ICWF - The Business of Weddings , 2019 edition by mandeepscontact

Say â&#x20AC;&#x153;I Doâ&#x20AC;? In Venice

San Clemente Island is an inspired destination for weddings and private events. Mark the beginning of your life together in the 12th Century Church and celebrate your love in our elegant gardens or expansive terraces with picturesque views of the lagoon city.

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CREATE BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES THAT LAST A LIFETIME, IN RAS AL KHAIMAH A hidden gem close to Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah boasts of exquisite natural landscapes unspoiled beaches along an emerald coastline, towering mountains and terracotta deserts, to provide the perfect backdrop to your wedding. Whether you want an intimate beach wedding, a glamorous event in a private nature reserve or a classic traditional celebration, Ras Al Khaimah has several exquisite venues to make your dream wedding come true. 2

E AT U R E LAVISH WEDDINGS ATF THE WALDORF ASTORIA, RAS AL KHAIMAH

With its spectacular surroundings, palatial elegance and bespoke Arabian hospitality, Waldorf Astoria is the perfect choice for relaxed beach weddings, luxurious marriage celebrations, once in a lifetime ceremonies, or intimate vow renewals.

THE PERFECT START TO YOUR HAPPILY EVER AFTER Set on the sandy shores of the Arabian Gulf, the Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Center offers a contemporary design influenced by traditional UAE architecture. The center’s expansive space can be transformed for any occasion, making it the perfect venue for your ‘happily ever after’.

TIE THE KNOT WITH A SPECTACULAR BACKDROP Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa offers the perfect backdrop for your unforgettable moments. From the time the question is asked to the first dance as a married couple, you can rely on us to be by your side to help you along the way.

EXTRAORDINARY CELEBRATIONS AT THE RITZ-CARLTON With a traditional wedding hall and outdoor venues set amid the beauty of the desert, the Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert offers an alternative to traditional wedding settings. Or, exchange your vows against the romantic backdrop of a beautiful beachside sunset at the Ritz-Carlton, Al Hamra Beach. 3

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F E AT U R E

2019 T H E B U S I N ES S O F W E D D I N G S

EDITOR’S

As I get ready to hand over the 2nd edition of the ICWF Yearbook, the iconic dialogue from When Harry Met Sally, comes to mind, “When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” A wedding celebrates the start of a couple’s married life. All of us, the Wedding Industry Professionals (WeIPs) are blessed with the opportunity to associate with this start, in one way or the other. And, of course, we want this association to be profitable, since we are in “The Business of Weddings”. The wedding industry is witnessing a rapid growth, evolution, and maturation. From being an unstructured industry with little recognition, it is moving towards well-defined structure and acceptable standards. The real credit for this transformation goes to all of you, the pioneers of the industry. Your hard work, passion, dedication, vision, and beliefs have substantially increased the market size making the wedding industry an attractive option for young entrepreneurs. More couples than ever before are using the services of professional wedding planners, designers, and cinematographers for their weddings. This trend will continue to fuel our aspirations to grow our businesses. As a core team member of the organising committee of ICWF and the editor of the yearbook, I have had the good fortune of interacting closely with several successful WeIPs who have aced the technique to create a pull for their brands. Let me share two observations that I feel make them standout. Successful WeIPs strongly believe that weddings are all about celebrating the ‘feelings’ of the couple, their families, and friends. Before the wedding, they interact proactively with the client’s family to establish an emotional bond that helps them to understand their desires and expectations. Then, they use their expertise and creativity to design and deliver emotional experiences. All these WeIPs invest considerable time and effort to develop their expertise, knowledge and skills. They never miss an opportunity to increase their awareness, expand their network, observe the industry innovators, experiment new ideas and learn from their experiences. They are always seeking the next big challenge to excel. ICWF, now in its 7th edition, has been established as the wedding industry’s most powerful platform for the convergence of knowledge and professional development. It provides members of the wedding fraternity different avenues to explore the growth of their businesses. No wonder, this year’s convention, at the newest and grandest venue in the city of joy, was sold out a lot earlier than we expected. GIWA has become the most trusted, respected and sought after recognition of the wedding industry. The number as well as the quality of entries each year has steadily grown. Our jury members have a tough time selecting the winners, knowing fully well, that even those who don’t win have done an amazing job.

from the

The ICWF Yearbook – The Business of Weddings, launched last year in Jaipur and got an overwhelming response from our readers. The high standards of content and design set by the inaugural edition increased the expectations from the second edition. The purpose of the yearbook is to bring you diverse views, innovations, industry trends, and information that can boost the growth of your business. The yearbook could not have been possible without the support of the entire ICWF team and I hope we have yet again created a resource you will cherish and benefit from. As you browse through, you will immediately get attracted to the creative visuals and layouts. Once the visual awe settles, you will notice the diverse range of articles on all the major aspects of the wedding industry. When you begin reading the articles, you will find yourself immersed in the depth of knowledge, insights, and experiences shared by renowned experts from India and abroad. I extend my deepest gratitude to all the contributors for taking out valuable time to share their inspiring thoughts, enriching experiences, and stunning photographs. Wedding planners are always searching for unique international wedding destinations for their clients. In this edition, you will discover the beauty of the little known Sanya in China, Cyprus, and Sri Lanka. Extensive information on the different venues in these locations will be definitely beneficial. Let me end by sharing that putting together this edition of Yearbook has been an extremely intriguing, enjoyable and exciting journey for me. I wish that all of you achieve the dreams you aspire for. As Oprah Winfrey said, “The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but significance.”

TABLE

SIMI BANGA

2019 T H E B U S I N ES S O F W E D D I N G S

WO R L D ' S L A R G EST O N L I N E W E D D I N G P L AT FO R M Zankyou is a leading online international wedding portal, present in 21 countries worldwide, with more than 4.5000.000 unique visits per month and more than 400.00 registered couples yearly.

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G A I N G R E AT V I S I B I L I T Y, CO N N ECT I N STA N T LY W I T H CO U P L ES , A N D T E L L YO U R STO RY Zankyou is not only an online directory, you can tell your brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique story through ourated content in our wedding magazine and social media accounts.

U S E R F R I E N D LY W I T H U P TO DAT E A P P Our App for professionals is perfect to communicate instantly with our couples. You can control all your communications and see all your interactions and sales opportunities directly in your phone.

www.zankyou.com

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CONTENT

THROUGH THE LENS | 150

FEATURE

EYE FOR CLASSIC, FLAIR | 166 FOR CONTEMPORARY

THAT ONE BIG BREAK | 18 CHETAN VOHRA

THE CREATIVE WORLD OF CECI JOHNSON | 26 CECI JOHNSON

A CITY OF MANY JOYS: CALCUTTA | 36 RUCHIKA CHANANA

DESIGN IS HOW IT WORKS | 58 JAI THAKORE

PRODUCING EVENTS | 86 FROM INSIDE OUT JES GORDON

SCULPTING EMOTION | 144 NARAYAN SINHA

CREDITS EDITOR : Simi Banga simiscontact@gmail.com DESIGNED BY : YS Design Studio SALES & MARKETING: Jaideep Singh Mobile No. 8447639393, JD@icwf.net, CONTRIBUTORS: AndrÃ© Wygledacz, Badal Jain, Bina Ramani, Ceci Johnson, Chetan Vohra, Deepti Singh, Duygu Kuskulu, Ginny Kohli, Gopi Gajwani, Hemant Oberoi, Jai Thakore, Jes Gordon, Madhu Neotia, Manika Garg, Manish Malhotra, Narayan Sinha, Rajesh Gupta, Rob Van Heiden, Ruchika Chanana, Samit Garg, Shravana Sachdeva, Simi Banga, Sonali Thakore, Sonu Bhasin, Suraksha & Yogesh Gajwani, William Lambelet. Cover Photo Credit: Anish Sethi 10

SIMI BANGA

ROB VAN HEIDEN

THE INDIA STORY | 174 MADHU NEOTIA

ICWF EUROPE 2019 | 212 DUYGU KUSKULU

POINTS TO PONDER WILL YOUR BUSINESS SURVIVE | 100 AFTER YOU? SONU BHASIN

INDUSTRY TALK

WEDDONOMICS | 98 SAMIT GARG

WE ARE THE SHAADI WALAS | 104 SURAKSHA GAJWANI

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GUEST COLUMN HACK THE HASHTAG | 82 SHRAVANA SACHDEVA

MALABAR SECRETS | 136 BINA RAMANI

WEDDING FEAST IN INDIA | 140 HEMANT OBEROI

Q & A WITH MANISH MALHOTRA | 194

ADVERTORIAL

MANISH MALHOTRA

SAN CLEMENT PALACE | 50

ITS NOT JUST ABOUT A | 208 WEDDING INVITATION

SKYMAGIC PERFORMANCE | 74 DRONE SHOWS

SURAKSHA & YOGESH GAJWANI

VOICE OF CLIENT

CHEERS TO THE PERFECT MARRIAGE | 108

BEHIND THE VOWS | 120 GINNY KOHLI

VOWS WITH A WOW | 112 AT ITC HOTELS

INSIDE THE MILLENNIAL | 180 BRIDE’S MIND

THE ROYAL INDIA WEDDING | 124 GETS A ROYAL MAKE OVER

SHRAVANA SACHDEVA

REAL WEDDINGS AVANTIKA & KARAN | 198 SHRAVANA SACHDEVA

PRACHI & DEV | 202 SHRAVANA SACHDEVA

BARATIS ALL ABOARD | 184 HYATT WEDDING | 190

DESTINATION FOCUS NORTH CYPRUS | 68 WHAT’S SIR LANKA | 162 SANYA: A WEDDING | 224 DESTINATION WITH TRANQUIL BEAUTY

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CONTRIBUTORS

CECI JOHNSON ANDRÉ WYGLEDACZ

has been covering weddings since 2007. According to him, this art is particularly demanding - physically, technically, and emotionally. It requires total involvement, attention every second, a special listening to the bride and groom and their loved ones throughout the day, an impeccable technical mastery, and creativity to feed on a daily basis. It is an exciting work, sometimes surprising, always rewarding on the human level.

is recognized as the founder of couture invitation design. Her design studio, Ceci New York, having worked in over 40 countries is renowned as the leader in luxury invitation design. Her clients are a who’s-who collection of A-list celebrities, royalty, sports stars, fashion icons and luxury brands. Ceci’s fashion-forward style has lead her to be named by Tory Burch a “Woman to Watch”, and called by Anna Wintour of Vogue magazine“ a favorite designer”.

GINNY KOHLI

founded WedWise in 2015 with the vision to resolve choke points in the wedding ecosystem. WedWise is an effort to help prospective Brides & Grooms get ideas, discover new trends and book authentic & credible wedding vendors through realtime community recommendations & a well-curated online platform.

MADHU NEOTIA

CHEF HEMANT OBEROI CHETAN VOHRA BADAL JAIN

is one of India’s finest and most talented wedding cinematographer with over 16 years of experience and around 600+ weddings under his belt. His innovative style of storytelling and creative shooting style has made him the most wanted wedding filmmaker by the rich and famous around the country.

is the Founder and Managing Director of Weddingline, and has handled Weddings and Social Events for a host of Celebrities, such as Priyanka Chopra, Yuvraj Singh, Boman Irani and Vivek Oberoi.

is a visionary and a passionate believer in the promotion of Indian art and design, Madhu Neotia has lend her name to several inspiring initiatives. The India Story is the fondest expression of her passion for Indian art and design. Mrs. Neotia’s relentless zeal to create and conceive has culminated in the introduction of Wedding Diaries, a specialised event dedicated to celebrate the diverse facets of weddings in India since September 2018.

introduced Indian diners to cuisines from across the world. His knives have carved the evolution of the culinary industry in India. Whether it was Mediterranean cuisine at the award winning Souk, Sichuan at the iconic Golden Dragon, Japanese at the world ranking Wasabi, Chef broke boundaries in gastronomy. At the legendary Zodiac Grill he took the fine dining culture to unbeatable heights.

MANISH MALHOTRA

DUYGU KUSKULU BINA RAMANI

is an internationally reputed visionary in design and lifestyle concepts known for setting trends and inspiring change. An author, designer, social activist and entrepreneur with years of experience in global luxury and hospitality. Bina’s recent travels through the spice fields of Western Ghats triggered her imagination to create a beguiling new botanic experience for the palate.

is the Managing Director of Crystal Concepts DMC, her experience of promoting Turkey for over 20 years in the industry became a passion to have a great network and manage trusted partnerships for end to end solutions. She is one of the most reputable figures of travel and events industry in Turkey, with characteristic of straight thinking and being practical. She manages a very dedicated team who are all committed to offer wider perspective with solutions for cutting edge and traditional needs.

JES GORDON

With a career beginning over three decades ago, Jes Gordon has worked on everything from the set design of “Interview with a Vampire” to private events for Elton John and Madonna, teaching her how to produce an event through all five senses. With an extraordinary eye for design and passion for the unexpected, she continues to dazzle both social and corporate clients around the world.

is the first-ever fashion influencer, bold and conspicuous fashion creator, he has extended his influence beyond fashion to carve his niche as a high-end Indian luxury inventor. He is India’s celebrated costume designer & couturier who is known for his body of work for over 500 movies since 29 years now. With a team of 700 artists, craftsmen and professionals spread across the country and international waters, his namesake label has marked 14 years in the fashion industry.

CONTRIBUTORS

NARAYAN SINHA

is a sculptor and installation artist based in Kolkata, India. He has done 20 solo shows pan India, participated several times in India Art Fair, he has been the creative interior designer for National Award winning project like Art Ichol (MP) and has participated in most of the prestigious group shows in India and abroad. To take his art out of the gallery so it can be enjoyed by vast audience, he started doing public installation, wedding decoration, interior designing & creative hand made jewellery design for the last 20 years.

RAJESH GUPTA

The Lensocrat, an artist by default, award winning ace photographer & cinematographer, a Canon brand ambassador from East of India. An extempore poet, a passionate cook, actor and a filmmaker by Profession. Rajesh has been shooting weddings for over a decade now. He specializes in destination wedding photography. He also shoots fashion and lifestyle.

RUCHIKA CHANANA

is a writer and editor. She has written short stories, non-fiction books, and a Bollywood screenplay. Her children’s detective novel ‘Neha and the Nose’ was published in July 2019 and was on a list of the 50-must-read books of 2019. She runs Wordsetc., a content/copy/ ideas resource. Ruchika is also a theatre practitioner, and in another life, she’s been a television producer, stylist and documentary film-maker.

SAMIT GARG

serves as a Director of E-Factor & has been in the experiential events business for over 2 decades. He has been instrumental in re-defining format of large-scale private social events in India and off late has done the same with few tourism event initiatives for various government organizations. He is also known for his contribution to the Lifestyle Tourism business by way of establishing the largest hot air ballooning company in India called Skywaltz and now setting sail on waters too by setting up a yachting enterprise.

ROB VAN HEIDEN

Originally from Holland, Rob became mesmerised by the beauty and expressionistic possibility of flowers and on moving to the UK some 37 years ago, started a floristry business out of the back of his estate car. Today, RVH Floral Design is synonymous with the best of international floristry – setting a standard for artistic accomplishment often copied but rarely attained.

SHRAVANA SACHDEVA

is the founder of a much-loved wedding guide. She started WittyVows drawing from her experience as a wedding designer, having spent her early years working on dream projects and learning from industry stalwarts. As a content based Industry Influencer with WIttyVows, she channeled her desire to represent Weddings and it’s backstage heroes to brides with a distinct personal touch.

SONALI & JAI THAKORE

Their unique combination of skills ensures each event is distinctive, impactful, experiential & full of custom touches. Together at E-Factor they translate events, which are design and delight driven, are artisanal, are grand scale yet detail obsessed & above all have dramatic visual impact. Jai brings his design perspective & technical know how and Sonali adds multilayered dimensions to the events with her vivacious design style. Together they continuously exceed the expected with an unmatched level of inspiration, imagination and innovation to create events extraordinaire.

SURAKSHA & YOGESH GAJWANI

At YS Design, Y and S form the two different sides of the brain – Yogesh (he is the designer) makes the right side of the brain, while Suraksha (she is the researcher & writer), the left. Together they create a ‘Thinking Design,’ for corporate branding, advertising, interactive media, book & magazine design, bespoke invitations, stationery & packaging.

WILLIAM LAMBELET SONU BHASIN

is a family business historian, a business author and Editor-in-Chief of The Families & Business magazine. She is also one of the early and senior women professionals in the industry. In her career of over 30 years she has been a TAS (Tata Administrative Service) Officer, Director ING Barings Private Banking, President Axis Bank, Group President YES Bank and COO Tata Capital. Currently she is on the Board of some well-known domestic and multinational companies. The Inheritors, published by Penguin Random House, was her first book. She can be reached at sonubhasinfab@ hotmail.com

has developed his own style in Wedding Photography. He covers Weddings with a photo-journalistic approach, to give meaning to his images. He is always on the lookout for the slightest gesture, the least emotion or detail that will allow him to compose a strong image. His work has been awarded by several major international wedding photography associations. He was in the TOP 10 Best Wedding Photographers by “Fearless Photographers” in 2015 & 2016. In 2017, he won the title of “Best Wedding Photojournalist of the World” awarded by the prestigious “Wedding Photojournalists Association”.

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CHETAN VOHRA FOUNDER & MD WEDDINGLINE

Yes, that BIG Celebrity Wedding everyone has been talking about. News Channels , Gossip Magazines, Social Media - all going crazy splashing tid bits of information, that make every event manager the quintessential ‘Mungeri Lal’. Maybe your left eye doesn’t flicker, but it makes you dream of the possibilities, of ‘THAT Phone Call, from ‘THAT Somenone’, to say, 18

That One

Big. Break

F E AT U R E

“ Hi, listen, I have a wedding to be planned. I CANNOT tell you the name right now, but are you free on those dates?”

Photo credit: Gulshan Sachdeva

“ Free….er…..yea….umm lemme check” ( Ofcourse you are free….but you need to act the busy event planner that you are supposed to be, and after a pause, still trying to curtail your excitement, you say) “Yeah we have a few queries on- but nothing confirmed, so yeah we are free!!”

The meeting gets confirmed with Mr/ Ms Celebrity and even before the call is concluded, you see those colourful balloons popping congratulations in your head, just like on Facebook. With this, is the launch of the first phase of a Celebrity Wedding and it is called ‘DILLEMMA’. Face it, we are Wedding Planners. We talk for a living. We are the ones who are supposed to know everyone from a policeman to the biggest celebrity that exists. And if you are from Delhi or Mumbai, then everyone is certainly a “ bro”. I call this first phase, Dillemma for a reason. Its the time between the phone call and the actual meeting. Its when you want to put the phone down and announce to the world about you having ‘almost’ got the wedding. But … you cannot. You need to control the bouts of excitement, the anxiety, the stress and

elation that flood your mind and remain as calm as possible. This is also the first and most important lesson in Client Confidentiality. Whilst every client expects information pertaining to their wedding be kept secure, a celebrities wedding is even more susceptible to risk. Everyone wants to know what they said, or asked off you, venues, menus , guests lists etc, and if you are not careful, it will hit the news before you know it and send everything into a tizzy. This is perhaps the biggest test for any event planner, and thus, who you share even the slightest bit of information matters. The day arrives and you walk in to the meeting, often greeted by the bevy of managers they possess, each one sizing you up, to see if you match up to what their research of you showed up. The celebrity in question walks in. And its time 19

2019 T H E B U S I N ES S O F W E D D I N G S

Celebrities are used to getting their way in life with people agreeing to every wish and fancy they have. Remember, as a planner, it is important to rationalise these demands and advise on what may not be feasible.

for the second lesson - “ TREAT THEM LIKE HUMANS.”. Celebrityhood is most often a facade they have to put up with and If you can get behind that, you will more often than not, find a person, very different from what the world perceives them as. They are as anxious about their big day, or excited or confused as any other bride or groom, who you have dealt with in the past. And they need a planner, who will help them through these anxieties and this process. We realised a day before Nick was to arrive in India for the wedding, with his family, that the following day happened to be ‘Thanksgiving’. I sent the bride Priyanka Chopra, a message on WhatsApp, saying if she had anything planned. She replied saying no, cause she was shooting, and it would get late, but also said what a pity it was to miss such an important part

of the American Culture. We suggested we do a Dinner at the location where she was shooting and organise a Proper Thanksgiving Dinner, with the Turkey included. She jumped at the idea and said it would be fantastic. The next evening, saw the Jonas’ and the Chopras sit under a beautiful canopy, not far from the site the unit was shooting in, enjoying a 5 course Thanksgiving Dinner, accompanied by speeches and toasts to the Bride and Groom. At the end of that night, Priyanka came up and thanked us for the idea. Celebrities are used to getting their way in life with people agreeing to every wish and fancy they have. Remember, as a planner, it is important to rationalise these demands and advise on what may not be feasible. Years ago, whilst planning a wedding for a International Celebrity

Singer at a National Park In Rajasthan, we were asked to do fireworks at the culmination of the Wedding Ceremony. I called my good friend Amir Morani of Morani Fireworks, to check on the feasibility. He at once advised me not to, stating strict laws of the Forest Reservation Act, and said it would get everyone into serious trouble. I went upto the Singer and her manager who were making these demands and advised them against the idea, but they did not relent. On Amir Bhai’s insistence, we felt it better to surrender the wedding than to play with fire or fireworks in this instance. The wedding happened with another international planner and so did the fireworks. The day after, a photograph of the international planners and the manager of the celebrity being arrested

F E AT U R E

were flashed in the media. They may have gotten away with just a fine, had it not been such a big celebrity wedding. Thus, understanding the heightened sensitivity and magnified paranoia around a celebrity wedding is very important. Everyone is waiting for you to slip up and make it an issue, and when it becomes one, you will find yourself in the midst of it all. The FREE RIDE TO STARDOM.We are a closely knit industry. And not before long has the news of you handling a celebrity wedding broken, that everyone wants to jump onto the bandwagon. Some view it as a free ride to publicity, whilst others may have a genuine contribution to be made. Choosing your partners at this point is very important. Select them for the need in hand and not as a favour to help them as friends. Their performance at the wedding is a direct reflection of your capabilities as a planner. So choose wisely. CSR or the ‘CELEBRITY SEVA ROUTE’ as we call it is another common factor you will very often encounter. Managers of the celebrity will very often show you a screen play of clients who are lining up at your door step with offers to handle their wedding after you have done this one!! I have been party to some of these dreams that would put a bollywood script reading to shame. Just know that professionals don’t come free. Hold your ground and be convincing in your plans. Charge for your time and the professionals in them will always see the professional in you. They will agree to a fee and almost every time pay on schedule. Its time for the wedding. You have chosen the hotels and sent out the invites. Unlike other weddings, Celeb weddings almost never have drop outs. There are possibly more drop in’s than outs, and managing the guest list is very critical. Set up a fool proof system that cannot

2019 T H E B U S I N ES S O F W E D D I N G S

be circumvented by anyone else. We Indians thrive on beating a system and from a guest list of 1000 people, nearly 500 would have told friends, family, neighbours or acquaintances that they have been invited. And most certainly all 500 would have invited another 2 or 3 people with them to attend, saying “of course its not a problem and you can tag along”. At the Chopra and Jonas Reception we sent out a RFID code to each guest who was invited. The code had a self destruct feature the moment it was forwarded to another number, and it reflected back on our server. Not before long, for a Reception of 500 people, we had close to 1000 forwards. This acted us to anticipate chaos in the venue, and with the PM attending, we had every excuse to make the SPG the bad guys. We blamed weighted security concerns and asked guests to arrive 1.5 hours before the event, and to anticipate guest frisking and RFID checks. Guests who’s RFID had 22

expired due to false forwarding were redirected to another lounge at the Lobby of the hotel, where we checked their ID and their names on the list, issued them a new RFID and then allowed them to enter. In the end, the head count was the actual 500 guests inside, and an almost equal number who were turned back due to invalid RFID’s and their names not being on the master list. We did encounter the wrath of some guests but as was the clients request of keeping it selective, we managed to adhere to the request. THE BANE OF DIGITAL TIMES. We live life through the screens of our mobile phones. We see this as Event Managers across every event we do. But at a celebrity wedding, the Clicks Per Second Syndrome goes ballistic. Guests who have made it through every security cordon there is, will still dish out their phones and start stalking the celebrity couple. This is a precarious situation because

In the end, the head count was the actual 500 guests inside, and an almost equal number who were turned back due to invalid RFID’s and their names not being on the master list.

F E AT U R E

each one inside is a carefully chosen guests. Ask them to switch off, and its an insult. Leave them alone, and it encourages others to follow suit. Our partners at the Chopra and Jonas Wedding in Udaipur, Motwane Entertainment and Weddings, successfully worked around this problem by setting up a phone valet. Events were clearly marked with NO PHONE access and valet desks or counters were set up, for guests to deposit their phones. Whilst it caused panic for many who were surgically attached to their instruments, it helped curtail the viral spread of pictures of key events. Lastly, why some agencies succeed in getting celebrity weddings one after the other, whilst others do not, is not a factor of luck. It is of experience and the sense of comfort that you can give the client or in most cases an entire selection committee. Smaller agencies often lose out to the larger ones, because they make the mistake of over commitment. Work in a consortium, reach out to other like minded agencies and go in as one. Ensure the scope of work is clearly defined between all the partner agencies and the end client has one face representing the consortium. More and more players join the trade each day, and each one has the same stars in their eyes., each looking for â&#x20AC;Ś THAT ONE BIG BREAK !!

Events were clearly marked with NO PHONE access and valet desks or counters were set up, for guests to deposit their phones. Whilst it caused panic for many who were surgically attached to their instruments, it helped curtail the viral spread of pictures of key events.

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Meet & greet

2019 T H E B U S I N ES S O F W E D D I N G S

A force in the design world, Ceci Johnson is an influential and highly regarded entrepreneur, artist, editor, loving wife and mother. She is renowned for her creative talents, always pushing the envelope in business and design.

