Photography G.Venket Ram Photography
416 - 335 - 9234 1585 Markham Rd #101 Scarborough, ON MIB 2WI Kharismasaree
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Find That
Perfect Dress pg.32
Cont
Island Hopping pg.173
Why Hire a
Professional MC? pg.164
Gentleman's Grooming pg.158
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Hindu Wedding Traditions pg.82
A to Z of Getting Married pg.58
tent
The
Princess Bride pg.96
Wedding Customs From Around the World pg.108
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DIFFERENT MEDIUM. SAME ARTISTRY. BUTTERFLYSQUAD PHOTOGRAPHY
BUTTERFLYSQUAD.COM
CELEBRATE LOVE. YOUR WAY. BUTTERFLYSQUAD CINEMATOGRAPHY BUTTERFLYSQUAD.COM
FROM THE
EDITOR
Principle Owner Abi Jegan
It is our pleasure to welcome you to our fifth edition of JODI Bridal Magazine. In this tradition-focused issue, we go back to our roots to celebrate cultural customs and norms. Truth be told, there is something heartwarming about making a life commitment in the same manner that our great-greatgreat grandparents did! No matter how our lifestyle evolves, certain values and traditions righteously remain the same.
Editor Abirame Sivanesan
Assistant Editors Sanjgith Yogendrarajah Mauran Mohan
Our ultimate goal is to guide brides and grooms in planning and executing their dream wedding, successfully and effortlessly! This edition will be featuring everything from fashion, food, travel and most importantly, picturesque advertisements from both established and novice vendors in the Sri Lankan/South Asian wedding industry.
Marketing Director Rajeve Rajeswaran
Graphic Designer Prajeevan Rasaratnam
Social Media
Regardless of what she wears every other day, almost every bride has a dream of what she wants to wear on her wedding day. In our culture, the most common bridal wear is The Sari; the six yards of majestic silk with artistic, elegant motifs! In our cover story (pg. 96), our stylist, Thadshiga Jeyaseelan has fabricated a flawless bridal look book with four different styles to inspire every bride’s signature style. There is something for everyone - for those of you who have envisioned walking down the aisle in a whimsical wedding gown, we got you covered too! We are proud to introduce a Sri Lankan-born Canadian fashion designer, Shar Thangaraj, to our community. On page 32, there is a brief introduction and a gallery of Sharleez bridal couture collection.
Abirame Sivanesan Niveda Illan
Fashion Show Coordinator Samantha Thambyah
Contributing Photographers Impressions by Annuj Divinemethod Photography EM Photography Pearl Image Treasured Photography Trails of Memories Urbantouch Photography Ovyian Photography
In this issue of Jodi Bridal Magazine, you will find five fascinating wedding stories of real Jodis spread throughout the entire magazine. Plus, don’t forget to check out our unique travel guide for your romantic getaway on page 173.
Make-up and Hair AK Amplified Soul Angells Beauty Krish Kreations
All in all, we designed a magazine that will be a visual treat as well as an informative read. Please let us know your thoughts at info@jodibridalshow.com. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continuous support and encouragement.
Happy Reading!
On the Cover Creative Director Dreamers Events (Thadshiga Jayaseelan) Styling Thadshiga Jayaseelan and Spiced Runway Photography Ovyian Photography Makeup, Hair and Saree Draping AK Makeup and Amplified Soul Floral Chair and Bouquet Florella Toronto Cinematography p-your vision Saree and Jewellery Mayas Boutique Venue Brighton Convention Centre
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Paul Thavarajah
February 14, 1983 - February 18, 2017
with Love, from the Jodi team
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Wedding Sarees · Bridal Jewellery · Accessories 416.292.6292 647.286.1335 www.mayasonline.com info@mayasonline.com 6055 Steeles Ave. East C-124 YELLOW BUILDING
Toronto, ON M1X 0A7
mayasboutique Photography Impressions by Annuj
MUAH
Krish Kreations
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&
Cynthia
Johanson & Cynthia started their wedding journey the day she said, "I do." In August 2015, Johanson surprised Cynthia with a trip to Europe. They have been fantasizing about this trip for years. As the saying goes ‘everything has its time', and the time presented Johanson with the perfect opportunity to make this dream come true. Their fivecountry adventure began in Paris, France.
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"The morning of our proposal began bright and early at 6 am," says Cynthia since Johanson planned to take some pictures to celebrate a key milestone in their relationship. They began exploring the city at the Louvre and then walked to the nearby Ponts des Arts bridge, also known as the "Lover's Bridge". It is the bridge, where couples attach padlocks to the railings of the bridge and throw the keys into the Seine River below. "We then made our way to the Eiffel Tour. We arrived at the perfect spot where we could be alone with the Eiffel Tower in the background. For a brief second, I turned around and when I turned back he proclaimed his love and dropped to one knee. Looking back on it, I still can't believe that Johanson was able to pull off such a perfect proposal. That day was the start of our wedding journey." acclaims Cynthia fondly.
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They held two weddings in September 2016: a Hindu Wedding at Le Jardin in Woodbridge and a ceremony with a full-service mass at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Toronto. Both wedding planning processes were headed by Abi Jegan of Geetham Events. The following reception was hosted at Casa Loma in the Glass Pavilion. We had chosen the location for the history, elegance, and desire for a stunning view of the city. The wedding dĂŠcor included a customdesigned stage, beautiful floral arrangements, and a one of a kind five-tier cake. "Every detail was taken care of with utmost importance and precision. We even had our guests signing individual Jenga pieces so that we will have a personal Jenga set. These were some of the many special touches throughout our wedding that made our wedding day one of the most memorable days of our lives!"
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Wedding Venue Chateau Le Jardin
Decor Geethams Event Decor
Reception Venue Casa Loma
Planning Geethams Events
Cake Lima Cakes
MC Vik the MC
Photography Divinemethod
DJ DJ Divsa
Video Fortress Studio
Florals Jasmine Florist 29
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Find That
Perfect Dress by Sharleez
You’ve been dreaming about your wedding dress since you were a little girl, but now that you’re ready to walk down the aisle, you’re not quite sure what design of dress you want to wear. Do you want to be more traditional? Modern? Want to get married in a barn? What about on a beach? Have you thought about your bridal party? Before you start your shopping journey, try closing your eyes. Where do you see yourself getting married? Are
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you in a full ball gown with beading and tulle or are you dressed in a light, flowing and soft gown ready for the beach? You could use a religious custom, a special aspect from the way you met, or something special to you as a couple. Whether you choose a spiritual setting, candlelit ceremony or a laid-back island wedding, here are a couple of suggestions and ideas on dressing for your perfect day!
Theme of the Event Every bride should feel free to choose the wedding style of her dreams! Whether it's a fairy-tale, Hollywood glam, vintage, country, rustic or on the island, there's a perfect gown fit for the occasion.
