Real Shahzadi ~ Fathima & Atif [May 10, 2013]

Fathima, a bride that will always have a special spot in my heart because her wedding is the first wedding that is solely under the ASA banner. I have worked under other wedding planners for years and have worked many weddings in conjunction with my wedding planner friends.. but she will go down officially as the FIRST A Shahzadi Affair – Shahzadi. <3

She is essentially the perfect bride. From the first day that I met her, I knew I liked her. I got her. This is huge to me. I need to get inside the head of my Shahzadi. If I can’t get in your head, how on earth am I to create your vision? She and I spoke for a few hours and at the end, I could easily tell that she was a planner herself. With a mere four months to plan her big day, she didn’t waste any time.

It would be dishonest of me to say I did a great deal of sourcing work, because I didn’t. Fathima was a Prepared Princess. She had all her vendors in place by the time we met, she had a pretty good idea of how she wanted the day to flow and the details that she wanted to incorporate into the big day. That’s where A Shahzadi Affair came in. When she has signed her Videographer Joseph of JF2 Films, he noticed that she had a lot of little details that he felt would be best executed with the help of a wedding planner. He was gracious enough to recommend me to her and the rest is history!

Colour Theme

Colour Theme

Initially, she had a schedule that she had created. From her schedule, I helped her create an easy to read and comprehensive master schedule for her Shaadi day. I made personalized schedules geared toward her vendors (omitting information from the master schedule that did not pertain to them) so that they also had a great handle on the vision in her head. ASA contacted vendors prior to the wedding to insure that they were aware of their responsibilities and aided in any last minute alterations and tasks.

One of the most important things we did was attend the site finalization meeting where the venue manager and we discussed things from final attendance numbers, to tablecloth and napkin colours all the way down to the napkin fold. Making sure to discuss what was being provided by the hall and what elements were being provided by the bride. Once we had ironed out all those details, we were able to take a breath and move on to the details.

Our Shahzadi had many little details that really made her day unique to her:

  • Personalized chocolate bars – she designed the wrappers and wrapped each chocolate bar herself.. I’m hoping she had help, because there were 600 bars
  • DIY double-sided menu/program cards
  • DIY table numbers with little notes on why that perticular number is significant
  • Wedding wishes cards, which replaced your traditional guest book. Guests filled in cards with advice and left them in boxes to collected and read later by the Bride and Groom!
  • They played a customized Deal or No Deal game to make the shoe negotiations a little more fun! (more on that below.)
  • They had a midnight snack bar featuring popcorn and cookies (the Bride & Groom’s favorite snacks)
  • A custom photo wall
  • A sparkler send off!

A couple of days prior to the event, we picked up all the necessary items that needed to be set up at the hall. My car was filled to the brim with stainless steel suitcases, stationary, jars, and 600 chocolate bars! Believe me it’s easier for us to deal with all that rather then the bride’s family. You don’t want to be responsible for anything that will cause stress on the day of. Getting these items before hand eases the last minute stress and eliminates things getting forgotten.

On the day of the event, our Shahzadi needed some help while her bridesmaids and herself pampered themselves and got ready for the BIG EVENT! We opted to leave the family members out of doing last minute pickups, because that can be stressful on the person doing the pickups. En route of our pickups, Fathima calls saying that she does not have enough “Reserved” signs. So we make a detour and get more printed. *Crisis averted* We move on to pick up the photo wall, the cookies and the popcorn.

Although the day was rainy, we managed to get off to a good start. We ensured that the whole hall was set up to Fathima’s specifications and ensured that we set up the favours and personalized menu/program cards. The hall worked in conjunction with us to make sure that all the food and drink was ready to go and helped to really keep everything relatively on schedule. The vendors worked beautifully together. Taking cue from each other to ensure we were all on the same page. The DJ was really fun and knew how to work the crowd. One of the highlights of the night was the fun and unique way the bridesmaids extracted their fee for stealing the Groom’s shoes! They played a game of Deal or No Deal where the suitcase that he picked had him paying $900 for his shoes but the Groom is a smart one and took the banker’s offer and paid a cool $500! (He knows a good deal when he sees it!)