THE CREATIVE

WORLD OF CECI JOHNSON

Dedicated to a lifetime pursuit of living glamorously through design, Ceci has built a powerhouse atelier and transformed the art of inviting and branding. Ceci has been widely recognized as the “Founder of Modern Couture Invitation Design” and was even named a “Favorite Designer” by none other than Anna Wintour of Vogue Magazine for her fashion forward style and sophisticated aesthetic, she was called a “Woman to Watch” by Fashion Mogul Tory Burch, “Invitation Innovator” by WeTV, garnered Modern Bride magazine’s trendsetter award, New York magazine’s prestigious Expert Stationer award and labeled “Invitation Icon” by Harpers Bazaar. As an artist Ceci was named by Communication Arts magazine as one of the top 10 artists in the country. Her client list reads like a who’s who of the luxury world. Patek Phillippe, Baccarat, Hugo Boss, Saks Fifth Avenue, Perrier Jouet, Vera Wang, Cirque de Soleil, Swarovski. 26

FOUNDER, CECI NEW YORK

As interviewed by Sonali Thakore

F E AT U R E

The International “Emmy Awards”, Broadways “Tony Awards”, The Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental, Goldman Sachs, Adobe Software, Prince William and Harry, Rock Icons, A-list celebrities, international sports stars, and titans of industry are just a few of the clients who rely on Ceci New York for innovative and trend setting graphic design. As an artist Ceci was named by Communication Arts magazine as one of the top 10 artists in the country. Her artwork is found in private collections around the world and is highly sought after throughout the print industry. Ceci Johnson of Ceci New York and her team of artists have been leaving us in wonder and awe with every social media post – unfolding, unwrapping or unwinding their extravagant wedding and event invitations. Whether it be emerging 3D crafts from envelopes or boxes, the stunning invites are nothing short of

It begins with a creative consultation where we discuss their likes, dislikes, things that they’re drawn to, favorite things like music, style of dress, what their home is like -anything and everything that helps us better understand who they are. works of art, often mixing materials to bring to life the essence of the event in an invitation, ensuring every invite received is a thrilling experience. About Ceci New York: The Company currently employs 20 designers, account managers and quality control professionals who all work at the main showroom in New York City. With all those employees Ceci remains a very hands-on leader that lives for the creative process and famously

champions the industry’s highest quality standards. Her focus continues to lead her studio with visionary art and designs. Incredibly talented artists create all our work from scratch, we use no “clip art” and every piece we design is a true work of art and artisanship as quoted by Ceci. “The design atelier is driven by a groundbreaking concept that unites the custom creations and service of couture with the tactile elements of stationery and branding, creating a new niche in the design industry for visual styling. We strive to create a superior experience for each client, offering an incomparable range of couture services and outstanding ready-to-order products that boast flawless craftsmanship and the utmost attention to detail. From one-of-a-kind bespoke designs to original ready-to-order that discreetly bears Ceci’s signature, our creations possess a coveted commissioned quality that lends to the magic we invent. Ceci’s signature is the 27

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hallmark of authenticity and never-beforeseen originality, ensuring that you receive a true work of art.”

There are so many opportunities to create memorable moments throughout - from the welcome bags, fabrics and dance floor to the decor at the party - tying it all together makes for an unforgettable event.

Can you tell us a bit more about your “couture inspired” designs? It’s so fun! Our creative process is so simple and enjoyable for our clients. Although the team and I spend countless hours designing, drawing, painting, creating each piece for our clients, all they have to do is turn themselves over to our talented capable hands and let us do the rest. It begins with a creative consultation where we discuss their likes, dislikes, things that they’re drawn to, favorite things like music, style of dress, what their home is like -anything and everything that helps us better understand who they are. Then we take it from there. The “canvas” (size and shape) of the invitation is first defined and then we run with it creating all the exclusive artwork for our client’s invitations. I also am very proud of our team. Every Ceci New York client gets a project schedule outline and sets all expectations up front so they can relax and truly enjoy the creative process. No need

to stress about “when am I going to get my invitations?” you know exactly when and we always deliver what we promise and beyond. I believe you have enough to worry about in planning a wedding so let the experts you’ve hired do all the work! What makes great stationery design? You only have one chance to make the right impression with your invitations and I love making our clients look amazing on paper. It’s all about personalization, style and confidence. Three key components that make for great invitations! Pair it with letterpress printing, calligraphy and great graphic design and you are going to have a jaw dropping invitation! How has New York city inspired Ceci Designs? NYC is a true global city where all cultures and ideas meet. That inspires! A true “melting pot” from all parts of the globe and for a creative it’s ideal to feel the influence from so many places coming together. The energy, people, fashion,

culture and the drive that people have here to accomplish great things. I can go on and on. This city never ceases to amaze. Just walking down the street, my senses are always awakened with inspiring elements everywhere. Whether it’s the people I meet or the details I see on the street, from the architecture to the incredibly creative storefront windows. The art, the theatre, the fashion – inspiration is everywhere! Any invitation trends you currently love? I love art-inspired invitations where we create hand painted personalized murals in watercolor, also our 3-dimensional floral designs and laser cut designs are incredible luxurious intricate & Stunning. Ceci New York doesn’t just create stunning invitations and stationery. Tell us a little bit about the additional services you provide? We love to go beyond the invitation itself and brand your entire event, carrying our custom artwork into your day or weekend. There are so many opportunities to create memorable moments throughout - from the welcome bags, fabrics and dance

floor to the decor at the party - tying it all together makes for an unforgettable event. We also love to carry that personalized logo we designed for you into your new life together. We now offer many lifestyle products that enhance your everyday entertaining, like custom engraved wine glasses, dishes, linens and placemats, and many more products, such as hand painted journals and personal stationery, that aim to beautify your world. What is the most rewarding aspect of your career? It’s actually really quite simple - but I find such reward in making our clients so happy. In turn, that makes my Team Ceci and me very happy. We joke, even though we are designers, we are in the business

of making people happy. There is nothing more rewarding than to hear that our clients received so many compliments on our work and how working with Ceci New York was one of the best parts of planning their event! That says something to me. We live for that! Tell us one of your favorite or most challenging projects ever worked? Honestly, it’s really difficult for me to pick just one favorite. To me, it’s like asking a mother to pick their favorite child. We pour our whole heart and soul into our projects, as they’re very personal works of art for our clients and each one feels more special than the last. We always strive to challenge ourselves more on each new creative project as we’re constantly pushing to 29

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innovate and create what’s never been done before. It’s boring to do the same thing over and over again. We thrive on innovation. Coming up with new ideas every day is the best challenge ever! Approximately how many international clients do you work with per year? More than 50% of our clients are from outside of the USA. We work with clients all over the world and can work/print in any language (47 countries and counting!) With design, there are no limits to what we can create. We have a very buttoned up creative process that makes it super easy to work with us no matter where you are in the world! How would you describe your “signature style” when it comes to your designs? I would say my work embodies “downtown

Trust me we stand behind all our work and all our clients to ensure it’s just perfect. I always make sure each piece we create is something we are extremely proud of, which is why we offer our clients unlimited design rounds so we can perfect each detail. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Walk our readers through the Ceci New York process, from the first point of contact with the client to receiving the final product? We love to figure out our client’s style and our process is easy and fun. We try to eliminate the stress of clients having to know an exact invitation design before starting the process. That’s our job! Our Ceci Design Experience begins with our consultation where it’s all about asking a lot of questions and then listening. We do a deep dive into who you are and what makes style meets classic elegance.” We are well you tick. Since this is such a personalized known for our jaw dropping innovative experience, we consider what kind of person invitations that are as awe-inspiring as they (or company) you are, what your home, are beautiful. We love to push the limits of culture, brand looks like, what your style creativity in all we do, but when it comes is, what you love individually and together to our signature, it always comes back to as a couple. Once we define your style, we designs that exude glamour and opulence. start brainstorming ideas for your unique Luxury down to the tiniest detail. invitations. I believe it’s the ultimate luxury 31

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to turn yourself over to a talented designer’s hands and let them do what they do best. The results are always something you could have never dreamed of on your own! From there we present our design ideas, sketches, mood boards, color palettes and font studies and then you get to select your favorite concepts for us to start refining. This is where it comes to life before your eyes! The chosen direction goes through many rounds of refinement until it’s just the way you want it. Once ready, your invitation design goes into production and is handmade by our printers. Each invitation is meticulously created and overseen by my team to ensure it’s up to our quality standards and just the way we envisioned. This process involves many artisans on our team and takes about 2-3 months, so best to book in advance so you can enjoy the process without being rushed. Once it’s finished, we can be as full service as you wish and even stuff, seal and mail your invitations for you. The best part is when all your guests start receiving your invitations in the mail and the compliments flow in of how amazing they are and how 32

they cannot wait to celebrate your special day with you! That’s the best! You work with clients and couples from around the world. What do you find is the biggest challenge in doing this and how do you overcome it? Thankfully, it’s very fun and enjoyable to work with our clients no matter where they are located in the world. With technology today, we can facetime, Whatsapp or skype to go over design, create and share feedback just like we’re sitting in the same room! Each bride gets a dedicated expert Account Manager who, we joke, becomes your new BFF, because we work so closely at every step of the way on all the details together. So honestly, we don’t really have any challenges working with clients who are not local. As long as you have a computer and are able to receive packages and email, we can work with you. We send you proofs via email and printed samples of ink colors and paper swatches so there is no detail left unturned. We make sure you understand exactly what it’s going to look like so there is no

worry. Trust me we stand behind all our work and all our clients to ensure it’s just perfect. I always make sure each piece we create is something we are extremely proud of, which is why we offer our clients unlimited design rounds so we can perfect each detail. I wouldn’t have it any other way. What is next for Ceci New York?? We just launched our ready to order “Collection” of wedding and event invites and accessories. Each is able to be personalized based on major themes and trends and because most of the design work is ready to be customized, we can turn them around about 4 times faster and at a great value to clients. Our website is getting a major overhaul for this year and all our “Collection” designs and products will be available directly for purchase on our site. The New Ceci New York Design Studio is finally complete. The space is beautiful and inspiring to work in and we would love to welcome any of your readers to come visit next time they are in NYC! Lots more happening that isn’t ready to be announced so follow us on @cecinewyork for the latest.

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aCityof

ManyJoys

Text: Ruchika Chanana Pictures: Gopi Gajwani

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RUCHIKA CHANANA WRITER

Lonely Planet calls it a ‘festival of human existence’. The world calls it the City of Joy, and most Indians see it as a colourful, intellectual, once-leftist bastion. But Kolkata is the sum of all these and so much more. A colonial legacy combines with a rooted cultural identity and now a progressive turn, as the city embraces modernity with fervour. Old buildings, new hotels; bookstores and tech parks; quaint, gentrified clubs and soaring flyovers… it is a place of contrasts and diversity, which makes it all the more fascinating as a destination.The smiling, attractive people immersed in their culture, their delectable cuisine and their political debate infuse one with delight. The overarching flavour of this remarkable city is its richness and variety. It is the perfect place to celebrate one’s special moments, as it offers something for just about everyone. Let me take you on a tour of Kolkata; the things to experience, to admire and to be amazed by. And while we are on our excursion, I’ll give you a small glimpse into the talent and amenities the city offers to help you pull off an extraordinary wedding here.

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The British adored Kolkata (or as they called it, Calcutta). It was their capital, a presidency town and a jewel in their imperial crown. They left behind beautiful buildings which still stand today as reminders of our history. The impressive Victoria Memorial, built in the Indo-Saracenic style and completed in 1921 is a remnant of the Raj, but also a stunning monument with lovely gardens, a museum and a good sound and light show. Similarly, St Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cathedral, with its awe-inspiring from colonial times architecture and peaceful vibe is a draw for visitors of a more thoughtful kind. The Writers Building, another relic from the days of the Raj, houses the State Secretariat and therefore is a battleground of a different kind nowadays!

RECOMMENDED VENUES 5 STAR VENUES: ITC Royal Bengal: +91 33 44464646 Taj Bengal: +91 33 66123939 Oberoi Grand: +91 33 22492323 Hyatt Regency: +91 33 23351234 JW Marriott: +91 33 66330000 The Park Hotel: 1800 1027275 (From India) 1800 1027275 (From outside India) OTHER VENUES: PC Chandra Gardens: +91 9674100059 / 9831135902 Swabhumi The Heritage Kankurgachi: +91 33 40406060 Swabhumi The Heritage Salt Lake City: +919073949484 Eastside Pavillion, Salt Lake City: +919163654736 Westside Pavillion +91 9874831222

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The architecture in the northern part of the city is very different from the European style, since this was the area where the wealthy Indians lived and where the Bengal Renaissance played out. The Bengali babus in the late 19th and early 20th century built mansions and bungalows with the traditional courtyard but added colonial-style arches and furniture to make their homes a blend of east and west. The homes look out over a warren of small lanes and contain a wealth of heritage and memories. Exceptional buildings include the Marble Palace (now a museum and gallery with original art by classical masters) and Thakur Bari; and the areas of Burrabazaar and Shyambazaar ring with stories of times gone by.

RECOMMENDED STAYS Boutique stays: Raajkutir: +91 33 40844848 Calcutta Bungalow: +91 9830184030 Hotel 233 Park Street: +91 33 22870300/301 The Corner Courtyard: +91 9903999567 5 Star stays: ITC Royal Bengal, Taj Bengal, Oberoi Grand, Hyatt Regency, JW Marriott, The Park Hotel.

A languid presence in Kolkata is the river Hooghly, a distributory of the Ganga, that runs alongside the city. Lining its banks are beautiful old ghats like Princep Ghat, some crumbling away, some still used by the local folk for bathing, devotional rituals or commerce. And looming above the river is the magnificent 700-meter long Howrah Bridge. Built during WW2, it presents an iconic picture of Kolkata,especially when lit up splendidly at night. Boat rides on the river - whether one prefers a fisherman’s nouko to watch a glorious sunset, or a grand yacht for a swinging party – are a must to get a new perspective on the city. Other unique experiences like a romantic meal on board an abandoned ship at night, or just a stroll along the riverfront with one of Kolkata’s excellent ‘city walks’are also wonderful ways to soak in the layered feel of this place. RECOMMENDED CURATORS AND EXPERIENCES Sunset and day cruises by Vivada Cruises or CrossIndia Cruises: +91 33 24631990, +91 9883933033 Dinner on Floatel Restaurant: +91 33 22137777 Walking tours on heritage, history, culture, art, food etc by Calcutta Walks: +91 33 40052573, +91 33 40037768

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One of the first images that pop into a person’s head when thinking of Kolkata is the mother goddess Durga, revered and worshipped with abandon, dancing and complex ritual. Every year, during the Durga puja, the city turns into one giant carnival, with temporary pandals containing idols of this powerful and beloved deity and the demons she has vanquished. A wonderful sight to see are the workshops of the craftspeople in Kumartuli, the northern part of the city. They sculpt and create statues and idols, moulding their limbs, kneading into the clay myths and history… and then adorning them with paint, colored stones and bits of glass. RECOMMENDED FOR MAKE UP AND HAIR Abhijit Chanda: +91 983068890 Bridget Jones: +91 9831288823 RECOMMENDED CHOREOGRAPHERS Sujit Das, Vishal Kanoi, Anuj Parikh, Sharmishta Chakravort.

Kolkata is known for more than its beauty: its traffic snarls are world-famous! To avoid getting stuck, there is a simple and exciting solution – a ride on the city’s charming old trams. Air-conditioned and with a TV and FM radio for entertainment, these are the alternate mode of transport for hundreds of office goers in Kolkata. Just as long as one is not in a rush to get to one’s destination, a tram ride is a must do for visitors to the city.

RECOMMENDED FOR TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS Ruia Car Rentals: +91 9831454545 Pearl Carzonrent: +91 81000522522 Gujral Car Rentals: +91 9831125733

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Bengalis are obsessed with food. And much of India loves their food too, especially the sweets. Who hasn’t tasted the sweet nectar of a roshogolla or the tangy spiciness of a jhaal muri? Kolkata is a food lover’s fantasy come true. From street fare at Dacres Lane to authentic Bengali mustard fish at Kewpies; from Chinese food cooked by the Chinese-Indians in the leather tanning district of Tangra to the creamy pastries at the historical Flury’s on Park Street, there is delectable fare at a stone’s throw anywhere in the city. RECOMMENDED CATERERS Kookie Jar: +91 33 46017960 Munna Maharaj: (for vegetarian cuisine): +91 9836570138 Edesia Catering Services: +91 9831101696

In southern Kolkata, the neighbourhoods of Ballygunge and the Gariahat market alongside it have assumed a new hipness and high property valuations. There’s some good shopping in this old area which was always fashionable among the British and then later with the newly rich business families. Contemporary millennial needs are fulfilled by beautiful handwoven sarees and fabric at the Weavers’ Studio or Byloom, and artisanal products including pottery and jewellery at Sienna. The more conventional shopper can procure high street fashion, electronics, household goods and fish. Old books on College Street and new ones at the Oxford Bookstore on Park Street are a staple. In other locations around the city, malls, designer boutiques and indie stores have cropped up presenting beautiful collections. RECOMMENDED FOR WEDDING COUTURE Designer store 85 Lansdowne: +91 3324862136 Sabyasachi Mukherjee: +91 9830005953, +91 9874981278 Anamika Khanna: +91 9903379127, +91 33 22814425 Kiran Uttam Ghosh: https://www.facebook.com/KUGIndia/

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Off the old Mallik Ghat, neat the Howrah bridge, Kolkata’s flower market bursts into fresh colour and bloom every morning and then carries on for virtually the next 24 hours. Wholesalers unpack their goods and retailers flock to stock their shops from this visually stunning bazaar, which every tourist must try and see. RECOMMENDED FOR FLORAL DÉCOR AND STYLING Sudha Dalmia: +91 9830248137 Baisakhi Ghosh: +91 9674388529, +91 9830023109 Ferns & Petals: https: +91 9212422000 Phubast Chesdmethee from Thailand: +662 3919808, +662 3912988

Culturally, the richness of the Bengali tradition cannot be matched. From Rabindranath Tagore to Satyajit Ray, artists and creative people have flourished here. In modern-day Kolkata, the Academy of Fine Arts and the Ashutosh Museum are replete with classical art. On the other hand, contemporary spaces like CIMA and Experimenter also exhibit cutting edge art from today’s stars of the art world, along with seminars, workshops etc. Photography, painting, installations, sculpture… aesthetic sensibilities of visitors are stimulated manifold in Kolkata. Last on the list, but certainly not be forgotten are the plethora of holy temples the city has to offer. Most famous on this list are the Dakshineshwar temple and the Belur Math. There are mosques and synagogues, churches and shrines, all co existing peacefully, offering spiritual succor to believers, and blessings to newlyweds who choose to combine their lives and destinies in this historical and soulful city of a hundred thousand stories. RECOMMENDED PHOTOGRAPHERS AND VIDEOGRAPHERS Rajesh Gupta (The Lensocrat) : +91 9831002369 Ashish Sultanya: +91 9830150561 Saurav Rungta: +91 9830379166 Malvika Periwal: www.malvikaperiwal.com/

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MY COUNTRY IS YOUR INSPIRATION, WE ARE WORKING HARD TO CREATE MOMENTS AND STAY FOREVER IN HEARTS â&#x20AC;Ś Says Duygu Kuskulu , M.D. of Crystal Concepts DMC

It was a right conduct to bring Turkey as the presenting partner of ICWF India in 2015. We came to Delhi together with 5 hotels, and got on stage to tell you about the benefits my country will offer to the Indian Weddings. In the following years, through promotional efforts of Antalya, Bodrum & Istanbul, many opportunities came alive for Indian Weddings in Turkey, and today Turkey will complete the year of 2019 with 30 Indian weddings held in different cities. It is absolutely a matter of proud. My country is insanely beautiful. Surrounded by seas around three sides, with crystal clear waters, fantastic beaches, and mind blowing luxury resorts, the Turkish coast is one of the most pristine in the world. Many cities are hotbed of fantastic venues like ancient ruins, beautiful courtyards and museums together with the natural and historical texture of the cities. Turkish food is easily near the top of the list. As Turkey is a cultural mix of east and west, Turkish cuisine combines a variety of European and Asian cultures into its culinary tradition. Vegetables and fruits are freshly provided everywhere to offer countless varieties to vegetarian guests. And Turkish people must be some of the friendliest in the world. We all go out of our way to help you successfully plan and execute your events. Coming to us, by the time we are partnering with many Indian Wedding Planners, each year we are meeting many new faces in the industry. This is a great motivation to us watching the interest to our country is growing fast. With the experience of 10 years today in Destination Weddings Industry, we had the privilege to work for very esteemed Indian families in their weddings in Turkey, and we experienced very transparent and trusted partnerships with reputable Indian Wedding Planners, I am grateful each of them put another milestone on the knowhow occurred in those valuable collaborations. Crystal Concepts DMC serves in Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, Izmir and Cappadocia to the Indian weddings and we host anniversary and celebration parties to families and corporates as well providing them accommodation and travel solutions too. We are specialised in organising absolutely everything for the very discerning requirements, we do provide concierge service second to none , and our knowledge and experience extend to the most bespoke and personalized adventures.

Our aim is to deliver WOW through services dmc@crystalconcepts.com.tr

T URKEY beyond imagination

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Away from the hum of the city center, San Clemente Palace is a quiet sanctuary on the doorstep of Venice. Dotted with stately cypress, magnolia and pine trees, the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ancient park provides over six hectares of peace and privacy. Outdoor amenities are enjoyed in this stunning natural environment surrounded by verdant gardens and gorgeous views of the city on the horizon, offering the perfect getaway for a remarkable wedding.

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San Clemente Palace Kempinski distils the Floating City’s essence in a beautiful private island setting, offering wonderful landscapes, magical views across the waters and an abundance of old world charm.

San Clemente Palace Kempinski is one of Venice’s most enchanting hidden gems. The private island enclave has an illustrious history spanning almost 900 years as a way station for pilgrims and crusaders and home to monks and healers. Vestiges of the past are everywhere and include a wellpreserved 12th -century church. Surrounded by centuries-old gardens, courtyards and terraces, the landmark property is comprised of a series of beautifully restored heritage buildings that once served as a monastery. The hotel’s palatial interiors reflect Venice’s Renaissance-era design 52

traditions with lofty ceilings, broad corridors and grand staircases. With its evocative architecture, beguiling canals and rich history, Venice is one of the most romantic cities in the world and a spectacular backdrop for an Italian luxury wedding. San Clemente Palace Kempinski distils the Floating City’s essence in a beautiful private island setting, offering wonderful landscapes, magical views across the waters and an abundance of old world charm. Unlike many locals venues, the islands enclave is tranquil and secluded - a hidden gem in the heart of the lagoon just

moments from St. Mark’s Square. From rehearsal dinners to romantic ceremonies to jubilant receptions, each wedding celebration at San Clemente Palace Kempinski is accentuated with authentic Venetian style and delivered with uncompromising sophistication. Our talented staff knows precisely what it takes to craft an unforgettable destination wedding full of cherished moments that will be remembered forever. San Clemente Palace is home to 190 rooms and suites overlooking the lagoon, courtyards or gardens. The rooms feature

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The island’s lavish gardens provide breathtaking and versatile backdrops for wedding celebrations.

soft classic décor, modern amenities and Venetian embellishments, such as Terrazzo flooring, silk-covered walls, Murano chandeliers and voluptuous drapes. The hotel’s 62 suites include five one-of-a-kind hideaways, the most spacious of which is the San Clemente Suite. Creativity, passion and authenticity shape the culinary experiences at San Clemente Palace. Executive Chef Giorgio Schifferegger, the hotel’s master storyteller, crafts dishes imbued with tradition. Each plate weaves a tale of its own, drawing on beloved recipes, Veneto’s rich heritage and the best local ingredients: the choicest cuts and catches from local butchers and fishmongers, seasonings from the palace’s 600-yearold herb garden and vegetables freshly

harvested from nearby islands. Offering a magnificent Romanesque facade, elaborate interior details and matchless views of the lagoon, the beautifully preserved San Clemente Church is an infinitely romantic place to exchange vows. The setting, which has witnessed almost 900 years of the Venetian history, accommodates up to 150 people for customized symbolic ceremonies. Intimate dinners and cocktail parties for up to 20 guests are held in the adjoining Sacristy which opens to a courtyard where the bride and groom can welcome guests while sipping champagne. The island’s lavish gardens provide breathtaking and versatile backdrops for wedding celebrations. The deliciously

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Fairy-tale weddings come to life in the idyllic Mediterranean atmosphere of the Natural Garden, where up to 180 guests can dine beneath cypress and lime trees.

private Lido Garden accommodates up to 500 guests, while the Central Garden offers a lively setting for a cocktail reception for up to 700 persons. Fairy-tale weddings come to life in the idyllic Mediterranean atmosphere of the Natural Garden, where up to 180 guests can dine beneath cypress and lime trees. Located next to the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic church, the San Clemente Garden elevates cocktail receptions and dinners with views of Venice and the setting sun. All four gardens may be used simultaneously.The hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expansive terraces are equally impressive. Situated in front of the church, the Acquerello Terrace opens to the lagoon and offer majestic views of the sunset and Venice skyline. 55

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BESPOKE INVITATIONS

INSTA: YSDESIGNSTUDIO | FACEBOOK: YS DESIGN STUDIO WEB: WWW.YSDESIGNSTUDIO.COM +91 9811155664 | TALK@YSDESIGNSTUDIO.COM

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g s n i e Dhow it IS

works SONALI & JAI THAKORE C O - F O U N D E R , E - FA C T O R & S K Y WA L T Z

Designing takes center stage with a central stage for an event that came with only one brief, “Create Superabound Experiences” – It’s all about taking a space and transforming it into something inspiring – a space brimming with the energy of its environment and its audience! This was the symbiotic intent behind partnering with DesignLab Experiences in designing & creating this unparalleled event. It inspired us to produce a multi-layered, immersive environment, simulating all five senses of the guests.

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Design is not just what it looks like & feels like, Design is how it works; It is the intermediary between information & understanding, in this case - an event par excellence. Designing an event is like creating music, and its purpose – to take its audience through an unforgettable experiential journey. The assertion of this project was in conceiving the details – right from the designing and placement of a single light fixture to the complex engineering specifications of an outdoor structure. Strip away the design elements of the event and what is left – a dull environment with just a group of people together.

ORCHESTRATING THE GRANDEUR The client who has done it all & seen it all wanted to bring about an extravagant, eclectic and an unrealistic experience through Design Lab’s creative process beautifully integrated with our technical know-how & practical methodology. Together we began the journey of achieving something that would open up completely fresh vistas in the field of event architecture & wholesome experiences. Bringing a balance between humongous scale and elegance, larger than life setting, 360-degree view, multiple stages, dominant centric entertainment area, viewing galleries on all sides, motorized gigantic

To balance the architectural amplitude, soft color palette with shades of coral, silver grey & matte gold were consciously used to soften the interiors & to create tone-on-tone effect.

curtains, revolving couple stage, all became integral components of making this event an ode to event designing that charged up spirits of all, immersed or on the shores. To balance the architectural amplitude, soft color palette with shades of coral, silver grey & matte gold were consciously used to soften the interiors & to create tone-on-tone effect. This resulted in elaborately glamorous yet delicate spaces, providing elegance to the dazzle. The spaces were characterized by a distinct interplay of texture and pattern. Moving from one bold monochromatic space to the next, guests experienced vibrantly contrasting colors and ambience. BUT WHAT IS IN A BEAUTIFUL BODY WITHOUT A SOUL? Teams of international experts, lighting & sound technicians, along with a creative entertainment director steered the event

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The main stage of 80ft x 60ft had hand crafted sheer curtain with applique & that was completely motorized to unveil the dramatic revolving stage at the push of a button. The breathtaking center stage had a massive chandelier, mechanically controlled for vertical movement.

