» Asian Weddings

Chinese Wedding Photography | Fung & Long

Beautiful Life — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 21:31:37 +0000

Fung and Long got married in Vegas (how cool!!!) I went down to London a few weeks later to cover their Chinese Wedding celebrations. It was an early start, London looked amazing in the morning mist. A quick breakfast of fresh doughnuts (really healthy I know but who can resist?) and it was time to start taking some photographs. The day started off like all Chinese wedding’s with Long having to “earn” his entry into Fung’s mum’s house by doing various tasks designed to torture and embarrass him and his “brothers”. Its this part of the day for me that makes Chinese wedding photography so much fun. Long and the boys were hilarious, you’ve never heard singing quite like this! Long did claim that the only song he knew was ‘all I want for Christmas’ so first we got a full rendition of this followed by Celine Dion! Then Long das to pay and he finally gained access to his Bride. Fung looked lovely, her Kwa was embroidered with a dragon and a phoenix and she wore Jewellery and shoes by Vivienne Westwood.

Next was a chinese tea ceremony then we travelled in the Limo through central London to Long’s parents house, some of the narrow streets and tight turns were interesting! Fung and Long were welcomed by friends and family and there was another chinese tea ceremony followed by lunch. Megan and I were so well looked after, we ate stew and bread and spring rolls. After lunch Fung got changed into her lace wedding dress that she had worn in Vegas and her amazing Vivienne Westwood ”lady dragon” shoes. With each dress change Fung also changed her hairstyle and makeup. Fung’s makeup was by Jojo @daisukimakeup. The sun was finally out so we took the opportunity for a couple of photographs before crossing London for the reception at the China Boulevard on the river in Wandsworth. We took a few photographs outside before the guests arrived but didn’t stay out too long because it was really cold, we were glad of the little heat packs Fung had given us in the morning. Here are there chinese wedding photos, enjoy!!

Dry rice crispies down in one, yum yum!

Then pass the seaweed no hands, They were so pleased with themselves but do these ladies look impressed? Time for a forfeit, who’s up for a quick leg wax?

More cheating so a forfeit of one arm press ups, then a bunny hopping forfeit for cheating on the first forfeit!

Yes finally the singing, quite a talent I thought singing the whole of ‘My heart will go on’ on just a couple of notes!

The wedding cake was beautiful the cupcakes were made by a Fung and Long’s friend Dionne and topped with cute little retro toys called ‘unazukin’ dolls which Fung said reminded her of them as a couple. There was lots more eating and the evening ended for us with the toasting, where the bride and groom and their close family visit each tableland the guests toast their happiness and give gifts of money.

I always like to ask the Bride and groom a few questions about their day and here are their answers;

1) What was your favourite part of the day? The most memorable moment of the day was probably the tea ceremonies, because we know how important it is to our parents and getting some ‘just us’ time, it felt like Vegas all over again

2) Have you any advice for future Brides and Grooms? My advice for future brides would be don’t stress over the small details, good things will come to those who wait, and for future grooms… Make sure your wife gets fed on the day!

Congratulations Fung and Long, hope you have a fantastic life together and a big thank you to Megan for some awesome work on this Chinese wedding and also to Steve for driving us around london all day, great job thank you!

Ravinder and Sunita | Indian Wedding Reception

Beautiful Life — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 23:54:13 +0000

This is the final event from Ravi and Sunita’s Indian Wedding, the reception party held at the Radisson Edwardian Heathrow Hotel. The party started with a Champagne reception in the Atrium which is a very cool room with its own river! The guests where entertained by musicians playing the Sitar and Tabla on a bridge over the water. Canapes were served and there was an amazing display of chocolate sculptures (yes the works of art in the first four photographs are all made from solid chocolate!!) I didn’t see anyone eat any or even have a sly lick, no not even me I was very well behaved! Ravinder and Sunita arrived dressed in amazing gold outfits, the detailing on Sunita’s Sari blouse was exquisite she had it made by Mr Vimal Parmar of Collegian Tailor in Leicester. Apparently most ladies have their Wedding blouses made in India as it’s really rare to find someone with this specialised skill in the UK. Sunita’s cake was made by the Elizabeth Cake Emporium, it was a covered in gold scrolls and topped with roses, leaves and gold berries. Dinner was followed by more chocolate, firstly deserts to die for and then more chocolate brilliance in the form of edible centre pieces for each table, I’ve never seen anything like these before, everyone was wowed! The night ended with dancing. I have really enjoyed photographing all Sunita and Ravi’s Indian wedding events, it’s been a pleasure. So Congratulations to you both and all the best for your future together. A big thank you to all the family, especially Rupa for looking after us throughout all the events.