Fairy-tale – Full A-line or big ball gowns are sure to stun your crowd! Ball gowns are popular because of their full tulle layers topped with a beaded bodice and a classic sweetheart neckline. Full A-line styles are just as stunning; adding lace details throughout gives it a hint of elegance too!
Hollywood Glam – This dress is all about style! Look for those off white shades, embellishments, and lace. Showing off your curves is key, so consider a fitted mermaid or column gown, finish it off with a cathedral length veil and you will definitely be the star of the night!
Country or Rustic – No style in particular, but one that combines country elegance with a touch of glamor. Look for styles that are off the beaten path, consider a different color belt or sash. Fabrics such as satin or lace will suit this dream setting, and maybe even hemming the front of the gown to show off those cowboy boots!
Beach – If you’re thinking of a destination wedding, the secret is choosing a style that is practical yet elegant. Look for light fabrics that will keep you cool while floating in the wind as you say I do. A removable train works well for those brides who still want a bit of length to their gowns. Remember, bridesmaids’ dresses can be made in white, making transportation a little easier.
Vintage – Vintage inspired wedding gowns fit the bill here. Lace over satin sheath dresses looks spectacular in these venues. A keyhole back to show a little skin adds that vintage elegance.
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Based on Your Body Another important thing to consider when choosing your perfect dress is your body type. Every individual has a different body type and the style of the gown should complement your body type.
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A-line – This style is flattering for all body types. It forms the capital “A” shape, usually fitted through the bust and waist areas and flares from the sides. The shape hides any figure flaws you are worried about revealing! This design not only hides any mid-section worries but is also a timeless classic design.
Mermaid – Mermaid style gowns emphasize your curves! Fitted through the bust, waist, and hips and flaring from around the knee. This design is perfect for brides with hourglass figures who want to show off their curves. This style is constricting, so avoid it if you don't want something tight.
Ball gown – This is the picture perfect "fairy tale" wedding gown. The full skirt of tulle and fitted bodice cinches at your natural waist giving any bride the curves they want. It's best for brides with boyish figures, the fullness of the dress will make you look curvier. If you are a petite bride, you will get swallowed up by a dress this voluminous.
Trumpet – These gowns are fitted through the bust, waist, and hips, flaring from the mid-thigh. The flare is not as aggressive as in the mermaid design but accentuates your figure the same way. If you're looking for comfort over style, the trumpet design is easier to dance in with your guests in!
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When you’re looking for your perfect wedding dress, remember to be open to different ideas and stay true to yourself!
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Kesavan Thushara Kesavan and Thushara met each other during their school days and then stayed connected through MSN and Facebook. Online friendship soon progressed into frequent chats and eventually, they fell in love.
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On Sunday, February 14th, 2016, Kesavan and Thushara celebrated their Valentine's day at a spa in Yorkville. The following week, Kesavan wanted to visit the same spa again. "I didn't think it was necessary to go back within a week but Kesavan insisted it would be a nice day out. Once we reached Yorkville, he wanted to do a quick detour for dessert." They went to Moroco Chocolat and were just enjoying some wine when the waitress approached to take their order. "Kesavan was in such a rush that he didn't even let me take a look at the menu and ordered a dessert of his choice!" laughs Thushara. Kesavan had ordered a dessert called, the "Melteaser". A regular "Melteaser" is a dome-shaped chocolate ball that reveals hidden ice cream and berries when hot chocolate is poured over it. However, as the waitress poured hot chocolate over the dessert, there was neither ice cream or berries, only a signature gray People's Ring Box! "Then he went on his knees and proposed me and as soon as I accepted, the curtains opened from behind with all our close family members and friends, cheering with joy."
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This couple knew what they wanted from the get-go and their top priority was hiring a wedding planner they are well accustomed to that also had a good reputation within the Tamil community. "We wanted someone that is both trustworthy and talented so that he/she will bring our vision to life with assurance. That is exactly why we chose Abi from Geethams' Events to plan our wedding. The entire team executed the wedding with great detail and ease." As for photography, they wanted their memories to be captured by none other than Impressions by Annuj. "His attention to detail, ‘thinking outside the box' creativity and capturing emotional moments in the most artistic method really made him stand out as a photographer. It is amazing how they catered to all our needs and they were also very comfortable and friendly to work with. Every picture was flawless and can be described as pieces of art that can easily be framed. Altogether, from start to finish, our experience with Annuj was nothing short of amazing!"
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“I wanted my bridal makeup to be natural yet unique and no one does it better than AK Makeup. Anna goes beyond the role of Makeup and Hair artist, she made sure I was comfortable and relaxed, she even gave great tips on how to maintain cool, no matter what happens around me. It was almost as if she was part of my bridal party.” "The most time-consuming and stressful part of our wedding was selecting the outfits for all the ceremonies. For Kesavan, it was easy-breezy, we found all the outfits from Nucreation Fashions. For myself, on the other hand, I had my share of shopping jumping from boutique to boutique. I finally settled on a pair of beautiful Kanchipuram silk sarees from Aalayaa and a custom-made lehenga from Amara Couture. Even though outfit selecting was intense, it was also the most fun I had in the whole wedding planning process." "We were peculiar about our desserts and every item on the menu was hand-picked from Cafe Demetres, one of the best in town." "The most memorable parts of the wedding was learning the intricacies of the Hindu wedding ceremony and their meaningful messages. They also conveyed that marriage is a lifetime commitment with responsibilities and going through every ritual hand in hand symbolized togetherness. Most of all, celebrating the most important day of our lives with the people we love the most and receiving their blessings were the highlights of our wedding and will be cherished forever." Advice from Kesavan & Thushara: “When it comes to planning, never settle for anything short of perfect - which means start as early as you can. As stressful as all the planning seems, be sure to enjoy the process and spend some time getting know your vendors. However, when the day arrives, try to remember that everything you could have done is already done and worrying is not going to help. Do not fret about little things, remember the big picture: you are marrying the love of your life surrounded by love and blessings from family and friends.”
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Venue Le Jardin
Planner Geetham’s Events
Videographer Cinetrails
MUAH AK Makeup
Outfits Nucreations (Groom) Amara Couture (Bride’s Lehenga) Alayaa (Bridal saree) Enchanted Collections Boutique
Photographer Impressions by Annuj
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digitalfusionproduction
Wedding Cinematography
THANUSHAN K
THEEBAN NADARAJAH
WWW.DIGITALFUSIONPRO.COM
647-212-8188
647-295-1955
INFO@DIGITALFUSIONPRO.COM
E K MA NT A T S IN
E V U O S
. S R I N
Styling Manpreet Singh Photography Think Brown Media
3300 McNicoll Ave., Toronto ON www.sartajfashions.com
c
a
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Agni
In Sanskrit: the divine witness to the vows that a Bride and Groom make to each other in a traditional Hindu wedding.
Bridesmaids
What is a wedding without your girls by your side? Brides, choose your Bridesmaids wisely, so you will be pampered and supported throughout your wedding journey. After all, they are your ‘maids’! Don’t forget to buy them their Bridesmaids gift as a way of saying ‘thank you’ for all their hard work.
