Asiana Wedding 58 - Aut/Win22

FOR THE ASIAN BRIDE WHO WANTS MORE 

ASIANA 

A/W 2022 • £4.50 

PLANNING 

MADE EASY 

Expert advice 

to inspire your 

Big Day 

BUSINESS 

OF BEAUTY 

Secrets of the Social 

Media Superstars 

CATWALK 

REPORT 

Asiana Bridal 

Show London 

5 8 > 

9 7 7 1 7 4 2 2 3 7 0 0 9 

Heritage 

Queens

Exhibition 

Stand 

enquiries: 

info@asiana.tv

PRESENT... 

Sunday 19th February 2023 

Exhibition: 10am - 7pm 

THE SAVOY LONDON 

The Strand, London WC2R 0EZ 

TickeTs & info: www.asianabridalshow.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 

BROWSE ALL YOUR FAVOURITE BRANDS ONLINE 

www.shop.asiana.tv

BRIDAL MAKEUP • TRAINING COURSES 

lubnarafiq.com/lragency 

07939 15 44 00 

lubnarafiqacademy OfficialLubnaRafiq letsmakeupLR

Outfit: Monga’s • Jewellery: Maala London

C O 

200 

150 

138 

FASHION 

114. The Bride’s Guide 

Latest news from across the wedding industry 

116. Shop Asiana 

The only online fashion portal you need 

118. Designer Profile 

Rajasthan’s leading couturist arrives in the UK 

120. Wedding Planning 

The Asiana Wedding Directory is at your service 

121. Catwalk Report 

Highlights from the Asiana Bridal Show 2022 

N T E 

N 

116 

98 

209 

142 

CELEBRITY 

98. Meet the Insta-preneurs

REAL LIFE 

WEDDINGS 

144. Your love stories 

Newlyweds share their magical memories 

PLANNING 

138. Bridal Notebook 

Your tick box guide to perfect planning 

142. Interiors 

Gorgeous ideas for your love nest 

160. Planning tools 

The new bridal marketplace for all your needs 

162. Wedding Planner 

Expert help for your destination wedding 

164. Party venues 

Book at table at the hottest new restaurant 

170.Wedding venues 

The UK’s best spots to tie the knot 

180. Venues abroad 

Get married at the Swissôtel The Bosphorus 

182. Food 

Introducing Madhu’s Istanbul 

188. Catering 

It’s not a party without the feast 

Signature Banqueting 

Chakra Events 

Sultan Caterers 

194. Entertainment 

Meet the new team behind Paragon 

196. Photography 

Top tips for choosing your photographer 

198. Theming ideas 

Create your own private shisha lounge 

200. Flowers 

How to choose your bridal bouquet 

202. Hen & Stag 

Fun ways to spend time with your friends 

204. Relationship 

Expert advice for settling into married life 

206. Style inspo 

Scent-sational candles for dark evenings 

BEAUTY 

209. Beauty News 

The latest industry innovations 

218. Aesthetics 

Professional treatments by 

the experts at Mi:Skin 

220. Henna 

The timeless appeal of an ancient art 

222. Skin 

Fast-track beauty innovations 

226. Hair 

Celebrity stylist Dar answers your question 

225. Beauty Solution 

Advice from Beauty Editor Anjana Gosai 

228. Health & Wellbeing 

Look after your mind, body and soul 

230. Dental 

Smile with confidence thanks to Dr Kal 

121 

GROOM 

232. Grooming News 

Beauty isn’t just for brides 

233. Groom Notes 

Gifts for your groomsmen 

HONEYMOON 

234. Honeymoon News 

Where to go and what to take 

235. Hotel of The Season 

Boutique living in Istanbul 

236. First Night 

The best hotel suites for your minimoon 

238. Island paradise in Corfu 

240. Magnificent Majorca 

242. Eastern promises in 

Dubai and Oman 

REGULARS 

11. Get the cover look 

Secrets of The Queens of Istanbul 

13. Editor’s Letter 

Greetings from Istanbul 

137. Wedding Expert 

Sanjay Anand MBE has all the answers 

DIRECTORY 

245. Our guide to the best 

wedding service providers 

182

Shisha Catering For Your Big Day

GET THECover Look 

