Asiana Wedding 58 - Aut/Win22 Mobile Version
The iconic Bridal Bible. Over 250 Pages of Fashion, Beauty & Planning to inspire your Big Day. Don't get married without it!
The iconic Bridal Bible. Over 250 Pages of Fashion, Beauty & Planning to inspire your Big Day. Don't get married without it!
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FOR THE ASIAN BRIDE WHO WANTS MORE<br />
ASIANA<br />
A/W 2022 • £4.50<br />
MOBILE EDITION<br />
PLANNING<br />
MADE EASY<br />
Expert advice<br />
to inspire your<br />
Big Day<br />
BUSINESS<br />
OF BEAUTY<br />
Secrets of the Social<br />
Media Superstars<br />
CATWALK<br />
REPORT<br />
<strong>Asiana</strong> Bridal<br />
Show London<br />
5 8 ><br />
9 7 7 1 7 4 2 2 3 7 0 0 9<br />
Heritage<br />
Queens
C O N T<br />
FASHION<br />
The Bride’s Guide<br />
Latest news from across the wedding industry<br />
Shop <strong>Asiana</strong><br />
The only online fashion portal you need<br />
Designer Profile<br />
Rajasthan’s leading couturist arrives in the UK<br />
<strong>Wedding</strong> Planning<br />
The <strong>Asiana</strong> <strong>Wedding</strong> Directory is at your service<br />
Catwalk Report<br />
Highlights from the <strong>Asiana</strong> Bridal Show 2022<br />
E<br />
N<br />
CELEBRITY<br />
Meet the Insta-preneurs
REAL LIFE<br />
WEDDINGS<br />
Your love stories<br />
Newlyweds share their magical memories<br />
PLANNING<br />
Bridal Notebook<br />
Your tick box guide to perfect planning<br />
Interiors<br />
Gorgeous ideas for your love nest<br />
Planning tools<br />
The new bridal marketplace for all your needs<br />
<strong>Wedding</strong> Planner<br />
Expert help for your destination wedding<br />
Party venues<br />
Book at table at the hottest new restaurant<br />
<strong>Wedding</strong> venues<br />
The UK’s best spots to tie the knot<br />
Venues abroad<br />
Get married at the Swissôtel The Bosphorus<br />
Food<br />
Introducing Madhu’s Istanbul<br />
Catering<br />
It’s not a party without the feast<br />
Signature Banqueting<br />
Chakra Events<br />
Sultan Caterers<br />
Entertainment<br />
Meet the new team behind Paragon<br />
Photography<br />
Top tips for choosing your photographer<br />
Theming ideas<br />
Create your own private shisha lounge<br />
Flowers<br />
How to choose your bridal bouquet<br />
Hen & Stag<br />
Fun ways to spend time with your friends<br />
Relationship<br />
Expert advice for settling into married life<br />
Style inspo<br />
Scent-sational candles for dark evenings<br />
BEAUTY<br />
Beauty News<br />
The latest industry innovations<br />
Aesthetics<br />
Professional treatments by<br />
the experts at Mi:Skin<br />
Henna<br />
The timeless appeal of an ancient art<br />
Skin<br />
Fast-track beauty innovations<br />
Hair<br />
Celebrity stylist Dar answers your question<br />
Beauty Solution<br />
Advice from Beauty Editor Anjana Gosai<br />
Health & Wellbeing<br />
Look after your mind, body and soul<br />
Dental<br />
Smile with confidence thanks to Dr Kal<br />
GROOM<br />
Grooming News<br />
Beauty isn’t just for brides<br />
Groom Notes<br />
Gifts for your groomsmen<br />
HONEYMOON<br />
Honeymoon News<br />
Where to go and what to take<br />
Hotel of The Season<br />
Boutique living in Istanbul<br />
First Night<br />
The best hotel suites for your minimoon<br />
Island paradise in Corfu<br />
Magnificent Majorca<br />
Eastern promises in Dubai<br />
and Oman<br />
REGULARS<br />
Get the cover look<br />
Secrets of The Queens of Istanbul<br />
Editor’s Letter<br />
Greetings from Istanbul<br />
<strong>Wedding</strong> Expert<br />
Sanjay Anand MBE has all the answers<br />
DIRECTORY<br />
Our guide to the best<br />
wedding service providers
Excellence and expertise…<br />
with a touch of brilliance<br />
www.madhus.co.uk
PRESENT...<br />
Sunday 19th February 2023<br />
Exhibition: 10am - 7pm<br />
THE SAVOY LONDON<br />
The Strand, London WC2R 0EZ<br />
Exhibition Stand EnquiriES: info@aSiana.tv<br />
tickEtS & info: www.aSianabridalShow.co.uk
BRIDAL MAKEUP • TRAINING COURSES<br />
lubnarafiq.com/lragency<br />
07939 15 44 00<br />
lubnarafiqacademy OfficialLubnaRafiq letsmakeupLR<br />
Outfit: Monga’s • Jewellery: Maala London
GET THECover Look<br />
EDITOR<br />
Indiya Ahmed<br />
BEAUTY EDITOR<br />
Anjana Gosai<br />
FEATURES EDITOR<br />
Momtaz Begum-Hossain<br />
WEDDING CONSULTANT<br />
Sanjay Anand<br />
•<br />
CONTRIBUTORS<br />
Imaan Ahmed, Amardeep Dadi<br />
Courtney Fontaine,<br />
Vinita Kalia, Ibraheem Khan,<br />
Sumaiyah Omar,<br />
Akib Rayhan, Zaf Shabir,<br />
Faeiza Sharifi,<br />
Alan Strutt<br />
•<br />
DIRECTOR OF SALES<br />
Cauvery Bhandari<br />
CORPORATE DIRECTOR<br />
Rajesh Nair<br />
•<br />
CHIEF EXECUTIVE<br />
Thufayel Ahmed<br />
•<br />
PUBLISHER<br />
Sarwar Ahmed<br />
•<br />
Outfits: Tehxeeb London • Hair & Make-Up: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency<br />
+ Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Jewellery: Jauhar Jewels<br />
DISTRIBUTION<br />
Newstrade: Postscriptum<br />
020 8526 7779<br />
Meet our Queens of Istanbul;<br />
two regal brides dressed in<br />
the riches of Pakistani couture.<br />
These elegant ensembles capture<br />
the spirit of the Turkish city<br />
- romance, heritage and tradition: the same<br />
characteristics that can be found in the threads<br />
of the bridalwear at Tehxeeb London.<br />
Classic red and gold have long been the<br />
choice for brides from all South Asian cultures<br />
and it’s experiencing a revival among young<br />
brides who are keen to go back to their roots.<br />
While the colour pairing will always have a<br />
timeless quality, the pieces are made more<br />
appealing thanks to their flattering, fitted cuts.<br />
The luxurious lengha is embellished with<br />
bold 3D embroidery and beading featured in<br />
simple fan motifs, while in the second outfit, a<br />
dramatic long jacket commands attention. It’s<br />
the ultimate outfit for an <strong>Aut</strong>umn/Winter bride,<br />
allowing them to make a grand statement<br />
during the cooler months when long sleeves<br />
are a relief.<br />
Birmingham-based bespoke jewellery brand<br />
Jauhar Jewels created grand bridal sets where<br />
the statement neckpiece connects with stylish<br />
head chains. Large tikkas frame the face using<br />
traditional Pakistani jewels in red and green,<br />
while nose rings add attitude.<br />
A traditional accessory that modern brides<br />
love to wear, bridal nose rings can completely<br />
transform your entire look with that extra,<br />
unexpected detail.<br />
For the make-up, Lubna Rafiq and her<br />
assistants opted for dark, alluring smoked eyes<br />
with soft pink lips. Blending brown and gold<br />
eyeshadows created an antique quality which<br />
harmonises with the heritage vibes of the<br />
outfits. Skin was made flawless with minimal<br />
contouring and just a splash of blush to<br />
highlight cheeks adding gentle drama to these<br />
timeless looks.<br />
Telephone: +44 (0) 203 8<strong>58</strong> 0727<br />
Email: (Firstname) @asiana.tv<br />
The design and artwork of all advertising<br />
produced by <strong>Asiana</strong> Media Ltd remains<br />
the copyright of <strong>Asiana</strong> Media Ltd and<br />
may not be reproduced in any other<br />
publication or any other media without<br />
our express written permission.<br />
All rights reserved.<br />
No part of this publication may be<br />
reproduced or used in any form.<br />
without the express written<br />
permission of the publisher.<br />
Copyright © 2022 <strong>Asiana</strong> Media Ltd.<br />
Licensed from Ahmed Concepts Ltd<br />
www.asiana.tv
BRIDAL MAKEUP • TRAINING COURSES<br />
lubnarafiq.com/lragency<br />
07939 15 44 00<br />
lubnarafiqacademy OfficialLubnaRafiq letsmakeupLR<br />
Outfits: Tehxeeb London • Jewellery: Jauhar Jewels
EDITOR’SLetter<br />
I encourage all of you beautiful<br />
ladies out there to be confident, to<br />
dream big and to work hard like the<br />
queens you are to boss it up!<br />
I’m currently sitting in Istanbul after a long day<br />
of shooting with our two beautiful cover models.<br />
The team have been working extremely hard<br />
to produce the new edition of <strong>Asiana</strong> <strong>Wedding</strong>!<br />
Turkey has always been one of my favourite<br />
holiday destinations. The picturesque views, historical mosques,<br />
mesmerising palaces and luxury resorts make it an extraordinary<br />
place to visit, and to do a photoshoot! Between the hustle and<br />
bustle of styling bridal lenghas, directing photography and<br />
searching for breathtaking locations to produce the bridal bible<br />
you’re holding, I thought I’d take some time out to write this<br />
letter to you; call this your postcard from <strong>Asiana</strong>.<br />
We chose Istanbul as the location for our <strong>Aut</strong>umn/Winter<br />
edition; a destination where we could tell a unique story for the<br />
fashion campaigns we have created for the biggest brands in<br />
the Asian bridal industry - (wait until you see the extraordinary<br />
250-year-old hammam in which we shot Khushboo’s By Chand’s<br />
alluring veiled goddess campaign, it’s one of my favourites!)<br />
I’d like to also congratulate Madhu’s for the opening of their<br />
first international restaurant in Istanbul at The Swissôtel, The<br />
Bosphorus and a big thank you for inviting <strong>Asiana</strong> out there and<br />
hosting our photoshoot trip. I wish them luck on their remarkable<br />
new business venture! The food and restaurant are exquisite and<br />
you can find out more on page 182.<br />
Our cover campaign is extremely special to me, as it’s been so<br />
long since traditional red was brought back in trend. The last<br />
time <strong>Asiana</strong> featured this timeless shade was pre-pandemic in<br />
2018 when Bipasha Basu graced our cover and I’m pleased to say<br />
that true to tradition, red is trending again.<br />
This edition also highlights our exquisite catwalk report from<br />
The <strong>Asiana</strong> Bridal show at Grosvenor House 2022, showcasing<br />
a variety of luxury collections from all the top fashion brands for<br />
planning your big day. I’m also excited to announce our upcoming<br />
Elite <strong>Asiana</strong> Bridal Show 2023 will be taking place at The Savoy<br />
London on the 5th of February. Along with our partners Madhu’s<br />
and Sunrise Radio, I look forward to welcoming all you brides-tobe<br />
as you embark on your wedding journey.<br />
Until then, if you’re currently in the midst of planning I<br />
hope this issue helps you with the preparation for your special<br />
day - get inspired by grand wedding venues, caterers, flowers,<br />
entertainment and so much more. We’ve also featured quite a<br />
variety of exotic honeymoon destinations so be sure to check out<br />
our hand-picked lush destinations.<br />
I think as much as we can get carried away with wedding<br />
planning, which is a tough procedure, the hardest part is<br />
transitioning into an actual marriage. We don’t speak about this<br />
enough in the South Asian community. However, if you turn<br />
to page 204 I’d encourage you to read our trending article on<br />
relationships - including marital advice given by a world-class<br />
doctor and eminent psychologist.<br />
Finally… I can’t forget to mention our brilliant girl power<br />
influencer shoot featuring some of the UK’s top South Asian<br />
influential women of date. If you visit page 98 you can see the<br />
luxurious makeover and photo shoot spread <strong>Asiana</strong> has created<br />
along with a feature on all of these hard working and successful<br />
women who run their own businesses. I am a huge advocate of<br />
women’s empowerment - so I encourage all of you beautiful ladies<br />
out there to be confident, to dream big and to work hard like the<br />
queens you are to boss it up!<br />
Like us on Facebook<br />
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<strong>Asiana</strong><br />
asianatv<br />
Follow us on Instagram<br />
asianatv<br />
Follow us on Twitter<br />
asianamagazine<br />
Indiya Ahmed<br />
Editor<br />
indiya@asiana.tv
Shisha Catering For Your Big Day
Hair & Makup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Maala London • Location: Madhu’s Istanbul, Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Turkeyº<br />
BROWSE ALL YOUR FAVOURITE BRANDS ONLINE<br />
www.shop.asiana.tv
Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Jauhar Jewels<br />
197 ILFORD LANE, ILFORD, ESSEX LONDON IG1 2RU<br />
02033056778, 07867339737<br />
456 STRATFORD ROAD BIRMINGHAM B11 4AE<br />
0121 7942181, 07483906161<br />
www.tehxeeblondon.co.uk
Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Jauhar Jewels<br />
197 ILFORD LANE, ILFORD, ESSEX LONDON IG1 2RU<br />
02033056778, 07867339737<br />
456 STRATFORD ROAD BIRMINGHAM B11 4AE<br />
0121 7942181, 07483906161<br />
www.tehxeeblondon.co.uk
Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Jauhar Jewels<br />
197 ILFORD LANE, ILFORD, ESSEX LONDON IG1 2RU<br />
02033056778, 07867339737<br />
456 STRATFORD ROAD BIRMINGHAM B11 4AE<br />
0121 7942181, 07483906161<br />
www.tehxeeblondon.co.uk
197 ILFORD LANE, ILFORD, ESSEX LONDON IG1 2RU<br />
02033056778, 07867339737<br />
456 STRATFORD ROAD BIRMINGHAM B11 4AE<br />
0121 7942181, 07483906161<br />
www.tehxeeblondon.co.uk<br />
Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Jauhar Jewels
Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Jauhar Jewels<br />
197 ILFORD LANE, ILFORD, ESSEX LONDON IG1 2RU<br />
02033056778, 07867339737<br />
456 STRATFORD ROAD BIRMINGHAM B11 4AE<br />
0121 7942181, 07483906161<br />
www.tehxeeblondon.co.uk
Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Jauhar Jewels<br />
197 ILFORD LANE, ILFORD, ESSEX LONDON IG1 2RU<br />
02033056778, 07867339737<br />
456 STRATFORD ROAD BIRMINGHAM B11 4AE<br />
0121 7942181, 07483906161<br />
www.tehxeeblondon.co.uk
BIRMINGHAM<br />
BY ASIF MALIK<br />
www.sache.co.uk<br />
115 Alum Rock Road, Birmingham B8 1ND<br />
Info/Appointments: 0121 328 7024<br />
SachebyAsif<br />
Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Jauhar Jewels
Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Jauhar Jewels<br />
BIRMINGHAM<br />
BY ASIF MALIK<br />
www.sache.co.uk<br />
115 Alum Rock Road, Birmingham B8 1ND<br />
Info/Appointments: 0121 328 7024<br />
SachebyAsif
BIRMINGHAM<br />
BY ASIF MALIK<br />
www.sache.co.uk<br />
115 Alum Rock Road, Birmingham B8 1ND<br />
Info/Appointments: 0121 328 7024<br />
SachebyAsif
Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi<br />
Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Jauhar Jewels<br />
BIRMINGHAM<br />
BY ASIF MALIK<br />
www.sache.co.uk<br />
115 Alum Rock Road, Birmingham B8 1ND<br />
Info/Appointments: 0121 328 7024<br />
SachebyAsif
Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Jauhar Jewels<br />
BIRMINGHAM<br />
BY ASIF MALIK<br />
www.sache.co.uk<br />
115 Alum Rock Road, Birmingham B8 1ND<br />
Info/Appointments: 0121 328 7024<br />
SachebyAsif
Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Jauhar Jewels<br />
BIRMINGHAM<br />
BY ASIF MALIK<br />
BIRMINGHAM<br />
BY ASIF MALIK<br />
www.sache.co.uk<br />
115 Alum Rock Road, Birmingham B8 1ND<br />
Info/Appointments: 0121 328 7024<br />
SachebyAsif<br />
www.sache.co.uk<br />
115 Alum Rock Road, Birmingham B8 1ND<br />
Info/Appointments: 0121 328 7024<br />
SachebyAsif
Hair & Makup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup<br />
Jewellery: Maala London • Location: Madhu’s Istanbul, Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Turkey<br />
0% FINANCE AVAILABLE<br />
Apply in-store or call for details:<br />
T: 0208 574 4863 / 0208 843 0111<br />
UK Flagship Store:<br />
60-66 The Broadway, Southall<br />
INDIA: A-69 Block A<br />
Naraina Industrial Area Phase 1<br />
Naraina, Delhi 110028<br />
T: +91 114234 <strong>58</strong>02<br />
E: mongasuk@gmail.com<br />
Shop online @ www.mongas.co.uk
Hair & Makup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Maala London • Location: Madhu’s Istanbul, Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Turkey<br />
0% FINANCE AVAILABLE<br />
Apply in-store or call for details:<br />
T: 0208 574 4863 / 0208 843 0111<br />
UK Flagship Store:<br />
60-66 The Broadway, Southall<br />
INDIA: A-69 Block A<br />
Naraina Industrial Area Phase 1<br />
Naraina, Delhi 110028<br />
T: +91 114234 <strong>58</strong>02<br />
E: mongasuk@gmail.com<br />
Shop online @ www.mongas.co.uk
Hair & Makup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Maala London • Location: Madhu’s Istanbul, Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Turkeyº<br />
0% FINANCE AVAILABLE<br />
Apply in-store or call for details:<br />
T: 0208 574 4863 / 0208 843 0111<br />
UK Flagship Store:<br />
60-66 The Broadway, Southall<br />
INDIA: A-69 Block A<br />
Naraina Industrial Area Phase 1<br />
Naraina, Delhi 110028<br />
T: +91 114234 <strong>58</strong>02<br />
E: mongasuk@gmail.com<br />
Shop online @ www.mongas.co.uk
Hair & Makup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi<br />
Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Crown: Vintage Kace<br />
Location: MGallery The Galata Hotel Istanbul, Turkey<br />
EXCLUSIVE MADE TO MEASURE<br />
BRIDAL BOOKINGS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY<br />
218-220 Ladypool Road, Birmingham B12 8JT<br />
0121 753 3045<br />
Khushboosbychand aminahcdk
Hair & Makup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi<br />
Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Crown: Vintage Kace • Location: MGallery The Galata Hotel Istanbul, Turkey<br />
EXCLUSIVE MADE TO MEASURE<br />
BRIDAL BOOKINGS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY<br />
218-220 Ladypool Road, Birmingham B12 8JT<br />
0121 753 3045<br />
Khushboosbychand aminahcdk
Hair & Makup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Crown: Vintage Kace<br />
EXCLUSIVE MADE TO MEASURE<br />
BRIDAL BOOKINGS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY<br />
218-220 Ladypool Road, Birmingham B12 8JT<br />
0121 753 3045<br />
Khushboosbychand aminahcdk
EXCLUSIVE MADE TO MEASURE<br />
BRIDAL BOOKINGS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY<br />
218-220 Ladypool Road, Birmingham B12 8JT<br />
0121 753 3045<br />
Khushboosbychand aminahcdk<br />
Hair & Makup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi<br />
Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Crown: Vintage Kace
EXCLUSIVE MADE TO MEASURE<br />
BRIDAL BOOKINGS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY<br />
218-220 Ladypool Road, Birmingham B12 8JT<br />
0121 753 3045<br />
Khushboosbychand aminahcdk<br />
Hair & Makup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Crown: Vintage Kace
Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Maala London • Location: Madhu’s Istanbul, Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Turkey<br />
PLOT NO: 148,149 FRONTIER<br />
COLONY, ADARSH NAGAR,<br />
NR HOTEL DIVINE, JAIPUR 302004,<br />
RAJASTHAN, INDIA<br />
T: +91-9660504407<br />
www.haneetsingh.com
PLOT NO: 148,149 FRONTIER<br />
COLONY, ADARSH NAGAR,<br />
NR HOTEL DIVINE, JAIPUR 302004,<br />
RAJASTHAN, INDIA<br />
T: +91-9660504407<br />
www.haneetsingh.com<br />
Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Maala London • Location: Madhu’s Istanbul, Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Turkey
PLOT NO: 148,149 FRONTIER<br />
COLONY, ADARSH NAGAR,<br />
NR HOTEL DIVINE, JAIPUR 302004,<br />
RAJASTHAN, INDIA<br />
T: +91-9660504407<br />
www.haneetsingh.com<br />
Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Maala London • Location: Madhu’s Istanbul, Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Turkey
Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Maala London • Location: Madhu’s Istanbul, Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Turkey<br />
PLOT NO: 148,149 FRONTIER<br />
COLONY, ADARSH NAGAR,<br />
NR HOTEL DIVINE, JAIPUR 302004,<br />
RAJASTHAN, INDIA<br />
T: +91-9660504407<br />
www.haneetsingh.com
Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Maala London • Location: Madhu’s Istanbul, Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Turkey<br />
PLOT NO: 148,149 FRONTIER<br />
COLONY, ADARSH NAGAR,<br />
NR HOTEL DIVINE, JAIPUR 302004,<br />
RAJASTHAN, INDIA<br />
T: +91-9660504407<br />
www.haneetsingh.com
Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency<br />
Lab-Grown Diamonds<br />
now available in store<br />
320 Farnham Road, Slough, SL2 1BT<br />
T: 01753 533 500<br />
www.ganeshjewels.co.uk
Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency<br />
Lab-Grown Diamonds<br />
now available in store<br />
320 Farnham Road, Slough, SL2 1BT<br />
T: 01753 533 500<br />
www.ganeshjewels.co.uk
Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency<br />
Lab-Grown Diamonds<br />
now available in store<br />
320 Farnham Road, Slough, SL2 1BT<br />
T: 01753 533 500<br />
www.ganeshjewels.co.uk
Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency<br />
Lab-Grown Diamonds<br />
now available in store<br />
320 Farnham Road, Slough, SL2 1BT<br />
T: 01753 533 500<br />
www.ganeshjewels.co.uk
Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Maala London<br />
161 Ladypool Road, Birmingham,<br />
West Midlands B12 8LQ<br />
T: 0121 446 4541<br />
E: panache_786@yahoo.com<br />
www.panache.boutique<br />
panacheboutiquebirmingham
Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Maala London<br />
161 Ladypool Road, Birmingham,<br />
West Midlands B12 8LQ<br />
T: 0121 446 4541<br />
E: panache_786@yahoo.com<br />
www.panache.boutique<br />
panacheboutiquebirmingham
Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Maala London<br />
161 Ladypool Road, Birmingham,<br />
West Midlands B12 8LQ<br />
T: 0121 446 4541<br />
E: panache_786@yahoo.com<br />
www.panache.boutique<br />
panacheboutiquebirmingham
Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Maala London<br />
161 Ladypool Road, Birmingham,<br />
West Midlands B12 8LQ<br />
T: 0121 446 4541<br />
E: panache_786@yahoo.com<br />
www.panache.boutique<br />
panacheboutiquebirmingham
161 Ladypool Road, Birmingham,<br />
West Midlands B12 8LQ<br />
T: 0121 446 4541<br />
E: panache_786@yahoo.com<br />
www.panache.boutique<br />
panacheboutiquebirmingham<br />
Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Maala London
Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Outfit: Tehxeeb London<br />
Couture Bridal Sets • Special Occasion Jewellery<br />
Visit our Luxury Boutique to experience an Exclusive Personal Service<br />
176A Ladypool Road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham B12 8JS<br />
T: 07361 242 768 • E: jauharjewels@outlook.com<br />
www.jauharjewels.co.uk
Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi<br />
Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Outfit: Tehxeeb London<br />
Couture Bridal Sets • Special Occasion Jewellery<br />
Visit our Luxury Boutique to experience an Exclusive Personal Service<br />
176A Ladypool Road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham B12 8JS<br />
T: 07361 242 768 • E: jauharjewels@outlook.com<br />
www.jauharjewels.co.uk
Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi<br />
Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Kyles Collection • Mirrors: Vintage Kace<br />
60-62 Alum Rock Road, Birmingham B8 1JA<br />
T: 0121 328 5355 • E: info@chunriuk.com<br />
www.chunriuk.com
Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi<br />
Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Kyles Collection • Mirrors: Vintage Kace<br />
60-62 Alum Rock Road,<br />
Birmingham B8 1JA<br />
T: 0121 328 5355<br />
E: info@chunriuk.com<br />
www.chunriuk.com
Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi<br />
Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Kyles Collection • Mirrors: Vintage Kace<br />
60-62 Alum Rock Road,<br />
Birmingham B8 1JA<br />
T: 0121 328 5355<br />
E: info@chunriuk.com<br />
www.chunriuk.com
Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi<br />
Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Kyles Collection • Mirrors: Vintage Kace<br />
60-62 Alum Rock Road,<br />
Birmingham B8 1JA<br />
T: 0121 328 5355<br />
E: info@chunriuk.com<br />
www.chunriuk.com
60-62 Alum Rock Road,<br />
Birmingham B8 1JA<br />
T: 0121 328 5355<br />
E: info@chunriuk.com<br />
www.chunriuk.com
JEMELIN ARTIGAS<br />
@JEMELIN ARTIGAS<br />
SUMAIYAH OMAR<br />
@FLAWLESSBYSUMAIYAH<br />
SOCIAL MEDIA<br />
MEHRUNNISA RAJA<br />
@FOREVER.FLEEK<br />
KIRAN KAUR<br />
@KBELLEBEAUTY<br />
KADEEJA SEL KHAN<br />
@EMERALDXBEAUTY<br />
BOSS BABES<br />
These five female founders have built up their own social media empires<br />
to become powerful, passion-driven young businesswomen.<br />
Meet the Insta-preneurs…<br />
Concept & Styling: Indiya Ahmed • Photography: Alan Strutt<br />
Hair & Make-Up: Lubna Rafiq • Outfits: Tehxeeb London • Jewellery: Nargis Collections<br />
Words: Momtaz Begum-Hossain
Hair & Make-Up: Lubna Rafiq<br />
Outfits: Tehxeeb London<br />
Jewellery: Nargis Collections<br />
“These inspirational women have proven that building a brand from your bedroom<br />
isn’t a dream. Your hobbies can turn into a business that can change your life”<br />
Indiya Ahmed, EDITOR<br />
<strong>Asiana</strong> <strong>Wedding</strong> Magazine<br />
successful<br />
women in business<br />
is the number one<br />
inspiration that<br />
“Seeing<br />
can change a young<br />
person’s outlook on life, giving them<br />
hope and motivation. At <strong>Asiana</strong>, we’re<br />
passionate about ‘sisters doing it for<br />
themselves’ something that I champion<br />
myself,” Indiya Ahmed, Editor and<br />
Creative Director of <strong>Asiana</strong> <strong>Wedding</strong><br />
Magazine, <strong>Asiana</strong>TV and the <strong>Asiana</strong><br />
Bridal Shows heads up the biggest<br />
bridal brand in the UK and as a young<br />
female entrepreneur she’s aware of<br />
the challenges women in business<br />
face. So this issue we’re talking to the<br />
some of the most influential voices in<br />
the industry, and sharing their stories<br />
to inspire a new generation of young<br />
women to feel empowered to follow their<br />
own paths too.<br />
“Female role models empower other<br />
women more than anything else, and<br />
that’s exactly what inspired our feature.<br />
I wanted to give our readers words of<br />
wisdom that will help them live the<br />
lives they strive for. These five inspiring<br />
women have proven that building a brand<br />
from your bedroom isn’t a dream. Social<br />
media has given everyone a platform<br />
to showcase their passions and talents<br />
and when that passion connects with an<br />
audience, your hobbies can turn into a<br />
business that can change your life;” says<br />
Indiya.<br />
Social media often only shows the<br />
glamorous side of being a high-flying<br />
entrepreneur but Indiya was keen to<br />
highlight the other side of the story:<br />
“So much hard work goes into running<br />
your own business, much of it fans and<br />
followers will never get to see. As someone<br />
who works 24/7 and is committed to her<br />
career 100% of the time I know the reality<br />
and the pressures each of our influential<br />
entrepreneurs face so in our interviews I<br />
asked them to be honest about what life is<br />
really like being a successful powerhouse<br />
- you may be surprised with what you<br />
discover.<br />
Whether it’s collaborating with brands<br />
or launching their own empire, these wellknown<br />
social media figures are finding<br />
inspiring and innovative ways to make a<br />
living from their online fame and we are<br />
so here for it!<br />
Introducing the entrepreneurial<br />
influencers who are shaping the future of<br />
women in business…
Hair & Make-Up: Lubna Rafiq<br />
Outfits: Tehxeeb London<br />
Jewellery: Nargis Collections<br />
“SOMETHING I’M PROUD OF<br />
IS THERE AREN’T MANY<br />
SIKH WOMEN BIG IN THE<br />
FAST-FASHION INSTAGRAM<br />
FIELD. I AM ONE OF<br />
A HANDFUL. I NEVER<br />
THOUGHT I WOULD BE<br />
“INSTA-FAMOUS”, IT JUST<br />
KIND OF HAPPENED!”<br />
102 | ASIANA WEDDING
Kiran<br />
KBelleBeauty<br />
SOCIAL MEDIA<br />
Entrepreneur, Influencer, Owner of hair<br />
extensions brand GL Hair<br />
kbellebeauty<br />
Kiran’s journey began as the ordinary girl-nextdoor,<br />
like many of us posting on Instagram for<br />
friends and family to like; only fate had other<br />
plans. Her striking looks and beautiful images<br />
caught the eye of brands and that’s how her<br />
influence began to spread. She explains: “I<br />
started posting pictures on Instagram for fun.<br />
Then fashion brands started reaching out to<br />
me for collaborations. I now work with almost<br />
every world-famous fashion brand you can<br />
imagine which is something I’m proud of as there<br />
aren’t many Sikh women big in the fast-fashion<br />
Instagram field, I am one of a handful. I never<br />
thought I would be ‘Insta-famous’, it just kind of<br />
happened.”<br />
With nearly 400,000 followers looking to her<br />
for inspiration, Kiran realised she had a captive<br />
audience who were keen to support her, so<br />
made the most of the opportunity by becoming<br />
an entrepreneur. She enthuses: “I am now the<br />
director of 14 companies which includes hair<br />
extensions brand GL Hair which I started straight<br />
after university, along with salons and many other<br />
brands. I came from a humble beginning so I’m<br />
very proud of how far I’ve come, 10-year-old me<br />
would be crying if they could see me now!”<br />
Influencers typically have several strands of<br />
income, which has also proved profitable for<br />
Kiran. She says: “I now run my companies full<br />
time and spend about 20% of my time taking on<br />
brand deals and collaborations. I would say I’m<br />
predominantly a businesswoman rather than<br />
an influencer. Fun fact, I set up my Instagram<br />
account in 2013 for my salon at the time but then<br />
changed it to an influencer account and I’m now a<br />
household name in the Western fashion industry.”<br />
What’s so refreshing and appealing about Kiran<br />
is that she’s not afraid to take on challenges<br />
and that’s part of her success. She admits: “I<br />
had absolutely zero experience or a background<br />
in business before starting my brands. I had to<br />
learn everything from scratch which included<br />
marketing, recruitment, sourcing products,<br />
negotiations, branding and social media - you<br />
name it I can wear every hat when it comes to<br />
business. I’m not afraid of anything and love the<br />
challenges that business brings. I also believe that<br />
as a female entrepreneur, you must keep striving<br />
for more.”
Hair & Make-Up: Lubna Rafiq<br />
Outfits: Tehxeeb London<br />
Jewellery: Nargis Collections<br />
Jemelin<br />
Artigas<br />
Presenter, Model and CEO<br />
I-Growth Social Media Experts<br />
jemelinartigas<br />
Jemelin’s rise to success reads like the pages<br />
of a fairytale. An immigrant from Venezuela<br />
she arrived in the UK without a home and<br />
worked as a cleaner to survive, but during<br />
these toughest times, she clung to her<br />
self-belief and determination. She’s now a<br />
successful presenter and entrepreneur with<br />
a thriving business, following her appearance<br />
on BBC’s The Apprentice and she’s also the<br />
first Latin American to be featured in <strong>Asiana</strong>.<br />
She enthuses: “In terms of traditions we are<br />
very similar! We love food, family and enjoy<br />
life. I also have a close connection to South<br />
Asian culture as my husband is from India.”<br />
Speaking about the challenge of trying to<br />
survive and thrive when she first moved to the<br />
UK, Jemelin found strength in thinking about<br />
her mother. She confesses: “One of the biggest<br />
motivations was what my mum taught me<br />
growing up. She always said no matter what<br />
you do even if you are a street cleaner make<br />
sure you are the best street cleaner out there.<br />
I also believe that success isn’t something you<br />
reach. Success is the ability to keep growing,<br />
no matter how many times you fail: learn from<br />
it, get up and keep trying.”<br />
Jemelin’s resilience is so inspiring that it’s<br />
no wonder she struck a chord with so many<br />
people on social media. She says: “I think by<br />
being fully transparent on the reality of being<br />
an entrepreneur and the struggles, a lot of<br />
people resonate with me because I always<br />
show them my most vulnerable side and<br />
share my story of coming from nothing.”<br />
This influence grew after she was selected<br />
from over 75 thousand applicants to be on<br />
season 15 of The Apprentice; where she learnt<br />
entrepreneurial skills that transformed her<br />
life. She says: “I had never been to university<br />
nor had a corporate job. I definitely had never<br />
been in a boardroom but I didn’t let that stop<br />
me. I was the project manager on our first<br />
task in Cape Town and constantly put myself<br />
forward for all the tasks. I learnt a lot on the<br />
show: to be more determined and a fast<br />
decision-maker, to take more action instead<br />
of just talking, and to learn while you are at it<br />
- which is what we did on the show. That was<br />
my biggest takeaway. You don’t need to wait,<br />
just do it!”
SOCIAL MEDIA<br />
Since the show, Jemelin has followed her<br />
passion for social media to create I-Growth,<br />
which connects content creators and<br />
influencers with brands; a fresh new business<br />
concept that couldn’t be more relevant. She<br />
explains: “We live in an era where adverts are<br />
out-dated. Brands prefer to humanise their<br />
brand by working with a social influencer that<br />
has an audience that trusts them. 10 years<br />
ago this type of business didn’t exist but as<br />
someone that has experienced it first-hand,<br />
I’m excited to help other women to find their<br />
voice and their purpose.”<br />
Don’t feel intimidated if you don’t yet have<br />
the follower community you want; it takes<br />
time to build this trust but don’t give up.<br />
Jemelin says: “Be clear in what you represent.<br />
A lot of people want to be an influencer for<br />
the fame and so-called influencer lifestyle<br />
which many think is so glamorous but trust<br />
me when I say it’s anything but. Understand<br />
that it takes time to build a following and is<br />
not just about growing your followers but also<br />
creating a community around that and that<br />
is the difficult part because it requires a lot of<br />
time and effort. Be mindful of what content<br />
you put out. Ask yourself does this content<br />
really resonate with the audience I want to<br />
attract or just simply look good? Strategise<br />
everything you put out.<br />
“We are launching a free course soon that<br />
explains everything from different ways of<br />
growing to how to strategise - so definitely<br />
give us a follow on Instagram<br />
@igrowthsocialmediaexperts to learn new<br />
skills that could shape your future.”<br />
“SUCCESS IS THE ABILITY<br />
TO KEEP GROWING, NO<br />
MATTER HOW MANY<br />
TIMES YOU FAIL: LEARN<br />
FROM IT, GET UP AND<br />
KEEP TRYING.”
Hair & Make-Up: Lubna Rafiq<br />
Outfits: Tehxeeb London<br />
Jewellery: Nargis Collections<br />
“I WANTED TO BE THE CHANGE.<br />
I WANTED TO SHOW THE WORLD<br />
THAT IT’S OKAY TO BE YOURSELF<br />
AND EMBRACE WHO YOU ARE”
Kadeeja Sel Khan<br />
SOCIAL MEDIA<br />
Model and Skin Activist<br />
emeraldxbeauty<br />
Staying authentic to yourself is the number one<br />
reason a follower connects with you and hits the<br />
‘follow’ or subscribe button. They become drawn to<br />
your unique story which builds trust and support,<br />
and this is something that Kadeeja discovered when<br />
she decided to post, unfiltered photos of her acneprone<br />
skin.<br />
She didn’t realise at the time that by taking the<br />
brave step to show her imperfections, it would elevate<br />
her profile, launch her career and transform her into<br />
an influential Skin Activist; it certainly wasn’t an<br />
easy journey. She reveals:<br />
“Having acne prone skin from the age of 11 was<br />
very difficult. It was hard to adjust to and hard to live<br />
with. As I got older I felt like my skin wasn’t getting<br />
any better, in fact, I felt like it was getting worse.<br />
When I came onto social media and saw so many<br />
perfect faces and bodies it would have been easy to<br />
feel intimidated but instead, I felt that I wanted to be<br />
the change. I wanted to show the world that it’s okay<br />
to be yourself and embrace who you are.”<br />
Kadeeja had no idea that her honest approach<br />
would resonate with an international audience, this<br />
was the first time many of them felt seen and heard.<br />
She believed she was spreading positive messages<br />
about real beauty through her photos and videos but<br />
never expected anything more than a few likes. She<br />
says: “I didn’t realise I was blowing up. It just felt<br />
like my positive messages started being heard and<br />
then everything changed.”<br />
The biggest brands in the beauty industry noticed<br />
Kadeeja and wanted to work with her. She was<br />
booked as a model for adverts and campaigns for<br />
global brands like Rimmel London and Makeup<br />
Revolution. “My highlight was definitely doing an<br />
advert with Rita Ora for Rimmel London. I was<br />
so proud of my collaboration with Rita and Cara<br />
Delavigne. I mean, I could only dream of something<br />
like that, so to have that be the reality for me was<br />
very overwhelming. It’s actually crazy because as a<br />
teenager my reason behind wanting blonde hair was<br />
because of Rita Ora. I admired her so much and a few<br />
years later I was working with her, it was insane!”<br />
But the pinch-me moments haven’t stopped there<br />
for Kadeeja whose entrepreneurial successes and<br />
influence keep growing. Another standout moment<br />
for her was collaborating with Inglot. She admits:<br />
“Being in Westfield shopping centre and seeing<br />
my face on the Inglot counter, such a well-known<br />
beauty brand, was an amazing opportunity that<br />
I’m so grateful for. I never knew that sitting at<br />
home making videos and sharing photos of my<br />
everyday life could bring me so many extraordinary<br />
opportunities.”
