Image Credits: 1, 2
This pretty duo have all it takes for a classy couple who are quaint and cute. Maybe a little quirky.
Image Credits: 1, 2
Image Credits: 1, 2
Image Credit: 1, 2
Below are some of our chic elegant, stylish wedding cake picks! For the stylist bride and groom, who are swave without having to admit it.
Image Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
These wonderful colourful spectacles below are for the outrageous couples who aren't afraid of a little fun.
Image Credits: 1, 2
This pretty duo have all it takes for a classy couple who are quaint and cute. Maybe a little quirky.
Image Credits: 1, 2
Image Credits: 1, 2
Image Credit: 1, 2
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
{Advice} Bridal etiquette faux pas
Good Morning Y'all! So today we indulge on some of the key things that you should be aware of when it comes to wedding etiquette. Some Bad Bad BAD things, that you will hopefully avoid! There is an etiquette to weddings, pre wedding, wedding day and post wedding. You need to be aware that not only are your guests taking time out of their lives to spend this special day with you, there are a whole host of people giving you gifts and wonderful amounts of money. So being polite, acknowledging their presence, and taking note are all small things that apply to good etiquette. Lets get on with some serious etiquette pitfalls.
Image Credit
1. Never pre print thank you notes! It's rude and makes you sound ungrateful. Hand write all thank you notes.
2. It is not wise to say on invitations that you have a gift registry- let your bridal party spread the news.
3. Never post your engagement on or other social networking sites unless all the important people have been informed of the good news first.
4. Don't ever stop smiling. The cameras are everywhere!
5. Don't start making invitations without confirming a date.
6. Don't confirm a date under pressure without consulting those who you would like to be at your wedding.
7. Do not ignore your guests. Make some time to make your rounds to each table spending a few minutes at each one.
8. Be sensitive to food allergies and special dietary issues. Make sure you know these ahead of time.
9. Don't just serve all alcohol. Have some non alcohol options and plenty of water.
10. During the first dance try not to have a conversation with each other. It's nice to embrace the moment.
I hope you have found this useful, for further queries, do not hesitate to contact us directly and we can settle your questions right here on Shaadi-Esque!
Keeping you inspired!
Rachyeta xxx
Image Credit
1. Never pre print thank you notes! It's rude and makes you sound ungrateful. Hand write all thank you notes.
2. It is not wise to say on invitations that you have a gift registry- let your bridal party spread the news.
3. Never post your engagement on or other social networking sites unless all the important people have been informed of the good news first.
4. Don't ever stop smiling. The cameras are everywhere!
5. Don't start making invitations without confirming a date.
6. Don't confirm a date under pressure without consulting those who you would like to be at your wedding.
7. Do not ignore your guests. Make some time to make your rounds to each table spending a few minutes at each one.
8. Be sensitive to food allergies and special dietary issues. Make sure you know these ahead of time.
9. Don't just serve all alcohol. Have some non alcohol options and plenty of water.
10. During the first dance try not to have a conversation with each other. It's nice to embrace the moment.
I hope you have found this useful, for further queries, do not hesitate to contact us directly and we can settle your questions right here on Shaadi-Esque!
Keeping you inspired!
Rachyeta xxx
Monday, 20 February 2012
{Planning} Sikh Wedding Ceremony Head to Toe
Good Morning Shaadi-Esque readers, I know it has been a little while since we have been posting – but I am pleased to announce a great line up for this week! So ensure you are locked on and ready for this last and final week of February. So this morning we are looking at the Sikh wedding ceremony, this is particularly useful if you are planning a Sikh wedding or are attending one, this post can give you an insight into what to expect. Don't forget that if you are looking for a wedding planner or have questions relating to wedding planning, our experts are on hand - just comment on the blog or email them at mail@rsweddingconsultants.co.uk - Enjoy!!
The Wedding day protocol
The Groom's side or those accompanying him will have an early start with the "Barat" (means The Groom's Side).
Arrival at Gurdwara
1. Departure of Barat: The Barat will leave from the Groom's house to go to the Gurdwara which will usually be near the Bride's home, and also where the wedding will take place. Thus this is the only part of the wedding where the grooms side must organise, otherwise the rest of the day is organised and coordinated by the brides family. Although don't be surprised if with changing times, everyone might decide to muck in.
If the groom lives quite some distance away from the bride, then the Barat may depart much earlier in the morning. It is common for the Barat to set off from the groom's house at 8am. The Barat will then travel to the local area where the bride lives.