EDITOR 

Indiya Ahmed 

BEAUTY EDITOR 

Anjana Gosai 

FEATURES EDITOR 

Momtaz Begum-Hossain 

WEDDING CONSULTANT 

Sanjay Anand 

• 

CONTRIBUTORS 

Imaan Ahmed, Amardeep Dadi 

Courtney Fontaine, 

Vinita Kalia, Ibraheem Khan, 

Sumaiyah Omar, 

Akib Rayhan, Zaf Shabir, 

Faeiza Sharifi, 

Alan Strutt 

• 

DIRECTOR OF SALES 

Cauvery Bhandari 

CORPORATE DIRECTOR 

Rajesh Nair 

• 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE 

Thufayel Ahmed 

• 

PUBLISHER 

Sarwar Ahmed 

• 

Outfits: Tehxeeb London • Hair & Make-Up: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency 

+ Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Jewellery: Jauhar Jewels 

DISTRIBUTION 

Newstrade: Postscriptum 

020 8526 7779 

Meet our Queens of Istanbul; 

two regal brides dressed in 

the riches of Pakistani couture. 

These elegant ensembles capture 

the spirit of the Turkish city 

- romance, heritage and tradition: the same 

characteristics that can be found in the threads 

of the bridalwear at Tehxeeb London. 

Classic red and gold have long been the 

choice for brides from all South Asian cultures 

and it’s experiencing a revival among young 

brides who are keen to go back to their roots. 

While the colour pairing will always have a 

timeless quality, the pieces are made more 

appealing thanks to their flattering, fitted cuts. 

The luxurious lengha is embellished with 

bold 3D embroidery and beading featured in 

simple fan motifs, while in the second outfit, a 

dramatic long jacket commands attention. It’s 

the ultimate outfit for an Autumn/Winter bride, 

allowing them to make a grand statement 

during the cooler months when long sleeves 

are a relief. 

Birmingham-based bespoke jewellery brand 

Jauhar Jewels created grand bridal sets where 

the statement neckpiece connects with stylish 

head chains. Large tikkas frame the face using 

traditional Pakistani jewels in red and green, 

while nose rings add attitude. 

A traditional accessory that modern brides 

love to wear, bridal nose rings can completely 

transform your entire look with that extra, 

unexpected detail. 

For the make-up, Lubna Rafiq and her 

assistants opted for dark, alluring smoked eyes 

with soft pink lips. Blending brown and gold 

eyeshadows created an antique quality which 

harmonises with the heritage vibes of the 

outfits. Skin was made flawless with minimal 

contouring and just a splash of blush to 

highlight cheeks adding gentle drama to these 

timeless looks. 

Telephone: +44 (0) 203 858 0727 

Email: (Firstname) @asiana.tv 

The design and artwork of all advertising 

produced by Asiana Media Ltd remains 

the copyright of Asiana Media Ltd and 

may not be reproduced in any other 

publication or any other media without 

our express written permission. 

All rights reserved. 

No part of this publication may be 

reproduced or used in any form. 

without the express written 

permission of the publisher. 

Copyright © 2022 Asiana Media Ltd. 

Licensed from Ahmed Concepts Ltd 

www.asiana.tv 

ASIANA WEDDING |11



07939 15 44 00 

lubnarafiqacademy OfficialLubnaRafiq letsmakeupLR 

Outfits: Tehxeeb London • Jewellery: Jauhar Jewels

EDITOR’SLetter 

I encourage all of you beautiful 

ladies out there to be confident, to 

dream big and to work hard like the 

queens you are to boss it up! 

I’m currently sitting in Istanbul after a long day 

of shooting with our two beautiful cover models. 

The team have been working extremely hard 

to produce the new edition of Asiana Wedding! 