Centerpieces
One of the most detailed parts of the wedding decor.
save the Date
Whether it’s a simple message, a creative photo shoot or an extravagant video, announcing the “Save the Date” is all the hype nowadays. Head over to our website to see some brilliant ideas.
Elephant
One of the most significant animals that are incorporated in our traditional weddings. An elephant symbolizes good luck, prosperity as well as Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha is the god of successful beginnings and the remover of obstacles. There are many ways to include them in your wedding: decor, cake, and invites.
Father of the bride
As with many traditions, the father of the Bride plays a huge role in our traditional wedding ceremony too. Kanya Danam, is where the father of the Bride gives away the Bride to the Groom by placing the hand of the Bride in the palm of the Groom (as the Groom recites Vedic promises).
Guestbook
Get creative with your Guest Book setup. How about amalgamating your photo booth and Guestbook signing together to create a fun activity/experience for your guests.
#Hashtag
Nowadays, every couples’ first item on their ‘to do list’ is creating a personalized hashtag.
Invites
Even though wedding invitations come in various designs and layouts, the basic details have stayed the same. The most common and latest trend is ordering the wedding invitations online. Order yours as early as possible because it will take time and you want to send out invites about six to eight weeks before the wedding.
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Jasmine Jasmine is continually used in our culture as a bridal flower for its fresh sweet fragrance as well as for its symbolization of everlasting love between the couple. It also represents sensuality, purity and elegance.
Knot with this knot, we become one.
Manavarai/ Mandap
From this day forward, You Shall Not Walk Alone.
Love “A great marriage is not when the ‘perfect couple’ comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.”
-- Dave Meurer
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nadaswaram
Even though Nadaswaram’s true meaning is a musical instrument; when used in wedding terms, it refers to the traditional wedding music played by a band, consisting of a pair of nadaswaram and a pair of thavil.
outdoor wedding
There is something magical about getting married outdoors in nature, with family and friends enjoying the relaxed environment. Just imagine; on a bright sunny day, walking down the aisle with the cool breeze caressing your face. The only downfall is the unpredictable weather, so be prepared for any weather contingencies.
photography
A photograph is the pause button of LIFE
question
Why do women always expect the men to ‘pop the question’? In this era of empowered women, maybe one will become the trendsetter!
r.s.v.p
“Répondez, s'il vous plaît", meaning "please respond" is probably one of the most significant parts of the wedding that is often disregarded. Going forward, make sure you R.S.V.P.
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Snapchat filter
If you haven’t already, join the hype and start snapping with personalized snap filters!
Transport
Enter your event in style! Will you choose a sleek red Ferrari, a decked-out party bus or a bicycle that's built for two?
Union
Marriage is not just a union of two individuals, it is also a union of two families.
Vermillion
the color of Kumkum, a traditional symbol of a married woman. Kungkumam is worn as a dot on the forehead as well as in the parting of the hairline.
Website
Another trend that is being used to keep the guests involved. A Wedding Website is a great way to share your engagement shoot/pre-wedding pictures, wedding announcements and gift registry.
Youthful
It has been proven that a good sleep is vital when it comes to staying young and beautiful. Thus, it is essential that both Bride and Groom rest well and get their beauty sleep, not only the night before but days before as well.
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Zero regrets Ultimately, everybody is aiming to have a wedding with zero regrets. As much as you plan to every single minute in detail, keep in mind not everything will go as planned. Just think of the big picture and enjoy the day to the fullest, after all, it’s your wedding day! So, at the end of the day, put aside all the mishaps and savor the moment of your family and friends celebrating your love.
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Photography: Impressions by Annuj
Specializing in Hair and Makeup Artistry
info@angellsbeauty.com www.angellsbeauty.com 416∙ 824∙6237
Passionate photographers. Award winning photography.
EMpictures @emphotography_1
www.photoEM.net 647-588-8496 info@photoem.net
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Jolly Laavanya Laavanya– We met through mutual friends. To be completely candid, when I first met Jolly, his name was what drew me in. I didn’t believe that was his real name and kept insisting it must be some sort of nickname. I actually demanded to see his driver’s license before I relented. From that night on, I was intrigued; I figured anyone named Jolly had to be an interesting guy- and I was right! He had me at Jolly.
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Jolly– On our first date when I picked Laavi up, I thought I needed to take her to an upscale restaurant for a good first impression. After reeling off a number of high-end restaurants, she stopped me and suggested Pizza Hut because "they have a special promotion so it will be cheaper and besides the food will taste better." She had me at Pizza Hut.
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Laavanya– Jolly picked me up for dinner and we went to the same Pizza Hut where we had our first date. Coincidentally, our waitress was actually the same waitress that had served us on our first date. Jolly took my hand and asked me to stand up. I was in complete shock and my heart started beating so quickly. I can’t even remember exactly what he said, but he went down on one knee and asked me to marry me him and I said YES!! All of a sudden, our family and close friends started walking in to congratulate us. It was such a beautiful moment and having all the important people in our lives there that
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night made it even more special. We all celebrated and had dinner and drinks at Pizza Hut. Honestly, I was shaking the whole night from raw happiness and excitement. Jolly thought of everything – he had a banner with our names on it, flowers, candles, big silver balloons, a professional photographer (the talented Simply Suba) and a delicious heart-shaped butter cake that looked like a pizza made by The Three Caketeers. It was a beautiful night and the perfect proposal for us.
Laavanya– We planned our wedding all on our own and I wouldn’t have had it any other way! After getting engaged in December 2015, we embarked on a tenmonth journey to the altar. This period in our lives was chalk full of sheer excitement, heightened emotions, and looming deadlines; I loved every single second of it. Before getting engaged, I never thought about my own wedding, but once I started planning, my inner bride became unleashed. I thoroughly enjoyed choosing our vendors, spending hours engrossed in DIY projects, and dreaming about our big day.
to have both Hindu and Catholic ceremonies, as well as a reception so that all our guests could let loose and have a blast. We chose most of our vendors based on the recommendations of friends and family that were already married. In the wedding industry, word of mouth is vital and we placed a lot of stock on the experiences of those closest to us. Also, what better way to vet a vendor’s work than to see it for yourself as a guest at other weddings?
Our faith is important to us and we wanted to include both of our religions in our nuptials. We were excited
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Laavanya– I think the biggest piece of advice I would give to any couple planning their wedding is to assign roles and responsibilities to your family and friends for the big day well in advance. We relied a lot on our bridal party for both of our wedding days and they were absolutely amazing. I gave everyone a list of what we needed them to do and I'm so appreciative that every single person not only came through but did it with smiles on their faces and joy in their hearts. It gave me the freedom to hand the reins over to them and just be in the moment. Jolly– Don’t sweat the small stuff on the day of and just focus on the big picture: marrying the person of your dreams. Laavanya– It’s hard to just choose one, but one of the most memorable parts for me was walking down the aisle and returning to the Manavarai in my koorai saree while holding the maalai. My heart was beating a mile a minute and I had the biggest smile on my face because I knew that I was walking towards my destiny, about to be married to the love of my life. It truly was a perfect moment.