The dance floor was such a hit that guests were not interested in going home (that is such a good feeling!) However, a Shaadi is not complete without a Ruksati (farewell) and we coordinated with the bridal party to have sparklers lit as they left the venue so that they would have a unique and fun way to say goodbye to their old lives and usher in a new life full of sparkling moments!

Thank you Fathima & Atif for letting A Shahzadi Affair orchestrate your vision <3

Partners in Vision Orchestration:

| Red Rose Banquet Hall | Diya DecorJF[Squared] Films | Dastan Studio | Fine Cakes By Zehra |

| Xpressions By R&A| Empire Entertainment |

“Day Of”- Coordination A Shahzadi Affair

Thank you so much for visiting!

Chic Shahzadi ~ Vintage Bengali Bou (Bride)

Hello my Shahzadis,
It happened again, while perusing Pinterest, I happened to stumble across an image that I just stared at!     If you’ve been following this blog you are well aware of the fact that if I stare at an image for more than 30 seconds and find myself in so much awe that after the 30 second interval, I am unaware of my surroundings .. I have to blog it! Bengali Bridal

The quintessential Bengali bridal look.   There are some very specific reasons as to why this look is representative of the Bengali bride.  For one, her hair is let down, cascading in a dark wavy waterfall, parted in the middle with a tikka or tikli.  Traditionally Bengali brides are very proud of their locks.  And why should they not be? Generations of Bengali women spend hours on caring for their tresses.  I often look at the women in my own family and marvel in the time and effort they put into it <3
Second, the eyes.  Striking in the way that they are traditionally lined with Kohl, thickly framing her eyes.  One could get lost in the depth created by precisely lined almond shaped eyes.   A dark crimson lip is like a finishing touch to the dramatic look of a Bengali bride.  Even with her gaze lowered, this bride looks striking. Ornate jewelry adds another layer of sophistication to this bridal look.  To look the part of a Bengali bou (bride) ornate jewelry is a must.  this look showcases beautiful pieces without overpowering the look by layering other pieces. <3   Last but most definitely not least is the use of Alta. Alta is a red dye that Bengali women wear on their hands and feet as body paint, for weddings, festivals and religious festivals.  Alta, is sort of a dying tradition in the West, with south Asian brides opting out, however, it is this simple red circle that invokes in us (the traditional Shahzadis) the fluttering in the stomachs of a new Bengali Bou.

Thank you for stopping by my dears, now back to real life… <3

Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Colours

Title

Dear Shahzadis,

As spring is finally upon us ( not only officially, but temperature-wise too, how nice it is to be able to enjoy the sweet sun and bright nail polish and peep-toed shoes!)

I am overwhelmed with the need to add colour to my life.  Then I got to thinking…

Hey.. Wedding colours can be so hard to decide on.  For some of us ( ME! me! Me!) I knew I wanted a timeless look for my bengali wedding. Yellow for my Holud and red and gold for my wedding.  I’ve known this was going to be my colour scheme FOREVER, so I had no trouble.  I didn’t care what was trending, or which colour would look great in the season.  In my head, I always pictured my mom when I thought of weddings.. and she wore red.  So to me it was a no-brainer.

However, there are so many Shahzadis who don’t know what colours to pick.  I am here to help you decide.  There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a colour scheme because colour is what gives your wedding it’s personality.  Colour has an unifying quality.  There are usually a thousand little details at a wedding.  Keeping the details in a certain colour palette helps keep a cohesive look even when the elements don’t always relate.  Not only is it appealing to the eye, it helps create beautiful photos!

The first thing you should think about when thinking about wedding colours is what colours speak to you as a couple? Is there a defining element in your relationship?

Maybe you had a vacation in NYC, Yellow and grey a la NYC cabs or even Red for the big apple may make an appearance at your wedding.

Another good method to determine a colour scheme is to look to your venue. 

The venue you pick usually speaks to the style of your wedding.  If you pick a garden as your venue, pick colours that are naturally found in the gardens.  Taking cues from the flora that will be around during your wedding day, you can end up paying less in decor because your decor is the nature around you! *SCORE*

Another major source of colour inspiration may be cultural.

In Chinese weddings, red is a very auspicious shade.  Incorporating red into the colour scheme can sometimes be mandatory.  Similarly, traditionally, Hindu weddings stayed away from white, because they believe that while symbolizes mourning.  If you are more religiously or culturally inclined, than it may be a good starting point to look at what colours symbolize in your particular belief system and go from there.

