“Mehfil -E-Khaas” Ulf “Mehfil – E- Sama” – Nidhi & Sagar

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 Nidhi & Sagar’s Sangeet night was set at the IVY Restaurant Banquets, Chembur, Mumbai – India.  The theme for the evening was Qawwali. Qawwali is a Sufi musical tradition that stretches back for more than 700 years. The roots of Qawwali can be traced back to 8th century Persia (today’s Iran and Afghanistan). Ghazal was the chosen mode of delivery for Qawwali night.

As we entered the hall, the first thing that caught our eyes was the Mehendi counter where Mehndi artists were at work bringing some beautiful art to life. Before the Qawwali session began, the evening was kicked off with some dance performances from family and friends. The first piece was performed by 9 sisters of the bride on a hit Bollywood number from the movie “Khai Po Che” and stirred up the crowd and other family members also joined in the fun and the next performance was done by the Uncles & Aunties of the bride followed by 2 very adorable kids doing the Lungi Dance which set the pace for the next act from the brides friends and cousins who danced to the tune of Dhol Baje & Drama Queen.

The kids were chosen as the best dancers and were given gifts for the entertainment displayed.

The groom entered a bit later and everyone got their Qawwali gear on, the topi & the legendary scarves. This set the Mehfil-E-Khaas into motion and professional qawwals took centre stage who started off with a song that offered praise to the almighty. Post which some real classics were performed. Professional Qawwals like Sunil Menon took the Mehfil to the next level and delighted the audience with some sublime songs.

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The Qawali night was an inclusive one which involved the audience into the act and there were Qawwali competition between the bride’s side and the groom’s side along with some amazing jugalbandis. The family and friends at the event participated and enjoyed its every moment.

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If you are planning to have your own Qawwali Night for your Sangeet, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Get an experienced Orchestra & some really good Qawwals

2. Seating arrangement in front of the stage with a Gaddhi (Thin mattress)

3. Costume: Get the attire right, men should have a Kurtha on (A short Kurtha to go with it) and the women can sport an Anarkali suit or a bold colorful saree.

4. Do not forget the legendary accessories that are must-haves to go with the attire. The Qawwali topi & scarf. The Topi needs to be colorful. The scarves can be tied on the hands or/and tied on the neck like a bow-tie.

 

If we missed out any essentials, feel free to add on to the list in the comment section below. #Sangeettips

Facebook Valentine’s Day Contest – How To Participate & Rules

Here are a few things to consider before  you participate in the Valentine’s Day Contest. Follow these guidelines, participate and stand a chance to win an exclusive couple photoshoot.

Steps to enter the contest

  1. LIKE our page https://www.facebook.com/SnapixSnapsAndBeyond
  2. Like the Contest Post
  3. Upload your best photo with your valentine in the comment section of the Contest Post                                                                              Snapix Facebook Contest

Terms & Conditions:

  1. The Contest will begin from 14th February 2014 and will end on 1st March 2014.
  2. The contest is for Indian residents only!
  3. The winner would be chosen by Snapix and declared on 3rd March 2014.
  4. The rules and guidelines may change and is under the discretion of Snapix Photoart
  5. The contest is strictly bound by Facebook policy https://developers.facebook.com/policy/. Kindly follow the same

Wedding Makeup Tips

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There are some things to keep in mind before you get set to look gorgeous on your special day. Here are a few tips that will help you in getting the right makeup on.