Turkey has always been one of my favourite 

holiday destinations. The picturesque views, historical mosques, 

mesmerising palaces and luxury resorts make it an extraordinary 

place to visit, and to do a photoshoot! Between the hustle and 

bustle of styling bridal lenghas, directing photography and 

searching for breathtaking locations to produce the bridal bible 

you’re holding, I thought I’d take some time out to write this 

letter to you; call this your postcard from Asiana. 

We chose Istanbul as the location for our Autumn/Winter 

edition; a destination where we could tell a unique story for the 

fashion campaigns we have created for the biggest brands in 

the Asian bridal industry - (wait until you see the extraordinary 

250-year-old hammam in which we shot Khushboo’s By Chand’s 

alluring veiled goddess campaign, it’s one of my favourites!) 

I’d like to also congratulate Madhu’s for the opening of their 

first international restaurant in Istanbul at The Swissôtel, The 

Bosphorus and a big thank you for inviting Asiana out there and 

hosting our photoshoot trip. I wish them luck on their remarkable 

new business venture! The food and restaurant are exquisite and 

you can find out more on page 182. 

Our cover campaign is extremely special to me, as it’s been so 

long since traditional red was brought back in trend. The last 

time Asiana featured this timeless shade was pre-pandemic in 

2018 when Bipasha Basu graced our cover and I’m pleased to say 

that true to tradition, red is trending again. 

This edition also highlights our exquisite catwalk report from 

The Asiana Bridal show at Grosvenor House 2022, showcasing 

a variety of luxury collections from all the top fashion brands for 

planning your big day. I’m also excited to announce our upcoming 

Elite Asiana Bridal Show 2023 will be taking place at The Savoy 

London on the 5th of February. Along with our partners Madhu’s 

and Sunrise Radio, I look forward to welcoming all you brides-tobe 

as you embark on your wedding journey. 

Until then, if you’re currently in the midst of planning I 

hope this issue helps you with the preparation for your special 

day - get inspired by grand wedding venues, caterers, flowers, 

entertainment and so much more. We’ve also featured quite a 

variety of exotic honeymoon destinations so be sure to check out 

our hand-picked lush destinations. 

I think as much as we can get carried away with wedding 

planning, which is a tough procedure, the hardest part is 

transitioning into an actual marriage. We don’t speak about this 

enough in the South Asian community. However, if you turn 

to page 204 I’d encourage you to read our trending article on 

relationships - including marital advice given by a world-class 

doctor and eminent psychologist. 

Finally… I can’t forget to mention our brilliant girl power 

influencer shoot featuring some of the UK’s top South Asian 

influential women of date. If you visit page 98 you can see the 

luxurious makeover and photo shoot spread Asiana has created 

along with a feature on all of these hard working and successful 

women who run their own businesses. I am a huge advocate of 

women’s empowerment - so I encourage all of you beautiful ladies 

out there to be confident, to dream big and to work hard like the 

queens you are to boss it up! 

Like us on Facebook 

asianamagazine 

Asiana 

asianatv 

Follow us on Instagram 

asianatv 

Follow us on Twitter 

asianamagazine 

Indiya Ahmed 

Editor 

indiya@asiana.tv 

ASIANA WEDDING | 13

Hair & Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Celebrity Agency + Senior Artists Aysha Qaiser & Kiren VIrdi • Cosmetics: Forever52 Makeup • Jewellery: Jauhar Jewels

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What to wear and how to wear it 

FASHION 

Catwalk 

Couture 

The runway-approved bridal 

trends you need to see 

Rajasthan Royalty 

Introducing the Indian Couturier making 

waves at London Fashion Week 

INSPIRATIONAL 

INFLUENCERS 

Meet the social media superstars creating 

their own online beauty empires 

Outfit: 

Panache Boutique

PRESENT... 