Image Credit
2. Reception of Barat: The Groom's party is "received" by the Bride's party at the Gurdwara, usually at the entrance. This usually takes place at about 9.30am. The women of the brides family will demand money for entry into the gurdwara, and the amount the groom has to fork up depends on how much the groom loves and values his bride. And whether he would like to get married to her.
3. Milnea: (This means "Introductions") The Ardas will be performed by the priest (Giani) followed by the formal introductions of the families. This will include the bride's & groom's father, grandfather and Mama - (mother's brother). They will formally meet, exchange garlands (and gifts) and have their photographs taken. This normally takes place in the foyer area of the Gurdwara at about 10am.
4. Tea: Tea with savouries (normally samosa, pakoras) and sweets (generally jalebis, ladoos and barfi) will be served and are normally taken standing at tables in the Langar hall at the Sikh temple (Gurdwara). Chairs are seldom provided in the Gurdwara unless the person is elderly or otherwise unable to stand for any length of time. Both the Groom's side and Bride's sides will take tea in turn (the groom has not sen his bride yet) and this should be concluded at about 10.30am.
Main Ceremony
5. Main Wedding Ceremony (Anand Karaj)
This is when the couple walk clockwise around the Guru Granth Sahib. This is the formal part of the ceremony and will always take place in a Gurdwara. After tea, by about 11am, everyone proceeds into the main prayer hall.
Proceed into the main hall paying attention to and observing the etiquette appropriate in the prayer hall. You must always show respect to the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book) as the Guru is held in high esteem by the Sikhs.
You will be required to wear suitable clothing, as once you are sat on the floor in the prayer hall you will be on the floor for at least 45 minutes. The wedding ceremony’s formal part will commence at 11am and is completed at 1pm and will include various rituals …
i. Kirtan – This is the singing of the Holy Hymns. As you enter the prayer hall the hymns will be already taking place. The singers who will be religious people will be sat on a stage in the front of the hall, on one side of the Guru Granth Sahib. The Guru Granth Sahib will be attended by a volunteer Sikh or priest who will be waving a Chaur over the Guru. A few hyms will be sung, then a priest will announce the schedule of events for the formal parts of Anand Karaj ceremony.
ii. Ardas – The People involved are: Bride, groom, both parents of bride and groom - this is a prayer of which the mentioned people will be a part of.
iii. Palla - The bride's father will formally hand the end of the sash, which the bridegroom wears over his shoulder into the hands of the bride. At the same time the shabad "Palla tanda lagee" is sung by the musicians.
The Couple walk around the Sri Guru Granth Sahib four times at the set intervals; the priest will read a Laav (one of four) from the Guru Granth Sahib; then the musicians will sing the same laav while the Couple circle the Guru in a clockwise direction.
iv. Ardas – All the congregation will stand and join in the ardas followed by Hukamnama.
v. Sagaan – The parents of both the Bride and Groom, followed by key people and the congregation will bless the newly wedded and give gifts usually in the form of money and there may be photo opportunities here also.
vi. Kara Parshad – Blessed sweet is served. This ends the formal part of the Sikh wedding ceremony.
The Party and Closing
6. Lunch: traditionally this used to be Langar in the Gurdwara but now normalise commonly found in commercial venue and is more of a "dinner & dance" type of event. Party "Bhangra" music is played and, perhaps, even alcohol and meat may be served too.
7. Departure of Doli: The bride is given new clothes as gifted to her by the groom's family. She then departs from her parent's house. This is a very sad moment for the bride and her family.
8. Reception: (Optional) This may be held on the same day or on another day and is an evening "dinner and dance" type occasion, where only invited guests from both familes can attend.
Other concerns
Gifts, Sagaan, etc
It is not normal for the guests to take gifts for the Bride or Groom unless you are a very close relative. There is a ceremony called "Sagaan" which takes place at the end of the religious ceremony when most guests will gift money to the wedded couple. The amount is normally £10 or £20 to both the groom and bride.
The modern alternative, which is gaining popularity is to include the money in a congratulations card and give this to the mother of the bride or groom depending on which party invited you to the wedding. Unless you take the latter route, you will need to queue up at the conclusion of the religious ceremony. This can be quite a long wait.
The Wedding day protocol
The Groom's side or those accompanying him will have an early start with the "Barat" (means The Groom's Side).
Arrival at Gurdwara
1. Departure of Barat: The Barat will leave from the Groom's house to go to the Gurdwara which will usually be near the Bride's home, and also where the wedding will take place. Thus this is the only part of the wedding where the grooms side must organise, otherwise the rest of the day is organised and coordinated by the brides family. Although don't be surprised if with changing times, everyone might decide to muck in.