Another amazing moment happened right before Jolly tied the thaali around my neck. My brother and his wife had just welcomed their first born, a beautiful baby girl, the day before our wedding. My sister-in-law was still in the hospital the day of our Hindu wedding and I didn't think my brother would be able to come. My veil had just been lifted and I looked up and saw my brother beside my mom, and I felt so happy that he had made it in time for the tying of the thaali. I could go on forever but I’ll just share one more. At our reception, our bridal party performed a stunning dance medley. I knew they were going to be dancing but I didn’t know any of the details. I was shocked when mid-way through their performance, Jolly, who was sitting beside me, jumped up and joined them! A couple of days before, they had convinced him that he had to do it because there was a solo part that screamed “Groom”. I was blown away and was impressed with his dance moves. Jolly– Hearing the priest pronounce us husband and wife and tearin’ up the dance floor.
Venue Verdi Convention Centre Video MPSG MUAH & saree draping Beauty By Nila Photography EM Photography Custom Dance Floor GTA Dance Floors DJ Sikaa Soundcrew Photo booth Light The Day Bridal sarees Aalayaa Church Wedding Dress Best for Bride Groom and Groomsmen Suits Luxury Plus Bouquets + boutonnières The Crystal Bloom Wedding cake The Three Caketeers 73
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Photo by: L’Atelier Lumiere International Photographie
Kindly contact us to reserve your date 416.824.6221
info@finecakesbyzehra.com
finecakesbyzehra.com
81 Zenway Blvd. Studio 15, Woodbridge on L4H 0S5
HINDU WEDDING
A
ponnurukkal
wedding is not just a
Gold melting ceremony
Even though the term ‘Thaali’ is widely used, the right terminology is ‘Thaali Kodi’. It is the most sacred and crucial element of a Hindu marriage. The Thaali Kodi is a combination of ‘Kodi’, the nuptial cord, ‘Thaali’, the pendant and two (or more) gold coins, which are all made of 22 karat gold.
lifelong commitment between a man and woman, but also a social union of families, friends and even communities and religions. A Hindu wedding is a very
Ponnurukkal is a pre-wedding ceremony, where the gold for the Thaali is melted by a goldsmith. This particular event takes place at the Groom’s house, just a few days before the wedding. On an auspicious day and time, the goldsmith performs the traditional melting ceremony in the presence of the Groom and close relatives. The Bride does not take part in this ceremony and both the Bride and the Groom are not allowed to see each other from this day forward until the wedding day.
symbolic religious ceremony with rich cultural roots. These roots are derived from the ancient scriptures called, The Vedas. Hindu wedding traditions and customs have been preserved since Vedic
maappillai azhaippu
ages and are passed down for thousands
Inviting the Groom
of years. Many of these traditions have
On the morning of the wedding day, the Bride’s brother, the Tholan (the best man) along with three or five wedded couples head over to the Groom’s house. Upon arriving at the Groom’s house, the Tholan adorns the Thalapahai (traditional Tamil turban) on the Groom’s head and places garlands on him. The Groom is then escorted to the wedding hall/temple in the company of his family and relatives, right after a traditional Aarati. At the entrance of the wedding venue, the Groom’s wedding party is greeted by the Bride’s parents and close relatives. The Tholan then washes the Groom’s feet and in return, a gold ring is gifted, honoring the hearty welcome. Another Aarati is performed by the Bride’s relatives to ward off any evil eye. Following behind the Bride and Groom’s family, the Groom proceeds toward the Manavarai/Mandap where the Priest awaits to perform the religious rituals of the ceremony.
survived through centuries and are still customary like the Agni, God of Fire, who is the divine witness to the ceremony. Although timeless and common, some customs and traditions of Hindu wedding are tailored according to the locality, castes and local communities.
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welcoming guests Welcoming the Guests
One of the local customs that is not as significant (in western countries) as before is the welcoming ritual carried out by the Bride and Groom’s family. At the entrance of the wedding venue, whether it is a marriage hall, temple or your home, guests are welcomed with a light sprinkle of fragrant rose water and offerings of sandalwood paste and flowers for the ladies. This ritual is carried out as a gesture of affection.
religious rites for the groom
As soon as the Groom arrives at the Mandap, he performs the following divine rituals with the assistance of the priest: Vigneshwara Pooja - The ceremony inaugurates with prayers to Lord Ganesha for his blessings and protection to ensure the ceremony will conclude without any obstacles or misfortunes. Puniyathanam - The priest offers the Groom a ring made of
tharpai grass that is called a ‘Thetpei’. This ring signifies the purification of the Groom and he wears it on his right ring finger. Kaappu Kattuthal - A holy thread dipped in turmeric is also tied around the Groom’s right wrist to offer divine protection from any harm and evil.
manamahal varuhai First entrance of the bride
The Bride is brought to the Manavarai/Mandap by her Tholi (the maid of honor), flower girls and her family. The Bride follows the same rituals as the Groom of tying a holy thread and thetpei, but on the left wrist and left ring finger respectively. The reason behind this tradition is the Hindu mythological image of Arthaneswar. The Arthanareswar image, half male on the right side and half female on the left, symbolizes the equality of woman and man.
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kannihaadhanam Giving away of the bride
Kannihaadhanam is an important ritual performed by the father of the Bride, with the consent of her mother as well. The priest summons three generations of ancestors to bless the union of the couple. The father of the Bride places her hand in his and conveys his consent to give his daughter away to the Groom. The Groom stands before and expresses his willingness to accept her and promises to cherish and protect her at all times. The father of the Bride then places his daughter’s hands in the palm of the Groom, along with a few symbolic items, including a gold coin. The mother of the Bride then pours water onto the joint of hands, confiding her consensus to the union. The Groom hands over the symbolic items to his parents, as a declaration of accepting the Bride, not only by himself but also with his family.
thali koorai aasirvatham Blessing of the wedding necklace and sari
Soon after the Kannihaadhanam, the priest hands over a blessed tray that contains the Thaali Kodi, saree and garlands along with a few other items to the married couple, from the Groom's family, to receive blessings from the guests. The couple, then, takes the tray to all the guests seeking their blessing for a long, happy, healthy and successful marriage. Afterwards, the Groom presents the blessed tray to the Bride who will take the tray and leave the Mandap to change into her koorai/bridal saree. While the Bride is going through a dress change, the Groom continues to perform a prayer for the goddess of prosperity and wealth, in addition, to welcoming the Bride back as Lakshmi herself.
muhurtham Tying of nupital cord, Thaali
The Bride returns wearing the koorai sari and holding a garland for the Groom in her hands. After arriving at the Mandap, the Bride places garlands on the Groom and sits on his left side. At the Muhurtham (an auspicious time predetermined by an astrologer), the Groom stands up facing west and ties the Thaali Kodi around the Bride’s neck as the priest chants the following sacred sloka: “Mangalyam tantunanena mama jeevana hetuna: kanthe badhnami subhage twam jeeva sarada satam” “This is a sacred thread. This is essential for my long life. I tie this around your neck O maiden having many auspicious attributes. May you live happily for a hundred years (with me).” This crucial moment is highlighted by a high magnitude of Nathaswaram and the flower shower by all that gathered to witness this sacred and divine union of the Bride and Groom. The Groom also applies red saffron (kumkum) on the knot of the Thaali Kodi and on the Bride’s forehead, signifying that she is now a married woman. During this auspicious moment, a few other divine rituals occur: a married woman holds a lit oil lamp high above to symbolize the divine witnessing of the nuptial knot and a coconut is cracked by a close family member to symbolize a sacrifice of ego.
