Indian Chinese Culture

In a lavish ceremony last month, the founders of AHA, Shauna Mei and Sachin Devand, celebrated their nuptials with friends and family in Jaipur, India. In the beautiful surroundings of the Samode Palace, those attending were able to experience a five-day Hindu wedding extravaganza with six different ceremonies taking place, creating a “burning man like wedding”.  

Notable names in attendance included Russian singer, Katya Lee; make-up artist and TV personality, Carmindy Bowyer; celebrity fashion and style expert, Jason Campbell; American food writer, Suzanne Pirret and the host of CBS’s #StyleScouting podcast, Alia Ahmed-Yahia.

Guests were also treated to a fashion spectacle with seven outfit changes from the bride. The looks ranged from a Matthew Williamson pool party dress, custom made dresses for Mehandi, Haldi, and Holi ceremonies and for the reception a Vivienne Tam dress was worn, followed by a Manish piece. 

Hosted by the Devand family, the grand affair followed a packed schedule. Memorable moments included the Baarat Procession, which saw Sachin arriving by elephant to pick up his bride whilst being accompanied by an entourage of dancers, horses, camels and royal soldiers, and the Holi ceremony which is a two-day festival in itself and was the pinnacle of the event. 

Holi was celebrated on March 24 this year, but Shauna and Sachin invited their guests to celebrate a belated Holi with a “Holika bonfire” and a free-for-all carnival of colors where participants played, chased and colored each other with dry powder and colored water. Celebrations concluded with a private tour of the majestic Taj Mahal. 

About AHA

Six years ago Shauna and Sachin founded AHA with the aim of creating a community which values creativity and empowers independent designers & artisans to thrive online. Today, the digital platform is a destination for discovering more than 4,000 designers in over 45 countries around the globe and provides consumers with a curated collection of luxury fashion and lifestyle brands.
Photography Chandni Dua Photography.

Great ideas and inspiration.

Some "Everlasting Love"  for that special wedding coming up..

Great Gatsby 20s Style Photo Shoot

  The Roaring Twenties

Photography: Silvena Toncheva Photography

http://silvenaphotography.co.uk/

Stylist and accessories designer: Nantarat Sirat Amos

http://www.everlastinglove.me/

Models: Silvena Toncheva and Maria Sheovska

The vintage charm of the 20s fascinates and inspires many fashion photographers nowadays.

Our creative team strived to capture the true spirit of the times and tell a story with many possible interpretations. Every detail has been carefully considered by the talented Nantarat who organised the shoot for the launch of her first bespoke collection under the brand "Everlasting love". All accessories are hand-made by her.

"The Great Gatsby" movie is the one that moved the spirits, made people imagine romance, betrayal and passion in a completely new dimension. Somehow naturally it became a source of inspiration for new ideas around which we based the shoot.

Choosing your wedding car

Choosing the Right Wedding Car

 

There are many parts of a wedding that must be planned. Choosing the right wedding car is important. It is the main way that a couple can arrive in an elegant manner to the reception venue. The right choice will depend on needs, wedding theme, and budget. Here is a closer look at what to consider in order to select the perfect wedding car.

Things to Consider

Every couple will have different requirements. For example, a bride with a large dress must find a car that has plenty of room. It must also be easy to get in and out of the vehicle as well.

It is also important to consider the weather. If the wedding will be held at a hot time of year, it will be vital to hire a car with air conditioning. Nothing will be worse than showing up filled with sweat.

Getting a convertible top will be a decision as well. Most fancy and expensive cars have the option of having the top open. If the wedding is formal, and the bride has spent a lot of time and money on a hairstyle, it is best to stay away from a convertible.

One final thing to consider is the amount of people that will be transported. If the car must fit the entire wedding party, it is smart to choose a larger vehicle, such as a limo. If it is just for the bride and groom, a small, classic car can be used.

A Few Popular Wedding Vehicles

• Limousine: Chrysler Stretch Limo
  A wedding limousine is ideal to transport a large wedding party. The Chrysler 300 limo is a popular option that can accommodate up to ten passengers in style and comfort. There are many benefits that come with using a limo. Most services will offer champagne. Typical limos are filled with televisions, fancy lighting, and a great sound system. A Chrysler stretch limo is perfect for any contemporary wedding theme.
  
  
• Classic Car: Rolls Royce Silver Cloud
  If wedding budget is flexible, and the couple wants a special effect on the wedding day, it will be nice to hire a classic car. These cars tend to be expensive. One of the most popular classic wedding cars is a Rolls Royce Silver Cloud. It will add great elegance to pictures. It is perfect for the couple who is having an intimate wedding with an old fashioned theme.
  
  
• Vintage Bus
  When a bride and groom want something different and can carry the entire wedding party, a vintage bus will be the ultimate choice. A 1960s bus that has been totally restored will add whimsy to a wedding. It will work well in summer months for a wedding that is taking place in a classic or historic town. If the wedding is small, this type of bus may be able to transport all of the guests from the church to the reception site.
  