  When couples select their wedding colours, some feel that they have to pick two or three.  Sometimes that can be very difficult.  Don’t be afraid to select more than three.  Sometimes a theme requires more elements.

  A nice simple summer wedding palette, including shades of a particular hue, such as the blue tones allow you more liberty to design elements in your wedding.

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A more vibrant colour scheme may seem daunting at first because it may seem like too much.  However, if you are smart about your colours, it can lead to quite the impact! For instance, there are really two colour families here: red & green with a gold accent.  The other colours play well because they are all part of either the red family, or the green family.

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Shahzadis, I hope this post was helpful to you.  I think I covered most of the tips that can be helpful when deciding colour palettes.  However, I am sure you all have unique criteria for what your colour themes are.  Share them in the comments section so that other Shahzadis can benefit!

What do you think is important to consider when you pick your event colours?

{Day Dreamer} Mint, Emerald and Gold

Dear Shahzadis,

It’s been a while since I wrote a Day Dreamer post.  One where I find you inspiration for an ENTIRE wedding following something that inspired me.  Well Shahzadis, today’s post is an ode to a few colour shades that have been stuck in my mind…

A Shahzadi Affair

A Shahzadi Affair

If I were getting married, say in the spring… this would be my colour palette.

First thing’s first, I would want to create a whimsical feeling.  Mint and gold are hues that beg a soft touch. Therefore, designing an invitation that uses filigree and scroll work is a perfect!

  My invitations would look something like this:

If you’re the Shahzadi that is more daring and fun loving, consider something along the lines of Love Paper and Ink‘s wonderful Kate Spade inspired series:

This cake…. <3 I love all the frilly details grounded by the deep rich emerald!

My Ladies would be wearing something along the lines of…

mint bridesmaids elie sharp

I know… Ellie Saab. I would feel like a princess <3

The groom’s fine details..

The groom at his best

in bridal, I have a thing for this Satya Paul creation:

If you are a white dress kind of a bride, consider wearing a showstopper necklace like Mila, here:

Mila in emeralds

For dinner I would have my guests dining on tables set in this manner

emerald goodness

or even this table setting might be nice, my mom and I would need to discuss this in great detail to figure out which I wanted…

mint infused tablescape  Photography by heatherrothphotography.com, Planning by simplyandforever.com, menues by http://1canoe2.com/

or maybe I would get both.  Half the tables would be set in Emerald tableware and the other half in mint, all of course, accented with gold! :)

OMG Ladies, I might have to change my cake! LOOK at this BEAUTY!

pretty mint wedding cake

What do you think? Which cake would you pick?

Okay back to the rest of the inspiration…

favours you ask?
I know this is corny… but i also think it’s witty… but what about after dinner “mints”

Favour Idea...this would be really cute bc after dinner mints are chris' favorite

Source: Mrs. Bridges

Oh dear, I love weddings… and this would be one of those lovely soft, yet striking wedding themes!

Thank you ladies, once again for day dreaming with me… See my other Day Dreamer Post {HERE}

<3

Chic Shahzadi ~ Beehive Beauty

My morning browse through Pinterest this morning had me gawking at this photo.  You should totally know what I mean.  This look is such a classic to wear for a formal reception.  the hair, swept up in a french twist with a beehive feel, the hair is chic and effortless.  The eye makeup is dramatic yet classy.  Let’s talk about those earrings, shall we? WOW. *swoon*

A sophisticated and elegant look, wear it with confidence and you wont need the layers of jewels to stand out on your wedding day.  The best part of this look is you could wear a different coloured sari and wear it as your reception outfit, or wear it to attend a wedding.  Either way, you will have an aura of class and sophistication all around you..
you chic Shahzadi!

<3

And the Award Goes to… Oscar Party Ideas 2013

Dear Shahzadis

The Academy Awards are just around the corner! This Year has been a BIG Year for Films! I know a lot of people are busy throwing Oscar viewing parties and looking for quick, simple and relatively cost effective ways to incorporate a little glitz and glam into your night! This year we are attending an Oscar party so I don’t get to go nuts and do a party on my own! (The hubzter is relieved I assure you, from having to run around and gather things for me while i craft :P ) However, that hasn’t stopped me from searching all over for the perfect way to put together an Oscar shindig! So for you my dears I’ve found some perfect ideas to add to your Oscar Party this year!

