Innehållsförteckning för April-May 2020- Summiyaa Shah från Brides Today

So much of the joy around a wedding is in the planning. Making lists, putting together mood boards, and prepping for the big day. The recent pandemic has unfortunately led to a spate of cancellations and postponements. And while the disappointment is huge, perhaps this is the time to remember that marriage is more than a big celebration. It is about love and friendship. And being together. For Brides Today combined April-May issue, we decided to focus on the little things that really count. Think of it as ‘The Big Love Story after the Big Day’. Which is why for our first-ever digital issue we have three separate covers—each one celebrating a unique young woman who is an entrepreneur, tastemaker, and influencer, talking about love, life, and laughter, in lockdown.…

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THE KEY TO NATURAL, GLOWING MAKEUP BEGINS WITH CAREFUL SKIN PREPARATION. A WELL-SET BASE NOT ONLY CREATES A SMOOTH CANVAS FOR APPLICATION BUT IT ALSO HELPS YOUR MAKEUP STAY ON FOR LONGER. CELEBRITY MAKEUP ARTIST ANU KAUSHIK GIVES US A STEP-BY-STEP BREAKDOWN ON THE EXACT PRODUCTS TO USE. 1 WATER-BASED FACIAL SPRAY Beneficial for all skin types, this magical product helps soothe and calm your face. Spritz it all over and let your skin absorb it for two minutes. Try: Avène Thermal Spring Water, ₹1,350/150ml. 2 VITAMIN-INFUSED FACIAL OIL As a busy bride, choose a face oil that has a blend of antioxidants and minerals, which gives skin that extra dose of nutrition. Apply two to three drops and massage into the skin using gentle circular strokes. Try: Indulgeo Essentials…

“I ALWAYS FIND REASONS TO DRESS UP—RAMADAN DURING THE LOCKDOWN WAS SPECIAL AND WITHOUT ANY SHORTCUTS.” Summiyya, 30, is the co-founder of the Mumbai-based Instagram handle House of Misu, which has 288k followers. Her beauty and décor DIY hacks are as popular as her food and fashion inspiration posts. She speaks to Brides Today about working as a team both at home and work and finding inspiration every single day. Brides Today: One thing you miss the most currently? Summiyya Shah: It’s hard to pinpoint just one thing—it would be the mundane, the ordinary, and my parents. BT: House of Misu is all about partnership, how do you continue working together while staying apart? SS: Does it even matter where you are as long as you have WiFi? We [Summiyya…

“For me, there are only two strong trends in bridal—the very sophisticated pastel but with a soft vintage look and the traditional red sindoor, which is a symbolic culmination of the marriage. Within the reds, colours have started to get much brighter and more vibrant.”TARUN TAHILIANI “Since this is an off-shoulder look, it is important to highlight the neck with either a statement neckpiece, preferably fine diamond jewellery or long chandelier earrings. Avoid opting for heavy statement pieces for both the neck and ears as that can be a bit of an overkill. Minimalism is the key.”GAURAV GUPTA “This lehenga is super practical. It’s grand but lightweight and has pockets. It is made for a bride who is independent and graceful so she can actually move around and enjoy her…

The ‘real deal’ I have been friends with a cousin of Hetal’s for years. And in 2015, after much prodding from her, he reached out to me on social media. I was drawn to his creativity and charm and we began dating long-distance —I was in Chicago and he was in Atlanta. After my Masters, I moved to Atlanta where we set up our real estate development firm. Hetal proposed in 2018—on one knee, in the courtyard of a large villa, candles all around, and Bollywood videos playing on a projector! Au naturale Ours was an indoor wedding at the Hotel at Avalon in Alpharetta, so we wanted to bring ‘outside’ elements like plants and trees inside. The mandap, designed by Hetal, didn’t have any pillars—made of luscious greens, it…