If the groom lives quite some distance away from the bride, then the Barat may depart much earlier in the morning. It is common for the Barat to set off from the groom's house at 8am. The Barat will then travel to the local area where the bride lives.
Image Credit
2. Reception of Barat: The Groom's party is "received" by the Bride's party at the Gurdwara, usually at the entrance. This usually takes place at about 9.30am. The women of the brides family will demand money for entry into the gurdwara, and the amount the groom has to fork up depends on how much the groom loves and values his bride. And whether he would like to get married to her.
3. Milnea: (This means "Introductions") The Ardas will be performed by the priest (Giani) followed by the formal introductions of the families. This will include the bride's & groom's father, grandfather and Mama - (mother's brother). They will formally meet, exchange garlands (and gifts) and have their photographs taken. This normally takes place in the foyer area of the Gurdwara at about 10am.
4. Tea: Tea with savouries (normally samosa, pakoras) and sweets (generally jalebis, ladoos and barfi) will be served and are normally taken standing at tables in the Langar hall at the Sikh temple (Gurdwara). Chairs are seldom provided in the Gurdwara unless the person is elderly or otherwise unable to stand for any length of time. Both the Groom's side and Bride's sides will take tea in turn (the groom has not sen his bride yet) and this should be concluded at about 10.30am.
Main Ceremony
5. Main Wedding Ceremony (Anand Karaj)
This is when the couple walk clockwise around the Guru Granth Sahib. This is the formal part of the ceremony and will always take place in a Gurdwara. After tea, by about 11am, everyone proceeds into the main prayer hall.
Proceed into the main hall paying attention to and observing the etiquette appropriate in the prayer hall. You must always show respect to the Guru Granth Sahib (the holy book) as the Guru is held in high esteem by the Sikhs.
You will be required to wear suitable clothing, as once you are sat on the floor in the prayer hall you will be on the floor for at least 45 minutes. The wedding ceremony’s formal part will commence at 11am and is completed at 1pm and will include various rituals …
i. Kirtan – This is the singing of the Holy Hymns. As you enter the prayer hall the hymns will be already taking place. The singers who will be religious people will be sat on a stage in the front of the hall, on one side of the Guru Granth Sahib. The Guru Granth Sahib will be attended by a volunteer Sikh or priest who will be waving a Chaur over the Guru. A few hyms will be sung, then a priest will announce the schedule of events for the formal parts of Anand Karaj ceremony.
ii. Ardas – The People involved are: Bride, groom, both parents of bride and groom - this is a prayer of which the mentioned people will be a part of.
iii. Palla - The bride's father will formally hand the end of the sash, which the bridegroom wears over his shoulder into the hands of the bride. At the same time the shabad "Palla tanda lagee" is sung by the musicians.
The Couple walk around the Sri Guru Granth Sahib four times at the set intervals; the priest will read a Laav (one of four) from the Guru Granth Sahib; then the musicians will sing the same laav while the Couple circle the Guru in a clockwise direction.
iv. Ardas – All the congregation will stand and join in the ardas followed by Hukamnama.
v. Sagaan – The parents of both the Bride and Groom, followed by key people and the congregation will bless the newly wedded and give gifts usually in the form of money and there may be photo opportunities here also.
vi. Kara Parshad – Blessed sweet is served. This ends the formal part of the Sikh wedding ceremony.
The Party and Closing
6. Lunch: traditionally this used to be Langar in the Gurdwara but now normalise commonly found in commercial venue and is more of a "dinner & dance" type of event. Party "Bhangra" music is played and, perhaps, even alcohol and meat may be served too.
7. Departure of Doli: The bride is given new clothes as gifted to her by the groom's family. She then departs from her parent's house. This is a very sad moment for the bride and her family.
8. Reception: (Optional) This may be held on the same day or on another day and is an evening "dinner and dance" type occasion, where only invited guests from both familes can attend.
Other concerns
Gifts, Sagaan, etc
It is not normal for the guests to take gifts for the Bride or Groom unless you are a very close relative. There is a ceremony called "Sagaan" which takes place at the end of the religious ceremony when most guests will gift money to the wedded couple. The amount is normally £10 or £20 to both the groom and bride.
The modern alternative, which is gaining popularity is to include the money in a congratulations card and give this to the mother of the bride or groom depending on which party invited you to the wedding. Unless you take the latter route, you will need to queue up at the conclusion of the religious ceremony. This can be quite a long wait.
I hope this has been a hugely informative post for those of you who are planning a Sikh wedding or even those who love a little monday morning read.
Have a fabulous Monday and an even brighter week ahead!
Keeping you inspired!
Rachyeta xxx
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