Sumaiyah Omar<br />
Beauty Influencer and MUA<br />
flawlessbysumaiyah<br />
“Instagram and make-up artists go together like strawberries<br />
and cream. They’re a match made in beauty heaven!” enthuses<br />
Sumaiyah, who has built her brand fuelled by her passion for<br />
beauty. She grew her influence by staying committed and pushing<br />
herself by upskilling. She says: “When I first created an Instagram<br />
account I felt absolutely lost. I posted regular content about my<br />
day, make-up and skincare and it was a fun way to build a small<br />
and steady following. I knew that one day these followers could<br />
be potential clients but I had to think outside of the box to push<br />
through to the next level.”<br />
Working at a beauty counter gave Sumaiyah practical<br />
experience, helping her keep up-to-date with beauty trends and<br />
gaining confidence in her entrepreneurial endeavours. In order to<br />
get noticed she started tagging influencers and entrepreneurs she<br />
admired and that’s when her journey really kicked off. She says:<br />
“I got noticed by Zukreat, a renowned entrepreneur that was one<br />
of the first hijabi make-up artists to become a YouTube sensation.<br />
Investing in her make-up course was one of the best decisions I<br />
made in my career. Learning from someone that is a prominent<br />
figure on social media took my approach to another level. I<br />
purchased a whole new kit, invested in good lighting and started to<br />
create looks on myself.”<br />
Sumaiyah’s numbers kept growing and enquiries for her MUA skills<br />
came flooding in - but she didn’t stop at doing make-up, she also<br />
became Zukreat’s PA. She says: “I practically ate, slept and breathed<br />
make-up. I worked in multiple locations around the UK and Instagram<br />
allowed me to share all my amazing experiences on the way.”<br />
But Sumaiyah didn’t just post randomly, she began using<br />
Instagram tools and strategies to monitor her progress. She admits:<br />
“I kept a work diary and planned client meetings, shoot days and<br />
blogging days. I researched trending videos and songs every day -<br />
sometimes this content took hours to create, But I never gave up.”<br />
Motivated by her goal of becoming a celebrity MUA Sumaiyah<br />
continued to learn and be inspired by the best in the industry.<br />
She says: “I’ve always had a make-up crush on Huda Kattan. A<br />
beauty influencer turned entrepreneur and pioneer in the make-up<br />
industry. She started out just like the rest of us. A woman that<br />
wanted to make it for herself - she is an inspiration to all women.”<br />
It was feeling empowered by other female entrepreneurs that<br />
gave Sumaiyah the edge to keep pushing herself. She says: “My<br />
mindset is key. If I want to do something I grab it with both hands.<br />
I took a masterclass with @makeupbymario Kim Kardashian’s<br />
make-up artist where I developed amazing techniques. Again, this<br />
was another great decision in my career. I instantly started getting<br />
recognition from celebrity agents that I networked with in previous<br />
events and that’s how I landed my first Pakistani actress Mahira<br />
Khan. Working on her was an absolute dream and it opened up a<br />
world of opportunities for me.”<br />
But these opportunities haven’t been handed to Sumaiyah on a<br />
plate. It is sheer hard work and consistency that have helped her<br />
achieve her dreams: “I’m always hungry for new opportunities and<br />
I’m not afraid to reach out to brands. They won’t always come<br />
to you, you have to write that email, send it, make that meeting<br />
happen and sell yourself.”<br />
108 | ASIANA WEDDING
“I’VE ALWAYS HAD A MAKE-UP<br />
CRUSH ON HUDA KATTAN. A<br />
BEAUTY INFLUENCER TURNED<br />
ENTREPRENEUR AND PIONEER<br />
IN THE INDUSTRY - SHE IS<br />
AN INSPIRATION TO<br />
ALL WOMEN.”<br />
SOCIAL MEDIA<br />
Hair & Make-Up: Lubna Rafiq<br />
Outfits: Tehxeeb London<br />
Jewellery: Nargis Collections
Hair & Make-Up: Lubna Rafiq<br />
Outfits: Tehxeeb London<br />
Jewellery: Nargis Collections<br />
Mehrunnisa<br />
Beauty Influencer & Founder<br />
WithUns Cosmetics<br />
forever.fleek<br />
Mehrunnisa began posting on Instagram<br />
when she was 14, using it as an outlet to<br />
share her creative make-up looks. Her<br />
talents and consistency connected with her<br />
audience and she experienced phenomenal<br />
growth just by being herself. She enthuses:<br />
“I didn’t think I would ever hit over 1000<br />
followers, but here I am with over 100,000!<br />
I believed in my content and worked hard.<br />
When you truly believe in something you<br />
will always bring it to life.”<br />
Though her following is impressive,<br />
propelling her into the league of elite<br />
content creators, she firmly believes that<br />
numbers don’t matter. Everyone should<br />
give their business ideas a go. She advises:<br />
“I believe if you want to do something,<br />
especially when it comes to business,<br />
you should start as soon as you can.<br />
You’ll always be learning new things and<br />
improving your brand. Instead of delaying<br />
things start now. Followers are a great<br />
advantage who help push you towards<br />
your passion, creating a community and<br />
client base. However, you can start without<br />
any followers and be just as successful.<br />
You need to be determined, believe in your<br />
business and product, and lastly, work<br />
smart and effectively.”<br />
Using some of her own advice, she<br />
teamed up with her sister Zaynab and<br />
together they launched a fashion label<br />
MUNbymehrunnisa and cosmetics brand<br />
withUNS. The sisters invested their time<br />
and money into their plans and it paid<br />
off. She says: “Being an influencer means<br />
working 24/7. There are no days off. It’s<br />
about sharing your day-to-day life and<br />
passions. By doing so I built a community<br />
that want to be part of my world. I went<br />
from selling chocolate in school, using the<br />
money to invest and learn about make-up,<br />
to creating withUNS with my sister. It is<br />
the first business we created and have put
SOCIAL MEDIA<br />
our blood, sweat and tears into it. Initially<br />
we started with a large range of luxury,<br />
faux and half mink lashes, and now we<br />
have expanded to applicator tools such as<br />
our best-selling brush sets, sponges, puffs<br />
and applicator bundles. We also created<br />
our gorgeous lipstick range as affordable<br />
luxury so that they’re accessible, especially<br />
to the younger beauty fans that look up to<br />
us.”<br />
The brand has leveraged opportunities<br />
across social media platforms and<br />
sell products on Instagram, TikTok<br />
and Facebook, a dream come true for<br />
Mehrunissa who says: “Being my own boss<br />
has always been in my plan since I started<br />
thinking about careers at school but I still<br />
can’t believe it’s happened and that I’ve<br />
used social media to help me.”<br />
“BEING AN INFLUENCER<br />
MEANS WORKING 24/7.<br />
THERE ARE NO DAYS<br />
OFF. IT’S ABOUT SHARING<br />
YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LIFE<br />
AND PASSIONS”
BEAUTY SECRETS<br />
BEHIND-THE-SCENES:<br />
Lubna Rafiq<br />
We arranged for our leading<br />
ladies to get pampered like<br />
A’list celebrities. Though<br />
they’re all make-up experts,<br />
nothing beats being the<br />
centre of attention on a<br />
photoshoot, so we called<br />
in Celebrity Make-Up Artist<br />
Lubna Rafiq to give them<br />
supermodel makeovers.<br />
Lubna says: “As one<br />
of the original beauty<br />
entrepreneurs in the Asian<br />
bridal industry I love seeing the next generation come up.<br />
I’m a fan of all the influencers so it was a pleasure to spend<br />
time with them and share my own advice while getting them<br />
ready for their moment in the limelight.”<br />
The colourful concept for the shoot was directed by<br />
<strong>Asiana</strong>’s Editor Indiya Ahmed who was keen to complement<br />
the bold, brave, powerful side of our Boss Babes by dressing<br />
them in eye-catching colours that would make them standout<br />
from the crowd, just like they stand out on our social<br />
media feeds. Lubna translated this vision into two striking<br />
beauty looks.<br />
She opted for natural, glowing skin, defined eyes with<br />
a classic eyeliner flick and soft sumptuous lips for the first<br />
theme, inspired by the pastel palette of the outfits: “Often<br />
when brides wear pastels there’s an assumption that the eyes<br />
should be kept soft too, but actually you need the contrast<br />
to make your features pop. I made the eyes the focal point,<br />
using a classic look where black liner and metallic eyeshadow<br />
create a dramatic effect, accentuated by dark brows to frame<br />
the face.”<br />
The second look was a celebration theme, with colourful<br />
party looks that bring out the fun personality of each<br />
entrepreneur. Lubna enthused: “These were fun, fashionable<br />
looks that I created for each of our girls that captured the<br />
individual spark they all brought to the shoot. I loved how<br />
Jemelin fully embraced the South Asian spirit and fused it<br />
with her Latin heritage so I knew she could pull off bright<br />
colours. We went for gorgeous green statement eyes<br />
balanced with nude lips. For Sumaiyah she’s so enthusiastic<br />
about the latest beauty trends that I created a high-fashion<br />
eye for her, introducing an alluring blue into her lower lid<br />
and then sweeping it out to create a look that was regal and<br />
elegant yet also created a fearless fashion statement.”<br />
She added: “All our influencers have beautiful hair so we<br />
kept it out, loose, and flowing with soft waves. I felt so proud<br />
seeing them in front of the camera. It was quite emotional<br />
when they all came together as there was so much pride,<br />
power and passion in the room.” officiallubnarafiq<br />
BEHIND THE SCENES: WITH<br />
ASIANA EDITOR INDIYA AHMED<br />
All dressed up: Tehxeeb London<br />
Elegance and timeless chic are<br />
synonymous with Pakistani<br />
boutique Tehxeeb London so they<br />
were the perfect brand to dress<br />
our stars. We enlisted owner<br />
Amty Ahmad to curate the perfect<br />
ensembles for each influencer:<br />
“When Indiya told me she wanted<br />
to dress these elite entrepreneurs<br />
in colour I was delighted to be able<br />
to showcase the incredible vibrant<br />
fashion trends that are coming<br />
out of Pakistani and to have such<br />
incredible inspirational women<br />
wear them.” As a leading fashion<br />
entrepreneur, Amty brought her<br />
own wisdom and encouragement to<br />
the set and our entrepreneurs were<br />
eager to hear her own story of how<br />
she started her leading brand. She<br />
said: “It’s my passion for fashion<br />
and desire to make women feel<br />
amazing that inspired me to start<br />
Tehxeeb London, so having the<br />
opportunity to dress such incredible<br />
entrepreneurs that share my vision<br />
was a privilege. I chose elegant<br />
lenghas and modest trouser suits<br />
which are becoming increasingly<br />
popular with younger fashionistas.<br />
I hope it inspires readers to try new<br />
looks for their own special occasions<br />
and of course, I’m always here to<br />
help them find their dream outfit.”<br />
tehxeeblondon
SOCIAL MEDIA<br />
Treasure chest: Nargis Collections<br />
No outfit is complete without the jewels so<br />
we made our glitterati sparkle with beautiful<br />
jewellery from Nargis Collections. A major<br />
trend this season is head chains worn<br />
like Alice bands, creating a majestic feel<br />
without the weight of wearing a tiara. Nargis<br />
Collections’ range of delicate head chains<br />
featuring pearls and beads were a huge hit<br />
with our entrepreneurs as they are so easy to<br />
wear and can transform a look in an instant.<br />
Statement neckpieces brought glamour to<br />
the proceedings. Nargis Collections created<br />
coordinating sets with matching earrings that<br />
can be worn together or look just as striking<br />
worn alone. We styled their treasures both<br />
ways to show that you don’t need to follow<br />
the rules, ‘always do you’, a motto that all our<br />
shoot stars embody. For the finishing touches<br />
we styled our wonder women with sparkling<br />
over-sized crystal rings – the ultimate party<br />
accessory. nargis_collections
www.siyah.co.uk
THE BRIDE’S Guide<br />
Your need-to-know wedding industry news<br />
NEW OPENING: ZOYAZ LONDON<br />
There’s a brand new way to shop for Pakistani<br />
bridalwear in South London. Zoyaz London<br />
is bringing creative couture back to Tooting,<br />
which was once a thriving hub for South Asian<br />
shopping. In recent years the food scene in the<br />
area has exploded taking over from the shops,<br />
but now you can team your trip with good<br />
food and fabulous fashion. The fresh new<br />
brand is owned by friends Lubeena Yar and<br />
Tehmina Yakoob who spotted a gap, bringing<br />
contemporary Pakistani garments to the UK,<br />
making them accessible to UK shoppers. She<br />
says: “For a long time it felt like you’re buying<br />
the ‘best of the worst’ when you go shopping<br />
for Pakistani clothing in London. We had many<br />
friends who would go back every two years,<br />
bring home their haul of all the latest fashion<br />
trends but then wear them continuously until<br />
their next trip abroad. We want clients to be<br />
able to shop all year round and get the choice<br />
and quality they want without the travel.”<br />
Bring a touch of Hollywood<br />
glamour to your Big Day with<br />
your very own mobile beauty<br />
parlour. Inspired by the vanity<br />
vans A’list actresses get ready<br />
in on film location shoots, multiaward-winning<br />
make-up artist<br />
Shair Unisha Bashir decided<br />
to take her beauty business on<br />
the road, creating the UK’s first<br />
mobile Asian beauty studio.<br />
She says: “I’ve been an MUA for<br />
27 years and one thing I kept<br />
finding was that on the day it’s<br />
often hard to find a space for<br />
the bride to get ready in. It’s an<br />
MOBILE MUA!<br />
extra consideration that gets<br />
overlooked and there’s nothing<br />
worse than a bride having her<br />
make-up rushed in a room that<br />
has service providers making<br />
noise, or other people walking<br />
You’ll receive a warm welcome at Zoyaz<br />
London which has vibrant pink decor set<br />
over two floors. On the main floor you can<br />
shop for the latest ready-to-wear designs<br />
from Pakistan’s leading designers. Zoyaz are<br />
the official stockists for well-known brands<br />
such as Gul Ahmed and Saiqa Majeed. The<br />
basement is a dedicated bridal lounge where<br />
you can have your own bespoke bridal outfit<br />
made, Lubeena explains: “We invite you to a<br />
consultation where you can browse and try<br />
on our samples to help you find styles you<br />
like. All outfits can then be adapted to your<br />
choice of colour, fabric or changing lengths<br />
– having this level of personalised outfit that<br />
no one else will have is a rite of passage for<br />
every bride.”<br />
Whether you’re looking for a unique bridal<br />
outfit or you’re keen to stock up on Pakistani<br />
designerwear, add a visit to Zoyaz London to<br />
your list. zoyazlondon<br />
in and out. My beauty van is<br />
an answer to a lot of mother-ofthe-bride’s<br />
prayers. Everything<br />
is provided including hair and<br />
make-up, lighting and space. In<br />
fact, I often work with assistants<br />
so that the bride, her family and<br />
bridesmaids can all get ready<br />
together. The best part is you’ll<br />
get complete privacy and there’s<br />
no need to worry about tidying<br />
up. Just hop on board, get<br />
beautified and then get ready to<br />
step out for your moment in the<br />
limelight.<br />
themakeupboxofficial<br />
CHIC DREAMS<br />
Downtime dressing just stepped up a notch.<br />
Siyah Boudoir Wear is a new sleepwear brand that<br />
specialises in sexy, yet modest nightwear. Their<br />
chic and stylish collections are inspired by the fancy<br />
nightdresses, lingerie, and pyjama sets found in the<br />
fashionable boutiques of Dubai. Brides will love the<br />
feminine, flattering styles that offer a level of romance<br />
and elegance you can’t find on the high street.<br />
Remember you’re not just shopping for your Big<br />
Day, you also need an outfit for your Big Night! Head<br />
to Siyah Boudoir Wear’s website to browse luxury<br />
loungewear, elegant dresses with sheer capes, pretty<br />
lingerie with long-sleeved lace shrugs and silky soft<br />
pyjamas that will bring you sweet dreams.<br />
www.siyah.co.uk<br />
SETTING THE STANDARDS<br />
Purveyors of Pakistani tradition, Birmingham jewellers<br />
Jauhar Jewels are the hottest new heritage jewellery<br />
brand in the UK, filling a gap in the market that’s been<br />
crying out to be filled: Pakistani jewellery. History is at<br />
the heart of each piece which is handmade bespoke<br />
and personalised to the bride, ensuring you have a<br />
bridal jewellery set that doesn’t just dazzle on the day<br />
but will become a future family heirloom. Designer<br />
Sarw’at explains: “All the pieces are characterised<br />
by their historical influences, think back to the grand<br />
statement pieces worn during the Mughal empire<br />
in India, that side of the culture feeds into Pakistani<br />
bridal style and I wanted to be able to offer it to<br />
British brides who can’t make the journey to Pakistan<br />
to do their wedding shopping.”<br />
Jauhar’s intricate jewels are 24 gold plated and<br />
feature semi-precious stones, nothing is painted, they<br />
are all true treasures. Pop into the DZiner Studio on<br />
Ladypool Road to see the collections, Sarw’at adds:<br />
“I don’t sell any pieces until a bride has tried them<br />
on. Choosing wedding jewellery is an important part<br />
of becoming a bride, there’s no pressure to buy, just<br />
come and have a chat see the options and discover<br />
what appeals to you.” jauharjewels
THE BRIDE’S GUIDE<br />
ASIANA<br />
RECOMMENDS:<br />
THE WORLD’S MOST ETHICAL BAR<br />
Yes! You read that right. Better World<br />
Bars are revolutionalising the drinks<br />
industry one tipple at a time. Their<br />
motto is ‘profit over planet’ and when you<br />
book them to create your wedding bar<br />
not only will guests be drinking ethically<br />
sourced and made drinks, they’ll be<br />
donating to charity at the same time.<br />
Founder Randy Rampersad explains:<br />
“You’ve heard of The Queen Vic, well<br />
originally I set up The Green Vic, a<br />
pop-up pub aiming to be the most ethical<br />
pub in the UK. It was a huge success<br />
but it made me realise how important<br />
our service was, it was more than just a<br />
slogan. I’m passionate about the planet<br />
and want to do whatever I can to help<br />
the Earth and the people that live on<br />
it.” So how does ethical drinking work<br />
and what can you expect when you hire<br />
Better World Bars for your wedding?<br />
Randy explains: “All the drinks we serve<br />
are made ethically and mostly that<br />
means they are being created through<br />
social enterprises and even charities. But<br />
don’t worry we still have a huge amount<br />
of choice, our menu has over 400 drinks<br />
including all the usual wines, beers,<br />
bubbles and soft drinks; they’ve just been<br />
sourced and made differently.”<br />
The charity angle of the business<br />
is also impressive as Randy explains:<br />
“At every event we do, for every sale of<br />
a drink, money is donated directly to<br />
charity. We support a number of different<br />
charities. At the end of your wedding,<br />
we can tell you exactly how that money<br />
will help, it could for example, be an<br />
environmental charity and we can tell<br />
you how many trees can be grown, or if<br />
it’s a homeless charity we can say how<br />
many people we can help.”<br />
There are two types of bars available<br />
for hire, a classic wooden bar made from<br />
eco-sourced materials, or their new TV<br />
screen bar which is a wall of televisions<br />
where your own visuals can be projected<br />
such as old photos and videos. Randy<br />
adds: “<strong>Wedding</strong>s are fun occasions but<br />
they’re also a great opportunity for<br />
a large number of people to make a<br />
difference in the world. I hope the ethical<br />
approach to our business will change the<br />
way people plan their events and we’re<br />
looking forward to bringing our delicious<br />
drinks and party spirit while raising<br />
money for good causes all over the UK.”<br />
www.betterworld.love<br />
Perfect Puff Perfect Puff<br />
Shishalovers will appreciate the handy new service being offered by East London’s Dubai Nights<br />
Lounge. The brand behind the luxury shisha spot is now offering mobile shisha experiences<br />
bringing shisha lounge vibes to your wedding day. Find out more about Shisha Hire by Dubai<br />
Nights Lounge on page 198. And if you’ve not yet tried their shisha check out the incredible range<br />
of flavours they have online at their sister business yourlocalshishashop.com. All flavours are made<br />
at their factory in Spain shishatobaccofactory.com and they even create bespoke flavours so, this<br />
could be the perfect opportunity to get your own wedding blend made.<br />
TREND ALERT:<br />
360-Photobooths<br />
Photobooths have long been a wedding<br />
staple. They’re a great way to capture<br />
your guests in action enjoying the day. But<br />
with video fast taking over the popularity<br />
of images at events and in social media,<br />
360-degree photo/video experiences<br />
create a whole new way to remember the<br />
day. Gary Gill CEO of 360 Boothology<br />
explains: “We’ve all enjoyed going inside<br />
photobooths but how often do you look at<br />
the printout that you take home, that’s if you<br />
don’t lose it on the way. At 360 Boothology,<br />
we create 360-degree videos that can be<br />
easily uploaded to your social media, as an<br />
Instagram reel or straight to your TikTok.<br />
They bring your memories to life and are<br />
something guests can share and enjoy, while<br />
the couple receive a copy of everyone’s fun<br />
poses.”<br />
Like classic photobooths, the team will<br />
bring everything that’s required including a<br />
host of props to match your theme. Bookings<br />
for weddings typically last for four hours<br />
giving every guest a chance to have a go<br />
and all you need is some space for them to<br />
do a full 360 turn which gets recorded and<br />
saved. Videos can last up to 30 seconds and<br />
they’re a great way to bring groups together<br />
which always creates the most fun content.<br />
Gary adds: “360 videos are a creative way to<br />
engage guests. It’s a new concept that many<br />
of them wouldn’t have tried before making it<br />
a fun surprise. Backdrops can be personalised<br />
too so we can brand all videos to your<br />
wedding colour theme and branding.”<br />
360boothology
Hair & Makup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Maala London • Location: Madhu’s Istanbul, Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Turkeyº<br />
BROWSE ALL YOUR FAVOURITE BRANDS ONLINE<br />
www.shop.asiana.tv
SHOP SAVVY AT SHOP ASIANA<br />
Stay one step ahead of the<br />
season’s biggest fashion and<br />
Your one-stop destination for Asian fashion<br />
bridal trends at Shop <strong>Asiana</strong>,<br />
the UK’s first multi-brand<br />
online shopping experience,<br />
made for fashionistas. Whether you’re a<br />
bride-to-be curating her dream trousseau,<br />
or a fashion-conscious guest hunting for<br />
the perfect look, taking your style search<br />
online will take the stress out of shopping<br />
– especially when you can browse the<br />
latest collections from the best South Asian<br />
Shop for the latest looks<br />
fashion designers and retailers in one place.<br />
Look no further for the season’s trending looks. The<br />
At Shop <strong>Asiana</strong> you’ll find occasionwear,<br />
Shop <strong>Asiana</strong> homepage has a continuous feed of<br />
bridalwear, groomswear, jewellery<br />
fashion, where you’ll be able to view the latest designs<br />
and accessories that you can purchase<br />
as they become available. You’ll find the biggest names<br />
instantly; there’s no time wasted travelling<br />
in Asian fashion on the site including Seasons, Mona<br />
to busy shopping centres, no waiting<br />
Vora, Sache, Kyles Collection and many more. Simply<br />
months for a made-to-measure piece to<br />
choose your design, pick your size and pay. There’s<br />
arrive; those days are over.<br />
also the option to message designers and brands if you<br />
have a question you’d like to ask before you order.<br />
Exclusive discounts<br />
Keep an eye on Shop <strong>Asiana</strong> for special offers from<br />
your favourite brands and designers. You won’t find<br />
these discounts available elsewhere but you will find<br />
you save money. Visit each brand’s pages and see what<br />
discounts are available. These offers change regularly<br />
and they’re only available for a limited time period, so<br />
get ready for a haul.
SHOPPING<br />
Choice cuts<br />
Unlike shopping in a store where you can’t always find the size<br />
and colour you’re looking for, all sizes and colour options are<br />
listed for each garment on the site. You’ll be able to compare<br />
outfits with each other and check measurements before<br />
you buy. And with so many styles to choose from, there’s<br />
something for everyone – sarees, bridal gowns, kidswear,<br />
menswear and even nightwear. Every outfit on Shop <strong>Asiana</strong><br />
is professionally shot with clear, stylish photography so you<br />
can see all the outfit details like embellishments, embroidery,<br />
beading, and fabric textures to help you decide.<br />
“THE SHOP ASIANA HOMEPAGE HAS A CONTINUOUS<br />
FEED OF FASHION, WHERE YOU’LL BE ABLE TO VIEW<br />
THE LATEST DESIGNS AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE.”<br />
Great ideas for grooms<br />
Shop <strong>Asiana</strong> is proving to be a lifesaver for<br />
grooms and their groomsmen particularly<br />
those who don’t enjoy the shopping element<br />
of wedding planning but want to make an<br />
effort to make their partner proud. You won’t<br />
find a wider selection of options than those<br />
at Sache. Browse smart sherwanis, ethnicinfused<br />
kurtas and churidars, and majestic<br />
jodhpur and jacket sets.<br />
Perfect partywear<br />
As well as the Big Day, bridal outfits are<br />
needed for the many functions and parties<br />
that accompany weddings, and designer<br />
Puneet Bhandal has all your fashion needs<br />
covered. From Bollywood star-inspired<br />
sparkling dresses to delicately embellished<br />
anarkalis, and caped gowns. Puneet is<br />
continually setting bridal trends, yet her<br />
pieces maintain a timeless elegance. Discover<br />
them at Shop <strong>Asiana</strong>.<br />
Shop <strong>Asiana</strong> is revolutionalising the bridal<br />
shopping experience in the UK, so instead of<br />
spending a whole weekend trekking around<br />
the shops, get your next haul ordered online<br />
and delivered directly to your door.<br />
Beautiful bridalwear<br />
In the bridalwear section of Shop <strong>Asiana</strong>, you’ll find exquisite bridal lenghas by designers<br />
like the highly sought-after Sonas Haute Couture. If you’re not able to travel to her bridal<br />
showroom in Wembley, the next best thing is to buy her pieces online at Shop <strong>Asiana</strong>.<br />
There’s a price point for everyone starting with her simple yet formal silk lenghas that<br />
begin at £1250, up to her more lavishly embellished couture that starts at £4000. Her<br />
collection features contemporary palettes like pastels and traditional pairings like red and<br />
gold. There are shapes and cuts for all, from long sleeves and floaty skirts for modesty to<br />
cropped figure-hugging bodices for brides who want to command attention.<br />
www.shop.asiana.tv
did I become a<br />
Fashion Designer?<br />
It came to me as<br />
a surprise! I was<br />
“How<br />
supposed to be an<br />
Engineer, but I suppose I became an ‘Engineer<br />
of Fashion.” Haneet’s passion and enthusiasm<br />
for designing womenswear are infectious.<br />
A part of the industry for over 20 years, he<br />
studied fashion in 1999 and was encouraged<br />
to do so by his mum. Ravinder Kaur ran her<br />
own small tailoring business and fashion ran<br />
through Haneet’s veins but he took those<br />
creative genes to a new level, being awarded<br />
Pride of Rajasthan in 2015 and being named<br />
Leading<br />
Designer of Rajasthan<br />
Profile:<br />
2018.<br />
GRACE STUDIO<br />
BY HANEET SINGH<br />
With his flamboyant Punjabi heritage and Rajasthani base, awardwinning<br />
Indian Couturier and Fashion Designer Haneet Singh<br />
has developed a reputation in India for creating new concepts in<br />
fusion attire and now he has showcased his style in London...<br />
GOING GLOBAL<br />
A reputable designer worldwide Haneet has<br />
graced the catwalks of Dubai Fashion Week<br />
and Colombo Fashion Week and in 2022<br />
made his European debut, unveiling his first<br />
collection at London Fashion Week. Entitled<br />
Stannic Luxe, it captured the spirit and<br />
craftsmanship of Jaipur with metallic dresses<br />
made from shimmering organza, foils and<br />
tissues in a pleasing palette of purples, lilacs<br />
and rose golds. Since then, Haneet’s phone<br />
hasn’t stopped ringing and his WhatsApps<br />
haven’t stopped pinging as British brides<br />
eagerly entrust him to make their wedding<br />
trousseau.<br />
Haneet explains: “I mainly design high<br />
fashion fusion bridal wear and specialise<br />
in sangeet wear which is some of the most<br />
exciting partywear you’ll come across. New<br />
brides and brides-to-be have endless social<br />
functions and I love designing pieces for these<br />
occasions. I also have a line of sustainable pretwear,<br />
but whatever type of garment you choose<br />
you’ll get my signature 3D embroidery details.”
FASHION<br />
MAKING MAGIC<br />
Every bride has high expectations from her<br />
designer and for Haneet, meeting and surpassing<br />
them is his aim. He says: “I try to get on the same<br />
wavelength as brides, then show them the best<br />
options for her. Most modern brides have done<br />
their homework and have an image in their<br />
minds, but I try to give options which suit their<br />
personality and size. I like to follow my instincts<br />
and when we combine her ideas with my<br />
creative aspects together we create magic!”<br />
Haneet’s custom-made lenghas and dresses are<br />
identifiable through the intricate handiwork that<br />
goes into every piece and alongside the detailing<br />
you can expect appealing fusionwear as Haneet<br />
explains: “I like to work with the flattering fits of<br />
Western silhouettes and then embellish them<br />
with intricate Indian hand details, the goal is to<br />
make each piece as grand as possible.” The regal<br />
quality of his work is inspired by his Jaipur roots,<br />
he grew up there and feels a strong connection<br />
to Rajasthan and the royalty that have lived here;<br />
but his larger-than-life personality is down to his<br />
Punjabi heart. I try to mix Indian Intricate Hand<br />
work techniques into western silhouettes and<br />
make them as grand as possible!<br />
Haneet currently brings out two major<br />
collections a year and showcases his new<br />
designs on major catwalks around the<br />
world. His ready-to-wear pret collection is<br />
updated regularly and is affordable without<br />
compromising on the quality his pieces are<br />
known for. You’ll find his menswear collection<br />
sold at Pernia’s Pop Up Shop and his exclusive<br />
Rajasthan Boutique - Grace Studio.<br />
UK EXPANSION<br />
To date, fans have made the journey to his flagship<br />
store, Haneet Singh’s Grace Studio, in Jaipur<br />
where alongside his revered bridalwear you’ll also<br />
find a range of menswear and kidswear, all in his<br />
signature style. The popularity of the store led to<br />
a second branch opening in the city but now he’s<br />
taking his designs and making them available<br />
outside of India by expanding into the UK.<br />
Haneet Singh’s bridal and partywear will shortly<br />
be available to the UK market. This means you<br />
won’t need to wait the 45-60 days it currently takes<br />
to order via his website and have them delivered to<br />
the UK, you can view his range in person and try<br />
them on.<br />
As his first UK venture takes flight, he continues<br />
to expand his brand across India, it’s no surprise<br />
there’s so much demand for his designs. Haneet has<br />
amassed a celebrity following with the who’s who<br />
of Bollywood and television, names like Mugdha<br />
Godse, Aarti Chhabria, Yuvika Chaudry, Manasvi<br />
Mamgai and Karishma Tanna Machek Chahal are<br />
all fans.<br />
He enthuses: “I’ve been called one of the most<br />
powerful people in Rajasthan but that power is<br />
simply my passion; fashion is in my soul; it drives<br />
me to be a designer who creates unique, stylish<br />
and contemporary outfits that women love to wear.<br />
When they tell me how happy they are with what<br />
I’ve created for them, that’s when I know I’ve<br />
succeeded at what I was born to do.”<br />
www.haneetsingh.com
Find all the expert services for your Big Day,<br />
recommended by <strong>Asiana</strong> <strong>Wedding</strong> Magazine<br />
> Beauty / Hair / Mehndi<br />
> Catering / Cakes / Drinks<br />
> DJs / Entertainment<br />
> Decor / Mandaps / Themes<br />
> Fashion / Jewellery<br />
> Venues / Marquees<br />
> Honeymoon Destinations<br />
> <strong>Wedding</strong>s Abroad<br />
> Photography & Video<br />
www.<strong>Asiana</strong><strong>Wedding</strong>Directory.co.uk
PLANNING<br />
We’ve created the<br />
ultimate wedding<br />
hack and now we’re<br />
inviting you to join<br />
the thousands of<br />
couples that have discovered the secret to<br />
planning their Big Day without the fuss.<br />
Call it your online Little Black Book of<br />
wedding experts; the <strong>Asiana</strong> <strong>Wedding</strong><br />
Directory is our hand-picked, specially<br />
curated selection of the best wedding<br />
service providers in the business. With<br />
over 15 years experience publishing the<br />
UK’s most-respected Asian wedding<br />
magazine, we have the inside knowledge<br />
on the Who’s Who in the industry. To<br />
get access, all you need to do is to head<br />
over to the <strong>Asiana</strong> <strong>Wedding</strong> Directory<br />
website.<br />
Meet the experts<br />
Wondering where’s the best place to<br />
start when you first begin planning your<br />
wedding? It’s not Google – the last thing<br />
you want is to fall into a digital hole of<br />
random articles, if you do, you may give<br />
up the search before you’ve made any<br />
progress.<br />
The UK is home to thousands of Asian<br />
wedding suppliers but only some of them<br />
get the <strong>Asiana</strong> seal of approval and these<br />
are the brands and businesses that<br />
feature in our Directory. So what makes<br />
them different? They all fit our criteria<br />
for what makes the ultimate wedding<br />
day: giving the best customer experience,<br />
offering the widest choice of options, and<br />
delivering the highest level of service.<br />
Enjoy the ease<br />
So how does it work? Start with your<br />
device of choice, whether that’s your<br />
mobile, tablet, laptop, or desktop<br />
computer, and head over to www.<br />
<strong>Asiana</strong><strong>Wedding</strong>Directory.co.uk. Type<br />
in your postcode to receive a list of<br />
recommended local suppliers. These<br />
suppliers are organised into easy<br />
categories to help you find exactly<br />
what you need. Each listing features<br />
information about the company along<br />
with a link to their phone number and<br />
website, which means you can find who<br />
and what you’re looking for in seconds. If<br />
you’re not after a local company then you<br />
can search for providers nationwide.<br />
MAKE IT HAPPEN!<br />
PLAN YOUR PERFECT WEDDING FROM THE COMFORT OF<br />
YOUR HOME USING THE ASIANA WEDDING DIRECTORY<br />
www.<strong>Asiana</strong><strong>Wedding</strong>Directory.co.uk<br />
Save time<br />
The <strong>Asiana</strong> <strong>Wedding</strong> Directory is quick<br />
to use, making wedding planning a less<br />
daunting experience and because it cuts<br />
out the time it takes to do the research,<br />
you’ll have more time to yourself to relax<br />
and do the other things you love.<br />
Discover and decide<br />
So what type of service providers and<br />
experts will you find in the Directory?<br />
In short, every element of your wedding<br />
day including outfits, MUAs, venues,<br />
catering, photography, videography,<br />
décor companies, and even recommended<br />
beauty treatments. Once you’ve had a<br />
browse, short-list the providers you’d like<br />
to contact, give them a call, and arrange<br />
a meeting to get your dream wedding<br />
underway.<br />
Happy planning!
PRESENT...<br />
Sunday 19th February 2023<br />
Exhibition: 10am - 7pm<br />
THE SAVOY LONDON<br />
The Strand, London WC2R 0EZ<br />
Exhibition Stand EnquiriES: info@aSiana.tv<br />
tickEtS & info: www.aSianabridalShow.co.uk
ASIANA BRIDAL SHOW LONDON<br />
LONDON 2022<br />
IN ASSOCIATION WITH<br />
CATWALK MAKEUP
CATWALK MAKEUP<br />
ASIANA BRIDAL SHOW LONDON<br />
CATWALK<br />
REPORT<br />
Photography: Pardesi Photo<br />
REGAL ROMANCE<br />
ARAEYA RAI<br />
Chic silhouettes for modern princesses<br />
Jewellery: Tanaya Couture • Crowns: Vintage Kace • Singer: Zain Worldwide<br />
Versatile and elegant, Leicester couture house Araeya Rai’s beautiful bridal collection delivered a<br />
collection that appealed to all. They proved that modern brides can find a look that matches their<br />
personality while oozing opulence. First to emerge on the catwalk was an array of soft feminine<br />
cuts and colours featuring sheer statement sleeves and a classic white net sari encrusted with<br />
pearls. As the spectrum evolved, pastel hues of pink, yellow and aqua were introduced before<br />
the dramatic entrance of a show-stopping black and red lengha. With its red rose and gold<br />
embellishing it echoed the spirit of Latin vibes: think flamenco dancer meets Bollywood queen.<br />
TRENDS<br />
• Ruffled sleeves<br />
• Pearl details<br />
• Sequin<br />
embellishing<br />
• Graphic shapes<br />
• Bold & bright<br />
• Latin flair
CATWALK REPORT<br />
ASIANA BRIDAL SHOW LONDON<br />
TRENDS<br />
• Beaded flowers<br />
• Cut sleeves<br />
• Soft pinks<br />
• Sheer fabrics<br />
• Vintage patterns<br />
• Retro designs<br />
PRINCESS<br />
PERFECT<br />
DIYA’S THE BRIDAL SHOP<br />
Fairytale fashion for romantics<br />
Jewellery: Hr Jewellers<br />
Diya’s mesmerised with an enchanting bridal collection<br />
comprising a soft palette teamed with dainty<br />
embellishing. Each design as resplendent as the next,<br />
the audience was treated to shimmering dresses<br />
that captured the essence of what Diya’s is all about:<br />
outfits that make you feel like a princess. Modest, yet<br />
magnificent, bridalwear cuts consisted of long skirts and<br />
full-length sleeves, worn with long tops and dupattas. For<br />
brides who prefer softer shades, there were appealing<br />
mint green, pink and lemon ensembles. Crowd pleasers<br />
included a twinkling skirt embedded with delicate rose<br />
embroidery and a pink and gold lengha inspired by<br />
Spring’s cherry blossom season.
CREATIVE<br />
CHARM<br />
FRONTIER RAAS<br />
Opulent outfits with imagination<br />
Jewellery: Deeya Jewellery<br />
Showcasing the best in contemporary bridalwear, Indian<br />
brand Frontier Raas treated the audience to a taste of<br />
what they can expect from their ever-evolving bridal<br />
collections which are a firm mixture on the <strong>Asiana</strong><br />
catwalks. Each outfit showed the beauty and breadth of<br />
what they sell. With outfits for every wedding occasion,<br />
there was a joyful yellow lengha, ideal for mendhi parties,<br />
long, vintage beaded dresses<br />
which would be perfect for<br />
a registry and ornate velvets<br />
adorned with traditional<br />
goldwork. Other key pieces<br />
included soft satin pink bellbottom<br />
trousers bringing<br />
a touch of retro chic to the<br />
proceedings.<br />
TRENDS<br />
• Colourful couture<br />
• Long waistcoats<br />
• Bellbottom trousers<br />
• Beaded fringes<br />
• Iridescent embellishing<br />
• Zardosi work
CATWALK REPORT<br />
ASIANA BRIDAL SHOW LONDON<br />
GORGEOUS GLAMOUR<br />
FRONTIER RAAS<br />
Dramatic designs for charismatic couples<br />
Jewellery: Maala London<br />
Timeless traditions teamed with modern flavours summed up the second collection from Frontier<br />
Raas. Always one step ahead of the trends the Indian brand showcased elegant designs that<br />
captured historical techniques with fresh colour palettes. Unique pieces included a patchwork<br />
lengha top in radiant rainbow colours, perfect for a mendhi and a grand lengha in a combination<br />
of blues, offset by red and gold detailing. Bridal fabrics were decadent with fine brocades and<br />
chiffons while the groomswear was minimalist yet stylish. Offering choice and flexibility this was a<br />
range that captured the interest of young couples eager to feel glamorous yet grand.<br />
TRENDS<br />
• Opulent<br />
embroidery<br />
• Architectural motifs<br />
• Sequin fringing<br />
• Rainbow colours<br />
• Delicate straps<br />
• Beaded sherwanis
STAR QUALITY<br />
MONGA’S<br />
Standout style for grand grooms<br />
Jewellery: Deeya Jewellery<br />
Grooms were put under the spotlight in the first collection from Monga’s, showcasing the breadth<br />
of exquisite design that is available to the modern maharaja. Long sherwanis were the key trend<br />
but these weren’t just jackets but styled as complete outfits with layering and shawls and<br />
accessories with jewellery. There was a range of colours and textures to suit different<br />
personalities from a midnight blue heavily embellished sherwani covered in intricate flowers<br />
perfect for an evening reception to subtler cream suits that were smart and sophisticated<br />
and ideal for a daytime event, Monga’s showed it’s not just brides that need several<br />
outfits, grooms are worthy of them too.<br />
TRENDS<br />
• Statement belts<br />
• Layered sherwanis<br />
• Cropped bodices<br />
• Classic colours<br />
• Rich velvets<br />
• Gold zardosi<br />
• Embroidered<br />
leaves
CATWALK REPORT<br />
ASIANA BRIDAL SHOW LONDON<br />
TRENDS<br />
• Statement collars<br />
• Freshwater pearls<br />
• Feathered cuffs<br />
• Shaped bodices<br />
• Beaded bolero<br />
HIGH<br />
CLASS<br />
MONGA’S<br />
Luxe partywear for every occasion<br />
Jewellery: Roshans Jewellery • Balloons: Balloons By Nic<br />
Singer: Ipsitaa Official<br />
High-glamour and fun fashion are signature features of<br />
Monga’s fusion haute-couture and for their 2022 range, the<br />
brand continued to push the boundaries of bridalwear with<br />
dresses that took the audience’s breath away. Captivating<br />
the crowds with shimmering dresses the use of silk and<br />
stonework setthe tone for the season with its ‘stand out<br />
from the crowd’, red carpet essence. The show-stopper<br />
dress was a flared, subtle cream-coloured silk creation,<br />
embellished with extraordinary bead and pearl work. Fusion<br />
influences were seen in the use of French lace teamed<br />
with Indian silk fabrics with touches of velvet and satins<br />
culminating in a collection that was fresh and fabulous.