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in the envisioned direction. This event had to be a winner in all aspects & this was just the rising. From here the tempo had to be only one way & up, with Music and dance being identified at the outset as the key elements in designing memorable and engaging experiences, all interwoven seamlessly into the overall event flow, the performances changed style and tempo to reflect the mood of the evening’s key moments. MAGNUM OPUS Hundreds of hours were spent installing thousands of components that made this project unique. The handpicked experts in each field — architects, engineers, lighting professionals, carpentry teams, fabrication experts, painting artistes etc. were roped in from all over to craft the vision of a 64

gloriously harmonious space, seamlessly integrating class and opulence. To orchestrate a breath-taking first impression, guest entry from behind the luxurious coral velvet curtains was dramatized as it landed into a lavish stage comprising an orchestra, which was brought to life inside a gigantic 40ft x 30ft Piano. This was a stage for a live orchestra. It was an amalgamation of jazz and danceband elements with innovative theatrical revues that also allowed housing of Indian entertainment. The main stage of 80ft x 60ft had hand crafted sheer curtain with applique & that was completely motorized to unveil the dramatic revolving stage at the push of a button. The breathtaking center stage had a massive chandelier, mechanically controlled for vertical movement. Around the Centre

were multiple entertainment stages with 12 motorized podiums that housed engaging and vibrant performances. 50 fire pillars formed the boundary to the multi level theatrical stage with a larger than life musical instrument backdrop setting. The main challenge was to maintain the synchronization between multiple entertainment stages, keeping the central entertainment area as a vantage point. Two internationally acclaimed technical teams – one spearheading the ambiance & theatrical lighting, and the other focusing on the stage – worked in seamless unison to put up a spectacular show. All four aspects – show lighting, mood, selective focus and visibility – were uncompromisingly paid attention to. A special laser lights show was synced with the performances. A reflective membrane

F E AT U R E

was stretched over sound console and a laser pointed at the surface to produce spellbinding patterns. The panoramic truss-based 90-metre diameter circular structure encapsulated the entire event space & the viewing angle was absolutely perfect from all sides. The entire circular periphery was capped in zigzag panels crafted with three-color toned 4000 meters of digitally printed fabric. Specially crafted & ergonomically designed lounge furniture sat upholstered in the earthy tones of coral, with comfortably designed cushions. Combining this spectacular visual concept were dance performances that transformed the mood allowing the guests’ minds to wander and explore. Massive wall and suspended ceiling

Two internationally acclaimed technical teams – one spearheading the ambiance & theatrical lighting, and the other focusing on the show – worked in seamless unison to put up a spectacular show. chandeliers adorned a classic dining area. Their different layers and geometric motifs added energy and dynamism to the entire space that was accented with gold ochre tones and floral arrangements in the hues of corals & peaches. 2000 feet of smartly designed in-lit railing was used for defining spaces in style & décor with safety all across. Like a jewel in the glossy setting stood the Couple backdrop with spectacular & dazzling layers of marbles strips, crystals, rose gold beveled mirror, glitter & real flowers. The green dazzling palm trees

were glistening with shades of colored crystals and artistically filled emerald green shattered mirror. THE CROWNING GLORY Un-limiting Creativity & visualization was rendered live for a limited world t o witness an event of this multitude & magnitude. The most rewarding result for all that made it happen was in successfully conceptualizing, designing and creating an event reflecting perfect integration of multi-layered, trans-dimensional design and technology that left its audience in awe. The biggest reward for a job well done is to have done it and that is what was exactly done with this event. An event that transcended excellence & created IMAGES FOR THE AGES! 65

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D E S T I N AT I O N F O C U S

We are very pleased and proud to be a part of ICWF 2019 and getting a chance to introduce the Pearl of the Mediterranean. The island of Cyprus is one of the most magical places in the world and North Cyprus is a part of this landscape that is full of mystery and Mediterranean fragrance. A journey to this Mediterranean paradise will reward you with glimpses of sites which have witnessed a 10,000-year history, an impressive cultural heritage and glorious treasures of the material world in every season of the year.

North Cyprus, with its Neolithic settlement sites where civilisation was born, ancient kingdoms reflecting the glory of the Roman period, a place of refuge for crusaders, the prized possession of the French Lusignan lords, is the most important eastern harbour of the Venetian traders, with the strongest Ottoman castle of the Eastern Mediterranean. The British ruled North Cyprus from 1878 to 1960.The shadows of the British rule are still evident today in the legal systems, the left-hand driving and the friendly welcome given to English speaking visitors. North Cyprus is a very safe and secure island that offers a visa-free travel to Indian guests. The island’s tourist accommodations offer a wide range of choices that will exceed the expectations of every kind of holidaymaker. You can choose from luxury hotels, family hotels, boutique or ecotourism hotels which have been set up in the recent years. These offer the opportunity to bathe in the clear crystal waters of the Mediterranean, fine buffet dining, weddings, conferences, seminar halls, swimming pools, waterparks, environmentally integrated green spaces, recreation, entertainment activities, gaming and facilities designed for everything you need for a comfortable holiday.

From Yeşilırmak village in the west to the Monastery of the Apostolos Andreas in the east, every moment you spend in North Cyprus will add up to an unforgettable experience. North Cyprus truly deserves its reputation of being the pearl of the Mediterranean.The climate is healthy and typically Mediterranean. The summers are long and hot, while the winters are short with little rainfall. Cold winds, frost and snow are virtually unknown in North Cyprus. Precipitation normally takes the form of rain, but occasionally snow falls on the Girne mountain range, vanishing as quickly as it came. The coldest month is January which averages 13°C, while the hottest is July with an average temperature of 34°C. The annual mean temperature is 20°C. Every corner of North Cyprus, with its five districts and a population of 300,000 is worth visiting. We invite you to a historical, cultural, natural, authentic and romantic holiday in any part of North Cyprus at any time of the year. From Girne to Lefkoşa, from Güzelyurt to Lefke and from İskele to Karpaz and Gazimağusa you will get a chance to experience something new. North Cyprus is looking forward to welcoming you to a destination that you go with all your heart. 69

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CONCORDE LUXURY HOTEL

Concorde Luxury Resort started operations in 2018, delivering the signature Concorde Luxury and ultra-all-inclusive services in the Bafra Region– one of Cyprus’s most exclusive locations, just 45 minutes from the Ercan Airport. The luxury resort, built in 125,000 sqm, is designed to exceed the expectations of its guests across different age groups.

It offers luxurious rooms, a casino, six a-la-carte restaurants, sport activities, entertainment programs and a convention center. The hotel makes its valued guests experience paradise with its fascinating architecture, beach-facing location, swimming pools, a spa center, Aqua Park, and dedicated kids club.

ELEXUS HOTEL A 1.3 km shoreline and 650 m of the most beautiful private sandy beach makes Elexus Hotel an ideal sea-and-sun vacation spot in the beautiful Cyprus. The hotel is spread over 277,000 sqm and offers luxurious holiday experience to its guests. With two indoor pools, one heated pool, one Semi-Olympic pool and an aqua park, Elexus is a complete water paradise. The Elexus Convention Center was awarded the “Best Conference Hotel in the Mediterranean Region” at the Ace of MICE in 2017. Located 10 minutes from Girne and 25 minutes from the Ercan airport, the hotel offers the best infrastructure and an experienced team to organize weddings, conferences, product launches, and social events. The Deep Bar, a unique concept located at the 3250 sqm pier, has two special bars and twenty-two pavilions, including two large pavilions and five passage pavilions which guests can visit for a massage. Total Number of Rooms: 822 Largest Function Space: Lexus Ballroom (2400sqm) can host 1520 guests in banquet style seating. Why we Like it: Beautiful location, wide choice of entertainment, good infrastructure.

Total Number of Rooms: 569 Largest Function Space: Pruva Ballroom of 1500 sqm can host 1000 guests in banquet style seating. Why we Like it: Beach-front Resort with crystal clear water in the Mediterranean. Fun activities with luxury service.

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CRATOS PREMIUM HOTEL Cratos Premium Hotel, glitters like a new jewel in Catalkoy, just east of Kyrenia, 25 km away from Ercan Airport. With every facility you need for a luxurious week in the sun, it treats you like a celebrity from the moment you arrive. Located close to the beach, the hotel offers stunningly glamorous accommodations and facilities in a 7-story building with Balinese architecture and furnishings. Whatever is the style of your dream wedding – large, traditional, quirky, intimate, unique, or contemporary – the Cratos offers everything you need to make it a reality. A talented team of experienced culinary and service professionals ensure that your event is the dreamlike experience you envisioned Total Number of Rooms: 408 Largest Function Space: Nobel Ballroom at 900 sqm can host 550 guests in banquet style seating. Why we Like it: Fine mix of luxury and comfort, Balinese façade, modern interior.

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KAYA PALAZZO HOTEL Kaya Palazzo Hotel can make your dreams come true. The hotel, with a unique architecture and sea view, is located in Kyrenia, the favorite destination in Cyprus. Luxurious rooms, activities for children, relaxing SPA facilities, and meeting halls render Kaya Palazzo as the perfect holiday destination for guests of every age. An absolutely romantic and spacious terrace, sandy beach and the luxuriously designed ballroom makes it the best wedding venue, a top choice for romantic honeymoons and anniversary destination of the world. Whether seeking pure romance or opulent luxury, an intimate family gathering or a lavish celebration, a reception or a grandiose dinner, the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wedding professionals will orchestrate your wedding in detail to ensure that your day turns into a memorable event. Total Number of Rooms: 261 Largest Function Space: Palazzo I Ballroom at 620sqm can host 425 guests in a banquet style seating. Why we Like it: Magnificent palace, luxurious resort on the picturesque sea front with striking character, plush surroundings, and deluxe facilities.

LIMAK CYPRUS DELUXE HOTEL Located in a peaceful paradise, Limak Cyprus Deluxe Hotel in Famagusta, North Cyprus offers a luxury stay in the Mediterranean during all the four seasons. The hotel, located near the sea, has its own private beach and offers catamaran activity to enjoy water sports. The Hotel has three outdoor pools, one indoor pool, an aqua park, spa center, billiards, bowling alley, an open buffet, and three a la carte premium restaurants where delicious meals from Turkish and international cuisines are served. The hotel offers a year long holiday due to the temperate climate and provides an unforgettable stay in its luxurious deluxe rooms. The Babylon Congress Center is available to host impeccable events and conferences. Total Number of Rooms: 598 Rooms Largest Function Space: Babylon I Ballroom at 1750sqmcan host 1450 guests in banquet style seating. Why we Like it: Excellent service, beautiful beachfront setting, and a substantial number of elegant venues for events.

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The Future of Luxury Weddingsâ&#x20AC;Ś

Drone light shows: flown hundreds of feet above an audience, dazzling those gathered beneath with a mesmerising choreographic routine creating images over 300m in width and all controlled from a single ground control station. This is not the stuff of fantasy. This is real and now an exciting, premium offering for the luxury wedding market. With offices in the UK and Singapore, SKYMAGIC is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading performance drone companies - delivering bespoke drone light shows around the world. 74

A D V E FRETAOTRUI R A EL

We work with a broad range of clients from luxury brands to large-scale public events and blue ribbon sporting ceremonies to private parties and high net worth individuals. We have helped tell stories for Vodafone, BMW and Cartier as well as opening and closing ceremonies for the Zürich Festival & the Dubai World Cup amongst others. We have had the privilege of collaborating on National Day events for a range of royal families and dignitaries across the UAE and

entertained guests at the exclusive St Moritz resort in Switzerland delivering a bespoke performance drone show for Akash Ambani and Shloka Mehta, as part of their pre-wedding celebrations; an event produced by UK based Fisher Productions. SKYMAGIC’s performance drones push the boundaries of artistic performance, bringing art and technology together at the most luxurious and high-profile events around the globe. Delivering Switzerland’s first ever drone

show for a luxury wedding in St. Moritz In world of high-net-worth individuals who have been exposed to so much in terms of entertainment, art and culture, how do you create an unforgettable moment that guests & hosts have never seen before? SKYMAGIC did just this. Earlier this year we announced our arrival into the luxury wedding market with our dynamic performance drone light show offering. SKYMAGIC lived up to its name delivering 75

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an unforgettable evening at a private wedding party in one of the most luxurious places in the world - St. Moritz. The automated, bespoke drones were launched high into the night sky delivering a oneof-a-kind light show for the VIP audience (and most of the citizens of St.Moritz and neighbouring resorts!) to see. This was a very special evening that saw the Bride and Groom take a step back and watch their love story in the sky above this iconic location. Through SKYMAGIC’s agile and responsive performance drone system, the happy couple told their story in a truly unique way – befitting of the celebrations – for their friends and family. Creating the perfect wedding requires planners and producers to think outside of the box, pushing the limits of imagination and embracing new 76

ADVERTORIAL

technologies. SKYMAGIC’s drone light shows bring all three of these components together offering a genuine one-of-akind experience. Guests will be amazed, charmed and left open mouthed at the beautiful light dance they see above them. Unlike other special effects like fireworks or lasers, our agile and creatively responsive drone shows can display key motifs, wedding logos, a couple’s names and other key messaging in the night sky. This highly personalised approach ensures that story telling is at the heart of what we do, sharing the couple’s story for their guests to enjoy and cherish. Playing on the themes of romance and lifelong partnership set against a stunning backdrop drone light shows are a new and exciting entertainment asset for happy couples, wedding planners and producers

This was a very special evening that saw the Bride and Groom take a step back and watch their love story in the sky above this iconic location. to deploy. This is exactly why one of India’s best-known families decided to have a drone light show at their wedding party. A wedding should be memorable for many years to come - a challenge that SKYMAGIC always meet. Adding such a unique experience to an evening of celebration leaves the audience in shock and amazement. Guests will leave

bewildered but amazed – exactly what SKYMAGIC aim to deliver! SKYMAGIC drone light shows are designed and delivered by our team of experts with multiple touch points for collaboration with clients. Using our proprietary 3D animation suite we design choreography rich in colour and dynamic movement. Our in-house trajectory simulation software ensures we not only fill every inch of the performance window with motifs up to 300m in width and 400ft above ground level, but also enables us to undertake a comprehensive safety analysis. SKYMAGIC prides itself on creative excellence, seamless live delivery and an exemplary safety record. We have forged strong working relationships with a host of aviation authorities from the Civil Aviation Authority in the UK and Singapore 77

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to authorities across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE In the world of luxury weddings and events, there is a ferocious appetite to offer couples and their guests the very best and the very latest in entertainment ensuring a wedding or event stands out from the rest. SKYMAGIC’s drone light show guarantees this. We are a modern, vibrant, forward-thinking company all of whom are committed to delivering creative excellence that exceeds our client’s expectations. We strive to push boundaries, always looking to evolve our creative and technical parameters, and work to the highest safety standards. Luxury weddings are an exciting new market for SKYMAGIC, offering a fantastic platform for us to collaborate and tell the most important story of all – that of the happy couple. ABOUT SKYMAGIC In 2016 SKYMAGIC heralded its arrival onto the world stage with the design and delivery of one of the world’s first drone light shows at the base of Mount Fuji in Japan. We enjoyed huge international attention signalling the beginning of SKYMAGIC’s journey into the world of performance drone lights shows around the world. Since then the team has steadily scaled to a full time team of 20 staff, drawing on a range of backgrounds and skills within technology, live events, entertainment, marketing and PR. A truly rich, international mix reflected by our presence in Asia and Europe, with offices in both the United Kingdom and Singapore. Over this time we have grown our inventory to support our ambition to stay at the forefront of creative story telling in the sky. We have collaborated on shows for opening ceremonies, brand activations, product launches, festivals, private clients and public events. SKYMAGIC has worked in over 20 different territories during the course of the last 3 years. We have performed more shows across the Middle East than any other company and have the privilege of being the first company to 78

ADVERTORIAL

deliver drone shows in Japan, Switzerland, Azerbaijan and the UAE. With over 10,000 flying hours, we have told stories to many millions of people globally. With drone technology evolving at speed, we focus huge resource on research and development, constantly exploring how we can enhance and improve our offering. We are excited at the prospect of launching pyro and other special effects from the vehicles both of which are in advanced testing phase and our revitalised, cuttingedge indoor fleet will be on stream by Q4 of 2019. SKYMAGIC is at the vanguard of automated swarm drone shows and one of the world’s leading performance drone

Luxury weddings are an exciting new market for SKYMAGIC, offering a fantastic platform for us to collaborate and tell the most important story of all – that of the happy couple. light show companies. We are a team of pioneers, voyagers and storytellers. We are international. We are risk averse. Our diverse team has over 15 years’ experience within the global entertainment industry and UAV swarm technology. We work with clients to unlock the most creative approach to telling their stories.

We are flexible and collaborative. Whether we are working within a busy show environment or taking centre stage and flying solo, the story and how we help tell it remains at the heart of what we do. Our customised fleet of dynamic, autonomously flown outdoor and indoor drones are each mounted with a super bright RGB pixel and deployed via a single ground control station across our proprietary, state-of-the-art flight software. Launched high into the night sky or within an enclosed venue, our swarm formation performance drones execute a range of stunning 3D displays and choreographic sequences to dazzling effect. Let us tell your story… 79

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Engaged? You’ll now need to shoulder all the responsibilities that come with marriage, starting with creating a super amazing wedding hashtag! Yes, the Indian wedding hashtag is a trend that’s taken our weddings by storm - they’ve now become a norm! So to help you hack the perfect wedding hashtag, we are dishing out simple things to keep in mind. Read on for rules to ensure that your hashtag is loved (and used) by everybody!

Hack the

Hashtag!

LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP Not only a trend but your hashtag is your personal wedding album online. Where you can find your wedding photos by using it anytime. But, BEFORE you spread the word to the world about your hashtag, do a quick check on instagram to see if it’s been used before. If there’s only a handful of other photos on the tag it’s yours to take, if not then it’s back to the drawing slate! You can’t hijack that hashtag! You want it to be a unique place for just your photos so if it already has too much of someone else, its a complete no go! Psst!- Anything below 15 photos is fine. Above that, no bride can happily really say the hashtag’s mine! 82

GUEST COLUMN

SHRAVANA SACHDEVA F o u n d e r, W i t t y Vo w s . c o m

SPELL CHECK

Pick a hashtag that’s easy to spell so that guests don’t create their own version by mistake and tag photos on a tag that’s totally fake! Trust us, you don’t want to loose those pictures in ten different versions of your hashtag! That’s a no no! This is particularly true for Indian Wedding hashtags rich in Hinglish!

CAPITALIZE THE FIRST LETTER OF EACH WORD TO BE HEARD Make the hashtag easy for guests to get, this way there’ll be better chances of them all using the right tag, particularly if they understand the idea or gag! Our Social media experts advocate that people are more likely to use a hashtag if they relate to it. If your guests understand the inside joke they’ll definitely want to use the hashtag over and over again!

If there’s only a handful of other photos on the tag it’s yours to take, if not then it’s back to the drawing slate! You can’t hijack that hashtag! 83

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TOO LONG IS JUST WRONG If you really want people to use the hashtag, you’ve got to make it easy. This is an Indian wedding people, if it’s too crazy long we’re going to be very lazy!

THINK DIFFERENTLY TO HAVE A DIFFERENT HASHTAG To truly stand out, your hashtag has to be different without a doubt. Move away from just the names and think of ideas with popular culture involved. The best hashtags are those that make your guests smile, they’ll definitely remember that for a while. So think of your favorite songs, or start with popular phrases, jokes, quotes and quips! It could honestly be anything you relate to as a couple. Take a cue from internet’s favourite comic Kusha. She and her husband Zorawar chose the hashtag #ZorKushHua, leaving both mogambo and her guests in peals of laughter! PSST - If all fails, check in with a hashtag creation service like ours at WittyVows and leave all the thinking to the professionals #Sorted 84

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PRODUCING EVENTS FROM THE

INSIDE OUT

F E AT U R E

JES GORDON OWNER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR, JESGORDON/PROPERFUN

Jes Gordonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s namesake company jesGORDON/ properFUN, provides high end, personal event design and management with loads of signature style. Her first book, Party Like A Rock Star (Globe Pequot Press), provides everyone with the tools they need to throw the party of their dreams, regardless of their location.

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We usually communicate with the front of house individuals, but I like meeting the people that pack the trucks, wash the dishes and do all of the “dirty work” that help make the pretty stuff happen!

In this day and age of being able to have endless visuals available to us, it’s easy to want looks for your event that represent beautifully in magazines or on the Internet, but in reality, are very difficult to produce. I now approach clients very differently than I have in the past. If they come to me with a design concept already in place, I am not quick to tell them it’s a done deal, but rather I go through in specific detail of how the look is actually achieved; bit-by-bit, and from the inside out. Sadly, this often brings them to a place that 88

is potentially out of their original budget and we find ourselves re-designing and creating a new concept for them that is more realistic to their specific needs and budget guidelines. There are some great practices to put into place while approaching and producing an event that many of us don’t normally think of. We all get stuck visualizing the end product, but how do we get there? Personally, I love to tour other vendor studios with my team so we can see how they work internally. An example of this is

F E AT U R E

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There are some great practices to put into place while approaching and producing an event that many of us donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t normally think of. We all get stuck visualizing the end product, but how do we get there? 90

F E AT U R E

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visiting the commissary of a catering company we are looking to use where we would see their back of house operations, how they load in and out of their production space and most importantly, meeting the team that makes things happen behind the scenes. It’s respectful to get to know the people behind the services that your client is signing up for. In our industry, we usually communicate with the front of house individuals, but I like meeting the people that pack the trucks, wash the dishes and do all of the “dirty work” that help make the pretty stuff happen! Another example is when we are working with a lighting company on the overall visual design, we like to visit their workspaces and get a small scale demonstration of how the end product will look before the event happens so we can feel confident the day of, and successfully represent what we have “sold” to people. We find out how much inventory and equipment they will be bringing, and if it can fit in the elevator of the venue and if they need storage for it during the event, how much break down time they need etc. These are all things that if they go wrong, they can literally ruin someone’s event.

Another example is when we are working with a lighting company on the overall visual design, we like to visit their workspaces and get a small scale demonstration of how the end product will look before the event happens.

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F E AT U R E

The more you give the client to experience; tasting, touching, seeing, hearing and smelling before their event, the more it will help give them confidence in the overall product and you!

Along the same lines we insist on providing a sample of exactly what our clients will be seeing on the day of their event by way of creating a centerpiece, linens, tables, chairs, glassware and whatever else it is that we are proposing to them. Before we even do that, we have a “dress rehearsal” of sorts in our own studio to make sure that we can actually produce the “look” in the time allotted. Can our vases hold the weight of the floral design we created? It’s incredibly important to answer these types of questions before getting started in real time.

The more you give the client to experience; tasting, touching, seeing, hearing and smelling before their event, the more it will help give them confidence in the overall product and you! Truthfully, the pretty part is easy, but getting there is not! Creating something spectacular is a responsibility, a process and an evolution. If you honor that process in all the ways necessary, you will not only blow away your clients and become indispensable, but you will be able to sleep at night! 95

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HyattTM

Great wedding planners deserve great rewards. Welcome to World of Hyatt, a loyalty programme that starts with understanding your world and the rewards that matter the most to you. As an event planner, you can earn one Bonus Point per eligible U.S. dollar spent (up to 50,000 Bonus Points) for hosting a qualifying wedding at Hyatt.

To book a wedding, contact your Hyatt Sales Representative or visit worldofhyatt.com to learn more.

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A COUNTRY THAT CELEBRATES TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER FOREVER. People across the globe find it quite intriguing as to how Indians savour each moment, standing shoulder to shoulder. The festivities and celebrations which are an essence of the kaleidoscopic Indian culture definitely have a considerable impact beyond the cheerful vibes that are spilled around. An individual with the requisite amount of resources to spend on such festivities can surely take pride in the fact that he is not just celebrating but also generating income and employment for an umpteen number of sectors in the economy, fostering economic growth. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Great Indian Weddingsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; are unparalleled. As said in the last article - an average Indian spends around one fifth of the total lifetime wealth on the wedding celebrations. Idle money that lies locked up in the lockers comes into circulation. A lot of this is now getting funnelled into the direction of destination spending.

mi s d n d c We o o 98

I N D U S TFREYA TTU A RL KE

DID WE KNOW ?

WEDDING TOURISM

WHAT TO EXPECT ?

The big Indian wedding market is estimated to be around $40-50 billion in size, according to a KPMG report. Meaning about 3,00,000 crores – significantly higher than the number mentioned in Weddonomics last year. It continues to grow rapidly at a rate of 25-30 % annually. The estimated cost of a luxury wedding could be between Rs. 2 crore and Rs. 25 crore. The luxury wedding market is largely being serviced by a host of high-profile planners who come with ideas and then hire the right people for the job, or subcontract the various operations ¬ from flower arrangements to entertainment. The way the unorganised market works, there are planners scattered across major cities, who hire contractors and service providers, such as photographers and catering companies. Approximately, 60.5 million weddings will take place in India from 2017 to 2021 according to this report.

Wedding tourism, also known as destination marriage tourism, wherein the bride and groom travel to a serene destination, along with guests to exchange vows, has moved from strength to more strength and has already carved a niche in the global tourism industry. A recent FICCI study has estimated the industry size at about Rs. 23,000 crore. The marriage tourism industry is slated to grow at a rate of about 25% and reach to a mammoth Rs. 45,000 crore by end of 2020. Goa, Udaipur, and Jaipur are among the top destinations in India for a fairy-tale wedding. Besides Thailand, Bali, Mauritius and some other places in the south east, the new hot favourites in the international options are Turkey, UAE & Italy – being closely followed by Sri Lanka and a few places in eastern Europe.