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maalai maatruthal The Bride and Groom exchange garlands three times and feed each other milk and fruit. Simultaneously the Bride’s family will serve sweets to the guests. Both symbolize the promise of a sweet and equal partnership.
agni pradakshinam Around the fire
As husband and wife, the couple takes their first steps around the fire three times (with the company of Tholan and Tholi). As they walk around the ceremonial fire clockwise, they are seeking Lord Vishnu (the preserver of life) to bestow them with prosperities of good health, wealth, wisdom, righteous children and most of all a lifelong bond enriched with good understanding, loyalty and companionship. On the first two rounds around the fire, the Bride would stop by the Ammi, a granite grindstone on each round. At this stop, the Groom kneels down and adorns Metti, a silver toe ring on the Bride’s second toe, right leg and then left leg respectively. The grindstone represents fidelity, the solid foundation of their marriage. It also conveys that the Bride is as strong and steadfast as the stone when facing life's hardships. At the end of the last round, the couple will participate in a friendly give-and-take game, where both will compete with one another to pick a ring dropped (by the priest) in a pot of water. The ring will be dropped three times and the best out of three wins; supposedly the winner will be the dominant of the couple! Another well known custom during these rounds is looking for Arunthathi constellation. Arunthathi constellation is a two star constellation, where one star is in the middle and the other is always revolving around the center star, symbolizing how a married couple should be. So, the priest points toward the constellation and the Groom affectionately shows it to the Bride, to depict that their marriage should also revolve around one another.
aasirvatham Blessings
The very end of a Hindu wedding ceremony is the Aasirvatham, the blessings. The priest completes the last prayers to the sacred fire for long lasting bliss for the newlyweds. Next, the Bride and Groom’s parents bless the couple, followed by all the relatives and friends. A proper execution of Aasirvatham is as follows: using both hands, pick up the rice grains from the tray (the couple is holding); and then sprinkle the rice on the knees, shoulders and finally the head. This act is repeated three times each, for the Bride and the Groom (separately or together). This custom symbolizes happiness, prosperity, and fertility. After all the guests have blessed the couple, the last Aarati is performed by another two wedded women to cast off all the evil eyes. This marks the conclusion of the divine ceremony.
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Gowthan Danny Our love story began in March 2011, when a mutual friend of ours introduced us to each other. We talked endlessly from mornings to nights; we fell in love slowly as we were getting to know each other. We both realized the greatest of all things is love, and it's true when they say that if you don't have love, you don't have anything.
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During March 2016, on our 5th year anniversary, he proposed to me. It was one of our closest friends’ daughter's 1st birthday. He took that as leverage and planned the proposal very well. I was so surprised. I could never forget that day. I didn't know he could surprise me until that day. The story he narrated to me was how our friends are taking pictures at Casa Loma for their daughter's birthday and we should go as well to check out the location for our e-shoot. Also, we can help with the photo shoot for the daughter. Of course, I said ‘yes' to help out our friend in any way we can. To be exact, it was on March 19th that we actually visited Casa Loma. I was searching for our friends when we arrived at the castle and I can see right through Gowthan, he was very nervous. I kept asking if he was okay and what's wrong. He wouldn't answer. We walked around looking for our friends through the entire place. Gowthan softly goes let's go look outside at the view. We were looking around and he pointed toward an area and asked: "How beautiful is that?". I was about to answer him and turned around out to hold his hand. To my utter shock, he was on his knees. He asked, "Dani would you marry me?". I answered with much enthusiasm, "Yes, yes and yes!!" I Felt like a princess. The moment was just perfect. I couldn't stop smiling.
As soon as we finalized our wedding date, we started searching for the perfect wedding planner. Every couple we talked to highly recommended Geetham's Events. So, we decided to choose Abi as our wedding planner and luckily, he was available. Abi was very pleasant and knew exactly how to answer every question we had. He was well organized and knew all the Hindu traditions inside out. We were really surprised and immensely impressed. We didn't even have to consult our parents for any help, he knew what needed to be done.
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We chose Trails of Memories for our wedding photography and Cinetrails for cinematography. Sujan from Trails of Memories & Cinetrails were everything we wanted in a photographer and cinematographer; Gowthan and I were quite camerashy, but Sujan made sure we were very comfortable. I know it's wasn't very easy dealing with a fussy bride like myself. Sujan was very patient with us and fulfilled all our wishes. Sujan made sure he got the perfect shots of us, even if we weren't doing what he had in mind. This showed us how much patience he has with his clients. We were so glad we chose Sujan as our photographer/cinematographer. Beauty by Nila was my top pick to do my bridal makeup. She is simply amazing and her work is pure magic. I trusted her wholly so I told her, “whatever your vision is, make it come true". She made me look like an Indian princess! I was more than satisfied with all my bridal looks and would highly recommend Nila to all brides-to-be.
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Get an event planner. It definitely made a big difference in our wedding planning. We know with certainty that we would have struggled otherwise. If you want a stress-free and organized wedding, go with a wedding planner. They will make all the effort to make your dream wedding come true! The wedding itself was the most memorable part of the day. We cannot pick and choose any parts. Everything was done exactly how we imagined our wedding day would be. Overall, we were both satisfied and happy with how our wedding turned out.
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Venue Le Jardin Planner Geethams Events MUAH Beauty by Nila Photographer Trails of Memories Videographer Cinetrails Flowers Jasmine Flowers Food Nanthan Catering Jewellery Sai Trading
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Every bride on her wedding day is a princess. She embodies a sense of style that rightfully represents her individuality. This issue celebrates the beauty of all this by highlighting the types of princess brides. Each one of them are beautiful in their own way.
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Clothed in a lengha saree with golden kasu mala accessories, she embraces her big day with a free spirit attitude as she enjoys the simple things.
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Opulent and lavish, this bride is adorned head to toe in exquisite pieces - a rich red korai finished with beautiful araku pieces. Her look is complete as she takes her place on the floral throne designed by Florella Toronto.
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REGALSS PRINCE 101
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E FAIRYCTEASLS PRIN Soft splendour, a puff of floaty tulle, delicate jewellery and playful silhouettesthis princess is swooned by romance. The rich and deep floral bouquet enhances her femininity.