SOVEREIGN<br />
STYLE<br />
SACHE BY ASIF MALIK<br />
Aristocratic attire fit for royalty<br />
Jewellery: Maala London • Dhol Players: Beat Evolution<br />
With every outfit telling its a story about the heritageof<br />
Pakistani fashion, this was a collection that showed there’s<br />
more to choosing your bridal wedding wear than simply a<br />
design you design: it’s something that will become part of<br />
your own history and legacy and that of your partners. In<br />
Asif’s first showcase he demonstrated his understanding<br />
of designing for couples creating pieces that<br />
complimented each other including a red sherwani offset<br />
by the red shawl worn with<br />
a simple white sherwani.<br />
Layered shararas are a<br />
signature style at Sache and<br />
for his 2022 range, Asif used<br />
it as an opportunity to shake<br />
up colour palettes teaming<br />
conventional red with fresh,<br />
bold orange.<br />
TRENDS<br />
• Tassel fringes<br />
• Shaped bodices<br />
• Elegant<br />
childrenswear<br />
• Ornate embellishments<br />
• Antique handiwork<br />
• Fitted churidars
CATWALK REPORT<br />
ASIANA BRIDAL SHOW LONDON<br />
MAJESTIC LUXE<br />
SACHE BY ASIF MALIK<br />
Grandiose garments with timeless appeal<br />
Jewellery: Tanaya Couture • Floral: Varmala • Mirrors: Vintage Kace<br />
Taking its lead from Mughal empresses’ of yesterdays, Asif Malik showed us why he’s one of the most<br />
influential designers in the UK with a collection that added elegance, and raised the catwalk to majestic<br />
heights. Ornately embellished outfits that celebrated soft shades of pastel pink and yellow gold with<br />
silver and white options, pieces were accented with shimmering details. Resplendent long dresses<br />
and two-piece ensembles gracedthe stage with the wearable, yet versatile Pakistani-themed<br />
fashion that Sache is so revered for. Quality is a key feature of their timeless collections and the<br />
brand showcased its commitment to creating exquisite designs without compromise.<br />
TRENDS<br />
• Crystal work<br />
• Long dresses<br />
• Layered sharahas<br />
• Modest cuts<br />
• Full surface<br />
designs<br />
• Shisha mirrors
ROYAL ELEGANCE<br />
SAI FASHIONS<br />
Delicate designs rich in tradition<br />
Jewellery: Hr Jewels • Violinist: My Musical Child<br />
Romance and decadence emerged at theheart of Sai Fashions’ breathtaking wedding collection<br />
presenting beautiful attire for the bride and groom. From exquisite floor-length dresses,<br />
embellished with rich gold antique embroidery paired alongside smart sherwanis styled with<br />
traditional shawls, couples were treated to a satisfying flow of outfit inspiration. The focus of<br />
the season was on shape – modest, feminine cuts with full sleeves area signature style of Sai<br />
Fashions. Close-up, each piece was delicately adorned with fine embroidery, sequins, beads and<br />
threadwork ensuring each outfit embodied a heritage theme that’s appealing to traditional and<br />
contemporary brides.<br />
TRENDS<br />
• Pretty pastels<br />
• Diamonté detailing<br />
• Sherwani shawls<br />
• Modest Cuts<br />
• Layering<br />
• Antique<br />
embroidery
CATWALK REPORT<br />
ASIANA BRIDAL SHOW LONDON<br />
TRENDS<br />
• Gathered ruffles<br />
• Feather trims<br />
• Sequin stripes<br />
• 3D embroidery<br />
• Appliqué<br />
• Creative cape<br />
CELEBRITY<br />
CHIC<br />
SEASONS DESIGNER WEAR<br />
A’list elegance for modern brides<br />
Jewellery: Maala London<br />
When it comes to wow factor weddingwear Seasons<br />
know how to turn heads. Their high-fashion bridalwear<br />
collection channelled red carpet glamour; each garment<br />
a showstopper. Experimental yet elegant the imaginative<br />
trousseau featured dazzling designs comprising evening<br />
dresses embellished with ostrich feathers, sequin<br />
encrusted lenghas and a draw-dropping colourful skirt<br />
scattered with 3D embroidery. Elsewhere gathered pleats<br />
gave impact and challenged the conventions of classic<br />
registry gowns. Charismatic and creative, this was a<br />
collection for brides that want to make a statement, feel<br />
like a goddess and break the internet with their trending<br />
celebrity style.
CATWALK REPORT<br />
ASIANA BRIDAL SHOW LONDON<br />
TRENDS<br />
• Block colours<br />
• Rouge palette<br />
• Velvet sherwani<br />
• Peacock motifs<br />
• Antique<br />
threadwork<br />
• Light embellishing<br />
TIMELESS<br />
TRADITIONS<br />
SOHO WEDDING CENTRAL<br />
Heritage meets haute couture<br />
Jewellery: Roshans Jewellery<br />
Demonstrating how to nail a match made in heaven, Soho<br />
<strong>Wedding</strong> Central showed us their skill for styling couples<br />
in outfits that complimented each other with ease and<br />
elegance. Classic colours of red and black are seen in<br />
Western fashion more than Asian bridal, but Soho created<br />
the pairing perfect by juxtaposing simple block<br />
colours with minimal embellishments resulting<br />
in outfits that were functional and fabulous.<br />
Each garment captured heritage techniques<br />
like antique embroidery and threadwork<br />
with stand-out pieces including a regal<br />
lengha designed for a modern maharani,<br />
worn by a model who performed a<br />
dance fit for a palace.
CATWALK REPORT<br />
BEHIND-THE-SCENES<br />
Photograph: Aimee Mcghee<br />
Catwalk<br />
SECRETS<br />
Behind-the-scenes of the biggest<br />
Asian bridal fashion show in the UK<br />
DREAM TEAM<br />
CREATIVE DIRECTOR<br />
Indiya Ahmed<br />
Hair And Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Academy<br />
AV: Kudos AV<br />
Decor: 1SW Events<br />
Choreography: Strut London<br />
Host: Anushka Arora<br />
Fashion Team: Zaf Shabir, Ibraheem Khan,<br />
Vinita Kalia, Hannah Irshad<br />
Media Partners: Sony TV<br />
Photographer: Pardesi Photo<br />
Catwalk report: Momtaz Begum-Hossain<br />
T<br />
his year the <strong>Asiana</strong> Bridal Show<br />
celebrated 21 years as the leading<br />
wedding and bridal event for UK<br />
brides. Hundreds of the nation’s<br />
wedding experts have joined us at<br />
the exhibition over the past two decades while<br />
thousands of brides have found the help and<br />
inspiration they needed to organise the wedding<br />
of their dreams.<br />
The heart of the show is the <strong>Asiana</strong> Bridal<br />
Catwalk and though we’ve been developing<br />
these fashionable extravaganzas for over two<br />
decades the excitement, anticipation and hard<br />
work never tires; all thanks to the team behindthe<br />
-scenes that makes it happen.<br />
Creative Director Indiya Ahmed curates<br />
the entire show which this year saw 8 leading<br />
wedding wear designers and brands take to the<br />
stage to reveal their new season looks: “The<br />
atmosphere backstage at every <strong>Asiana</strong> fashion<br />
show is filled with excitement, buzz and a touch<br />
of stress. A team of over 100 people including<br />
the AV team, MUAs, hair stylists, wardrobe<br />
dressers, choreographer and production team<br />
are required for every show which takes weeks<br />
of planning. This year it was great to have all<br />
of the UK’s most popular brands on the ramp,<br />
showcasing their talent to the world.<br />
To the untrained eye, stepping backstage<br />
may look like creative chaos with rows of shoes,<br />
jewellery boxes filled with exquisite bridal sets<br />
and endless accessories everywhere, but for the<br />
team of dressers, this is part of the joy.<br />
Each dresser is assigned a model and is<br />
responsible for ensuring they step out in<br />
style with accessories and jewellery in place:<br />
“Working backstage at a fashion show is<br />
a dream for all of our dressers; it’s a rare<br />
opportunity to get hands-on experience working<br />
with major designers and the most glamorous<br />
models the industry. But it’s also hard work.<br />
We rehearse for a week and on the day the<br />
call time is 7am and then when the thousands<br />
of guests go home we’re still working! But I<br />
wouldn’t have it any other way. I have the<br />
best job in the world, helping brides find their<br />
dream outfit and it’s a privilege to play such a<br />
fashionable part in their Big Day!”
CATWALK REPORT<br />
Show-Stopping<br />
BEAUTY<br />
Celebrity Make Up Artist LUBNA RAFIQ and her<br />
team worked their magic backstage to ensure all<br />
our models wowed the crowds and cameras...<br />
Aimee Mcghee insta - @shotsbyaimee_<br />
Making magic happen<br />
Taking charge of the hair and make-up<br />
looks for a catwalk show is no easy feat.<br />
Lubna and her team beautified over 30<br />
models and it was go, go, go from the<br />
moment they arrived backstage. Lubna<br />
explains: “One of the reasons I became an<br />
MUA is because I love the intimate 1-2-1<br />
experience I have with my brides where we<br />
spend a few hours transforming her into a<br />
work of art. Working in the fashion side of<br />
my role is equally as satisfying but much<br />
more fast-paced. Despite the team working<br />
under speed and pressure, we’re all aware<br />
that every stroke has to be perfect. The<br />
camera never lies. As soon as the models<br />
step out onto the ramp there is constant<br />
snapping and every single one of those<br />
photos has to capture perfection.”<br />
Setting the trends<br />
The planning starts a few weeks before the<br />
show when Lubna receives a brief from<br />
Indiya, inspired by the collections that<br />
will appear on the runway. Lubna creates<br />
the theme and make-up looks and then<br />
teaches them to her team who assist on the<br />
day, taking on several models each. “All<br />
of my team members have trained with<br />
me so they have the highest standards<br />
of hair and make-up. Every model has to<br />
look uniform so I show them mood boards,<br />
organise them to practice the looks and<br />
then on the day itself no model steps out<br />
without them getting my approval.”<br />
Dramatic, attention-grabbing eyes and<br />
soft lips with pulled back hair was the look<br />
Lubna created for our catwalk models;<br />
one that’s striking yet elegant: “Catwalk<br />
models need to make an impact from a<br />
distance and close up and the eyes never<br />
lie, by having them as the focal point<br />
it made the overall effect powerful and<br />
beautiful. I also wanted to show brides that<br />
simplicity looks timeless. Soft lips are more<br />
mesmerising than heavy rouge palettes<br />
and I was thrilled with the response - so<br />
many brides came up to me afterwards,<br />
impressed by what they saw and wanting<br />
to book me for their wedding day. It was an<br />
honour to be part of this historic event!”<br />
www.lubnarafiq.com<br />
“THE EYES NEVER LIE, BY HAVING THEM AS<br />
THE FOCAL POINT IT MADE THE OVERALL<br />
EFFECT POWERFUL AND BEAUTIFUL”
PRESENT...<br />
Sunday 19th February 2023<br />
Exhibition: 10am - 7pm<br />
THE SAVOY LONDON<br />
The Strand, London WC2R 0EZ<br />
Exhibition Stand EnquiriES: info@aSiana.tv<br />
tickEtS & info: www.aSianabridalShow.co.uk
WEDDINGExpert<br />
PLANNING<br />
Sanjay Anand MBE offers essential advice on organising your Big Day<br />
Money is at the centre of<br />
every couple’s mind when<br />
they start planning their<br />
wedding. Though some<br />
have the luxury of having<br />
their celebrations paid for by family,<br />
increasingly couples are keen to pay for<br />
their Big Day, or at least foot the bill for<br />
some of it. Either way, you still need to<br />
set yourself a budget. Once you’ve decided<br />
how much you’re willing to spend you<br />
can get creative and ensure your wedding<br />
is exactly as you want it to be. Though<br />
we are living in uncertain times with<br />
concerns about rising energy bills and<br />
wondering if the pandemic will return,<br />
we can’t let these obstacles get in the<br />
way. You will only marry once, so don’t<br />
scrimp…the secret is in setting yourself a<br />
realistic budget. Here’s what you need to<br />
consider.<br />
Guests<br />
The average Asian wedding starts at around<br />
£25,000 and typically can cost around<br />
£60,000. The biggest percentage of that<br />
will go to the venue and catering and both<br />
of these decisions will be led by how many<br />
guests you invite – a wedding for 1000 guests<br />
versus a celebration for 100 are very different<br />
affairs. Understanding the numbers isn’t<br />
something a couple can do alone. Allow your<br />
family to get involved as they will be able to<br />
advise on any relatives and important guests<br />
you may not immediately think of. Then<br />
decide who you can shave off the list. Gone<br />
are the days of inviting the entire community,<br />
don’t be afraid to go more intimate by opting<br />
for a smaller gathering.<br />
Events<br />
Traditionally couples would celebrate their<br />
nuptials over several days to include pre<br />
and post-wedding events. However, this<br />
adds up. You will save money by joining<br />
events or spacing them out – if having your<br />
registry and your main reception six months<br />
apart suits your budget better then that is<br />
IN<br />
FOCUS<br />
PLANNING<br />
YOUR BUDGET<br />
Don’t let the cost of living crisis dampen your dream day<br />
fine – remember it’s your wedding your way.<br />
<strong>Wedding</strong>s in low season and mid-week are<br />
cheaper so be flexible with your dates.<br />
Outfits<br />
Looking through the pages of <strong>Asiana</strong><br />
<strong>Wedding</strong> Magazine you’ll no doubt find lots<br />
of inspiration for your wedding trousseau<br />
but you don’t only need to buy new. Some<br />
of your outfits will of course be made-tomeasure,<br />
that’s part of the joy of planning<br />
your wedding, but nothing tops the joy<br />
of wearing an heirloom outfit. I’ve seen<br />
countless brides beam with pride wearing the<br />
bridal outfit or jewellery their mother wore.<br />
It’s also become much easier to shop for<br />
weddingwear second-hand which could save<br />
you a few thousand pounds.<br />
Factoring In Forgotten Costs<br />
There are some costs couples forget about, don’t let that be you!<br />
Plan to pay for these essentials in your budget:<br />
Ceremonial costs – Aside from paying for your registry you may need to pay priests<br />
and any other staff so plan what they’ll cost.<br />
Personal shopping – Although you may not declare these to each other you’ll have<br />
personal costs like buying gifts, stocking up on luxury lingerie or perfumes and this<br />
will impact on your own expenses.<br />
Drinks – While a free bar may be a generous gesture it could end up breaking the<br />
bank – set bar tab limits or issue drinks tokens.<br />
Finally, never be afraid to negotiate costs. Service providers have set packages but<br />
they can be flexible so build a good rapport with your wedding planner, be open to<br />
their cost-cutting ideas and make room for changes. And of course, if you go under<br />
budget you’ll have more to spend on your honeymoon!<br />
SANJAY ANAND MBE IS CHAIRMAN OF MADHU’S.<br />
IF YOU HAVE A TOPIC TO SUGGEST EMAIL SANJAY@ASIANA.TV
BRIDAL Notebook<br />
Your tick box guide to planning made per fect<br />
Edited by Momtaz Begum-Hossain<br />
CAKES<br />
Image: George Sistonen<br />
FLOWERS<br />
Three floral trends we’re loving…<br />
WHAT’S YOUR FLAVOUR?<br />
Choosing a grand design for your<br />
wedding cake is only half the decision.<br />
Even though cake cutting is a ritual<br />
for photographs, your guests will be<br />
looking forward to eating it too, so<br />
delight their senses with aromas and<br />
tastes that leave them wanting more.<br />
The wedding experts at Hitched.<br />
co.uk did some extensive research<br />
into the UK’s favourite wedding<br />
cake flavour and found that 84% of<br />
guests like traditional fruitcake. They<br />
prefer fresh fruit with strawberry and<br />
SIDE SHOW<br />
Domestic Goddess<br />
With so many dietary requirements to consider it’s hard catering<br />
for everyone’s needs. My Baker has a solution. They’ll make<br />
you a second ‘dietary friendly’ side cake to go with your main<br />
showstopper so that no one feels left out. This could be a vegan,<br />
eggless or gluten-free sponge, whatever you’re after speak to the<br />
team who deliver cakes across the UK. www.mybaker.co<br />
lemon cakes being firm favourites.<br />
The number one wedding cake<br />
flavour is classic vanilla, followed by<br />
chocolate and red velvet, but if you<br />
fancy something a little different,<br />
discuss options with your wedding<br />
cake supplier. It’s common to serve<br />
several tiers with different flavours to<br />
appeal to all palettes. We’ve also seen<br />
an emergence of desi flavours proving<br />
popular with brides; think masala<br />
chai sponge and rose and cardamom;<br />
someone put the kettle on!<br />
It’s not usual for a family member to bake your<br />
wedding cake so if an aunty offers to take on the<br />
role, treat them to some new baking accessories.<br />
We love the colourful new Great British Bake Off<br />
inspired range from Cath Kidston which features<br />
patterned mixing bowls, measuring spoons,<br />
dainty tea towels, gorgeous crockery, cake tins<br />
and a star baker apron. www.cathkidston.com<br />
Paper Flowers<br />
Make sustainability part of your decision-making. Paper<br />
flowers are versatile and kinder for the environment. <strong>Wedding</strong><br />
Stationary experts Ananya Cards make decorative paper<br />
flowers in the colour theme and quantity of your choice.<br />
We recommend using them as décor, favours and even<br />
incorporating them into buttonholes. After the wedding,<br />
they’re a wonderful keepsake.<br />
www.ananyacards.com<br />
Bouquet<br />
Charms<br />
Dress up your bridal bouquet<br />
with a cute keepsake<br />
charm. Add them to any<br />
bunches being held by your<br />
bridesmaids and flower girls<br />
too; they’ll love the gesture<br />
of adding a detail they can<br />
keep.<br />
www.mwstudio.co.uk<br />
ASIANA<br />
LOVES<br />
Dried<br />
Arrangements<br />
If your favourite flowers<br />
aren’t in season, go for dried<br />
instead. Their softer shades,<br />
whimsical aesthetic and<br />
delicate nature make them<br />
extra special. A bonus is that<br />
you don’t need to worry<br />
about them wilting as they’re<br />
already preserved.<br />
www.juneinmarch.com
How to make a DIY Food Hamper<br />
SPOTLIGHT:<br />
After the wedding when you’re back from your honeymoon,<br />
the first thing on your list should be sending out thank you<br />
cards and gifts to everyone who helped behind-the-scenes.<br />
From family members to service providers, they<br />
all did far more than you’ll ever know, so let<br />
them know they’re appreciated. A handmade<br />
hamper is perfect as it’s something that will be<br />
used, loved and shared. Here are five tips for<br />
how to make one and what to put inside.<br />
1Buy a basket<br />
You’ll need a natural straw basket with<br />
a lid like this Siesta Picnic Hamper<br />
(beaumonde.co.uk) to fill with intriguing<br />
luxury goodies and treats<br />
2Add crockery<br />
Mugs are great for presenting edible<br />
items inside while plates should be<br />
positioned at the back of a hamper. We<br />
love the colourful Marajah range from Easy<br />
Life (easylife.boutique) which features<br />
joyful elephant illustrations.<br />
3Tea is essential<br />
A luxury loose-leaf tea is a hamper<br />
must. French tea connoisseurs Mariage<br />
Frères (mariagefreres.com) have flavoured<br />
teas for every occasion. Each one is exquisitely<br />
presented and tastes like you’re taking high tea<br />
in a five-star hotel. The Christmas collection<br />
features yummy concoctions of black tea with<br />
festive fruits and warming spices.<br />
ART BY SHREE<br />
A one-of-a-kind artwork makes a thoughtful gift<br />
and when you commission the most sort after<br />
South Asian painter of the moment to create it, the<br />
recipient will appreciate the gesture even more.<br />
London-based Artist Shree who was recently<br />
nominated for an Asian Achiever’s Award<br />
creates breathtaking canvas works inspired by<br />
her Indian heritage. Each piece is unique and<br />
characterised by its vivid colours and textures.<br />
Compositions feature quotes, goddesses and<br />
abstract designs. Her work has been snapped up<br />
by Bollywood stars and look timeless hung up at<br />
home. Contact Shreena directly to commission<br />
her or buy prints from her Etsy store.<br />
www.artbyshree.com<br />
4Choose a spread<br />
Preserves and pickles are the usual<br />
jars you’ll find in a hamper, alongside<br />
them pop in a jar of the scrumptious nut<br />
butters from ButterNut London (butternut.com).<br />
Lovingly made in small batches<br />
they shower tastebuds with pure pleasure.<br />
Choose between Coconut Cardamom<br />
Cashew, Maple Turmeric Cashew and lots<br />
more.<br />
ASIANA<br />
TIP:<br />
5Say thank you<br />
Finally, add a colourful ribbon and drop<br />
the gift hamper off in person if you can.<br />
Don’t forget to pop in a handwritten card.<br />
Ananya Cards (ananyacards.com) can make<br />
them personalised to your needs using luxurious<br />
card and printing techniques.<br />
Chocolate Stash<br />
Take it from us, wedding days are long so it’s essential your bridal<br />
party have tasty treats to hand to keep their sugar levels and<br />
morale up – some couture cocoa is just the thing. Order a batch of<br />
handmade chocolate bars lovingly created by Priya at Flowers &<br />
Thorn. Flavours include pistachio & rose and cardamom and they<br />
come beautifully packaged in bright pink foil. It will be love at<br />
first sight and bite. www.flowersandthorn.co.uk<br />
RECOMMENDED READ<br />
Enjoy some wedding planning downtime with a<br />
chai and a good book. Sex Bomb, the memoirs<br />
of comedian and podcaster<br />
Sadia Azmat is a refreshing,<br />
honest and open account<br />
of what it’s like navigating<br />
life as a horny hijabi.<br />
Sadia shares her real-life<br />
horror stories of dating<br />
and her struggles of<br />
juggling work with<br />
her side-hustle of<br />
performing stand-up<br />
comedy. You’ll<br />
laugh, you’ll cry<br />
and you want to pass it on to all your<br />
girlfriends. www.sadiaazmat.com
Amazonia Tea Set<br />
Seasonal Trend: <strong>Aut</strong>umn<br />
www.micucci.co.uk<br />
Warm orange glows and<br />
soothing rustic browns capture<br />
the spirit of <strong>Aut</strong>umn. <strong>Aut</strong>umnal<br />
weddings are an opportunity<br />
to celebrate nature at its most<br />
magical and it’s easy to bring<br />
these elements into your<br />
wedding day says Colour Expert<br />
Momtaz Begum-Hossain. She<br />
says: “<strong>Aut</strong>umn shades are<br />
versatile and luxurious and<br />
add depth to your décor. At one<br />
end of the <strong>Aut</strong>umn spectrum,<br />
you have dark chocolates and<br />
rich mochas which work well<br />
in furniture like traditionally<br />
carved mandaps, while at the<br />
other you have deep purples.<br />
Pops of red and yellows bring<br />
a refreshing vibrancy and<br />
when you team them with the<br />
purples, browns and orange<br />
everything feels welcoming and<br />
cosy; exactly how guests like to<br />
feel when they attend a wedding<br />
LED Pinecone Candle<br />
www.annabeljames.co.uk<br />
in the cooler months.”<br />
<strong>Aut</strong>umnal wreaths look<br />
stylish and are a nod to the<br />
winter season around the<br />
corner. Look out for anything<br />
themed such year such pine<br />
cones and woodland animals.<br />
It’s important to consider<br />
light sources too; candles and<br />
lanterns create a comforting<br />
<strong>Aut</strong>umn glow both indoors and<br />
out.<br />
Wondering how to capture this<br />
season’s palette? Here’s the<br />
top pick from Colour Expert<br />
Momtaz Begum-Hossain<br />
Midnight Blue Wreath<br />
www.dibor.co.uk<br />
TREND ALERT:<br />
DIY WEDDING<br />
Bring rustic, natural charm to<br />
your wedding stationery with a<br />
rubber stamp. Choose a motif<br />
that captures the spirit of your<br />
theme and use it on everything<br />
from place settings to signage.<br />
www.skullandcrossbuns.com<br />
Floral Scrapbook<br />
www.paperchase.com<br />
Chai Spice Candle-Making Kit<br />
www.selfmadecandle.com<br />
Star Lantern<br />
www.paperstarlights.com<br />
Profile photo by Anthony Lycett
BRIDAL NOTEBOOK<br />
Mushroom Cloche<br />
www.habitate.co.uk<br />
Seasonal Trend: Winter<br />
MOOD BOARD INSPO: CANDY COLOURS<br />
Seek out soft pastels and combine candyfloss colours with snow,<br />
silver and evergreens for social media-trending wedding décor.<br />
www.wayfair.co.uk<br />
For a wedding that’s straight from the pages<br />
of a fairytale, winter wonderland weddings<br />
have all the perfect elements for elegance<br />
such as snow, faux fur, white pearls and<br />
crystals. Traditionally these have been the<br />
go-to décor choices for couples, but for a<br />
more contemporary feel introduce some of<br />
the sparkles of Christmas into your festivities.<br />
Momtaz advises: “Don’t be afraid of colour.<br />
If you’re opting for a Narniaesque feel don’t<br />
stop at white and silver, accents of blue add<br />
contrast heightening the overall impact of the<br />
room or table display. Softer pastel shades<br />
reminiscent of Spring have been surfacing in<br />
winter mood boards - the most appealing of<br />
which is candy colours of mint, blush pinks,<br />
peaches and cream. They would bring a regal<br />
yet fresh feel to a registry celebration.”<br />
Candle Holder<br />
www.ivylinebg.co.uk<br />
TRIED & TESTED: DRINKS KITCHEN<br />
Premium non-alcoholic drinks have come a long way<br />
and it’s always great to see new soft drinks making their<br />
mark. Award-winning Somerset-based business Drinks<br />
Kitchen make a range of beverages that teetotalers and<br />
anyone cutting back on alcohol can enjoy. Their range<br />
includes Spiced Rhubarb which contains aromatic<br />
juniper and a hint of chilli and Orange Chincona which<br />
has a zesty peel and bittersweet finish. Serve at your<br />
drinks reception for a welcome drink with a difference.<br />
www.drinkskitchen.online<br />
Winter décor ideas<br />
www.marksandspencer.com<br />
Wild Wonderland<br />
Tealight Holder<br />
www.dibor.co.uk<br />
Honey, Cranberry and<br />
Vanilla Soaps<br />
www.notonthehighstreet.com
More than ever, our homes are at the centre of our lives. For<br />
many of us, it’s where we work, sleep, play and socialise so<br />
it’s vital everything serves a purpose, be it functional or<br />
emotional. For newly-weds, a new home offers the chance<br />
to create an abode together. For a happy first home, fill<br />
your space with design choices, colours and pieces that you will want to<br />
live with every day.<br />
BOOKS WE LOVE<br />
Like art, books add style, depth and character<br />
to any home. If you have a penchant for travel,<br />
you’ll love the hardcover travel-themed coffee<br />
table books produced by Assouline. The<br />
recently-launched<br />
(£70, www.net-aporter.com)<br />
is a<br />
beautiful silk-lined<br />
hardback that pays<br />
homage to India’s<br />
‘Pink City’ and<br />
comes filled with<br />
over 200 pretty<br />
illustrations for you<br />
to flick through.<br />
Sweet<br />
HOME<br />
Stylish touches for your love nest<br />
Camel, Lahore Late<br />
19th Century Print<br />
(£140,<br />
50cm x 62cm)<br />
Liven up your walls<br />
A well-chosen piece of art can transform a goodlooking<br />
living space into a perfect one. We love<br />
these ethnic style prints by King and McGaw.<br />
www.kingandmcgaw.com<br />
A Scene in the East Indies by William<br />
Daniell (£140, 49cm x 62cm)<br />
HOME<br />
Adorned with a floral design, these<br />
beautiful Homesense Chest of<br />
Drawers will make a statement in any<br />
Scent<br />
room. Your<br />
www.homesense.com<br />
Home<br />
Fragrance sticks and diffusers are a stylish<br />
way to scent your home and create<br />
an inviting ambience. Rituals Happiness<br />
Fragrance Sticks (£31.50) contain moodboosting<br />
neroli and sensual Indian<br />
sandalwood. If you prefer an uplifting<br />
scent, try Jo Malone Townhouse Fresh Fig<br />
and Cassis Diffuser (£140) which is warm<br />
and inviting. The super chic Diptyque<br />
Plug-in Diffuser (£95), has a metallic lattice<br />
design and can be used with nine iconic<br />
Diptyque scent cartridges.<br />
DRESS THE FLOORS<br />
Rugs can instantly add texture to<br />
your floors. They can either sit in<br />
harmony with your space or stand<br />
out as a statement piece. This<br />
hand-woven and perfectly crafted<br />
French Connection Kerala Chenille<br />
Rug (£125) has a vintage-inspired<br />
print with soft coral, slate grey and<br />
ivory hues. It’s lovingly made in<br />
India from recycled plastic bottles,<br />
making it an ethical way to style<br />
your space. Team it up with the<br />
matching Kerala Ottoman Bench<br />
(£250).<br />
www.frenchconnection.com
INTERIORS<br />
Words: Anjana Gosai<br />
Trend alert: Glistening Gold and Brushed Brass<br />
Opulent and glamorous, add hints of gold and brass to your home to bring warmth and a classic touch<br />
Be the host with the most by showing off your spirits in a luxe<br />
drinks trolley. www.dobbies.com<br />
Beautifully-carved and elegant, the Pooky Vulpo mirror makes a<br />
strong statement in any room. www.pooky.com<br />
Gold accessories and brass adorned furniture like this Cuckooland Meena<br />
Cabinet will give your room a luxurious edge. www.cuckooland.com<br />
Add a touch of grown-up glamour to your dining table.<br />
www.johnlewis.com
REAL WEDDINGS<br />
PART OF<br />
YOUR WORLD<br />
Bride Karishma was keen to celebrate the<br />
Sri Lankan heritage of her husband Tash but<br />
when the global pandemic put a stop to their<br />
wedding abroad they brought their cultures<br />
together in a romantic union closer to home<br />
The Planning<br />
Our wedding was always going to be in Sri<br />
Lanka as Tash is Sri Lankan but when<br />
covid hit we kept postponing it until we<br />
realised no one knew when the borders<br />
would re-open. But that didn’t stop us from<br />
having our dream day. We compromised<br />
by holding the first part of our union,<br />
the Indian celebrations in the UK and it<br />
turned out to be the best decision we made,<br />
though it wasn’t easy.<br />
From the moment we decided we would<br />
WEDDING<br />
DETAILS<br />
Bride: Karishma<br />
Groom: Tashan<br />
Date of <strong>Wedding</strong>: 21 October 2021<br />
Venue: Offley Place<br />
Photography: Kreative Klicks<br />
have our Indian ceremony here, we only<br />
had seven weeks until the Big Day so we<br />
both had to get organising. Looking back<br />
now, seven weeks is a tight timeline but<br />
we did it. The most important decision was<br />
finding a venue that would echo elements<br />
of why we wanted to marry in Sri Lanka<br />
which was lots of natural light.<br />
We spent two whole days ringing venues,<br />
getting prices and shortlisting them down<br />
to three venues - Offley Place was one.<br />
Strapped for time, after visiting the first<br />
venue we hastily decided we would pick it.<br />
But just before we made the final decision<br />
on the other venue, our parents pushed us<br />
to go and view Offley Place. And we are so<br />
glad they did! As our wedding was originally<br />
going to be in tropical Sri Lanka and<br />
natural light was our priority, Offley Place, a<br />
country house hotel in Hertfordshire didn’t<br />
disappoint. Outside of the venue’s main<br />
manor house was beautifully draped with<br />
climbing ivy and oh my god we were in love!
The Theme & Inspiration<br />
Our families are from India and Sri Lanka<br />
and one of the things we both have in<br />
common is our appreciation for nature<br />
so we incorporated that into our theme.<br />
Our plan was to ‘bring the outside in’ and<br />
this gave us the opportunity to use lots<br />
of earthy greens and foliage and keep<br />
everything looking soft and natural.<br />
We got our outfits in India. Though most<br />
couples get their colour themes from the<br />
bridal outfit, we let Tash’s safa set the<br />
tones for ours.<br />
The Big Day<br />
The day started with us waking up at our<br />
venue at a very dark and cloudy 6.30am<br />
following a storm from the night before, so<br />
we were nervous about how the weather<br />
would turn out. It was a leisurely morning<br />
and not rushed; Tash even managed to go<br />
to the restaurant and have a full breakfast<br />
and spy on the décor of the ballroom which<br />
is where the main wedding took place.<br />
Having our families around was<br />
reassuring and they kept popping into<br />
our rooms while we were getting ready<br />
which helped alleviate our nerves. The<br />
first thing we did was have our portraits<br />
taken, they turned out to be very regal and<br />
atmospheric and are timeless shots that we<br />
will treasure.
REAL WEDDINGS<br />
Tash made his grand arrival which<br />
was extremely colourful. I was sad that I<br />
couldn’t witness it myself as it looked so<br />
fun. But there was other good news. All of a<br />
sudden the huge black cloud that has been<br />
looming in the sky vanished, the warm<br />
sun beamed into my room and I finally<br />
experienced the natural light I was hoping<br />
for.<br />
After that the day went smoothly. My<br />
brothers collected me and brought me<br />
down to the ceremony which was an<br />
emotional moment for everyone. Our guests<br />
were treated to a delicious feast and before<br />
we knew it the games got underway with<br />
one of my little cousins throwing water<br />
over Tash’s cousin in an attempt to get his<br />
shoes!<br />
We may not have had the wedding we<br />
had originally planned but it didn’t matter,<br />
we felt blessed to have finally tied the knot<br />
on a day that was filled with many happy<br />
memories and much laughter. When we<br />
look back at our wedding we remember<br />
feelings all the good vibes from our friends<br />
and family. The ceremony turned out to be<br />
even better than it would have been in Sri<br />
Lanka.
COSMIC LOVE<br />
Lovers of the night sky, Marium and Tamoor’s<br />
Big Day was written in the stars<br />
The Proposal<br />
T (as I call him) took me by complete<br />
surprise. It was a spontaneous proposal.<br />
Back in February this year; we went<br />
for a walk under the stars. T is hugely<br />
fascinated by space and he was showing me<br />
various constellations. I was trying to find<br />
our favourite one, Orion’s Belt, and he was<br />
like ‘babe, what’s over there?’ As I turned<br />
back around, he was down on one knee<br />
with the most gorgeous ring I’d ever seen.<br />
I was over the moon. It was such a magical<br />
moment and it felt like the stars were<br />
shining down on us.<br />
The Venue<br />
I visited the Fairmont in January, for<br />
Afternoon Tea for my birthday with my<br />
best friend. While we were there, we<br />
starting talking about my relationship<br />
with T, which was progressing fast.<br />
Marriage talks were happening so the<br />
topic became very wedding focused. We<br />
WEDDING<br />
DETAILS<br />
Bride: Marium Tahir<br />
Groom: Tamoor Tahir<br />
Date of <strong>Wedding</strong>: 20th August 2022<br />
Venue: Fairmont Windsor Park<br />
Photography: Unique Films<br />
ended up talking to one of the directors,<br />
who showed us around the different<br />
ballrooms, and I instantly fell in love. I<br />
remember saying then and there to Dani,<br />
‘I want to get married here’. As soon as T<br />
proposed, enquiring about the venue was<br />
one of the first things I did. The ballroom<br />
was so beautiful it didn’t need any further<br />
dressing so we kept the décor minimal and<br />
were able to enjoy the grand setting.<br />
The Big Day<br />
Waking up with my mama at the Fairmont<br />
on my wedding day felt like a dream. We<br />
stayed over the night before so were able<br />
to enjoy the facilities, heading to breakfast<br />
at 7am. Some brides have their make-up<br />
artist turn up at 4/5am but mine came at<br />
a more convenient 10am and that’s when<br />
the Big Day felt like it was properly getting<br />
underway.<br />
The best part was that my mama and<br />
I got ready together in our suite. Both of<br />
us got pampered and had our hair and<br />
make-up done and I loved being able to<br />
make these special memories with her.<br />
Afterwards, we went downstairs and were
REAL WEDDINGS<br />
greeted by my father and brother who<br />
were starstruck when they saw me dressed<br />
as a bride, they also made me feel like a<br />
princess. It was also a chance for me to<br />
spend some time with my bridesmaids and<br />
we used it as an opportunity to look around<br />
the venue and get our selfies and family<br />
photos before the guests arrived. For my<br />
outfit I wore a traditional red Pakistani<br />
bridal lengha. T wore ivory and my<br />
bridesmaids looked pretty in pink.<br />
Some brides miss the baraat but luckily<br />
I was able to watch T arrive in style<br />
from the window of my suite. We did our<br />
nikkah, I had mine first and then T did<br />
his but we didn’t see each other properly<br />
until afterwards when I made my grand<br />
entrance and the wedding finally began.<br />
We had our couple’s photos while mains<br />
were being served, a delicious feast by<br />
Ragamama. Then it was time for the<br />
speeches. I ended up doing a surprise<br />
speech which no one knew about and that<br />
felt great.<br />
My rukhsati, which is when I said<br />
goodbye to my family, was the most<br />
emotional part of the day, as I am so close<br />
to both of my parents and my brother. I was<br />
moving over two hours away so I wouldn’t<br />
be seeing them as much as I would like;<br />
this made having such an intimate<br />
wedding and spending time with my mama<br />
all the more special. There were lots of<br />
tears from my family and friends, but I’m<br />
beyond happy to have known I parted with<br />
lots of duas and into my loving husband’s<br />
family.<br />
Looking back at the photos I feel<br />
so happy but there’s also a sense of<br />
melancholy. It’s so sad knowing I won’t get<br />
to dress up and be that pretty again! But<br />
jokes aside, I couldn’t be happier. These<br />
photos evoke memories of the happiest day<br />
of my life and make me thank my lucky<br />
stars.
DESTINATION<br />
WEDDING:<br />
PORTUGAL<br />
PRETTY AS<br />
A PICTURE<br />
How Karishma and Ravi<br />
found perfection in Portugal<br />
When Ravi whisked<br />
Karishma away for a<br />
weekend in the Lake<br />
District and popped<br />
the question during<br />
a romantic sunset stroll by Derwent<br />
Water, the couple knew that they wanted<br />
to celebrate their union with an outdoor<br />
wedding: “The idea of getting married<br />
amongst nature with a backdrop of birds,<br />
sun, the elements of fire, earth, water<br />
and air really appealed to us. Given how<br />
unreliable the British weather can be, we<br />
opted to have our wedding somewhere with<br />
guaranteed sunshine. We viewed the venues<br />
during a trip to Portugal in November 2021<br />
and it was love at first sight!”<br />
WEDDING<br />
DETAILS<br />
Bride: Karishma Kanabar<br />
Groom: Ravi Damani<br />
Date of <strong>Wedding</strong>: 1st -3rd August 2022<br />
Venue: Civil <strong>Wedding</strong>: Forte Da Cruz,<br />
Cascais. Hindu <strong>Wedding</strong>: Penha Longa Ritz<br />
Carlton Resort, Sintra, Portugal<br />
Photography: Profoto Studios<br />
Cue August 2022: the couple invited 80<br />
guests to join them for a three-day wedding<br />
extravaganza held in two beautiful<br />
Portuguese locations that ticked their<br />
alfresco box, with added luxury, elegance<br />
and magic.<br />
The Venue, Theme & Décor<br />
Karishma and Ravi combined elements of<br />
their Portugese location with their Hindu<br />
heritage. For their civil registry the colour<br />
palette was white and blue based on the<br />
traditional Azulejo tiles from the region<br />
and the bridesmaids wore pale blue dresses<br />
which complimented the sea views as the<br />
ceremony was held on a fort over-looking<br />
the beach.<br />
For their Hindu wedding ceremony<br />
the couple opted for an Indian Summer<br />
Garden theme in the picturesque grounds<br />
of the Penha Longa Resort which was<br />
once used as a meditation site for monks<br />
living in the nearby monastery. Karishma<br />
reminisces: “Our mandap was across a<br />
pool of sparkling turquoise water and<br />
the sound of the pool being filled with a<br />
steady stream of water filled the garden<br />
with a soothing noise alongside the sound<br />
of a meditative Bansuri being played<br />
during the wedding ceremony; it felt like a<br />
dream.”