  • To ensure that your foundation lasts the whole day, using a primer as a base is essential. It prepares the skin for make-up and creates a protective base that foundation can ‘grab onto’.
  • Choose foundation to match your skin tone. The key to finding the perfect foundation to match your skin tone is to check the colour in natural daylight. After all, on your wedding day you are most likely to spend a large proportion of it in natural light.
  • Remember to always check a foundation along the jaw line to guarantee you don’t leave a tide-mark and extend it towards the neck.  Remember to invest a few bucks in the foundation brush to apply foundation properlyIMG_7946
  • Get a good night sleep before your big day and leave the rest to the concealer.  Concealer is a bridal beauty must have to get rid of any unwanted shadows that might persist after foundation application. Use a small concealer brush to erase dark circles.
  • Use powder to set foundation. It may seem like more make-up than you are used to, but remember that for photographs and all-day longevity, powder is essential to set the foundation and concealer.
  • To avoid looking washed out for photographs, make sure you apply a subtle blusher to the apples of your cheeks. Smile in the mirror to ensure you pinpoint the apple exactly and gently blend the blusher upwards towards the hairline.
  • Use light eye shadow as base. Begin on your eyes by applying a light eye shadow all over the eyelid. This is the best way to open up the eye and make them stand out more in photographs. Then you can apply the colour of your choice from the upper lash line to the crease of your eye. Blending is the key to good make-up, so be sure you don’t leave any harsh lines
  • Go for darker eye shadow for a dramatic look.  Some brides go for a darker eye shadow shade along the upper lash line, worn as close to the lashes as possible, you can also bring this shade to the lower lash line if you wish. To up the drama stakes, apply a dark eye pencil in the inner rim of the eye.IMG_8016
  • Follow the eye shading by curling your lashes for a glamorous look and then apply two generous coats of waterproof black mascara.
  • Use lip liner that matches your lipstick shade. There are no hard and fast rules over whether to opt for a lipstick or a gloss on your wedding day. Some simply prefer one to the other. Whichever you veer towards, be sure to use a lip liner similar to the colour of your choice and blend using a cotton bud to prevent the lipstick or gloss from bleeding.
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  • When applying your lipstick, blot your lips with a tissue after one application and then re-apply to guarantee a more lasting effect.

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Content Courtesy: http://www.marieclaire.co.uk

State Of Style

Snapix was the official photography partner at the first ever State of Style event organized by Accessed (www.accessed.in) & MISU Image Consultants held at the InterContinental, Marine Drive, Mumbai. It was an evening dedicated to the wonderful women of the city, an event to pamper themselves, pre-game and accessorize. The pampering session was followed by a Party at Dome.  State of Style had selected some of the top trends off the runway for the girls to indulge in.

1. Elizabeth Arden – Makeup
2. Sally Hansen, the nails
3. Jean Claude Biguine, the hair
4. Rewa Spa, for that perfect evening massage

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The Wine and bubbly from Grover Zampa Vineyards  was flowing through the night and complimented the conversations

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There were yummy desserts from Deliciae Patisserie to appease the craving of ones sweet tooth.

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Our photobooth was an instant hit and was flooded with some really beautiful ladies.

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Gearing Up For A Portrait Shot!

“A portrait is not made in the camera but on either side of it.” – Edward Steichen. Here are some easy tips on how you can look good in portrait photos

1)  Breathe:

The key to a good shot is to breathe. Exhale and inhale a few times. It will help you to stay calm if you are nervous.

2)   Posture:

Posture is essential. Sit up straight. Imagine a string pulling you up gently. Choose a stool instead of a chair. If you are standing take a moment and relax your knees.

Find your best angle:

It is best to avoid taking a photo of the face straight-on. A straight face allows for no shadows, which makes the face look wider and adds the extra “ten pounds” cameras are known for.

Get a few test shots done

  • Move your head, keep tilting first to your right and then to your left
  • Lower your eyes then look at the camera for the shot.
  •  Angle your face slightly away from the camera, so that shadows are created along the cheekbones and the nose.
  • Tilt your chin down. Having a high chin looks unnatural, but also positions the camera to look up the model’s nose

As with the face, taking a photo straight-on will add weight and make you appear out of proportion. Instead, turn at a ⅔ angle to give a slimming appearance to your body. To get the right footing try angling one foot away from the other at about 90 degrees. Shift your weight onto one foot and angle the toes down on the other. Doing this will accentuate the muscles in your leg and make you look thinner. As far as the hands go, always bend your fingers and wrists. If you keep your hands next to your face, close them slightly or tuck them partially in your hair. Have your hands near your pockets or slightly inserted.