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BOLCDESS PRIN
Daring, sexy and sleek details are part of this brides attire. She oozes self-confidence and breaks sartorial rules. She pushes boundaries while embracing her own style.
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Geethams
Event Decor Inc.
“Where Dreams Become Reality”
416.844.5344 www.geethamseventdecor.com info@geethamseventdecor.com 40 - 151 Nashdene Rd. Scarborough ON
Around
World the
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Wedding Customs There are thousands of cultural traditions and customs around the world when it comes to marriage and wedding ceremonies. Although many of the customs have evolved with time, some are still being incorporated into today's wedding ceremonies. Needless to say, we cannot share all the wedding rituals around the world, only those that are intriguing and somewhat still in practice. LOG CUTTING GERMANY
SAKE SHARING JAPAN
Log cutting is a post-wedding ritual that takes place in Germany. This beloved custom is called Baumstamm Sägenand and is the very first activity for the newlyweds as husband and wife. This particular tradition usually happens right after the church ceremony (outside the church or reception venue). The log is placed on a sawhorse and the couple is given a saw to cut the log in two. The log represents the first obstacle the couple face in their marriage, and foreshadows their ability to surpass any future hurdles, as a team.
San-san-kudo (three-three-nine to deliver), a wellknown Japanese tradition, where the Bride and Groom take three sips from three flat sake cups. The parents of the Bride and Groom also take three sips each from all three cups, resulting in a total of nine sips. This ritual enforces a strong bond not only between the newlyweds but also between the families.
RANSOM RUSSIA A wedding custom that is still in practice from a traditional Russian wedding is Vykup Nevest. This ritual occurs on the morning of the wedding day when the Groom goes over to the Bride’s house to escort her to the wedding ceremony. As the Groom arrives at the Bride’s parent’s home, Bride’s family will ask for some sort of ransom, in exchange for the Bride. Traditional random include bottle of champagne, a box of chocolates and some cash. This playful custom signifies the importance of husband’s ability to financially support his future wife.
SWEET CONFETTI ITALIAN In Italy, you don’t throw confetti at the newlyweds, you eat it! In an Italian wedding, confetti is candy-coated almonds (also known as Jordan almonds), that are given as a ‘thank you’ token by the Bride and Groom. If you follow the root of this tradition, these sweet almonds are packed in a white organza bag with white ribbon, called Bomboniere. Traditionally, a bomboniere holds five white Jordan almonds (always in odd number for luck and indivisibility), representing happiness, health, wealth, fertility, and long life. This bitter sweet confetti is also a symbol of hope that the newlywed’s marriage life will be more sweet than bitter.
KISSING SWEDEN
BLACKENING SCOTLAND There’s more to it than just wearing a kilt in a traditional Scottish wedding! ‘Blackening’ is a ritual where the Bride and Groom are held captive by family and friend and then covered in foul substances like feathers, treacle, and soot. It doesn't stop there; the couples are then paraded through the streets and pubs of the village for a fun night!
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A popular Swedish wedding tradition is the ‘kissing’ tradition! During the reception, if the Bride leaves the room, it’s traditional for the women to steal a kiss from the Groom. To keep this tradition fair and square for both genders, the same rule applies for the Groom as well. So, all the gentlemen are free to kiss the Bride if the Groom leaves the Bride by herself. Swedes definitely know how to have fun!
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Haren Shobika "Isn't it amazing how someone that you vividly remember from your past can just show up out of nowhere and becomes your significant other. That was our story. We remember seeing each other in our high school but never once talked. Three years ago, Haren approached
me on social media, quoting "hey, you look familiar". Usually, when people say that, it feels as an excuse to talk, but I actually did remember him and we just started talking from then on."
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“He proposed so beautifully at the high school we attended. He even got a chance to talk to the school principal to change the school sign to a personalized engagement message. I was beyond touched and lost for words; it was very sweet and thoughtful of Haren!� JODI BRIDAL SHOW 2017
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"Believe it or not, we stumbled on whether hiring a wedding planner or not. Somehow, Haren and I were so efficient for the first 5 months of planning, that we ended up planning everything ourselves, alongside our family and friends. Everyone was tremendously helpful, which made the whole wedding planning easy and enjoyable. To be honest, we felt that we picked the best of the best when it came to suppliers and vendors. Our photography and cinematography was none other than Treasured Photography and Photoplay Media, who are the most amazing individuals to work with. According to Naphisha, from Perfect Setting Inc., Haren was her 119
‘bride' because of his crazy imaginations and detailed proposals. She exceeded our expectations with her dĂŠcor. I am so glad that I had the chance of getting the #AKMAGIC from none other than Anna Karapetyan at AK MAKEUP. The second our wedding date was fixed, I kid you not, she was the first person I emailed! She is beyond amazing at what she does and she made sure I looked flawless for my wedding day(s). Varnan, our hall coordinator, made sure everything at the hall was perfect for us, just the way we envisioned it. The vendors we chose for our special days kept us calm and not worry about a single thing." JODI BRIDAL SHOW 2017
"I can probably write a book as to the amount of advice and tips I would share with other couples who are planning their wedding right now. For one, do not STRESS too much. I was STRESS QUEEN because I literally stressed about everything and anything. When planning your special day, I know there is this unusual feeling of wanting everything to be perfect. This will only make you and your significant other feel overwhelmed because you have this idea of perfection lingering in your head. Whatever arguments or disputes happen, just relax and let it go.
Remember to take loads of pictures on your wedding day(s), whether you're tired or not. It is once in a lifetime experience and you won't ever live this moment again. Your family and friends are always there to lean on for support and make sure you appreciate that. Enjoy the process, support each other and make decisions together. After all that is said and done, as long as you two are happy, that's all that matters."
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"Most of what happened on our wedding day is a blur. We had an early morning wedding so no sleep, everyone cranky, it was winter etc. and before you know it, everything was done. I have several memorable parts of our wedding day. For one, the jitterbugs and butterflies I got when it was time to walk to the manavarai for the first time. It is way too intense but you just have to live the moment. My most favorite part was after I did the koorai change and it was time to come back to the manavarai, I had no idea what music they were going to play for our entrance. To my surprise, Haren had created a special track for my entrance. The song consisted of all of our favorite songs that mirrored our special love bond, which left me so touched as I walked toward my soonto-be husband."
Venue Scarborough Convention Centre Decor Perfect Setting Inc.
MC Iamalltalk (Donovan) DJ USC
MUAH AK Makeup Photographer Treasured Photography
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Photo: Dilani Bala
florella.toronto
florellatoronto
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Photo: L’atelier Lumière
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Nissanth Maathuri All along we were right there, so close yet so far away. We grew up living 2 minutes apart but had never met once. We even went to the same University and coincidentally enrolled in the same neuroscience program, yet never spoke once. It all started when we graduated from the University of Toronto a few years later. We met at the alumni event and then had social media to connect us even further. It took me quite some time to fall for his flirty talks, love notes, surprise care packages and pretty bouquet deliveries. ​ fter seven long months, yes you heard it right, it took me A seven months to realize that everything you need in life will come to you at the right time, and this was that special moment for me! I finally decided to declare my acceptance of his love proposal, so I planned a surprise with some sweet baked treats since he is fond of sweets.