REAL WEDDINGS<br />
THE OUTFITS<br />
Over their three days of festivities, the couple held six<br />
events: civil wedding, Ganesh pooja/mandvo, pithi,<br />
mehndhi party, Hindu wedding and reception, giving them<br />
the opportunity to wear different outfits. The couple did<br />
their shopping in the UK but when it came to the Hindu<br />
wedding both outfits were designed from Karishma’s vision<br />
of a floral lengha with pops of hot pink and a sherwani for<br />
Ravi with complementing design and a matching dupatta.<br />
The Big Day<br />
The celebrations took place during<br />
the week with their civil ceremony<br />
first; it was no ordinary Monday!<br />
Guests were transported to the<br />
beach where they were greeted<br />
by the sounds of a Bollywood<br />
string quartet. The beach setting<br />
allowed the couple to get stunning<br />
portrait shots, making the most<br />
of golden hour and sunset. This<br />
was followed by a magical moment<br />
where guests created a twinkling<br />
archway of sparklers that the<br />
couple walked through to cut the<br />
cake.<br />
It was an early start the next<br />
day for the pithi and mandvo<br />
ceremonies. This included the<br />
chundri ceremony where the<br />
groom’s mother and siblings place<br />
a dupatta on the head of the bride<br />
and give her gifts, and the pithi<br />
ceremony where guests place haldi<br />
on the couple, followed by a flower<br />
shower where they tossed petals<br />
on the bride and groom.<br />
That evening the venue was<br />
transformed for the sangeet and<br />
mehndi party. Guests enjoyed<br />
mocktails and canapés and<br />
danced to classic Bollywood<br />
songs. Keeping with the filmi<br />
spirit Karishma’s sister Roshni<br />
and the bridesmaids performed a<br />
Bollywood dance routine straight<br />
from the pages of a Karan Johar<br />
hit. Games, a disco and traditional<br />
Gujarati garba dancing was a fun<br />
end to the evening.<br />
On the final day the Baarat<br />
started with Ravi entering on a<br />
golf buggy to the sounds of dholis<br />
and a saxophone as smoke bombs<br />
released a rainbow of colours.<br />
Karishma entered to the sounds of<br />
a live flute.<br />
The celebrations culminated in<br />
a grand cocktail reception with<br />
food, speeches and the couple’s<br />
First Dance as husband and wife.<br />
Karishma sums up: “Looking back<br />
at the photos, the whole wedding<br />
feels like a dream. Three days<br />
went by in a flash but these were<br />
some of the happiest moments<br />
of our life. Seeing our family and<br />
friends smiling and enjoying<br />
themselves in the photo means the<br />
whole world to us.”
DESTINATION<br />
WEDDING:<br />
ITALY<br />
You’ll know him as ‘The<br />
Digital Doctor’ online, Dr<br />
Sohaib Imtiaz is an expert<br />
in lifestyle medicine and<br />
Founder of the Ameli App,<br />
but when it came to his wedding day it<br />
was very much a ‘Digital Detox’ as he and<br />
his beautiful wife Sana celebrated their<br />
union in an intimate ceremony in one of<br />
the world’s most romantic destinations;<br />
Lake Como. Here, he shares highlights<br />
from their dream day…<br />
Sana and I love to travel, I even<br />
proposed to her abroad. We were in Miami<br />
and after taking her for a meal in a lovely<br />
restaurant we took a stroll along the beach<br />
and that’s where I proposed. I felt like the<br />
luckiest guy alive when she said ‘yes’: she’s<br />
my best friend and it felt so right.<br />
WEDDING<br />
DETAILS<br />
Bride: Sana Khan<br />
Groom: Dr Sohaib Imtiaz<br />
Date of <strong>Wedding</strong>: 6th August 2022<br />
Venue: Villa del Balbianello,<br />
Lake Como, Italy<br />
Photography: Vittore<br />
THAT’S AMORE<br />
Breathtaking views overlooking Lake Como was the<br />
perfect backdrop for Sohaib and Sana’s romantic nikkah<br />
We wanted to keep that theme of<br />
magical things happening in magical<br />
places so when we started planning our<br />
wedding, we knew we wanted a location<br />
that was out of the ordinary. Getting<br />
married in Italy was our dream as we<br />
adore its whimsical, picturesque setting.<br />
We chose Villa del Balbianello for the<br />
location of our nikkah, it was rich in<br />
history and romance, built on the site of<br />
an ancient monastery, on the shores of<br />
Lake Como with idyllic terraced gardens.<br />
It didn’t need any further décor, the lake<br />
views were enough, we simply enhanced<br />
and personalised it by adding white<br />
flowers. One of my favourite moments was<br />
travelling by a private boat taxi to reach<br />
the villa, holding hands all the way there
and being so mesmerised by Sana and the<br />
surroundings; it was just like a fairytale.<br />
As this was our nikkah, which is the<br />
Islamic ceremony we wanted to keep<br />
the celebrations special and intimate<br />
so invited only a handful of loved ones.<br />
The venue provided the catering and it<br />
wonderful to simply slow down, enjoy<br />
the setting and good company on a warm<br />
summer’s day, sharing these precious<br />
moments with lots of laughter with the<br />
most important people in our life. The<br />
amount of love and affection we got from<br />
everyone made it extra special day.<br />
Looking back at our photos they truly<br />
capture the spark in our relationship<br />
and it’s a wonderful reminder of how<br />
beautiful our day was as we look forward<br />
to our walima in December which we’ll<br />
be celebrating with extended friends and<br />
family.<br />
REAL WEDDINGS
Josh and I met aged 17 and<br />
our friendship blossomed into<br />
romance when we were 19, so the<br />
proposal felt very natural. It was<br />
a chilly Saturday morning, one<br />
of those days where the indoors beckons.<br />
Josh went to make the coffee while I<br />
decided what to watch on Netflix and<br />
when he returned with steaming coffee<br />
in hand, instead of going to his side of the<br />
sofa, he got down on one knee! I cried in<br />
joy and said yes a thousand times!<br />
The look<br />
OF LOVE<br />
Childhood sweethearts Navreen and<br />
Josh celebrated 12 years of romance<br />
with the wedding of their dreams<br />
The Venue, Theme & Décor<br />
We got married at Braxted Park, a<br />
beautiful countryside estate with a<br />
majestic drive and plush gardens. Our<br />
reception theme had a ‘midnight garden’<br />
vibe. We had tall floral centrepieces with<br />
peach and coral flowers and a ceiling<br />
decorated with foliage and hanging<br />
wisteria. Our colour theme of gold and<br />
peachy tones was reflected in our table<br />
settings including ornate gold charger<br />
plates and frosted peach tumblers. Gold<br />
is a colour I associate with celebration<br />
and glamour, as well as the richness of my<br />
Indian culture. The venue is a short drive<br />
away from my childhood home. I can’t<br />
help but feel there is something special in<br />
that, unbeknown to me, I had gone past<br />
the venue of my dreams almost every day<br />
from the age of seven.<br />
WEDDING<br />
DETAILS<br />
Bride: Navreen Singh<br />
Groom: Josh Sarson<br />
Date of <strong>Wedding</strong>: 20th August 2022<br />
Venue: Braxted Park<br />
Photography: Julia West<br />
THE OUTFITS<br />
I live by the philosophy of ‘Best of Both’<br />
in terms of my British and Indian heritage<br />
and so it was only right my outfits followed<br />
suit. I had five outfits across the wedding<br />
week. For our wedding day, I wore an ivory<br />
lace dress with bespoke veil and for the<br />
evening, a bright red lengha from Monga’s.<br />
It was the first one I tried and it was love at<br />
first sight; it made me feel like a beautiful<br />
Indian bride.
REAL WEDDINGS<br />
The Big Week<br />
Some couples have a Big Day, we had a<br />
Big Week as the main wedding day was<br />
preceded by a festive week of traditional<br />
Punjabi events. The wedding day itself<br />
was inspired by a fusion of our cultures<br />
and us. We had a Western humanist<br />
ceremony, where our close friend Jesse<br />
married us, and the whole day was<br />
infused with elements from my Indian<br />
heritage. The theme of our wedding was<br />
country grandeur and glam.<br />
Our ceremony started at 1.30pm in<br />
the Orangery, a gorgeous room with a<br />
unique Italian mural. Afterwards, we<br />
had a drinks and canapé reception in the<br />
intricate gardens of Braxted Park. The<br />
weather was glorious. At around 5pm our<br />
guests were called into our reception in<br />
the Pavilion and it was time for our big<br />
entrance accompanied by Dhol players.<br />
We had our speeches, mingled in between<br />
our courses and then Josh and I took<br />
some more couple shots during a stunning<br />
golden hour. Then we changed into our<br />
second outfits, ready for our First Dance. I<br />
danced most of the night and boy my feet<br />
only stopped hurting a week later.<br />
The Catering<br />
Josh are I are both foodies, so this was<br />
an important part of the day for us. We<br />
created a bespoke menu where mouthwatering<br />
canapés were served during our<br />
drinks reception featuring a few of my<br />
favourites including lasooni prawns and<br />
smoked aubergine on bite-size prantha.<br />
Our wedding breakfast was a threecourse<br />
affair. Each meal was individually<br />
plated and beautifully presented and<br />
most importantly, it was absolutely<br />
delicious.<br />
The Memories<br />
Something that will always stand out<br />
to me is how personal our day was, and<br />
how it encapsulated our love story. We<br />
are childhood sweethearts and as a<br />
result, have friends and family who have<br />
been with us throughout our 12-year<br />
journey. Our friend Jesse conducted<br />
our marriage ceremony, my school<br />
friend Danielle sang and played<br />
the guitar as I walked down the<br />
aisle, our matchmaker Aisha,<br />
who introduced us, was our<br />
Best Woman and Josh’s best<br />
friend from primary school Mat<br />
was his Best Man. When I look<br />
back at the photos they reflect<br />
the love and joy we experienced<br />
on the best day of our lives. Our<br />
photographer Julia did an incredible<br />
job capturing the special moments<br />
and making us feel so comfortable in the<br />
process.
Everlasting ELEGANCE<br />
When your brother is the designer behind a leading fashion brand,<br />
you’re guaranteed to have the best bridal outfits ever as Preeti found<br />
when Hare from Sharon’s Couture created her a trousseau of dreams<br />
WEDDING<br />
DETAILS<br />
Bride: Preeti Dhami<br />
Groom: Stephen (Ste) Spencer<br />
Date of <strong>Wedding</strong>: 7/4/2022 & 28/5/2022<br />
Venue: Shustoke Barn (Civil) &<br />
Home (Indian)<br />
Photography: The <strong>Wedding</strong> Film and<br />
Photo Co & Filmworks Media<br />
The Proposal<br />
Ste proposed a year prior to us getting<br />
married on my birthday. Under the covid<br />
restrictions, he paired up with my siblings<br />
and orchestrated the entire proposal.<br />
He brought over my birthday presents<br />
and then asked if I’d like to go for a walk<br />
in the park. With covid, there weren’t<br />
many places open so the park it was! He<br />
didn’t know the area well and kept asking<br />
questions about where the bridge was<br />
with the canal running through it which I<br />
thought was odd.<br />
We walked into the orchard section of<br />
the park which my siblings had set up<br />
with flowers and when we approached<br />
this magical setting, Ste got down on<br />
one knee and proposed with my siblings<br />
hiding nearby enough to take pictures,<br />
but not to be seen by me.<br />
I felt like something was up as Ste’s<br />
behaviour felt slightly odd especially<br />
as he kept checking his inside coat<br />
pocket. When he did propose it was a<br />
very emotional moment where we both<br />
got slightly teary as he pulled out the<br />
most beautiful sapphire and diamond<br />
engagement ring. I instantly said yes and<br />
remember being so overjoyed with all the<br />
emotions.
REAL WEDDINGS
The Civil Ceremony<br />
We had two wedding days which gave us<br />
the chance to have two different but very<br />
elegant themes. We both liked the idea<br />
of a barn. I had always wanted to avoid<br />
a wedding reception in a dark conference<br />
centre atmosphere, even from an early<br />
age I had a vision of a luxury marquee<br />
setting that was light and gave a taste of<br />
the outdoors. We found the perfect venue<br />
that was cosy and had a traditional vibe.<br />
We wanted to keep its rustic charm but<br />
enhanced it with flowers and foliage<br />
including green eucalyptus leaves and<br />
white flowers with floating candles.<br />
Guests were treated to a three-course<br />
meal with a Mediterranean theme. The<br />
mouth-watering spread included halloumi<br />
skewers, falafel, tabbouleh, wood fire<br />
flatbreads, roast chicken, French onion tart<br />
and chocolate fondant with ice cream. In<br />
the evening, we all tucked into fresh stonebaked<br />
pizzas which went down a treat.<br />
One memory I won’t forget from the<br />
day is that I was so eager not to be late<br />
that I was the first one ready, before my<br />
bridesmaids and my entire family - I was<br />
waiting on the bridal party as oppose to<br />
them waiting for me!<br />
The Sikh Ceremony<br />
For our Indian reception, we kept a similar<br />
theme as a civil but with additional white<br />
flowers and a sophisticated white-on-white<br />
theme. Design and décor details included a<br />
pretty flower wall, orchard trees ad candles,<br />
it felt so special, but it was also a complete<br />
contrast to the Jaggo party. That reception<br />
was bright, flamboyant, and full of nostalgic<br />
Punjabi style. Our Punjabi feast featured<br />
classic dishes such as gol goppa, samosa<br />
chaat, shaahi paneer and butter chicken<br />
with the yummiest cheesecake, gajerela and<br />
ice cream to finish off.<br />
We had a total of 60 guests at our<br />
Sikh wedding ceremony and for our<br />
civil wedding. It was really important to<br />
us to have small and intimate wedding<br />
ceremonies to keep it feeling personal but<br />
for our reception, the number increased to<br />
170 guests. It was still small enough that we<br />
could speak to all our guests as I was very<br />
keen to have ‘quality over quantity.’<br />
One of the memorable moments of the<br />
day was when my siblings performed a<br />
surprise dance sequence for me and Ste. It<br />
was so special as it was unexpected. The<br />
coordination and performance were so well<br />
received by all the guests that I felt so proud<br />
of them.
REAL WEDDINGS<br />
GET THE LOOK: THE OUTFITS<br />
This was the exciting part! My brother Hare is the designer at the<br />
luxury Asian fashion house Sharon’s Couture. To have your own<br />
brother design all your outfits and those of your partner is the most<br />
extraordinary and personalised gift and as a bride, I knew that I<br />
would be wearing nothing short of perfection. Hare designed all<br />
of our outfits for the civil and Sikh ceremonies, my Jaggo party<br />
and Ste’s three-piece suit and sherwani. I knew Hare would do an<br />
incredible job, he still managed to exceed my expectations.<br />
He understood that I didn’t want to wear a traditional red wedding<br />
bridal lengha, yet I still wanted to look regal so he came up with a<br />
design that was red and olive which captured my personality, kept<br />
the traditional element of red and had so much attention to detail.
Easy<br />
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are meant to<br />
be big, what’s your<br />
dream?” This is the<br />
question Tasneem<br />
“Dreams<br />
Alibhai asks all the<br />
brides and couples that book her to deliver<br />
their dream wedding day. Her speciality is<br />
destination weddings and she takes on a<br />
limited number each year so that she can<br />
dedicate 24/7 of her time to fulfilling a bride’s<br />
wishes without compromise. She says: “I am<br />
Team Bride, I will go out of my way to ensure<br />
perfection in every aspect of your wedding, not<br />
just the usual tasks like to helping to find and<br />
liaise with venues, caterers, entertainment<br />
and other suppliers; but I’m there for you too.”<br />
Destination<br />
DREAM WEDDING<br />
Whatever vision your heart has for your Big Day, don’t be<br />
afraid to follow it says celebrity wedding planner Tasneem<br />
Alibhai, Founder of TA <strong>Wedding</strong>s & Special Occasions<br />
GETTING MARRIED ABROAD<br />
Post-pandemic the destination wedding industry<br />
is growing in popularity with couples seeking<br />
smaller, more intimate ways to make memories<br />
but while there are now more planners than ever,<br />
very few have the knowledge and experience<br />
that Tasneem has. She says: “I’m always honest<br />
with my couples. Many of my clients are seeking<br />
weddings in the UAE and Oman but what they<br />
may not realise is that the season is October-<br />
April. Outside of those months it’s too hot to<br />
enjoy the locations and there’s no point getting<br />
married abroad if you and your guests are inside<br />
a hotel all day; destination weddings are about<br />
experiencing beautiful backgrounds in heavenly<br />
places.” In the summer months, Tasneem advises<br />
brides to marry in Europe, places like Turkey,<br />
Italy, Cyprus and Portugal; but wherever your<br />
choose and whatever your budget, you can be<br />
sure it will be spectacular.<br />
THE CULTURAL CONNECTION<br />
One of the biggest concerns couples have<br />
when they consider marrying abroad is<br />
whether they can still have the customs and<br />
traditions from their cultural background.<br />
Tasneem has planned weddings for couples<br />
from all over the world so is aware of cultural<br />
needs but most importantly her knowledge of<br />
Asian weddings is second to none. Whatever<br />
your faith she understands all the different<br />
functions, ceremonies and rituals and how<br />
they need to be executed, so you can rest<br />
assured that this element is taken care of.<br />
How bookings work varies between<br />
countries but Tasneem knows what to expect.<br />
She reveals: “In the UK it’s common to book<br />
a venue and different catering suppliers.<br />
In Dubai it’s different, there is no wedding<br />
venue hire fee, instead there is a minimum<br />
spend and this can work out to be more<br />
cost-effective. You’ll get the venue space and<br />
furniture included when you pay for the<br />
catering and beverages. Additional services<br />
like décor, flowers and entertainment are<br />
extra but having the venue and catering<br />
package together removes the headache and<br />
cost of dealing with different suppliers.”
WEDDING PLANNER<br />
DUBAI DREAMS<br />
Dubai has long been a popular honeymoon<br />
destination but with its luxurious hotels, some of<br />
the finest in the world, it’s lavish reputation and<br />
accessibility for guests travelling from all over the<br />
globe, it’s also the perfect place to get married.<br />
Tasneem explains: “Being an ex-pat in Dubai<br />
organising weddings in the city is a pleasure<br />
because I know the industry and suppliers here<br />
so well. Couples are amazed when I tell them<br />
the choice of venues they have – I’ve organised<br />
weddings and events at dream hotels like the<br />
Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, The Ritz Carlton and<br />
Atlantis The Palm and in other Emirates like Abu<br />
Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah. The UAE offers a<br />
wealth of options for brides and I’m always happy<br />
to talk them through with brides and their families.<br />
POPPING THE QUESTION<br />
Tasneem is also the co-founder of a Dubai based<br />
company that helps grooms turn grand gestures<br />
into epic proposals. She explains: “Though<br />
wedding planning is my forte, I was regularly<br />
contacted by grooms who wanted advice, so<br />
together with another industry friend we launched<br />
The Big Proposals. She says: “Usually it’s the men<br />
looking for a way to propose. We suggest three<br />
ideas based on their budget and then help them<br />
execute their vision. Whether you splash out and<br />
have ‘Marry Me’ projected on the Burj Khalifa, or<br />
perhaps a more intimate and affordable private<br />
desert safari, anything is possible.”<br />
About Tasneem, Founder of<br />
TA <strong>Wedding</strong>s & Special Occasions<br />
The most sought after wedding planner in<br />
Dubai, award-winning Destination <strong>Wedding</strong>s<br />
and Special Occasions Planner Tasneem<br />
launched TA <strong>Wedding</strong>s & Special Occasions,<br />
a wedding planning service in 2008. Since<br />
then she’s dedicated her life to her passion;<br />
ensuring every bride has her dream day<br />
exactly as she wants while bringing a level<br />
of magic that the bride never could have<br />
imagined. Tasneem grew up in Norway, has<br />
lived in the UK and now calls the UAE home.<br />
AS SEEN ON NETFLIX: DUBAI BLING<br />
The most-anticipated reality TV show of the <strong>Aut</strong>umn is set<br />
to be Dubai Bling. Launching on Netflix on October 27th it<br />
follows the dazzling lives of 10 self-made multi-millionaires<br />
living in Dubai. One of them is radio presenter and fitness<br />
entrepreneur Kris Fade who hosts The Kris Fade Show on<br />
Virgin Radio Dubai whose wedding, organised by Tasneem<br />
and the TA <strong>Wedding</strong>s & Special Occasions team is set to<br />
be the seen in the series finale. It’s one of the most highprofile<br />
bookings Tasneem has taken on, as she explains:<br />
“I’d previously planned the wedding of Dubai Housewives<br />
star Caroline Stanbury who is a friend of Kris and his wife<br />
Brianna, and like many of my bookings, word-of-mouth<br />
spread and I was invited to meet the couple and discuss<br />
their dream Dubai wedding.”<br />
Kris is Australian Lebanese and Brianna is Mexican<br />
America and they were keen to incorporate both of their<br />
cultures while having a beautiful outdoor wedding which<br />
took place at the iconic Ritz Carlton JBR. Tasneem says:<br />
“I was booked to be their planner before the show got<br />
underway however it was all top secret and though I was<br />
asked to wear a microphone while they recorded for the<br />
show, they couldn’t tell me what it was for. Having seen<br />
the trailer for the show now, everyone in Dubai and fans of<br />
shows like Bling Empire and Singapore Social are excited to<br />
watch it and I hope they’ll get to see a flavour of one of the<br />
grandest weddings that has taken place in the city - it was<br />
an honour to be part of it.”<br />
www.tasneemalibhai.com<br />
bytasneemalibhai
CELEBRATORY<br />
Feast<br />
Awe-inspiring from every<br />
angle, the award-winning<br />
modern Indian restaurant<br />
Colonel Saab established<br />
itself as the most<br />
fashionable dining experience in the capital<br />
when it opened in October 2021. A year on<br />
as it celebrates its first anniversary, the<br />
restaurant continues to cater to discerning<br />
diners keen to try their infamous<br />
Memsaab’s Tasting Menu and those who<br />
are looking for a luxury private dining<br />
experience for a special occasion.<br />
It’s not just the food and décor that<br />
draws in the crowds, history and<br />
hospitality lie at the heart of this<br />
extraordinary dining experience which<br />
is the concept of hotelier Roop Partap<br />
Choudhary. He was keen to open a<br />
For the ultimate in decadent dining, treat your<br />
friends and family to a meal at Colonel Saab<br />
restaurant that celebrated the cultural<br />
cuisine that is rooted throughout India,<br />
from homes to street markets and royal<br />
kitchens.<br />
When you enter the eaterie which Roop<br />
describes as ‘a love letter to India’ you’ll<br />
be transfixed by the attention to detail.<br />
Part museum and part a treasure trove<br />
of artefacts and eclectic Indian art, these<br />
are things Roop and his family picked up<br />
during their travels across India when his<br />
father was a Colonel in the Indian army<br />
and nick-named ‘Colonel Saab.’
PARTY VENUE<br />
VIP DINING EXPERIENCE<br />
If you’re looking for somewhere to catch up with a small<br />
group of friends in the lead up to your Big Day, book a table<br />
in the main restaurant, or for a more exclusive meal, we<br />
recommend you book one of their extravagant private dining<br />
rooms. Colonel Saab is situated in a grand Grade II listed<br />
building, previously Holborn Town Hall which was also a public<br />
library back in 1894. The private dining rooms are a nod to this<br />
heritage with wooden features and stunning chandeliers.<br />
The two rooms can accommodate 30 guests for a seated<br />
dinner, perfect for a pre-wedding function or a dinner that<br />
brings both families together. It’s also perfect for a glamorous<br />
location for your hen or stag meal. And you don’t have to<br />
worry about going thirsty. A drinks bar made by Asprey for<br />
the Maharaja of Patiala takes pride of place in the private<br />
dining room, while 17th and 18th century Tanjore paintings<br />
and handwoven Persian silk carpets adorn the walls and<br />
precious decanters and crockery from the palace of the<br />
Maharaja of Faridkot shimmer in cabinets. It’s a space for<br />
dining and selfie-taking!<br />
RAISE YOUR GLASSES<br />
Every element of Colonel Saab has been<br />
lovingly and imaginatively crafted to create<br />
a multi-sensory experience of India, including<br />
the drinks. A Masala Dabba - or spice box of<br />
artisanal gins, whiskies and rums based on<br />
Indian botanicals has been created with the<br />
Diageo mixology team, along with innovative<br />
cocktails by celebrated mixologist Antony<br />
Bertin, designed to complement the food<br />
and named after family members. We’ll drink<br />
to that!<br />
A TASTE OF INDIA<br />
Colonel Saab’s menu is the culmination of the journey and adventures<br />
across India of Roop’s parents, a blend of traditional and global<br />
ingredients and techniques. You can expect a nostalgic palate of<br />
aromas, memories and flavours so it’s no wonder that Nobel Peace<br />
Prize winner Malala Yousafzai is a fan; she described the food here as<br />
“the only place which serves the authentic flavours from home.”<br />
Choose from the a la carte, seasonal menus for occasions like Diwali<br />
and Christmas, a British and Indian infused High Tea, the Tasting Menu<br />
or their popular two-course Lunch Tiffin. Dishes range from tender<br />
Anglo Indian Chicken Chop to perfectly marinated melt-in-the-mouth<br />
Sarsoi Ajwaini Fish Tikka alongside yummy vegetarian options. The<br />
Tasting Menu curated by Chef Sohan Bhandari allows you to try six<br />
dishes which takes your private dining experience to a new level.<br />
Colonel Saab<br />
193- 197 High Holborn,<br />
Covent Garden, London<br />
WC1V 7BD<br />
0208 016 6800<br />
www.colonelsaab.co.uk
VENUE<br />
FOCUS:<br />
GRAND SAPPHIRE HOTEL<br />
& BANQUETING SUITES<br />
If you’re looking for majestic, luxurious banqueting facilities,<br />
this South London icon ticks all the boxes and so much more…<br />
Elegance and charm are at the<br />
centre of Grand Sapphire,<br />
a modern wedding venue in<br />
Croydon, South London. With<br />
its choice of five-star event<br />
spaces, hotel facilities and delicious inhouse<br />
catering, your wedding celebrations<br />
will be effortless to plan - yet memorable<br />
for all. While most banqueting suites are<br />
blank canvas spaces, here you have the<br />
option of keeping the opulent interiors as<br />
they are; or enhancing them with your<br />
own decorative touches. Whatever you<br />
choose to do, your guests will be in awe<br />
of their surroundings which are spacious,<br />
sophisticated and most importantly<br />
accessible, with plenty of parking spaces.<br />
THE EXPERIENCE<br />
The charm begins from the moment you<br />
enter. Grand Sapphire’s white façade<br />
has a palatial feel and makes a beautiful<br />
backdrop for photos. The venue can lay out<br />
a red carpet to add an A’list touch to the<br />
proceedings before guests head inside the<br />
elegant foyers with luxury décor.<br />
Here, guests can be welcome and directed<br />
to your private function space, or you can<br />
make use of the sumptuous surroundings<br />
and kick-start the party with a drinks<br />
reception.<br />
While guests tuck into canapés, for the<br />
bride who typically joins the festivities<br />
later, Grand Sapphire provides a beautiful<br />
bridal suite where you can relax and get<br />
ready before making your grand entrance.
VENUE<br />
THE EVENT SPACES<br />
The main function area is the Grand Ballroom<br />
and there are an additional three luxury suites;<br />
all of which offer the same high standards of<br />
interior décor come and full A/V and lighting<br />
facilities. Every space can be used for dancing<br />
and entertainment; the most fun part of the day.<br />
The Grand Ballroom<br />
For a wow factor wedding reception<br />
for up to 1000 guests, Grand Sapphire’s<br />
signature suite is the most luxurious. It looks<br />
spectacular when it’s set up banqueting<br />
style. A popular choice is to dress the room<br />
with candles which adds a magical glow<br />
throughout, and complements the dazzling<br />
chandeliers and mood lighting. Combined<br />
with floral arrangements and décor, it<br />
creates a majestic setting.<br />
The Sapphire Suite<br />
Adjacent to The Grand Ballroom, this idyllic<br />
suite is characterised by its LED lighting<br />
features and comfortably seats 500 diners<br />
for a sit-down meal.<br />
The Emirates Suite<br />
Also adjacent to The Grand Ballroom, this<br />
suite can be interconnected to increase the<br />
Ballroom’s capacity. It also has its own foyer<br />
entrance and is suited to smaller functions of<br />
350 guests.<br />
The Rhubarb Suite<br />
With its chic and lavish interiors, this space<br />
is light, airy and intimate, holding up to 144<br />
guests. It’s perfect for intimate ceremonies<br />
and with its floral walls has a fairytale quality.<br />
FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD!<br />
The catering options are what sets Grand<br />
Sapphire apart from other banqueting<br />
venues as there’s so much choice and you<br />
can feel rest-assured that you’ll be served<br />
a feast that’s fit for royalty. Choosing your<br />
menu is the hardest part. The venue works<br />
with leading chefs with global experience<br />
so whether you’re after Pakistani, South<br />
Indian, Bangladeshi, Lebanese or Gujarati<br />
catering, dining is a part of the day guests<br />
will really enjoy as they’ll be served<br />
beautifully presented dishes with authentic<br />
flavours.<br />
MORE THAN A WEDDING VENUE…<br />
Having arranged hundreds of weddings over<br />
the years, the team here are well-connected<br />
in the industry and know exactly who to call<br />
on for floral arrangements, fabric backdrops,<br />
tablecentres and your wedding cake and can<br />
even arrange children’s entertainment. It’s<br />
not just weddings that are held here; Grand<br />
Sapphire is also popular for conferences<br />
and charity galas and they’ve organised all<br />
kinds of set-ups with additional activities<br />
including themed casinos - so don’t be<br />
afraid to live out all your wedding dreams,<br />
anything is possible here!<br />
Then, when the evening comes to a close,<br />
guests can retire to Grand Sapphire’s hotel<br />
rooms. The honeymoon suite is a luxurious<br />
boudoir designed to feel like an Indian<br />
palace and is a perfect place to rest before<br />
jet-setting off on your honeymoon from<br />
Gatwick Airport - just a short drive away.<br />
VENUE CHECKLIST:<br />
Accessible for public transport: Yes<br />
Onsite parking: Yes<br />
Catering: In-house options<br />
Spaces: Flexible, blank canvas<br />
Capacity: 144 to 1000<br />
Accommodation: Onsite<br />
A/V: Provided in-house<br />
Support: In-house planners<br />
Grand Sapphire Hotel & Banqueting Suites, 45 Imperial Way, Croydon CR0 4RR • T: 0208 686 2905 • www.grandsapphire.co.uk
FARNHAM<br />
CASTLE<br />
The Lowdown:<br />
Rich in history and oozing sophistication<br />
and style, it’s no surprise that Farnham<br />
Castle is considered to be one of the most<br />
enchanting wedding venues in England.<br />
Glorious gardens, manicured lawns<br />
and stunning features are all important<br />
elements of anyone’s wedding day, and<br />
at Farnham Castle you’ll get all three.<br />
Recent renovations have brought chic,<br />
classic 21st century style and facilities to<br />
the ancient Farnham Castle, making it<br />
the perfect choice for any couple seeking a<br />
romantic and beautiful wedding day. With<br />
a choice of ceremony settings, the elegant<br />
Great Hall for your wedding reception,<br />
world-class dining, beautiful grounds and<br />
accommodation for you and your guests,<br />
your every wedding need is guaranteed to<br />
be met.<br />
Choice of spaces:<br />
The Great Hall (up to 150 guests and 200<br />
in the evening) has real wow-factor and<br />
lavish décor including a stunning central<br />
chandelier, grand fireplace and majestic<br />
gold-framed portraits. The romantic<br />
Lantern Hall can also accommodate 150<br />
for a beautiful civil ceremony in a neutral,<br />
elegant space that gets drenched in<br />
sunlight. The Library provides a bright,<br />
contemporary space where you will enjoy<br />
breakfast in the morning while The<br />
Gatehouse is a comfortable break out style<br />
space with plush sofas that are ideal for<br />
guests to relax in during the day.<br />
Five star dining:<br />
Fabulous food is at the heart of every<br />
celebration at Farnham Castle. Talented<br />
Head Chef, Simon Lloyd, and his team<br />
from Michelin starred restaurant<br />
backgrounds, create exceptional food using<br />
the freshest, best quality ingredients,<br />
lovingly prepared in the Castle kitchens.<br />
Couples are able to tailor their menu to<br />
exactly what they want, often adding<br />
elements that evoke special memories for<br />
them both.<br />
Grand grounds:<br />
The grounds are an impressive feature<br />
of the venue and should be incorporated<br />
into your day. One moment guests can<br />
be indulging in a mouth-watering canapé<br />
and a sip of bubbly while basking in the<br />
sun on the lawns, and the next they can<br />
be strolling to the top of hilltops admiring<br />
the spectacular views, all before enjoying<br />
a spot of croquet with fellow guests within<br />
the Castle grounds. They are yours to enjoy<br />
throughout the day and to use as your<br />
heart desires. They provide the perfect<br />
backdrop for those newlywed photos and<br />
there are lots of places for the two of you to<br />
explore.<br />
CHECKLIST:<br />
Accommodation: The castle can sleep up to<br />
60 guests in 32 rooms and offers a luxury<br />
honeymoon suite for the couple.<br />
Facilities: Chef, choice of rooms, grounds,<br />
honeymoon suite<br />
Licence: The Lantern Hall can offer civil<br />
ceremonies. Hire is available from 9am until<br />
midnight (extended hours until 1am are<br />
available for an additional charge.)<br />
Farnham Castle, Castle Street,<br />
Farnham, Surrey GU9 0AG<br />
Telephone: 01252 413091<br />
www.farnhamcastle-weddings.co.uk
VENUES<br />
TURVEY<br />
HOUSE<br />
The Lowdown:<br />
A magnificent Grade 1 listed stately<br />
home, Turvey House is a unique country<br />
retreat, located within a beautiful village<br />
just 1.5hrs drive from London and<br />
Birmingham.<br />
A family home, it’s lived in by the same<br />
family who have owned it for eight<br />
generations so its steeped in history, family<br />
and tradition. Open only to the public on<br />
special open days, the beauty of the venue<br />
is rarely shared, so holding your wedding<br />
here is extra special.<br />
The venue has an in-house planner who<br />
will help you in the lead up to, and attend<br />
your Big Day to ensure everything runs<br />
smoothly. Arriving at the grand house is<br />
a treat for all who see it. Guests are led<br />
to the terrace at the front of the house<br />
allowing them to admire the exquisite<br />
views, before they are led to a bespoke<br />
marquee which can be themed, lit and<br />
decorated to your own preferences.<br />
Private ceremonies:<br />
Though the venue is not licensed to carry<br />
out a civil ceremony, it does allow for small<br />
religious ceremonies which can be held in<br />
the drawing room or dining room. Bharat<br />
arrivals with drummers and musicians are<br />
also welcome<br />
Large events:<br />
<strong>Wedding</strong>s are held inside a marquee that<br />
can accommodate 1000 guests. However<br />
the interiors and rooms of the house can be<br />
used by the couple for photo backdrops.<br />
Summer weddings: celebrations and<br />
private hire are available all year round<br />
but if you do choose the warmer summer<br />
months you’ll really get to take advantage<br />
of the beautiful grounds. The Walled<br />
Garden is a perfect backdrop to your<br />
portrait photos.<br />
Themed events:<br />
Couples have access to the venue two<br />
days before the event to decorate it and<br />
are welcome to visit whilst the set up is<br />
taking place. This is a rare opportunity for<br />
a venue of this calibre and makes planning<br />
and set up stress-free.<br />
CHECKLIST:<br />
Accommodation: Rooms are available on<br />
the day for couples to get ready.<br />
Facilities: Private hire available, external<br />
caterers allowed, ample parking<br />
Licence: There is currently no license for<br />
civil ceremonies. Hire is available until 1am<br />
Monday to Saturday and until midnight on<br />
Sundays.<br />
Turvey House,<br />
Turvey, Bedfordshire, MK43 8EL<br />
www.turveyhouse.co.uk
HOUNSLOW, WEST LONDON<br />
CHISWICKHOUSE<br />
AND GARDENS<br />
Beautiful Georgian house surrounded by ornate gardens<br />
Why you’ll love it:<br />
A truly elegant experience, Chiswick House<br />
offers a classic English fairytale backdrop<br />
to the most romantic day of your life.<br />
Combining English characteristics with<br />
Italian architecture, it is a building that<br />
offers charm and beauty with its grand and<br />
artistic interiors.<br />
Asian weddings are popular at Chiswick<br />
House and the team are accustomed to<br />
meeting the needs of cultural ceremonies.<br />
Capacity and space wise you can design<br />
your wedding day to suit your needs,<br />
using different rooms for different aspects<br />
of the celebrations. Chiswick House<br />
itself can host up to 90 guests for a civil<br />
ceremony and 120 for drinks and canapés<br />
across the ornately decorated galleries<br />
and neighbouring Garden. Chiswick<br />
House is available to hire Thursday to<br />
Saturday. The Conservatory can host up<br />
to 100 guests for a civil ceremony and<br />
150 guests for a reception overlooking the<br />
stunning Italian Garden and is available<br />
to hire Monday – Sunday. Or for summer<br />
weddings you can hold your event inside<br />
The Burlington Pavilion which can host<br />
dinner and dancing for up to 220 guests<br />
from April to September.<br />
Religious blessings and ceremonies can<br />
also take place alfresco and a special<br />
place is amidst the lush greenery of the<br />
rarest collection of Camellia flowers in the<br />
country, offering a fairytale settling like<br />
no other. For indoor ceremonies a popular<br />
spot is inside the Domed Saloon in the<br />
presence of up to 92 guests followed by a<br />
toast to the happy couple in the splendid<br />
velvet rooms, surrounded by 18th Century<br />
art treasures. While your guests indulge<br />
in pre-dinner drinks, slip away to enjoy<br />
some time with your partner and take<br />
your wedding portraits. Your photographer<br />
will be spoilt for choice. Guests are free to<br />
wander at leisure on Chiswick’s beautiful<br />
lawns, admire the lake and take in the<br />
classical statues, sphinxes and urns.<br />
Chiswick House’s Event Manager is always<br />
on the phone or email to answer your<br />
questions in the build-up to your wedding<br />
so you’ll never feel alone; just happy you’ve<br />
chosen such a remarkable place that will<br />
best suit your needs.<br />
CHECKLIST:<br />
Maximum capacity: Up to 250 inside the<br />
Burlington Pavilion<br />
Facilities: Gardens, choice of spaces,<br />
approved suppliers<br />
Chiswick House and Gardens<br />
Burlington Lane, London W4 2RP<br />
Tel: 0203 141 3350<br />
www.chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk
VENUES<br />
DEVON<br />
MOORLAND<br />
GARDEN<br />
HOTEL<br />
Picturesque country hotel on the edge of Dartmoor National Park<br />
Why you’ll love it:<br />
Nestled within an area of outstanding<br />