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3)   Don’t tense up your forehead and lips, relax it!

  • Motorboat your lips to relax your lips
  • Move the eyebrow up and down to relax your forehead

4)   If you are sporting glasses, use a non-reflective one

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5)    Don’t force a smile, even worse don’t fake one

  • Always smile with your teeth. People with crooked, yellowed, or somehow imperfect teeth can have the tendency to want to try and smile with their mouths closed to cover them up. Don’t do this – natural smiles always show teeth. For your portrait to look real, bare your teeth a bit, even if only through parted lips.
  • When possible, have someone make you laugh. Real laughter produces some of the most beautiful photos and keeps you from having to think about your smile.
  • Wet your lips before smiling, either by licking them or applying lip balm. This will prevent any unsightly cracks and will add a little more light to your face

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Always remember “Be confident &  Have Fun!”

Portraits of our Photographers:

Priyal Thakkar

Priyal

Sandeep Rasal                                          Aakash Dangare

Sandeep Rasal    Aakash Dangre

Content Courtesy: www.wikihow.com , MichellePhan

Tips and Tricks To Look Better in Photographs

Want to look great in your next shot? Here are a few tips and tricks that will help you look awesome in photographs!

  • Posture and angles. Elongate your neck, and tilt your chin just a bit. Do not slouch. Keep your shoulders back. If you are standing – turn slightly and rest your weight on your back leg. Don’t keep your legs together and shoulders straight. Lean slightly toward the camera and angle your face and/or body. Ensure the lens is above you, if the photographer is shorter than you, move to an area where they can stand on something or you can get below the lens. Head shots can also be more pleasing if only one ear is showing.

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  • Facial expressions. Laugh and smile. Keep your tongue behind your teeth. Look slightly above the lens. Try looking away from the camera and a few facial expressions. Candid shots are engaging and more interesting than the traditional “say-cheese” forced smile, which can create a forced look and squinty eyes.

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  • Eyes. Your eyes are the key. Holding a pose and keeping your eyes engaged is difficult. So close your eyes and then open them. Look away, then look back to the camera. Do something unexpected. Talk to the photographer. Face your eyes towards the light source: catchlights create sparkle and immediately add life to your eyes. If you are outdoors, stand in the shade, and face the light. If you are indoors, face a window at an angle.

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  • What you are wearing. Wear a color that flatters you. Don’t wear clothes that have crazy patterns, it will distract from your photo. Stay away from striped/checkered shirts. Also make sure your clothes aren’t wrinkled or bunching up, it can add weight if clothes are too baggy.

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  • Grooming. Make sure your hair is brushed, you don’t want a stray hair distracting. If you have a blemish, cover it. If your eyes look red, use eye drops. Brush your teeth, use a teeth whitener.

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  • Lighting. Don’t take photos in direct sunlight or with a direct flash. This is unflattering and will cause harsh shadows. Move into the shade, or make sure the flash is bouncing off the wall. Soft light smooths wrinkles.

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  • Background. You don’t want your background to distract. Take a look at what is behind you. You don’t want a tree growing out of your head. Aim for a clean and simple background that contrasts with you. If you have black hair, stay away from a dark black background. If you are wearing all white, you may not want to stand directly in front of an all white background. This shot was made by the red paint.

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  •  Move around and dance. Try not to appear too tense and rigid. Dance around a little and shake out your body.

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  • Take advantage of props. Do something with your hands and use props available to enhance the shot.

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If you have more tips to share, please send it through the comment section below and we will add it to the existing article. If you liked our work and are looking for someone to capture your special moments, then, click on the link http://on.fb.me/Qzs71K and book us NOW!

