Designing a mandap is an artform all it’s own. The mandap is the focal point and sacred four-pillared structure of the wedding ceremony, where the exchanging of wedding vows takes place surrounded by family and the sacred fire. The mandap is symbolic and represents the four Vedas and the four goals of a fulfilled life, which are Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. Each pillar of the mandap represents the support and strength of each parent of the bride and groom. The day before the wedding ceremony, an important ritual known as Mandap Mahurat or Mandap Ropan is held to bless the mandap.
Marvelous Mandaps
January 24th, 2012Hummingbird Nest Ranch
January 17th, 2012
Hummingbird Nest Ranch is one of our favorite venues! The views are breathtaking and the space is expansive. The ranch is located in the Santa Susana Mountains, less than a half hour from L.A. and it’s outdoor spaces are great for ceremonies, receptions, and private events for up to 5,000 guests! The Spanish architecture and décor with it’s olive trees, stone fountains is so beautiful and timeless.
Our Favorite Hotel in NYC!
January 13th, 2012
The Carlyle in Manhattan is such an exquisite and timeless hotel! This beautiful classic has been around since 1930 and is located on Madison Avenue in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. The Carlyle overlooks Central Park and the residential aesthetic of the hotel makes guests feel like they are living in luxury. The Carlyle has been named by Conde Nast Traveler’s 2012 Readers’ Choice as Best Hotel in New York.
The Carlyle is filled with luxury amenities including a collection of art and antique show rooms, Sense® Spa, Fitness Center, Yves Durif Salon and Rose Buds™ for Children. Rose Buds™ is a program designed to provide young guests with special services, amenities and convenience items designed just for them (kids’ menus to special events and fun activities).
The Wedding Symposium: A Huge Success
January 11th, 2012This past weekend, I had the distinct pleasure of participating at the Wedding Symposium in Santa Clara, CA. This conference was organized by the lovely Renee Monroe, who was an absolute joy to meet. It was truly amazing to be in the company of my esteemed colleagues whose work continue to inspire me. Preston Bailey, Sasha Souza and Bryan Rafanelli and Philippe Lee of Jade Studio Productions are all simply amazing! Their talks were all very inspiring and informative! And, as you can see, Philippe Lee‘s event photos are jaw-dropping. I walked away from the Wedding Symposium with fond memories and new friends.
What is a Mehndi?
January 5th, 2012For those of you who are not familiar with the Mehndi, or Henna Ceremony, we’d like to explain this important tradition. The Mehndi typically takes place one or two days before the actual wedding day ceremony. The bride usually wears a green dress or yellows/orange for the Henna celebration. The groom will typically wear a casual Shalwar Qameez. The bride and groom are brought forward in the ceremony under a decorative dupatta by their close relatives. In the bridal ceremony, married women who are closely related to the bride apply henna to her hands, and feed her sweets. This ritual brings good luck and longevity to the bride’s married life. Similarly, on the groom’s side, oil is applied to his head and sweets are fed to him as well.
Hummingbird Happiness
January 3rd, 2012
1. Event Design by Exquisite Events and White Lilac, Inc. (Photo by Joy Marie Photography)
2. Chanel 2012 Spring Runway (Photo by Yannis Vlamos for www.gorunway.com)
3. Chair covers by Wildflower Linen. (Photo by Joy Marie Photography)
4. Bronze Greta Sandals by Jimmy Choo at www.net-a-porter.com
5. Earrings by LK Designs at www.pret-a-beaute.com
6. Event Venue: Hummingbird Nest Ranch (Photo by Joy Marie Photography)
7. Marc Blackwell Northern Hemisphere Flute at Barneys
8. Bottega Veneta Clutch at www.matchesfashion.com
9. Simon G. Vanity Fair Bracelet at Kranichs
10. Jacqueline Cambata Golden Lotus Dinnerware
11. Jacqueline Cambata Golden Lotus Teacup and Saucer
12. Versace Medusa Vase at Saks
Chanel’s Pre-Fall 2012 Runway Show
December 27th, 2011Karl Lagerfeld‘s pre-fall runway show took place at the Grand Palais in Paris, with curved runways flanked by opulent long banquets decorated with beautiful fruits, flowers and crystal candelabras. The show’s theme was Bombay-meets-Paris and it was fabulous!
Classic Chanel tweed and chains were paired with bindi jewelry and the details of this collection were gorgeous. Overall, the proportions were in perfect balance and the rich fabrics in crepe wool, silk and mohair made everything look very luxurious. The dominant colors of the collection were cream, gold, white and black; but there were pops of color: hot pink and blue. Pretty colors for a Spring or Summer wedding!
Arti and Raj’s Wedding Video
December 22nd, 2011Video by Imagique Weddings
A Modern Vintage Carnival
December 21st, 2011This was a 1st birthday party and was so special for us to plan because we have planned many events for the family, including the baby shower last year!
We chose really sweet colors suitable for a little girl-pastel pink, green, and yellow, which were part of the design throughout the party. The inspiration was vintage carnivals which we incorporated in the stationery, vintage sodas, food stations, and the striped valances and umbrellas. So fun!
Hope you enjoy!