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Another 6 months passed by before he surprised me with the most beautiful ring in front of the Toronto skyline while a gorgeous golden sunset was behind us with family & friends secretly peeking through the bushes, in front of us. A ​ fter our families met and spoke to the priest, we didn't have much time like other couples to plan our Hindu wedding. We only had 7 months to plan our big day but knew good things happen at the right time, and decided to go ahead and make the best of our wedding journey. As we all know, personalized wedding hashtags are one of the biggest trends of recent years and #maani2016 was created within seconds!
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We realized with the short span of time we had and the fact we both had busy schedules, having a wedding coordinator was a priority. We decided to check out Geetham's Events and right away we all just instantly clicked. On our first meeting, he immediately impressed us & our parents, who were a little hesitant in the beginning to put our special day into someone else's hand. However, his immense knowledge about Hindu wedding rituals, his modern take on traditional weddings and foremost his kind and patient personality was what impressed us the most! Me being the only child and Nish being the eldest child, our guest list easily went over 700 and our wedding coordinator helped us book the venue that can accommodate this!
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Next, we started off with choosing invitations, we weren't too fond of the existing designs, so decided to create our own design and Menaka Card Canada re-created our vision beautifully in a timely manner. Choosing ​wedding and reception outfits were the next main items on the checklist. After driving around every corner of the city, and shopping at every South Asian bridal store, I finally found my dream wedding saree at Asiyans. It was a gorgeous rich Kanchipuram with a mix of lime green and pure gold zari. My bridal jewelry for my first saree was chosen from Boutique by Bristina, very warm and friendly customer service and she also provided me with honest feedback for the bridal look I wanted! I found the perfect antique gold set for my kurai saree from Sai Trading, they're always helping their brides choose the best bridal sets no matter what time of day it is!
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My bridal lehenga for our reception took few weeks of appointments with several different designers. Sahiba Fashions was the only one, who was able to create my masterpiece just the way I wanted; within a short time frame and most importantly within my budget! We ended up getting a custom designed wedding kurta for Nish as well since the Groom is just as picky as the Bride. Every single vendor from the DJ, vinyl flooring, photo booth, cake to venues for our wedding & reception were carefully chosen. I would like to thank Abi from Geetham's Events for making both our wedding and reception decor look absolutely stunning! The two biggest events of our life wouldn't have been possible without the support of our family, friends and all the vendors. Special thanks to our photographer Pearl Image Photography for the beautiful captures
Wedding Venue Wedding at Le Jardin Reception Venue Scarborough Convention centre Planner Geetham’s Events Invites Menaka Card Canada MUAH Angell’s Beauty Photographer Pearl Image Photography Videographer Shan DV Edits Outfits Bridal Sarees from Asiyans Bridal Lehenga from Sahiba Fashions Jewellery Boutique by Bristina Sai Trading 141
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1439 Gerrard St. E, Toronto, ON M4L 1Z7 647.643.6456 — info@chandanfashion.ca — www.chandanfashion.ca
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Wedding Planning & event ManageMent Knowledgable & Detailed Professionals with Impeccable Customer Service toronto - dubai WWW.tajraj.events
Grooms, with your big day ahead of you it's important to make sure your grooming routine is on point and you have all the right products you need. Obviously, the Bride takes most of the shine on the wedding day but it's not cool if it looks like if the groom doesn't belong there. A groom has to look top notch in his wedding attire so here is my 5-step plan to getting you looking right for the big day.
Grooming Gentleman's Get the Usual Haircut
Get a Beard Trim or Go Clean
Go to the same barber or hairstylist that you've been going to and get the same haircut you usually get. You don't want to try something new days before your big day and then regret looking at yourself in the photos. A good idea would be to get the same cut a month before your wedding so you're prepared and you can follow up and get your wedding cut a few days before. I say a few days before just in case you're not happy with it, you have plenty of time to tweak it to your desire. Remember that you're wearing a tuxedo, suit or something traditional so it's very important to keep it classy and suitable for the wedding. This means no designs on your head guys! The right hair product is just as important as the haircut itself so ask the professional and invest into something that will keep your hair in place.
Getting a clean shave is important if you decide to go hairless. Go ahead and shave if you've been doing it for years or you can go to a professional and get a hot towel straight edge razor shave. A recommendation would be to use a hot towel to open up the pores - it's easier to shave - followed by a cold towel to close the pores. A good shaving cream is very important which makes it easier to glide through. Grab hold of clear shaving gels, it can help with precise shaving around mustaches, goatees, or any type of beard lines. Every man's facial hair responds differently to shaving so a safe bet would be to shave the day before to decrease the chance of visible irritation. If you're sticking to a buzz beard or have some other type of beard just use some products to keep it fresh.
Product Suggestions Layrite,
Baxter, Kevin Murphy
Product Suggestions Prairie Boys Pre-Shave Oil or Crown Shaving Supreme Glide Pre-Shave Clear Shaving Gel
Pacinos, Elegance
Post Shaving Nivea Post Shave Balm, Crown Shaving Co After Shave Lotion, Kiehl's Razor Bump Relief Beard Product JODI BRIDAL SHOW 2017
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Prairie Boys Beard Oil and Balm
Here is a list of products you should keep in your toiletry kit or with you on your wedding day:
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Deodorant Face and Body Lotion Shampoo and Conditioner (travel size) Body Wash Wipes Lint Roller Lip Balm Tylenol Brush and Toothpaste Dental Floss Gum Hair and Beard Products (travel size) Fragrance Nail Clippers
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Nose Hair, Teeth, and Eye Brows Are you ready for your close-up? Well, that is exactly what you are going to get. Photographers will get all up in your business and you can't do anything about it on the day of your wedding. It's always good to have your eyebrows, nose hair, ears, neck or any type of facial hair that doesn't belong there fully groomed. • Use whitening toothpaste weeks or months before and don't forget to floss • Get rid of your unibrow but don't ask to get the same brows as the bride. • Trim or pluck your nose and ear hair • Get rid of all your unnecessary neck hair • Use mouthwash and have your favorite gum on hand
Man-icure You may consider manicure a girl thing but its important to keep your nails clipped and cleaned - we're not telling you to put on your fiancee's favourite nail polish . The last thing you want is to see pictures of yourself with unkept long nails, it's not attractive. You may also think a Man-icure is just finger nails but to us its finger nails, toe nails and any type of cutting from head to toe which means get rid of your excessive back hair, shoulder hair and don't forget to mow the lawn. A recommendation would be to go to a mens spa with the boys and get a mani-pedi and massage with no happy ending. Dont lie - I know you were thinking about it.
