Miss India UK Finals Announced

Shaadi-Esque really does get invited to some pretty awesome non-wedding events!! Friday night we were hanging out with the final 20 girls of the Miss India UK pageant, exclusively at Anaya Club, Swallow Street, Mayfair.



These finalists, all stunning in their own right, dressed up in their finest gowns, strutted their way to the centre stage and blew everyone away.

The Rules:The girls must  all be of Indian origin, between the ages of 17 and 27, never married, and are citizens, residents, or born in the country which they represent. The pageant consists of four segments - Evening Gown, Indian Dress, Talent and Question-Answer. The winners of all the various national pageants from all over the world vie for the glamorous and prestigious title of the Miss India Worldwide.

Above: 2011 winner of Miss India UK, saddened she would have to give up her crown very soon to the 2012 winner.

The night was a great opportunity to meet the girls, speak with the organisers and get into the spirit of the competition where the girls - as friendly as they are with one another - battle it out for the title of Miss India UK. And what a title it is!!

Some background on the competition: The contest really blew up in New York and has been conducted every year since 1980 and has really grown on an international level.

The title to us sitting at our desks at Shaad-Esque HQ is about being in a position to make a difference. Winning the crown of Miss India UK isn't about being the prettiest, or the most talented, it is more about what you can do with this new title. It is usually the case where having a title and a serious amount of sponsors and backing means that you have the power to change the world (a little at a time). Whether that means raising awareness for a charity; raising funds for a cause; or getting involved to bring about more support. A small child with a life threatening disease would feel no pain in the presence of a Queen.

Being a contestant in Miss India is about more than good looks, style and makeup skills. These girls battle it out to compete for an honorary title which they can make their own mark in history.

It is "the most glamorous Indian function in the world."

The Miss India pageant is the only ethnic origin to have a pageant on an international level - which says something about how significant these titles are and how hard renowned they are.

This year their charity is Water Aid who are an international nongovernmental organisation whose mission is to transform lives by improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation in the world's poorest communities.

Lastly I would like to congratulate Deana Uppal for winning the Miss India UK title on Saturday 4th February 2012.

Keeping you inspired!!Rachyeta xxx

January Round up ...

January saw the start of a fresh new year and a truly awakening spring in The RS Bridal Group’s step. Not only can we welcome some fabulous Brides and Grooms to our Wedding Planners Books, but some more clients destined for great weddings who have booked themselves with rs Weddings’ Theme Design Packages.

But what you really want to know and what I really want to tell you about is how phenomenal Shaadi-Esque has been doing just this past month. Designers, Charitable activities, Wedding features, Chinese New Year, Musical Talent and our very first lifestyle feature. It has been a very busy month for Shaadi-Esque and indeed the RS Group.

We celebrated alongside Charmi Mandavia, designer and owner of Charmi Creations at the launch of her fabulous chic new Boutique in Pinner. We showcased Raishma’s designs and took a little look at how she has evolved as a designer and above all made her brand individual and highly regarded. The final designer showcased this month was Sati Takhar, whose couture pieces really made a mark with Shaadi-Esque and we really look forward to seeing what is in stall for all the designers and suppliers who feature with us.



Most recently we witnessed the Chinese New Year which was highly regarded as the Year of the Dragon.  Auspicious and longevity are symbolised by the Dragon, so this was one year we didn't want to miss out on. We featured three bright and beautiful rouge Dragon inspired boards which blew our readers away, they were fusion, individual and outright spunky!



Shaadi-Esque joined The RS Bridal Group in some rather selfless acts this January. We joined forces to bake some delicious yumminesses for the homeless shelter in the London Borough. For dessert that evening they enjoyed 'Lilac Cupcakes and Ordo Brownies'. Making me drool thinking about it. (Oh boy!)

We went so far as to feature a talented duo as they debuted their new track 'Lohri' which took the iTunes download charts by storm. Shaadi-Esque's little nugget of showbiz-nes!!