natural beauty, Moorland Garden Hotel is<br />
a dream location for a romantic wedding,<br />
made even more special when you opt for<br />
exclusive hire, allowing you to enjoy nine<br />
acres of private land all to yourself.<br />
A popular choice for civil ceremonies,<br />
wedding breakfasts and evening receptions,<br />
Moorland is a destination venue that also<br />
makes for a special place to start of your<br />
married life.<br />
The friendly team are experts in advising<br />
on how to get the most of the space. Guests<br />
usually gather in the Dartmoor bar before<br />
the ceremony where they can have a<br />
welcome drink before they are then led<br />
through to the ceremony room, while the<br />
bride awaits in her bridal suite ready to<br />
make her grand entrance.<br />
After the ceremony a drinks reception<br />
can be enjoyed in the bar or outside in<br />
the venue’s picture perfect grounds. The<br />
wedding breakfast is typically served in<br />
the lower ballroom and afterwards guests<br />
can move through to the Mayflower room<br />
where there is a bar where evening guests<br />
can join you. It’s a great backdrop for your<br />
cake cutting before lights are dimmed for<br />
the dancefloor. Many couples opt to have<br />
an evening buffet and music can be played<br />
until midnight.<br />
During the planning Laura Braithwaite<br />
(<strong>Wedding</strong> and Event Manager) or<br />
Karen Thompson (<strong>Wedding</strong> and Events<br />
Coordinator) liaise with the couple while<br />
the hotel’s reception team will arrange<br />
guest bedrooms. A complimentary menu<br />
tasting for the couple is provided and there<br />
are monthly informal wedding open days<br />
at the hotel so couples can drop in with<br />
friends and family.<br />
Aside from traditional three course meals<br />
the hotel can also arrange for afternoon<br />
teas, hog roasts and BBQs which are ideal<br />
in the summer when the grounds are<br />
at their most impressive. If the outdoor<br />
appeals to you then you can also request<br />
a marquee in the hotel’s grounds. Lawn<br />
games and a bouncy castle for the kids are<br />
also popular choices for summer weddings<br />
when the beautiful Devon coastline and<br />
countryside really comes into its own.<br />
THINGS TO DO:<br />
Getting married in Devon is a great excuse<br />
to have a destination wedding where your<br />
guests can enjoy a minibreak as well as<br />
celebrate your nuptials. In the vicinity are<br />
a number of attractions that are ideal for<br />
family visits such as historic Buckland Abbey<br />
(www.nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland-abbey)<br />
and the fun National Marine Aquarium<br />
(www.national-aquarium.co.uk).<br />
For more ideas go to www.visitdevon.co.uk.<br />
www.moorlandgardenhotel.co.uk<br />
CHECKLIST:<br />
Accommodation:<br />
170 – 200 or marquee for 300<br />
Facilities: 44 hotel bedrooms, licence for<br />
outdoor ceremonies, nine acres of land and<br />
gardens, master of ceremonies, exclusive hire<br />
Moorland Garden Hotel<br />
Yelverton, Nr Plymouth Devon PL20 6DA<br />
www.moorlandgardenhotel.co.uk
THE GROVE<br />
Flexibility:<br />
Spaces can be adjoined to meet<br />
your needs, preferences and<br />
capacity. Some rooms have<br />
recently been refurbished and all<br />
come with built in lighting. The<br />
experienced wedding planning<br />
team are on hand to advise how<br />
best to use the spaces to meet<br />
your needs.<br />
The Lowdown:<br />
This magnificent 18th-century former<br />
home of the Earls of Clarendon is set in<br />
300 acres of Hertfordshire countryside<br />
and is one of the most iconic wedding<br />
venues in the UK. There are a selection of<br />
unique rooms and spaces to choose from<br />
– for grand weddings there is the Amber<br />
complete with an elegant terrace opening<br />
onto stunning formal gardens. Or for<br />
something a little more intimate, there’s<br />
the mansion with exquisite rooms boasting<br />
18th century features, large windows, high<br />
ceilings and breathtaking views.<br />
The hotel also boasts 215 luxury guest<br />
rooms, three bars, three distinctive<br />
restaurants, an 18-hole championship golf<br />
course, an award-winning spa, fitness and<br />
exercise studios, a kid’s club and a Walled<br />
Garden, complete with two tennis courts<br />
an outdoor pool, croquet lawn, kitchen<br />
garden and beach, making it more than<br />
just a wedding venue, but a destination.<br />
Asian couples:<br />
The Grove’s wedding team have a great<br />
understanding of Asian ceremonies and<br />
the cultural requirements that come as<br />
standard. The venue hosts up to 30 Asian<br />
weddings every year and has a partnership<br />
with luxury caterers Madhu’s.<br />
Privacy:<br />
Exclusive hire of the complete venue can be<br />
arranged, so if you would like to have your<br />
own private celebrations at a venue guests<br />
can truly unwind in, The Grove is the ideal<br />
choice. If you prefer not to go for exclusive<br />
hire, you can still feel like you are in your<br />
own special location as there is a separate<br />
entrance for wedding guests.<br />
Alfresco celebrations:<br />
There are extensive grounds at the Grove<br />
that you and your guests can enjoy as part<br />
of your Big Day. Couples often utilise the<br />
formal gardens for a variety of uses - and<br />
wedding reception drinks can also be<br />
served outside.<br />
CHECKLIST:<br />
Accommodation: Available on site, including<br />
beautiful suites ideal for your First Night.<br />
Facilities: Adding to the experience are a<br />
range of facilities that you can enjoy such as<br />
a spa, golf course and fitness suite.<br />
Licence: The venue holds a license for<br />
civil ceremonies. Hire is available until 1am<br />
Monday to Saturday and until midnight on<br />
Sundays.<br />
The Grove, Chandler’s Cross<br />
Hertfordshire WD3 4TG<br />
www.thegrove.co.uk
V ENUES<br />
ADDINGTON<br />
PALACE<br />
The Lowdown:<br />
With a history of romance dating back<br />
to 1776, Addington is the perfect venue<br />
in which to start your own majestic love<br />
story. Tucked into 163-acres of landscaped<br />
gardens, Addington is a real life Palace<br />
where kings and queens have dined and is<br />
considered Surrey’s premier Asian wedding<br />
venue. The estate has two wonderfully<br />
versatile spaces; the Palace itself and<br />
the Royal Marquee, both of which offer<br />
a fantastic setting for weddings. Popular<br />
with Hollywood film crews, the venue is<br />
breathtakingly beautiful and as you drive<br />
up to its grand white façade you’ll feel as<br />
though you are stepping on the sets of a<br />
fairytale.<br />
Grand setting:<br />
Inside Addington Palace you’ll find the<br />
exquisite The Great Hall which boasts a<br />
feature chandelier and imposing fireplace<br />
that provides a superb backdrop for your<br />
wedding photos. Ideal for weddings with<br />
a regal theme, the Palace is beautifully<br />
decorated throughout and you’ll no doubt<br />
enjoy feeling like you are the king and<br />
queen for the day in such a stately place.<br />
Flexible spaces:<br />
If you wish to wed inside the Palace there<br />
are a choice of spaces, each with their<br />
own charm such as the airy Library and<br />
Lecture Room which offers views over the<br />
immaculate gardens and The Great Hall<br />
(up to 150 guests). Many couples choose to<br />
hold their day in the Palace and then the<br />
main evening reception meal inside the<br />
Royal Banqueting Suite, also known as<br />
their Royal Marquee.<br />
Large capacities:<br />
Addington Palace’s Royal Marquee<br />
provides a truly majestic setting for large<br />
wedding, accommodating up to 900 guests.<br />
It feels like a part of the palace thanks to<br />
its décor and attention to detail with stateof-the-art<br />
facilities, it’s own kitchen, bar<br />
and toilets.<br />
Cultural celebrations:<br />
Addington Palace works with expert<br />
Asian caterers who specialise in Punjabi,<br />
Gujarati, Muslim, Sri Lankan and Bengali<br />
cuisines so can recommend the perfect<br />
suppliers to cater your special day. The<br />
team are experienced in holding Asian<br />
weddings so can advise how to use the<br />
space to suit your needs.<br />
Minimoon experience:<br />
Addington Palace makes for a wonderful<br />
venue in which to stay over for your first<br />
night of married life. After the celebrations<br />
you can retire to your own luxury<br />
chambers giving you a chance to enjoy<br />
the facilities again in the morning, before<br />
you head off on honeymoon from nearby<br />
Gatwick Airport.<br />
CHECKLIST:<br />
Accommodation: Available on site for 36<br />
guests with luxury suite for the bride and<br />
groom<br />
Facilities: Luxury Royal marquee, Asian<br />
caterers, ample parking, country club<br />
Licence: Civil ceremonies can be held on site<br />
Gravel Hill, Addington Village,<br />
Croydon, Surrey, CR0 5BB<br />
www.addington-palace.co.uk
XXXXXXXXXXX<br />
LONDON PARK LANE<br />
SHERATON<br />
GRAND<br />
Why you’ll love it:<br />
One of London’s premier locations for<br />
weddings and events, the Sheraton<br />
Grand London Park Lane is renowned<br />
for its elegant Art Deco architecture and<br />
exemplary service. Perfectly positioned in<br />
the heart of Mayfair, opposite Green Park<br />
and moments away from Buckingham<br />
Palace, it houses one of the city’s<br />
most iconic grade II listed ballrooms.<br />
Thoughtfully restored to truly capture<br />
the essence of the 1920s, this generous<br />
space creates a stylish backdrop, with high<br />
ceilings, sweeping staircases, ornate crystal<br />
lighting and elaborate gold and mirrored<br />
detailing.<br />
Exclusive hire is available and there<br />
is a choice of three rooms<br />
with varying capacities to<br />
accommodate your needs.<br />
The Grade II listed Art<br />
Deco Ballroom is the<br />
largest space and can<br />
accommodate 440 for<br />
a banquet, 360 for a<br />
dinner and dance or<br />
1200 for a reception.<br />
Other rooms are The<br />
Tudor Rose and Oak<br />
Room. The Smith & Whistle<br />
Bar and Mercante Restaurant,<br />
both of which can be hired out to come<br />
with outdoor terraces allowing you to<br />
extend your celebrations alfresco.<br />
The lavish experience begins the moment<br />
your guests arrive, through the private<br />
entrance of the gilded Silver Gallery on<br />
a red carpet. With its stylised murals<br />
and sculptural metalwork, the sweeping<br />
staircases lead guests to a vast mezzanine,<br />
ideal for drinks and canapé receptions.<br />
From here, they get their first glimpse<br />
of the stunning ballroom below, with<br />
its maple sprung dancefloor, classic<br />
waterfall lighting and original sunburst<br />
cornicing. The three levels offer a wealth<br />
of entertaining options and photo<br />
opportunities,<br />
ensuring a<br />
memorable day that<br />
is both personal and<br />
bespoke.<br />
You’ll be guided<br />
from the outset by the<br />
hotel’s dedicated wedding<br />
planner and to make your<br />
day extra special the bride and<br />
groom can spend their first night at the<br />
hotel’s beautiful Park View honeymoon<br />
suite, also a perfect place in which to get<br />
ready.<br />
CHECKLIST:<br />
Accommodation: Up to 1000 or reception<br />
and for 440 banquet<br />
Facilities: Staffed cloakroom, garage parking,<br />
choice of spaces, approved caterers list<br />
Sheraton Grand London Park Lane,<br />
Piccadilly, London, W1J 7BX<br />
Tel: 0207 290 7294<br />
www.mayfairweddingaddress.com
VENUES<br />
CENTRAL LONDON<br />
TWO TEMPLE PLACE<br />
Ornately decorated neo-Gothic mansion by the River Thames<br />
Why you’ll love it:<br />
Two Temple Place combines the grandeur<br />
of a London mansion with the intimacy<br />
of a private home. The interiors are<br />
adorned with marble, gilding and stained<br />
glass creating an opulent setting for any<br />
celebration, while the warm mahogany<br />
wood panelling gives a cosy and homely<br />
feel to the space. With a variety of<br />
stunning rooms, exclusive hire of the house<br />
enables you to create a truly magical and<br />
unforgettable experience for you and your<br />
guests.<br />
philanthropy. The dedicated Events team<br />
along with their experienced approved<br />
suppliers will guide you through every<br />
aspect of the planning process, ensuring<br />
complete peace of mind on the day.<br />
Nestled in the heart of London overlooking<br />
the River Thames, the fantastic location<br />
and stunning interiors of Two Temple<br />
Place make it the perfect venue choice for<br />
couples looking for a unique city wedding<br />
that all their guests will adore.<br />
With three licensed ceremony rooms<br />
available, whether you’re looking for an<br />
intimate ceremony for 30, a lavish wedding<br />
breakfast with dancing for 120 guests or a<br />
standing reception for up to 300 the house<br />
can adapt to suit your requirements. For<br />
those guests wishing to dance the night<br />
away a late licence is available on request<br />
until 4am.<br />
Two Temple Place is owned by The Bulldog<br />
Trust and all the income generated<br />
through private events supports the<br />
charity in its work to promote culture and<br />
CHECKLIST:<br />
Maximum capacity:<br />
seated 120, standing 300<br />
Facilities: Exclusive hire, three licenced<br />
ceremony rooms<br />
Two Temple Place,<br />
London, WC2R 3BD<br />
Tel: 0207 836 3715<br />
www.twotempleplace.org
INTRODUCING<br />
THE ARIANA GROUP…<br />
Two venues. The same five-star service. Simply pick your location…<br />
Ariana Banqueting Hall (London)<br />
Need-to-know<br />
Capacity: 800 seated<br />
Car parking: 400 spaces<br />
Facilities: in-house catering or bring your own,<br />
safe play area for children, mood-lighting, bespoke<br />
layouts, and garden<br />
Ariana Banqueting Hall<br />
North London Business Park,<br />
Oakleigh Road South London, N11 1GN<br />
t: 0208 368 4716 • www.arianabanqueting.co.uk<br />
Whether you’re<br />
having one<br />
function or<br />
several, it’s likely<br />
that for your<br />
main reception you’ll need space to<br />
accommodate all the guests you’re keen<br />
to feed as part of your celebrations.<br />
Ariana Banqueting Hall in North<br />
London ticks all the boxes: it has all<br />
the practicalities alongside care and<br />
attention from an experienced team<br />
and can seat up to 800 guests for a<br />
lavish sit-down wedding.<br />
Located on private landscaped<br />
gardens, surrounded by green hills and<br />
lined with trees, it offers a new kind<br />
of banqueting experience making a<br />
welcome change from the usual urban<br />
venues on busy high streets.<br />
Ariana Banqueting Hall opened<br />
to much fanfare in March 2014<br />
and has developed a reputation for<br />
understanding the needs of all cultural<br />
weddings. They welcome, fires for<br />
Hindu weddings and for their Muslim<br />
clients offer a prayer room. It’s also<br />
possible to arrange segregated seating<br />
areas, the team is happy to arrange the<br />
layout of the space to suit the needs of<br />
every couple.<br />
Experience the charm<br />
Arriving at Ariana is part of its appeal<br />
and is an experience all your guests<br />
will appreciate. The entrance is via<br />
a private gated estate where guests<br />
are met by security and parking<br />
attendants to ensure the smooth<br />
running of getting everyone inside on<br />
time.<br />
The space itself consists of a grand<br />
hall that can accommodate up to 800<br />
guests and a luxurious conservatory<br />
that leads onto a pretty private garden;<br />
an ideal spot to have your portrait<br />
photographs taken. Decorations are<br />
welcome and whatever your theme,<br />
the team here can arrange it for you,<br />
or recommend one of their experienced<br />
suppliers. So whether you want fresh<br />
flowers in every corner or love the idea<br />
of themed props, consider it done.<br />
VIP experience<br />
Ariana also offers a bridal room; a<br />
sanctuary for the bride where she can<br />
have her hair and make-up done or<br />
simply use it to relax in and escape to<br />
during the day. The five star service<br />
doesn’t stop there. The venue’s<br />
in-house wedding coordinators are<br />
committed to ensuring all your needs<br />
are looked after every step of the way,<br />
from your initial booking, right up<br />
until the Big Day. This could be having<br />
someone to talk to, offering advice and<br />
support, as well as sourcing the finest<br />
service providers so you don’t have to<br />
worry about a thing.
VENUE<br />
Ariana Gardens (Essex)<br />
Make your wedding dreams a reality.<br />
Ariana Gardens is an enchanted Manor<br />
House nestled in the Essex countryside<br />
and it’s the perfect venue for couples<br />
who want to get married in London<br />
without needing to worry about space, as<br />
Group Director Thufayel Ahmed explains:<br />
“When we opened Ariana Banqueting<br />
Hall in 2014 we filled a gap in the market,<br />
offering couples a new kind of experience<br />
for large weddings and we used our<br />
experience there to create our second<br />
venue Ariana Gardens. Some couples hire<br />
both for different functions and it’s great<br />
to be able to share in their special day in<br />
such an important way.”<br />
Designing your day<br />
The building has two floors and<br />
both can be incorporated into your<br />
celebrations. For example, you could<br />
host a drinks reception, entertainment<br />
and an afternoon tea on the ground<br />
floor, while upstairs can be transformed<br />
into the dining space for the evening,<br />
allowing you to create two very different<br />
atmospheres, giving your wedding the<br />
wow factor. As the rooms are a blank<br />
canvas you can decorate them to your<br />
own tastes and this is where the fun really<br />
begins. The team has in-house caterers<br />
but also welcome you to bring your own.<br />
The great outdoors<br />
The focal point of the venue is of course<br />
its beautiful, spacious gardens.<br />
The Main Hall has its own conservatory<br />
overlooking private gardens that you and<br />
your guests can enjoy. In the summer<br />
it becomes the perfect backdrop for<br />
serving drinks alfresco, taking your<br />
photographs, and even a bouncy castle<br />
to keep your younger guests entertained.<br />
All bookings include exclusive hire of<br />
the whole venue, so you can be assured<br />
that everyone will be safe whether they<br />
are inside or out. There’s also a covered<br />
shisha bar which is popular with guests<br />
who want to relax in the evening after the<br />
meal.<br />
Need-to-know<br />
Capacity: 650 seated<br />
Car parking: 300 spaces<br />
Facilities: Licensed for civil ceremonies, bar<br />
area, bride’s room kitchen, full segregation<br />
available, in-house wedding planner, lighting &<br />
AC, prayer room, security and garden.<br />
Ariana Gardens, Ivy Barn Lane,<br />
Margaretting, Chelmsford, Essex CM4 0EW<br />
T: 01277 356 108 • www.arianagardens.co.uk<br />
Created to fit your budget<br />
Whether you opt for Ariana Gardens or<br />
Ariana Banqueting Hall it’s refreshing to<br />
know that neither venue operates set<br />
packages. The team here believes in<br />
flexibility and will work within your budget.<br />
Whether it’s minimal or extravagant, you’ll<br />
get to enjoy your dream wedding exactly<br />
the way you want.
VENUE<br />
FOCUS:<br />
THE ROYAL<br />
NATIONAL HOTEL<br />
Luxury & flexibility in the heart of Central London<br />
Getting married in the greatest<br />
city in the world is a dream<br />
for many couples. London has<br />
history, charm and character<br />
but it’s hard to find a venue<br />
that has car parking and blank canvas<br />
spaces; something The Royal National<br />
Hotel is proud to offer.<br />
THE EXPERIENCE<br />
A unique and lively hotel in the heart of<br />
Russell Square, the Royal National Hotel<br />
is one of the largest of the Imperial London<br />
Hotels Group and offers several event<br />
spaces, all of which are licensed to hold<br />
weddings. There are 1630 modern, spacious<br />
bedrooms and suites, ensuring your guests<br />
have somewhere to stay that’s comfortable<br />
and easy for them on the wedding day since<br />
they won’t have to travel far .<br />
There are also two restaurants, a pub<br />
with a garden, Bloom’s cafe which is a<br />
shisha bar and coffee shop on-site, making<br />
it a destination hotel where your guest’s<br />
needs are fully looked after.<br />
<strong>Wedding</strong> packages include the event<br />
space, catering, your wedding ceremony<br />
plus overnight accommodation for your<br />
guests. And though it’s a public hotel,<br />
guests can arrive via a courtyard which<br />
can be dressed with décor to create a<br />
personalised welcome.
VENUE<br />
THE EVENT SPACES<br />
There are an impressive 10 stylish suites<br />
(four more opening in 2023) that are fully<br />
flexible and can be adapted according to the<br />
size of your wedding, with a capacity of up<br />
to 700 guests, though a more comfortable<br />
number of 550 is recommended as it allows<br />
guests to have dinner and a dancefloor in<br />
the Galleon Suite. Rooms can be divided<br />
and there are smaller theatre-style rooms<br />
for 40-60 guests and a grand Windsor room<br />
that can hold 400 guests for a standing<br />
reception.<br />
All of these rooms have grand chandeliers<br />
but are also blank canvas spaces. The Royal<br />
National provides a fantastic backdrop to<br />
creating your dream just the way you want it<br />
with theming and props. Whether you’d like<br />
to create a traditional colourful Indian setting<br />
with a mandap or a winter wonderland with<br />
mood lighting, the opportunities are endless,<br />
exclusive hire is also available. The hotel<br />
provides audio/visual in-house and the team<br />
can create backdrops, videoscreens, music,<br />
lights and audio.<br />
THE BIG DAY<br />
The team will look after every aspect of<br />
your day including delicious catering;<br />
with seasonal menus, canapés and light<br />
refreshments to sustain your guests<br />
during the day. Or if you prefer to bring<br />
in your preferred caterer, the hotel has a<br />
separate banqueting kitchen that can be<br />
hired with dry hire for external catering<br />
providers. Access is from 7am to 1am,<br />
though you can apply for a late license<br />
to extend your festivities. The Royal<br />
National Hotel is conveniently poised<br />
for discovering all the iconic sights and<br />
attractions that London has to offer too.<br />
Some couples enjoy taking their portraits<br />
against local landmarks while guests are<br />
treated to a private sightseeing bus tour<br />
which is especially appreciated by guests<br />
who are travelling from abroad.<br />
VENUE CHECKLIST:<br />
Accessible for public transport: Yes<br />
Onsite parking: Yes<br />
Catering: Internal or external<br />
catering welcome<br />
Spaces: Flexible, blank canvas<br />
Capacity: Up to 700<br />
Accommodation: Onsite<br />
A/V: Provided in-house<br />
Support: In-house planners<br />
Royal National Hotel, 38-51 Bedford Way, London WC1H 0DG • T: 0207 637 2488 • www.imperialhotels.co.uk
SWISSÔTEL<br />
THE BOSPHORUS, ISTANBUL<br />
Travelling abroad for<br />
your nuptials has never<br />
been easier. <strong>Wedding</strong><br />
venues around the<br />
world are now more<br />
experienced than ever in delivering<br />
dream days with all the traditions<br />
and details you’d expect; but there’s<br />
one hotel that’s caught our eye for<br />
going above and beyond when it<br />
comes to wedding planning and<br />
execution: the five-star Swissôtel<br />
The Bosphorus in Istanbul.<br />
Located on the picturesque banks<br />
of The Bosphorus, it’s nestled in<br />
a 63-acre private resort amidst<br />
gardens and hilly forests, making it<br />
a fairytale location with the added<br />
charm and culture of Turkish<br />
hospitality at its finest.<br />
Tying the knot in Turkey<br />
Every couple desires flexibility to<br />
have their wedding their way and<br />
this is something the team excels at.<br />
They deliver an experience that goes<br />
far beyond expectation and it starts<br />
with the location of your ceremony.<br />
Couples can either wed inside or<br />
outside; both options are equally<br />
as stunning. For outdoor summer<br />
weddings, hold your ceremony in<br />
Sultan Park which can be dressed<br />
and decorated to match your theme.<br />
For reception drinks and other<br />
wedding functions, a popular spot<br />
is the Swiss Living Terrace. Here,<br />
your guests can enjoy poolside<br />
activities against Istanbul’s striking<br />
city skyline.<br />
For a more formal indoor setting<br />
perhaps for an evening reception<br />
meal, book the exquisite Fuji<br />
Ballroom and Asuka Hall, which<br />
both cater for larger capacities – in<br />
fact, the hotel can cater for functions<br />
for up to 1000 guests so don’t be<br />
shy with your guest list numbers,<br />
though intimate celebrations are<br />
also welcome. In addition to the<br />
ballroom and hall which is popular<br />
for henna nights, there is a number<br />
of smaller function rooms that can<br />
also be hired if required.
DESTINATION WEDDING VENUE<br />
Getting Big Day ready<br />
The wedding packages at Swissôtel<br />
The Bosphorus aren’t you’re typical<br />
options, every aspect takes the<br />
couple into consideration; book<br />
here and you can expect to feel like<br />
royalty throughout your stay. You’ll<br />
have access to two rooms for you and<br />
your families to get ready in. The<br />
hotel also has a spa, hairdresser and<br />
beauty salon and as a bride, you’ll<br />
receive discounts so you can rest<br />
assured you’re getting a good deal<br />
while having your make-up done<br />
by professionals. Another generous<br />
offering from the hotel is that your<br />
wedding cake is a gift from them<br />
and you can expect to receive the<br />
finest, picture-perfect tiered sponge<br />
to match your theme.<br />
Destination celebration<br />
One of the pleasures of having a<br />
wedding abroad is that friends and<br />
family are able to enjoy their own<br />
holiday and everyone that is invited<br />
to a wedding in Istanbul will want a<br />
chance to enjoy the city while they’re<br />
here. The hotel is an excellent base<br />
to explore Istanbul before and after<br />
the wedding and you could also<br />
arrange day trip activities to keep<br />
them busy. There are 566 spacious<br />
rooms and 63 luxury suites ranging<br />
from studios to three-bedroom<br />
suites so families with children<br />
can feel reassured they have the<br />
facilities they need.<br />
A feast fit for royalty<br />
As part of your wedding package the very best catering in<br />
the city is provided and every guest will enjoy five-courses:<br />
a starter, hot appetizer, main course, dessert and wedding<br />
cake. And with the newly opened Madhu’s restaurant<br />
Madhu’s Istanbul on site there’s also the option of booking<br />
additional meals there for pre and post wedding functions.<br />
Find out more about the award-winning catering<br />
company’s new venture on the next page.<br />
The wedding team at Swissôtel The Bosphorus are on<br />
hand throughout the planning stages and you’re invited<br />
to visit for a tasting with the chef and to discuss all the<br />
arrangements ahead of the day. Then leave the rest to<br />
them – all you need to do is look forward to spending your<br />
wedding in one of the most luxurious hotels in the world.<br />
Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Istanbul<br />
Vişnezade, Acısu Sokaği No:19,<br />
Beşiktaş, İstanbul, 34357, Turkey<br />
e:event.Istanbul@swissotel.com<br />
www.swissotelthebosphorus.com
Chairman of Madhu’s Sanjay Anand MBE with General<br />
Manager of Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Ugur Talayhan<br />
182 | ASIANA WEDDING
FOOD<br />
INTRODUCING…<br />
MADHU’S ISTANBUL<br />
The first international restaurant from the UK’s leading Indian food pioneers<br />
The Indian catering industry<br />
in the UK wouldn’t be what<br />
it is without Madhu’s. For<br />
over 30 years Chairman<br />
Sanjay Anand MBE, along<br />
with his son Director of Madhu’s Arjun<br />
and their team have set the standard<br />
for wedding catering. Their restaurant<br />
portfolio includes their legendary Madhu’s<br />
in Southall, providing fine dining services<br />
at The Grove in Hertfordshire, Madhu’s<br />
of Mayfair and collaborations with<br />
department stores like Harvey Nichols<br />
and Harrods. Their reputation has long<br />
preceded them and now it’s taken them<br />
to new shores as they establish their<br />
first Indian dining experience at the<br />
most luxurious hotel in Istanbul, Turkey;<br />
Swissôtel The Bosphorus. <strong>Asiana</strong> <strong>Wedding</strong><br />
Magazine travelled to Istanbul to find out<br />
more about their exciting new culinary<br />
adventure…<br />
Chairman Sanjay Anand and<br />
his son Arjun spent lockdown<br />
expanding the Madhu’s<br />
brands into the international<br />
restaurant market<br />
EXPANDING A LEGACY<br />
A tale of food, passion and spices!<br />
You never know what’s around the corner.<br />
When the world went into lockdown during<br />
the coronavirus pandemic and weddings<br />
were put on hold, Sanjay and Arjun finally<br />
has a moment to pause, but time off wasn’t<br />
their style. So, when they received a call<br />
from the General Manager of Swissôtel The<br />
Bosphorus, Ugur Talayhan who they had<br />
previously worked with for their Sheraton<br />
Skyline Heathrow venture, there was no time<br />
like the present to visit an old friend. It turned<br />
out to be no ordinary trip. Ugur invited the<br />
entrepreneurs to open a Madhu’s restaurant<br />
within the grounds of the most luxurious<br />
hotel in the city. Unbeknown to them when<br />
they boarded that flight from London, their<br />
business was about to change forever as they<br />
began planning what has now become their<br />
international flagship restaurant.<br />
Madhu’s Istanbul isn’t just a restaurant it’s<br />
a five-star luxury dining experience where<br />
everything from the décor to the drinks,<br />
music, fragrance and staff uniforms have<br />
been carefully curated to transport visitors to<br />
an extraordinary space where the food and<br />
hospitality are in a league of their own.<br />
Planning the décor and finding and<br />
training a new team for their new restaurant<br />
were major considerations, but the biggest<br />
challenge of expanding Madhu’s abroad has<br />
been finding a solution for the all-important<br />
spices. Though Istanbul is known for its<br />
thriving spice markets, the level and exact<br />
flavours of spice found in the region didn’t<br />
match up to the specific tastes that are<br />
synonymous with Madhu’s.<br />
Sanjay explains: “Arjun and I visited Istanbul<br />
on five occasions in search of spices but what<br />
we found was that the flavour strength was<br />
only 50% of what we use. So we had to make<br />
a decision, do we adapt our flavours or do we<br />
bring them from home, of course, we opted<br />
for the latter as we will never compromise on<br />
flavour!” All the spices for Madhu’s Istanbul<br />
are sent over from the UK and like at all their<br />
restaurants, are hand-ground to maintain<br />
the best and freshest flavour, including<br />
their signature garam masala which is a<br />
special house blend of 42 spices, exclusive<br />
to Madhu’s. This is a true testament to the<br />
commitment the brand has to authenticity<br />
and serving only the very best.
INSIDE MADHU’S ISTANBUL<br />
Discover the grand, brand-new restaurant<br />
Within a day of arriving in Istanbul on their<br />
initial fact-finding mission to see if it would be<br />
feasible to open a restaurant abroad, Sanjay<br />
and Arjun arranged meetings with architects so<br />
they could get an overview of what they could<br />
keep and what facilities they would need to put<br />
in themselves. Back home they drew up their<br />
plans and sent them to the team at Swissôtel The<br />
Bosphorus. Six months later work began on a 2.5<br />
million euro refurbishment and the once derelict<br />
yet beautiful space was transformed into a smart<br />
and sophisticated dining experience thanks to a<br />
leading architect who had previously designed<br />
restaurant projects for Nobu.
The restaurant seats 250 covers and for<br />
couples who hold their wedding events at<br />
Swissôtel The Bosphorus (see page 180 to find<br />
out more about getting married at the hotel,)<br />
there is an option of booking a group meal here.<br />
There’s also an outdoor terrace that holds 100<br />
guests and leads onto the picture-perfect Sultan<br />
Palace Gardens.<br />
Madhu’s Istanbul is open six days a week<br />
(closed Mondays) and serves between 5pm and<br />
2am with a separate bar menu that runs from<br />
11am to 2am. There’s also an attached Cognac<br />
Lounge and for smokers special storage for your<br />
cigars.<br />
For now, Madhu’s will focus on serving up<br />
the finest Indian cuisine in Istanbul, but in the<br />
future, they hope to expand into catering so that<br />
couples marrying at the Swissôtel The Bosphorus<br />
can finally have the Indian feast they want.<br />
Arjun reveals: “Until now the city hasn’t had the<br />
Indian food offering that many people want for<br />
their weddings and events. Last year there was<br />
a wedding here where 13 chefs were flown in<br />
from India just so the couple could eat traditional<br />
food. In time we will take on this responsibility<br />
ensuring couples never face this problem again,<br />
but for now we’re settling into our new home,<br />
enjoying meeting our new regular patrons and<br />
expanding our reputation on a global scale that<br />
we never imagined could be possible.<br />
FOOD
Madhu’s Head Chef Amandeep Singh<br />
is overseeing the menu in Istanbul<br />
A Taste of Madhu’s Istanbul<br />
How the team are transforming<br />
eating out in the Turkish city<br />
What makes Madhu’s presence in<br />
Istanbul so important is that there are<br />
only limited places to enjoy Indian<br />
food in the city. Madhu’s Istanbul is<br />
the only restaurant to offer authentic<br />
Indian fine dining, bringing a new<br />
offering to discerning diners, many of<br />
whom are trying desi food for the first<br />
time. Sanjay explains: “It’s taken us<br />
by surprise that so many people are<br />
unfamiliar with our customs so what<br />
we’re offering them is groundbreaking,<br />
not just the flavours and dishes - but<br />
the whole experience of how we<br />
eat. For example in Turkey, they are<br />
familiar with lamb chops as a main<br />
meal but they have never had it as a<br />
starter, cooked how we do it and it’s<br />
been rewarding introducing them to<br />
our customs. But it’s not just locals<br />
we’re attracting. The Swissôtel The<br />
Bosphorus is home to some of the<br />
biggest conferences in the city and<br />
delegates visiting from abroad to<br />
attend events are finding solace and<br />
comfort in joining us for dinner and<br />
genuinely enjoying their meals.”<br />
International visitors to Istanbul<br />
can now feel relieved that they have<br />
somewhere to go to that they know<br />
they can trust. Arjun explains: “It’s<br />
rare to have Indian weddings held in<br />
Istanbul and similarly it’s not a popular<br />
choice with travellers from India<br />
because they don’t feel as though<br />
they’ll be able to find food they’ll like.<br />
And though Turkish food is amongst<br />
the most delicious cuisines in the world<br />
sometimes when you’re away only<br />
home flavours will do and if you’re<br />
not guaranteed good food, it can stop<br />
you from visiting somewhere. Since<br />
opening, we’ve had a steady stream of<br />
Indian diners who all confess to us how<br />
happy they are to finally have some<br />
authentic cuisine!”<br />
You’ll find dishes on the menu at<br />
Madhu’s Istanbul that you won’t find<br />
anywhere else. Arjun explains: “Each<br />
of our restaurants is a guaranteed<br />
gastronomic experience. We like to<br />
take inspiration from our surroundings<br />
and this inspires the décor and the<br />
menu, so of course, we’ve introduced<br />
a Turkish twist at Madhu’s Istanbul.<br />
Bespoke dishes include kadak calamari<br />
which is calamari tossed in fragrant<br />
cumin and chilli.
SAMPLE MENU: MADHU’S OF ISTANBUL<br />
The menu at the restaurant offers a wide number of dining choices including meat,<br />
fish and vegetarian with the classic Indian/Kenyan flavours Madhu’s are known for.<br />
Here are some of the dishes and drinks you’ll find being served up…<br />
APPETIZERS<br />
Chilli paneer<br />
Aloo tikki<br />
Palak patta chaat<br />
Chilli and garlic prawns<br />
MAIN COURSES<br />
Boozi bafu<br />
Murgh makhani<br />
Masala fish<br />
Madhu’s signature Royal Thalis<br />
Dishes from the Robata Grill<br />
FOOD<br />
Devising these new dishes has been<br />
an exciting challenge for Madhu’s<br />
Head Chef Amandeep Singh who is<br />
responsible for training the staff for<br />
Madhu’s Istanbul which includes three<br />
chefs from India, working alongside<br />
the local Turkish sous chefs. The Indian<br />
chefs were hand-picked by Sanjay<br />
and the hotel’s Director of Food and<br />
Beverages who travelled to India<br />
together to interview chefs. Sanjay<br />
says: “<strong>Aut</strong>henticity and exceptionally<br />
high standards are central to Madhu’s<br />
philosophy but we could only deliver<br />
this by having the right team and we<br />
had to travel to find them. This is the<br />
very first time in our history spanning<br />
over four decades that we have shared<br />
our family recipes and placed this<br />
knowledge in the hands of someone<br />
else, but if we are to expand and grow<br />
we had to share our secrets and it’s a<br />
pleasure to know our food and brand<br />
are now going global.”<br />
RICE<br />
Lamb or vegetable biryani<br />
Chicken pilau<br />
Steamed rice<br />
BREADS<br />
Assorted naans<br />
(tandoori, peshwari, garlic)<br />
Lachedar paratha<br />
Tandoori roti<br />
DESSERTS<br />
Kulfi (traditional almond)<br />
Gajar ka halwa baklawa<br />
Gulab jaman<br />
Kheer rice<br />
DRINKS<br />
Wine list<br />
Signature cocktails<br />
Bosphorus refreshers<br />
Spirits, gin, rum and whiskies<br />
www.madhus.co.uk
Purveyors of<br />
PERFECTION<br />
When it comes to <strong>Aut</strong>hentic Punjabi dining<br />
expertise and experience look no further<br />
than Signature Banqueting<br />
Only the most passionate of caterers deserve to<br />
be part of your Big Day and no one understands<br />
and loves Punjabi food more than Signature<br />
Banqueting. Signature provides event and wedding<br />
catering services across the UK creating delicious,<br />
indulgent feasts that are bespoke for every couple’s needs.<br />
Whether you’re holding an intimate gathering or a large-scale<br />
celebration, they’ll design the complete experience, serving up a<br />
spread in style with crockery, cutlery, table settings and décor that<br />
creates a wow factor reception.<br />
Managing Director Prithpal Marway believes Signature’s<br />
success lies in their passion for throwing a great party with food at<br />
the heart: “Punjabi hospitality is all about warm and welcoming<br />
gestures, feeling positive, ensuring everyone is having a good<br />
time and that they’re eating! Our Punjabi cuisine is lovingly<br />
prepared by chefs that are foodies so we also serve fusions flavours,<br />
international food like Chinese and Lebanese as well as South<br />
Indian, so if you book us for several events, you can treat guests to<br />
all your favourite flavours from across the world.”<br />
Venues and Menus<br />
Signature Caterers are the approved<br />
caterers for over 50 leading wedding<br />
and event spaces across the UK<br />
including East Wintergarden in<br />
Canary Wharf, Hilton Waldorf Central<br />
London and North Mymms Park in<br />
Hertfordshire. You can either book<br />
them for catering at your venue of<br />
choice or let them help you find<br />
the perfect venue for you. Prithpal<br />
assures: “Whichever venue we’re<br />
working at, we always cook fresh on<br />
site which makes a huge difference<br />
in terms of how the food looks –<br />
the fresher it is the better it is. We<br />
also bring in our own tandoors and<br />
kitchen utensils to ensure quality and<br />
consistency.’<br />
Your wedding is managed by a<br />
dedicated Events Coordinator who’ll<br />
be with you every step of the way,<br />
guiding you with any decision-making<br />
and ensuring the process is smooth<br />
from start to finish.