  
• Horse and Carriage
  Even though this form of transportation will not actually get a bride and groom very far, it is a great picturesque moment to be driven off as husband and wife for the first time. If a couple is having an outdoor wedding in a park or other tree lined area, this mode of transportation will be very memorable. There is nothing more romantic than a ride in a horse and carriage.

A wedding has many details to plan. Hiring a car is just one of the numerous tasks that comes with the big event. There are many choices to pick from that will make the wedding special. It is important to weigh individual needs and budget in order to make the best decision.

About the Author

Naomi Gregg is a freelance writer with a love for all things weddings. From wedding invites, to flowers, transport, catering and amazing wedding dresses; Naomi enjoys taking the time to reflect on all the little details that contribute to making the special day a unique and memorable experience for all.

 

Bridal Gowns 2013

Anne Barge

_{Capucine
Emanuelle}
This season's collection is homage to the original Ritz in Paris. The gilded elegance, the richness of colour and texture, the vintage inspired French laces of Alencon and Chantilly reflect the charming and lively personality of The Ritz Paris and today's discerning, modern bride. Spring/Summer 2013 is energized by youthful, innovative takes fused with traditional classics.

Claire Pettibone

_{Oleander
Thalia}
Sapphire sea, an endless blue sky, the scent of sweet flowers drifting on the breeze, and a girl dreaming of her lover.
Dutch born Victorian artist Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema painted scenes of languid beauties reminiscent of Roman deities, but his subjects are unmistakably human. Caught in a moment of relaxation or idle daydream we can almost feel the cool marble and the warm Mediterranean sunlight.
Elements of precious embellishment, sun drenched colour and effortless luxury set the stage for our modern goddesses.

Temperley

_{Daisy
Henrieta}
Alice Temperley’s timeless, feminine designs combine meticulous detail and embellishments with an English eccentricity and personality drawing on everything British; Temperley is the modern day ‘Cool Britannia’.
The past ten years have earned the House of Temperley critical acclaim and devoted fans around the world, dressing Royalty to the red carpet. Amongst many others, Temperley London fans include; Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Pippa Middleton, Demi Moore, Jennifer Lopez, Heidi Klum, Reese Witherspoon and Emma Roberts.

Ines Di Santo

For her Spring/Summer 2013 collection, Ines Di Santo was captivated by one of Europe’s most romantic cities. Known as the “Queen of the Adriatic”, Venice, and more specifically the city’s annual Carnevale, inspired Ines with its ornate masks, exuberant spirit and grandeur. Reminiscent of the fashions of Italy’s opulent Baroque Era, the enchanting collection is rich with jewelled embroidery, infusions of colour and feminine elegance.
The names of the gowns are steeped in history, in juxtaposition with the softness of the designs themselves, just as the collection blends lightness and decadence. Dreamy gowns of blush Silk Gazar and powder blue give way to rich Macramé and Alençon lace appliqués. Alluring translucent bodices and illuminated champagne metallic chiffon dance before tiered voluminous skirts and laser cut layers of organza.
Inspired by the legendary celebration of Carnevale, the Spring/Summer 2013 collection was created for the most personal celebration of all.

Junko Yoshioka

_Cherie
Glace
The twinkling lights of Paris are reflected throughout this collection. Soft, delicate sparkle & shine, shimmer & flitter are the foundation of this airy and layered collection of young and feminine gowns using a mix of tulle,lace and unique fabrications throughout.

Winnie Couture

_Arya
Esme
Beverly Hills-based Winnie Couture is where modern sophistication meets timeless elegance—with a touch of red-carpet sparkle.

Cut a Shapely Figure

Surprisingly there are only six basic silhouettes to chose from, once you have nailed your favourite, make it truly yours with jawdropping fabric.




Ball Gown
It’s the dress favoured by teeny waisted, romantic royal brides from Queen Victoria to Princess Diana and even pop princess Victoria Beckham. the tight bodice, corseted waist and billowing skirt are pretty and ultra feminine. a bustier will most often be involved.





Princess
Princess Mary put this shape into the spotlight. Flattering and slimming, the boned dress hugs the bust and waist tightly then flares into an ungathered skirt giving a long, lean look. An elegant cut for the ultimate sophisticate, minimal in a strapless version.




A-Line
From the skinny bodice with an under-bust trim, the dress skims the waist to a wide ungathered skirt. This hip-slimming cut gives a look that’s sweet and innocent. Devotees of this flattering style have included Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson




Empire
The tight bodice is the focus, often with a deeply scooped neckline; the fabric then falls to the hemline. Nicole Kidman’s wedding dress followed this comfortable empire line in a cloud of french lace and silk chiffon, with an up to the minute micro-pleated sleeve detail.





Mini
Short is back for perky brides, the knee length shows off lovely legs and puts pretty feet and enviable shoes in focus. It’s a less formal choice, perfect for beach weddings and cocktail hour nuptials. Cindy Crawford wore this raised hemline and made the confident look a hit.





Slip Dress
Sexy and slinky but the most unforgiving shape of all, the bias cut hugs the figure all the way from the bust to the ankles and highlights every curve and bump. Carolyn Bessette’s cigarette-thin frame suited this daring and deadly sexy line.



images via firstVIEW