ANITA DONGRE X PAPERLESS POST Couturier Anita Dongre has collaborated with Paperless Post—an online invitation company from New York—to create 11 ready-made templates for digital invitations. Each one features her signature prints from past collections such as Summer Reverie, Jaipur Love and Odyssey. You can customise the details within a few minutes, and share them over e-mail with RSVP tracking. Both free and premium versions are available, costing approximately Rs 70 per guest. PRO TIP Add additional cards for accommodations and registries, or attach a link to your wedding website. ITCHHA TALREJA DESIGNS Itchha Talreja is all about reimagining traditional designs and motifs with a minimalist spin. “We add visual elements such as those representing the couple’s love story or the wedding venue,” says the Mumbai-based Talreja, who is trained…

India’s top wedding planners will take the stress off your hands and ensure all arrangements are in place, so that you can enjoy your big day fully. PS: Do your research and pick a planner who shares your vision, to prevent any stress. Theme Weaver Designs Theme Weavers Designs, started by Prerana Saxena and Annushree Agarwal more than a decade ago, is among the leading destination and palace wedding planners. Their forte is working on large-format weddings, and they are among the preferred choice of luxury hotels across Rajasthan, Mumbai, Goa, and Delhi. GET IN TOUCH: Themeweavers.in; weavers@themeweavers.in Elite Weddings Founded by Prashanth Dubey, they describe themselves as a ‘one-stop solution’ to anything related to your wedding. So whether it’s entertainment, catering, décor, travel, hair and makeup, the Delhi-based agency…

PAAYAL MAHAJAN Mahajan wears many hats: She is the founder of Essential Body Couture Skincare, a Reiki practitioner, and certified health coach. She also runs Sakhi, India’s largest emergency helpline for women. In this issue, she shares facial massage techniques that help you get a glowing complexion in ‘Massage Miracle’. Your pet peeve? Don’t tell me how much coffee I should or shouldn’t drink. DENIZ TAVUKCU She is a Belgium-based wedding photographer. Currently studying at the University of Brussels, Tavukcu runs her business through her Instagram account. In this issue, she captures some special moments as she photographs one of our cover stars, Masoom Minawala Mehta, in ‘Taking it Slow’. Best gift you’ve ever received from your partner? All his hand-written notes and a lovely silver bracelet. ANU KAUSHIK A…

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BLUE JEAN baby Contrast flyaway tulle or sheer net with a touch of sturdy denim. From embroidered indigo lehengas to patchwork corsets, there are plenty of options to choose from. CROWN JEWELS Swap your flower crown for an edgier alternative—the metal hair accessory. The architectural bun cages and geometric clips by designer Roma Narsinghani get our vote. We also like the gold-plated sterling silver retro hair combs or pins embellished with turquoise and corals from Paro Jewellery. Available at romanarsinghani.com; and Paro, The Chanakya, New Delhi A SECOND LIFE A new online portal is making authentic Indian handlooms more accessible. WeaverStory aims to promote and preserve the dying art of traditional textiles—from Banarasi and Jamdani to silk and Chanderi. With a vast curation of beautiful handwoven sarees, lehengas, dupattas, and more,…

HERE COMES THE SUN Signatures of the Sun, the new collection by Acqua di Parma, has arrived just in time for the summer bride. Available at Maison des Parfums, the range features 10 unique scents, celebrating essences from around the world. Oriental rose, ambrette, Sichuan pepper, and liquorice are a few of the ingredients that make up the collection. TAKE IT EASY Head to the international award-winning Six Senses Spa for some much-needed pre-wedding pampering. The 21,000 sq ft space recently opened its doors in Mumbai at The World Towers in Lower Parel. Six Senses focuses on functional fitness, recovery, and personalised wellness programs. You can relax in the Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, and tepidarium or rejuvenate by trying one of their Ayurvedic treatments. DARE TO BE BOLD Spring calls…