Smell Right Smelling right on the day of your wedding and any other day for that matter is important, not to mention that your soon to be wife would find it highly attractive. So get the right fragrance that best suits you. The list can go on for days so our suggestion is to try some and figure it out plus it's not your first time, right? Our Picks
• • • • • • • •
Tuscan Leather by Tom Ford John Varvatos by John Varvatos Virgin Island Water by Creed Neroli Portofino by Tom Ford Eau Fraiche by Versace Men Blu Meditierraneo by Acqua Di Parma Terre D' Hermes by Hermes Uomo by Valentino
It's important to go to the gym weeks and months before your wedding day because you want to look and feel right because you deserve to do so on your big day. Drink lots of water to stay hydrated and eat healthier to look better. Not only is this important for the wedding day but also your honeymoon. Take these tips and guarantee that you and the bride will have an amazing day.
Thaddeus Jayaseelan currently resides in Montreal and is a professional barber at Notorious Barbershop. He has worked with celebrities and travels the globe to teach and train other barbers and students.
Author
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WHY HIRE A
PROFESSIONAL M.C. Donovan Fernandes Professional MC
Having a Professional Wedding MC at your wedding is a growing trend in weddings around the world. Wedding MCs are not just typical announcement makers; they are the nucleus of every wedding. Here are 3 things a Wedding MC can do for you:
Energize
Organize
From the entrances to the end of the wedding reception, a Wedding MC can build and control the energyy/mood of your whole event. The MC can breathe life into any party and make your guests come alive.
A proper Wedding MC should be on their feet most of the night. They can problem solve and make changes instantaneously to help create a seamless flow at your wedding. They should also be able to know what the guests are feeling and when they need or don’t need stimuli. The MC must also know how to work with all vendors and connect them to every aspect of your wedding.
Entertain Your Wedding MC must entertain your guests with their witty and charming personality. Developing creative and quick interactive games is a great way to engage the guests and help create a unified mood at your wedding.
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Finewith Cake Couture Decadent Flavour www.limacakes.com
www.spicedrunway.com
Saree and Jewellery by Mayas Boutique
Island hoppÄąng W
hen you hear about the Indian Ocean, all you envision is picture-perfect tropical islands with acres of palm trees, exotic sandy beaches and mouthwatering seafood. Island hopping is something afresh and adventurous for your romantic getaway. Spanning from South Africa to Southwest Australia, there are hundreds of isles to explore across the vast Indian Ocean. We have selected few itineraries that are ideal honeymoon destinations.
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The Andaman and Nicobar Islands
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D
ue to the numerous tropical beaches, waterfalls and exotic flora & fauna, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have become a major tourist destination. With over 500 islands and various modes of transport available, Andaman and Nicobar Islands are exemplary for island hopping. Unlike other islands, Andaman is known to have some peculiar tourist attractions that are worth mentioning: sea walking at North Bay; witness a live
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mud volcano at Diglipur; explore limestone caves in Baratang; visit historic Cellular Jail and enjoy it’s light and sound show; and sunbathe on Asia’s best and World’s seventh best beach, Radhanagar beach, Havelock. Havelock isle is famous for beautiful white, sandy beaches and an Instagramworthy scenic sunrise/sunset. All in all, Andaman is a haven for beach and nature lovers!
Bali, Indonesia
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ith its laid-back atmosphere, friendly locals, world-class dining and dreamy landscapes, Bali is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. Apt to its nickname, ‘Island of Gods’, Bali and it’s neighboring islands (Nusa Lembongan, Nusa, Penida and Nusa Cenninganare) are surrounded by magnificent mountains, coral reefs, volcanic hills and beautiful beaches. Bali beaches across the island’s south coast consist of white sand while the north and western shoreline beaches are black sandy beaches.
If you would rather relax and re-energize after your frenzied wedding, there are thousands of spa retreats and hot springs all around the island to pamper yourself. LAKE BATUR HOT SPRING or AIR BANJAR
You might ask, what can you do in Bali? The list is endless! There is something for everyone. If you are looking to experience the Balinese culture, Ubud is your place to be. Here, you can visit Hindu temples MOTHER TEMPLE and historical sites that are built with extraordinary architecture, attend Balinese dancing shows, and eat the best Balinese cuisine!
All you beach lovers, not to worry; Bali is most popular for its spectacular dive spots, beautiful coral reefs, and surfing. There is even something for animal fanatics, dolphin watching and the monkey forest in Ubud are a few other mentionable tourist attractions. Is it any wonder that Bali is one of the top ten islands in the world?
For the ‘adventurous’ couple, you can enjoy bungee jumping, paragliding, volcanic hiking/trekking, mountain cycling, horseback riding and treetop ziplining while you soak up in the scenic, lush landscape all around you!
BALI
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SRI LANKA "the finest island of its size in the world” -- Marco polo
Sri Lanka & Maldives
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ri Lanka and it’s neighbour, Maldives, is the ultimate duo for island hopping. While Sri Lanka is enriched in culture and adventures, Maldives is intimate and serene with bungalows sitting atop turquoise waters. One of the best things about Sri Lanka is the abundance of natural riches: exotic tropical forests, mountains of tea plantations and golden beaches. Here is a brief list of things to do and see in the tropical paradise of Sri Lanka:
Hike the trails of the sacred mountain called, Sri Pada (Adam’s peak). It is well known for having the longest stairway in the world; often called the ‘stairway to heaven’. Between May and October, the peak is obscured by clouds, giving the illusion that you are walking towards the heaven itself. There are several different trails for hikers of all levels. The trails are roughly around 8 km and take about 4-6 hours, depending on the selected route. Usually, climbers start the ascent late night so they will arrive at the peak just in time to watch the spectacular sunrise and the miraculous triangular shadow it suspends in mid-air!
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Climb Sri Lanka’s most historic rockfortress, Sigiriya. Two-hundred meters above and surrounded by green jungles, this cave monument is home to Asia's oldest landscaped gardens and pools. It is unbelievable how you can still view the stunning paintings of barebreasted maidens and the Mirror Walls that were built 1500 years ago.
Visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a shelter for the wounded and abandoned elephants. Main tourist activities include feeding milk to baby elephants and watching the fascinating elephant parade to the Ma-Oya river for their bathing sessions. A few other highlights are visiting the charming Ella village, ancient Buddhist architecture at Polonnaruwa and sitting atop the World’s End. Following these venturesome trips, you can relax among these top five beaches in Sri Lanka: Unawatuna, Arugam Bay, Mirissa and Uppuveli. These beaches are allocated between the country’s coasts, making it convenient for the tourists.
Maldives
Now that you have fulfilled your wanderlust thirst, it’s time hop over to Maldives to bask in the sun, sip cocktails and watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean. Maldives is a paradise of thousand small islands and resorts with an abundance of blue lagoons and white-sand beaches. Together, these two destinations guarantee an unforgettable vacation for the newlyweds.
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