Click here to view more of Sunita and Ravinder’s Previous Events

Sunita and Ravinder | Indian Wedding Photography | Kelham Hall

Beautiful Life — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 12:27:21 +0000

You may remember Sunita and Ravi from their engagement photographs in the vintage clothes shop and Ravi’s Sangeet at the May Fair Hotel in London. It was great to see them again and a real privilege to record their Indian Wedding day. After a bit of a crazy start (the whole wedding party, guests and us stuck in traffic for about two hours!!) everyone eventually made it to Kelham Hall in Nottinghamshire and their Hindu Wedding got underway. The day started with the ‘tying of the Sehra‘ a ceremony where the Grooms sisters prepare him for the wedding and tie a veil of pearls over his face. This ceremony took place on the coach, it was really funny, I was perched on the drivers seat with Shaun squeezed in next to me to record the action! Ravi then made a spectacular entrance on a Asian white wedding horse called Rachel!! It was fab! Then we ate the first meal of the day prepared and served by the lovely Jush Events, it was great to work with these guys again, they managed the day brilliantly. Kay was a star organising all the group photographs, no mean feat I can tell you!

Kelham Hall is a really interesting venue with lots of different spaces all with a completely different feel and decor. The room where the Hindu ceremony was held had a big domed ceiling and as the Groom entered the sun shone through the windows at the top and created a haze in the room, brilliant light for photography. The mandap was beautiful, I was really impressed with the guys setting up and their attention to detail, it was beautifully decorated with fresh flowers. Sunita got ready at Kelham hall, she looked beautiful. A to Z Gifts in Leicester is where Suntia got her jewellery from. It was custom made by Dipen the designer and owner of the shop who incorporated Sunita’s particular ideas. Sunita was collected by the Mama’s (Sunita’s mums brothers) who are responsible for giving her away. The Mama’s put on all the brides bangles which have to go on a particular way because they are wide at one end and thinner at the other. After half the bangles were on Sunita noticed they were the wrong way around and they had to start again!

I asked Sunita and Ravi what their favourite memory was from the day and they both said it was when they saw each other for the first time in the Mandap. Ravi said he hadn’t seen Sunita for a few weeks as she had virtually moved back in with her parents to organise the wedding! They said they couldn’t stop staring and smiling at one another! The ceremony was beautiful and both Sunita and Ravi made their vows to each other, Sunita made some promises about looking after Ravi and always preparing delicious and nutritious meals! thank goodness this wasn’t in my wedding vows I think I burnt about three sets of pans in the first couple of weeks!! Anyway enough chat, enjoy the wedding pictures!

A horse with a sweet tooth!
Instead of having family pictures in the mandap Sunita decided to have these pictures taken outside which worked really well. Often the mandap is quite dark and it can be difficult to get good pictures of large groups. Sunita and Ravi left in a really funky 70′s car, being a girl I only noticed the cool lemon colour not the make but apparently it was a Citroen DS. I think it cost Ravi a few notes to take Sunita away but she’s definitely worth it. Congratulations to you both, hope you have a brilliant life together.

I asked Sunita and Ravi a few questions about their day and here are their answers

1) What do you love about being married?
It has been pretty hectic since, so we haven’t had a chance to find out! We’ll keep you posted.

2) Any advice for future Bride and Grooms?
Yes, relax and try to take it all in.