PRESENTATION MATTERS<br />
Managing Director Prithpal Marway reveals how Signature Banqueting<br />
ensure your wedding catering hits the mark with every mouthful<br />
The food you serve at your wedding should be as pleasing tothe eye as it is to the palate.<br />
Presentation is key; the more mouthwatering your dishes look, the better they’ll taste. The<br />
more your guests enjoy the food, the more they’ll enjoy and remember the occasion, so<br />
make sure you set your guests up properly so they can fully succumb to the wonders of<br />
your wedding day.<br />
CATERING<br />
LIVE CHEFS<br />
At Signature Banqueting weoften use<br />
live chefs at our eventsas it enhances<br />
the whole dining experience. Guests<br />
love to see their food being prepared<br />
in front of them, especially as it<br />
guarantees that the food is fresh. We<br />
don’t just do this for the main meals;<br />
guests can also watch how we create<br />
our stunning canapés.<br />
QUALITY INGREDIENTS<br />
It’s a fact that what you put in your<br />
dishes will have an impact on the end<br />
result – wilting vegetables for example<br />
are never going to look appealing.<br />
We go one step further, as well as the<br />
main ingredients, we ensure the base<br />
ingredients are of an equal standard,<br />
like only using virgin oils, the highest<br />
quality, so our dishes look appealing<br />
and are delicious.<br />
FINER DETAILS<br />
Once dishes are completed that’s not<br />
the end. We also think about how we<br />
can add that extra something special<br />
that will make those who are eating our<br />
food, reach fortheir phone to Instagram<br />
what they’re about to tuck into! We<br />
employ ‘presentation chefs’ whose<br />
responsibility it is to ensure every<br />
dish has its finishing touches such as<br />
carving fruits into pretty flowers to add<br />
decorative features.<br />
APPETISING AESTHETIC<br />
One of the golden rules of good display<br />
is ensuring dishes the colours of the<br />
dish are curated. No one wants to see<br />
a spread of curries in brown sauces,<br />
it would all look the same. We ensure<br />
your menu is varied in terms of its<br />
ingredients and this may involve<br />
balancing it out with green vegetables<br />
and salads so the overall presentation is<br />
one guests want to tuck into.<br />
www.signature-banqueting.com
THE ART OF Celebrating<br />
Every couple has ideas for<br />
their dream day; from<br />
a picturesque venue<br />
to a carefully curated<br />
menu that features<br />
their favourite dishes and a fun<br />
party atmosphere; but they can’t<br />
do it alone. That’s where Chakra<br />
Events come in. Passion, creativity,<br />
and elegance are the key ingredients<br />
behind this award-winning catering<br />
and events company. The team have<br />
been delivering dream wedding<br />
experiences since 2011, in the UK and<br />
abroad, taking care of all the finer<br />
details.<br />
Though their exquisite food and<br />
catering are what originally built<br />
their reputation, the event planning<br />
side of Chakra is delivered with an<br />
equal level of five-star service. Arjun<br />
Varma, CEO of The Chakra Group<br />
explains: “Our team is passionate<br />
about creating the wedding<br />
celebration of your dreams. They can<br />
create elaborate mandaps, Bollywood<br />
theming, bespoke set designs, chillout<br />
zones and even pyrotechnics to<br />
complete the entertainment as well as<br />
taking care of lighting, AV and sound;<br />
and this can be done anywhere in the<br />
world.”<br />
The secret to a perfect wedding lies in the<br />
planning so let the experts at Chakra Events plan yours<br />
The Great British wedding venue<br />
Chakra Events have long-standing relationships<br />
with some of the most luxurious hotels in theUK.<br />
They’re accredited in London venues including<br />
The Rosewood Hotel, The Mandarin Oriental<br />
Hotel, The MontCalm and Brown’s Hotel as well<br />
as beautiful locations outside of the capital. With<br />
the UK experiencing longer warmer summers<br />
it’s meant there’s been a demand for couples<br />
seeking British venues that guests haven’t<br />
visited before which has led Chakra to work with<br />
a host of lavish and unique new venues such as<br />
Wilderness Reserve, Hinwick House, Hintlesham<br />
Hall, Euridge Manor and Capesthorne Hall.<br />
Making destination weddings accessible<br />
Chakra is one of the UK’s leading experts in<br />
planning, organising and delivering weddings<br />
abroad. They’ve hosted many memorable<br />
celebrations thanks to the partnerships they<br />
have with luxury hotels in Vienna, Istanbul,<br />
Versailles, Italy, and Monte Carlo.<br />
It’s much easier and more affordable than you<br />
may think to marry abroad as Arjun explains:<br />
“Destination weddings are not as expensive<br />
as they may sound, in fact, they provide good<br />
value for money. Marrying in the off-peak<br />
seasons such as April to June or September to<br />
November in Europe means you’ll get a great<br />
deal and wonderful weather so you can truly<br />
enjoy outdoor gardens and beachfront venues.<br />
And don’t forget, typically the guestlist for<br />
destination weddings are smaller than for a UK<br />
function. Rather than feeding 1000 guests, you<br />
may not know at a reception in the UK, you<br />
could cut that into a quarter, invite your nearest<br />
and dearest and experience a much more<br />
exclusive affair. We’re already booked for five<br />
weddings abroad in 2023, if you fancy joining<br />
the list, get in touch and our team will discuss all<br />
the logistics and costs with you.”<br />
Not only will Chakra Events spring into action<br />
executing your vision for the day; they’ll also be<br />
able to offer ideas you may not have considered.<br />
Having an expert’s opinion will expose you to<br />
a rich source of inspiration culminating in a<br />
celebration that exceeds your expectations and<br />
will forever be one of the happiest memories of<br />
your life.
PLANNING/CATERING<br />
Chakra Little Venice<br />
Creative cuisine and catering<br />
After hiring a venue, the food is your biggest<br />
expense so when you’re working with a caterer<br />
it’s essential that you know exactly what you’re<br />
paying for with no hidden costs. As well as<br />
cooking up a feast Chakra takes care of the<br />
extras that many couples don’t realise. Arjun<br />
explains: “At Chakra Events we have our own<br />
cutlery, crockery, glassware and linen and we<br />
can hire these out to our couples at a reduced<br />
price which will save on your overall costs<br />
ensuring you get the best value deal.”<br />
As for the food, Chakra’s mouth-watering<br />
menus are developed by chefs that understand<br />
what makes a good celebration so food is at<br />
the centre. You can expect innovative menus,<br />
show-stopping canapés, Instagrammable plating<br />
and dessert tables to die for! Arjun explains:<br />
“Indian hospitality reveres food; it brings<br />
people together, heightens the pleasure of an<br />
experience and helps break the ice when you’re<br />
Arjun Varma,<br />
CEO, Chakra Group<br />
in a group setting. Choosing your caterer is<br />
therefore the most important decision you make<br />
and you can only make up your mind when<br />
you’ve tried the food. Come and visit one of our<br />
restaurants to try our dishes for yourself, our<br />
wedding planners can then help you curate a<br />
wedding menu that captures the essence of your<br />
event and you can reminisce about it with the<br />
fondest of memories.”<br />
Chakra Barnes<br />
Vikalp Chhibber, Head of<br />
Operations, Chakra Group<br />
ABOUT CHAKRA EVENTS<br />
An award-winning catering, restaurant<br />
and events company, serving elegant<br />
Indian and Pan-Asian cuisine, Chakra<br />
was launched in 2011 by Arjun Varma<br />
using his 15+ years of experience<br />
working across the restaurant and<br />
catering industry. Today they operate<br />
four fine-dining London restaurants<br />
and are the preferred caterer for some<br />
of the most luxurious wedding venues<br />
in the UK.<br />
A FLAVOUR<br />
OF CHAKRA<br />
Chakra’s chefs will cook up<br />
a feast to fit your needs. They<br />
offer a wide choice of couture<br />
catering alongside separate<br />
menus for canapés, drinks<br />
and desserts<br />
Here are some of their most<br />
popular requests:<br />
Veg Canapés:<br />
Beetroot tikki<br />
Sweet potato chaat<br />
Masala tofu fritters<br />
Non-Veg Canapés:<br />
Masala fish and chips<br />
Chicken satay skewers<br />
Lamb seek kebabs<br />
Gujarati<br />
Crispy okra<br />
Paneer kofta<br />
Tarka dal<br />
Indo-Western<br />
Arancini<br />
Vegetable biryani<br />
Jalandhar chicken<br />
Mini desserts: chocolate pots,<br />
banoffee pies, kheer and ras malai<br />
DINE AT CHAKRA’S RESTAURANTS<br />
Fine food is at the essence of every event Chakra hosts.<br />
You can also dine all year round at one of their restaurants.<br />
Chakra Barnes: 1 The Broadway, SW13 0NY<br />
Chakra Kensington: 33c Holland Street, Kensington, W8 4LX<br />
Chakra Little Venice: 14 Formosa Street, W9 1EE<br />
Chakra Kingston: 1 Riverside Walk, KT1 1QN<br />
www.chakra.restaurant • www.chakra.events<br />
Scan QR code to<br />
Book an Event<br />
& Win a<br />
£1500 voucher
DINE<br />
Sultan<br />
LIKE A<br />
Ensure your wedding catering<br />
is a feast fit for royalty<br />
<strong>Wedding</strong> catering is about more<br />
than what’s on the menu.<br />
Feeding your guests is the most<br />
significant part of your wedding<br />
day. After all, the dining may be<br />
the longest aspect of the celebrations, so it needs<br />
to be on point. The experience you provide your<br />
guests with is what they’ll remember the most,<br />
so every aspect needs to be considered. From the<br />
table settings to service, presentation to flavour, all<br />
of these elements need to complement each other<br />
so that the result is a day your guests will never<br />
forget. London-based Sultan Caterers believe in this<br />
very philosophy, going out of their way to create a<br />
complete catering experience, that’s so exceptional,<br />
it would get the royal seal of approval.<br />
Here are their secrets…<br />
Good food<br />
Your guests will have tasted many types of wedding<br />
cuisine in their life and they will have opinions.<br />
But even the pickiest of eaters will be impressed<br />
by Sultan’s cuisine. Varied, authentic, fresh,<br />
flavoursome food that leaves you feeling good, their<br />
dishes are exceptionally tasty – something you’ll<br />
discover at your taste testing with them at their HQ<br />
in Stratford, London. Sultan offers a comprehensive<br />
vegetarian menu comprising starters, canapés and<br />
mains and can also cater for complete vegetarian<br />
and vegan functions.<br />
FOCUS ON:<br />
SULTAN<br />
CATERERS<br />
Precision presentation<br />
The food you serve at your wedding should<br />
be as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.<br />
Presentation is therefore key; the more<br />
mouthwatering your dishes look, the better they<br />
will taste. What’s more, when your guests enjoy the<br />
food, they’ll have a much better day.<br />
Succumb to the experience<br />
There are many ways to create an atmosphere<br />
– sound, lighting, music, visuals, scents; but the<br />
aspect that has the biggest impact is the service,<br />
which is all down to the caterer you book. When<br />
you hear about a ‘five star service’ it refers to the<br />
staff and the role they play. At Sultan the staff are<br />
trained to provide the highest quality of service<br />
making sure the needs of every guest is met. Expect<br />
friendly, knowledgeable waiters who second-guess<br />
your guest’s needs and a supportive team to work<br />
with.
CATERING<br />
Hand over the responsibilities<br />
Most couples lead time-poor lives and though they<br />
have every intention of planning their wedding<br />
themselves when it comes down to it they simply<br />
don’t have the time. When you book Sultan just tell<br />
them what you want and they’ll do the rest. From<br />
securing your wedding venue to arranging all the<br />
relevant suppliers, providing the décor and of course<br />
delivering a wedding feast that hits the spot. If this<br />
sounds appealing give the team a call as they’ll be<br />
happy to discuss any concerns to ensure you feel<br />
informed and confident about your options. Then<br />
when you’re happy hand over the responsibility<br />
and focus on the other aspects of your nuptials like<br />
where you want to go on your dream honeymoon.<br />
ABOUT SULTAN<br />
Offering premium catering services and event<br />
management services across London and the<br />
South East, Sultan can cater for weddings of all<br />
faiths and are specialists in vegetarian catering<br />
with vegan options available. They can assist with<br />
finding a venue and provide décor.<br />
A TASTE FROM THE<br />
SULTAN’S TABLE<br />
STARTERS<br />
Tandoori chicken<br />
Masala fish<br />
Aloo puri chaat<br />
Bhel puri<br />
CANAPÉS<br />
Prawn pakora<br />
Shami kebab<br />
Vegetable samosa<br />
Paneer tikka<br />
MAIN COURSE<br />
Karahi lamb<br />
Lamb bhuna<br />
Chicken jalfrezi<br />
Chingri jhol<br />
Chilli paneer<br />
Biriyanis & rice<br />
BREADS<br />
Naan<br />
Poori<br />
Chapati<br />
Roti<br />
DESSERTS<br />
Seasonal fruit platter<br />
Kulfi<br />
Gajar halwa<br />
Kheer<br />
DRINKS<br />
Unlimited soft drinks<br />
Masala tea & coffee<br />
SULTAN CATERERS • T: 0208 522 4528 • E: info@sultancaterers.co.uk • www.sultancaterers.co.uk
FUTURE SIGHTS AND<br />
SOUNDS OF THE DANCEFLOOR<br />
Welcome to a new era of entertainment. For over 30 years Paragon Roadshow have led the way,<br />
throwing the best wedding parties in the industry. Now, new Directors Malkit and Taran are<br />
taking the brand to impressive heights giving you a DJ and AV experience your guests will adore<br />
forget the OGs and what<br />
they’ve achieved’ Malkit and<br />
Taran, speak fondly of the<br />
founders of Paragon, the most<br />
‘Never<br />
trusted and reputable AV<br />
brand in Asian wedding events. They’ve filled big<br />
shoes since taking over the brand in 2020 from<br />
the original team following their retirement and<br />
now it’s their turn to shape how weddings will<br />
look and sound in the future, taking inspiration<br />
from the past. Malkit explains: “Everyone knows<br />
Paragon, they were pioneers and innovators. In<br />
the 1990s, no one threw wedding parties like they<br />
did but a lot has changed. Back then weddings<br />
took place in community halls and all you needed<br />
was a DJ. But now with larger venues, stricter<br />
regulations and technological innovations couples<br />
need to book a complete AV company and that’s<br />
what we offer.
ENTERTAINMENT<br />
Why you need an AV company,<br />
not just a DJ<br />
Much more goes into wedding entertainment<br />
than a DJ turning up with floor-filler records.<br />
An AV team is responsible for all the<br />
elements that make your wedding party run<br />
smoothly, taking care of the finer details as<br />
Malkit explains: “The big venues like major<br />
hotels won’t allow AV equipment into their<br />
buildings without them approving particular<br />
brands, requesting to see safety certificates,<br />
ensuring all their regulations are met and<br />
their expectations of quality. Ordinary DJs<br />
can’t meet these requirements but we can.”<br />
Though Malkit and Taran are both young<br />
company directors, they aren’t new to the<br />
industry and their knowledge of music<br />
combined with AV is what makes them<br />
experts. Taran says: “Both of us were DJing<br />
with Paragon for over 10 years so we’ve<br />
grown our careers with the company.<br />
When the owners retired we couldn’t let<br />
the brand name and experience end there,<br />
so we committed to taking it forward. Our<br />
priority is to provide a full AV experience<br />
that complies with venues and exceeds our<br />
client’s expectations.”<br />
GET THE PARTY STARTED<br />
Paragon have six DJs on their<br />
books who are all multi-genre so<br />
whether you want the full Punjabi<br />
extravaganza or a popular Western<br />
or Bollywood disco they’ll play the<br />
sounds that get you and your guests<br />
on the dancefloor. On the AV side,<br />
the team can arrange full lighting<br />
and production including bespoke<br />
synchronised lighting shows with<br />
the wow factor and mood lighting to<br />
set the scene during your wedding<br />
reception meal. The team also create<br />
bespoke staging with digital screens,<br />
LED walls and can even provide<br />
hosts and presenters bringing an<br />
extra level of professionalism to the<br />
proceedings.<br />
The dancefloor, of course, is<br />
of particular importance at all<br />
weddings and Paragon have an<br />
impressive range of options to<br />
choose from including high shine<br />
gloss and mirror floors, personalised<br />
floor decals and creative colourful<br />
painted floors with beautiful rangoli<br />
and mandala- inspired designs.<br />
Having flexible options is a passion<br />
of the team who are committed to<br />
continuing the innovations of their<br />
predecessors as Malkit explains:<br />
“There are no second chances at a<br />
wedding, everything you do has to<br />
be perfect on the day. A memorable<br />
party is ‘make or break’ for guests<br />
and as the AV and DJ team we<br />
carry the weight of ensuring it all<br />
goes smoothly. Most of the team<br />
are behind-the-scenes meticulously<br />
planning your perfect party so that<br />
everyone has a great time, and we<br />
wouldn’t have it any other way.”<br />
www.paragonroadshow.com
Industry leaders The VIP Studio give their<br />
TOP TIPS<br />
for choosing your photographer<br />
With thousands of stunning wedding photos to their<br />
credit, Industry leaders The VIP Studio share the<br />
secret to capturing your dream day in style...<br />
Choosing a photographer for your<br />
wedding can be a daunting process,<br />
but these top five tips from The VIP<br />
Studio will help you get the album of<br />
your dreams:<br />
Think about the finer details<br />
The VIP Studio like to capture<br />
weddings in an all-new style. They don’t<br />
believe in asking people to freeze at crucial<br />
moments, instead what they offer is the<br />
perfect album, which showcases what was<br />
happening and when. It’s great looking<br />
through an album of smiling faces, but<br />
even more beautiful to see real emotions<br />
and scenarios you may have missed on the<br />
day.<br />
Spend on quality, not quantity<br />
It’s far more important to spend on<br />
quality, rather than quantity when it<br />
comes to your wedding photography. Just<br />
one stunning photo can be priceless, and<br />
having high-quality images will help to<br />
keep the memories with you forever.<br />
The VIP Studio is a company that can offer<br />
you endless superior photos, something<br />
that is far more important than offering<br />
numerous albums and photos at a lower<br />
standard. Even if you’re on a tight budget,<br />
The VIP Studio can still create your<br />
fairytale album.
PHOTOGRAPHY<br />
Look at examples<br />
Always look through a photographer’s<br />
portfolio and judge them based on<br />
the final product. A good photographer<br />
should be able to offer a variety of styles<br />
that captures the personalities of the<br />
bride, groom and their guests. You may<br />
like them or the price they offer, but do you<br />
like the finishing style on their images?<br />
Also be aware that photographers will all<br />
have different editing techniques. If all of<br />
their images are heavily edited then this<br />
could be a sign of poor quality. Make a note<br />
of the other key things including style, edit<br />
and post production of each photo and the<br />
album design itself.<br />
We have over ten years experience in<br />
photography and 15 years in the graphic design<br />
industry, and we feel it’s our duty to change<br />
the way weddings are captured.<br />
Meet them beforehand<br />
Your photographer is going to<br />
be with you throughout the day,<br />
starting with those precious hours before<br />
the ceremony when you’re still having<br />
your hair and makeup done. Finding a<br />
photographer who you feel comfortable<br />
with, will not only make the experience<br />
more enjoyable, but will result in better,<br />
more natural images.<br />
Remember that technology<br />
doesn’t beat experience<br />
When choosing your photographer<br />
bear in mind that great photography can<br />
often be confused with a good knowledge of<br />
taking pictures. For example, just because a<br />
photographer uses the top quality technology<br />
does not necessarily make him the best<br />
option – what equipment they use shouldn’t<br />
dictate who you choose. If you love their work<br />
and style then they are the company for you.<br />
THE VIP STUDIO<br />
07572 008 007 • 0800 80 40 20 30<br />
info@thevipstudio.com www.thevipstudio.com<br />
thevipstudio
Heat THINGS UP…<br />
Take your event to the next level with a private shisha experience.<br />
<strong>Asiana</strong> spoke to Ebrahim Badat from Shisha Hire by Dubai Nights Lounge<br />
to discover more about the biggest new trend in wedding celebrations<br />
There’s a strong possibility<br />
that many of your guests<br />
will be shisha enthusiasts<br />
so why treat them to the<br />
pleasures at your party?<br />
After all, enjoying shisha is a centuriesold<br />
tradition so it’s a chance to combine<br />
heritage with contemporary culture.<br />
Rooted in the Middle East and popular<br />
since the time of the Ottoman empire,<br />
shisha lounges and hookah bars have<br />
long been established in countries like<br />
the UAE, Egypt, Iran and Turkey and<br />
thankfully these establishments have been<br />
expanding across the UK. As the clientele<br />
gets more discerning, the experience is<br />
getting more luxurious and this is what<br />
you can expect when you book Shisha<br />
Hire by Dubai Nights Lounge for your<br />
wedding. They offer a luxury mobile shisha<br />
service; ideal for pre-wedding functions<br />
such as a mendhi party or to complement<br />
the evening reception on your Big Day.<br />
Make your wedding sizzle<br />
The Shisha Hire by Dubai Nights Lounge<br />
service was devised by business<br />
development manager Ebrahim Badat<br />
who has over 15 years experience working<br />
in the shisha market. He and his team<br />
opened Dubai Nights Lounge in Leyton in<br />
May 2022 and it quickly established itself<br />
as the ‘go to’ shisha space in East London.<br />
Ebrahim is committed to using only the<br />
best tobacco as he explains: “I split my<br />
time between Dubai and Madrid as we<br />
have a tobacco factory in Spain. This<br />
gives us complete control over the supply<br />
chain meaning the shisha you smoke is of<br />
the highest quality.”
SHISHA HIRE<br />
Shisha Hire For Your <strong>Wedding</strong><br />
“Nothing compares to the experience of sitting<br />
down with friends over shisha and those are the<br />
memorable moments your guests will appreciate<br />
when you surprise them with an element of a<br />
wedding they aren’t expecting. All too often smokers<br />
can be excluded from weddings, made to smoke<br />
outside. A shisha experience makes smoking more<br />
accessible, acceptable and enjoyable,” says Ebrahim.<br />
So how does it work? There is a minimum booking<br />
of 10 people, though it can go as large as you<br />
want. All shisha equipment is provided including<br />
premium shisha pipes, bowls of pre-packed flavour,<br />
disposable hoses and mouth tips and charcoal and<br />
the services are unlimited so you can try as many<br />
flavours as you desire – expect glowing reviews from<br />
your guests. And don’t worry about setting it all up,<br />
Ebrahim assures: “There will be a Shisha Master in<br />
attendance. This is a trained expert who will ensure<br />
all guests are looked after and receive what they<br />
need for the experience.”<br />
SMOKING SERVICES – BESPOKE SHISHA LOUNGE<br />
For the ultimate experience, the<br />
team can arrange for a tent to be<br />
installed and create your very own<br />
private smoking lounge with all the<br />
elements you’d expect visiting your<br />
favourite hangout.<br />
Ebrahim explains: “Since<br />
I’ve been living in Dubai I’ve<br />
experienced the luxurious settings<br />
that the Shisha lounges have<br />
created. They were on a level of<br />
chicness and comfort that the UK<br />
hadn’t yet caught up with and it’s<br />
that aesthetic that inspired me<br />
when we opened Dubai Nights<br />
Lounge in East London. We’re now<br />
taking that same smouldering vibe<br />
and bringing it to your wedding.<br />
In order for us to create a bespoke<br />
tent we simply ask that your<br />
wedding venue has a garden or<br />
outdoor space so we can construct<br />
a tent. We will do full set-up and<br />
bring everything, whether it’s an<br />
inflatable lounge, a classic marquee<br />
or an outdoor terrace. The décor,<br />
lights, soft furnishings, furniture<br />
and even music are all included.”<br />
The Shisha Hire by Dubai Nights Lounge service is available nationwide. It is only available to guests who are 18+ • www.shishahire.com
XXXXXXXXXXX<br />
Ok bloomer!<br />
SAY ‘I DO’ WITH THE<br />
RIGHT BOUQUET FOR YOU…<br />
10 considerations for picking your bridal flowers<br />
200 | ASIANA WEDDING
FLOWERS<br />
Choose your bridal outfit first<br />
1<br />
The colour palette of your wedding<br />
bouquet should complement and enhance<br />
your outfit, whether it’s a classic white<br />
wedding dress or a traditional lengha. Take a<br />
photo of it along to meetings with your florist<br />
so they can advise on which flowers they<br />
recommend.<br />
Be seasonal<br />
2<br />
While you may be a fan of bright<br />
tropical florals, if you’re getting married in the<br />
winter these flowers won’t be available and<br />
they’ll look out of place. You’ll spend more<br />
money on sourcing them and they’ll have to<br />
travel far. Instead go for a more sustainable,<br />
seasonal and local option; wildflowers are our<br />
favourite.<br />
Opt for comfort<br />
3<br />
You may be holding your bouquet for<br />
a while so for a budding romance, make sure<br />
it’s manageable. It may look enchanting to<br />
have lots of hanging green foliage but if they<br />
get caught in your kaleeras it may become a<br />
thorny issue.<br />
Consider the bouquet shape<br />
4<br />
There is no one specific design when it<br />
comes to bridal bouquets. Just like you’ll be<br />
researching your jewellery and accessories,<br />
try holding round bouquets, shaped bouquets<br />
and even fan bouquets where flowers are<br />
attached to a fan – your florist can assist with<br />
this.<br />
Know your body shape<br />
5<br />
Whether you’re curvaceous, tall or<br />
petite, think about how your bouquet will<br />
compliment your overall look. For example,<br />
cascading bouquets with larger flowers suit<br />
curvy figures, while small buds wouldn’t<br />
look as effective.<br />
Compliment your theme and décor<br />
6<br />
If the starting point is your dress, once<br />
you’ve chosen your bouquet you could then<br />
carry those colours and flowers into your<br />
wedding venue décor in flower walls, garlands<br />
for pillars and table-setting centrepieces.<br />
Match your wedding cake<br />
7<br />
A popular trend is to incorporate the<br />
same flowers that appear in your bouquet<br />
onto your wedding cake. If you’re keen to try<br />
this ensure the flowers in your bouquet work<br />
on a cake – roses are perfect.<br />
Co-ordinating bouquets for<br />
8<br />
bridesmaids<br />
The bouquets held by your bridesmaids<br />
and even the petals strewn by flower girls<br />
shouldn’t overpower your bouquet but they<br />
can include similar flowers and colours, just<br />
on a simpler, smaller scale.<br />
Buttonholes for the groom and his<br />
9<br />
groomsmen<br />
It’s traditional to take one variety of flower<br />
from your bloom and introduce that into the<br />
flower corsages worn by the guys. When<br />
you’re selecting your bouquet discuss with<br />
your florist which one could be that feature<br />
flower.<br />
Scented flowers<br />
10<br />
Last bud not least, think about the<br />
smell! Some flowers like lilies and lavender<br />
give off a very strong fragrance and while<br />
that may be a welcoming feel for vases at<br />
home, when you have a bouquet to hold all<br />
day it can become nauseating if your senses<br />
are distracted. Opt for neutral-scented<br />
blooms so that the joy is in the aesthetics<br />
and not in the air.
HEN & STAG<br />
Celebrate your last days of singledom in style…<br />
Words: Anjana Gosai<br />
DOUBLE TROUBLE:<br />
STEN DO IDEA<br />
A combined stag and hen do is the ideal<br />
choice for couples with overlapping<br />
friendship groups wishing to celebrate<br />
together. Named after the Mumbai<br />
suburb, Pahli Hill Restaurant in the heart<br />
of London is a vibrant dining space with<br />
an informal feel and capacity for 55<br />
people. There’s an open kitchen in one<br />
corner where diners can watch head chef<br />
Avi Shashidhara and his team cook up<br />
delicious sharing plates, like homestyle<br />
fish curry, paper dosa and sourdough<br />
roti. Once you’ve eaten, take your party<br />
down to the kitsch basement bar Banda<br />
PIERCING PARTY!<br />
Give your hens a memento to cherish. If you’re a fan of<br />
the ‘curated ear’, which involves stacking dainty earrings<br />
along the lobes and cartilage, Lark & Berry’s personalised<br />
service includes piercing placement and styling advice,<br />
a 14k gold earring from their elegant selection and some<br />
fizz for your group to sip on.You also get a selection<br />
of mini perfumes, fine chocolates and tote bag to take<br />
away. It all takes place at their chic flagship store in<br />
London Marylebone. £150pp, www.larkandberry.com<br />
Bhai, which will transport you to the<br />
dimly-lit world of India’s old smuggling<br />
dens. Decked with plush velvet chairs and<br />
vintage wallpaper it’s the perfect space to<br />
drink the night away together.<br />
www.pahlihillbandrabhai.com<br />
Boozy afternoon tea for blokes<br />
Planning a stag do for a small group of<br />
friends? Foodies should head to the The<br />
Sanctum Soho Hotel for their Gentlemen’s<br />
Afternoon Tea. There are no dainty<br />
sandwiches here, instead your party can<br />
tuck into oysters, baby back ribs, hearty<br />
steak rolls and burgers. Sweet options<br />
include rum and raisin scones followed by<br />
a Villiger Export Cigar to enjoy on the roof<br />
terrace. www.sanctumsoho.com<br />
DINING OUT: COPPA CLUB<br />
A chic and spacious café, bar, restaurant and lounge, Coppa<br />
Club is made for group get-togethers. You’ll find branches<br />
in picture perfect locations like Tower Bridge in London and<br />
the North Laine in Brighton. Coppa Club place emphasis on<br />
experience and they have a range of bookable domes where<br />
you can dine alfresco and enjoy intimate conversation, or sit<br />
inside amidst the colourful surroundings. While there’s a vast<br />
cocktail menu, non-drinkers won’t feel left out. The mocktails<br />
are impressive and include a refreshing Popstar Martini and<br />
Peach Trip which has a CBD infusion. Tuck into grills like<br />
spiced roasted cauliflower and fish and finish with a droolworthy<br />
dessert. www.coppaclub.co.uk<br />
HIT IT OUT AT SIXES<br />
With branches in London, Birmingham and Manchester,<br />
cricket-lovers should head down to Sixes for a sporty stag.<br />
Practice your cover drives in state-of-the-art batting nets<br />
and cricket simulators, which can be hired by the hour. Once<br />
you’re done channeling your inner Virat Kohli, be sure to grab<br />
some food. The menu includes options such as the Coronation<br />
Bubble & Squeak Pakoras and the Delhi Smasher Burger. Not<br />
just for the guys, brides-to-be wanting to get in on the action<br />
should go along on a Friday to take advantage of the free nets<br />
that are available to book for groups of up to 15 using the<br />
code ‘wegotgame’.<br />
www.sixescricket.com
HEN & STAG<br />
RELAX LIKE ROYALTY AT<br />
FAIRMONT, WINDSOR PARK<br />
If you’re looking for some pre-wedding downtime with<br />
the girls, look no further than a spa break at this<br />
recently opened countryside retreat. Set within a 40-<br />
acre estate, beside Windsor Great Park, the newly-opened<br />
luxury property makes a grand first impression. From its<br />
lake-view entrance complete with pretty fountains, to its<br />
majestic lobby with a 50ft glass atrium dome – it’s all so<br />
pristine and grand. This includes the state-of-the-art spa,<br />
which is a destination in its own right.<br />
Fairmont Spa & Wellness is a sprawling two-floor 2,500<br />
square metre space designed to make you feel rested and<br />
restored.<br />
TREATMENTS<br />
Let’s start with the pampering. There are 18 plush<br />
treatment rooms, including three for couples plus a VIP<br />
spa suite with a rasul, hot tub, private dining area and<br />
dressing room. Pick from over 20 treatments which<br />
are carried out using Comfort Zone and the wonderful<br />
ayurvedic Mauli range.<br />
The blissful Maharani Detox Glow Heated Cocoon<br />
(£245 for 135 minutes) includes a body brush, scrub, wrap,<br />
mini facial and scalp massage. Stressed out individuals<br />
should go for the Royal Signature Ritual (£175, 85<br />
minutes), which incorporates stretches and breathwork<br />
combining Japanese, Ayurvedic and an practices.<br />
Other therapies include ayurvedic rituals, vitamin<br />
infusions, osteopathy, nutritional therapy and<br />
acupuncture.<br />
FACILITIES<br />
There’s plenty for the hen party to enjoy here. Inside<br />
you will find a 20 metre indoor pool area, complete with<br />
marble loungers, a thermal suite with a Finnish sauna,<br />
steam room, experience showers, ice fountain, Japanese<br />
Ashiyu foot ritual bath, a hot tub and a warming<br />
tepidarium bench.<br />
The softly-lit deep relaxation room is ideal for a post<br />
treatment nap, while the bright Himalayan salt room<br />
overlooking the picturesque courtyard is great for a lie<br />
down. The spa welcomes day and hotel guests. There are<br />
several packages to pick from. The Spa Escape (£685)<br />
includes an overnight stay, breakfast, a three-course<br />
dinner plus a 55-minute treatment. The Signature<br />
Collection (£260 per person) comprises of a stint in<br />
DINING AND SLEEPING<br />
the invigorating Cryotherapy Chamber, a 55-minute<br />
treatment followed by the relaxation-inducing AquaVibe<br />
therapy, where you lie on a dry floatation bed that<br />
delivers sound frequencies to the body. The friendly spa<br />
team can also design bespoke packages to suit your needs<br />
and those looking to only use the facilities can book a spa<br />
pass (£75 per person).<br />
Guests on the spa packages have access to the stunning<br />
and highly Instagrammable courtyard hydrotherapy<br />
vitality pool, which resembles a Moroccan riad - with<br />
floral decor and mosaic tiles. Amid bubbling massage jets,<br />
the vitality pool is heated to a comforting 39°C, making it<br />
an all-weather space where you can gather with friends<br />
and chat for hours. That’s not all. For deeper relaxation,<br />
thermal treatments designed by Parisian brand La<br />
Sultane de Saba can also be booked in the six-person<br />
marble Hammam. If you feel peckish, pop into Greens<br />
Café, which serves a range of salads, snacks and juices.<br />
We recommend staying for dinner at the hotel’s fabulous restaurant – Moreish.<br />
Book the Chef’s Experience (for up to 16 people) where you’ll be seated adjacent<br />
to the buzzy open kitchen. Not only do you get to see head chef Matyas Rigo<br />
and his team prepare European and Middle Eastern delights, he’ll present them<br />
to you throughout the evening complete with a detailed explanation of the<br />
culinary delight – including his indulgent crab linguine in lobster bisque.<br />
Those staying the night are in for a treat. All 200 rooms and suites are<br />
spacious and sophisticated, many with views of the manicured grounds, serene<br />
lake or nearby forests. Decked out in natural stone, soft textures and a muted<br />
colour palette, the rooms make you feel immediately relaxed. Beds are some<br />
of the most comfortable you will sleep on, while bathrooms are spacious, with<br />
enormous tubs and Le Labo goodies. • www.fairmont-windsorpark.com
Love stories in movies, books<br />
and songs all have one thing<br />
in common; they only tell you<br />
one side of the story. Marriage<br />
is amazing but it’s also hard.<br />
Many of the obstacles and hurdles you’ll<br />
face, particularly in the early days are to do<br />
with navigating the relationship you have<br />
with your partner, dealing with the needs of<br />
another person and getting to know them and<br />
yourself in a new way. Dr Sohaib Imtiaz who<br />
is a certified Lifestyle Doctor and Founder of<br />
the Ameli App, a matchmaking app that uses<br />
behavioural psychology to help you find your<br />
perfect partner, is a newly-wed himself so is<br />
aware of the challenges and believes they can<br />
be overcome: “All change is hard, even the<br />
most exciting changes like moving in with your<br />
life partner present problems that you never<br />
could have predicted. There is a link between<br />
relationships and mental health, especially in<br />
terms of how someone treats you and makes<br />
you feel, but while this may seem like a cause<br />
for<br />
Happily<br />
concern, these issues can be addressed.”<br />
EVER AFTER<br />
Being a newlywed is filled with blissful moments but adjusting to<br />
married life has its fair share of challenges too. Here’s how you can<br />
ensure that both of you are equipped to deal with the changes ahead<br />
Adjusting to living with a partner<br />
There are physical and emotional<br />
adjustments that need to be made when<br />
you move in with someone and this can<br />
have an effect on your emotional wellbeing<br />
and mental health. That’s why it’s so<br />
important to prioritise communication from<br />
the beginning. Dr Sohaib explains: “We<br />
call this love languages; how you speak to<br />
and communicate with your partner. If you<br />
experience differences rather than start<br />
an argument, break the problem down<br />
into chunks. Take a moment to air your<br />
expectations of the situation. Being open<br />
and honest will help ease the issue, find a<br />
compromise and strengthen your bond.”<br />
Often these issues don’t arise until the<br />
honeymoon period wares off but you are<br />
not alone in this, it’s completely natural.<br />
Dr Sohaib explains: “In the first six months<br />
you’ll experience a lot of dopamine and<br />
because you’ll be feeling so happy you<br />
may overlook what later becomes a red<br />
flag. Things that didn’t annoy you when<br />
you were courting may suddenly become<br />
difficult to deal with. Again communication<br />
is important but it’s recommended that you<br />
speak to an expert outside of the marriage.”<br />
Most people assume relationship<br />
counsellors are for couples but they are<br />
equally as beneficial if you attend sessions<br />
on your own. Having a relationship<br />
Dr Sohaib Imtiaz is a doctor certified<br />
in lifestyle medicine; Founder of the<br />
Ameli App and Human Behaviour<br />
Club on Clubhouse<br />
counsellor will help you talk about your<br />
feelings without being judged, this is<br />
something that isn’t possible with friends<br />
and family. You’ll also be in a better place<br />
to speak with your partner, which should<br />
be weekly. Dr Sohaib advises: “Have weekly<br />
check-ins with your partner where you can<br />
both say how you’re feeling about things.<br />
Doing it at the weekends when you may<br />
have a bit more time is great as it clears the<br />
air before the new week so that you don’t<br />
carry over any stresses which can manifest<br />
in your mental health going down.”