Content Source: Mira Zaslove /Peta Pixel

 

Wedding Extravaganza – Nehali & Jay!

Marriage is tying two souls together by a single thread, a single thread that takes you through times both thick and thin. A bond that gets stronger as days pass by, just like a good wine that tastes better with time.

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The day beckoned a new beginning, literally, not only for the bride and groom but for everyone present as it was the second day of the year and the wedding celebrations had begun from the first day of the year. The stage was set for a grand and extravagant celebration of life, one of Nehali & Jay. The venue for the wedding was Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Mumbai. The space in itself had great capacity and could accommodate thousands of people. The setting was royal and befitted the couple who were dressed aptly for the occasion like the Maharaja and Maharani

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We had 6 photographers to cover the event and multiple videographers (including a crane operated camera) to capture every moment, ones to be frozen in time and relived and cherished forever.

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The event sported a live orchestra playing Gujrati songs and bhajans before and after the ceremony. The sound of the serene flute and the bells filled the place with pious and added divinity to the occasion. There were different shades of colour floating across the venue with colourful sarees and adornments sported by the guests who were escorted by golf carts to the venue,

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As time dwelt into dusk the shades changed and the music and the atmosphere also took a twist with some wonderful Jazz filling the air, soothing the ears of the people present and summing up a wonderful and momentous day in Nehali & Jay’s life.

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Shivangi & Kunal – The Sangeet Tale!

Mark Twain once said

“To get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with.”

The Sangeet + Haldi + Ring exchange ceremony of Kunal & Shivangi was a joyful occasion cherished by both the families and their loved ones. There was fun & fervor in the air.

The event had guests less in number, but with the enthusiasm they brought with them made the event amazing  to watch and to be a part of.

The event started off with the DJ spinning in some desi tracks in an effort to stir the mood and to get everyone into a celebratory mood. Once the invitees started to shake their tailfeathers, the stage was set for a beautiful day to follow.

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The couple’s aunts and cousins had an extempore skit prepared for the event that took form in a very short time. The skit had an effective blend of songs, dance and story. The act in a gist was about the story of Kunal’s childhood and his journey over the years and how the groom and bride met and they decided to tie the knot.

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There were dance performance by the couple’s cousins and relatives. The one that was fun to watch was Kunal’s uncle’s “Unde Ka Funda” performance that earned laughs & accolades alike.

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Kunal (Groom) also let his footloose on songs of his favourite star while growing up, the legendary disco dancer “ Mithun Da” , sporting Mithun’s classic moves.

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Shivangi (Bride) also let her hair down and danced to the Bollywood numbers that were played and was also multitasking with the wet mehndi on her hand. The expression at offer was of pure joy and happiness. She was accompanied by Kunal’s mother (Groom’s Mother) and the joy multiplied.

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The groom’s and the bride’s fathers also sang a couple of songs and were relished by the people present and added their special touch to the wedding. Shivangi’s father also moved to some popular tracks and sported a Jodi performance with Shivangi. Kunal’s parents also performed a jugalbandi, wherein the groom’s mother complimented his father’s voice with beautiful moves, a spectacle, nonetheless.

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To sum up this beautiful celebration, the one thing in abundance was joy and happiness which was a result of the communion of the two beautiful souls. It was a great experience covering the event and our heartfelt wishes for a brighter future to the wonderful couple.

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Let there be love – Let there be light!

Tips & Ideas for Sangeet!

Sangeet ceremony as the name suggests is all about dance and music. It is one of the most enjoyable ceremonies before the wedding and used to be exclusively for women. Initially, the sangeet party was organized only by the bride’s family but with changing times it is now observed by the groom’s family as well. Also, it was a ritual which was only seen in North Indian weddings, but nowadays it is conducted in Bengali and South Indian marriages as well. The Sangeet, of all the wedding functions, is one such evening that is most awaited not only by the couples’ family but by everyone who’s invited. It’s the night of absolute fun where everybody joins in the joy surrounding the wedding celebrations through the simplest means of music, dance & entertainment!