Let's not forget our new Lifestyle feature, of which Dishoom in London got their first serving. It was all about the bollybelini's. And then some! :)



We have featured some amazing weddings and some even more fabulous bride's and groom's. We love sharing special weddings, unique ideas or just special moments. A picture does say a thousand words, and Shaadi-Esque readers know it!



Specially for January we were fortunate to attend an engagement party for which we were thoroughly impressed with, we observed, thoroughly enjoyed, and blogged at our hearts content.

So What a busy and pretty phantasmal month January has been. Quite the start to the year and there has been some fond, memorable posts that we wish to continue with.

If you are a photographer/ Bride or Groom / Wedding Supplier and you would like to feature your weddings or services then just visit our submissions page or get in touch on blog@rsbridalgroup.co.uk.

If on the other hand you are a bride and groom and you would like a write up of your wedding or engagement,  much like our Attended Wedding, on Shaadi-Esque or to keep in your album - get in touch also. Words can be valuable even without pictures.

Looking forward to February and all 2012 has to offer. Best of luck to all of our suppliers and features for 2012 is the one to watch!

Keeping you inspired!

Rachyeta Singh (Wedding Designer and Founder of RS Bridal Group)

xxx

{Lifestyle} Dishoom - Bombay's Cafe in London

To add a little bit of Jazz to Shaadi-Esque, I am now starting a lifestyle section on the blog, (due to seriously high demand) reporting on lifestyle-Esque things such as Tasty, Swanky places you must visit in London. So let’s test the waters with what London has to offer - experience it with me.



Wednesday evening I met some friends at a fairly new establishment in Soho, Dishoom! Have you heard of it? You may recognise the name to be the sound Bollywood actors make when fighting in scenes - all very melodramatic! The ‘official’ definition is below;

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DISHOOM /dishu:m/ n.

1. The old Bollywood sound effect produced when a hero lands a good punch, or when a bullet flies through the air
2. Similar to popular slang usage of the expression “Mojo”; e.g. “He’s got that Dishoom”

DISHOOM-WALLAH /dishu:m wālā/ n.

1. Someone with Dishoom

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On arriving at Dishoom the very first thing I saw was the sign outside the restaurant and two painted bicycles resting on the wall. This made me chuckle a little too hard, it also seemed to be an attraction for passers by, as everyone would glance at the sign. See below ...



The front door was a very stylish glass entrance with a pretty sleek black design – oh so suave! A lovely decorated venue with leather booths, quirky decor, bollywood images framed on all walls, a quaint bar area downstairs away from the hustle and bustle of Central London. It just had a Chic India feel. This really is a place where anyone could feel comfortable. It was well themed, Indian music to fit, the atmosphere was relaxed and the staff were all very attentive and positive. I love good service, it sort of puts the cherry on top!



It all began with the drinks; Bollybellini's were the top on my list, a beautiful Rose, Raspberry and Lychee Sparking cocktail. I did not get to sample anything else, purely for my love of the Bollybellini although the Chaijito would have been one for the books!!

Ooh the menu, the menu was enough! You know when you go to some Indian restaurants and they have an encyclopedia of dishes, pretty much all very similar? Well Dishoom's menu was a selection of everything, every item tasted differently, satisfied a different craving and was utterly irresistible, filling and worth sharing.

Image Credit: Roche Communications and Dishoom

My Experience of Dishoom is that it does not in the slightest try to be something it is not. In fact it says exactly what it is. Traditionally a cafe: “Their faded elegance welcomed all – rich businessmen, sweaty taxi-wallahs and courting couples. Fans turned slowly. Bentwood chairs were reflected in stained mirrors, next to sepia family portraits. Students had breakfast. Families dined. Lawyers read briefs. Writers found their characters.” A real experience with true character.

Why not try this utterly tasty, fun and completely characterful restaurant and bar?!! Shaadi-Esque highly recommends it.

You can visit their website on www.dishoom.com - sample their menu and taste the Bombay Cafe.

Give Dishoom a call for reservations on 020 7420 9320.

Address: 12 Upper St. Martin’s Lane, London WC2H 9FB

Try something different!! It'll be worth it.

Keeping you Inspired!

Rachyeta xxx