OYO got into the business of selling banquet spaces This has and will impact the business of small-scale wedding planners but will at the same time increase the business of banqueting in smaller hotels/motels. The banqueting business has exhibited growth of more than 30% in the last year. Zankyou made an entry into India There is a very strong message here. ZANKYOU and the The KNOT are the 2 largest wedding portals in the world – both valued in excess of a billion dollars each (approx. 7000 crores). With the Indian population consuming more and more of internet time – it is inevitable that India will produce some very successful internet-based wedding related service providers. Some report did mention that there was an approximate 34 percent increase in spending on procurement of wedding related services over the internet. The Government has gotten worried on account of some negative ecological impact While ecological impact is definitely a very important aspect that needs to be addressed, in the recent times it has been blown out of proportion. Having said that, this does offer a very interesting business opportunity. Imagine a company called “Scavengers India Limited”, which only takes on the assignment of cleaning venues and disposing garbage and food waste in a prescribed manner that makes everyone happy. As they say – there may be a great opportunity in every problem that we encounter. INDIA – deserves a big salute to the spirit of entrepreneurship as the industry did grow by about 22 percent last year and should maintain the same over the coming year.

SAMIT GARG D I R E C T O R , E - FA C T O R

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SONU BHASIN F A M I LY B U S I N E S S H I S T O R I A N & BUSINESS AUTHOR

Will Your

BUSINESS SURVIVE after you?

100

POINTS TO PONDER

An industry that is over $ 50 billion annually and growing at plus 20 percent cannot totally be in the unorganised sector. Or can it? However, the wedding services industry in India is just that. It is the second largest in the world but lacks a single corporate entity. The growth of the wedding services industry reminds me of the growth of Gurgaon. Both have grown due to individual entrepreneurial excellence and not due to clear organised planning at the wholistic level.

In Gurgaon each gated community is an oasis of peace amidst the chaos that surrounds it. The residents are happy to pay the price for not dealing with a variety of municipal services and for keeping the chaos at bay. In the wedding services industry each provider is a centre of excellence and the clients are happy to pay the price for not dealing with a bunch of

Each wedding service provider is an oasis of excellence, provides great service and builds a deep relationship with the family.

other unorganised service providers. Each resident of a gated community is happy to pay the price for the ‘experience’; each client of a wedding service provider is happy to pay the price for the ‘experience’. But this article is not about organising an unorganised industry – this article is about propagating the wedding planning industry into the next generation of providers. Weddings are personal affairs and involve close interaction between the service providers and the clients. Since each client is a different individual the demands of individual clients are also different. Further, each clients wants their guests to have a ‘different’ experience than at any other wedding! All this requires an in depth understanding of the client and what would make them happy. Thus,

wedding service providers end up building a deep relationship with their clients. The differentiating factor here is that unlike other service providers who can get away by building their relationship with one person in the family, the wedding service providers need to understand and build a relationship with each key member of the family. After all weddings are family affairs! Now look at the above facts together: each wedding service provider is an oasis of excellence, provides great service and builds a deep relationship with the family. This is great news and why am I writing an article on this, many may wonder. Yes, this is indeed good news but the need for this article stems from the fact that the wedding service businesses, built with care over many years by the founder of the 101

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Just about the time when the wedding services industry was getting started, the trend in the general industry was that the inheritors used to fight among themselves to take over the business from the patriarch. Today, the situation has flipped on its head. Today, it is the patriarch who has to persuade, cajole, even plead with the inheritors to join the family business.

business, may not transition into the next generation for a variety of reasons. This would be a great waste and the article talks about the need to plan for succession. It would be a fair assumption that the patriarchs/matriarchs of wedding service businesses are first generation entrepreneurs. It is safe to make that assumption as the trend of getting an external agency to organise the entire wedding is not more than twenty five years old, maybe even lesser. This is not restricted only to India but to the world at large. Thus, there are not many examples of wedding service businesses that have corporatized themselves and have executed a smooth generational transition. However there are examples of outside of the wedding industry that can provide some pointers for ways of transitioning into the next generation. However, before we get into the methods of transitioning, let us first understand what is the problem at hand. The wedding service business is a family business where the business is owned and run by the patriarch/matriarch. And family businesses around the world show a peculiar trend – 70 percent of all family businesses last only one generation. Put in a different manner it means that of all family businesses, and please keep in mind that almost 90 percent of world commerce is in the hands of family businesses, only 30 percent make it to the second generation. This is a scary piece of statistics. The majority of family businesses, built with enormous hard work and diligence, fail to perpetuate once the founder passes away. The reasons for this failure to perpetuate are many but the key ones are: lack of succession planning, conflict within 102

the family, lack of corporate governance and the inability of the founder to see the difference between owning the business versus managing the business. For the wedding services industry, which is a first generation industry, succession planning is critical. However the trend across the world is that the nature of succession planning has changed over the last thirty years. Just about the time when the wedding services industry was getting started, the trend in the general industry was that the inheritors used to fight among themselves to take over the business from the patriarch. Today, the situation has flipped on its head. Today, it is the patriarch who has to persuade, cajole, even plead with the inheritors to join the family business. The inheritors, especially the Millennial Inheritors of family businesses are loathe to join the family business. The wedding services industry may work towards providing glamour and sizzle to the clients and the guests as they ‘experience’ the wedding; but the work that goes on behind the scenes is anything but glamourous and sexy. It is hard work, dealing with a multitude of individuals (remember most service providers in this industry are mom & pop shops), working on tight deadlines and most importantly requires rolling up of sleeves and getting the hands dirty. No matter how big the wedding service provider may be, he/she has to be personally be present to not only take care of the matters but also to provide the confidence to the clients that their money is being well spent. The inheritors or the next generation have grown up seeing their fathers/ mothers setting up the business and being part of it. The monies earned

Almost 90 percent of world commerce is in the hands of family businesses, only 30 percent make it to the second generation. through the wedding services business enabled the inheritors to access the best educational institutes around the world. Having seen and experienced the world and a cosmopolitan environment, the inheritors chafe at the thought of rolling up their sleeves, getting their hands dirty and dealing with the unorganised labour and other service providers. The inheritors would rather spend time in cleaner environments and with people who ‘speak the same language’. It is a challenge, no doubt, but it is not a challenge that cannot be overcome. The patriarchs/matriarchs can look at two different models of succession planning. The first one I call the Credit Suisse model and I call the other one the Dr. Naresh Trehan model. The Credit Suisse model is the classical

POINTS TO PONDER

The wedding services business is all about keeping the trust and the ‘izzat’ of the client in the greater ‘biradari’.

handing- over-the-business model. Private Banking is a very personalised service. The private banker has a deep insight into the family, its dynamics and the financials. A private banker has to build relationships with all members of the family as the financial decisions involve all of them. Very similar to the wedding services business! At Credit Suisse, the private banker is encouraged to hand over his/her ‘book’ to his child. (The ‘book’ is the sum total of all assets being managed by the private banker). The logic used by Credit Suisse is that if the private banker has a relationship with the client, then the private banker’s child will take that relationship forward with the client’s children. There are indeed examples of three, even four, generations of private bankers managing the assets

of the same family. In this model the inheritors take over the business and the relationship from their father/mother. The Dr. Naresh Trehan model is different as it envisages growing the business and then getting in external talent to manage it. In this model the patriarch recognises that either the inheritors do not have the wherewithal to take the business forward or that the business has grown too big to be managed only by the family. The patriarch/matriarch brings in ‘outside’ professionals to manage the business while remaining the face of the business. The key for this model to succeed is the willingness of the owner to let go. Another benefit of this model is that there is scope for inorganic growth. With external funds and talent coming in to the business the

opportunities to grow by acquiring smaller businesses or doing backward/forward integration by M & As can be exploited. However the main point to keep in mind that all businesses are based on human relationships. This is especially true for the wedding services business. While we have looked at the situation from the point of the view of the owner of the business, it would be prudent to look at it from the client’s point of view as well. A continuation of relationship into the next generation is beneficial to the client as everyone wants to work with people they can trust. The wedding services business is all about keeping the trust and the ‘izzat’ of the client in the greater ‘biradari’. All the more reason to take this relationship based on trust to the next generation.

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WE ARE THE

SURAKSHA GAJWANI WRITER, RESEARCHER

It was year 1999, the corporate client for whom we had been busy year-round with their branding and advertising, suddenly came up with the most absurd proposal, “Hey Suraksha, I want you to design my daughter’s wedding card.” We had done our share of book launches and even corporate invitations. But wedding invites, seriously? So we were thrown in, right in the eye of a storm called wedding. Twenty years ago, it was no industry. Chaotic, disorganized, non-business like and everyone associated with it seemed related. They were tentwala, phoolwala, bandwala, photowala, khaanewala to even décorwala. I guess the inspiration lay in Tagore’s famous Kabuliwala. We too were aptly nicknamed as ‘cardwala,’ much to chagrin of my partner, Yogesh. A distinguished scenographer and designer, recalls recoiling in horror on being introduced as the ‘decorator.’ Amused, he spent the entire meeting trying to fathom their expectation of him, whether it meant painting the 104

walls and hanging wallpaper as according to the British dictionary or choosing colours, carpets and furnishings as per the Americans! No way it could define him as designing a theatrical scenery! Wedding clients, a mere handful of them, had barely started moving from the traditional ‘halwais’ and ‘maharajs’ (Indian chefs) to caterers; from extended family members of uncles, aunts, brother-inlaws and sister-in-laws playing wedding planners to actually hiring one; from styling their clothes from homegrown ‘darzis‘ (tailors) to filling up trousseaus from fashion designers lined at Hauz Khas; from putting up guests at guesthouses to fancy five stars….. Despite the shift, the mindset was still rooted in the past. Weddings had always been a family performance. Professionals had never been roped in to this level before. So trusting this new-born wedding fraternity and leaving it entirely in their amateur, though professional hands, was never the plan. This incident remains etched in my memory – after much persuasion, an internationally celebrated art photographer agreed to shoot the engagement of one of my clients. What a fiasco! The bride-to-be opted to play Art Director cum model, and took charge of the photoshoot. She would hop over to the grand master photographer after every shot, to

assess the picture on his viewfinder. Her instructions were clear– to shift his focus from the aesthetics of the composition to the aesthetics of her face and body! “You need to click my three-fourth profile, that angle only.” “Omg I am out of focus! But aren’t I the bride?” “Make me look thinner and prettier….blah blah blah”. Every possibility of an imaginative picture was ruled out. The photographer hit the roof and the warring parties quit midway. We were left to calming down the fuming photographer at one end and the jilted client on the other. Talking of photographs, reminds me of a very strange demand in those days, of inserting photographs of the couple in the invite. And I literally mean, pictures clicked non-professionally on a hotshot camera! Why not caricatures? This question of mine was frowned upon. Marriages were no laughing matter, I was categorically told! Another troubling aspect was the briefing – a battalion of chachas, chachis, buas, mamijis (relatives) and so on, would barge into our small studio. And then chaos would ensue, each member of this cheering squad, at the same instant, would be hollering at us with their inputs that became the collective brief! It was to our discretion, to pick out ‘pieces of sense’ in the maddening din. Days later, after we were done with the creative, the

I N D U S T R Y TA L K

A mere handful of them, had barely started moving from the traditional ‘halwais’ and ‘maharajs’ (Indian chefs) to caterers; from extended family members of uncles, aunts, brother-inlaws and sister-inlaws playing wedding planners to actually hiring one. client brigade would be back with a bang, this time with the bride / bride’s father / decision-maker in tow. Surprise, surprise! The decision-maker doesn’t like what he or she sees! Now the new brief takes a somersault in the opposite direction. Is this for real? We had devoted two weeks on a brief that wasn’t the brief. Okay, we take a deep breath, and ask for another week for the new creative. Guess what! They tell us, they can wait 15-20 minutes at our office, while we make the changes. To our shocked faces, they exclaim, “C’mon, it’s so simple, you just have to revamp the colour palette, shift a few motifs here and there, rethink the concept and design….blah blah blah!” That was just the amount of respect a design and its designer could hope to get in this sphere! Not only here, but even in our own realms. I remember attending design fraternity dinners, and being introduced as, “Meet ‘So and So’, Creative head at ‘So and So’ fancy agency, and ‘So and So’ is Head Designer at ‘So and So’ leading Publishing House, and Suraksha, she’s a wedding card designer!” Ignoring the wretched me, the person in question would show an obvious intent on making acquaintance with the other two! Several art photographer friends of mine actually hid their wedding portfolio, in the fear of being ridiculed as a shaadiwala paparazzo, by their own kin.

Brilliant art shots that were never exhibited and admired. But this storyline has changed its course over time, today most of my upmarket designer buddies are ready to toss their toffee-nosed intellect and jump into the wedding bandwagon. Recently, for a wedding in Kolkata, an award-winning street art photographer flew in and created absolute marvel on a roll. Though the bride didn’t look as if from the cover of Vogue, the pictures certainly looked like museum exhibits! What at one time had seemed so far-fetched, it was heartwarming to see the Bride and Co. going gaga over his artistic handiwork! That has been the real breakthrough in the Indian wedding Industry. Today weddings are art-inspired, and heavily design driven. Truly an avantgarde assimilation of experimental, imaginative and trailblazing ideas emanating from the most visionary minds brought into existence by the showman – the reinvented maestros – the professional wedding planners. Who would have thought that weddings would become a melting pot of scenographers, couturiers, graphic designers, installation artists, floral designers, spatial designers, light and sound designers and engineers, artisanal chefs, art curators and multi-disciplinary stylists; each striving to make a dream come

true? So much so, an international food display stylist shifted base from London to Delhi, simply to cater to the whimsical culinary world of Indian weddings. A Padma Bhushan awarded Art Designer has created many a larger than life installations for several larger than life weddings. It has not only led us to design, employing ancient crafts like Patachitra, Kalamkari and Picchawai; a coveted couturier duo too have created a décor theme with shola flowers from rural Bengal, giving life to a dying craft. celebrated chefs and restauranteurs have curated the most ingenious menus at weddings. Conferences for education and exchange of ideas and international wedding awards have taken this industry to a new high, as never before. If the industry intellect is burgeoning at a pace unimaginable, the client evolvement too has reached unthinkable heights. Yes, this calls for a celebration, when the client of today, expresses a desire to know the educational qualification and professional background of us shaadiwalas. 105

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900 & INDIA:

TO THE

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ADVERTORIAL

The 900s were created with the intent of offering, in a unique line, the best of the Italians sparkling, carefully selected and produced according to a careful control method, which guarantees unique products in all aspects, with the aim to make known and promote throughout the world, the great sparkling wines heritage of the “Made In Italy”.

Since 2016, the 900 brand is all about the “Made in Italy” essence. This stamp is synonym of creativity, aesthetics, quality, and sophistication and gives our consumers a differential value associated to what “Made in Italy” means, from its perception to its worldwide recognition and positive awareness. As an Italian brand we are proud of this as it fully represents what we are about: Excellence. The use of the number “900” is a tribute to a Century of discovery and change and to the great Federico Martinotti, who in 1895 patented the method used for the prosecco and sparkling wines. This method was refined in 1910 by Eugene Charmat, which championed the beginning of the “prise

de mousse” in autoclave. But for us, it is a Century in which we recognize ourselves personally; It is the final Century of the 2nd millennium and the birth of our beloved brand: 900. 900 is a perfect combination of taste and design, rapidly becoming a reference in the oenological field. Every product of our line has been elaborated and followed step by step by our experts through a rigorous process of quality control on the production chain, in order to offer a unique product in every facet. Each grape is important to us. That is why we have meticulous and thorough production procedures with the highest standards of quality, starting with our 109

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THE TRUE CONNOISSEUR DOES NOT DRINK WINE BUT TASTES ITS SECRETS. Salvador DalÃ

Our attention to detail is what sets us apart from the rest, from each grape on the vineyard to the design of the bottle, each product has its own unique identity.

unique land to our distinct processing method. We are dedicated solely to the production of sparkling wines, which has allowed us to achieve the highest level of experience that is found in every single product of the 900 line. Everything is in the details and details are what make each drop of a 900 wine a memorable one. Our attention to detail is what sets us apart from the rest, from each grape on the vineyard to the design of the bottle, each product has its own unique identity. In 2017, The Prosecco Masters of UK, an international competition with a judging panel comprised of Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers and senior international buyers, awarded our 900 Prosecco Valdobbiadene DOCG with the Silver. It was a true honour for us. Since then our products are starting to get distributed around the world and global brands in luxury, fashion, design and sports are collaborating with our product line in key markets, namely in Europe. So, whether you are having a sophisticated Bellini cocktail, a Venitian Spritz or simply wish to enjoy one of the best Sparkling RosĂŠ wines on the market, 900 is the perfect partner to make each drink, a memorable one. Now 900 is targeting beautiful country of India. With its diverse culture, rich heritage and history and home to some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most glamourous and lavish wedding ceremonies, India is the perfect match for the 900 brand. Cheers!

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WITH A AT ITC HOTELS

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ADVERTORIAL

ITC SONAR

Legendary cuisine. Inspiring architecture. Warmth of service. These are the distinct elements every joyous wedding at ITC Hotels is built upon.

ITC ROYAL BENGAL

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ITC GRAND BHARAT

Tranquil nature. Historical legacy. Artistic splendour. Whatever the dream destination, ITC Hotels has it covered with 14 timeless properties across India that blend the best of local cultural nuances with heartwarming hospitality.

Weddings are like snowflakes – no two are exactly alike, yet each one is special in its own way. It is the precise level of attention to detailing that differentiates one wedding from another. Offering utmost personalization based on the unique needs and aspirations of each family, ITC Hotels designs unforgettable weddings with luxurious appeal. Celebrated for its trademark emphasis on award-winning cuisine, grand venues and exquisite architecture, ITC Hotels is the perfect setting embark upon life’s most precious milestone. TASTE THE CELEBRATION Dum Pukht. Peshawri. Bukhara. Royal Vega. Tian. Dakshin and more….. ITC Hotels boasts of a delicious roster of iconic brands that serve a delectable variety of traditional and international

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cuisines for every taste palette. Wedding menus can be customized with favorites of both the bride and groom because their special day is all about celebrating their marvellous choices. ROOM FOR EVERYONE Irrespective of whether you’re looking for an intimate wedding with a select number of close friends and relatives, or a lavish endeavour with hundreds of invitees, ITC Hotels feature a wide variety of striking venues that are adaptable for guest lists of all sizes. PICTURE-PERFECT BACKDROPS Tranquil nature. Historical legacy. Artistic splendour. Whatever the dream destination, ITC Hotels has it covered with 14 timeless properties across India that blend the best of local cultural nuances with heart-warming hospitality.

TOWERS EXCLUSIVE ROOMS

ADVERTORIAL

DARGEELING LOUNGE

A GRAND STATEMENT A beautiful juxtaposition of ornate architecture, captivating history and traditional Indian hospitality, ITC Grand Bharat (Gurugram) is the perfect ode to old-world romance. Set amidst the majestic Aravalis, the hotel is India’s first all-suites luxury retreat. Featuring manicured lawns, impeccable luxury and sophisticated aesthetics, exchange your vows in a regal atmosphere that is ideal for the finest of celebrations. From Prithvi – a 4925 sq. ft. ornate ballroom – to poolside arrangements to two ornamental front lawns – Vridavan and Firdaus – there is a melange of venues for both the wedding and each pre-wedding ceremony. Indulge your esteemed guests with comfort and style at our 100 luxurious suites, 4 presidential villas, 27-hole golf course, Yoga Pavilion and Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa.

A Royal Celebration Kolkata now invites you to a matchless experience – two distinguished hotels next to each other, linked by a walkway. Together ITC Sonar and ITC Royal Bengal offer 693 rooms & suites including, 12 dining destinations, 100,000 square feet of banqueting space & Kaya Kalp The Royal Spa. With sophisticated state-of-the-art facilities & amenities, ITC Royal Bengal features 60,000 sq.ft. ( 5,630 sqm) of banqueting space, that is one of the largest in the region. The unique & expansive 16,500 sqft (1530 sqm) pillar less Bengal Stateroom, flexible meeting spaces, multiple breakout rooms & sprawling lawns with dedicated arrival lobby, reception & pre-function area, make this hotel an ideal venue for both business and social events. The elegant & tastefully designed

spaces, exquisite cuisine, dedicated bridal room attached to the ballroom, exclusive banquet entrance, expansive parking space and much more make ITC Royal Bengal a perfect venue for your weddings. BEACHSIDE BLISS Nestled in South Goa’s serenity and surrounded by swaying coconut palms and shimmering lagoons, ITC Grand Goa Resort & Spa is spread across 45 acres of lush, landscaped gardens. With direct access to the stunning Arossim Beach, you can enjoy a cheery beachside wedding that you’ll always look back on fondly. Channelling a village-style aura, the resort’s architecture is inspired by Indo-Portuguese vintage charm and features indigenous Goan hospitality. 252 luxurious rooms and suites put comfort at the forefront to please every guest. From Salcete – a majestic, wood-panelled 115

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ballroom that can be divided into three separate sections – to the Seaside Lawns – lit by the warm sun and refreshed by sea breeze – to the Magical Forest – a tropical garden surrounded by pine trees in the lap of nature – and more, take your pick from plenty of stunning venues to host all of your wedding functions. SOUTHERN OPULENCE A tribute to the magnificence and splendour of the Chola dynasty, ITC Grand Chola (Chennai) is inspired by an absolutely glorious era. Brimming with extraordinary art, architecture, style and glamor, the hotel offers an ornate, ethereal setting that features towering facades, granite carvings, splendid columns and stairways and vast spaces. Conveniently located within 20 minutes of domestic and international airports, ITC Grand Chola consists of 600 guest rooms, suites and luxury service apartments. Spread over 33,624 sq. ft., the property’s enormous pillar-less Rajendra Ballroom can be partitioned into eight individual spaces to host all your wedding ceremonies and happens to be one of the largest banquet halls in the entire country. MUGHAL CHARM Set in the iconic city of love, ITC Mughal (Agra) pays a tribute to the renowned romance of the Mughals. Overlooking the epitome of love – the Taj Mahal – the hotel is spread across 35 acres of manicured gardens and offers the most picturesque setup for a wedding. Drawing inspiration from the 16th century architectural masterpiece, Fatehpur Sikri, ITC Mughal features a gorgeous red brick façade, ornate interiors, geometrical layout, water lilies and tasteful use of marble. Be spoilt for choice with a variety of indoor and outdoor venues, including Shalimar Garden, Nishat Garden, Dewan-e-Khas, Gulbadan Gardens, Sher Shah Suri Garden and more. 223 spacious rooms and suites that personify elegance will delight each of your guests thoroughly. ITC Hotels will design a dream wedding you and your family will cherish forever. 116

Whether it is ITC Maurya in New Delhi, ITC Grand Bharat in Gurugram, ITC Mughal in Agra, ITC Rajputana in Jaipur, ITC Sonar in Kolkata, ITC Grand Maratha in Mumbai, ITC Grand Central in Mumbai, ITC Kakatiya in Hyderabad, ITC Grand Chola in Chennai, ITC Gardenia in Bengaluru, ITC Windsor in Bengaluru or ITC Kohenur, Hyderabad, ITC Grand Goa in Goa, or ITC Royal Bengal in Kolkata, each of our hotels will make your wedding unique and unforgettable.

ITC MUGHAL

We With direct access to the stunning Arossim Beach, you can enjoy a cheery beachside wedding that you’ll always look back on fondly.

ITC GRAND CHOLA

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BEHIND THE

GINNY KOHLI FOUNDER, WEDWISE

HOW DOES A CLIENT PERCEIVE WEDDING PLANNERS? ARE THEY A NECESSITY OR A LUXURY? • What is the major factor they take into account before deciding whether or not to hire a planner. • Destination vs. Home Country weddings- where do more clients go for planners? • What is the client perception when it comes to the economics of hiring a planner. Too costly or do they think it helps them get the best value? • Is hiring a planner becoming a status symbol or is it all about the functional and operational value. We live in the world of technology today. Social media has taken over our lives, information is freely available and easily more so. The wedding Industry is booming like never before. Indian’s are reaching hitherto inaccessible destinations from all across the globe to celebrate weddings and these celebrations are getting grander by the day. From Antalya to Florence, the postcard vacation spots are becoming home to some of the biggest Indian gatherings. From Sheesha caterers to world-class violinists, everyone is getting enough work in the Indian wedding industry and everyday there is a new opening, a new requirement within the wedding ecosphere. What about Wedding Planners though? Are they getting the share of this boom? Are they the biggest earners in this expanding 120

trade? Or are they considered a luxury within probably the only luxury almost everyone could afford? What are these games of impressions? Let us figure out and try to decode the puzzle of client perceptions when it comes to your quintessential Wedding Planner! What does a Wedding Planner do? If you throw this question to an average Indian you would get some whimsical answers ranging from the simpleton versions arising from watching too much of Yash Raj’s Band Baaja Baraat which shows it to be a typical Delhi Jugaad Job to the overly dramatic ones produced by ‘so called’ masterpiece Made in Heaven which portrays a planner’s job to be a game of trivial compromises ranging from taking money from goons to solving personal family problems sometimes amounting to saving the wedding itself. Not only are these perceptions extremely unrealistic, they are borderline hampering for the clientplanner relationship for the lack of information and realism at the former’s end. Nevertheless, the fact remains that at the helm of the biggest weddings in the world there are some of the finest Indian Planners who are nothing like their filmy counterparts. They’re the directors of trends, they’re the COOs, CEOs CMOs and everything that they need to become (except for the Agony Aunts they’re shown to be on the tube or the smartphone screens). If a wedding is an organization, they’re the binders and they’re the forgers (of links and not chains).