“I don’t think I have any memories that are clearer or fonder than our wedding—I relive it again and again, step by step in my mind and get goosebumps.” “FAVOURS ARE AN INCREDIBLE REMINDER OF YOUR WEDDING. OURS INCLUDED JEWELLERY BY ISHARYA AND OUTHOUSE JEWELLERY.” “I DON’T THINK WEDDINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITHOUT YOUR BEST FRIENDS BY YOUR SIDE—FOR LAUGHS, GIGGLES AND GETTING YOU THROUGH IT. MY #BRIDETRIBE WAS PERFECT.” “As a keepsake, I framed the sketches by the designers who turned my wedding outfit dreams into reality.”…

The year 2019 was a special one for Masoom. She was a speaker at TEDxYouth@Wilrijk and walked the red carpet at Cannes. Her 544k followers on Instagram can’t get enough of her posts detailing her love for Indian attire and culture, as well as her effortless attempts at replicating popular Insta challenges. She speaks to Brides Today about the surge in content creation and her current go-to look. Brides Today: What is your definition of ‘love in the time of lockdown’? Masoom Minawala Mehta: I think it is integral, now more than ever, to let your partner process things and have their own journey during this time. The lockdown has impacted people differently and has unveiled new sides to them—some have started baking while others have focused on fitness. Online…

“Our wedding rings were simple gold bands gifted to us by Francesco’s mother. They belonged to her grandparents, who were happily married for 57 years. These bands have witnessed history—wars, famines, and everything else that happened in that period—and survived it all.” Right place, right time We met four years ago in Milan. Several dates and a lot of globetrotting followed—including Francesco travelling through five cities with the ring in his pocket and not getting caught! He finally popped the question on an emotional New Year’s Eve at a hotel in Jodhpur in 2018. All awry We spent several months planning and finally froze on a March 2020 wedding. The venue: a palace in Bikaner, Rajasthan, and a guest list spanning the globe! What we didn’t anticipate was coronavirus disrupting…

Whether your style is all about glitz and glamour, or a more restrained elegance, these hair and makeup artists know exactly how to craft the perfect look PS: Fix a trial run a few months before the wedding, so you have time to fine-tune your look Daniel Bauer A favourite both with celebrities and brides, Bauer uses a girl’s vision of her look on her special day as his compass. He has also worked with big beauty brands and leading fashion magazines as well as at fashion weeks, both in India and abroad. GET IN TOUCH: Artistfactoryindia.co.in; bookings@artistfactoryindia.co.in Aakriti Kochar Aakriti Kochar’s biggest strength is her ability to create a variety of fuss-free looks. She focuses on keeping the aesthetic natural and subtle. Aakritikochar.com; aakritikochar@gmail.com Anu Kaushik Legendary makeup artist…

Their job is to bring your vision to life, whether it’s creating a winter wonderland or a floral extravaganza PS: Always prepare a moodboard detailing how you want your ideal wedding décor to look, and don’t hesitate to show it to your designer. It will help them do their job even better. Abhinav Bhagat A Delhi-based NIFT graduate, Bhagat has successfully handled over 300 big-scale weddings in just over five years. From budget planning to entertainment, his team will create the perfect setting for you. An additional bonus? They also host private events. Abhinavbhagatevents.com; @abhinavbhagatevents Andevi For Ananya Berry, founder of Andevi, wedding design goes beyond traditional décor—she turns it into an art, with large paper-mâché flowers and creative backdrops. Andevi.in; andeviweddingdesign@gmail.com Altair By Janki Desai A bespoke event design…