First things first, I found this super cute FREE  Party Printable on CatchMyParty

Free Oscar party printables! #oscars #party

Created by PartyChic, this printable set includes an Invitation, Tent cards for food labels, a voting ballot set with all the categories for the Nominees for 2013, and cupcake toppers! {CLICK HERE} to download the printables for your party!

I think the above printables would work well for a low key more casual affair.  Add some golden stars on the walls and on your buffet table and you’ve spruced up your setting!

I also found another set of printables from Hostess with the Mostess

Free Oscars Party Printables – 2013 Nominees

They created a template about 2 years ago and each year they update it with new nominations! It’s a lovely set if you are looking to do something bright with a lot of attention to detail! Included in the set are: “envelope” napkin rings, Nomination labels, Blank labels, patterned paper, place cards, round tags, and popcorn bag labels.
{CLICK HERE} to download the whole set, please scroll all the way down to the bottom for the links!

Now that you’ve decided on what your party should look like, what about FOOD? This is SO important! YOU HAVE NO IDEA!

So after looking for some good options to put on the table, I went nuts with the selections out there.

The following are some food options with a movie theme!

 

Argo
Image: IMDB
{CLICK HERE} for the Recipe
{CLICK HERE} for the Recipe

ARGO: A dramatization of the 1980 joint CIA-Canadian secret operation to extract six fugitive American diplomatic personnel out of revolutionary Iran.  – IMDB

There aren’t many times we see Canada highlighted like this in a film so I will take any opportunity to serve something inspired by the staring flavour of Canadian desserts – MAPLE!! Name one Canadian who doesn’t love this flavour! I could eat maple sugar off a stick (who remembers doing that as a kid?) A super easy take on your regular brownie recipe with a Canadian twist! Make these Maple Pecan Blondies for the dessert spread.  You and your guests will have a hard time just having one!

{CLICK HERE} for the recipe

BEASTS OF THE SOUTHERN WILD: Faced with both her hot-tempered father’s fading health and melting ice-caps that flood her ramshackle bayou community and unleash ancient aurochs, six-year-old Hushpuppy must learn the ways of courage and love.      – IMDB

Inspired by the main character, Hushpuppy, Why not make a cheesy version of the southern side dish Hushpuppies.  This Goat Cheese Hushpuppie recipe will have you standing by the food table guarding these yummy appetizers for yourselves! But please share! because these are THAT good!

Image: IMDB

{CLICK HERE} to get recipe

DJANGO UNCHAINED: With the help of a German bounty hunter, a freed slave sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal Mississippi plantation owner. – IMDB

So obviously this movie calls for something southern! And I cant think of anything better as party food than Cajun Chicken Wings! This is the perfect recipe people who like a little kick.  Make sure to serve it with a creamy dip to cool the tastebuds!

Image: IMDB

{CLICK HERE} for recipe

LES MISERABLES: In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole, agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s daughter, Cosette. The fateful decision changes their lives forever. – IMDB

I Love French Onion Soup! Make this as an ode to the French backdrop of the film! Dip sliced baguettes into the flavourful broth and enjoy with the rest of your party!

Image: IMDB

{CLICK HERE} for recipe

LIFE OF PI: A young man who survives a disaster at sea is hurtled into an epic journey of adventure and discovery. While cast away, he forms an unexpected connection with another survivor: a fearsome Bengal tiger. – IMDB

No party is complete without tea or coffee, consider making this lovely brew of Masala Chai as a reminder of the Indian heritage of the main character Pi.

Image: IMDB

{CLICK HERE} For Spread Ideas

For those of us who don’t know anything about Lincoln, after much research I have found out that President Lincoln loved cheeses.  This is great because I am a big fan of cheese platters on a party buffet! They are easy and simple to put together and even easier to eat!

Image: IMDB

{CLICK HERE} for the Recipe

SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK: After a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano moves back in with his parents and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife. Things get more challenging when Pat meets Tiffany, a mysterious girl with problems of her own.- IMDB

Like the Sunday dinners in Silver Linings Playbook, serve up a vegetarian option by incorporating this Spinach Lasagna.  Because there is no meat in this recipe, it is a lighter lasagna which doesn’t overfill your guests and allows them to eat all the rest of the spread!