RELATIONSHIPS<br />
Coping with loneliness<br />
Leaving your home behind which may be<br />
buzzing with the sounds of siblings and<br />
swapping it for a space with just two people<br />
can feel very quiet and at times when your<br />
partner is away or out, feelings of loneliness<br />
can set in which can trigger your mental<br />
health. “Loneliness is dangerous”, says Dr<br />
Sohaib. “The pandemic showed us just how<br />
serious it is and the effect it can have on our<br />
mental health. The best way to combat it is to<br />
stay in contact with friends and family. Apps<br />
like Facetime make this so easy to do. But<br />
also seek new friendships. Online is a great<br />
place to meet people, the Bumble app has a<br />
feature for making new friends and it would<br />
be fun to meet up and do an activity that you<br />
have a shared interest in. You don’t need to<br />
feel alone, there is always someone to talk to.<br />
Talking to a therapist or counsellor can help.”<br />
Moving in with in-laws<br />
For some couples, not only are they adjusting<br />
to living with each other, they may have to<br />
deal with the whole new dynamic of living<br />
with in-laws and this has its own set of<br />
concerns. There are many things to consider<br />
before moving in with your in-laws. The most<br />
important will be to sit with your spouse<br />
and come up with a plan and list out the<br />
expectations both parties have of each other<br />
as well as the responsibilities. Psychologist Dr<br />
Saliha Afridi explains: “Questions that will<br />
need discussion will include things like how<br />
much time and when are you expected to be<br />
together? What is ‘the couples space’ versus<br />
shared space? Who will speak to the in-laws if<br />
there is a disagreement? What are your nonnegotiable<br />
boundaries? What are you willing<br />
to compromise?”<br />
Dr Saliha Afridi, is a Psychologist,<br />
Entrepreneur and Founder of<br />
the Lighthouse Arabia Dubai<br />
She adds: “Remember that most people<br />
already have preconceived ideas about how<br />
‘mother-in-laws’ are and they are mostly<br />
about how contentious that relationship can<br />
be and how mother-in-laws don’t respect<br />
boundaries and so when a disagreement<br />
happens it is typically seen with that lens and<br />
taken as a sign of something much more than<br />
just a disagreement.”<br />
This is something to think about before you<br />
react in the wrong way.<br />
Dr Saliha says preparation can help. She<br />
advises: “Before the move, write out what<br />
your preconceived fears are and know what<br />
the triggers could be. It will also be important<br />
to come up with a list of things to remember<br />
when things get heated, as they do in any<br />
relationship where people live together. That<br />
list can include many things such as how you<br />
will make considerations, how to not take<br />
things personally, how to find your centre<br />
again and move towards compromise and<br />
harmony.”<br />
If you need relationship or mental<br />
health advice always speak to<br />
a professional. Here are some<br />
organisations that can help you.<br />
You can also speak to your GP.<br />
• Relate<br />
(relationship counselling services)<br />
www.relate.org.uk<br />
• Mind (mental health charity<br />
www.mind.org.uk<br />
• NHS<br />
(lists local counselling services)<br />
www.nhs.uk
BEAUTY<br />
Scented <strong>Wedding</strong><br />
Light one of these fragrant candles on your wedding day. As well as creating a beautiful<br />
atmosphere, you and your loved ones will forever associate the scent with the joyous occasion<br />
Words and styling: Anjana Gosai<br />
Ginori 1735 Rajathra Palace Candle (£144,<br />
selfridges.com) is inspired by Rajasthan. It<br />
will fill your venue with scents of rose oil,<br />
clove, sandalwood and patchouli<br />
Rituals Soulful Love<br />
Jasmine Wild Rose<br />
Scented Candle<br />
(£26.50, rituals.com)<br />
will infuse your venue<br />
with a floral scent of<br />
intense jasmine flower<br />
and delicate wild rose<br />
Filled into an elegant marble<br />
vessel Officine Universelle<br />
Buly, Conversations in a<br />
Park Scented Candle (£135,<br />
buly1803.com) features notes<br />
of peppermint, bergamot and<br />
opulent Ottoman roses<br />
Tom Ford Private Blend Neroli Portofino (£68,<br />
johnlewis.com) is an uplifting citrus and floral<br />
scent that captures the cool breezes and crystal<br />
waters of the Italian Riviera<br />
Tom Ford Private Blend Neroli<br />
Portofino (£68, johnlewis.com) is<br />
an uplifting citrus and floral scent<br />
that captures the cool breezes and<br />
crystal waters of the Italian Riviera<br />
Fable & Mane Incredible India Scented Candle (£42, fableandmane.<br />
com) is influenced by the garlands worn at the temples of the<br />
spiritual city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu. It will fill your room with<br />
scents of heady jasmine sambac and citrusy champaca flowers
Essential knowledge for the bride-to-be<br />
BEAUT Y<br />
The Mane<br />
Attraction<br />
No one does show-stopping hair like Dar<br />
FACE TIME<br />
These fast-track procedures could<br />
revolutionalise your skin<br />
SMELL THE ROSES<br />
Forest Essentials Rose Absolute collection comes infused with<br />
hand plucked roses sourced from the verdant gardens in Kannauj,<br />
India. This beautiful flower, also known as desi gulab in Ayurveda,<br />
is steam distilled to extract its pure essential oil which is then filled<br />
into this deeply nourishing collection. www.forestessentials.co.uk<br />
THE ART OF<br />
AESTHETICS<br />
Pre-wedding treatments<br />
every bride should prioritise
BRIDAL MAKEUP • TRAINING COURSES<br />
lubnarafiq.com/lragency<br />
07939 15 44 00<br />
lubnarafiqacademy OfficialLubnaRafiq letsmakeupLR<br />
Outfit: Monga’s • Jewellery: Maala London
Words: Anjana Gosai • Hair & Make-Up: Naveeda<br />
Outfit: Seasons • Jewellery: Tanaya Couture<br />
BEAUTYNotes<br />
The latest innovations to help you look and feel great<br />
Glow Getter<br />
Make-up won’t look smooth without<br />
the right ‘canvas’. Make sure your<br />
skin is in the best possible shape by<br />
smoothing on Tatcha Violet C Radiance<br />
Mask (£65, spacenk.com) before<br />
applying your base. Crafted in Tokyo,<br />
the mask comes filled with two types<br />
of brightening vitamin C along with<br />
mild, exfoliating fruit acids to refine skin<br />
texture and impart a dewy-glow.<br />
SPA OF THE SEASON<br />
BLUSHING BRIDE<br />
Achieve a romantic touch of blush with the<br />
lightweight and buildable Liquid Flush Cheek<br />
Tint (£25, cultbeauty.com) by celebrity make-up<br />
artist Monika Blunder. Available in four shades<br />
that flatter Asian complexions,<br />
the blushers are made with<br />
skin-friendly oils such as arnica<br />
and safflower, making them<br />
ideal for dry or sensitive skin.<br />
Perfect Primer<br />
Huda GloWish Blur Jam Silicone-<br />
Free Smoothing Primer (£29, boots.<br />
com) contains soothing Damascus<br />
rose water, vitamin-rich prickly pear,<br />
calming cactus flower extract,<br />
and water-locking powder<br />
technology to help boost<br />
hydration, blur pores, and<br />
extend make-up wear<br />
for up to 12 hours – a<br />
wedding day must.<br />
TRY IT: ESPA’S CRYO GLOBES<br />
Made from stainless steel, these cooling ESPA’s<br />
Cryo Globes (£55, espaskincare.com) work a<br />
treat to reduce puffiness, release facial tension<br />
and awaken the complexion. Use alongside your<br />
favourite skincare, massaging along the facial<br />
contours to help lift, tighten and depuff.<br />
Homewood, Bath<br />
Part of the Small Luxury Hotels<br />
of the World family, this stylish<br />
country house property, located<br />
just 15-minutes from Bath is<br />
surrounded by the enchanting<br />
Avon Valley and is the perfect<br />
bolthole for a pre or postwedding<br />
spot of relaxation.<br />
The Georgian mansion is truly<br />
charismatic, with quirky touches all<br />
over, such as antique wall clocks<br />
covering the reception area and<br />
floral prints adorning the walls of<br />
the Valentine’s Bar. Take a stroll<br />
through the immaculate gardens<br />
where you’ll spot an adorable boxhedged<br />
teddy bear and life-sized<br />
giraffe, which are sure to put a smile<br />
on your face.<br />
There are 21 bedrooms which<br />
are all spacious and bright. You<br />
could spend hours in the wellequipped<br />
spa that includes a<br />
large indoor hydrotherapy pool,<br />
sauna and steam room; a hot<br />
tub with views of the valley;<br />
plus an outdoor swimming pool<br />
heated to 28 degrees Celcius.<br />
Treatments are carried out using<br />
the award-winning Ila products,<br />
which are wonderfully-therapeutic<br />
and centred around enhancing your<br />
physical and emotional wellbeing.<br />
The signature Vitality top-to-toe<br />
treatment (£85, 60minutes) is<br />
blissful. It combines a full body<br />
massage using the ancient Indian<br />
practice of marma therapy and<br />
energy-boosting essential oils along<br />
with a rejuvenating facial.<br />
www.homewoodbath.co.uk
Cosmetics: Forever 52 Makeup • Jewellery: Zevar by Samra Falak • Bridalwear: Zoyaz London • Photography: The Cactus Agency • Styling: Zaf Shabir
07391 170 125<br />
kirenvirdimua@gmail.com<br />
kirenvirdimua
Jewellery: Roshan’s Jewellery<br />
JK<br />
JOGGY KANG<br />
07879 674 174 • joggy.kang@gmail.com<br />
www.joggykang.com
Outfit: Seasons • Jewellery: Tanaya Couture<br />
Bridal Enquiries:<br />
079<strong>58</strong> 635 857<br />
www.naveeda.com
As soon as the<br />
countdown to your<br />
wedding starts,<br />
there are parts of<br />
the planning and<br />
preparations that friends, family<br />
and wedding planners can’t help<br />
with and that is you investing<br />
in yourself. But thankfully, it’s a<br />
task where help is at hand. Brides<br />
and grooms all strive to look<br />
their very best on their Big Day<br />
and ‘tweakments’ or non-surgical<br />
aesthetic procedures can help you<br />
feel confident, rejuvenated and<br />
ready to shine in front of the crowds<br />
and cameras.<br />
Mi:Skin Laser Clinic in Aylesbury<br />
are beauty aesthetic specialists<br />
offering a range of treatments<br />
that are applied in a bespoke way<br />
for every client. Senior Aesthetic<br />
Therapist Snowvia at Mi:Skin<br />
Laser Clinic explains: “Our bespoke<br />
treatments are tailor-made for our<br />
brides, everyone is different and<br />
we spend time understanding and<br />
best<br />
analysing your needs so that you get<br />
optimum results.”<br />
LOOK YOUR VERY<br />
Senior Aesthetic Therapist Snowvia at Mi:Skin Laser Clinic<br />
explains the pre-wedding treatments every bride should prioritise<br />
Their treatments include<br />
everything from teeth whitening<br />
to laser hair and pigment removal,<br />
vein removal and redness reduction;<br />
the personal concerns you may<br />
have that may be preventing you<br />
from feeling your most confident.<br />
Whatever your worries are, Snowvia<br />
and her team invite you to join them<br />
for a private consultation where<br />
all your concerns will be listened<br />
to, taken seriously, and a plan of<br />
action created; it could be the most<br />
important investment you make.<br />
The world of aesthetics can be<br />
daunting if they’re new to you,<br />
so we asked Snowvia for her<br />
recommendations of the top three<br />
treatments that brides and groomsto-be<br />
can benefit from.
BEAUTY<br />
Hydrafacials<br />
You might not expect to find facials on the<br />
treatment list at an aesthetic clinic, but the<br />
Hydrafacial is unlike the regular facials you find at<br />
spas. They are just as relaxing, but the treatments<br />
are targeted at giving you long-lasting results<br />
that start from your first one. Snowvia explains:<br />
“Clients can have a course of hydrafacial to target<br />
specific skin concerns. It’s typically a course of<br />
three or six, two to four weeks apart. For an<br />
instant pre-wedding glow, a hydrafacial is a must<br />
one to two days before your wedding, there is no<br />
downtime and you’ll leave with an instant glow.”<br />
It’s no wonder that A’list celebrities swear by<br />
hydrafacials before major events like red carpets<br />
as it makes an immediate difference.<br />
Laser Skin Rejuvenation<br />
A safe and reliable way to revive tired-looking<br />
dull, loose and even sun-damaged and<br />
dehydrated skin, laser skin rejuvenation stimulates<br />
collagen growth and production and addresses<br />
many of the issues that ageing skin has. It’s a<br />
comfortable treatment that will give impressive<br />
results. Snowvia explains the procedure: “We<br />
begin with a skin analysis, followed by a full<br />
cleanse of the skin before the laser treatments are<br />
carried out.” These treatments are most effective<br />
applied monthly and lead to firmer, tighter skin.<br />
Laser Hair Removal<br />
The removal of unwanted body and facial hair<br />
can completely change your life, giving you a<br />
newfound feeling of body confidence and beauty.<br />
Like all of the treatments at Mi:Skin Laser Clinic,<br />
clients are invited for an in-depth consultation<br />
where a patch test is undertaken. Snowvia<br />
explains: “On the consultation day clients can<br />
feel the sensation and we always reassure them<br />
how it will feel and what to expect. What really<br />
sets us apart is the use of a gold standard, FDAapproved<br />
device. This makes the process from the<br />
beginning to the end seamless for clients. Quite<br />
often clients have had uncomfortable experiences<br />
elsewhere, as an overwhelming number of clinics<br />
are using cheaply made replica machines, these<br />
aren’t safe or effective.” For optimal results<br />
Snowvia recommends you begin this procedure<br />
a year before your Big Day. Laser Hair removal is<br />
usually for around eight sessions every four weeks<br />
on the face and every six weeks on the body.<br />
“OUR BESPOKE TREATMENTS ARE TAILOR-MADE<br />
FOR OUR BRIDES, EVERY CLIENT IS DIFFERENT AND<br />
WE SPEND TIME UNDERSTANDING AND ANALYSING<br />
YOUR NEEDS SO THAT YOU GET OPTIMUM RESULTS”<br />
ABOUT SNOWVIA<br />
Clinical Director & Senior Aesthetic Therapist at Mi:Skin Laser Clinic<br />
Snowvia has over 15 years of<br />
experience in Aesthetics gaining a<br />
Level 4 Aesthetics qualification. Her<br />
background is in cosmetic dentistry.<br />
Mi:Skin Laser Clinic opened in August<br />
2020 with a vision to bring the Harley<br />
Street experience and make it more<br />
accessible in Buckinghamshire.<br />
To book a consultation with Snowvia<br />
and her team, contact:<br />
Mi:Skin Laser Clinic<br />
52 Wedgewood Street,<br />
Aylesbury, HP19 7HL<br />
01296 796464<br />
info@miskinlaserclinic.com<br />
www.miskinlaserclinic.com
WorkOF<br />
ART<br />
Don’t know where to begin with mehndi designs and finding the right artist?<br />
House of Henna is on hand with expert tips, trends and know-how…<br />
Even beyond your Big Day,<br />
during those memorable<br />
weeks following your wedding,<br />
your hennaed hands will be<br />
admired by all and symbolise<br />
your new bride status. Since the henna<br />
isn’t going to fade away that easily, you<br />
need to entrust someone with the role of<br />
beautifying your hands safely and ensure that<br />
you are actually going to love the finished<br />
designs. Cue House of Henna, a collective of<br />
experienced and talented henna artists based<br />
in London…<br />
Feel like a bride<br />
Most of the wedding prep is done and you’re<br />
just about winding down in the lead-up<br />
to your Big Day. Whether you have your<br />
henna applied at home or at your full-on<br />
Mehndi party, it’s only when you’re sat<br />
down, surrounded by loved ones watching<br />
the henna art conjured up on your body, that<br />
you start getting the bridal feels. Alma of<br />
House of Henna understands this sentiment<br />
as she enthuses, ‘We understand that henna<br />
for brides is an integral part of the wedding<br />
rituals. Whilst the bride-to-be has her henna<br />
applied to her hands and feet a few days<br />
before her wedding, she can enjoy the moment<br />
and relax. Traditionally, this is a tranquil<br />
time for the bride and a fun time for her<br />
friends to join in with the celebrations at the<br />
henna party before the Big Day.’<br />
Henna is an aphrodisiac<br />
Whilst it is traditional and symbolic for the<br />
bride to have her henna done, it is also fun<br />
to involve your family and friends to get<br />
their hands adorned too. What makes House<br />
of Henna so refreshingly unique, current<br />
and on-trend, is that they not only provide<br />
mobile services, but also have a rather hip<br />
pop-up experience in a range of locations,<br />
currently in trendy Shoreditch. It’s not all<br />
about the traditions, it’s also about the art.<br />
Alma explains more, ‘We are unique in the<br />
henna industry, as not only do we provide our<br />
services at your own private and corporate<br />
parties, but you can also have your henna<br />
done in the comfort of our beautiful pop-up<br />
henna salons, which pop up in vibrant<br />
parts of London. We create a variety of<br />
temporary body art for people from all kinds<br />
of backgrounds. Even brides who want to
BEAUTY<br />
enjoy the salon experience and get away from<br />
the chaos of wedding prep, relax and tell us<br />
all about their big day whilst having their<br />
henna done. For some, this ritual and the<br />
henna itself is considered to bring good luck,<br />
joy and beautification. Apparently, henna has<br />
aphrodisiac properties too!’<br />
Safe and natural<br />
Anything going on your skin, particularly<br />
something that is going to last a while, should<br />
be safe and natural. Fortunately, the artists<br />
at House of Henna use only the best type of<br />
henna there is. Alma shares more, ‘House<br />
of Henna specialises in creating beautiful<br />
body art using henna and a fruit based dye<br />
called Jagua ink, which produces a beautiful<br />
and safe black stain, akin to a permanent<br />
tattoo. We only use fresh henna which is<br />
chemical free and pay attention to every<br />
detail of your wedding attire to ensure the<br />
henna compliments your chosen look for your<br />
special day. Our team of henna artists are<br />
highly skilled with every one of their skills<br />
deriving from years of having done beautiful<br />
bridal henna. Nothing is more intricate and<br />
beautiful then the henna which adorns the<br />
arms and legs of a bride.’<br />
GET WITH THE TRENDS<br />
• Brides are wanting to go all out and<br />
show off motifs from leafy vines and<br />
florals, mandalas and lace patterns all<br />
along the same arm.<br />
• The trick is to ensure each motif<br />
connects beautifully with the next, leaving<br />
little space.<br />
• As body art specialists, if you wish to<br />
be truly unique, we can create so much<br />
more than the usual requests for birds and<br />
elephants and why stop at hands and feet?<br />
Consider displaying beautiful bridal henna<br />
art on your back or shoulders.<br />
• For the minimalistic bride, an elegant<br />
mandala or the continued trend of the<br />
lacy glove-like style finished with delicate<br />
geometric patterns along the fingers may<br />
be more her choice.<br />
• The half and half becoming one gorgeous<br />
motif when the bride’s hands are placed<br />
together will still be on trend.<br />
• There is a continued rise in popularity<br />
of the bold and beautiful Gulf bridal henna<br />
designs.<br />
• Grooms are also getting more and more<br />
in on the act, we expect to see more this<br />
year.<br />
• Whilst trends are great, the classic<br />
elegance of domes, names of loved ones<br />
intricately placed in between curvy<br />
paisleys, portraits of the bride and groom<br />
and the spiritually significant Lotus flower<br />
will always be firm favourites and on the<br />
list of many of your henna requests.<br />
It’s all about the colour<br />
There is many an old folklore claiming that the<br />
deeper the colour of your henna, the more your<br />
husband will love you. So don’t be surprised<br />
if an aunty jee examines your hands on your<br />
wedding day and comments on the colour and<br />
gives you a cheeky wink! Alma tells all, ‘To<br />
achieve an optimal stunning colour, once our<br />
artist completes your gorgeous bridal henna, we<br />
will spritz it with a lemon and sugar sealant and<br />
wrap it up in breathable tape to ensure you have<br />
a beautiful deep henna stain when it matters the<br />
most, on your wedding day.’<br />
Book House of Henna:<br />
www.houseofhennalondon.com<br />
info@houseofhennalondon.com<br />
07852 12<strong>58</strong>25 • 020 7739 9428
Fast-track<br />
BEAUTY<br />
The latest non-invasive procedures can swiftly leave you looking brighter,<br />
tauter and years younger in time for your Big Day, says Anjana Gosai<br />
If you’re having regular facials but your skin is still not looking as<br />
perky as you desire, or perhaps you’re putting in the can be the best<br />
option for the pre-wedding results you demand. Thanks to a new<br />
generation of tools and techniques doctors can now smooth lines,<br />
fade discoloration and melt unwanted fat in a matter of hours. The<br />
best thing about this new breed of subtle procedures is that they<br />
are comfortable, there’s no recovery time and the effects are so<br />
discreet, that you’ll simply look like a tweaked version of yourself.<br />
FACE TIME<br />
As we turn 30, the body’s firming collagen and moisturising<br />
hyaluronic acid stores begin to deplete, which means our skin can<br />
start to look thinner, lined and less taut. Plus, accumulated sun<br />
exposure can lead to the formation of hyperpigmentation on the<br />
skin, which can be just as ageing as wrinkles.<br />
Dull, Dry Skin<br />
Make-up will sit better on smooth skin. The Egyptian Facial<br />
(£250, drdavidjackclinic.com) with Dr David Jack will leave<br />
your complexion looking fresh and radiant. The three-step facial<br />
includes a bespoke fruit acid peel to dissolve dead skin cells. Next<br />
comes dermaplaning, where a tiny scalpel is used to shave away<br />
peach fuzz followed by a nourishing vitamin facial.<br />
Refresh dry and tired looking skin with Profhilo (www.profhilo.<br />
co.uk). Unlike fillers, this unique injectable does not alter the<br />
volume or shape of the face, making it a great entry point for those<br />
looking to try tweakments. The fluid hyaluronic acid gel is injected<br />
into five areas of the face where it spreads under the skin, forming<br />
a water-binding layer to give the complexion a juicy glow that lasts<br />
for several months. It also stimulates the production of collagen<br />
and elastin giving skin a firmer, springier feel.<br />
Pigmentation<br />
Removing blotchy pigmentation can instantly brighten up and even<br />
out the skin. Dr Amiee Vyas’s signature DSP Method (doctoramiee.<br />
com) consists of an in-depth skin and lifestyle consultation followed<br />
by a carefully-designed plan consisting of a combination of medicalgrade<br />
skincare and chemical peels that are tailored to your skin tone<br />
and needs - so there’s no risk of irritation.<br />
Fine Lines<br />
For tighter and perkier skin, you won’t be disappointed with<br />
Dermafrac (dermafrac.co.uk), which calls on crystal-free<br />
microdermabrasion to buff away dead cells and shift impurities<br />
followed by vacuum occlusion to pull the skin into contact with<br />
hundreds of microneedles, while infusing it with a serum. The<br />
needling action pierces the skin, creating pathways for the serum<br />
to penetrate deeper. Expect to emerge with smoother and tighter<br />
skin after just one 45-minute treatment.
BEAUTY
BEAUTY<br />
Lax Skin<br />
If you are a smoker or sunworshipper,<br />
skin laxity may be<br />
visible in your early 30s, and it is<br />
difficult to treat with skin care.<br />
Tissue-tightening radiofrequency<br />
treatments such as Pelleve (from<br />
£1200, drritarakus.com) is an<br />
effective fix. Pelleve involves the<br />
use of a pain-free, radiofrequencyemitting<br />
wand, which heats the<br />
lower layers of the skin to firm<br />
the area and smooth crinkles.<br />
Results are instant and users have<br />
seen impressive results around<br />
the eye, brow and mouth area<br />
after just one session. Sunken<br />
cheeks can be lifted with the<br />
HarmonyCa (allerganaesthetics.<br />
co.uk) – a new hybrid injectable<br />
containing hyaluronic acid and<br />
calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHa).<br />
The hyaluronic acid particles work<br />
deep within the skin providing<br />
an immediate lifting effect, while<br />
the CaHA support the body’s own<br />
collagen production, so new collagen<br />
fibres start to form.<br />
If you’re worried about ending up<br />
with chipmunk cheeks, show the<br />
doctor a picture of yourself in your<br />
20s, so they can see how you looked<br />
and then try to replicate that.<br />
Dark Circles<br />
If you’ve tried every eye cream<br />
under the sun, but are still not<br />
noticing a difference in your dark<br />
circles, then you may be expecting<br />
too much from your skincare.<br />
As we age, the fat just under the<br />
skin diminishes, and this exposes<br />
the underlying deep fat pad.<br />
This creates a hollowing effect,<br />
that casts a shadow. Ophthalmic<br />
plastic reconstructive surgeon, Dr<br />
Sabrina Shah Desai has developed<br />
Eye Boost (www.perfecteyesltd.<br />
com). She delivers nano-droplets of<br />
dermal filler Restylane Vital Light<br />
into the eyelid skin and tear trough<br />
area (the area below your lower<br />
eyelid and above your cheek) to<br />
restore lost volume, which reduces<br />
the appearance of dark circles.<br />
PRE<br />
PROCEDURE<br />
CHECKLIST<br />
Before you go ahead<br />
with any treatment,<br />
do your homework…<br />
Research your doctor<br />
It’s vital to check<br />
out your doctor’s<br />
credentials, qualifications<br />
and reputation before<br />
you book.<br />
Know your brands Not<br />
all products and tools<br />
are of the same quality.<br />
Ask your doctor which<br />
brands they use and<br />
why.<br />
Check the manufacturer<br />
Research the reputation<br />
of the company<br />
behind the product or<br />
procedure.<br />
Safety check<br />
Be sure that the product<br />
or procedure has been<br />
extensively tested.<br />
Past patient satisfaction<br />
Your doctor should<br />
be willing to show you<br />
testimonials and before/<br />
after pictures of previous<br />
patient’s outcomes.<br />
BODY OF WORK<br />
Stubborn Fat<br />
If countless gym sessions<br />
or Peloton classes haven’t<br />
whittled down trouble spots<br />
such as love handles, podgy<br />
bellies or back flab, look into<br />
Accent Prime X (almalasers.<br />
com, drmedispa.com). The<br />
non-invasive treatment uses<br />
ultrasound technology to<br />
break down stubborn fatty<br />
deposits and radiofrequency<br />
to stimulates collagen in<br />
the skin, producing a lifting<br />
and tightening effect. Some<br />
patients have also noticed a<br />
reduction in the appearance<br />
of cellulite. To reap the full<br />
benefits, be sure to book a few<br />
months before your wedding<br />
day as four to six sessions<br />
spaced a week apart are<br />
recommended.<br />
Body Toning<br />
If you’ve only got months<br />
or even weeks to go before<br />
the Big Day, Emsculpt Neo<br />
offers fast-track toning. The<br />
30-minute treatment sculpts<br />
the body by using highintensity<br />
focused<br />
electromagnetic technology<br />
to stimulate the muscles.<br />
Just one 30-minute session<br />
is said to be equivalent to<br />
20,000 crunches or squats.<br />
It’s ideal for those who are in<br />
fairly good shape, but have<br />
resistant spots on the thighs,<br />
buttock, tummy and arms<br />
that need toning.<br />
TRIED AND TRUSTED DOCTORS<br />
• Dr Preema Vig (drpreema.co.uk) Carries out skilful work and subtle<br />
transformations with anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers from her<br />
chic Park Lane clinic.<br />
• Dr Munir Somji (drmedispa.com) has a calm and confident manner that<br />
will make you feel instantly reassured. His Knightsbridge, Marylebone and<br />
Loughton based DrMediSpa clinics are equipped with the latest devices.<br />
• Dr Amiee Vyas (doctoramiee.com) is an expert in treating South Asian<br />
skin. She offers online consultations and an array of treatments from<br />
cosmeceutical skincare, medical-grade peels and skin-boosting injectables.<br />
• Miss Sherina Balaratnam (sthetics.co.uk) is a former NHS surgeon who<br />
runs the multi-award winning S-Thetics clinic, which is home to the very<br />
latest medical aesthetic devices for the face and body, including high-tech<br />
facials, radiofrequency and laser skin resurfacing.
BEAUTYSolution<br />
Your bridal beauty dilemmas solved by Anjana Gosai<br />
TWEAKMENT TIME<br />
I want to<br />
have some<br />
Botox and<br />
lip filler<br />
before my<br />
wedding.<br />
When is the best time to<br />
have these treatments?<br />
I spoke to Knightsbridgebased<br />
cosmetic doctor<br />
Dr Divya Veluvolu. She<br />
recommends starting<br />
anti-wrinkle treatments<br />
at least two months before<br />
the wedding followed by a<br />
review after three weeks,<br />
then another review<br />
three weeks prior to the<br />
wedding. “The botulinum<br />
toxin (Botox) takes time to<br />
marinate, but also for the<br />
muscles to be controlled in<br />
a way that looks natural,”<br />
explains Dr Divya. Dermal<br />
fillers, be it for volume loss<br />
or lip augmentation, should<br />
be carried out two months<br />
prior to the wedding.<br />
“Fillers should be built in<br />
stages to achieve natural<br />
results. It takes three to<br />
four weeks for the filler to<br />
settle into the facial tissues,”<br />
she adds.<br />
Book a consultation with<br />
Dr Divya, 07462382670.<br />
Tummy trimmer<br />
I have tried everything to trim down<br />
my tummy, can you recommend any<br />
treatments?<br />
Stubborn abdominal fat can be hard<br />
to treat. I was impressed with the<br />
FDA-approved Emerald Laser (www.<br />
emeraldlaser.com). The 30-minute painless<br />
procedure emits green-hued beams to the<br />
target area. The beams make tiny pores<br />
in the fat cell membrane, emulsifying the<br />
fat, which then leaves the body via the<br />
lymphatic system. Emerald can be used on<br />
the stomach, thighs, hips and underarms.<br />
A Harvard study saw an average loss of<br />
3.51 inches over two weeks in the waist,<br />
hip, and thigh areas. Dr Munir Somji, who<br />
was one of the first to offer the treatment<br />
at his Dr. Medispa clinic recommends<br />
two sessions per week. He says: “Since it<br />
doesn’t generate heat, there is no chance<br />
of burns or freezing and it shrinks fat cells<br />
rather than destroying them, so there’s no<br />
side-effects or downtime.” If it’s toning you<br />
are after, look into Emsculpt, which uses<br />
high-intensity focused electromagnetic<br />
technology to trigger 20,000 muscle<br />
contractions in one 30-minute session.<br />
You’ll notice the area looking trimmer<br />
in a matter of days. Both treatments are<br />
available at www.drmedispa.com<br />
Whether you<br />
TRY IT want to try<br />
something new or<br />
are considering hair colour for the first time,<br />
try Stil (www.stil-salon.com). Spearheaded by<br />
award-winning colour guru, Christel Barron-<br />
Hough, the chic salon offers meticulous<br />
consultations looking at eye colour,<br />
complexion, face shape and personality,<br />
which results in the most flattering hues. Be<br />
sure to book in at least two weeks before your<br />
wedding day to allow the colour to settle.<br />
HAIR HERO<br />
The ends of my hair are<br />
really dry. I have tried<br />
masks and leave-in<br />
conditioners but nothing<br />
seems to work. Please help!<br />
I often have the same issue<br />
with my coloured hair. I<br />
recently discovered K18 Leave-In Molecular<br />
Repair Hair Mask (£8.95, www.k18hair.com)<br />
and was super amazed with how soft and shiny<br />
it left my hair. The intensive mask<br />
uses a patented molecule, which is<br />
designed to reverse hair damage<br />
from colour, harmful chemicals<br />
and heat, in just four minutes.<br />
K18 renews hair from the inside<br />
by repairing broken keratin chains<br />
and leaving strands stronger,<br />
smoother and softer.<br />
SENSITIVE ISSUE<br />
I have sensitive skin and am always<br />
recommended medical body washes. Can<br />
you suggest something that<br />
doesn’t feel so clinical?<br />
Check out Olverum<br />
Body Cleanser (£26.50,<br />
harveynichols.com) which took<br />
five years to develop by brand<br />
founder Dominic Hawksley, a<br />
sufferer of enduringly sensitive<br />
skin. It’s sulphate-free and<br />
contains avocado oil plus the<br />
most soothing, aromatic blend of<br />
essential oils to ease tension.<br />
TO SOLVE YOUR BRIDAL BEAUTY WORRIES EMAIL: ANJANA@ASIANA.TV
The Mane<br />
ATTRACTION<br />
Own the limelight with luxurious<br />
locks by celebrity hairstylist Dar<br />
There is only one Dar. A legend in the industry, with<br />
over 30 years of experience of beautifying celebrities,<br />
royalty and real women, he is the ‘go to’ hair designer<br />
when you want to feel like a million dollars. The A’list<br />
experience begins the moment you walk through<br />
the door of his glamorous salon based inside the prestigious<br />
five star Taj 51 Buckingham Gate which feels like a palace. With<br />
a flower wall backdrop and the choice of having your hair styled<br />
either in a spacious, communal area or inside your own private VIP<br />
room, pampering takes priority. Dar elaborates: ‘Whether you have<br />
a special event, are hosting a dinner party, going on a date night or<br />
are getting married, if your hair looks perfect, you’ll ooze confidence<br />
and sexiness and that’s what I gift to all my clients; the feeling that<br />
they are the most beautiful woman in the world.”<br />
Dar’s clientele includes Bollywood superstars Kajol and<br />
Jacqueline Fernandez, Hollywood actress Goldie Hawn, Miss<br />
England Bhasha Mukerjee, HRH Sultanah Kalsom, Queen of<br />
Pahang, Malaysia, Naughty Boy and Prime Minister of Pakistan<br />
Imran Khan. You too can experience the reason they go to him when<br />
they have a special occasion, when you book him for your bridal<br />
hair; a luxurious experience whether you pop in for a blow dry or<br />
book a complete bridal transformation.<br />
What they’re saying about Dar<br />
Check out Google reviews to see the consistent high-ratings<br />
Dar gets from all his clients like this one from January 2022:<br />
“5 stars aren’t enough! Absolutely loving my<br />
new haircut by Dar. I’ve always been nervous<br />
about going to salons due to bad experiences so<br />
subsequently, I didn’t get my haircut for a few<br />
years. When I first spoke to Dar before my visit,<br />
he was very personable and talked me through his<br />
style and techniques. From the moment I walked<br />
in the salon, he was charming and very attentive.<br />
I felt so relaxed. Throughout my appointment he<br />
taught me how to look after my hair at home;<br />
from achieving gorgeous, lasting styles, to which<br />
products to use to help and protect my hair. Dar is<br />
more than a hairdresser/stylist, he is an innovative<br />
artist and a true professional who has incredible<br />
passion for his profession and cares about his<br />
clients”
SALON TALK WITH DAR<br />
The Celebrity Hair Stylist answers your questions<br />
BEAUTY<br />
I’m growing my hair for my wedding day, what<br />
can I do to help it look healthy?<br />
Firstly, congratulations! This is a very exciting<br />
time for you and I’m pleased to hear you’re<br />
already thinking about your hair. This is something I<br />
recommend to all my clients, your hair needs to be treated<br />
with regular TLC to maintain its condition. My suggestion is<br />
to find a reliable hairdresser at a local salon. Let them know<br />
that you’re getting married. They will start taking care of<br />
your hair by introducing good conditioning treatments,<br />
ensuring it is well moisturised in the lead up to your Big<br />
Day so that when it arrives, you’re ready to be under the<br />
spotlight.<br />
I’ve got three functions and I don’t know if I<br />
need to book a hair stylist for all three days or<br />
whether the style will hold?<br />
I advise booking a hairdresser for all three days.<br />
Having your hair done is part of your bridal pampering<br />
so don’t miss this step. We work so hard in our daily lives<br />
but your wedding should be about comfort, excitement<br />
and the happiness of this once in a lifetime occasion so<br />
don’t scrimp by only booking one day. It’s important<br />
that you’re fully rested and get your sleep during your<br />
wedding and you can only do that if you’re comfortable<br />
and not worrying about caring for your hair – leave that<br />
to a professional. Each morning when you’re with your<br />
hairstylist it’s a chance to slow down and catch your breath<br />
so enjoy this opportunity.<br />
I want to treat my mother to a pampering salon<br />
experience but she’s never been to hairdressers<br />
before so I’m not sure how to persuade her,<br />
what do you suggest?<br />
What a wonderful thing to do for your mother. I have<br />
one suggestion. Bring her to the Dar Blo Bar & Spa at the<br />
beautiful Taj 51 Buckingham Gate. She’ll be treated like an<br />
A’list celebrity, I’ll personally see to it myself! I’ve also styled<br />
many women including Kajol and Goldie Hawn but I take<br />
just as much time and effort on every client ensuring they<br />
all feel a million dollars. Why not take her out to lunch at<br />
the Taj and bring her to the salon as an additional surprise.<br />
DAR’S TOP TIPS FOR ENJOYING<br />
YOUR WEDDING DAY<br />
Styling 100s of brides over the years means Dar has a<br />
wealth of experience in understanding the needs of brides.<br />
Here he shares some of the advice he gives his clients:<br />
Get a copy of <strong>Asiana</strong>: As soon as<br />
they say yes I tell all brides to get<br />
<strong>Asiana</strong> <strong>Wedding</strong> Magazine, it’s their<br />
A-Z guide on planning their Big Day.<br />
Have a confidant: This is your<br />
shoulder to lean on. It could be a<br />
relative or best friend. From choosing<br />
your dress, jewellery, venue and<br />
even underwear, they will hold your<br />
hand until the last minute and it’s a<br />
great relief to bounce your ideas with<br />
somebody you trust and have known<br />
for a while.<br />
Have a separate MUA and hair<br />
stylist: If someone specialise in<br />
make-up and they do dressing hair<br />
on the side is that the best you<br />
deserve? It takes years to become<br />
a hairdresser they have training<br />
and experience to give you the best<br />
experience so if you can afford both<br />
book both.<br />
Enjoy the day: Don’t look back on<br />
your photos and regret that you were<br />
worrying about the catering rather<br />
than enjoying the moment. On the<br />
day forget about everything else,<br />
leave that to the experienced team<br />
and enjoy soaking up the happiest,<br />
most romantic, most beautiful day of<br />
your life.<br />
Book your appointment with Dar:<br />
Hair By Dar Salon, Taj 51 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF<br />
www.hairbydar.com
HEALTH<br />
&Wellbeing<br />
Give your mind and body some TLC<br />
Edited by Anjana Gosai<br />
Inner healing<br />
Ila’s Kunye Massage is just the therapies to balance the meridian<br />
tonic when you’re feeling tired or system and make you feel like<br />
overwhelmed. The deeply-holistic yourself again. Expect Tibetan<br />
treatment utilises potent organic cupping, kneading and acupressure<br />
essential oils, many of which are on the body and scalp along with<br />
inherent to the Himalayas, to warm heart crystals that are<br />
stabilise the body and mind. Rose strategically placed over the body to<br />
geranium, lemongrass, tulsi and leave you fully energised.<br />
lavender oils smell divine and Find your nearest spa:<br />
are used with a host of healing www.ila-spa.com<br />
HEALTHY HOT DRINKS<br />
Reclaim your calm<br />
Are you one of those people that have no<br />
time to slot supplements into your regime?<br />
These vegan Deja Life wellness lattes<br />
are a great alternative to pills. Available in<br />
Love Cacoa, Glow Wild and Gold Powder (£30<br />
each, www.deja.life) options, each blend is packed<br />
with antioxidants and ashwagandha – a well know<br />
ayurvedic herb that boasts an array of health benefits.<br />
Stir two teaspoons into your favourite milk to help boost<br />
immunity, balance hormones and improve mood.<br />
Mauli’s Sleep Dharma Calm Balm (£44) has been designed<br />
to help you recentre yourself in moments of physical or<br />
emotional unrest. The therapeutic balm is loaded with<br />
a fusion of rare adaptogens of ashwagandha, brahmi,<br />
chamomile and sage to calm the nervous system and<br />
balance the mind. Massage onto the palms or pulse points<br />
and notice tension melt away.<br />
PACK A PUNCH<br />
As far as workouts go, boxing is a great way to<br />
burn fat, build muscle, keep fit and unleash some<br />
pent-up pre-wedding aggression.<br />
You’ll be targeting your whole<br />
body, including upper, lower<br />
and core. Working out at home?<br />
Try Boxing via the Peloton<br />
App (www.onepeloton.co.uk/<br />
app), which includes 20-minute<br />
classes covering shadowboxing<br />
fundamentals, footwork and<br />
defence with an expert instructor.<br />
Prefer to go it alone? Invest in a<br />
punch bag and get jabbing. Try<br />
Mirafit Freestanding Punch Bag<br />
(£139, www.mirafit.co.uk), which is made with<br />
PU leather with a base that can be filled with<br />
sand or water ensuring it withstands punches<br />
and kicks.<br />
FITNESS FABRIC<br />
The clever and weightless Pro Skins Slim High<br />
Waist Compression Leggings (£49.95, www.<br />
proskins.co) come infused with skincare<br />
ingredients that are massaged into the skin while<br />
you move. Ingredients like retinol, vitamin E, aloe<br />
vera and caffeine help boost circulation and keep<br />
the skin looking its best. Perfect for low impact<br />
workouts like yoga and pilates, Lululemon Align<br />
Pants (£88, www.lululemon.co.uk) are made with<br />
stretchable Nulu fabric, which is super soft with<br />
an almost second-skin like feel.
HEALTH & FITNESS<br />
TRIED, TESTED<br />
& OBSESSED:<br />
Ushvani Spa<br />
You’ll feel immersed in serenity<br />
the moment you step inside this<br />
luxurious Malaysian day spa where the<br />
focus is on slowing down and being<br />
pampered. Ahead of your chosen<br />
treatment you’re invited to take a<br />
dip in the warm and soothing spa<br />
plunge pool and steam rooms before<br />
you surrender to the calming touch<br />
of your therapist. If you’re visiting<br />
with a friend or partner, book the<br />
Amara ‘love’ Suite for the ultimate<br />
relaxing retreat. All massages last<br />
a minimum of 90 minutes giving<br />
you optimal relaxation. Signature<br />
treatments include the heavenly Malay<br />
massage where you’ll receive topto-toe<br />
attention. A scalp massage<br />
and reflexology with a velvety soft<br />
ointment are highlights, alongside<br />
a full body massage leaving you<br />
feeling like you’re in a cocoon of<br />
bliss. Afterwards chill out in Ushvani’s<br />
candlelit tea lounge with a comforting<br />
cup of hibiscus tea.<br />
www.ushvani.com<br />
Recharge with IV<br />
When you consider the stresses that come<br />
with planning a wedding, it’s no wonder many<br />
brides and grooms reach their Big Day feeling<br />
run down and exhausted. Recharge your body<br />
and mind with a customised Intravenous<br />
infusion. IV drips work by delivering<br />
essential minerals and vitamins directly into<br />
the bloodstream, allowing the cells to take<br />
immediate advantage. If you’re exhausted<br />
look for vitamins C and B12 plus magnesium<br />
to replenish energy levels, while B-complex<br />
can help to calm nerves and improve<br />
concentration.<br />
Try it at www.zenhealthcare.co.uk<br />
LOVE YOUR LYMPH<br />
The lymphatic system is our body’s built-in-detoxifier, working to<br />
get rid of waste, toxins and excess fluid. “Blockages in our lymphatic<br />
system can lead to migraines, breakouts, tiredness and<br />
bloating,” says lymphatic drainage expert Dimple Amani.<br />
Loved by Sonam Kapoor and a host of influencers, Dimple’s<br />
healing lymphatic drainage is a must for anyone suffering<br />
from these symptoms. The Amani Method involves Brazilian<br />
and Ayurvedic massage techniques using her magic hands<br />
combined with a Gua Sha-like body sculpting tool and a<br />
warm Ayurvedic oil filled with more than 20 herbs. It instantly<br />
removes excess fluid from the body and works especially<br />
well to de-puff the stomach and legs. The temporary<br />
slimming effect is an added bonus. www.dimpleamani.com<br />
POWER SHOTS<br />
Blended with vitamin and mineral rich fruits and vegetables<br />
carefully selected for their health benefits – the B Fresh<br />
Wellness Shots have been designed with nutritionist<br />
Matt Jones. The Focus, Relax and Sleep cold-pressed juice<br />
shots can be sipped on daily and come filled with natural<br />
goodness like flaxseed to ease inflammation, stress-reducing<br />
ashwagandha and relaxation-inducing lemon balm. Available<br />
for nationwide delivery, (£59 for an 8 day supply)<br />
www.b-fresh.co.uk<br />
TRY IT<br />
Power your workouts with Artah<br />
Cellular Hydration (£32, www.artah.<br />
co). Loaded with<br />
Peruvian maca and insulin,<br />
this sugar and sweetenerfree<br />
electrolyte powder<br />
improves recovery, boosts<br />
energy and supports<br />
mineral balance in low<br />
carbohydrate diets.
