Luxury EventDecor
Luxury Event Decor
We Decorate, You Celebrate!
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Contents
Celebrating culture and tradition
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Let’s take a journey back to our roots
COLOURS OF 2014 Create the perfect décor with the colours of this year
MAKEUP TRENDS What’s in for this year
Real Wedding Couples Four couples share their exquisite wedding and reception details
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The many sarees of India
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Navigating the traditional and modern world
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From Mumbai’s Paithani to Kerala’s Pattu
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Finding a balance between the two worlds
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Vintage Glamour
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Dazzling classic looks
Honeymoon destinations
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Unique décor Ideas
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10 tips for a successful marriage
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Dream destinations and romantic getaways
Beautiful wedding and reception décor
Real wives and husbands reveal their secrets
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DIRECTORS
Gajenthini Selvarajah Vithya Alagathurai Theeban Rajendran Keethan Selvarajah EDITORS
Manjula Selvarajah Tasha Nathan CREATIVE DIRECTORS
Athavan Rajaratnam Gajenthini Selvarajah GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Ronald Anton MARKETING AND SALES
Keethan Selvarajah Theeban Rajendran MEDIA PARTNERS
Tamil Entertainment Television Tamil Vision CMR CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS AND VIDEOGRAPHERS
Midnight Studios Spectrum Pictures MPSG EI Photography PS Photography NeLook Photography MAKEUP & HAIR
Captivate MUAH by Sathiya Angell Liu Dimple Shah Rav Beauty Concepts Flawless Touch Kavita Suri CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Manjula Selvarajah Tasha Nathan Christina Jaimugal Saloni Naik Gillarh Kavita Suri Saumea Thayalan Anushiya Jeyalingam FASHION SHOW COORDINATOR
Amrita Aphan ASSISTANT
Shameela Shaheed
Cover
on the
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PHOTOGRAPHY:
MIDNIGHT STUDIOS MAKEUP AND HAIR:
NIRA PRO-CREATIONS BRIDLE WEAR:
KHARISMA SAREE CENTER ACCESSORIES:
MAYA’S BOUTIQUE MODEL:
CHARMAINE SAN PEDRO
Roots The oak tree stands stoically above the ground because its roots run deep. These roots create a strong foundation for the tree, allowing the branches to spread and expand into new territories. Our own roots are the same. They help define us. They are our lineage. They have stayed with us on this sometimes enigmatic, sometimes arduous, always compelling journey to where we are now. We want to give those roots the honour they deserve. We want to create a movement of culture and tradition that embraces the new and is still rooted in our rich past. So this year as we step forward, we take a look back. Join us as we celebrate the traditions, rituals and rites that define who we are. For the more we understand who we are, the further we can reach. The OHM Wedding Team
Celebrating Culture and Tradition I have to tell the priest that all is not lost. I was at a Hindu wedding recently where the iyer from the popular Rochester temple presided over the ceremony. At each step, he explained the history and meaning of the various rituals. As he spoke, he lamented the decline of respect for and knowledge about these very rituals. “I never knew that,” my dad kept exclaiming in hushed tones during various moments in the iyer’s speech. “The iyer taught himself these things, you know,” my mother whispered conspiratorially in my other ear. Usually Hindu wedding ceremonies are loud affairs where one sits glassy eyed until the blessing line or food line is open for business, or catches up with friends and family. This was different. The iyer’s words were captivating. His were not the descriptions spun out of those wedding brochures one finds at the place settings. Instead, he spoke of a time where the kura saree was a modest cotton one, when the thali was a simple offering on a yellow thread, and somewhat wistfully, of a time when the ceremony
was the main draw. The religious ceremony is largely seen as the event for the parents while the bank-breaking jamboree of a reception is for the happy couple. The bride and groom flit endlessly between cake tastings, center piece ideas and colour schemes for their reception, while the manneverai proceedings are left to the parents and in-laws. “The wedding is for them, the reception is for us,” many couples say as they tally up the increasing numbers of invitations extended by their parents to their seemingly infinite network. The iyer, however, may have a point – we may not be giving the ceremony its due attention. Understanding the 3500-year old history behind these rites, and respecting the richness in the details may help us realize the gravity of what happens on that manneverai. Over the phone, Dr. Shan Shanmugavadivel, the President of the World Saiva Council highlights three that are particularly symbolic. Kannikaa Thanam is the part of the ceremony where the father puts his daughter hands in the hands of the groom. The groom then places the bride’s hands in those of his father, welcoming her to their family. Another key moment is the tying of the thali, where the groom puts a gold necklace around the bride’s neck. It is considered a sign of their inseparable bond. Shanmugavadivel’s last pick is the seven steps the couple walk together around a holy fire that represents the fire god Agni. With each step, they take vows that include being loyal, devoted and truthful to each other.
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In my search, I come across many books and sites that provide details about these and other wedding rituals: Kavita Kapoor’s Rituals and Customs of a Hindu Wedding, Shri Deepak Kotwal ‘s Vivaha Samskara - The Hindu Wedding Ceremony and a paper put together by the Tamil Cultural Association of Waterloo Region. From excerpts of Kotwal’s book, I find this explanation of the vows taken during the seven steps. I wish I had known this as I once took those steps and then watched countless people who I cared about take these steps: 1. Take this first step for the abundance of nourishment in life. 2.
Take this second step for strength in life.
3.
Take this third step for prosperity in life.
4. Take this fourth step for the fulfillment of all earthly desires. 5.
Take this fifth step for procreation.
6.
Take this sixth step for the enjoyment of the various seasons of life.
7.
Take this seventh step for a lifelong friendship.