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But a lot goes into making this evening as special as it can be – hours of dance practices, coordination of steps, but most of all is the selection of great songs that is bound to entertain your guests. Even though trends in song selections and performances may have seen changes over the years, the basic idea of having a great time while organizing the dance show has stayed the same. Besides, with a number of great friends and family bopping to the fantastic desi beats at the Sangeet Night is bound to be an electrifying evening!

Below are a few tips & ideas for your Sangeet!

Top Tips:

  • Determine your budget

Sangeet can be an expensive affair. In most communities at least 2 to 3 lakhs and upwards amount is spent on it.

  •  Choose the venue well

The venue for the Sangeet must be chosen keeping in mind the convenience of the friends and families of the bride and the groom. Make adequate arrangements for the appetizers, drinks and dinner.

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  • Keep it a day or two before the wedding

Since the participation of people from both the sides is required, the Sangeet Sandhya is ideally held a day or two before the nuptial.

  • Decide the choreographer

Half the time the people who dance the best on either side take up the responsibility of planning the performances, the people and the songs. But nowadays professional choreographers are being hired for the purpose and who lend an expert touch to the overall ceremony.

  • Decide the performers

Start planning for it at least a month in advance and make a list of all those who would be performing.

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  • Choose the songs aptly

Choose songs that suit the occasion are either very romantic or aimed at teasing the to-be-weds. Do not choose any such song that would not go down well with any of the persons present.

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  • Divide the time judiciously

Appropriate the performance time judiciously between the bride’s and the groom’s family. No one should feel disadvantaged against.

  • Music system

The music system should be in good shape and the DJ must be booked at least 3 or 4 months in advance or else you may have to make do with your home theatre system.

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  • Sweet and short

However grand and entertaining an affair is, it must come to an end. The Sangeet should not be longer than an hour or 90 minutes at max. After that people will start getting bored.

Some Ideas that you can implement to make the Sangeet more exciting:

  •  The Skit : Letting an array of songs tell the story of how you met or how as a couple you both are meant to be, is an adorable way to stage a Sangeet performance. While some couples have their families join forces and perform together, that way getting them more acquainted; other couples have a two sided performance, therefore adding to the excitement as to which side performed better. Either way, everyone has fun, which is the main purpose of a Sangeet. And since it’s a Skit, the songs can range from any latest Bollywood to Classics or even International hits wherein the lyrics represent steps of your life. At times even witty snippets of commentary or impersonation are imbibed in between the songs to add to the entertainment and laughter!

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  •  A Slideshow : Both pictures and music have the power to say what words can’t, so imagine how powerful a performance it will be if both these aspects are brought together. While the pictures slideshow can go on in the background, having a song-and-dance representing every picture can be staged. This is not only an innovative idea; it also gets your guests engaged in the performance.

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  • A Desi Themed Song & Dance :  It so can happen that the bride and groom can be from culturally different backdrops – to that there would be nothing better than using it as an opportunity for a ‘Desi Themed Song-&-Dance’ in which the song selections could be a fusion of beats from both cultures. Where, for example, with a folk-like Punjabi song like ‘Baari-Barsi’ or ‘Gur Nalo Ishq Mitha’ there can be a Guajarati Garba dance. This blending represents the union of two families creative way of celebration!

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  • The Bollywood Dance Songs : Wherever there is an Indian wedding, Bollywood song-and-dance is added to it automatically! Any why shouldn’t it? After all Bollywood Music and Dances does have the most exhilarating beats that can get anyone on their feet and grooving to the rhythm.

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  • An Act or Professional Performance : There are multiple options available from laser shows to fire dancers. If you want to add something even more special to the night you can choose from the many options available by professional performers.

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If you have any ideas that you would like to share do send it in the comments below.

Content Source: http://marrymeweddings.in  http://www.culturalindia.net