VOICE OF CLIENT

Nevertheless, the fact remains that at the helm of the biggest weddings in the world there are some of the finest Indian Planners who are nothing like their filmy counterparts. Having said that, not all the clients fall prey to media created impressions. In an interview with a couple of to-be-weds almost all of them seemed to have done their research and had some sane arguments for and against the idea of hiring planners. Let’s see some highlights of the interviews. “We are planning our wedding in Antalya, Turkey. Since it is a new place and none of us have any idea of administrative and organizational functioning of the destination, we thought it would only make sense to hire a professional planner with credentials of planning successful weddings previously in Turkey. From Day 1 we felt we made the right choice as it is definitely a job for someone with connections within the city ranging from local vendors to administrators”. Say Vishakha who’d be tying the knot in the first half of 2020. “My decision to hire a planner was locked on day one because we were not being able to finalize the destination for our November Wedding. Our planner educated us with the pros and cons of each destination in the list. We were made aware of the economics of each destination and hence, we were able to lock-in a destination according to our budget”. Says Haroon who wil be marrying Amaaina this November. Aisha and I both are big fans of South-East Asian cuisine and culture. Hence, when she said yes, there was an unwritten pact that we both had in our minds that we’ll get married in Thailand as

that was the only destination in our minds. However, when Aisha came across a post on a Wedding Planner’s Social Media that said something about Indian Weddings in China and Japan, we were pleasantly surprised. We got in touch with them immediately and after verifying their credentials we finally locked Shanghai with them. We are just too excited about our China wedding as it would be super exclusive and exquisite for which we trust our planners”. Said Akshay who runs a car accessory business in New Delhi. “Even though we’re getting married in Delhi, a city which we know inside out, we still decided to go ahead with a wedding planner on board. The planners today not only bring their organizing capabilities on the table but also an awareness of the freshest trends and a proper sense of aesthetics”. One thing is clear from these highlights, the millennials know the real deal. They know the importance of involving an expert, more so when a foreign destination is locked for the festivities. Today, the planners are working with the best of DMCs and operators, they’re taking Indian Cuisine to the world so that it is available at your wedding regardless of the country it takes place in. They are not only bringing in International Trends from all around the globe but also creating world class trends that shape up the global industry. Hence, even though the media and internet might be a little careless in portraying the wedding planners, the millennials aren’t easily influenced because they’re smart, 121

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educated, well travelled, self-aware and most importantly, they’re internet savy enough to do their own research and create their own perceptions. They want the best of their 3-4 days to be experiential, exclusive and engaging for the guests and they surely know the right guys to trust for the job. INSPIRATIONS AND ASPIRATIONS OF A BRIDE AND GROOM FOR THEIR WEDDING DECOR? • What is shaping their expectations the most? Wedding portals, movies, TV shows or word-of-mouth? • Minimalistic or larger than life? What do the millennials want? • Is the western world influencing our decor style or is it the other way round? • Which are the most popular decorators/designers that even the people out of the industry follow. • To what level does the destination influence the type of decor that the client’s want? Do they want the same local exquisiteness of the their destination to be translated to the decor? What are the inspirations and aspirations of a Bride & Groom? Well this is one question the answer to which all of us industry stakeholders want to know. When we talk about client interaction, there are 2 professionals that get the most of it. The wedding photographers and wedding planners. These are two service providers of a wedding who directly interact with the bride, groom and the family more frequently and in a more elaborate way. Does that mean that these are two professions who have the duty to shape the client perception? Well that is a debatable concept. The reason? Well, the internet is already doing that job. 122

The bride and groom already know what they want when they first meet the wedding planner or the wedding photographer. Ask them about their expectations and they’ll take you almost instantly and instinctively to their Instagram Saves and Pinterest Boards. Having said that, it won’t be wrong to say that this Internet exporsure of the millennials actually broadens their horizons and makes them more open to fresh ideas and innovation. The productivity is unmatched, arguably due to this consequence. The whole client-planner relationship is now an exchange of synergies where ideas flow from both ends rather than just the planner’s end. This is definitely a boon for the industry where every wedding now brings something new, fresh and exclusive. Yes, there still might be some clients who might seem a bit rigid and averse to new ideas and minimalism but this is where the planners must win their trust and educate them to go for elements that are no longer pompous but rather minimalistic and classy. There was a time when Rustic western weddings ruled a bride’s online research. The international trends were something that everyone wanted on their big day. Ranging from the ranch style decor to fairy light jars and guest books, the dream wedding was being dreamt via pinterest. However today, it is the Indian Wedding decor that rules the internet. Wedding research is gradually moving from Pinterest to Instagram. The transition was catalyzed when Instagram launched the save and collect feature. Hence today, the wedding professionals are leveraging their innovative content to get their trends to the world and make Indian weddings more apparitional than ever. Wedding Choreography Videos have become a platform for everyone from light and sound professionals to decorators for their viral factor. Hence, we can

VOICE OF CLIENT

The whole client-planner relationship is now an exchange of synergies where ideas flow from both ends rather than just the planner’s end. This is definitely a boon for the industry where every wedding now brings something new, fresh and exclusive.

easily say that the Indian Wedding Industry is embracing the power of the Internet and it has become the strongest tool to shape client perceptions, a tool that no wedding professional should ignore. All of this internet revolution for wedding content has given rise to industry-born influencers. Influencers who are from the wedding industry but have become popular amongst the audience which might otherwise not be well-versed with the industry. When Sonam Kapoor’s #Everday Phenomenal wedding went viral, Rani Pink- a Delhi based wedding designer and decorators work was one of the most highlighted aspects along with that caught the attention of the netizens. Similarly, Devika Narain rose to fame with the Virushka wedding as the couple’s pictures & videos showcased the fairy-tale-like decor in the background. Similarly, Motwane Weddings and Co., although already a renowned name within the fraternity, reached the masses with their fabulous Lake Como Wedding of Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone. Joseph Radhik (Stories by Joseph Radhik), Anand Rathi (Reels and Frames) and a lot of others in the past have gained popularity not only because of their great work but also because of the celebrity weddings they were associated with. All this goes out to show that the industry is definitely heading towards mass recognition and the client perceptions are building up to be in tune with the latest trends, an aspiration to be unique and exclusive and at the same time not go over the top. Here are some snippets from our interactions with the prospective brides and grooms. “There is not even a single Wedding Portal that I haven’t followed from the date he popped the question to me. I get excited with each new celebrity wedding that makes its way to the social

media as it gives me new ideas to save for my own .” Says 25 year old bride-to-be Deepshika. “When we finalized the date for the big-day, we just had one plan. It was to make a deck of all the top vendors mentioned on favorite wedding websites and curate a list for our family to shortlist. Not only did we save a lot of Instagram posts but we also messaged a lot of wedding pages to help us with the right vendors and we did get a surprising response when WedWise agreed to get on a call and help us with a vendor consultation.” Said Preeti, an ardent WedWise follower who ties the knot with her college sweetheart in December. “I was absolutely inspired by the Virushka wedding. It was such a close-knit and gorgeous affair, something even I always wanted. Hence, we opted for a Thailand wedding where we flew just a few close ones to Hua Hin where we asked our wonderful decor designer keep the Virushka inspiration in mind. All those social media posts came in handy for us to convey our aspirations to the planner and the designer.” Said Arushi who tied the knot at Sheraton Hua Hin in October last year. It is not difficult to conclude that today, Social Media is one of the biggest perception shapers for the millennial bride and grooms. Everything from a Bridal Lehenga to a dance performance has something to take away. Maybe your next client chooses you because they loved the stage setup they saw in a dance choreography video or maybe, you land in a wedding in Antalya because you did a fabulous one in Italy. The world is getting closer and the idea-exchange happens faster than ever. Whatever being said, we think that the Social Media Boom is a win-win for both the clients and the wedding professionals. 123

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When it comes to celebrating the ultimate expression of love, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s simply no better way to do it than on board a cruise ship. From an intimate mehendi to an extravagant sangeet to a traditional ceremony, a cruise wedding gives you the joy of creating unforgettable moments with your loved ones as you sail from one spectacular destination to the next. Indians love marriages. Period. The frenzy that surrounds an impending grand Indian wedding ceremony distinguishes it from other marriage ceremonies the world over. Defined in one word, every Indian wedding is spectacular and every Indian family wants their weddings to be extraordinary in every way imaginable. They want to offer the guests an experience unlike any other, and in this search for unique experiences, cruise ships are becoming the preferred wedding destination.

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Imagine having all your friends and loved ones close together on a trip, and letting them be witness to the most important day of your life as a beautiful dusk sun and shimmering waters acts as the perfect backdrop. With a truly unique setting, path breaking experiences, an unmatched array of features and customisation options, a cruise wedding not only opens the doors to a world of endless possibilities but is also a one-of-a-kind experience for everyone to enjoy. CRUISE WEDDINGS - A WEDDING PLANNERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DREAM The growing accessibility to International cruise liners at affordable prices has 126

made it a viable option for Indian travel enthusiasts. However, when it comes to weddings, cruises have an appeal of their own. Besides the fact that it is an unconventional idea, it also solves a few logistical challenges. A cruise ship is like a floating resort, and it helps to access every resource easily. A cruise ship cannot only accommodate a large number of guests but also has a dedicated staff to attend to their every need ensuring that they are well taken care of. And with a wide range of activities and entertainment options available on board, guests of all ages are thoroughly entertained throughout the journey. The convenience that a cruise wedding offers is truly unparalleled,

A cruise ship can, not only accommodate a large number of guests but also has a dedicated staff to attend to their every need ensuring that they are well taken care of.

making the entire experience seamless and hassle-free. MAKING WEDDINGS A ROYAL AFFAIR One of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading cruise lines, Royal Caribbean International, offers you an amazing choice of wedding packages and customisation options to add your own extra-special touches to the celebrations with Wedding Beyond Extraordinary.

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2019 T H E B U S I N ES S O F W E D D I N G S

CMY

These include-salon and spa services, photography, art décor, gift delivery services, onboard entertainment as well as the option to bring your own star talent on board for spellbinding performances. To elevate the experience to a whole new level, Royal Caribbean offers live music shows for various ceremonies, whether it be the soothing notes of a pianist, a DJ belting out the choicest romantic tracks or a live band for the gathering to ‘let their hair down’. Moreover, these facilities are offered through all-inclusive packages for wedding events, which reduces the costs involved as well. 128

The beautiful backdrop of the sea, amazing destinations that the ships sail through, beaches and the ever changing colourscape of the vast sky add something new to the visual language of each frame. EXTRA-SPECIAL TOUCHES FOR AN INCREDIBLE EVENT Salon & Spa Services Whether it’s pampering yourself with a relaxing massage or getting ready for the special day with a private hair and makeup session, Royal Caribbean offers you countless ways to relax and unwind on board.

PHOTOGRAPHY These days, pre and post wedding photo shoots have become the rage, and cruise weddings are ideal destinations to significantly add to the elegance and splendour of wedding videos. The beautiful backdrop of the sea, amazing destinations that the ships sail through, beaches and the ever changing colourscape of the vast sky add something new to the visual language of each frame. With a cruise wedding, you have the option to capture your special moments with a team of professionally trained photographers or bring your own on board.

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DECOR From the mehendi and haldi-chooda to the reception, make the celebration come alive with an exquisite choice of decor featuring the freshest flowers, custom bouquets and a wide variety of accents and arrangements. HOSPITALITY DESK Bring your own hospitality desk on board to 130

cater exclusively to your guests, ensuring that theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re treated like Royalty with dedicated service whenever they need it. GIFT DELIVERY SERVICE Royal Caribbean International also offers a gift delivery service, allowing you to choose from a wide variety of gifts for your guests and conveniently have them delivered to their rooms.

ONBOARD ACTIVITIES From sipping on lattes at the first Starbucks Coffee at sea and watching robot mixologists serve you drinks, to bringing out your competitive sides with a friendly bride vs groom teams basketball or golf game, a host of onboard activities ensures that anything is possible with a wedding on board a Royal Caribbean cruise. When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had your share of

ADVERTORIAL

Royal Caribbean International also offers a gift delivery service, allowing you to choose from a wide variety of gifts for your guests and conveniently have them delivered to their rooms.

thrills, sit back and relax in the Solarium or unwind in the whirlpools on board. Kids arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t left out of the action with for tons of fun is in store for them at Splashaway Bay â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a waterpark exclusively for kids. CELEBRATE LIKE NEVER BEFORE A significant area where Weddings Beyond Extraordinary differ from conventional ones is that they offer an integrated experience

rather than disjointed services stuck together. With the most breath-taking venues, customised menus featuring Indian and International cuisine, a host of entertainment options and luxurious accommodations, Royal Caribbean International understands what goes into making weddings extraordinary and ensures that you do not have to plan and provide separately to make your wedding dreams a reality. 131

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SPECTACULAR VENUES It takes a spectacular venue to host a spectacular wedding. Across Royal Caribbean International’s fleet, you’ll find a plethora of breathtaking spaces for your wedding and pre-wedding events with exclusive access to only your family and friends. Whether you choose to celebrate your sangeet in style in an extravagant hall or add a touch of tradition to your wedding ceremony at a luxury lounges, you’ll discover beautiful settings for every occasion. Royal Caribbean cruise ships have venues accommodating up to as many as 1400 guests. Explore a host of innovative venues like Two70 degree, a transformational venue with panoramic views of the sea and digital screens which create the perfect ambience to match the theme of the wedding. 132

From buffets to sitdown dinners to customisable menus to buying out an entire specialty restaurant exclusively for your guests, the choices when it comes to dining are truly endless. A WORLD OF CUISINE Indulge in a delectable assortment of the finest international cuisine or take your pick from an extensive offering of Indian cuisine. From buffets to sit-down dinners to customisable menus to buying out an entire specialty restaurant exclusively for your guests, the choices when it comes to dining are truly endless. SPELLBINDING ENTERTAINMENT Explore entertainment options that elevate every wedding event into a

celebration that’s truly out of this world. From live music for the Band Baaja Baaraat to fantastic lights to spectacular live performances, make some of the most incredible onboard entertainment options or bring your very own star talent on board for amazing performances. LUXURY ACCOMMODATION Immerse yourself in luxury with a range of suites and staterooms across more than 30 categories while Royal Caribbean’s customisation options makes choosing the perfect accommodation for your guests a seamless experience. Sink into warm and cosy spaces that are perfect for every family, no matter which category you choose. And what’s more, even Royal Caribbean’s Interior Staterooms come with a view.

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The prospect of arranging a sangeet in Singapore, a mehndi in Malaysia and then the grand wedding at another beautiful destination is undoubtedly every couple’s dream.

THE ULTIMATE EXPRESSION OF LOVE The very thought of a wedding at sea invokes a sense of wonder and an anticipation of attending a ceremony rich in experiences. The prospect of arranging a sangeet in Singapore, a mehndi in Malaysia and then the grand wedding at another beautiful destination is undoubtedly every couple’s dream. Add to that the fact of Indian cuisine being available easily on Royal Caribbean along with global delicacies, with celebrity chefs such as Ranveer Brar adding their weight to cruise kitchens, and you have the ideal recipe for a perfect ‘happily ever after’! What’s more, cruise weddings catering to a gathering of about 200-300 people requires similar expenditure as a land wedding done on a grand scale, with a plethora of completely new experiences. Singapore, Penang, Phuket, Japan, Hong Kong, are just a few of the exotic oriental wedding destinations you can choose from while popular places such as Europe, the Bahamas, the Caribbean islands, and Alaska have a charm of their own. The influx of so many cultures, landscapes, cuisines and most importantly, the couple’s near and dear ones from different walks of life makes the days spent on a Royal Caribbean cruise extremely rewarding. 135

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BINA RAMANI FOUNDER & CEO

A little over two years ago, I stumbled upon the verdant, aromatic spice fields of the Malabar Region in South India. Little did I know that destiny of a unique kind had already carved its footprint in my life and awaited me at the age 70 ! I was about to become an Alchemist who was to harvest Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ancient spice enriched legend into a small dropper bottle of concentrate curated with myriad natural flavours of spices, fruits flora, into a modern day palate culture.

An unstoppable passion with a renewed energy sparked my imagination. I was eager to learn all I could about the ancient spice heritage and its healing characteristics, alongside the science of Ayurveda. I met experts, professors and authors of this rich history. I found lost recipes of healing Botanics, Spices, Herbs from old text books. This fascinating R&D continues, even as my brand aptly called Malabar Secrets has taken off with a small range of delicious, wellness loaded, Natural Products, and drawn most gratifying testimonials and sales, in India and abroad.

G U E S T FC EOALTUUMR NE

My startup company is called Lady Malabar India Pvt Ltd and I have a small dedicated team of 10, based out of Delhi. While the main supply base of our spice extracts is in Karnataka, we design multi spice flavored Extracts, Honey and Chocolates in our Lab in Delhi, from where we supply our products to Luxury Supermarkets, Hotels and Restaurants, Amazon and more. Due to the growing demand we also contract out some of our product. Our innovative concept of Water Cocktails has captured the imagination of trend makers everywhere. I have nurtured the dream of spreading the message of hydrating oneself adequately for good health. We offer

the healthier and tastier alternative, as an ideal enticement opposed to plain water, which is considered ‘boring’. The carefully designed Elixers at Malabar Secrets, contain living energies of spices, fruit and flora and make a very desirable infusion with Alcohol and Non-Alcohol cocktails. It’s the ultimate dream come true for Mixologists, Chefs and Gastronomes the World over. The utility of these drops is limitless. Our footprint is reaching the far ends of the globe, bringing the Ayurveda’s bestknown secrets in a modern, easy to use product, which we call, appropriately “INDIA IN A BOTTLE” -

The carefully designed Elixers at Malabar Secrets, contain living energies of spices, fruit and flora and make a very desirable infusion with Alcohol and Non-Alcohol cocktails.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to follow us @

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Wedding

T H E B U S I N ES S O F W E D D I N G S

Weddings are integral part of the the culture anywhere in the world . In our country ,its more so because weddings are huge and are being taken as a pride and a status symbol in the society .

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The decision to get married is taken by the bride and groom, but the lion’s share of the worry goes to the parents. They start the process of choosing the right partner for their kids. Often, the kids do the process for them. In many places outside India, marriage is a simple affair: an engagement attended by close family and friends, and a wedding attended by a maximum of 200 people. In India, things are just the opposite. Engagement means an expensive ring, gifts for the groom’s family and a grand function, possibly in a five-star hotel. The number of guests varies according to the status and influence of the families.

CHEF HEMANT OBEROI

During my tenure with taj group of hotels, practically every known and influential family had a wedding function in Taj mahal hotel , Mumbai. From Senior Ambanis to Mr.K.Birla, S.kumar , Bajaj family , Mafatlals , Godrej –Dubash , Zaveri(TBZ), the weddings were at a massive scale. The Godrej wedding was a feast to the eye and palette. A dinner at Turf club where 30 kg of Russian caviar, 50 kg foie gras and 150 kg of smoked salmon was served. The Diners had never seen so much of exclusive stuff Weddings are mostly managed by planners these days. They take care of fixing the dates, functions, printing invitations and picking gifts to go with it, styling, theme and destination. Themes range from aircraft weddings to yacht weddings and even submarine weddings. Weddings have become show-off events and it is good

G U E S T FC EOALTUUMR NE

Themes range from aircraft weddings to yacht weddings and even submarine weddings. Weddings have become show-off events and it is good business for the planner. business for the planner. These days, destinations weddings are in vogue can be anywhere from Macau to Florence, Athens, Istanbul, the Maldives, France and Monte Carlo. No high-profile wedding is complete without music, bands, famous DJs, tequila girls, champagne girls and internationally known dance troupes. Themes are often created for every evening of a seven to ten day event. Sometimes, designers are asked to do outfits for each invitee for all these days. Of course, the bridal outfit is always a designer creation and no one can beat Indian designers when it comes to Indian weddings. Dresses are often studded with anything from Swarovski to diamonds. Jewellers outdo themselves in creating exquisite pieces. Selection of cuisine, menu and liquor has become important. The biggest wedding I catered to had 25,000 guests and the smallest one had 300. Destinations have ranged from Paris to Thailand, Belgium and London. Themes, too, were varied: casino, palaces, clubs of the world, T-3 (technics, technique and technology), Playboy Club, temples of India, bicycles, airports, stock exchanges of the world, the French Riviera, best streets of world, wheels and The Orient Express. Orient express was very unique that the full fledged Railway engine was created and converted into a Bar and the dining area had five bogies of orient express where the diners had to get into the bogies to get their food and then get

down to a platform to sit and enjoy the dinner. It takes a lot of creativity to design the room, and then to match the dĂŠcor and cuisine. People talk a lot about the cuisine in our weddings. In fact besides the decor and dresses of Bride, the main focus is always on the cuisine. Every guest is a connoisseur and has a opinion to make.The host and the hostess are often advised by the immediate family. Client insist that they will do food tasting and pass the menu only after three or four trials. Suddenly, everyone is an expert of food and they give you the wildest suggestions. My advice

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always was leave it to us and we will do our best. This gave me the challenge and every time i had to create a different theme, concept and innovate the food and be a trendsetter. Iron cuisine theme was created. I used the old world irons with charcoal to iron the marinated meats and vegetables. In another iron the biryani was cooked It was fun to serve the grilled, ironed meats and vegetables to be cooked in old fashioned irons and yet retaining flavours of food. The fun is not to repeat the concept and to create something unique. When i created the temple cuisine for a wedding about 14 years back, it was so unique that we brought our forgotten foods back and yet very auspicious for the weddings The khud cuisine was created for liz Hurley wedding in jodhpur. A truffle garden was created for yet another big event.Suspended buffets were created for another wedding. Bicycle theme was created for a wedding where the entire food was served on bicycles and even the 142

Every caterer tries to be creative in his own way. Some copy, Some innovate. The innovators will be the winners as name of the game is being ahead of others and be trend setters. appetisers were passed around on bicycles. The eye appeal, the presentations of food, appetisers or the drinks, it has to be unique, innovative and practical too. The fusion food is fun if done well and properly thought of. Creation of miniature chairs for service of snacks like sushi was appreciated very well by guests. This encouraged me to create kursi chaat and tacosa ( tacos filled with samosa filling). The sushis were always in rolls and I created a open faced sushi at our restaurant. The new concept I created recently is Martabaan( the pickling jar of olden times). I have created a cuisine based on that. A lot more research was done to understand the journey of martabaan

from Burma to Africa and how it can be used for hot food. I had to use some of martabaan makers in khurja to create high heat retention jars so that the dishes could be made and presented in that. This restaurant concept is now in abu dhabi emirates palace Hotel and is called Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi. Since Emirates palace hotel is also one of the wedding destinations place, the concept can be enjoyed by every one there. The most unique creation in the last few years have been Chocolate shawarma and its available in our BKC outlet as well as emirates palace, Abu dhabi. Every caterer tries to be creative in his own way. Some copy, Some innovate. The innovators will be the winners as name of the game is being ahead of others and be trendsetter along with being consistent. As there are thousands of weddings each day and the host wants to outdo the others in variety, quality and innovative ideas, the wedding planners, designers and caterers have to be consistently on their toes to be leaders and pioneers.

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2019 T H E B U S I N ES S O F W E D D I N G S

NARAYAN SINHA SCULPTOR

SCULPTING EMOTION Weddings today have come a long way where it’s not only about rituals and traditions, it’s about showcasing dreams. Decor and theme and locations are now the most important part of any wedding which was unheard of in the yesteryear’s Weddings are now split into individual events designed differently with an amalgamation of traditions and rituals.

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Design has been an integral part of my growing up years. I watched my mother prepare her thali for pujas, I was amazed by the way she drew alponas with powdered rice paste on the red floors uniformly never having to wipe errors, the way she lit lamps and chanted her mantras.

I grew up attending weddings where rituals and traditions were about bonding and celebrating life with family and friends. Decor was about religious traditions and utilising local finds and presenting the same aesthetically. The whole family worked together be it food, decor or rituals. 146

Weddings now are more organised and planned over long periods of time. They are personalised and handled more professionally. A perfect wedding in my view is to create a balance of both. As an individual I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t confirm to trends. Pure earthy Indian colours of rust, red, flame, magenta, mustard, olive, beige,

cream and of course old gold are my choice of colours for the wedding. Sangeet, mehendi and weddings should be styled to be traditional and rooted to our rituals. Besides the wedding, people love to adopt a global approach for the other events, in terms of concept, presentation and ambience. These may be addressed

F E AT U R E

with pastel shades and hues of pure colours. Bachelor parties, cocktails, and poolside events or beach weddings should be edgy, contemporary, crisp and youth centric. Design has been an integral part of my growing up years. I watched my mother prepare her thali for pujas, I was amazed by the way she drew alponas with powdered rice paste on the red floors uniformly never having to wipe errors, the way she lit lamps and chanted her mantras. She created magic. The exotic weaves and patterns of palm and banyan leaves added to the magic. My jewellery designs were inspired by all of this which transpired into floral festoons, the shamianas and the brass vessels covered with flowers to celebrate the occasion for the gloriously dressed bride. Being a sculptor, I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to be trapped in closed spaces. My art had to reach the masses. My dream was to reach out to people in a way that music and films have touched them. My love for people has helped me create and spread art and aesthetics. Weddings have given me that perfect platform. Before I conceptualise any event, I work on a few guidelines. * The character of the event * The venue * The dream of my client * The time of the day * The colour palette & structure I visualise the event as a complete picture. Like narrating a story with the people, the food spread, the aroma of flowers, the shades of light, the flow of fabric, the theme of music the space and most importantly the energy of my client. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just enhance or decorate a space. I create an emotion where people exchange love and celebrate a bond of togetherness. 147

2019

William Lambelet

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Lens

The California based famous photographer Peter Adams rightly said, “Great photography is about depth of feeling, not depth of field.” Like music, I only appreciate photographs and videos that touch my heart and emanate emotions. For me, wedding photography and videography is about capturing the feelings of the couple, their families and friends during the various celebrations. The pre-wedding ceremonies are all about preparing for the big day with excitement, joy and the right amount of craziness. The Jaimala and the Pheras are very pious and pure moments when two souls accept each other and pledge a lifetime of togetherness. The onus of capturing these emotions with the right depth of feelings rests with the photographers.

through the Over the last decade, the Indian wedding photography industry has evolved to move from ‘poses’ to ‘people’. A handful of photographers have successfully transitioned further from ‘people’ to ‘feelings’. I interacted with celebrated lensmen - William Lambelet, André Wygledacz, Badal Jain & Rajesh Gupta to understand their views about photography and the growth of the industry. I hope you will enjoy a peep into their minds.