Perhaps there is hope for us yet. The guests at the wedding may carry on as if it was just another event on their social calendar, but the significance may not be lost on some couples. I call the newly married Vipushitha Siripathy to see how she is doing. She is still on a high over a month after her wedding and reception, both beautiful affairs. I note the lilt in her voice. “The most important part of the weekend for me was the thali ceremony, it meant so much to me,” she says. “After all it was made it all official.” Sweet words for the iyer’s ears.
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Wedding Colours of 2014 Every bride knows choosing the right colour for the wedding is an exciting and also sometimes a daunting task. South Asian wedding colours are traditionally a mix of rich reds, oranges and gold. Whether you keep it traditional or dare to be unconventional it’s easy to mix and match colours these days as really, anything goes. If you’re looking for inspiration, look no further as the Pantone Color Institute’s Spring Fashion Colour Report 2014 showcases a beautiful colour palette with a modern twist on the traditional colours. Soft pastels are paired with vivid brights which allow for endless combinations. According to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®, consumers are looking for a state of thoughtful, emotional and artistic equilibrium and this need for stability is reflected in the composition of the palette. Looking at the palette, it is evident that the versatility of the individual colors allows for experimentation with new looks and color combinations. You can choose a pastel from one end of the palette like the Placid Blue and pair it with a bold colour from the spectrum like Cayenne. Take your wedding décor and fashion to the next level by pairing up these colours to create a unique style suited to your individual taste. --By Saumea Thayalan
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Radient Orchid
Celosia Orange
Dazzling Blue
Freesia
Placid Blue
Violet Tulip
Paloma
Cayenne
Hemlock
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PHOTO MPSG MAKEUP/HAIR DIMPLE SHAH
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2014
Makeup Trends
As a bridal make-up artist for the past 15 years, I have seen the ‘Indian bridal’ make-up culture evolve through many palettes and forms due to the influence of Indian cinema. I, like many, was inspired by the beautiful Aishwarya Rai’s dramatic looks in the 1999 film Taal. Then, there were her and Madhuri Dixit’s classic turns in the movie Devdas. The movie had a significant impact on the bridal wear market, cosmetics and hairstyles. Antique golds and spice coloured lips were all the rage for a good three years. In 2008, the epic film Jodhaa Akbar, brought jewels into the mix, sending many a bride searching for a royal-inspired feel to their outfits. Putting aside the Bollywood scene for a moment, my other inspirations over the last three years would be the oh-sosultry Kim Kardashian and simply lovable Taylor Swift. I have so many brides requesting Kardashian’s make-up look, and soft curls, and Swift’s side swept loose bun. Thanks to my many brides, I am now an expert on these styles. Somedays, I feel I could call Kim herself and offer to do her make-up! As we enter 2014, I wonder what the savvy South Asian brides walking into my studio will request. I predict a ‘less is best’ trend. A striking example can be seen in the newly released film Ram - Leela with Deepika Padukone. As Padukone shows, styled in the most elaborate costumes, of course, with understated hair and make-up, can make for a subtle but entirely delightful impact. I look forward to sending out brides beautifully done in a ‘simplicity at its best’ look to wow their wedding parties and enjoy their wedding day.
Kavita Suri is an award winning make-up artist who fuses trends and turns on Bollywood and Hollywood runways into the work she does with brides, models and other fashionistas every day.
In 2014, will you be turning heads with a ‘simplicity at its best’ or ‘make room for more drama’ look?
DESIGNER DINESH RAMSAY
416.571.9010 • 289.290.0002 www.dineshramsay.com dineshramsay@dineshramsay.com Meet the Designer himself from Mumbai here in Toronto Custom make your dream wedding outfit PHOTO ROSS CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY MAKEUP/HAIR RUBY BUTT
416.571.9010 • 289.290.0002 www.dineshramsay.com dineshramsay@dineshramsay.com Meet the Designer himself from Mumbai here in Toronto Custom make your dream wedding outfit
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416.571.9010 • 289.290.0002 www.dineshramsay.com dineshramsay@dineshramsay.com Meet the Designer himself from Mumbai here in Toronto Custom make your dream wedding outfit
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PHOTO NELOOK PHOTOGRAPHY MAKEUP/HAIR KAVITA SURI
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Hiring a Wedding Planner
I’ve experienced all your worries: the anxiety about going over budget, the frustration of finding the perfect venue, and the nervousness of having every last detail done on time. Unless you secretly elope, there’s no question that this single day requires months of meticulous planning, a helpful hand, and an expert eye. You might be tempted to ask your friends and family, but before you do, there are a few things that today’s couples need to know about hiring a professional wedding planner. 1. You save money. Did you know that wedding planners may have relationships with vendors and get you a better deal for what you want?? The bottom-line is you spend less and get more.
We were able to book our wedding day transportation, videographer and audio-visual equipment at a very reasonable cost. The vendors that Events2Life recommended were professional and punctual, making our wedding day smooth and memorable. –Vivian & Brian The CanAsia service and food were fantastic! Our guests could not stop giving us positive feedback about the overall event and about the quality of the food. Thank you for your patience, prompt replies, and professionalism! – Christina & Richard
2. You save time. How valuable is your time? Planners stay on top of vendors and keep a close eye on every detail so your family and friends enjoy their time as being guests.
Just wanted to thank you sincerely for your hard work. The CanAsia team made everything run smoothly, and your presentation was fabulous. We received countless compliments. – Silverina & Sheshan
3. You prevent nightmares. Planners care about the success of your event. They smooth over hiccups and handle the stress of unexpected situations so your day is seamless.
Now it’s your turn to experience the affordable peace of mind of having a worry-free wedding. By Cristina S. Jaimungal
4. You make the decisions. Planners simply provide you with personalized options, advice, and guidance. They use their industry knowledge and trustworthy relationships to provide you with the best possible choices and tailored support. What couples say about our services: Events2Life has definitely made things less stressful and easier for us. During this process, we feel like they are more than just our wedding planners but also our friends. – Claudia & Ara
Cinematic Style Wedding Videos 416 833 5263 / 647 993 2219 www.akampictures.com Post production within 90 days or 30% off!