A Aaharya Mumbai (073048 48624) Aanchal Sayal www.aanchalsayal.in Abhinav Mishra Delhi (011 4909 7677) Act N 1 www.actn1.com Acqua Di Parma www.acquadiparma.com Ajay Kumar www.mrajaykumar.com AKM Mehrasons Jewellers Delhi (011 2461 6222) Akris www.akris.com A. Lange & Sohne www.alange-soehne.com Alaïa www.maison-alaia.com Alessandra Rich at matchesfashion.com Alexander McQueen at matchesfashion.com Amaaré Delhi (011 2461 9098) Amaris Jewels By Prerna Rajpal Delhi (011 4109 5655) Amit Aggarwal Delhi (011 4603 9900) AMPM www.ampm.in Ana Khouri www.anakhouri.com Andrea Mondin www.andreamondin.com Anita Dongre Delhi (011 4103 5862) Mumbai (091671 26086) Antonio Marras www.antoniomarras.com Anushkaa Bajaj www.anushkaabajaj.com Anushree Reddy www.shopanushreereddy.com Apple Delhi (097491 23123) Mumbai (091825 62142) Ashdeen Delhi (099993 88442) Ashish www.ashish.co.uk Aura by Sidhi www.aurabysidhi.com Avène www.aveneindia.com Ayeshna Chawla Fine Jewels Delhi (098118 66707) B Balenciaga www.balenciaga.com Baume Mercier www.baume-et-mercier.com Bershka www.bershka.com Blancpain www.blancpain.com Bobbi Brown Delhi (011 4101 8275) Mumbai (022 4970 2592) Boggi Milano www.boggimilano.com Bottega Veneta Delhi (011 4609 8262) Boucheron www.boucheron.com Breguet www.breguet.com Breitling…

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Art was always an area of deep interest for Raj Mahtani—from music and painting to theatre and film. And he brings that passion to his career as a jeweller, crafting masterpieces with precious stones. Rooted in his family’s acclaimed jewellery business, his own label, which he established in 2000, combines the best of traditional Mughal design with a contemporary sense of style. The multi-faceted jeweller speaks to Brides Today on his career and craftsmanship. Brides Today: How and why did you become a jeweller? Raj Mahtani: Growing up, I was the editor of my school’s newsletter; I played the sitar and was a good painter. I was actively involved with theatre groups in Kolkata, and was buying art with my pocket money from a young age. And I always wanted…

A radiant complexion is the base for flawless makeup. And you must give it some extra love in the weeks leading up to your wedding because stress is one of the biggest causes of inflammation. Practicing at-home facial massages not only combats anxiety, it also helps achieve a clear and radiant complexion from within. And while you may not be an expert, there are certain pressure points in your face that can help drain lymph nodes, eliminate puffiness, and actually work to firm and lift your face over time. try this at home step 1 Before you start, wash your hands thoroughly. Cleanse your face and use a cold-pressed oil, such as jojoba or sweet almond, to help your hands move easily as you massage your face. step 2 Using…

Plus, key bridal looks by 14 Indian designers; dainty whites and tropical prints for your trousseau; and smart jackets with accessories to pair for the groom.…

Coffees, parties, and a proposal Nikhil and I first met four years ago through common friends, and then again at my aunt’s Diwali party. Nikhil took my number, and we began going on coffee dates and attending parties together. In May 2018, he popped the question at a romantic private island in the Maldives. On a grand scale I had always dreamt of a larger-than-life tropical destination wedding, packed with traditional ceremonies. And that is exactly what it turned out to be. We had a plush affair on an island in Thailand. There were four big functions—the dhol night, which we combined with the mehendi ceremony, the sangeet night that also included the chuda ceremony, the sundowner wedding, and the reception. To cherish forever For me, the most beautiful moment…

Founded in 1947 by Pietro Capuano and Salvatore Aprea, Chantecler fine jewellery embraces Capri’s spirit of la dolce vita. Its collections capture the beauty, vivid colours, and glamorous life of the Mediterranean island, and have been favoured by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Liz Taylor, Ingrid Bergman, and Audrey Hepburn. We especially like their Coral Garden collier. Uniquely-shaped corals held together by delicate flowers set in gold, diamonds, rubies, and emeralds remind us of a Capri sunset.…