3) Why did you choose beautiful life to capture your day?
We had a clear idea of what we wanted and you were it. We love the fly on the wall concept. Each photo has its own depth and captures the privacy and intimacy of the moment. Some of the Wedding Suppliers used by Ravi & Sunita

Some of the Wedding Suppliers used by Ravi & Sunita

Mandap by Creative Mandap
Asian White Wedding Horse by Wedding Horses

Jewellery by A2Z Jewellery
Car Hire by Citroen DS

Turben by Vikram Jadeja

Grooms outfit by Ziggy Studio

Catering by Jush Events
Wedding Photography by Beautiful Life

Wedding Video by Beautiful Life

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Ravi’s Indian Sangeet ⎪London May Fair Hotel

Beautiful Life — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 23:20:15 +0000

This is the first of three events from Sunita and Ravinder’s Indian Wedding. Megan and I travelled down to London to the May Fair Hotel to photograph Ravi’s Sangeet. The party was held in the Crystal room, the detail was beautiful, I especially liked the lacquered walls which glistened in the candle light (want one!) The doors throughout the hotel were fab too, I want to know who’s hand made the handprint in the metal, very intriguing. All in all the perfect setting for an evening of champagne, dinner and dancing, a great party.

Traffic light marshmallows, what more could you want?! I am with the little girl in the next picture, puddings galore, how would you choose?

Sundeep and Nisha | Indian Wedding Reception

Beautiful Life — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 13:05:20 +0000

Just a quick blog post for you today. Sundeep and Nisha got married in India and then had a reception party back in the UK for all their friends and family. We were booked by Jush Events to film and photograph the evening at the Riverside Venue near Heathrow, London. It was a great evening, a really lovely couple, delicious food, a fab cake covered in chocolate frills and full of profiteroles! and some great dancing. I always love photographing dancing at Indian Weddings. Sundeep and Nisha had a great DJ with a really good setup and lighting, so important if you want good photographs. The venue had an amazing polished dance floor which reflected all the lights and people just had a great time. I was in the zone!

Sunita & Ravinder | Engagement Shoot Part 2

Beautiful Life — Tue, 03 May 2011 08:25:11 +0000

Yesterday I posted Part 1 (VIEW PART ONE) of Sunita and Ravinder’s Indian engagement celebrations. As promised here is part 2. After the dancing we headed out into the city for some photo’s. I love engagement sessions, and this one in particular was completely awesome! Engagement sessions are a great chance to have fun and be creative. For us wedding photographers its often a chance to experiment a bit, you have more time than on a wedding shoot and with a little bit of planning you can create a set of unique and interesting images with a personal touch. This shoot was a cross between an engagement session and a wedding shoot as we were limited time wise as the guests were waiting to carry on the party.

Talking to Sunita before the event I discovered she worked in the Film, TV and Theatre Industry making costumes, props etc. Sunita specialises in Prosthetics, Make-up and Animatronics, working on the skins of humans, animals and creatures to make them look real. She has worked on films such as Harry Potter, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the soon to be released Xmen and Theatre productions such as The Lion King! What an awesome job!! Like me she has a background in textiles and art and also shares my love of all things vintage in planning for the wedding she had been overdosing on old classic hindi films and music videos on you tube for inspiration. Sunita particularly likes the actress Mumtaz and the video she is in called Bindiya Chamkegi, Sunita said it reminded her of the films her Mum used to watch and she loved the look of the 60′s and 70′s Indian clothes. Sunita found her sari whist shopping in London with her Mum, it was new but had the vintage feel she was after, her jewellery also had an old fashion look almost Mogul. When it came to hair do’s Sunita went big! She said when she showed Zainab her hairstylist the images she’d collated she was really excited because she loves doing bee hives! Zainab was also coincidently, distantly related to Mumtaz! Anyways a big thank you to Dollymix Vintage for letting us loose in their shop with the cameras! and another big thank you to Sunita and Ravinder for being so much fun and sharing your day with us. I did get a little giddy, what can I say – I love my job!

Just love this image, that mannequin is so nosey!

Ravinder looks like he belongsTe he! got to love those silly moments!

Oh such a lovely couple and so full of love for each other, congratulations!

© 2011 Beautiful Life Video and Photography
Creative Asian Wedding Photography and Asian Wedding Videos throughout the UK
Beautiful Life cover many different types of English and Asian Weddings. Please contact us if you would like more information on our services.