Image: IMDB

{CLICK HERE} for Recipe {CLICK HERE} for Spice Blend Recipe

ZERO DARK THIRTY: A chronicle of the decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden after the September 2001 attacks, and his death at the hands of the Navy S.E.A.L. Team 6 in May 2011. – IMDB

When I got to thinking how I could incorporate the Middle East into the menu, I realized that the safe bet would be to suggest Hummus and Pita, everyone knows it, has tried it in different flavour bases.  Then I remembered a traditional middle eastern snack called Manaqeesh za’atar.  Essentially a pita bread topped with a blend of spices referred to as Za’atar and olive oil.  Most regions have their own blend, but try this Recipe and you have the basic idea!

Image: IMDB

{CLICK HERE} for Recipe

AMOUR: Georges and Anne are in their eighties. They are cultivated, retired music teachers. Their daughter, who is also a musician, lives abroad with her family. One day, Anne has an attack. The couple’s bond of love is severely tested. – IMDB

It goes without saying that the French know dessert! I found these lovely little Raspberry Cream Puff Recipe that will knock your socks off! Sweet with a little bit of tang.  Perfect for finishing off the Oscar Viewing party.  I have to warn you though, make a LOT.  You’ll be refilling the dish a few times!

That about covers all the food you’ll need!

To round out the theme, you might consider dressing glam, giving chocolate Oscars as favours and doing your own award ballot to see if your picks win the Oscar!

Use one or as many of these ideas as you like and you’ll be the one the Oscar goes to!

If you do use any of these ideas, please comment and if you have any more ideas you can give readers, please don’t hesitate adding to the list

Thanks loves,

Happy Planning <3

Love, is an everyday thing…

Dear Shahzadis,

I don’t know if this is your first Valentines Day with your main squeeze (I don’t know why I just called him that) or whether you have many a February 14ths in your repertoire. To me Valentines day has been taken and over-commercialized and sometimes I feel like it’s a completely stressful time to show your loved one attention that he/she should be getting on a regular basis anyway.

I was reading one of my fave blogs and I got to thinking… wait. I am totally a Valentines day cynic.  I know.  I love throwing parties and grand gestures and all that.. but the Hoopla that is everywhere from the moment Christmas ends is a little overwhelming and in my honest opinion… a little forced.  So as we near this “holiday” I was thinking of giving you some ideas that:

  1. Don’t break the bank
  2. Don’t seem too generic
  3. Are unique and heartfelt

I know this is probably corny but to me, nothing says love like something hand written.  With the internet and emails and texts, you don’t really ever see a handwritten letter.

love note..

Tell your sweetheart how much you love him by writing it out… in your own handwriting.  You can bet it’ll outlive the box of chocolates you attached it to.  With a sentiment like that, I’d forgive him if he didn’t attach it to anything <3

Another idea that I think I have made a habit out of is making a special dinner.  Skip the reservations at a resturant that will be sooo busy that the service is going to be crappy anyway, for a dinner made by YOU. Yes.  even if Mac & Cheese is the only thing you can make.

Chorizo mac & cheese

I am so sure she will be amazed by the effort, and you can forgo dessert prep all together.. I’m sure she can take care of that part. NO PROBLEM!

In case the love of your life is a dessert before dinner type of person, consider these lovely creations by Living the Sweet Life’s “Red Velvet Chewy Gingies”

Sweet cookies with just a little spice to get you extra points!

I am also not one of those people who believe that Valentines day is the only day to express love to your significant other… so here is my last and final idea. 365 Reasons why I love you.

My 365 love notes jar for me and Travis' 2 year tomorrow :) no one show him! My tips: start early! And DO NOT use bows. Took me and my parents four hours to tie them all in an assembly line!

A little labour intensive.. but it really is a labour of love… and they will love it.  To open a note each day for a year and know that each day is a special day is the best kind of gift there is… <3

I know, with only two days left till V-DAY, you could dash down to your local mall and buy something.. but if you have a few hours tonight.. consider the above.. and go beyond their expectations and show them that love day is not just February 14th, it’s more than that <3

 

 

 

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