Booking must be done before April 14, 2014 for the offer to be valid. Some conditions may apply.
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Nadia Balachandran
Dr.
Dr.
Greg Allen
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The Meet
The very first moment they laid eyes on each other they were drawn in. An unexplainable attraction compelled them to seek each other out, the rest you can say is history….
It was the first day of dental school at the University of Michigan and the first time that Greg and Nadia met. Although their schedule during the day didn’t allow them much time to socialize, they received their opportunity later on in the evening at a barbeque hosted by the dental fraternity. The social gathering provided the ideal opportunity for them to spend quality time together. They immediately became friends. It was that bond that led them to spend the rest of the evening talking to each other. Sometime during the evening, Nadia’s watch battery had run out and she told him, “Tell me when it’s midnight because I have to meet my new roommate and let her into the apartment.” Though they were both busy meeting their classmates, Greg promptly remind Nadia at midnight that she needed to go home. As the semester progressed, finally mustered up the courage to ask Nadia out on a date. Despite Nadia’s mixed feelings, she said yes. Their first date was at a local restaurant in Ann Arbor and from that evening their relationship took off.
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The Proposal After six years of dating, Nadia and Greg decided it was time to take the next step. Greg, knowing Nadia’s nosy personality, knew it was going to be difficult to keep the proposal a surprise but he was up for the challenge. Greg bought the ring and went to Nadia’s parents to ask for her hand in marriage, which was one of the scariest moments of his life. However, Greg received her parents’ full support and blessing and with that he put together the details of his plan to execute the perfect proposal. Greg secretly contact Nadia’s best friends and planned to have them come to San Diego prior to the proposal so they could all celebrate together. However with Nadia’s stubbornness messed up the details of what he had originally wanted to take place. That week Nadia noticed Greg acting differently than normal. He continuously tried to get Nadia to go to the beach
but she always resisted, opting instead to relax at home. Finally by Friday, after a long hard day at work, Greg insisted that they go to the beach. Nadia again said no, but an exasperated Greg refused to give up. Finally Greg said, “Fine! Let’s go out to dinner then,” and he dragged Nadia out of the house to a famous beachside restaurant. Nadia’s mood improved. Little did she know, however, that Greg made these reservations weeks in advance. After dinner, Greg got up and stated that he needed to go to the restroom. He came back just in time for dessert with the ring in his pocket. After spending a few minutes rambling sentiments, Greg finally proposed when Nadia had a spoon of ice cream cake in her mouth. Overjoyed, Nadia responded with a resounding “Yes!” The next day she was surprised again when Nadia’s friends showed up in San Diego for the weekend long celebration, as Greg planned all along.
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The Planning Process
Nadia and Greg wanted to find a venue that could accommodate a large wedding party of 180 guests which also provided the flexibility to allow outside catering. They chose the Hyatt Aventine in La Jolla, California because it encompassed what they were looking for, and was also a beautiful location. Families from Sri Lanka, Indonesia,Malaysia, Canada and their friends all over the country came to celebrate the couple’s joyous union. Nadia initially started to plan the wedding herself but the couple eventually decided to hire Rakhi Bhatra from Events 4 U. She also had a little help from her aunt who helped her find her priest, Sri Skanda Shastri, who could speak both Tamil and English and was willing to do a modified ceremony. Nadia wanted to incorporate traditional food into her wedding, however there were no Sri Lankan caterers within a two hour radius. Her aunt was also crucial in helping Nadia find Jayasiri Sivanandam of Pasadena, CA, a Sri Lankan caterer two hours away who was willing to make several hundred appetizers for the wedding. This was mixed in with catering from the Hyatt Aventine itself, which provided an Americanized dinner along with drinks and appetizers. Although the couples initially planned on two weddings to encompass both cultures, the time and energy it would take to plan
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out two weddings seemed difficult, so they settled for a modified Hindu wedding with a more Americanized reception. The wedding ceremony was no more than 45 minutes in length and touched on a few of the highlights of a Hindu wedding. Focus was put on placing the garlands on each other, tying the thali, and the sapatapadi, and a few more rituals. The couples decided to print out a one page description of the steps that would be taken during the ceremony so that the non- Hindu guests about half could follow what was taking place. The couple also created a wedding website listing all the steps, their meaning and certain cultural guidelines so that the guests knew what to expect and could stay engaged during the ceremony. The décor was done by Parties and Petals from Long Beach, California.They created the mandap frame, garlands and other décor associated with the ceremony. The couple wanted to stick with traditional colours of red, gold, silver with a touch of blue for contrast. They also received help from Nadia’s aunt and uncle who are architects in Toronto, They designed the drapings and the floral décor of the mandap, as designed and managed the centerpieces for the reception.
The Attire
OHM wedding magazine online was crucial in providing inspiration for the bride in choosing her wedding look. The couple flew to Sri Lanka for the first time and Greg purchased the Bridal Sari at Jeyechandrans in Colombo, as well as the bridal jewellery. Greg wore a traditional tuxedo, but incorporated the colors of the wedding with a cream vest and a red tie. Both wedding rings were purchased at Tiffany’s in San Diego. The thali was purchased at Bhindi Jewelers in Artesia, California. Because the couple already had the engagement and wedding rings, Nadia wanted the thali to be conservative and simple, something that could be worn on a daily basis without being overpowering in its symbolism. Due to the shortened Hindu ceremony, the bride wore the same bridal sari throughout the wedding and reception.This worked out fine for Nadia, who found the sari to be a challenge to get and keep on in the first place. Make up by MAC makeup and hair by Carlton Hair Studios, provided the clean, simple, modern but Tamil look that the bride was looking for.