Sunita & Ravinder ∣ Indian Engagement Ceremony Part 1

Beautiful Life — Mon, 02 May 2011 12:52:03 +0000

Click here to view more of Sunita and Ravinder’s Events

I’ve decided to blog Sunita and Ravinder’s engagement photographs in two parts starting with the ceremony and reception at the City Rooms in Leicester. This is the first of five events building up to their wedding day at the end of June. Sunita and Ravinder live and work in London but came back to Sunita’s home town for the engagement celebration. The sun was shining and the city was bustling with people out shopping and enjoying the weekend and as I headed out I was really looking forward to the day.

The past 12 months for us has been a year of fusion weddings, weddings where two families from different cultures come together and share their wedding customs and traditions. Sometimes cultures are quite diverse and other times fairly closely related, I know it must be a mammoth task to organise these events with so many people to consult and involve but the result is a totally unique and often very interesting and beautiful wedding to film and photograph. Sunita’s family are Hindu and Ravinder’s family are Sikh so their engagement ceremony was a combination of the Sagai, the Hindu ring ceremony and the chunni chadana, the Indian engagement ceremony. The other reason for my excitement was that Sunita shares my love of all things vintage and we had planned a fab portrait shoot in the city after the reception and I always love engagement shoots. Anyway that is going to be my second post tomorrow so I’ll talk more about that then, for now enjoy the pics.

CLICK TO VIEW PART 2

© 2011 Beautiful Life
Asian Wedding Video and Asian Wedding Photography throughout the UK
Indian Wedding Photography by Joy Foulds

3 More Wedding Albums

Beautiful Life — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 13:07:21 +0000

Happy New Year! We’ve had so much fun this holiday, it started with getting stuck in the snow and being towed backwards up a hill in the middle of the devonshire countryside! a new experience! not one I’d like to repeat but exciting all the same! Then lots of swimming, hanging out in cafes and enjoying my nan’s home cooked dinners. Skinny season is now upon us and I am slightly regretting one or two puddings with clotted cream, but who can resist!!

The day before we went on holiday three more beautiful story books arrived in the post! Before clients collect their albums I have to unpack them and check them, it felt like finding your Christmas presents and taking a sneak peek before the big day! I was really pleased with them, once again a fantastic build and finish. These are the first Albums I’ve ordered with the new designer boxes, they looked stunning, printed to match the front of the Albums.

The Wedding Albums are from a Sikh wedding. The first one is the Grooms album and he chose one of my favourite leathers for the cover so I couldn’t wait to see this one! Sat went for lots of montage pages which captured the pace and atmosphere of the day.

The second album is the Brides Pre-wedding album. In a Sikh wedding you have lots of gorgeous ceremonies in the build up to the big day. There is the Mehndi ceremony where henna (mehndi) is applied to the Brides hands and feet and the Choora ceremony where the brides family adorn her with bangles. One of my favourite pre-wedding ceremony to photograph is the Maiyan and Vatna, this is where the couple’s families rub yellow tumeric paste onto their legs, face and arms. This ceremony usually takes place the day before the wedding, the purpose is to cleanse and balance the body ready for marriage. I photographed Amandeep’s pre-wedding ceremonies and the Jaggo (meaning wake up!) and believe me you couldn’t sleep through this party! It is a great time where relatives and friends come together to sing and dance. The brides female relatives dance carrying a pot decorated with lightened candles and singing Jaggo songs it is great fun to photograph.

The third album is the bride’s Wedding Album. Amandeep went for a simple design using large images to really highlight those special moments.

2011 looks like its going to be great, I have some fab jobs in the pipeline and loads I want to achieve, conquer and build so watch this space!

Raj and Shital’s Hindu Wedding

Beautiful Life — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 00:48:38 +0000

A gorgeous Autumn day, the sun was shining! Raj and Shital held their indian wedding ceremony at the new Judgemeadow College in Leicester. Indian weddings are filled with lots of beautiful colours, emotion and laughter which always creates fantastic opportunities for capturing natural imagery. Congratulations to Raj and Shital and thank you for making me feel so welcome throughout your day.