SIMI BANGA EDITOR

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We are thankful to Photologi for the international photographers William Lambelet & André Wygledacz

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William Lambelet

WHAT DREW YOU TOWARDS INDIAN WEDDINGS? William Lambelet: The richness of the culture. The number of ceremonies and customs are crazy. Each custom has a strong sense in the Indian tradition. My photography is based on emphasizing the meaning of the picture which is why Indian weddings attract me and feed my photography so much. WHAT SURPRISES YOU ABOUT INDIAN WEDDINGS? André Wygledacz: So many things! First, there is a very strong attachment to spiritual and religious traditions. It’s difficult to imagine how the traditions punctuate the wedding, all day long. Second, the number of guests is mesmerizing! Here in France, a big wedding is around 300 guests, while in India, the guest list can range between 800 and 2000. There are many photographers and videographers covering the wedding. This is very challenging in the beginning. But it quickly turns into a funny game and you find yourself trying to push your way through the crowd to get a picture. But, that’s one part of the wedding you have to accept as a foreigner. For me, it fuelled the motivation to find another point of view, a pretext to look for a unique angle. Last but not the least, in an Indian wedding, all your senses are awakened. So many sounds, songs, noises, smell, colors, and tastes are really impressive. IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PHOTO SHOOTS OF INDIAN WEDDINGS AND OTHER WEDDINGS? William Lambelet: I think it’s a big mistake to approach Indian weddings differently than the others. The goal is always the same, capturing the scenes, the human connections and the love. But it’s very important to know the culture to understand what is happening.This is a big difference. For example,if you don’t know that the Dad is crying because the bride will leave the family home, you cannot understand the sense of the connection between them. 152

F E AT U R E William Lambelet

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OR STRUGGLES TO ADDRESS CULTURAL AND RELIGIOUS NUANCES IN THE INDIAN WEDDINGS? André Wygledacz: As a documentary wedding photographer, I need to faithfully transpose what I see in my work and my imagery. To achieve that, I need to understand what’s going on in front of my camera. There are so many different prayers, customs or rituals; it’s sometimes hard to get what is happening, even after asking the local photographers or guests for some explanations. You have to be very attentive to the scene and people’s actions and reactions, just to be sure you don’t miss a moment, an important spiritual or religious sign. Also, sometimes you’re not sure how to behave, but that’s a concern with every foreign culture. I try to be respectful, and in some situations, it can limit my movements.

William Lambelet

This is very challenging in the beginning. But it quickly turns into a funny game and you find yourself trying to push your way through the crowd to get a picture. But, that’s one part of the wedding you have to accept as a foreigner.

WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE TO WEDDING PLANNERS IN INDIA TO ACHIEVE MORE FROM THE PHOTOGRAPHER? William Lambelet: First, it’s very important to choose a good photographer considering your needs and desires. Each photographer has his own skills and styles. For example, some will be good for candid shots while some others may excel with posed pictures. It doesn’t make sense to ask a good documentary wedding photographer to do a lot of posed pictures. Second, it is important to trust your photographer. If you let a good photographer do his job freely, he’ll be more creative, and you’ll be satisfied with the amazing work. André Wygledacz

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WHAT INTERNATIONAL TRENDS IN WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY DO YOU FEEL WILL ALSO BE WITNESSED IN INDIAN WEDDINGS IN THE FUTURE? André Wygledacz: Personally, I hope that Indian weddings preserve their identity, their differences, and their singularity. Unfortunately, weddings in western countries are getting standardized because of “trends”, and slowly losing their souls. Of course, the story is the same all around the globe, people celebrating the union of two lovers. But, I feel that the Indian culture is the main “guest” of the wedding. To conform to international trends would certainly be a loss for all those beautiful and meaningful Indian traditions. Can you share some memorable moments of covering an Indian wedding? William Lambelet: Six years ago, I photographed my first wedding in India. This wedding was spread across five days. The family understood my philosophy on wedding photography and proposed that I live with them during those 5 days. I had the opportunity to photograph all what I want. For example, at the last minute, at 6 AM the morning, the family decided to go in front of the Ganges to pray for the bride and groom. Even if this moment was not a highlight of the wedding, I believe the pictures I shot were important in the wedding story. It was a crazy and strong experience for me. After that, I understood that all the moments from the beginning to the end make the real story of the wedding.

You have to be very attentive to the scene and people’s actions and reactions, just to be sure you don’t miss a moment, an important spiritual or religious sign. Also, sometimes you’re not sure how to behave, but that’s a concern with every foreign culture. I try to be respectful, and in some situations, it can limit my movements.

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Badal Jain

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO JOIN THE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY INDUSTRY, AND WHAT MESSAGE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS? Badal Jain: I was jobless and joining the wedding photography industry was a question of survival.So, it was my circumstances that inspired me in a way. Apart from the technical knowledge, the key is to question yourself on whether you would be happy shooting weddings every season, every year, years after years. If the answer is a bold YES then you will shine sooner or later. I realised very soon that I had a calling for people and emotions even more than for my camera. I discovered that shooting weddings is the purpose of my life! I have been shooting weddings since 1999 with Ms. Mandira Bedi, being my first bride.And, even after 20 years I am enjoying every aspect of filming a wedding. Key lessons for aspirants of this industry are listen, observe, learn, create, and grow.But, most importantly have a heart filled with love. Love your family, love your job, love music, love people and you are in the heaven already. Why look beyond?

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HOW DO YOU BALANCE THE CULTURAL ESSENCE AND THE MILLENIAL OUTLOOK DURING YOUR SHOOTS? Badal Jain: Weddings are a true reflection of the ideologies of the respective families. As wedding photographer or film makers, we should be able to translate these ideologies without any added flavour. I have witnessed a sea change in the way wedding films are being packaged, just the way the Indian film industry has evolved in the last two decades. But truth be told, the beauty still lies in the emotional journey of the entire family during the biggest event of their lives. There is infinite love all around you, all the time, and all you need to do is to make a conscious effort of feeling it with them, and rest will just flow. If you have strong feelings about something, they will manifest on your face and the rest will come automatically from within. WHAT TRENDS DO YOU THINK WILL STAND OUT IN THE COMING YEAR IN THE INDUSTRY? Badal Jain: I am sorry, but I do not believe in trends. TIPS ON HOW WEDDING PLANNERS IN INDIA CAN ACHIEVE MORE FROM THE PHOTOGRAPHERS? Badal Jain: Interfere least

My audience loves to see ordinary frames that get translated emotionally into visuals. Most of my brownie points come from my Drone captures.

EACH PHOTOGRAPHER IS KNOWN FOR HIS OWN UNIQUE STYLE. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF PHOTOPGRAPHY? Rajesh Gupta: I never stick to a defined style. I am a constant learner and try to reinvent myself very time I create a frame.I like narrating visual stories with a series of images and one liners when it comes to still pictures.While shooting films and videos as a cinematographer, I keep it more abstract and focus on mundane things of life which we generally ignore or donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay much attention to. Attention to details is the key. People tell me that they like my candid portraits, especially the black and white ones. They often tell me that my portraits are very honest, and make them feel special. My audience loves to see ordinary frames that get translated emotionally into visuals. Most of my brownie points come from my Drone captures.

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Rajesh Gupta

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WHAT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY TRENDS DO YOU EXPECT WILL STAND OUT IN THE COMING YEAR? Rajesh Gupta: The transformation from analog to digital is almost in its final stage. The new gen is spending a lot of time on screen. They are extremely aware of their wants, fast learners and want faster turn arounds.The videos/films will get shorter. Telling a story in less than 30 seconds is going to be a major trend, and particularly challenging. The wedding videos will become shorter and crisp. We will need to shoot and share directly to the clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;mobile devices in real-time. For still photography, people will start reinvesting in archival prints and smaller coffee table books.

EVERY BRIDE AND GROOM WANT TO SHARE THEIR STORIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA. HOW DO YOU SATISFY THIS NEED? Rajesh Gupta: Social media ushered in a powerful change in our work. We knew it much before others realised.I was very active on Ryze, the social network which started in the year 2000. When Facebook and Instagram were launched, people were still hesitant and almost apprehensive to share their photos online. I started sharing my own stories, mostly behind the scenes of the shoot and my experiences with the couple and family. I had an edge over others, and that helped me describe and augment my photos. It was more like a daily journal. I was amazed to see the reception on social media, people used to wait for my one-liners and stories. Being a poet, I used to design custom posters and cards for special occasions, much before it became the ritual it is now. My clients know that they are going to get a handful of classy posters and cards from me as a bonus along with overnight edited teaser films and insta stories.

Rajesh Gupta

WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE TO WEDDING PLANNERS IN INDIA TO ACHIEVE MORE FROM PHOTOGRAPHERS? Rajesh Gupta: Wedding planners should consider photographers as a part of their team and vice versa. Wedding planners should include the photographers during recce of the venues and team meetings with the light designers and stage planners to prevent a lot of issues that occur during the shoot. The biggest difficulty photographers face is the lighting of the venues, especially when the clients are looking for mood and ambient lighting. Having a professional light designer in the team will enhance the production value for both the wedding planners and the photographers. The light designers or the photographers can pinpoint areas where face-light is required. This will enable photographers to take pictures without using additional umbrellas or disruptive LED lights. Most of the fancy entries of the bride and groom fail to be captured in the right way. If the photographers and wedding planners can walk through the venue an hour before the event, along with the couple, they can identify the problem areas to ensure a smooth experience for all.

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Sri Lanka? WHY VISIT SRI LANKA?

Sri Lanka’s weather is dictated by two key monsoon seasons and, because they alternate, the island can be seen as an allyear round holiday destination. Nestling on the southern tip of India between the Bay of Bengal and the Laccadive Sea, is the tropical island of Sri Lanka. It is the 25th largest island in the world and comes with a coastline hemmed with palm trees as far as the eye can see. Combined with temperatures that hover around 27°C (80°F) all year round thanks to its close proximity to the Equator, Sri Lanka has much to offer thalassophiles and sun worshippers – when it is not raining. So when you need less than a day to travel from one end of the country to the other and yet, you’re able to dabble in at least 25 different activities, many more terrains, that will make you go wow, you know you’ve come to the right place. 162

D E S T I N A T I O FNE FAO TU CU R ES

The gentle swell of the Indian Ocean provides excellent opportunities for surfing, diving, jet skiing, sailing and numerous other water sports. Arugam Bay on the East Coast is a popular surf destination with an annual international event bringing down many pro-surfers from around the world.

SO MAJESTIC, SO GRAND The best way to catch a glimpse of wildlife and nature is from the country’s National Parks; home to 92 types of mammals (16 endemic) such as the elephant, leopard, sloth bear, sambur, spotted dear, mouse and barking deer, porcupine, ant-eater, civet cat, giant squirrel, and monkeys; macaque, purple-faced leaf monkey and grey langur. With 12 National Parks and 52 Sanctuaries that account for 12% of Sri Lanka’s land area, Sri Lanka is truly a startling multiplicity of physical features and wildlife. Regardless of what your interests may be, book a tour around our National Parks and witness a variety of wildlife from one part of the country to the other. SO DARING, SO ADVENTUROUS Whether you want to go scuba-diving in the

ocean or trek across the midlands, you can do it all right here in a day, where you are offered a variety of adventure thrills from exhilarating sports to relaxing activities in every part of the country. An adventure enthusiast’s haven, Sri Lanka is the perfect year-round location for all your quests with the best topography and climate. One of the most exciting ways to discover spectacular scenery down a mighty river is through white water rafting. Experience killer falls and chilling rapids over frothy-white icy waters in Kitulgala, Sitawaka Ganga and Kotmale Ganga. With two monsoons a year, these are the wettest parts of the country. Dial up adrenaline when you ride the mighty rivers and cool off with a leap from the rocks into the freshest water you will find. With a 103 rivers, lagoons, reservoirs, swamps and ancient canals - the perfect

rafting, canoe and kayak trips await the curious you. If you relish the adrenaline rush when you’re in the water, we’ve got a lot more to offer. The gentle swell of the Indian Ocean provides excellent opportunities for surfing, diving, jet skiing, sailing and numerous other water sports. Arugam Bay on the East Coast is a popular surf destination with an annual international event bringing down many pro-surfers from around the world. SO SERENE, SO TRANQUIL We are a country with a complete sensory experience. Spirituality is always present in every Sri Lankan. Ayurveda is one of the connecting block to achieve healing with attention to the mind, body and soul. With the 3rd Century BC we saw the introduction into Ayurveda – the world’s oldest holistic and powerful mind and body healing systems. Before modern medicine 163

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In July and August, people celebrate the Katharagama, on of the rearest festival in the holy city of Katharagama bringing together Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and the Vedda people.

and scientific research entered the market, Ayurveda was the most sought-after healing experiences mankind had to offer. Hailing from ancient rituals and secrets to modern-day luxuries for the mind, body and soul - Sri Lanka is a blissful paradise with the oldest and most holistic medical system available in the world. At the heart of Ayurveda is the theory of the Tri Dosha or ‘Three Vital Forces’: Vata (wind), Pita (fire), Kapha (earth). A unique combination of these forces exists in each of us that helps define our nature. The idea is to get all three Doshas in harmony and equilibrium. SO FIERY, SO FASCINATING A country where celebration and culture collide, in a multi-ethnic community of people enjoying many holidays. A marriage of historical saga with cultural pageantry is born into colourful festivals of a diverse ethnic community; Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian. Beginning with January, every full moon is called a poya and is a public holiday for Buddhist religious observance. For the first full moon poya, ‘Duruthu Poya’, the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya or Kelani Temple hosts a (procession) to commemorate the symbolic event of the Buddha’s first three visits to Sri Lanka. The perehera is a fascination 164

of traditional dancers, drummers, whipcrackers, acrobats, and enrobed elephants. The most tourist-oriented festival is the Kandy Esala Perehera lasting over 10 days and climaxing on Esala Poya (late July to early August). As with the other pereheras, this too has the full entourage of entertainment with a majestic tusker carrying the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha for the people to venerate. April brings with it the Sri Lankan New Year (usually on the 13th and 14th) celebrated by all citizens at specific auspicious times to commemorate harvest thanksgiving. The New Year brings many traditional activities; a fire is lit, new clothes are worn, money is exchanged, the elders of the household apply oil on the head of each member and traditional games are played. A variety of festive food is also widely available to try out, allowing you to experience the New Year the Sri Lankan way. The Hindus celebrate Thai Pongal, the Hindu harvest festival and Deepavali, the festival of lights. Worshipping at the kovil (temple), intricate kolam patterns (creative motifs made from coloured rice), and illuminating one’s homes with little lamps and adornments are all part of the festivities. The Muslims follow the Islamic lunar

calendar and have three important festivals in Sri Lanka; Milad Un Nabi (Prophet Mohammed’s birthday), Id Ul Fitr (Ramadan) and Id Ul Adha (Hajj Festival). They recite special prayers, exchange gifts and prepare special dishes and sweets to share with everyone. In July and August, people celebrate the Katharagama festival in the holy city of Katharagama bringing together Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and the Vedda people. It is one of the rarest festivals involving many ethnicities humming with activities from pujas, offerings, and several devotions. Sri Lanka is an amazing wonderland, with its compactness, easy accessibility, with its unique blend of natural resources and cultural heritage. Sri Lanka has the potential of attracting Indian tourists since both nations share the same traditions, cultures and historical landmarks from the ancient times, and well connected and serviced by many airlines and cruise ships. Therefore, it is no surprise that Sri Lanka is a land full of magical wonders, since there are so many things to see and explore, and an amazing culture and heritage, which is a treat to any curious traveler who loves to do a bit of exploring and experiencing different cultures. So next time you plan a vacation, don’t forget to include Sri Lanka in your travel itinerary!

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E forYE CLASSIC

FLAIR

FOR contemporary

ROB VAN HEIDEN FLORAL DESIGNER

Originally from Holland, I was mesmerised by the beauty and expressionistic possibilities of flowers. On moving to the UK, some 37 years ago, I started a floristry out the back of my Estate car. Today, RVH Floral Design is synonymous with the best of international floristry – setting a standard for artistic accomplishment that is often copied but rarely attained. Our international reputation has been built on customer satisfaction and we still work mostly on recommendations. I am a perfectionist and effective artistic ethos. I believe in volume – in using large amounts of a particular kind of flower. I also like to add other elements like herbs, vegetables and fruits to create interest and give an extra dimension. Over the last 30 years plus, I have noticed that weddings in the UK have gone through various changes and trends from going ‘over the top’ to ‘less…is more’ with regard to the amount of flowers used, styles, and the use of props. Use of flowers, from cascading ‘floral waterfalls’ on tables and ‘hanging floral

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gardens’ above dance floors, is moving to the most opulent table centres and toneddown versions with more focus on props like plain crystal, silver, gold, distressed mirror, bronze or urbane chic‘Soho House’ look and feel. My outlook on creating or designing a wedding is always, “would I be happy if it was my own wedding?” Without a doubt, the biggest compliment is the reaction of the bride and groom, and their families, upon entering the venue; and the thank you letters received after the event. These days, we get reactions from guests on the social media. All this makes it worthwhile for us to plan the wedding, spend long hours preparing, installing, and clearing the floral décor to create a dream come true experience. The RVH Team is truly blessed to have been involved in creating and designing weddings, parties and celebrations all over the world. We have been a part of over 30 weddings in India as well as parties, weddings and other celebrations in Mexico, Los Angeles, Tokyo, New York, Maldives, Doha, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and all over Europe. Whether for celebrities or royalty, we still pinch ourselves everyday to be involved

These days we are lucky enough to see many reactions on social media of guests attending and all this makes it worthwhile, all the planning, long hours of preparing, installing and clearing of having a dream come true...

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in bringing happiness to all our clients; and we treat them with respect and admiration for allowing us to be a part of their special day. We look back with much pride and gratitude of having been asked by HRH Princess Eugenie of York and Mr Jack Brooks bank to be a part of their special day, back in October 2018. They were an absolute pleasure to work with. With their inputs and enthusiasm, we brought their dream to life by creating an autumnal, seasonal ‘rich coloured’ theme that included trees, seasonal flowers and foliage’s obtained with HM The Queen’s permission from the grounds of Windsor Gardens. As for working with celebrities, many have become firm friends over the last

33 years; and most like to be treated as normal. Discretion and respect are the most important parts of dealing with royalty, celebrities, and all our clientele. There are many highlights in my career, including, being part of the 90thbirthday celebrations of the Late Nelson Mandela; the civil partnership, wedding and annual White Tie and Tiara parties for Sir Elton John and David Furnish and their incredible charity ‘Elton John Aids Foundation; the wedding of Pierce Brosnan and Keely; the wedding of Elizabeth Hurley and Arun Nayar; parties for David and Victoria Beckham; weddings for various footballers such as John Terry;the wedding of Peter Crouch and Abbey Clancy; wedding of David Schwimmer; the wedding of Crown Prince

There are many highlights in my career, to name a few... being part of the 90th birthday celebrations of the Late Nelson Mandela, the civil partnership, wedding and annual White Tie and Tiara parties for Sir Elton John. . . .

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Contrary to what people expect from certain celebrities I have found dealing with them on many occasions be easier than expected as long as you listen, respect and deliver.

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Still, after so many years I enjoy going to the New Covent Garden Flower Market at leave 5 or 6 mornings a week to see the availability, quality and to keep up with the latest flower types.

and Princess Pavlos of Greece; Frank and Christine Lampard’s wedding; Claudia Schiffer’s wedding, Princess Margaret’s 70th birthday and funeral, and the wedding of Elvis Costello and Diana Krall. Contrary to what people expect, I have found dealing with celebrities to be easier than expected as long as you listen, respect and deliver. Having been involved in so many amazing projects and the publicity that comes with it has kept us going to keep bettering ourselves and to keep going in this luxury world of flowers as it has become. Not one day do we take anything for granted

and still work as hard as when we started over 30 years ago.Still, after so many years I enjoy going to the New Covent Garden Flower Market atleast5 or 6 mornings a week to see the availability, quality and to keep up with the latest flower types. I find it SO important that when you go on a ‘journey’ of creating a party or wedding for clients you are present from the beginning to the end. It’s your name they pay for at the end of the day. I have been truly blessed to be working with my sister, Patrice, who joined me from Holland, and a team of very talented and loyal full time and freelance people

that have been with us for many years. At the end of the day it’s all about teamwork and taking challenges together, as these days, there are so many ‘new kids on the block’. All in all, it has been an amazing journey for me. Arriving in the UK from Holland 37 years ago, not sure of what I wanted to be or do, with a passion for flowers – as my 5 siblings and I were brought up in a home full of flowers, helping out our local village flower shop with cleaning flowers, floors, and deliveries. Who would have thought where that passion would take me? Forever grateful...forever flowering 173

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MADHU NEOTIA

I N I T I AT O R I N D I A S T O R Y & WEDDING DIARIES

Installation by Klove at The India Story 2017

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The India Story was conceptualized as a curated showcase to bring together the finest design minds of the country. The vision of The India Story had always been nurtured as a vision by the initiator, Mrs Madhu Neotia as a platform that would promote indigenous talents and products in a manner that unites the established craftsmen and newer voices. Since its inception in 2015, The India Story has evolved as the most sought after design destination in eastern India, with Kolkata as its epicenter. In a manner that offers guests the unique opportunity to explore several labels and appreciate diverse talents at the same time and in the same place.

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Performance by Astad Deboo at The India Story

The Neotia Arts Trust introduced The India Story in 2015 to generate a space dedicated to Indian design and make art and design accessible to all. In the last four years The India Story has grown to imbibe various elements of design and creativity within its folds to make the event a richer experience every year. It has successfully promoted and encouraged the works of designers, producers, master craftsmen, musicians, culinary experts, artists and performers. The India Story has evolved as one of the most significant events in the city’s winter calendar. The fifth edition of The India Story will be held in Swabhumi, Kolkata on the 20th, 21st and 22nd December, 2019.

Installation by Narayan Sinha at The India Story 2015

Over the last four years The India Story has grown as an immensely popular event, with footfalls reaching up to 70,000 people. The event has also secured a noteworthy media presence in all these years and has seen the association of iconic artists and designers like Sanjay Garg, Abraham Thakore, Pero, Naushad Ali, Bandana Jain, Gunjan Gupta and Lekha Washington among others. The India Story is perhaps the only annual event, which addresses the multiple verticals – fashion, lifestyle, food, art and installations, music and performances. The India Story has hosted some of the most popular performances in the city including Raghu Dixit, Parekh and Singh, Prateek Kuhad and Kanan Gill among others. In 2018 The India Story introduced an innovative art initiative through the Art Exhibit. The Art Exhibit was conceptualized as a platform for fresh and upcoming artists across media like sculpture, photography, paintings, sketches and posters among others.

The India Story is perhaps the only annual event, which addresses the multiple verticals – fashion, lifestyle, food, art and installations, music and performances.

WEDDING DIARIES Acknowledging the grandeur of Indian weddings, The India Story wished to dedicate an exclusive event that would celebrate the multifarious aspects of Indian weddings at its finest. Wedding 177

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Diaries was introduced as a special subsidiary event of The India Story in September 2018. The second edition of Wedding Diaries will be held on 31st August and 1stSeptember, 2019 at Swabhumi in Kolkata. Like The India Story, Wedding Diaries also grew with the space at Swabhumi. The regal Edwardian architecture of the banquets that hosted Wedding Diaries recreated an element of vintage splendor that charmed the guests and participants alike. The inimitable line up of designers and events during the course of Wedding Diaries made it a striking affair with the finest of Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design stars descending to celebrate the best of weddings in Kolkata! The array of emotions that every wedding unfurls has been the most inspiring presence in planning and curating Wedding

The Elephant Parade at The India Story 2017

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The event also strikes a special note with Kolkata, given the strategic location of the city. Kolkata has always been the chosen destination for wedding shopping from neighboring states like Jharkhand, Bihar and for shoppers from Bangladesh.

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Diaries. As such it was conceived as an event that could instill memories among participants and visitors alike. Wedding Diaries 2018 brought together designers like Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, Suneet Varma, Ritu Kumar, MaliniRamani, Birdhichand Ghanshyamdas Jaipur, Thakorlal Hiralal Jewellers, Raj Mahtani Couture Jewels and Rezon by Kalyani Chawla among others. Weddings are also an all-engaging event, which involves an array of services that range from fashion and accessories to food, hospitality, travel, styling and make up among others. Wedding Diaries has sought to create a platform that brings together the entire gamut of wedding related services under the same roof. The event also strikes a special note with Kolkata, given the strategic location of the city. Kolkata has always been the chosen destination for wedding shopping from neighboring states like Jharkhand, Bihar and for shoppers from Bangladesh. The introduction of Wedding Diaries emerges as a design hub, which creates an opportunity of engagement between clients and designers. In course of planning for Wedding Diaries, we realized the enormous wastage of food that accompanies weddings in these times. It is this awareness the Wedding Diaries 2018 sought to create and promote with the help of the not-for-profit organization, Feeding India, which delivers the surplus food from weddings to the hungry and needy in cities across India. RAAJKUTIR WEDDINGS Raajkutir is not just a hotel but the extension of a culture soaked in the magnificence of the bygone zamindari era, blending with the elegance of the colonial heritage of pre-independence Bengal. The architectural genius of the property is expedient for the global traveler and complete with contemporary amenities including a twenty-four hour dining restaurant, spa, shopping cloister and craftsmen gallery. Every corner of the hotel breathes nostalgia, memories and inspiring awein guests. The different venues in Raajkutir offer the ideal setting to plan the perfectly memorable wedding. Raasmanch is a 1200 square feet lavish banquet that exudes pure splendor, designed in the vintage theme of the era of the Maharajas and zamindars in Bengal. A piece of dexterity,

Raasmanch depicts the essence the Zamindari era and brings out the majesty of the British culture that is aptly fashioned to add charisma to weddings and high profile parties. Rang Durbaar, is an experience amidst nature. An exquisite wedding banquet, set up under the skies, emitting the natural fragrance of flowers it is an outdoor banquet where heavens bear witness to a new journey. The Swig is engineered around colonial feel, carrying the old world charm of the British era in Bengal. With a facade adorned with wine goblets and decanters all along, Swig is an absolute visual delight. Inia affords a heightened sense of well-being, relieving the stress and restoring vitality, with the ancient techniques and treatments that were regnant in old Bengal. It is well equipped with the vast range of premium brands of herbal and beauty product, as per the requirement of a particular skin type and brand preference. The knife edged pool provides the much needed water therapy, which is a unique feature of the property. So when it comes to reviving one’s senses in a kingly fashion, swoop into the aromatic aqua-pura and imbibe the vitality of pure nature. When love for fresh bakes reaches its peak, its Loafer’s Café at Raajkutir that shall satiates one’s cravings. The premium bakery, is a rare piece of nostalgia, which takes one through the streets of London, with each bite. The taste palate get perfect cozy with the premium bakes, delis and deserts.

In course of planning for Wedding Diaries, we realized the enormous wastage of food that accompanies weddings in these times. It is this awareness the Wedding Diaries 2018 sought to create and promote with the help of the not-for-profit organization, Feeding India, which delivers the surplus food from weddings to the hungry and needy in cities across India.

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INSIDE THE MILLENNIAL

INSIGHTS AND TRENDS FROM THE MODERN INDIAN BRIDES

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VOICE OF CLIENT

For all the people in the industry wondering about what’s in the bride’s mind – for you we’ve got a valuable find. Revealing trends and patterns we’re seeing in the Indian wedding space, what brides really want and what will next take place! So read on to see what our study reveals – what’s trending and how the bride feels!