Capturing Memories
A wedding wouldn’t be complete without having those special moments captured to show proof of the testament of your love for each other. For Nadia and Greg’s wedding, their special moment was captured by True Photography Weddings in Del Mar, California. They did an excellent job in managing the boisterous wedding and party while also It was a beautiful occasion, beautiful in the union it brought about and the purity of love showered by joyous family and friends on the ecstatic couple.
TheMostMemorableMoment As Gandhi once said- Where there is love, there is life.
“Greg tying the thali was one of the most memorable moments for both of us. There was a lot of pressure on both of us prior to the ceremony to make sure it was clasped properly and secured before letting it go. There was not enough room on the manavara stage for relatives to help him secure it, but luckily Greg was able to place it perfectly by himself. There were a lot of cheers in the crowd at that point, and it was the highlight of our ceremony”
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Tushan Kangtharan Ramya Nandadas
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The Meet
They had known each other all their life. Tushan Kangtharan and Ramya Nandadas went to the same school starting from elementary all the way to university. It was not till high school that they actually developed a friendship. They were involved in many of after school activities and from that became best friends. In university, their friendship turned into something more. As they spent more and more time alone together, they knew that they wanted to take it to the next step. Although they never went on an official first date, they spent the first few months going to Bluffer’s park to talk, overlooking the scenic waters. Those talks set the foundation for the relationship to take off and from then on they never looked back.
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The Proposal On the eve of December 29th, seven years into being a couple, it was time to take the next step. Even though it was expected of them to get married, Tushan wanted to make it special. Telling her they were heading to a friend’s birthday party, Tushan pulled up at a nearby coffee shop and blindfolded Ramya before driving them to the very place they spent much of their initial time together, Bluffers Park. Upon arriving, the area was covered in knee deep snow and being the gentleman that he is, Tushan carried the blindfolded Ramya a few feet before firmly setting her on the cleared pathway. As they were walking he asked her if she knew where they were, to which she
responded, “the Bluffs?” At this response, he took the blind folds off for Ramya to see a pathway lit up with lights that led to the cliffs. At the edge of the cliff, there was a table that overlooked the waterfront with bottle of champagne and 2 champagne glasses. It was beautifully set up with the whole proposal adding a new connection to this place that was special for both them. Tushan turned to Ramya, looking deep into her eyes he expressed his love and devotion to her. With that he got down on one knee and asked her to be his bride.
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The Planning Ramya and Tushan faced many obstacles with the planning of their wedding. With their differing views and opinions, they were indecisive as to what they wanted. Ramya wanted a more classic elegant theme with flowers to highlight the simplicity of the event, however Tushan wanted a more contemporary wedding theme. They hired Jey from 360 Events to help with the wedding planning and with his expert knowledge were able to overcome many of the obstacles they faced and make firm decisions on what they wanted. They decided to settle on a grand- modern look for the wedding and an elegant theme for the reception for which they hired Beyond the Limits to do the décor. Without the stress of choosing two venues, one for the wedding and one for the reception, Ramya and Tushan needed a place that would not only be able to accommodate their differing taste in décor, but also fit a large guest list of 700 people. They decided to go with Embassy Grand Convention Center because of its hall capacity as well as stunning atrium. To suit the couples differing tastes, they hired two separating catering services. For the wedding they went with Raj Ram Catering and the reception was catered by O’Conor Catering. Make up and hair for the wedding was done by Dimple Shah and Rav B for the reception.
During the wedding ceremony, guests were given cards that outlined the rituals that were taking place with the priest announcing each step. This not only helped the guests understand what was going on, it was also a way of keeping them engaged and included in the ceremony itself. The cards were graced with a picture of the couple in the front adding a personal touch to the whole process. The reception was held the next day at the same location. Guests were served a full roast suckling pig. There were late night snacks such as mini burgers and hotdogs for the guests who were hungry at the end of the night. There were also refreshments placed in the washrooms for the guests such as fragrance, creams, bobby pins and hair products. This ensured that the guests were taken care of and were fully able to enjoy the experience.
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The Attires The groom purchased his sherwani for the wedding at Varathas Silk and for the reception opted to wear a custom made suit. The bridal saree was purchased from Fashion world and the reception attire a light pink sequenced gown, was from Chandan Fashions.
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Capturing Memories With a large guest list and unique tastes to the individual couples, they needed the appropriate person to be able to capture those special moments with family and friends. For photography, they hired EM Photography to freeze those moments of joy, laughter, tears and love. For the videography, they hired Spectrum Pictures to forever enable the couple to relive this joyous occasion.
TheMostMemorableMoment The most memorable moment was when kissed my forehead after tying the thaali and told me that he loved me.
India
The Many Sarees of
When one thinks of fashion week, the mind goes to Paris, New York and London. In the meantime think about the designers of India. Runways abound in beautiful sarees, some traditional, some bringing together different elements of Indian culture with that of the western world. These designers have so much to draw from, seeing as the saree varies greatly as you travel across the country. Since very few people seem to know about the diversity of this rich garment, I decided to pick ten of my favourite sarees from India and talk about them here:
The Kanjeevaram, a saree from South India, is named after the town Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu. It is best known for its vibrant colors and exquisite delicate thread work along the borders.
In contrast, the Dhakai saree from Bangladesh is a simple cotton saree worn on a daily basis.
Mumbai, the fashion capital of India, has its own saree called the Paithani. Paithani is the name of the pattern used for the gold and silk hand-woven work on the material.
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The Pattu is a simple, yet elegant, white saree with a gold border from Kerala. Since the notion of the saree is purity, it can only be found in the colour white.
Assam produces the best silk in the country. So when in Assam, ask for their Assami silk saree with delicate gold colored Moga silk woven into the material itself.