Fall in love with<br />
YOUR SMILE<br />
Simple cosmetic procedures can make a big<br />
difference as Dentist Dr Kal Prajapat explains<br />
About Dr Kalpesh Prajapat<br />
Dr Kal was awarded ‘Best Young<br />
Dentist Midlands - Highly Commended’<br />
and was shortlisted as a finalist for Best<br />
Young Dentist UK for two years running<br />
at the 2019 and 2020 Dental awards. He is<br />
also a best-selling Amazon <strong>Aut</strong>hor and the<br />
co-founder of www.iwanttobeadentist.com,<br />
an educational platform for future dentists.<br />
It’s well-known that when meeting someone new, one of the<br />
first things that we notice about them is their smile. In fact,<br />
the smile is also one of the most powerful traits determining<br />
attractiveness. So it’s not surprising that so many brides and<br />
grooms-to-be seek cosmetic dental treatment ahead of their<br />
Big Day, to ensure they look their best when it matters most in front<br />
of all those cameras. That’s where Dr Kal comes in. Kalpesh has an<br />
enormous passion for dental excellence and has a special interest in<br />
cosmetic dental treatments including composite bonding, Invisalign<br />
teeth straightening, ceramic veneers, teeth whitening and smile<br />
reconstruction with dental implants. In short all the procedures that<br />
could make a huge difference to improving you life your self confidence<br />
and your smile.<br />
Dr Kal shares his top five healthy<br />
hygiene habits for brides and groom<br />
Buy a pressure sensitive toothbrush<br />
1<br />
Using an electric toothbrush with a<br />
pressure sensitive function is a must. Electric<br />
toothbrushes help to remove more plaque<br />
bacteria than a regular toothbrush, the key<br />
cause of gum bleeding, bad breath and<br />
staining. A pressure alert sensor will help to<br />
prevent harm caused by over brushing. My<br />
personal favorite would be Oral B IO.<br />
Use interdental cleaning aids<br />
2<br />
Did you know a toothbrush only cleans<br />
three of the five surfaces of your teeth? To<br />
clean all tooth surfaces an interdental aid must<br />
be used, ideally twice daily. A silky floss can<br />
help glide between tightly placed teeth but an<br />
interdental brush is ideal for back teeth and<br />
bigger gaps. The key is to get a tight fitting<br />
brush to clean between teeth. My top tip is to<br />
add toothpaste on these bristles before you<br />
use them. My favourites are Oral B Pro-expert<br />
floss and Tepe Easypick.<br />
Try a tongue cleaner<br />
3<br />
The tongue can be a large store of<br />
bacteria which can contribute to poor odour.<br />
Daily tongue cleansing is a good habit to<br />
maintain fresh breath and avoid a coated<br />
tongue.<br />
4<br />
Book your professional hygiene visit<br />
Seeing a dental hygienist can make a<br />
huge impact to your oral health. Hygienists<br />
are equipped with advanced tools to blast<br />
through deep staining and remove hard tartar<br />
build up helping to brighten and freshen your<br />
smile.<br />
Be mindful of your diet<br />
5<br />
We all know red wine, tea and coffee<br />
can lead to staining. But did you know<br />
that ‘no added sugar’ drinks can also be<br />
harmful? due to their erosive potential it<br />
can cause the enamel to weaken. Using<br />
a straw can reduce harmful damage and<br />
reduce staining. Also drinking cooler fluids<br />
is better than warmer, for reducing damage<br />
by erosion.
CHOOSING YOUR TREATMENT<br />
Dr Kal shares the most common treatments requested by couples<br />
DENTAL<br />
INVISALIGN TEETH STRAIGHTENING<br />
What to expect<br />
Invisalign is a clear alternative to metal<br />
braces. It’s the most advanced, near<br />
invisible aligner, designed for teeth<br />
straightening. Over 10 million people<br />
worldwide have benefitted from Invisalign<br />
and it can be used to treat overcrowding,<br />
spaced teeth, improve the bite position and<br />
many other dental issues.<br />
When you’ll see results<br />
Invisalign uses a series of aligners to move<br />
teeth gradually into a straighter, desirable<br />
position. Each aligner is typically worn<br />
for seven days and a series of aligners are<br />
COMPOSITE BONDING<br />
What to expect<br />
Composite bonding is<br />
where a tooth coloured<br />
material is sculpted<br />
onto the natural tooth<br />
to improve its cosmetic<br />
appearance. It is cost<br />
effective, minimally<br />
invasive and is used for<br />
correcting small changes<br />
in tooth shape, size, and<br />
symmetry. Common<br />
reasons for treatment<br />
include fractures, small<br />
imperfections, minor<br />
gaps, chips and uneven<br />
edges. Composite<br />
bonding is also commonly<br />
performed after invisalign<br />
to enhance the smile.<br />
There is no pain involved.<br />
In most cases a dental<br />
injection is not even<br />
needed. There is no harm<br />
to the natural tooth as the<br />
material is layered onto<br />
of natural tooth surface<br />
without drilling.<br />
When you’ll see results<br />
Composite bonding is done<br />
in a single visit usually,<br />
and can take up to two<br />
to three hours only. This<br />
gives you an instant smile<br />
makeover with no harm or<br />
no injection. On average<br />
given for you to use and change at home.<br />
Treatment can be as quick as 12 weeks.<br />
Patient aftercare<br />
You also don’t need to have multiple visits<br />
to the dentist either. They use a digital scan<br />
box to monitor your teeth movement to<br />
ensure it’s super accurate which reduces<br />
your need to attend the clinic. You only<br />
attend at the start and a couple of times<br />
throughout for monitoring.<br />
Cost<br />
Invisalign starts from £2500 or from £100<br />
per month over 24 months.<br />
bonding lasts between<br />
three to five years, in this<br />
time the material will<br />
require maintenance.<br />
Patient aftercare<br />
Six to 12 monthly polishes<br />
are advised to maintain<br />
their shine and reduce<br />
stain build up. Excellent<br />
oral hygiene and diet<br />
control is advised to<br />
provide long lasting<br />
results.<br />
Cost Composite bonding<br />
start from £299 per tooth<br />
PROFESSIONAL<br />
TEETH WHITENING<br />
What to expect<br />
Teeth whitening is an extremely simple yet<br />
highly effective minimally invasive method<br />
of brightening your smile. The most common<br />
form of tooth whitening involves a twoweek<br />
home treatment kit. This kit includes<br />
whitening gels and custom-made tooth<br />
whitening trays. The trays are worn at night<br />
while you sleep and the gel works by breaking<br />
down the discolouration.<br />
When you’ll see results<br />
Guaranteed whiter teeth can be expected<br />
with the treatment. Usually most patients<br />
will see a noticeable improvement within<br />
two weeks. Darker discolouration may take<br />
longer to whiten but 90% of patients will see a<br />
difference within the first two weeks.<br />
Patient aftercare<br />
Whitening results are largely dependent on<br />
lifestyle factors such as diet, oral hygiene and<br />
smoking. Most patients will be satisfied with<br />
their result for up to four years. Long lasting<br />
white smiles can be maintained by topping up<br />
whitening once every three-six months.<br />
Cost<br />
Whitening fees begin from £350<br />
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Watch Dr Kal perform LIVE<br />
To book an appointment with Dr Kal visit<br />
www.drkal.co.uk or Whatsapp +447835798611<br />
Clinic locations: Birmingham<br />
(Sheldon Dental Centre, 26 Sheaf Lane,<br />
B25 3HD) and Stafford (Abbey House Dental,<br />
13 Lichfield Street, St1<strong>58</strong>NA)
Groomingnotes<br />
FIVE STAR TREATMENT FOR THE MAN OF THE MOMENT<br />
TRY IT<br />
Is your skin easily irritated? Gingerlily Man<br />
Mulberry Silk Pillowcase (£66) is said to limit the<br />
amount of friction the skin is exposed to during sleep,<br />
helping to prevent irritation and pulling.<br />
Hair hero<br />
Healthy hair begins at the root.<br />
If dandruff is a problem, give Inkey<br />
List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Scalp<br />
Scrub (£12.99) a go. It’s loaded with<br />
glycolic acid to remove dead skin,<br />
Mediterranean microalgae to regulate<br />
sebum levels, biodegradable castor<br />
beads to enhance exfoliation, plus<br />
natural sugars to balance and<br />
maintain scalp health. It works<br />
wonders to deep clean the<br />
scalp and sweep away<br />
build-up.<br />
Multi-tasking balm<br />
Feed Your Skin<br />
If you find regular moisturisers too rich or greasy,<br />
try this lightweight gel formula that feels like a<br />
burst of water for thirsty skin. Zelens Acqua<br />
Shiso Hydrating Gel Cream (£65, www.zelens.<br />
com) contains Japanese mint, which provides antiinflammatory<br />
and antibacterial benefits along with<br />
moisture-enhancing hyaluronic acid and glycerin.<br />
Loaded with skin-softening shea, mango seed and kokum<br />
butters, the La Labo Multi-Purpose Balm (£16, Lelabofragrances.<br />
com) is gently fragranced with the brand’s signature<br />
grooming scent of fresh bergamot and lavender,<br />
edged with the coolness of violet and tonka bean.<br />
Use it to tame unruly hair, stubble and to hydrate<br />
dry skin patches on the go.<br />
SENSUAL<br />
SCENT<br />
Part of the<br />
new Tom Ford<br />
Enigmatic Woods<br />
Collection, Santal<br />
Blush (£195) is<br />
a sensual fusion<br />
of sandalwood<br />
and exotic spices,<br />
enhanced with<br />
soothing ylang<br />
ylang, warm<br />
cinnamon, and<br />
sumptuous woods.<br />
The perfect winter<br />
wedding scent.<br />
Words: Anjana Gosai
Happy Hour<br />
Whether whisky is your weakness<br />
or you prefer to have some rum<br />
in your tum every groom and his<br />
groomsmen need a hip flask to<br />
hand. A good drinking vessel can<br />
go a long way on the Big Day<br />
and this 14-carat gold-plated hip<br />
flask by VISKI (£66.45) is ideal. Its<br />
rounded design makes it easy to<br />
slip into your pocket so if you need<br />
a swig of Dutch courage before the speeches you know<br />
where to reach for it. www.thedesigngiftshop.com<br />
BRASSED OFF<br />
Bring the giggles to the gang. Gift this<br />
humorous gold foghorn (£21) to your<br />
best man to help him keep the boys in<br />
check during your stag do. One blast<br />
from the horn and they’ll know who’s<br />
in charge. It’s a replica of an original<br />
horn used by sailors to notify each<br />
other of hazardous weather and it will<br />
no doubt attract its own memorable<br />
tales from the evening.<br />
www.thenauticalcompany.com<br />
Your wedding day is<br />
an excuse to invest in<br />
a piece of history. Sure<br />
you can check your<br />
mobile for the time but<br />
where’s the sophistication? These mechanical<br />
masterpieces, popular with the elite in the early<br />
20th century, carry prestige and when hung<br />
from a chain will make you feel every inch<br />
the gentlemen. An accessory that will bring<br />
a timeless charm to your wedding photos<br />
the Mount Royal gold-plated Double Hunter<br />
pocket watch (£110) can be engraved with a<br />
personal message too. www.farrar-tanner.co.uk<br />
GROOM<br />
Accessories<br />
MAN MUST HAVES<br />
THE GROOM<br />
Stay Grounded<br />
Good coffee takes time, so don’t cut<br />
corners. Enjoy the aroma of a fresh<br />
brew each morning while you work on<br />
your wedding checklist. Use these quiet<br />
moments to carve out some for yourself<br />
as you sip from the drip. The Hario Bloom<br />
coffee drip kit (£299) retains the full flavour<br />
of the coffee beans so you can guarantee a<br />
caffeine kick that hits you when you need<br />
it. The kit includes three blends and a smart<br />
server.<br />
www.bridgecoffeeroasters.co.uk<br />
BOXED IN<br />
For the suave gent who has an eye for style<br />
Handmade from one of the rarest<br />
woods in the world Macassar Ebony,<br />
this heirloom watch box (£3200)<br />
is a modern-day treasure chest.<br />
Limited edition in design, it stores<br />
watches and essential accessories<br />
such as cufflinks and rings ensuring<br />
your valuables are safe inside chic, lockable<br />
storage. www.iwoodesign.com<br />
It’s About Time<br />
Mindful Moments<br />
Press pause and take a moment to<br />
recharge and reflect – wedding planning<br />
can take its toll. The only way<br />
to survive is to slow down and<br />
aromatherapy can help. Essential<br />
oils can reduce any stresses<br />
you’re experiencing and keep you<br />
energised between tasks. We love<br />
the Young Living range (£41<br />
each) which features specially<br />
blended portable aromas.<br />
www.youngliving.com<br />
Outfit by Sache
HONEYMOON Notes<br />
The world’s most romantic escapes, new openings and travel essentials<br />
NEW OPENINGS<br />
<strong>Asiana</strong> recommends:<br />
Anantara World Islands<br />
Dubai Resort, UAE<br />
Hop on a boat from mainland Dubai to Anantara World<br />
Islands resort where you can indulge in ultimate privacy.<br />
Bask in the sun on the private beach whilst gazing at the<br />
iconic Dubai skyline. Pick from a range of luxurious rooms,<br />
suites and villas featuring private pools and sea views. Give<br />
your tastebuds a treat with dishes at the on-site restaurants<br />
showcasing local and Mediterranean cuisine, as well as<br />
private ‘dine by design’ concepts on the beach. The relaxing<br />
ambience continues in the soothing spa, featuring a variety<br />
of treatments. Daily boats are available to transport you from<br />
the island to the city and back.<br />
• www.anantara.com/en/world-islands-dubai<br />
SWITZERLAND<br />
Skiing enthusiasts should head to Six<br />
Senses Crans-Montana. Swiss chalet<br />
architecture meets Alpine sophistication<br />
at this five-star mountaintop retreat. Hit<br />
the slopes then recover in style at the<br />
2,000 square metre spa. There’s also a<br />
rooftop pool, Alpine garden and openair-cinema<br />
to enjoy.<br />
www.sixsenses.com<br />
VIETNAM<br />
There are no rooms at Regent Phu<br />
Quoc, just stunning suites and villas all<br />
with private pools and an airy aesthetic.<br />
Expect six restaurants and bars, a<br />
comprehensive spa and stretches of<br />
white sandy beaches. Honeymooners<br />
will love the romantic offerings such as<br />
a Robinson Crusoe picnic on a deserted<br />
island and oceanside dinners.<br />
www.phuquoc.regenthotels.com<br />
Get Packing<br />
What to take on your great getaway<br />
Their Nibs nightwear are a<br />
treat to slip into. Pick from<br />
soft satin or comfy cotton<br />
sets with gorgeous hand<br />
painted prints. Peacock<br />
Feather Shorties (£36,<br />
www.theirnibs.com)<br />
With a distinctive design, the Antler<br />
Clifton (£159, antler.co.uk) is everything<br />
you want from a carry on - strong but<br />
light. Its hard polycarbonate shell is built<br />
to last and will protect your belongings<br />
from damage. Inside, it’s spacious,<br />
allowing you to easily cram a week’s<br />
worth of essentials. Clever 360-degree<br />
wheels means it glides like a dream.<br />
Stow your travel essentials away in<br />
this soft leather Passport Folio (£49,<br />
www.notanotherbill.com). Available<br />
in seven shades and you can also<br />
personalise it with your new initials.<br />
SOUTH AFRICA<br />
The Homestead is an ultra-luxury<br />
eco lodge on the Nambiti Private<br />
Game Reserve offering huge suites<br />
with butler service, private pools and<br />
crackling fires. Spot the Big Five along<br />
with species of birds and plants native<br />
to the region. Newly-weds can learn<br />
wildlife photography skills and partake<br />
in cooking lessons.<br />
www.homesteadlodge.com<br />
Words: Anjana Gosai
HOTEL OF THE SEASON:<br />
THE GALATA ISTANBUL<br />
MGALLERY HOTEL<br />
You’re guaranteed to find<br />
Turkish delight inside the luxury<br />
Galata Istanbul MGallery Hotel<br />
and not just on the dessert<br />
table. Anatolian charm, design<br />
and attention to detail are felt in every aspect<br />
of your experience here; from its bright and<br />
spacious art-deco inspired bedrooms to its<br />
grand historic Cesme Hammam which dates<br />
back 300 years. The MGallery which is the<br />
oldest of four Galata hotels in the collection is<br />
the most exclusive boutique hotel in the city<br />
of Istanbul. Housed in a former bank there are<br />
quirky features like safety boxes in the hotel<br />
lobby and nods to the heritage of the space<br />
once being a newspaper printing house too.<br />
Combining culture and heritage with grand<br />
design, it’s the number one must-stay place<br />
for honeymooners and is the most-desirable<br />
hotel of the moment in Turkey.<br />
Elegant accommodation<br />
The deluxe rooms and suites have fresh,<br />
contemporary interiors and come with large<br />
LED televisions and espresso machines.<br />
Furniture and styling have a stylish art-deco<br />
theme with details like wooden shutters<br />
and original wallpaper, you’ll feel like you’re<br />
staying somewhere truly special. You’ll also<br />
have a private terrace where you can take in<br />
the beauty of this magical city.<br />
Pampering Perfection<br />
Guests are invited to use the historic Cesme Hammam<br />
and book in for a complete Turkish Bath & Spa experience<br />
where you’ll be immersed in water therapy, giving you a<br />
chance to recharge and refresh after your wedding. It’s<br />
also a popular spot with bridal parties so if you’re planning<br />
on a destination wedding in Istanbul it’s a great place to<br />
make a private booking so you can all indulge in pampering<br />
treatments followed by lashings of Turkish tea and the most<br />
delectable baklava you’ve ever tried.<br />
HONEYMOON<br />
Divine dining<br />
You’ll find two restaurants and a chic lobby<br />
bar at the hotel. Mesai Restaurant offers<br />
dreamy views of the Old City and is a<br />
romantic spot to enjoy a sundowner cocktail<br />
and tuck into artistic dishes. Mesai Karakoy<br />
served global dishes all day and offers views<br />
over the dramatic Historic Peninsular.<br />
www.thegalataistanbul.com<br />
thegalataistanbul
MR<br />
AND<br />
MRS<br />
Start married life in the lap of luxury...<br />
Shangri-La The Shard, London<br />
Sky high luxury coupled with unrivalled views over the Capital<br />
THE ROOMS AND SUITES<br />
Starting up in the clouds on level 34 – 125<br />
metres high – Shangri La The Shard occupies<br />
18 floors inside the Renzo Piano-designed<br />
skyscraper – the UK’s tallest building. The<br />
hotel is the Hong Kong based Shangri-La’s<br />
first UK outpost, offering exquisite and<br />
spacious rooms with jaw-dropping views.<br />
All 202 rooms are spacious and serene<br />
with a sleek and sophisticated décor<br />
complete with floor to ceiling windows,<br />
which make you feel connected to the<br />
city. There are 17 suites to pick from,<br />
including the London Suite – the place to<br />
book for serious wow-factor. The second<br />
largest suite in the hotel, can be found<br />
on level 38. Luxurious in every way, the<br />
expansive one-bedroom suite features<br />
mood-lighting, a walk-in dressing area,<br />
huge living and dining room, kitchenette, a<br />
spacious marble clad bathroom - complete<br />
with a rain shower, separate tub overlooking<br />
Tower Bridge and The Tower of London,<br />
Acqua Di Parma toiletries and an integrated<br />
television screen in the mirror. You’re<br />
guaranteed a good sleep in the comfy<br />
beds with body-contouring technology,<br />
1,000-threadcount Frette linen and a lavish<br />
pillow menu to pick from.<br />
Telescopes for admiring the views and<br />
fascinating books on London architectural<br />
history are thoughtful additions. London<br />
Suite guests also get exclusive privileges<br />
including a one-way private airport<br />
transfer – ideal for those jetting off on a<br />
honeymoon plus a bottle of Champagne<br />
on arrival. There’s also a Butler service<br />
available upon request.<br />
FACILITIES<br />
This is a hotel where you will want to<br />
enjoy the room rather than explore your<br />
surroundings.<br />
If you do venture out, whizz up to<br />
the 52nd-floor, where you will find the<br />
calming Skypool and Finnish sauna<br />
boasting stunning views of London’s iconic<br />
landmarks. There is also a lounge area and<br />
complimentary teas and fruit to snack on.<br />
This floor is also home to Gong, the highest<br />
hotel bar in Europe. While there’s no spa on<br />
site, you can book a Neal’s Yard massage in<br />
the comfort of your room.<br />
For your evening meal, head to Ting,<br />
which offers European fine-dining with<br />
an Asian twist. Dishes are put together<br />
using plenty of ingredients sourced from<br />
the neighbouring Borough Market. We<br />
recommend the delicious Miso Cod and<br />
Malaysian-style Fried Rice. There’s also a<br />
plant-based menu. If you prefer a more<br />
intimate meal, book Dining in the Sky – this<br />
romantic private dining experience includes<br />
a three-course meal, champagne, wine and<br />
wonderful views.<br />
www.shangri-la.com
FIRST NIGHT<br />
Words: Anjana Gosai<br />
The Loch & The Tyne,<br />
Old Windsor, Berkshire<br />
Five-star food in a gorgeous<br />
countryside inn makes this the<br />
perfect post-wedding getaway<br />
Conveniently located in the pretty village of Old<br />
Windsor, just 20 minutes from Heathrow, this<br />
characterful inn by celebrity chef Adam Handling is<br />
an ideal pit stop for foodies.<br />
The lodge style building complete with two suites,<br />
fire pits, tartan throws (a nod to Handling’s Scottish<br />
heritage) and a large outdoor terrace is an ideal post<br />
wedding getaway for those wanting some seclusion<br />
and serenity after the festivities.<br />
With just two rooms, you’ll feel well looked after,<br />
but be sure to book well in advance as demand is<br />
high. The Loch Suite features a free-standing bath<br />
in the living room, sofa, double bed, shower room,<br />
walls adorned with modern art and a pretty outdoor<br />
terrace with views of the restaurant’s eco-garden.<br />
Little touches like homemade bath salts, hot water<br />
bottles, ready-made Negroni and the most delicious<br />
chunky shortbread, baked daily in-house, will make<br />
your stay all so special.<br />
A chance for you to sample Adam Handling’s<br />
culinary creations should not be overlooked.<br />
Handling has cooked for G7 leaders, he also runs the<br />
Michelin-starred Frog in Covent Garden and Ugly<br />
Butterfly in Cornwall.<br />
The menu at The Loch & The Tyne includes<br />
refined British pub classics made with local<br />
produce and there’s a huge emphasis on sustainable<br />
practices - no food goes to waste here. A lot of the<br />
ingredients are picked from the onsite vegetable<br />
garden and orchid. Highlights from the a la carte<br />
menu include Handling’s famous warm sourdough<br />
with whipped chicken butter and a sprinkle of<br />
crunchy chicken ‘crackling’; decadent cheese<br />
doughnuts topped with lashings of parmesan and a<br />
pretty strawberry trifle scattered with edible petals<br />
on chantilly cream. There are also classic options<br />
like fish and chips and aged rib-eye, which come<br />
with a fine-dining edge.<br />
Once you’ve indulged, hop on one of the Velosophy<br />
bikes, made using recycled Nespresso pods and<br />
explore the nearby countryside.<br />
www.lochandtyne.com
ISLAND PARADISE<br />
Indulge in the simple pleasures of glorious weather, divine<br />
dining and pure unadulterated pampering at the Angsana<br />
Corfu Resort & Spa says Momtaz Begum-Hossain<br />
The first time you spy the impressive<br />
hilltop resort of Angsana Corfu<br />
will be from the plane. It’s the most<br />
striking building on the landscape<br />
as you come to land on the beautiful<br />
island of Corfu. Basking in golden lights it has<br />
an almost heavenly air about it and a celestial<br />
spirit that radiates throughout your stay.<br />
Corfu is the most intriguing of the Greek<br />
islands, nestled in the Ionian Sea and rich<br />
in history and natural wonders. Corfu’s Old<br />
Town is a thriving hub of shops and eateries<br />
adjacent to a picturesque harbour. If you hire<br />
a car you’ll have the freedom to zip around<br />
the island visiting monasteries, beaches and<br />
epic viewpoints; that’s if you can draw yourself<br />
away from the Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa.<br />
Opened in the summer of 2021 in a short space<br />
of time, it has established itself as the most<br />
desirable spot on the island, ideal for a luxurious<br />
honeymoon and a dreamy fairytale wedding in<br />
the Mediterranean.<br />
The resort has a private sandy beach, spa,<br />
several fine dining restaurants and cocktail<br />
bars. Large spacious rooms with balconies are<br />
located in the main building or you can book one<br />
of the hotel’s villas which comes with a private<br />
pool, kitchen and dining area. The concierge<br />
have also designed local walking tours where<br />
you can wander through olive groves and enjoy<br />
mesmerising sunset views.
HONEYMOON<br />
Luxury lodgings & delicious dining<br />
Whether you stay in one of the 37 private villas or in<br />
the main hotel which has 159 luxurious rooms you’ll<br />
experience the five-star treatment that Angsana hotels<br />
around the world are known for, blending Asian hospitality<br />
with local culture. Comfort is a priority and you’ll feel at<br />
ease immediately.<br />
There are four signature restaurants and seven bars<br />
located throughout the resort which have outdoor terraces,<br />
perfect for warm summer evenings. Cuisine includes<br />
Asian fusion dishes and Greek specialities including the<br />
most cooling, thick and moreish tzatziki you’ve ever tried.<br />
Foodies from all over Greece book a table at Botrini’s finedining<br />
restaurant curated by Michelin-star chef Ettore<br />
Botrini and with such highly praised cooking on your<br />
doorstep it would be rude not to visit.<br />
Blissful bathing<br />
Home to the largest infinity pool in Corfu, the hotel’s main<br />
swimming pool is the focal point of the resort. From here<br />
you can look out over breathtaking views while sipping<br />
on a cocktail. If you’re staying in one of the villas that<br />
have a private pool, it’s still worth venturing here for the<br />
experience. The Angsana Spa on site is a must-visit for<br />
honeymooners. Share an indulgent flower petal bath and<br />
enjoy their complete wellness experience which features a<br />
sublime foot rub and relaxing massage.<br />
DESTINATION WEDDINGS AT ANGSANA<br />
CORFU HOTEL & RESORT<br />
Hotel weddings can often take place inside conference facilities which<br />
means guests miss out on the allure and charm of the venue but not<br />
here. <strong>Wedding</strong>s can be held in any area of the hotel you like. Couples are<br />
encouraged to visit and enjoy the facilities before choosing their spot<br />
which could be the alfresco terrace of one of the hotel’s bars, holding a<br />
reception in a restaurant and having a ceremony on Angsana’s private<br />
beach which is exclusive to guests. Our favourite spot though is on the<br />
wooden decks overlooking the hotel’s pool, the light here is stunning with<br />
blue skies as far as the eye can see; it truly is an island paradise.<br />
www.angsana.com/greece/corfu
DEIA<br />
Nestled amongst the majestic<br />
Tramuntana mountains,<br />
yet boasting views of the<br />
sparkling Mediterranean<br />
waters, Deià, is a charming<br />
village that has become a magnet for<br />
celebrities and adventurers as well as a<br />
long-established hub for artistic talent.<br />
Just 45-minutes from Palma Airport,<br />
this region of Majorca is a UNESCO world<br />
heritage site thanks to its picture-perfect<br />
landscapes and lush greenery giving it<br />
an old world, unspoilt feel. With a cluster<br />
of exceptional restaurants, including the<br />
Michelin-starred Es Racó d’es Teix- it’s no<br />
surprise that foodies often make a bee line<br />
for this idyllic municipality.<br />
WHERE TO STAY: La Residencia,<br />
A Belmond Hotel<br />
This rocky hillside town is also home to one<br />
of Majorca’s most desirable properties – La<br />
Residencia, A Belmond Hotel. Furnished<br />
with local antiques, fabrics and over 750<br />
works from local painters, this is a place<br />
which offers high-end luxury but with<br />
a creative soul. Home to an exclusive<br />
suite created by British fashion designer,<br />
Matthew Williamson, La Residencia<br />
unapologetically serves up the very best<br />
of everything from fine dining to spa<br />
indulgence to poolside relaxation and<br />
impeccable service.<br />
Honeymooners will feel a million miles<br />
away from it all amongst the mountains<br />
which, according to local legend, emit<br />
positive, healing energy. Just what you<br />
need after all the excursions that come<br />
with getting hitched. There’s plenty to do<br />
at the hotel once you’ve settled into your<br />
rooms, which are spacious and serene with<br />
MAGNIFICENT<br />
Majorca<br />
Dramatic landscapes, azure<br />
waters and cultural corners<br />
makes this Balearic Island the ideal<br />
honeymoon hotspot, says Anjana Gosai<br />
The largest of the Balearic Islands and blessed with more than 300 sunny days-a-year,<br />
Majorca is a well-established beach, golf and party destination for British holidaymakers.<br />
But venture slightly off the beaten track to the largely unspoilt north west of the Island,<br />
you will find breath-taking coastlines, rugged mountain ranges, towns rich in art and<br />
culture and high-end luxury to rival Europe’s more traditionally-glamorous destinations.<br />
crisp linen and sumptuous pillows.<br />
Bask in the views by the pool, as staff<br />
bring over cooling sorbets along with a tray<br />
of mini Natura Bisse sunscreen.<br />
Pick from a range of therapeutic<br />
treatments at the award-winning spa<br />
or simply chill out in the indoor pool. A<br />
couple’s Citrus Siesta massage on the<br />
alfresco terrace is highly recommended<br />
– it’s the perfect spot to soak in the<br />
spectacular scenery while being pampered.<br />
Art lovers can’t help but adore this place.<br />
Book into a sculpting class with sculptormaestro<br />
Juan Waelder or an art class with<br />
residence artist Alan Hydes, who has some<br />
fascinating anecdotes to share about his<br />
celebrity clients. The ‘cava’ masterclass<br />
with resident sommelier is also popular.<br />
Those who prefer adventure can hire a<br />
Vespa to explore or venture out for a hike<br />
with expert guide, Eduardo.<br />
For a memorable afternoon, take the<br />
complimentary shuttle from the hotel down<br />
to Ca’s Patro March . This restaurant sits<br />
so close to the crashing waves on a tiny cove<br />
known as Cala Deià, that you have to time<br />
your walk across the pebbles from the path<br />
to reach this rustic seafood eatery, in order<br />
to avoid the tides.<br />
Evenings at ‘La Res’ are magical and<br />
best enjoyed sipping a cocktail in the<br />
citrus and ancient olive tree lined gardens<br />
before an indulgent dinner at one of the<br />
restaurants. The fine-dining El Olivo,<br />
set in a 17th-century olive mill, serves<br />
Majorcan breads and catch-of-the-day<br />
delights such as prawn ceviche with<br />
seaweed sour cream. The mountain-facing<br />
Café Miro comes to life with live music<br />
and they serve an unforgettable selection<br />
of traditional desserts. La Residencia is<br />
known as Mallorca’s grand dame and a<br />
vast proportion of guests return here year<br />
after year - it just has that effect on you.<br />
www.belmond.com
HONEYMOON<br />
PORT DE SOLLER & SOLLER<br />
A buzzy and popular harbour village, Port<br />
de Soller offers a discerning alternative<br />
to Majorca’s more mainstream coastal<br />
resorts. With a marina studded with bars<br />
and restaurants, this horseshoe-shaped bay<br />
attracts holidaymakers and honeymooners<br />
alike.<br />
The vintage tramway, nicknamed the<br />
‘Orange Express’ due to the citrus groves<br />
it rattles past, is the only working tram in<br />
Majorca and connects Port de Soller with<br />
the nearby town of Soller. This postcardpretty<br />
historical town features charming<br />
local eateries, cobbled streets and eclectic<br />
architecture including the imposinglybeautiful<br />
Neo-gothic church of Sant<br />
Bartolomeu.<br />
WHERE TO STAY: JUMEIRAH<br />
PORT SOLLER HOTEL & SPA<br />
Perched majestically on the cliffs overlooking<br />
the port and the gleaming Mediterranean<br />
Sea is the Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa.<br />
This luxurious retreat feels a world away from<br />
the bustle of the harbour, with panoramic<br />
views of the sea on one side and the towering<br />
Tramuntana Mountains on the other.<br />
Its 87 rooms and 40 suites are thoughtfully<br />
spaced, ensuring the property never feels<br />
too busy. Each room comes with a balcony<br />
and large bathrooms, many of which boast<br />
glass-walled showers overlooking the sea.<br />
You can also expect high-end touches from<br />
Mühldorfer goose-down pillows to Natura<br />
Bisse amenities.<br />
If you really want to soak in the views,<br />
head to the Sunset Lounge, where guests<br />
can sample a variety of Japanese-Peruvian<br />
delicacies amidst live DJs as the sun<br />
disappears into the sea. Formal dining can be<br />
enjoyed at the resort’s Cap Roig restaurant.<br />
The jewel in the crown of this regal<br />
property is the incredible Talise Spa, a<br />
modern wellness centre including a sauna,<br />
Hamman suite and ten treatment rooms.<br />
The spa’s outdoor hydro pool overlooking<br />
the mountains offers ultimate relaxation while<br />
the extensive spa menu includes treatments<br />
combining modern techniques with traditional<br />
ingredients, like crushed almonds and local<br />
olive oil.<br />
While it may be tempting to lounge by the<br />
hotel’s impressive infinity pool throughout<br />
your stay, we recommend booking a<br />
speedboat for an afternoon. Explore the<br />
rugged coastline, relax on the waves, and<br />
venture into caves with a knowledgeable<br />
guide (try www.sollercharterexperience).<br />
Once the boat trip is over, grab a meal<br />
at Suculenta Port de Soller (www.<br />
suculentaportdesoller.com)– a fine dining<br />
restaurant that is perfectly placed right on the<br />
waterfront.<br />
www.jumeirah.com
EASTERN Promise<br />
The Middle East remains the number one dream destination for couples seeking<br />
unrivalled luxury and hospitality. We sent Fariha Sabir-Bajwa to check out the latest<br />
must-stay hotels for honeymooners in the region’s most desirable locations<br />
UAE: FOUR SEASONS RESORT JUMEIRAH BEACH, DUBAI<br />
Dubai has long established itself as<br />
a honeymoon haven and made<br />
its mark as the ultimate glitzy<br />
and glamorous playground of<br />
indulgence and hedonism. With<br />
this image in mind, it only makes sense to choose<br />
a hotel that will match such lustrous expectations.<br />
Cue Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach<br />
– which will not just meet expectations, but also go<br />
way beyond.<br />
Ideally located near downtown Dubai on<br />
Jumeirah Beach Road, the hotel boasts aweinspiring<br />
views of the illustrious Dubai skyline on<br />
one side and the sparkling waters of the Arabian<br />
Gulf on the other. This means that most things on<br />
your to-do list will most likely be conveniently close<br />
by such as Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountains, the tallest<br />
building in the world Burj Khalifa, Dubai Water<br />
Canal and so much more.<br />
There is an array of rooms and suites to choose<br />
from, each with impressive views all around,<br />
featuring classic themes, with contemporary<br />
accents, hints of Arabian design and finished with<br />
sumptuous furnishings. The large cushy beds<br />
promise a slumber of a lifetime, the bathrobes<br />
are plush and your toes will sink into the thick<br />
bathmats. The attention to detail is divine and is<br />
what sets Four Seasons apart from the others, as<br />
well as the most attentive staff.<br />
Dining at the Four Seasons is a treat to the<br />
senses, with a range of restaurants and bars such<br />
as Mercury Lounge, offering delectable cuisines<br />
that you can tuck into and sip a swanky cocktail, all<br />
whilst taking in alluring views of the city. Whether<br />
it’s a Tomahawk steak cooked to perfection at<br />
dinner or chocolate madeleines with tea – both<br />
will be the finest edibles your tastebuds have<br />
ever savoured. Newlyweds can romance during<br />
a private beachfront dining evening, featuring<br />
their very own attendant catering a five-course<br />
extravaganza.<br />
Not many hotels can boast a private beach<br />
along the Arabian Gulf coastline – ideal for a spot<br />
of basking in the sun and beachside tipple. For<br />
those looking for a sanctuary, The Pearl Spa is<br />
a lavish retreat featuring an array of treatments<br />
and therapies to rejuvenate the mind and body,<br />
including the use of luxury products such as<br />
Biologique Recherche, which will leave your skin<br />
feeling anew. The pearl-themed spa is reminiscent<br />
of Dubai’s ancient pearl industry, where guests<br />
can be wowed by pearl-embedded feature walls,<br />
consisting of reflective pearl elements resembling a<br />
mermaid’s tail.<br />
Although Dubai showcases an extensive portfolio<br />
of decadent hotels and resorts, the Four Seasons is<br />
an iconic gem of sheer elegance and refinement in<br />
every aspect.<br />
• www.fourseasons.com/dubaijb
OMAN: SHANGRI-LA RESORTS, MUSCAT<br />
Upon first impressions of Muscat, you will be<br />
pleasantly surprised and awe-inspired by the<br />
imposing landscape of gigantic, looming, rocky<br />
mountains. The journey to Shangri-La resort<br />
hotels is a unique one, where you will be left<br />
wondering how the roads were carved from<br />
these epic rocks. As the roads wind upwards and<br />
downwards, the resort is hidden away by the<br />
mountains, until it magically emerges on the<br />
horizon.<br />
Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah resort connects two<br />
enormous luxurious hotel wings called Al Waha<br />
‘The Oasis’ and Al Bandar ‘The Town’. The<br />
hidden gem amidst this treasure, is Shangri-La<br />
Al Husn, an ultra swanky adult-only retreat,<br />
discreetly nestled atop a cliff, adding to the<br />
exclusive honeymoon vibes.<br />
Set away from the rest of the resort hotels, Al<br />
Husn’s ambience is of the utmost tranquility.<br />
Staying true to Omani heritage and culture,<br />
sumptuous Arabian décor, facades and<br />
furnishings fit for royalty are themed throughout<br />
the resorts. Al-Husn boasts understated opulence<br />
with quintessentially Middle-Eastern shaped<br />
archways and golden embossed ceilings. As you<br />
walk out into the main courtyard, there is not a<br />
sound to be heard, except the gentle tinkering of<br />
the central fountains cascading, until your eyes<br />
and ears are drawn towards the most soothing<br />
melody and sight of the dazzling waters of the<br />
Gulf of Oman, creating an idyllic backdrop for the<br />
huge infinity pool.<br />
Following the uninterrupted sandy coastline,<br />
there is no better relaxation spot than the<br />
serenity of the private beach cove. There are<br />
a variety of rooms and suites on offer, each<br />
impeccably designed and wonderfully spacious,<br />
including a special balcony or terrace from which<br />
to savour the surrounding natural scenes.<br />
As you enter the decadent Luban Spa, you<br />
will instantly be welcomed by the indulgent and<br />
mystical scents of Frankincense – a traditional<br />
oil embedded in the Omani culture since the<br />
beginning. Tantalising cuisine from traditional<br />
Omani dishes to Mediterranean delights can<br />
be enjoyed at any of the three restaurants and<br />
bars onsite. Omani food is delicious, where the<br />
meat in particular is cooked to the utmost tender<br />
perfection. Although you won’t want to leave the<br />
serenity of Al-Husn, guests can also utilise all<br />
facilities and services at the adjacent hotels on<br />
the resort, including six swimming pools, nine<br />
restaurants, bars and cafes.<br />
Although it is easy not to leave this seaside<br />
haven, there is of course plenty to experience<br />
in and around Muscat including local markets,<br />
beautiful mosques, shopping and a variety of<br />
watersports. But what will certainly leave its<br />
mark is the warm Omani hospitality.<br />
• www.shangri-la.com/en/muscat/<br />
alhusnresortandspa<br />
HONEYMOON<br />
GET MARRIED IN MUSCAT<br />
Muscat makes the ideal destination wedding spot with year-round sunshine,<br />
stunning natural beauty backdrops such as sandy beaches, turquoise<br />
sparkling waters and a mesmerizingly unique landscape of rugged mountains.<br />
The Shangri-La resorts can accommodate large capacity celebrations and<br />
their in-house wedding planning team can cater to all your dream wedding<br />
requirements. They really know how to personalise each event too - they<br />
once changed the name of the resort to a groom’s surname upon his request.
Shreena | Art by Shree<br />
www.artbyshree.com<br />
E: artbyshree@hotmail.com • artybyshree
T: +44(0)207 193 0138 • E: hello@illusionphotovideo.co.uk<br />
www.illusionphotovideo.co.uk<br />
illusionphotovideo
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