SHRAVANA SACHDEVA F o u n d e r, W i t t y Vo w s . c o m

UNIQUE WEDDING DESTINATIONS IT’S NOT A WEDDING – IT’S A PARTY

The modern Indian bride wants new unseen locations so her wedding is also the perfect vacation! Enter options like Naukuchiatal, Jaisalmer, Mussoorie, Auli and more – where the location itself rules over the décor!

The brides of today don’t want just a wedding for their big day, they simply want to let their hair down and rage away! Their interpretation of the wedding is to party like how, the ‘fun’ non ceremonial aspects are more popular than ever now!

MAKE ME A (VIRAL) BRIDE! Gone are the days when professionals were hired by how popular they are, brides today want vendors who can make HER popular! Enter Blogger brides who want their wedding to trend and use their vendor’s limelight just right! So their choice of professionals need to be such who can make their wedding seen in the right blogs and magazines!

SPEND MORE ON LESS

From more money on more things, to more money on less – that’s how the brides focus on only BIG highlights and make their wedding fab nonetheless!

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COORDINATED EVERYTHING Not just her own outfit, brides today want everything in sync, from her sisters to her décor right down to bae, she’ll be coordinating everything the right way!

CURRENTLY MAKING WAVES – THE TWO NEW BRIDAL CATEGORIES Two new categories to pay attention to are draping and hair. More brides are now detailing their look right to a different hairstylist. We’re seeing more variations in hair than ever before! Celebrity drapists too are new a category to watch out for!

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90S ARE BACK

From songs to themes - the 90s era is back it seems! Be it entries, dances, exits - these brides are definitely nostalgic about their 90’s movies and music. Family portraits, old school dolis, retro themed carnival-esque themed décor and family table settings are all here to stay too.

VOICE OF CLIENT

EVERY SIGNAGE IS DEFINITELY STILL A RAGE! From your nephews to the food, from the hampers to photo booths right down to the buffet and more – there MUST be a personalized signage for everything! These brides definitely want to leave a mark (pun intended!)

THE EXPERIMENTAL BRIDE

Gone are the days when the bride would only look to Bollywood for inspiration. These brides are inspired by Netflix shows, novels, popular characters and bold whimsical themes more than ever before.

THE WEDDING IS INTIMATE, MOMENTS ARE NOT From thousands of guests to just their mains – brides today want only ones who are close to celebrate with them. They’re no longer crafting guest lists just to fulfill obligations. In fact we’re seeing this group of besties involved in all the moments of celebrations - think group entries, flashmobs, and surprise dance offs!

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In the wake of being unique and different, wedding hosts and planners constantly struggle to explore new destinations and venues that can etch extraordinary experiences. While there are several options available in the World, they pose a lot of challenges such as travel, distances, costs, availability of rooms, ease of visas, access to Indian cuisine and above all the lack of basic understanding to host a Big Fat Indian Wedding. Jalesh Cruises, a brand of Zen Cruise, is Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first premium multi-destination cruise that addresses all the above problems and issues.

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abOard SAIL AWAY TO WEDDING CELEBRATIONS 24X7 ON BOARD THE LARGEST HOTEL IN THE COUNTRY.

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The cruise is an affordable, trendy, and romantic way to combine your nuptials, your honeymoon and a vacation for your guests. Besides being ultraromantic, getting married on a cruise takes away the stress of planning the traditional wedding in a conventional setting.

After the success of Dil Dhadakne Do, in which Ranvir Singh, Anoushka Sharma, Anil Kapoor and PC have a great big party, India opened up to the idea of hosting a wedding or a social celebration on a cruise. But,there was no cruise originating from India with India-specific itineraries. Voila! Jalesh Karnika debuted the Indian shores in April 2019. The beautiful cruise ship weighs about 70,285 GT, is 245m long, has 837 rooms, and can accommodate approximately 2,000 people. This makes it the largest hotel by room inventory in the country. With facilities like spa, pool, bars, casino, onboard entertainment, and shopping the cruise offers a full-fledged experience for a destination wedding. With the endless ocean as the backdrop, couples get a dream wedding location that is a lot more exciting than an island or a beach. Ever dreamt of sailing

in crystal clear waters that part to make a path for the cruise, inside which, you and your partner join hands to take the oath of being together for the rest of your lives. This unusual and beautiful setting is possible only with Cruise Weddings. The cruise is an affordable, trendy, and romantic way to combine your nuptials, your honeymoon and a vacation for your guests. Besides being ultra-romantic, getting married on a cruise takes away the stress of planning the traditional wedding in a conventional setting. Cruise weddings have been popular in other countries for quite some time. Now, with the rising needs of the Indian wedding industry, timings of Jalesh cruises could not have been better. Such weddings are starting to see the limelight in the Indian Ocean as many couples desire to wed in the tranquil atmosphere resonating the sounds of the sea. After the wedding 187

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With 24x7 F&B service, onboard entertainment, discotheque, theatre with a capacity of about 900 persons, and several other engagement ideas a cruise wedding definitely reduces significant costs of the location, venue, caterers, and entertainment.

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ceremonies, you get to relish the cruise, with adorable dolphins leaping from the sea, and the stars twinkling to make your honeymoon nights more romantic. “Indian weddings are very colourful. To create memories that sail forever we have curated unique experiences on board”, says Jurgen Bailom, President and CEO of Jalesh Cruises. He adds, “Having spent over three decades in the cruise industry and being a part of hundreds of events including weddings, we are here to give couples in India a unique destination for the most important day of their lives”. Is it expensive to host a wedding on the cruise? The answer to this million dollar question is that a cruise wedding could actually save you tons of

money. With 24x7 F&B service, onboard entertainment, discotheque, theatre with a capacity of about 900 persons, and several other engagement ideas a cruise wedding definitely reduces significant costs of the location, venue, caterers, and entertainment. When you celebrate your love onboard a cruise, you get the opportunity to stretch it out over the length of the cruise without the restrictions of leaving the city-based venues by 10 p.m. Not only can you party till dawn, your guests can also enjoy a great time in the casino or the spa without expecting to be entertained. You can celebrate at each port along the journey making it a truly unique celebration. Imagine cruising down to

ADVERTORIAL

Goa, celebrating on board, and having a nice white Nikki beach theme event on the shores of Goa. Ordinarily guests attend your wedding for a few hours. But,on the cruise, you have undivided time with your loved ones. The cruise is designed and customised for the Indian audience and for foreigners who wish to experience the flavour of Indian culture, food and hospitality. “Karnika, our maiden ship, exemplifies our dream to make the world a happy place. It is set to take you on an unparallel journey filled with numerous experiences that will leave you breathless and wanting for more”, says Mr. Bailom. “We realised early on that hosting a wedding on the cruise is a lot more creative

process.We onboarded Platinum Weddings World to take the concept to the wedding planners and clients”, says Mr.Rajiv Duggal, who has been instrumental in bringing Karnika to life in India. Whether its liaison work with port authorities to get your décor onboard, creating the dream theme, organizing a 3 tier chandelier cake, or having a celebrity artist to perform on board,our experts create a hassle free experience for our clients and wedding planners. “Planning a cruise wedding is different from hosting a wedding on the ground where anything can be arranged anytime.As we are sailing on a daily basis, setups have to be done while the cruise is on the move. This needs someone who understands

the cruise operations as well as the requirements of the wedding industry.We are very delighted to partner with Jalesh to offer the most unique destination for that special day”, says Sushil Wadhwa, Founder and CMD of Platinum Wedding World . With routes like Mumbai, Dubai, Madgaon, Diu, Goa, Mangalore, Kochi, Maldives, Colombo, Chennai, Vizag, Andaman, Thailand, Singapore, & Penang in the pipeline, Karnika surely seems to be the next choice of destination for your wedding. To know more about the Events & Weddings on cruise please reach out to Birju Gariba – CEO & Exec Dir – Platinum Weddings world on +9198202-20500, birju@platinumworld.net. 189

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WEDDINGS The most important day of your life should be unforgettable. From selecting a venue to planning the details and managing day-of logistics, Hyatt knows what you need to make your dreams come to life. From the sophisticated Park Hyatt hotels, inspiring Andaz hotels, serene Alila hotels, dramatic Grand Hyatt hotels to the energising Hyatt Regency hotels, eclectic Hyatt Centric hotels and friendly Hyatt Place hotels, Hyattâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 30 properties in India offer diverse and unique wedding experiences that perfectly suit your personal style.

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EVENT VENUES Versatile facilities, elegant event spaces and idyllic settings provide the perfect venue for pre-wedding, wedding and post wedding celebrations. Imagine a sunset cocktail overlooking the backwaters at Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty or an intimate dinner at the beautifully restored warrior fort, Alila Fort Bishangarh. FOOD & DRINK Impeccable weddings are elevated by world-class cuisine. Design your catering menu with the help of Hyatt chefs, whose limitless array of unique and diverse food & beverage offerings ensure that you and your guests have a truly extraordinary experience. Serve a sumptuous continental and Indian breakfast, treat your guests to an elaborate banquet complete with ice sculptures and gastronomic cuisine, or dream up the event with your own vision in mind. Choose from buffets, plated diners, live stations, and much more. Serving an array of specialties, ranging from regional cuisine to authentic Asian flavours and continental cuisine, you’ll find your wedding is complemented by stellar cuisine at Hyatt hotels in India. 192

Serving an array of specialties, ranging from regional cuisine to authentic Asian flavours and continental cuisine, you’ll find your wedding is complemented by stellar cuisine at Hyatt hotels in India.

ACCOMMODATION You want your wedding to be a memorable occasion for all involved. Stylish surroundings, contemporary accommodations, signature restaurants and locally inspired spas, ensure you and your guests have an enjoyable stay experience during your wedding celebrations. HONEYMOON OFFER Enjoy a romantic trip for two at one of Hyatt’s many exotic locations. When you celebrate your special day at Hyatt hotels or resort locations worldwide, earn free nights for your honeymoon. Visit hyatt. com for more information.

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Q&A WITH

MALHOTRA

MANISH MALHOTRA

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Weddings are integral part of the the culture anywhere in the world. In our country, its more so because weddings are huge and are being taken as a pride and a status symbol in the society.

A TRADITIONAL INDIAN WEDDING COMPRISES OF SEVERAL RITUALS, CEREMONIES AND CELEBRATORY FUNCTIONS. HOW DOES THE COUTURE DESIGN REQUIREMENT EVOLVE THROUGH THE FUNCTIONS DURING INDIAN WEDDINGS? Indian weddings are the most elaborate and fun of all. One can go from the most eclectic to sophisticated outfits across the various occasions during the wedding. For example, one can choose a lighter anarkali for Mehendi and choose a sober piece for the wedding day. For bachelorette, one can choose a very avant-garde gown and Sangeet could be maximalist and a very quirky outfit. What I like about today’s day and age is that people are more experimental and playful with no clear cut boundary of style. The same bride who chooses a very eccentric work for her pre-wedding celebrations goes for a muted light tone lehenga for her wedding. Everything exists today and this allows a designer to work with larger options. Couture is about finesse and craftsmanship, so be it an extensive gown or a simple outfit. Couture is something that is made with absolute attention, reflects quality and embraces your true personality. WHAT ARE THE STYLE TRENDS ASSOCIATED WITH THESE CELEBRATIONS THAT BRIDES AND GROOMS SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR IN 2019? Trends are passé. The wearer has taken the precedence. The theme, time of the year, occasion, location, etc. have come into play. This is an all-inclusive age and everything is existing today hence, people are not so trend specific.

What I like about today’s day and age is that people are more experimental and playful with no clear cut boundary of style. The same bride who chooses a very eccentric work for her pre-wedding celebrations goes for a muted light tone lehenga for her wedding.

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We are also extending into Wedding Décor, our latest project was the Isha Ambani Sangeet and we looking to amplify this wing of ours.

IT IS SAID THAT STYLE AND FASHION IS CYCLIC AND REPEATS ITSELF. IN 2019, WHAT STYLES OF THE PAST CAN BE EXPECTED TO BE IN VOGUE? Flat feathers have come back. Sheer and rich Velvets are my all-time favourite and that’s a mainstay. Intricate tonal embroidery, multicolour thread work, and pearl embroidery are some the fashion trends that have come back in full force in 2019. FROM WHERE DO YOU DRAW THE INSPIRATION TO DESIGN FOR A BRIDE? WHAT SHOULD BRIDES EXPECT FROM A MANISH MALHOTRA CREATION? A star-wattage look. Full of glamour and sensuousness. A Manish Malhotra bride is the one who doesn’t shy away, she doesn’t mind attention and loves being the focal point of the event. She wears her personality in true form.

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BESIDES COUTURE, HAVE YOU OR WOULD YOU LIKE TO APPLY YOUR DESIGN ACUMEN TO ANY OTHER ASPECT OF A WEDDING? We have already started our jewellery line Manish Malhotra Jewellery & partnered with Raniwala 1881. They are the best when it comes to the quality and have a very strong credibility and experience. We are also extending into Wedding Décor, our latest project was the Isha Ambani Sangeet and we looking to amplify this wing of ours. WHAT WILL BE YOUR ADVICE TO WEDDING PLANNERS WHO WISH TO DESIGN EXCLUSIVE WEDDINGS? Stick to the theme and have a complete attention to detail. You must not compromise on finesse and smaller details because that’s what makes the impact. For me, I love it all glamorous, like a fairy-tale wedding where bride and groom feel the most special on their biggest celebration day.

FOR MOMENTS T H AT W I L L TA K E YO U R

B R E AT H A W AY

World class luxury and warm hospitality await you in Oman. From signature spa treatments, gourmet meals and romantic getaways to breath taking natural beauty, rich culture and thrilling adventures, Oman promises one-of-a-kind experiences youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never forget.

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SHRAVANA SACHDEVA FOUNDER, WITTYVOWS.COM

Avantika Karan A SUPER PRETTY WEDDING THAT WAS ALL HEART

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where The Ahuja

Spotted by www.WittyVows.com

family farm, Oleander Farms

THEIR WEDDING STORY “I married my best friend on the 22nd of December. The two days of our wedding were the very best two days of our lives.”

WEDDING HIGHLIGHTS “From a traditional, genda themed mehendi, to a jewel toned sangeet on the first day which lead into an intimate, Haldi, a gorgeous lakeside, Bougainvillea wedding and ultimately a poolside reception under a canopy of fairy lights!”Another totally steal-worthy idea from this wedding is the hashtag photo printer that instantly printed out all the Photos guest’s hashtagged!! Imagine pretty instant wedding pictures to go! Now that’s the perfect keepsake. The couple stole the show particularly when the bride sang, in the valley her gorgeous voice rang!

Just Another totally steal-worthy idea from this wedding is the hashtag photo printer that instantly printed out all the Photos guest’s hashtagged!! Imagine pretty instant wedding pictures to go! Now that’s the perfect keepsake. 199

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TIPS FROM THE COUPLE

We wanted our wedding to reflect who we are and where we come from. In the months leading up to the day, my mother, mother in law and I worked very hard on pulling together vendors who understood our vision and we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have chosen better. Vendors are the backbone of a wedding so you must spend time choosing those who understand and identify with your style. After months of planning through references from pinterest, random photographs from instagram and sticking to concepts and themes that i knew resonated with my husband and i and our families, we finally pulled off the most breathtakingly.

CHECKLIST Guests: 200

Photography: Ram Balmur Videography: The House on The Clouds Decor: Altair Decor Planners: The Doli Diary Wedding #: AvantiKaShaadi Makeup Artist: Urmi Kaur & Reshma Merchant Bridal Outfits: Amreen Sandhu Groomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Outfits: Shiraz

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FLAWLESS SERVICE IN ISTANBUL'S MOST ELEGANT HOTEL FOR A TRULY UNFORGETTABLE WEDDING.. For decades the centerpiece of one of Istanbul's most sophisticated and exclusive districts, The Grand Tarabya offers couples dreaming of a fairytale wedding and unforgettable experience full of memories they will treasure forever.

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Prachi Dev

A SUPER PRETTY WEDDING THAT WAS ALL HEART

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where Udaipur

Spotted by www.WittyVows.com We coincidentally met my first weekend back and hit it off immediately. We then started catching up for lunches, dinners & post work gym sessions and the rest became history :)

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THEIR WEDDING STORY

“To keep it short & sweet, I think we were destined to meet. Our mutual connections go back over a decade and despite having brushed shoulders and almost crossing paths on numerous occasions, we coincidentally met in Singapore when the time was just right. Had it been any sooner or later, maybe we wouldn’t be here today. Dev is from Sydney and I am from Singapore - he had moved over to Singapore for work in early 2014 and I moved back from London to Singapore towards the end of 2014. He had heard about me through mutual friends and was looking for a chance to meet but somehow it never happened until I officially moved back. We coincidentally met my first weekend back and hit it off immediately. We then started catching up for lunches, dinners & post work gym sessions and the rest became history :)

CHECKLIST

Photography: WeddingNama Planners: Percept Ice

Decor: CommeSogno Vero

F&B: The Kitchen Art Company

Bartending: Drinq by Flaming Trio DJ: DJ AJ

Percussionist: Tarang Singhal Saxophone: Ryan Sadri

Choreography: Singapore & Sydney: Neha Josi & Saher Rida Hashmi. Gandhidham: Vijay Bhakta & Aisha Bhanushali

Make Up Artists: Bianca Lauzado, Kabir Krishan Kumar, Ansh Bakshi Bridal Mehendi: Anju Hingna

Thank You Gifts & Other Personalised Gifts: The Initial Studio Invites: The Murphy Studio

Salon Set Up & Guest Mehendi: Gouri’s Makeover & Style Studio, Udaipur

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TIMELESS ELEGANCE ANCHORED ON THE BOSPHORUS An eclectic fusion of Asian hospitality and Turkish heritage awaits you on the shores of Bosphorus where East meets West. Drawing insiparation from Asian heritage and Bosphorusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beauty, Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul provides a soothing, harmonious and serene environment enabling you to find your peaceful home away from home.

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WEDDING HIGHLIGHTS

Their wedding was an amalgamation of love, culture, religion & personalities. Dev’s father is Christian and his mother is Hindu - so we got to see two beautiful weddings to show the best of both cultures. Our favourite from this wedding was their butterfly mehendi that’s one of the most detailed events we saw this year!

TIPS FROM THE COUPLE Keep everything else very tasteful, classy and minimal. The main motto at our wedding was “make it the BEST party ever!!”

VENUES

Welcome Dinner: The Square Terrace, Chunda Palace, Udaipur Mehendi: Theme Deck Lawns, Trident, Udaipur Sangeet: Zenana Mahal, City Palace, Udaipur

Christian Wedding: Theme Deck Lawns, Trident, Udaipur Hindu Wedding: Jag Mandir, Udaipur BRIDAL & GROOM OUTFITS:

Mata Ki Chowki: Bride Monika Nidhii | Groom Shantanu & Nikhil Shagun: Bride Arpita Mehta

Welcome Dinner: Bride Amit Aggarwal | Groom Scabal

Mehendi: Bride Papa Don’t Preach | Groom Sabyasachi and Project Bandi Sangeet: Bride Sabyasachi | Groom Shantanu & Nikhil Christian Wedding: Bride Karen Willis Holmes | Groom Holland & Sherry and Ariston

Hindu Wedding: Bride - Sabyasachi | Groom - Sabyasachi

Reception: Bride - Amit Aggarwal | Groom - Shantanu & Nikhil

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It’s just not about a

WEDDING I N V I TAT I O N

A wedding invitation is the first peek into the wedding day; it is the beginning of everything. Two decades ago, an invitation was merely a summary of facts and figures, though reading like a paragraph with the names, families, dates, venues and time in swift order. Every invite seemed to be cut from the same cloth, literally peas in a pod, without a distinctive voice and personality.

SURAKSHA & YOGESH GAJWANI FOUNDERS YS DESIGN STUDIO

“It isn’t about finding yourself. It is about creating yourself.” GEORGE BERNHARD SHAW

GUEST COLUMN European vintage with decadent Indian kitsch set against a checked pattern brought alive the brand icons– a vintage dragonfly flying an imperial crown; a peacock resting on a Louis XV gilded crystal chandelier; a Victorian dancer matching her steps to Indian musicians and so on. Today, it is so much more. It has come to signify an aspirational as well as inspirational story, by seducing the shape, colour and tone to strike an emotional chord, creating a lasting impression. It is a gist of all emotions experienced by the couple, which they’d like to share with their guests, creating an imaginary experience, even before one has attended the celebrations. Almost like narrating a story about their lineage, culture and aspirations without them having to speak about it. It is a silent, yet true graphic expression of their internal realities and identity and also the way they want to be perceived by their audience – the guests. Arielle Jackson, founder and Google veteran explains

this with great clarity through a diagram of two intersecting circles, where in one circle, you have the cultural background, while the other is how you want to be positioned, and the intersection of the two is the ‘big ideal’ – the brain of the operation, which we call wedding branding. Yes, branding though relatively new to the world of weddings, has finally found its way in its midst and is one of the most crucial steps that go into shaping a wedding invite and more importantly, the wedding narrative. A wedding brand is like an agenda, it creates the look and theme of the entire wedding using experiences, stories and interests. While the logo is the visual signpost, the wedding invitation becomes the

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The logo for this Malta wedding had Malta’s national bird – the dainty Blue Rock Thrush and its pinkish-purple national flower – the Maltese Centaury placed against a Maltese ceramic. The Blue Rock Thrush bird makes an appearance throughout – in one swinging on a pomegranate branch, on a vintage lantern in another, on a floral cord in one, and on the street lantern – to carry forward the logo poetically.

It is a metaphorical story that connects with something very deep – a fundamental appreciation of mythology. Stories create the emotional context people need to locate themselves in a larger experience.”SCOTT BEDBURY

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GUEST COLUMN introduction to your branding story. It defines how the wedding has been envisaged – Will it be rustic and intimate? Or traditional Indian infused with mythology? Or with the exuberance of Rococo? Or an understated classic Renaissance? Or modern Art Deco inspired? And so on. Today we spend oodles of hours with the bride or groom, to work out the kinks and quirks of the wedding brand story. With the intent to get a drift of their personality and expectations, we follow the same thinking track while designing a brand manual for a corporate. An oral questionnaire is put across to them in a non-corporate language that sums up the brief. Right from their taste in fashion and its brands, visual arts and architecture and their styles and periods, their preferred colour palette, etc. to their family background and ancestry, any aversions and superstitions, choice of venues and even their guestlist! Then of course the vision of the wedding is the grand finale question. After which we evaluate, identify, map out and articulate what it stands for – to become highly visible, memorable and most importantly relatable. Remember there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to this. Thereafter the nitty gritty of the logo, design, colour, mood board, and so on are formulated. Sometimes for beachy destination weddings, the brand story has a feel of a sketch rendered in watercolour and comes into being employing various intrinsic characteristics and vibe of that place. Averse to royal crests with the couple’s initials, most of our branding runs successfully without it. We rather create a visual script in our design, that has the fluidity and flexibility to function as the wedding logo, as well as its brand

story and the invitation. Portions of the design or certain elements operate on a different level as the logo and the narrative. Sometimes several dynamic and flexible features are added to bring in variety and adventure to the it. The final game plan is to give a consistent experience in every communication, by ensuring that the perception and experience stays unfluctuating across all brand touchstones. You have hit gold, if your wedding brand assumes all the multiple roles – logo, invitation, wedding concept & story, collaterals and even décor!

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ICWF

O EUR PE The International Convention of the Wedding Fraternity (ICWF) Europe was held from 3 -5 June 2018 at Ciragan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul. About 300 delegates comprising of senior level management and business owners from 20 countries attended the convention and B2B meetings.

DUYGU KUSKULU MANAGING DIRECTOR C RY S TA L C O N C E P T S D M C

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2018

Entitled â&#x20AC;&#x153;ICWF Europeâ&#x20AC;?, the aim of the convention was to bring together the great minds of the wedding industry to Istanbul to share the knowledge, experience, assistance, information and guidance amongst the wedding community. The convention has been organised in India since the last 6 years.In 2018, ICWF opened doors to Europe for its maiden international edition in the historic city of Istanbul. ICWF Europe provided an opportunity for the wedding industry to explore Istanbul as an accessible venue for destination weddings. It was an energetic and mind enriching three days in Istanbul. The convention brought together the best stalwarts and the aspirants who are trying to find their foothold in the blossoming and booming wedding industry.

F E AT U R E

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When you put the word authentic in front of experience, you have something unique that stands out from the crowd. When you dream big, you will get big results.

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MEANINGFUL CONTENT Europe is acustomed to B2B business conventions. Delegates highly appreciated that ICWF Europe took a postive stride in supplementing the B2B dynamics by focusing on meaningful content delivered by stalwarts of the industry. More than 25 global thought leaders from the wedding industry shared their perspectives and provided a rich perspective of the new trends.The topics of the sessions and the stories shared by the most innovative members of the industry were priceless experiences for the delegates. Duygu Kuskulu, Managing Director of Crystal Concepts, welcomed delegates to the first edition of ICWF Europe. Samit Garg, Board Member of ICWF, shared that the committee members of ICWF choose Istanbul for the first Europe Chapter to create awareness among people about the city, cultural similarities, the attractive locations, and to bridge the gap between the two continents in an experiential manner. Colin Cowie, all-encompassing wedding and event planner, said in his keynote speech,“Our world is over assorted in all areas. We don’t need another product, service or hospitality provider, or party planner. Additionally, experience is an overused word in this business. When you put the word authentic in front of experience, you have something unique that stands out from the crowd. When you dream big, you will get big results. It costs nothing and will shape every creative decision you need to make.”Cowie also emphasized his unique approach to design called ‘DNA + Five Senses’. When you look through five senses, seasons and time, there are opportunities for wedding planners to engage customers in a meaningful way. He concluded on the note that great style comes from ruthless editing. Timing is everything in the wedding industry. The planning team should do as much as they can before arriving on the site. Scheduling and assigning tasks to individuals and regrouping for daily adjustments are very

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We India is not the largest wedding market at 36 billion dollars.The largest wedding market is still the USA with 64 billion dollars spent on weddings every year.