The Banarasi saree is famous for its colors and textures. This saree carries a very heavy golden embroidery pattern and is a very popular bridal outfit in North India.
As we go across India, we come to Rajasthan with a culture as rich as their castles and historical legends. The Gota saree is from the state of Rajasthan and Utter Pradesh. A special kind of lace border attached to the edge of the saree gives it a unique feel.
Another well-known one is the Chanderi saree, an elegant tissue saree, originating from Madya Pradesh.
The Bomkai saree is from the state of Orissa, a hub for producing hand-woven pieces.
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Wait, I am not done yet! Why stop at sarees? India has many other garments. Women from Rajasthan and Gujarat wear the Ghagra Choli, widely known as the Lengha Choli. It consists of a lengha (the skirt), choli (the blouse) and Odhoni (the shawl). Indian designers use this concept quite frequently in their bridal designs. Another, the Salwar Kameez, is widely worn amongst women from Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. It consists of the Salwar (loose trousers), Kameez (a tunic top) and the chunni. Bollywood starlets love the Churidaar Kurta or Anarkali dress. It has no provincial origin, is a creation from the world of fashion and has brought us the latest trend, the Anarkali Suit. The last one I must mention is from Andra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu , Kerala and Karnataka. It consists of a lehnga, a blouse and a shawl. The lehnga is a full-length skirt that can sometimes go to your knee, with a blouse that is a few inches above your belly button, covered by a shawl draped around you. India’s fashion is colorful, deeply rooted in traditions and evolving with global influences. When you next think of a saree for an occasion, contemplate experimenting with these varied styles, perhaps a Rajasthani Gota saree or Kerala Pattu. It will be a little bit of the old and a little bit of the new. Gujarati brides wear the Gujarati Panetar on their wedding day. The saree is red and white with zari stripes on the white.
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Sarees Botique “For the women of uniqueness, Sarees botique offfers and exclusive collection of custom designed bridal wear. Call it a reinvention of the traditional to modern classic. Imaginative & stylish yet elegant with tradition.”
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Navigating the Traditional and The Modern World How can a bride of today maintain some balance between her ethnic traditions and the modern world? How can you create the modern look for your big day but keep within traditional norms? These are questions that every bride faces. Traditions keep us close to our roots. They keep us connected to our past and centered within our present. A South Asian bride can sometimes feel like she is navigating between two different worlds. She is trying to juggle both the traditions she grew up with while exploring new boundaries. She is trying hard to maintain her values, believe in the true sanctity of marriage and still have enough energy to keep with modern expectations. She wants the traditional ceremonies but also wants to mingle with guests and party hard with family. She is trying to create a traditional look for her wedding day but employ an entirely different contemporary look for the reception. Why not integrate the two looks? Be the bride who can wear her beautiful wedding saree, walk into a mandap that is lavishly decorated and respect the somberness of the moment. Be the bride that then creates a similarly colourful look for her reception reflecting aspects of her tradition and culture. Let’s say a resounding “no, thank you” to those “cookie-cutter” contemporary reception designs and “hello” to vibrant settings that are reminiscent of South Asian culture.
If you are trying to create a more traditional look for both your wedding and reception, use travel guides and browse photo essays on India as inspiration. The colours that you’ll see in photographs through these books are so vivid, they’ll speak for themselves at your wedding. Throw in block prints, tie-dyes, batiks, silks. Is your theme love? Then use the Taj Mahal as inspiration. Incorporate exquisite detailed work into mandap and centrepieces. If you feel that you need to add in contemporary elements for an evening reception look, then use more of the cooler colors, purples, emerald greens and royal blues. Take a cue from old India with their elaborate fashions and large ornaments. Indulge in the old Raja-Rani era and become royalty for your big day. Throw in some jewels and you got yourself a more royal affair! Or best yet, sit down for a cup of chai with your grandparents and parents, and ask them about their wedding. Their story will help you create your fairytale traditional wedding. -- By Saloni Naik Gillarh
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Kayan Kanesalingam Thivijah Thuraiajah
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The Meet
Kayan Kanesalingam and Thivijah Thuraiajah were introduced through a mutual friend who tried to play matchmaker. Initially, Thivijah wanted to be friends and wasn’t interested in a relationship however as they slowly began to get to know each other, they both fell in love. She started to admire his character. He was caring, affectionate and understanding and as time passed by she knew he was her soul mate. However despite having growing feelings, Thivijah was very indecisive but they continued to see other in social gatherings. This slowly built up to date nights and they began to spend time together alone. A couple of months later, they officially became a couple.
The Proposal
Kayan had scheduled a video e-session where the couple had planned to do a sunrise shoot. It was an early Sunday morning and they were both scheduled to get u at 3 am to meet the videographer. Thivijah, in particular, was not happy about the time because she only had two hours of sleep and they needed to get up and leave to waterloo to do the shoot. When they reached there, Thivijah was taken aback to see a hot air balloon. She turned to the videographer and asked him why this was necessary but nothing was shared. The couple got in and as they ascended into the air Kayan went on his knees and proposed. Of course, she said yes!
The Planning Kayan and Thivijah wanted to have a traditional wedding that adhered to their cultural values. With 700 people on their guest lists, they needed to find a venue that would accommodate that size as well as give them the dream wedding they wanted. Although the couple met up with several wedding planners, because they both enjoyed planning events, they decided to plan their wedding themselves. The first thing they finalized was the venue and so they decided to go with Terrance Banquet Centre in Vaughn because of its large floor size and elegant feel. After that was fixed, they made appointments with venues, décor, photographers, videographers and MUAH and made their final decision based on the offers. To do the décor for the wedding and incorporate the traditional colours of a Hindu wedding of pink, red and off white, they hired Dream Party décor to execute that task. The final product was wonderful. A large statue of Lord Ganesha graced the entrance of the hall to welcome the guests. There was a 40 feet mandap with a water walkway and for the added touch of tradition, they hired a live band to play the “mellum” and “nadaswaram” throughout the ceremony. Due to the wedding taking place in the morning, they provided breakfast for the guests as they arrived followed by snacks and drinks. Make-up and hair was done by Dimple Shah for the wedding as well as reception and for catering they hired Giri from Markham Convention Centre. The reception was a much smaller event with only 35 guests, which mostly consisted of friends. It was held at JJ & Swagat and catering was provided by them also. The décor for the reception was done by Perfect Settings. I was much smaller in comparison to the wedding ceremony and intimate. The whole planning process was extremely overwhelming and stressful, but looking back now, they loved every minute of it.