Exhibition Stand EnquiriES: info@aSiana.tv 

tickEtS & info: www.aSianabridalShow.co.uk

JEMELIN ARTIGAS 

@JEMELIN ARTIGAS 

KIRAN KAUR 

@KBELLEBEAUTY 

98 | ASIANA WEDDING

SUMAIYAH OMAR 

@FLAWLESSBYSUMAIYAH 

SOCIAL MEDIA 

BOSS 

BABES 

These five female founders have 

built up their own social media 

empires to become powerful, 

passion-driven young 

businesswomen. 

Meet the Insta-preneurs… 

MEHRUNNISA RAJA 

@FOREVER.FLEEK 

KADEEJA SEL KHAN 

@EMERALDXBEAUTY 

Concept & Styling: Indiya Ahmed • Photography: Alan Strutt 

Hair & Make-Up: Lubna Rafiq • Outfits: Tehxeeb London • Jewellery: Nargis Collections 

Words: Momtaz Begum-Hossain

Hair & Make-Up: Lubna Rafiq 

Outfits: Tehxeeb London 

Jewellery: Nargis Collections

SOCIAL MEDIA 

“These inspirational women have 

proven that building a brand from 

your bedroom isn’t a dream. Your 

hobbies can turn into a business 

that can change your life” 

Indiya Ahmed, EDITOR 

Asiana Wedding Magazine 

“Seeing successful women in 

business is the number one 

inspiration that can change a 

young person’s outlook on life, 

giving them hope and motivation. 

At Asiana, we’re passionate about ‘sisters doing it 

for themselves’ something that I champion myself,” 

Indiya Ahmed, Editor and Creative Director of Asiana 

Wedding Magazine, AsianaTV and the Asiana Bridal 

Shows heads up the biggest bridal brand in the UK 

and as a young female entrepreneur she’s aware of 

the challenges women in business face. So this issue 

we’re talking to the some of the most influential voices 

in the industry, and sharing their stories to inspire a 

new generation of young women to feel empowered to 

follow their own paths too. 

“Female role models empower other women more 

than anything else, and that’s exactly what inspired 

our feature. I wanted to give our readers words of 

wisdom that will help them live the lives they strive 

for. These five inspiring women have proven that 

building a brand from your bedroom isn’t a dream. 

Social media has given everyone a platform to 

showcase their passions and talents and when that 

passion connects with an audience, your hobbies can 

turn into a business that can change your life;” says 

Indiya. 

Social media often only shows the glamorous side of 

being a high-flying entrepreneur but Indiya was keen 

to highlight the other side of the story: “So much hard 

work goes into running your own business, much of it 

fans and followers will never get to see. As someone 

who works 24/7 and is committed to her career 100% 

of the time I know the reality and the pressures 

each of our influential entrepreneurs face so in our 

interviews I asked them to be honest about what life 

is really like being a successful powerhouse - you may 

be surprised with what you discover. 

Whether it’s collaborating with brands or launching 

their own empire, these well-known social media 

figures are finding inspiring and innovative ways to 

make a living from their online fame and we are so 

here for it! 

Introducing the entrepreneurial influencers who 

are shaping the future of women in business… 

ASIANA WEDDING | 101



Jewellery: Nargis Collections 

“SOMETHING I’M PROUD OF 

IS THERE AREN’T MANY 

SIKH WOMEN BIG IN THE 

FAST-FASHION INSTAGRAM 

FIELD. I AM ONE OF 

A HANDFUL. I NEVER 

THOUGHT I WOULD BE 

“INSTA-FAMOUS”, IT JUST 

KIND OF HAPPENED!” 

102 | ASIANA WEDDING

Kiran 

KBelleBeauty 

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Entrepreneur, Influencer, Owner of hair 

extensions brand GL Hair 

kbellebeauty 

Kiran’s journey began as the ordinary girl-nextdoor, 

like many of us posting on Instagram for 

friends and family to like; only fate had other 

plans. Her striking looks and beautiful images 

caught the eye of brands and that’s how her 

influence began to spread. She explains: “I 

started posting pictures on Instagram for fun. 