On arrival the Groom is escorted to the Mandap

Kanyadaan or entrustinig of the daughter is where consent for the continuation of the wedding is given by the brides parents. They give their daughter to the groom by placing her right hand into the Grooms right hand (Hastamelap) whist saying sacred verses. The curtain separating the Bride and Groom is then lowered and garlands are exchanged.

Ganthibandhan (Tying the knot) is where the priest ties a knot which is a symbol of union between the Bride and Groom as husband and wife.

Agni Puja (Holy Fire). The priest starts a fire in a Kund. The fire symbolises the illumination of the mind, knowledge and happiness.

Laja Homa. The Bride and Groom place rice into the sacred fire.

Mangalfera. (Walking around the Fire). Each time they stop they place their toes on a stone in their path which represents overcoming obstacles together.

The bridegroom blesses the bride by placing Sindhur at the parting of hair on her forehead. He places a necklace on here (Mangal Sutra) which represents togetherness, love and sacred union.

Chathurthi Karma is where the bride and Groom feed each other four times representing nourishment for the body and soul.

Aashirvaad (Blessing). This is where the priest blesses the Bride and Groom as flower petals and rice are thrown.

Viddai (Brides departure) This is a very emotional time. Family and friends say goodbye to the bride as she leaves her parents home and begins a life with her husband and his family.

Part way through the day we went to the Botanical Gardens in Leicester to shoot some wedding portraits. With the sun shining and the leaves turning red and gold it was a gorgeous backdrop for photographs. If you are planning some Bride and Groom portraits as part of your wedding day then having a great location picked out can make all the difference. Locations can be serene and beautiful or urban and gritty and anything in between. Be creative and plan this time into your day, we recommend around 30 minutes. We do offer a practise run in the form of an free engagement shoot which can be really useful to help you relax in front of the camera.

© 2010 Beautiful Life Wedding Video and Photography
Asian Wedding Video and Asian Wedding Photography. Full UK Coverage
If you would like to find out more about Indian Wedding Photography and Hindu Wedding Photography then please contact the office on 01509 505438.

Kiran and Bela’s Hindu Wedding

Beautiful Life — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 10:01:42 +0000

Kiran and Bela’s wedding was a two day event starting in Bolton at the Reebok Stadium and finishing in London. Beautiful Life was providing both wedding video and photography and so the weekend was action packed and went at a pace.

Bela got ready at De Vere Whites then made her way to the venue where she waited out of site as it is believed in a Hindu Wedding to be bad luck for the Groom to see the bride before the Ceremony. When Kiran arrived he was greeted my Bela’s mum who accompanied him into the Man-dap. in the foyer the Swagatam Ceremony is performed, this is where the groom breaks a clay pot with his foot which symbolises conquering difficulties in marriage. The foyer was packed with people which made for some interesting angles! Saying this I think the images from the Swagatam are some of my favourites from the day.

The Grooms party walks in procession to the ceremony location where he is greeted by the Brides mother who applies a small red dot to his forehead to signify her approval of the marriage.

The Groom holds the brides flowers and a coconut. The coconut represents love and purity.

The Brides parents then escort the Groom to the Mandap

The groom is covered by a white cloth and when Bela arrived she sat opposite him and the priest tied her Sari to his scarf. The Brides father places her hand in the grooms hand and they are joined with rope which goes around their necks. The cloth is removed and theres a great moment where they see each other for the first time.This is the fire ceremony, where the couple take rice and leaves which symbolise health, happiness and prosperity and offer them to the fire. The couple walk around the fire four times.

The Brides mother pinches the grooms chin, this is to say ‘I told you not to come and get her but you came anyway!’

The groom sprinkles red powder onto the brides forehead to welcome her into his life.

Day two in London. We had an hour first thing in the morning just with the Bride and Groom, the sun was out and we captured some shots in the gardens at Grims Dyke Hotel, Harrow Weald, Middlesex. Just as I put my camera in the car it started raining, perfect timing!

Let the party begin! The curry was simmering nicely as the family started to arrive at Kiran’s parents house to welcome Bela into the family.

Congratulations Kiran and Bela and a big thank you to both families for looking after us so well. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

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Covering all wedding types including Indian Wedding Photography and Indian Wedding Videos. Full UK coverage.