The Attire For the wedding ceremony the Bride purchased both traditional kancheepuram sarees in Sri Lanka. The jewellery set was rented from Maya’s Boutique for the first saree, and for the Kurrai Saree the bride wore gold jewellery. The groom’s kurtha was custom made from Men of India located in Brampton. The attire for the reception was more western. The bride wore a traditional white dress and the groom, a black tuxedo.
Capturing Memories As Marc Riboud said “Taking pictures is savoring life intensely, every hundredth of a second� and what better moment to savour than those moments on your wedding day. With every smile, hug, kiss and laughter, Nav- El Photography was able to capture those moments and freeze them for a lifetime. Digital Fusion, was instrumental in taking those moments and capturing them into video.
Memorable Moment Our most memorable moment would be stepping away from the guests to take pictures under the gazebo in the rain. We had a line-up of guests waiting to take pictures with us and Dimple Shah waiting to get me changed so in that limited time we were able take our couple shots. It was a cold n rainy day however we managed to take a few shots and enjoyed the moment.
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Karan Sivalingam
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Viloshinie Vikejakumar
The Meet
Karan Sivalingam and Viloshinie Vijeyakumar first crossed paths in the hallway at work during break. Karan initiated a ‘hello’ and they conversed for a few minutes before going their separate ways. Since they worked together, Viloshinie ended up sitting behind him on another occasion and with that they started talking again. As they were talking, Viloshinie started to realize what a nice and funny guy Karan was. From that day on they became good friends and slowly over the course of their friendship they fell in love with each other. That friendship eventually turned into a relationship.
The Proposal
During their anniversary, Karan took Viloshinie out for dinner. Following dinner they went for a walk on the beach. As they walked closer to the water, Viloshinie spotted candles in the shape of a heart. She moved closer, and saw black pebbles laid out in the middle of the heart to read “Will You Marry Me?” in the middle of the heart. As Viloshinie was reading, Karan kneeled behind her on one knee with the ring in his hand. The overwhelmed Viloshinie turned around suddenly and knocked the ring out of the box into the sand. Karan went diving and searched for the ring. He found it and they both shared a good laugh. Despite the minor detour from the original plan Viloshinie gleefully accepted with a resounding “yes!”
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The Planning With a deep desire to have a summer wedding, Karan and Viloshinie only had seven months to plan their wedding a challenge they took upon themselves to coordinate without hiring any planners. They attended a few wedding shows which gave them a good idea of the type of wedding they wanted and the vendors that were available. This made their planning process so much easier. With a short time span to plan their wedding, the couple’s first priority was in booking the venues and getting the dates they wanted. The venue for the ceremony was easy to arrange since St. Barnabas Church was Viloshinie’s home church and the family knew the priest. The church was easily able to accommodate the 100 wedding guests that would be attending and had a familiarity that made the ceremony even more special. The reception venue however a little more of a challenge. Usually venues are booked a year in advance, but due to the short time frame and the long weekend date they were trying to secure, Karan and Viloshinie knew it would be a bit more difficult. They visited quite a few places. In the , with the recommendations of a few family and friends they settled on Scarborough Convention Centre, through which they did their catering. Once the venues were booked, everything else slowly fell into place. They hired TVG Corp and with the assistance of Viloshinie’s brother had the crest and invitations designed, created and mailed within a month’s time. The entirety of the wedding was inspired by a Victorian theme. They wanted to have wedding that was stylish, elegant and romantic with a touch of class. They also incorporated the colour theme of lilac, blush pink, cream with a hint of gold. Since the wedding was taking place in August, the colour theme gave the whole wedding a wisp of summer romance. To make sure they had the wedding of their dreams, Karan and Viloshinie were meticulous in their quest for the right vendors. With each vendor the couple did their research and obtained reviews if possible before making a decision. Most importantly, throughout the whole planning process, they remained calm, open minded and just decided to have fun. For the wedding cake, they went with Fine Cakes by Zehra. Hair and make-up was done by Fancy Face Inc. To go with the envisioned theme, they hired Karma Design Studio to do the décor. To make the wedding memorable, the couple decided to release beautiful monarch butterflies after the ceremony. They came across a Native butterfly legend that stated that if you capture a butterfly, whisper your wish to it and give the butterfly its freedom, the butterfly will take the wish to the heavens and it will be granted. It was a fun way to send off well wishes for the couple. Because the butterflies did not fly away too quickly and a few of them landed on the guests, it was a great way of keeping the guests engaged.
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The Attire
For the wedding the groom wore a black Vera Wang tuxedo with a long sleeved white shirt and black bow tie purchased at Tip Top Tailors.
The bride wore a beautiful gown by Allure with a cathedral veil purchased at Superior Bridal. The gown was a tube top ball gown style with a flattering sweetheart neckline. The bodice was adorned with rich embroidery and Swarovski crystals. The ball gown skirt featured dramatic ruffles with a train. For the reception, the bride wore a lengha designed by Designer Dinesh Ramsay Designs. The lengha was sleeveless with a sweetheart neckline and had intricate embroidery with silver beading. The skirt was mermaid style and the whole attire came with a purple sheer jacket.