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Design is shaking the world. It is the time of uncertainty, and unpredictability is the new norm. Customers are looking for stories, emotion, cause and reason rather than objects.

important rules to manage the process on time. When your team is well informed and communicated, your event will run like clockwork. Samit Garg, Co-Founder and Director of E factor, talked about impressive facts that even the people in the wedding industry were not aware of. The size of the wedding business globally is more than 300 billion dollars. It is now a significantly influential business with unimaginable mathematics. Contrary to popular perceptions, India is

especially for wedding events. Vijay Arora, Director of Touchwood Group, dwelled upon the challenges of organising weddings in different countries and shared that for couples choosing a location for their destination wedding the three important factors are accessibility, communication with the hotel, and visa requirements. Sushil Shamlal Wadhwa, Founder & CMD of Platinum World Group, shared that families not the largest wedding market at 36 billion prefer a destination for weddings based on dollars.The largest wedding market is still budget, availability, season, and social media the USA with 64 billion dollars spent on impact. weddings every year. Sumant, Owner of Sumant Jayakrishnan During the ‘In-focus’ panel discussion Design, spoke about pragmatic scenography MeltemTepeler, President of International and how to make dream days happen. Live Events Association, Lesley Fair,CoHe shared his technique of creating the Founder of Custard Communications, and ‘list of favourite things’ and suggested Bonita Carr, Career Advisor of Academy that wedding planners should apply four of Wedding and Event Planning, spoke elements in their work ‘harmony, contrast, on the broader context of events and the rhythm and lightning the design’. The rules importance of effective communication, that Jayakrishnan applies to every single 217

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ICWF Europe gave an opportunity to the wedding planners and designers for face-to-face interactions with a wide range of exclusive vendors, from all over the world, paving the way for future collaborations.

event are â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;transforming time and space, collaboration and a search for a narratorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Tomas de Bruyne, CEO of Floral Experiences Worldwide, emphasised that design needs meaning and the meaning is provided by the client. It is not just about looking good. Besides the meaning of the design, it has to be functional and generate emotions. According to Anamika Khanna, a famous fashion designer, design is shaking the world. It is the time of uncertainty, and unpredictability is the new norm.Customers are looking for stories, emotion, cause and reason rather than objects.

In his speech, Baris YalcÄąnkaya emphasized how centennials behave differently from millennials in terms of social media usage preferences, personality and character differences that lie in their social network. Brands have realized that lumping these generations together is a mistake. Even though both groups are digital natives, centennials have never known life without social networks or the Internet, and this impacts the way they live and consume. B2B MEETINGS ICWF Europe gave an opportunity to the wedding planners and designers for face218

Wedding tourism, a popular global trend, is developing since the last five years in Turkey. India is a big market for destination weddings that Turkey is exploring.

to-face interactions with a wide range of exclusive vendors, from all over the world, paving the way for future collaborations. The presence of the complete wedding fraternity created a golden chance for local companies to expand their reach. This motivated them to push their limits and look beyond the existing circle of clients and business partners. The fifty hosted delegates attended three hours of B2B meetings on two days besides enjoying the conference and the beautiful Istanbul. Twenty-four meetings of fifteen minutes each were held among hosted delegates and local companies.

F E AT U R E

The presence of the complete wedding fraternity created a golden chance for local companies to expand their reach. This motivated them to push their limits and look beyond the existing circle of clients and business partners.

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“We are in the business of creating bespoke luxury experiences.” Colin Cowie owner, Colin Cowie lifestyle “Digital marketing is all about incompleteness, your product/ service is all about completeness.”- Barıs Yalcinkaya, lecturer, Consultancy in digital formation.

BUSINESS RESPONSE Turkey has wonderful cities with different lifestyles offerring wedding or event destinations.Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya are good choices for big events while holiday destinations like Bodrum or Cappadocia can host weddings and honeymoons together. Wedding tourism, a popular global trend, is developing since the last five years in Turkey. India is a big market for destination weddings that Turkey is exploring. An estimated 10 million weddings are organised in India annually, out of which

nearly 10,000 are held abroad. For India destinations such as Istanbul and Antalya are virgin market places. Turkey Tourism planned to attract 200,000 Indian tourists in 2018 and 2 million by2023. Indian tourists, who spend $2,000 per person can accelerate Turkish tourism. Indian couples spend between $1- $20 million for a wedding abroad, which providesa good opportunity to improve tourism economy.

which ensured a universal recognition for every single entity participating in it. By inviting the press to Ciragan Palace Kempinski, the conference had an excellent opportunity to present a news story in its most favorable light. By gaining favorable media exposure, ICWF has gained greater brand recognition and authority among wedding conferences. SOCIAL MEDIA RESPONSE The dedicated conference hashtag #icwfeurope, displayed on screens within the sessions and around the conference venue, served several purposes, but most importantly it provided a way for conference delegates to engage in a virtual conversation with other attendees, whether about the speakers or events that excited them or the ideas they wanted to discuss. ICWF Europe has an official event social media group, event page, and event app that delegates can join.These social media interactions among attendees have increased the digital exposure for the conference, as well as the number of people who follow the conference on social media.

MEDIA RESPONSE ICWF Europe was covered by local media 223

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SANYA A LUXURY WEDDING PARADISE

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Stunning panoramic views of the palm fringes, white sand beaches, the pristine turquoise waters, kaleidoscopic array of marine life within the beautifully preserved coral reefs; just sounds perfect for a destination beach wedding. Sanya, the southernmost tip of the hainan island, china, promises the idyllic beach wedding you would have dreamed it to be. Be it a private beach wedding, a yacht wedding, an underwater wedding, a rainforest themed wedding, exquisite wedding photography or a luxurious stay with world class hospitality you name it and Sanya fulfils all the requisite requirements for a fairy tale wedding.

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Who would have thought of China, which is presumed to be fast paced, known for its Great Wall and large population; would have this hidden gem. Sanya, a beautiful serene bay with exquisite natural environment is considered to be amongst the most perfect in the world. Its picturesque coastline and tropical climate has helped earned itself the nickname of “Hawaii of the East”. Sanya, a tropical seaside city has 226

four bays – Sanya Bay, Great East Sea, Yalong Bay and Haitang Bay and is very well connected with Sanya Phoenix International Airport. Sanya Bay, is known for its postcard perfect sunset, a romantic hand in hand walk along the ‘Coconut Dream Corridor’ which is lightened in the night and miles of unbroken coastline boasting of gorgeous beaches. Sanya Bay’s unparalleled beauty of the nature assures mind blowing

wedding pictures. While Yalong, enjoys the reputation of a hub of world class hotels, resorts and stylish bars along the white sand beaches complemented with a spectacular mountain range. Sanya’s, Haitang Bay, also known for world’s largest single duty free shop; has increasingly become a preferred choice for many globally renowned hotel chains and resorts. In addition, the destination offers enough and more to keep the wedding guests engaged during and post the wedding. The bay of this beautiful island offers something for everyone. There are no dearth of options for entertainment for both adults and kids like the Yalong Forest Park, Wuzhizhou Island, Sanya Romance Park, Binlang Enthnic Village and other water adventure sports. Sanya Bay provides the best of both worlds for newlyweds, to destination weddings and pre-wedding shoots. Home to solitary beaches and incredible landscapes it has been perfectly

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complemented with renowned names from the hospitality world, including, Sanya Luxury Hotel, the renowned Mandarin Oriental, Intercontinental, JW Marriott, Raffles Hainan, Crown Plaza, Renaissance Sanya Resort, Park Hyatt, Atlantis, The Westin, The Sanya EDITION and more. Many seaside resorts and hotels have been beautifully cultivated in many different styles and designs which make them the perfect venues for weddings and receptions. The hotels are well equipped with talented and experienced staff dedicated

exclusively for handling weddings and everything you need is provided even before you need it. They also provide tailored services which help design your ceremonies to exact specifications and personalise each detail that guarantee magical wedding memories of a lifetime. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a wedding without a perfect dining experience!! So a wedding in Sanya not only promises an ideal location but also an unforgettable gastronomical affair. The renowned hotels and resorts bring in the best of cuisines from around the world for your special day. Sanya, is fast establishing itself as a hottest luxurious wedding destination apart from Goa and Bali for newlyweds. As the first city to launch wedding destination marketing in China, Sanya has intensified its efforts to develop wedding tourism market in the recent years. The thriving tourism industry is equally boosting the wedding tourism market for Sanya to become the preferred wedding destination with the fashionable charm of China. 229

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EDITION EDITION, by Marriott International, is categorized in the same luxury segment as The Ritz-Carlton and Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts. The hotel combines the visionary genius of boutique hotelier Ian Schrager, the service delivery of a worldclass luxury hotel, and the global reach of Marriott International to create an entirely new experience in the world of hospitality. The Sanya EDITION in Haitang Bay offers 512 rooms and villas which combine contemporary design with lavish comforts. It offers five stellar restaurants, each with a unique concept designed to fit seamlessly into the resort’s beautiful settings. For important events, no other venue matches our combination of stylish surroundings, privacy and gourmet inspiration.

Total number of rooms: 512 (rooms and villas) Largest Function Space: The Forum measures 1300 sqm and can cater to 900 guests. Why we like it: It is a spectacular oceanfront destination with stunning background and perfect tropical climate to host any wedding for a memorable experience. 100 North Haitang Road, Sanya, China I +86 898 8835 9999

MANDARIN ORIENTAL Mandarin Oriental, the first venture of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group in China, extends the group’s successful lifestyle retreat concept designed for seasoned international travelers in search of tranquility and serenity without compromising the utmost in relaxation and luxury. A hidden gem celebrating nature and assuring privacy, Mandarin Oriental, Sanya is unrivalled in its sheer luxury and refined elegance. Guests enjoy the tranquility of a 1.2 km nationally protected coral bay and over 12 hectares of lush tropical bloom overlooking the warm, soothing waters of the South China Sea. Mandarin Oriental, Sanya has 281 luxurious and wellappointed guestrooms, which include villas, suites, pavilions and deluxe rooms. The resort has more than 900 square meters of banquet and conference space with state-of-the-art meeting and catering facilities for parties of all sizes. Venues include the magnificent Coral Bay Ballroom, with large foyer filled with natural light, and five stand-alone function pavilions in idyllic garden surroundings. A perfect setting for wedding receptions, corporate events and private parties.

Total Number of Rooms: 281 Largest Function Space: The Garden,1600sqm,can host up to 450 guests. Why we like it: The hotel’s distinctive indoor and outdoor venues cater to the couples’ demand and an experienced wedding team works with the wedding planners to create different styles of dining augmented with thoughtful butler service. 12 Yuhai Road, SANYA, CHINA I +86 1890760050 Pearl Liu I Email: pliu@mohg.com

INTERCONTINENTAL HAITANG BAY RESORT The Intercontinental Resort is a luxurious beachside resort nestled on the renowned National Coast, Haitang Bay. Modern design with Hainan influence and lush landscaping blends into the natural surroundings. The dragon shaped Resort rests on the beach and stretches 150,000 square meters. Drawing on our global experience of delivering sophisticated and elegant weddings, we are confident that you will realize all your wedding dreams at the elegantly-furnished banquet rooms. Our experienced wedding managers will accommodate all your needs with their advice and source whatever you desire. Total number of rooms: 295 Largest function space: 950 guests Why we like it: The Aqua is the only underwater restaurant in the country that has natural light so that you can even see the rainbow. 128 North Haitang Road, Sanya, Mainland China I +86 180 8979 8645 Email: Eva Song Eva.Song@ichaitangbay.com

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We promise to make your every moment a fairy-tale one in the heart of the city. The 20,000 square feet of convention space of versatile venues with mix of outdoor and indoor smaller venues, ideal for smaller events or family functions and a spacious pre-function area. Dedicated events team will take charge of all the minute details while the panel of decorators leaves no stone unturned to bring the various themes to life. Call us today at +91 9899966024 to schedule a show around to book your next wedding or event or mail us at banquetofficer1@radissondel.com

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Celestial Weddings

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JW MARRIOTT DADONGHAI BAY JW Marriott Dadonghai Bay is situated at the base of the Luhuitou Mountain, overlooking the picturesque Dadonghai bay. The highly advantageous location offers guests exclusivity and seclusion. It has easy access to the dynamic metropolitan life, as it is situated within a five-minute drive from downtown Sanya, and a short ride away from a host of renowned tourist attractions. An ideal choice for both business and leisure travellers. Total number of rooms: 434 Largest function space: The Grand Ballroom,916sqm,can host up to 400 guests. Why we like it: The wedding chapel situated on the spacious seafront lawn next to the grand ballrooms glimmers elegantly. 1901, Huashan Road, Shanghai, 9th Floor, Block B , International Trade Office Building. Katrina Xue / Anita Cao TEL: +86 898 8821 1688, Email:katrina.xue@marriott.com / Anita.Cao@marriott.com

CROWNE PLAZA RESORT SANYA BAY

RAFFLES HAINAN Our spectacular property features 289 elegant guestrooms and suites, starting from 80 sqm. Each room with private balconies overlooks the magnificent ocean and the golf course. We offer high levels of privacy and exclusivity, with our 32 exquisitely appointed private villas with a private pool and garden located by the beach. The legendary Rafflesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Long Bar along with four superb restaurants that serve Italian, Chinese, Asian and Western cuisines. An ideal destination for high-level meetings, events and paradise weddings, Raffles Hainan has a 790 sqm ballroom, and seven multifunction meeting rooms. The beachfront Pavilion is a unique

romantic venue for beach weddings, banquets and anniversary celebrations. The first Raffles Spa in China is a 1,400 sqm sensory retreat designed to resemble a small Chinese village. Total number of rooms: 289 luxurious guest rooms and 32 villas Largest function space: The ballroom can cater to 500 guests. Why we like it: Their exceptional service and surroundings make every wedding a dream wedding whether it is a chapel wedding, an outdoor wedding, a beachside wedding or a themed wedding. +86 18089829846 Email: Keifer.CHENG@Raffles.com

Wedding on an island represents your deep love and creates beautiful memories. The Crowne Plaza Resort,Sanya Bay,is designed to add romance and exoticism to your wedding. The beach, gardens, pools, and the ballroom will satisfy your unique memorable wedding. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the elegant cocktail party by the pool, a relaxing Champagne Brunch, a grand wedding, our crown holiday conference director and the wedding director will tailor the event to your needs and expectations. Total numbers of rooms: 383 Largest function space: The Mingren Ballroom,680sqmcan host 500 guests. Why we like it: Excellent facilities for wedding (ballroom and lawn) and one station wedding service. 228 Sanyawan Road, Sanya Resort, Sanya, China 0086-0898-88258888-6117 Email: linda.jia@cpsanyabay.com

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RENAISSANCE SANYA RESORT & SPA

INTERCONTINENTAL SANYA RESORT InterContinental Sanya Resort occupies one of the most beautiful locations in Sanya Xiao Dong Hai.Surrounded by pristine white sands and majestic mountains, this resort offers the guests inspiring views from every room. Beautiful water features and water gardens throughout the resort create a serene yet stylish ambience. The resort offers 24 pool villas, 5 beachfront restaurants and bars,5 swimming pools, 1 pillar-less ballroom, 7 meeting rooms, and a 840 meters beach. Total Number of Rooms: 343 Largest Function Space: Serenity Ballroom at 600sqm can host up to 300 guests in banquet style. Why we like it: It offers six different The Garden, The Festival Plaza, The Sea View Platform, The IC Beach, The Swimming Pool Platform, and The Ballroom.

Overlooking the South China Sea at Sanya’s Haitang Bay, the five-star Renaissance Sanya Resort & Spa is a luxurious lifestyle resort destination on China’s tropical Hainan Island. The contemporary oriental styled resort features seven restaurants and bars,a deluxe Quan Spa, a private beach, Sanya’s largest lagoon pool, a cinema, and a bowling alley. Renaissance offers more than 2,500 sqm of conference and event facilities with five additional meeting rooms. All venues are equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual facilities, high-speed Internet and multifunctional set-ups. More than 2,000 sqm outdoor lawn space can host different types of event. Experienced and creative planners are

available to personalize and coordinate events from the scratch. Total number of rooms: 507 rooms Largest function space: The 1,430 sqm Grand Ballroom,Sanya’s largest,can accommodate up to 1,200 guests. Why we like it: Quan Spa,located in its walled courtyard in the hotel garden, covering 2,274 sqm, offers exquisite body and facial treatments performed in seven individual treatment villas. (+86 898) 3885 8888 Email: rhi.syxbr.reservation@marriott.com

THE WESTIN BLUE BAY RESORT

0898-88618888-8207 E-mail:hebe.liu@icsanya.com

The Westin Blue Bay Resort & Spa is located in the tropical paradise of Greentown Blue Bay, Hainan. Each of our inspiring guest rooms, suites and villas offer a 180 degrees sea view over the South China Sea. Our innovative and instinctive services, dining and entertainment options, a world-class 18-hole championship Jian Lake Blue Bay golf course, and Run WESTIN transform every aspect of your stay into a revitalizing experience. 234

Total number of rooms: 334 Largest function space: The resort can cater to 500 guests. Why we like it: From seasonal selections to traditional bites, it serves something special for every occasion. Area C, Qingshui Bay Beach Resort District,Lingshui, China +86 139 0756 6258 Email:Joan.Wu@westin.com

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ATLANTIS Atlantis truly redefines an allinclusive wedding destination. Whether you want to create a warm atmosphere or pursue a luxurious style, Atlantis is the perfect place for a dream wedding. It is a marinethemed, unique styled venue that is a tribute to the magical water world. A wide range of recreational activities are offered, including international chefs’ restaurants, colourful bars and lounges, water slides at Atlantis Water World, freshwater and saltwater pools and open ocean life. You can experience quality accommodation, comfortable spas, luxury boutique shopping, magnificent event venues and innocent beaches. Atlantis aims to present a radiant and dreamlike wedding destination with an amazing wedding team.

Total number of rooms: 1314 Largest function space:The Atlantis ballroom can cater to 1840 guests. Why we like it: The hotel has a number of high-quality venues. The romantic underwater wedding photography captures the magic moments of your love being witnessed by the marine creatures. Atlantis Sanya, Haitang Bay, Hainan,China +86 898 8898 6666 Email: Steven.hu@atlantissanya.com

CROWNE PLAZA SANYA HAITANG BAY RESORT Crowne Plaza Sanya Haitang Bay Resort fabulously looks out on the vast South China Sea. The hotel’s spectacular cruise ship-inspired design, its stellar facilities and outstanding international brand service makes Crowne Plaza Sanya Haitang Bay Resort the perfect choice for both family and business travellers. From its location and parking to onsite internet and laundry services, you’ll find all the relevant services you need to make your stay comfortable. Total number of rooms: 405 Largest Function Space: The resort can host 470 people. Why we like it: A wedding suite with a sea view featuring a bride dresser where everything is elegantly designed with stunning ocean views. No. 98 North Haitang Road, Haitang Bay, Sanya, Mainland China +86 898 8875 9888 extn. 6985 Email:ruby.wang@cphaitangbay.com

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THE ST. REGIS SANYA YALONG BAY RESORT Sanya Yalong Bay Resort defines a new standard of exceptional luxury, contemporary sophistication, and bespoke services. As Hainan’s southern most tip, Sanya is often referred to as the “Hawaii of the East”. A marina and a protected mangrove forest surround the resort, promising luxurious stay in the nature’s nest. The resort offers three signature epicurean experiences and a sophisticated lounge which are certain to become island destinations of their own. From formal social occasions to exquisite weddings, every event at The St. Regis Sanya Yalong Bay Resort is treated with the same meticulous attention to detail and legendary personal service. Total number of rooms: 396 Largest function space:The Beach Lawn,1800sqm, can host up to 800 guests with round table seating. Why we like it: Gazing upon glistening blue waters, lush green palms, and gentle mountainsides, you will discover a piece of paradise. Culinary experiences with authentic flavors and relaxing ambiences are delightful. Yalong Bay National Resort District, Sanya Yalong Bay, China + 86 88553065 Email: cherry.chen3@stregis.com

PARK HYATT SANYA SUNNY BAY RESORT Park Hyatt Sanya is the perfect place for a wedding. As guests approach the resort along the winding, pristinely landscaped private-access road that hugs the shoreline, they imagine themselves driving along the Amalfi Coast or Great Ocean Road. The strikingly modernist development comprises six stand alone, arch-shaped buildings designed to allow chi to flow unhindered between the ocean and the mountains. Set amid lush landscaping, every building and internal space has been carefully designed to maximise

guest’s enjoyment of the breath-taking views. Designed to resemble a private mansion by the sea, the sophisticated, elegant interiors are residential in style with a subtle Chinese sensibility. Total Number of Rooms: 205 Largest function space: Yue An Tentage,875sqm, can host up to 350 guests in round table seating. Why we like it: Pure white and simple design complements the South China Sea and creates unlimited possibilities for weddings, conferences, and events. 5 Sunny Bay Road, Sanya, Hainan, China, 572000 + 86 0898 8860 1234

RITZ-CARLTON SANYA Experience the true nature of Southernmost China at The Ritz-Carlton Sanya, Yalong Bay. With a private beach, the beauty of our surroundings is celebrated with thoughtful design and décor. Spacious layouts, luxurious bathrooms and indulgent beddings will tempt you to forgo exploration for a welcome seclusion. From our spectacular outdoor wedding chapel located on the sandy beaches to our elegant ballroom with crystal chandeliers, our wedding venues will set the tone for a day filled with romance and celebration. Total number of rooms: 452 Largest function space: The ballroom caters to 600 guests. Why we like it: The Seaside Lawn that extends over 900 square meters by the side of Yalong Bay can host 150 guests. Yalong Bay National Resort DistrictSanya, Hainan, China (Katrina Xue / Anita Cao) +86 898 8828 5688 Email: katrina.xue@marriott.com /Anita.Cao@marriott.com 236

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Mesmerizing

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HAINAN BINGLANGGU LI & MIAO CULTURAL HERITAGE PARK Located in downtown Sanya, the Binglanggu Li and Miao Cultural Heritage Park are also known as Binglanggu Valley or Betelnut Valley. It attracts more than 1.2 million tourists every year and is the only tourist area themed on primitive and ecological Li and Miao cultures. The Heritage Park is a multiethnic, multicultural scenic area offering sightseeing and entertainment. The grand live musical performances of Li and Miao cultures “Charm of Li & Miao Culture” vividly display the unique beauty and richness of the traditional cultures. Tourists indulge in appreciating the folk customs, ethnic melody, ethnic foods, Li and Miao styled lodging and cultural art. The park also exhibits many cultural items making it a live museum that preserves and promotes the local culture of Hainan Island. Ganzaling Natural Reserve ,Baoting, Hainan, China Tel:+86(0)898 3866 0866. www.wuzhizhou.com

SANYA NANSHAN CULTURAL TOURISM ZONE Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone is located 40 kms southwest of the Sanya City. People are attracted towards its rare eco-culture, the beauty of Nanshan Mountains and its profound Buddhist culture. Nanshan, China’s biggest Buddhism-themed tourism zone, was the country’s first listed 5A attraction Popularly known as the Blessing Land, it reflects an atmosphere of peace, harmony and longevity. The holy land of the Chinese Buddhist culture has a temple (Nanshan temple), a 108m high Buddha statue (Nanshan Guanyin Court),gardens(The Mercy Garden and the Good Luck Garden), a valley (Longevity Valley) and a bay (Nanshan Bay). At the Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone you can find spiritual comfort while experiencing China’s diverse culture, pristine seaside beauty and an abundance of flora and fauna in the area. Nanshan temple is the center of Buddhism and has many Buddhist themed attractions for tourists. As history goes, a famous monk of the Tang dynasty, Konghai, tried and failed five times to cross the sea to Japan to promote Buddhism. On his fifth try, he was drifted to Nanshan. He lived there for one and a half years during which he built the temples and spread Buddhism. Owing to its spiritual influences, it is considered as a holy land and an extraordinary destination for a blessed wedding. The new couple worships the 108 meter high Guanyin Holy statue and is married amidst the chanting of the sutras and blessings of the eminent monks of the Nanshan temple. The Guanyin Sea and the eternal Nanshan Mountain become a witness of their loyalty and steadfast love. The couple also prays for the eternity of their love by planting a Banyan tree. Sanya Nanshan Cultural Tourism Zone, Yazhou,Sanya, Hainan, China Tel:+86(0)898 8883 7888. www.nanshan.com 238

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SANYA WUZHIZHOU ISLAND TOURIST AREA Wuzhizhou Island is a tropical marine zone with pleasant temperatures throughout the year. It features white sand beaches, lush tropical vegetation and crystal clear water. It is the most popular destination among tourists visiting the Sanya Bay. The island is a haven for a wide variety of marine life and the protected coral reef. It is also regarded as the best diving place in China. Over the last few decades, the irregular butterfly shaped island, has become a romantic destination for holiday and leisure. No wonder,its called the Lover’s Island. Wuzhizhou is home to high-end private beach accommodations. With the launch of the Coral Hotel, China’s first island high-end boutique hotel, it has become the preferred destination for romantic proposals, honeymoons and parties for family and friends. Wuzhizhou Island Area, Sanya, Hainan, China Tel:+86(0)898 8875 1010 Web: www.wuzhizhou.com

SANYA YALONG BAY TROPICAL PARADISE FOREST PARK YaLong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park is Hainan’s first coastal mountain ecotourism and ecological resort Forest Park. Covered with lush green rainforests and spectacular scenic spots, it makes an idyllic romantic destination for exclusive wedding photography. Adjacent to the park is a luxury hotel, the Earthly Paradise Bird’s Nest Resort, which provides world class accommodation and dining options for its guests. YaLong Bay Tropical Paradise Forest Park is a perfect integration of beautiful natural landscape and luxury resort services. The Forest Park makes an ideal spot for all lovers yearning for timeless memories and photographs of their dream wedding. Yalong Bay National Rosort Distict, Sanya, Hainan, China Tel:+86(0)898 3823 8888 www.ylwpark.com

is mentioned in the ancient Chinese literature as well. “I will follow you to Tian-Ya-Hai-Jio”, means that the couple Take an oath of forever love at Tianya will be together till eternity. Haijio. A beautiful and romantic Walking along the seashore, one will location 24 kms west of Sanya, is a very popular destination for weddings. find the famous stone carvings Nan Tian Tianya Haijio means the edge of the sky Yi Zhu, meaning “the pillars standing in the southern part of the sky”. Further and the end of the sea. It is located at down the shore, the stones of Tianya the southern most point of China and and Haijio are regarded as the symbols the ancient Chinese people believed it to be the point where the Earth and the of eternal and faithful love. Owing to sky meet. Its unmatched natural beauty its romantic history, people consider Tianya Haijio as a harbor of eternal love. makes it nothing less than a heaven on the Earth and a preferred wedding Add: Tianya-Haijiao Scenic Area, Sanya, destination. Hainan, China Tianya Haijio boasts of a rich folk culture, historical relics, tropical seaside Tel:+86(0)898 8859 2980 www.aitianya.cn and granite stone tourism. The city

TIANYA HAIJIAO