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Capturing Memories Every wedding should have moments captured and frozen in time. Karan and Viloshinie knew they wanted someone who understood what the couple were looking. To do this they hired EM Photography and Spectrum Pictures for the videography.
Most memorable Moment The most memorable moment for us was our flash mob at the reception that included our closest friends, family, Karan and I. It was just amazing to see the final product after all the practices, and some even done in the rain in the backyard. We are just grateful to everyone who pulling through for our wedding. The dance was fun and a success from the music to the choreography.
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You are about to have the most important day in your life. We want to make sure you are the best dressed man at your wedding. The first impression you make will be remembered by friends, family and forever in your photos.
You deserve to look your best on this day! Make your appearance as unique and special as everything else you have worked so hard towards. We offer:
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Honeymoon Destinations
Visit to Paradise
As brides and grooms prepare for their weddings, deciding on the honeymoon destination can be one more difficult task to cross off the never-ending to-do list. To aid in the decisionmaking, we have narrowed down our long list of dream destinations to these romantic honeymoon getaways. Whether
Paris, France
City of Love! Need I say more? Well, I will, just in case you need convincing. The fine dining, the rich culture and the romance in the air are the first few highlights to mention. Audrey Hepburn once said, “Paris is always a good idea,” and isn’t that an understatement! From historic monuments like the Eiffel Tower to landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral, the unforgettable sights are certain to dazzle any tourist. Some will enjoy the charming boulevards and the bustling bistros even more. The most preferred time to visit Paris is in the spring and fall because of the ideal weather. This gorgeous city is full of an indescribable “je ne sais quoi” that is guaranteed to make your visit an incredibly romantic honeymoon.
you are the simple beach vacation couple or great nightlife enthusiasts, there’s something for everyone. With today’s travel plans, you can customize a honeymoon package to your unique preferences. Pack up the necessities, shed the stress along with those overbooked calendars and take off...
Santorini, Greece
The Kardashians vacationed there and so can you! Okay, that’s not enough of a reason, so here goes... Santorini’s stunning beauty is splendidly breathtaking. This island cradles a great variety of landscapes and culture. Explore one of the unique red or black sand beaches or sit back and take in the marvelous views of sunsets spreading out wonderful colors on the skies. The touring season starts April 1st; it’s good to note that the period from December through March is very much the offseason filled with colder temperatures and rain with winds. Santorini is said to be one of the great natural wonders of the world. Your adventure awaits!
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Hawaii, USA
The state is made up of islands with the gorgeous beaches, fresh floral air and the Aloha Spirit. Romance is everywhere you turn in Hawaii. The air is filled with the fragrance of exotic tropical flowers. The water is turquoise blue and the beaches are immaculately breathtaking. The soft sand under your feet is warm enough to make you melt. Summer highs are usually in the upper 80s during the day and mid 70s at night. Winter day temperatures are usually in the low to mid 80s and seldom dipping below the mid 60s at night. I’m sold...where do I sign up?
Venice, Italy
Venice is claimed to be one of the interesting and lovely places in the world...not to mention one of the most fashionable. Although it has deteriorated since its heyday and is heavily touristed, the romantic charm remains. Getting around in gondolas, touring the Venetian masters of art, visiting the grand canal and enjoying delicious gelato are just a few things to do in Venice. For film buffs, parts of James Bond film Casino Royale was shot in the 17th-century Palazzo Pisani which can be toured. For romance buffs, two words: Romeo & Juliet! Let your romantic journey continue...
Costa Rica
Costa Rica means ‘rich coast’ in Spanish and has the richest coastlines in Central America. This peaceful nation enjoys an impressive standard of living, boasts a great biodiversity and contains tropical rain forests, active volcanoes, hot spring spas, gorgeous beaches, rivers and waterfalls along with national parks. Among the comments I’ve heard from friends that have had the pleasure of enjoying the above are ‘breath-taking’, ‘pure bliss’ and ‘out of the world experience’. So, I’ll say it’s worth the trip. The climate is tropical year round. However, the country is said to have many microclimates depending on elevation, rainfall, and the particular region, so, better check climate warnings before you finalize your dates.
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Creative Decor Ideas The Wedding House
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10
Tips for a Successful Marriage
Dear brides-to-be,
I know you’ve been quite busy planning your special day, but have you planned for a successful marriage?
We get it— you’ve read the marriage blogs, heard the ooh la la love stories from your friends, and gossiped about the omg #divorce dramas. You’ve even listened (painfully) to yourself stress the importance of TLC—trust, love, and communication. But have you ever considered what we can learn from real couples who know what it takes to make a marriage successful, long after the honeymoon ends? I’m certainly no expert. In fact, I’m a lot like you, new to the whole marriage thing and looking for ways to make my own marriage work well and thrive. And guess what? I’ve finally asked the right people—people who define their marriage as happy, people who have been through hardships, people who know that when it comes to a successful marriage, you work hard, very hard. Trust me, this is not the kind of advice you’ll hear from your grandmother. Gather your friends, brew some spiced Niru brand coffee (I love that stuff!), and get ready to enjoy some unexpected wisdom from people who know exactly what it takes to make married life oh-so-good.
1. Practice sharing Marriage is not a selfish thing. It’s actually a pretty selfless act, one that requires sharing space, sharing income, and sharing failures. This shift from single-life to sharing can be a tricky adjustment, but if you focus on sharing your decisionmaking from the start, your transition will be a smooth and your relationship will be a strong one.
2. Recognize your weaknesses This advice came from husbands who acknowledged that they themselves can be selfish at times. Their suggestion is to spend more time considering how you can improve your own weaknesses, instead of focusing on your partner’s shortcomings. This will set both of you up for success.
3. Avoid battles and plan ahead Marriage is not a war. Arguments (constructive ones) are great opportunities to learn more about how your spouse thinks. If you are in a group setting then it wouldn’t be the best place to work out your issues. So go off the side to work on your issues quickly or plan to resolve it later.
4. Aim for 100%! This statement struck me because I’ve always heard that marriage is about two people putting in 50% to make it work, but a clever wife emphasized that marriage is not about 50-50 at all. It’s about 100-100! Imagine how successful you can be if you both strive to put in your all.
5. Be equals This advice seems obvious, but it is still one that came up in almost every response. Being equals is not just about sharing responsibilities in life. It’s about being mindful of your choices (words and actions) and being aware of how those choices affect your partner emotionally. Never make your partner feel inadequate.
6. Indulge your partner’s ego I was a bit skeptical of including this one because it could be construed as arrogance, but the more I delved into the happy marriage scene, the more I noticed that successful marriages are built on a sincere sense of pride. Being proud doesn’t mean you’re being egotistical; it means you truly value your partner.
7. Be their rock There is no better feeling than knowing your partner will be there for you no matter what. Showing unwavering support during uneasy times instills confidence in each other that will help you through tough situations. Cheer your partner on during their triumphs and be their encouragement when they are down. It is the best way to live by example of your vows of “for better or for worse.”
8. Make the little things count Taking time to talk about the little things and, more importantly, dealing with the little things will prepare you to handle the big things. Goodnight kisses, calling just to say “I love you”, sending a kind, unexpected text: these seemingly meaningless actions are thoughtful reminders of your love.
9. Prioritize your marriage, not your children. You two are the foundation, so it’s no wonder successful couples strive to keep it solid. The best thing you can do for your children is to teach them love and self-reliance by example. Kids learn hidden lessons through you, and those lessons will undoubtedly influence their social relationships. Caring for your partner is caring for your kids.
10. “Keep your fights clean and your sex dirty” — Kevin Bacon This is the dirtiest tip I received from a wife who has been married for over 20 years, and I absolutely agree! The goal is not to live happily ever after in a false sense of marital bliss (sorry Disney fans). The goal is to keep learning what works and what doesn’t. With more than 10 years of experience, these couples could teach us newbies a thing or two about planning for a successful marriage. Thank you to all the couples who were generous enough to share their tips. Happy (marriage) planning, By Cristina S. Jaimungal
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BREAK THE MOULD AND LIVE IN STYLE
BREAK THE MOULD AND LIVE IN STYLE PETER ZiRIADA As some of you are planning your wedding, you are also planning your first home together. We want to take you on a journey to show you a different kind of living that suit any newlywed. Contemporary homes that sprang up in Calgary’s trendy neighbourhoods have started to influence the way Torontonians are thinking about their living space. In Calgary the population is younger and more cosmopolitan than any other major North American city. In addition, higher income levels have allowed it to become the frontrunner in urban design and architecture. Traditional homes of yesterday have yesterday’s floor plans and cater to yesterday’s lifestyles. The youth of today, think of home as more than a place to retreat to, and prepare for the next work-day. More importantly, this generation is better travelled and uses technology to its advantage to research alternative styles and trends that are emerging, so that they can be on the cutting edge of innovation. In order to succeed in today’s design world, architects must change with the times and cater to metropolitan lifestyles. Present-day starter homes must be as unique as the home-owner it is designed for, and must have a special personal touch. Moreover, they must be highly functional and each space within the home, well-thought out and equipped to enhance the lifestyle.
WEXFORD ESTATES, CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA One successful developer that has specialized in contemporary home-building in Calgary is 7S Group. In the heart of our 25 acre subdivision located in the trendy community of Wexford Estate, we dedicated an entire city block exclusively to contemporary homes. Establishing architectural controls that recognized the use of alternative building materials and design styles that include corrugated metal, and a 3rd floor bonus room.
“Calgary’s trendy neighbourhood have started to nfluence the way Torontonians are thinking about their living space.”’
“Traditional homes of yesterday have yesterday’s floor plans and cater to yesterday‘s lifestyles.”’
7S Group’s intent was to be a trendsetter in the way developers think about suburban neighbourhoods which are often places of uniformity and conformity. Furthermore, we wanted to provide consumers with choice. Our aim and philosophy was to ensure that the interior design and floor layout met or exceeded customers’ expectations and needs. To achieve this goal, homebuyers were required to engage in an extensive planning process alongside our experienced architect and designer that would ensure a home-design that would meet their family’s evolving lifestyle. Consequently the entire subdivision of 125 homes has entirely unique floor plans and individualized exterior finishes. 7S Group’s years of experience in homebuilding allowed our team to ask the right question and receive the appropriate detailed information from our clients, so that our designers could draw up floor plans that were tailor-made to specific lifestyle requirements. This process is time consuming, but as our clients testify it is well worth it in the long run. Most of our homes sell by word of mouth by our satisfied customers.
Our objective was to create something extraordinary while maintaining a competitive price point. To achieve this objective architecturally we needed to maximize the building envelope/built form and to create highly functional living spaces. Every room and its relationship to the entire house needed to be well-thought out. As a result, every level features unique spaces where the entire family can connect and engage. The open concept of the family’s living space (kitchen, living room, eating nook, dining room) allow for efficient use of space and seamless opportunities to interact. The contemporary block was so successful that it we had to expand it further than we had initially planned. Contemporary homes within 7S Group’s Wexford Estates bear testimony to the fact that when you implement a well thought out plan without compromising on quality, success will certainly follow. Please visit the 7S Group office at 885 Progress Avenue, Scarborough, Toronto, and/or our website at http://www.7sgroup.com/. Reap the benefits of our construction expertise and find yourself in a unique and stylish contemporary home.
“... when you implement a well thought out plan without compromising on quality, success will certainly follow.”’
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