Then fashion brands started reaching out to 

me for collaborations. I now work with almost 

every world-famous fashion brand you can 

imagine which is something I’m proud of as there 

aren’t many Sikh women big in the fast-fashion 

Instagram field, I am one of a handful. I never 

thought I would be ‘Insta-famous’, it just kind of 

happened.” 

With nearly 400,000 followers looking to her 

for inspiration, Kiran realised she had a captive 

audience who were keen to support her, so 

made the most of the opportunity by becoming 

an entrepreneur. She enthuses: “I am now the 

director of 14 companies which includes hair 

extensions brand GL Hair which I started straight 

after university, along with salons and many other 

brands. I came from a humble beginning so I’m 

very proud of how far I’ve come, 10-year-old me 

would be crying if they could see me now!” 

Influencers typically have several strands of 

income, which has also proved profitable for 

Kiran. She says: “I now run my companies full 

time and spend about 20% of my time taking on 

brand deals and collaborations. I would say I’m 

predominantly a businesswoman rather than 

an influencer. Fun fact, I set up my Instagram 

account in 2013 for my salon at the time but then 

changed it to an influencer account and I’m now a 

household name in the Western fashion industry.” 

What’s so refreshing and appealing about Kiran 

is that she’s not afraid to take on challenges 

and that’s part of her success. She admits: “I 

had absolutely zero experience or a background 

in business before starting my brands. I had to 

learn everything from scratch which included 

marketing, recruitment, sourcing products, 

negotiations, branding and social media - you 

name it I can wear every hat when it comes to 

business. I’m not afraid of anything and love the 

challenges that business brings. I also believe that 

as a female entrepreneur, you must keep striving 

for more.” 





Jemelin 

Artigas 

Presenter, Model and CEO 

I-Growth Social Media Experts 

jemelinartigas 

Jemelin’s rise to success reads like the pages 

of a fairytale. An immigrant from Venezuela 

she arrived in the UK without a home and 

worked as a cleaner to survive, but during 

these toughest times, she clung to her 

self-belief and determination. She’s now a 

successful presenter and entrepreneur with 

a thriving business, following her appearance 

on BBC’s The Apprentice and she’s also the 

first Latin American to be featured in Asiana. 

She enthuses: “In terms of traditions we are 

very similar! We love food, family and enjoy 

life. I also have a close connection to South 

Asian culture as my husband is from India.” 

Speaking about the challenge of trying to 

survive and thrive when she first moved to the 

UK, Jemelin found strength in thinking about 

her mother. She confesses: “One of the biggest 

motivations was what my mum taught me 

growing up. She always said no matter what 

you do even if you are a street cleaner make 

sure you are the best street cleaner out there. 

I also believe that success isn’t something you 

reach. Success is the ability to keep growing, 

no matter how many times you fail: learn from 

it, get up and keep trying.” 

Jemelin’s resilience is so inspiring that it’s 

no wonder she struck a chord with so many 

people on social media. She says: “I think by 

being fully transparent on the reality of being 

an entrepreneur and the struggles, a lot of 

people resonate with me because I always 

show them my most vulnerable side and 

share my story of coming from nothing.” 

This influence grew after she was selected 

from over 75 thousand applicants to be on 

season 15 of The Apprentice; where she learnt 

entrepreneurial skills that transformed her 

life. She says: “I had never been to university 

nor had a corporate job. I definitely had never 

been in a boardroom but I didn’t let that stop 

me. I was the project manager on our first 

task in Cape Town and constantly put myself 

forward for all the tasks. I learnt a lot on the 

show: to be more determined and a fast 

decision-maker, to take more action instead 

of just talking, and to learn while you are at it 

- which is what we did on the show. That was 

my biggest takeaway. You don’t need to wait, 

just do it!”

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Since the show, Jemelin has followed her 

passion for social media to create I-Growth, 

which connects content creators and 

influencers with brands; a fresh new business 

concept that couldn’t be more relevant. She 

explains: “We live in an era where adverts are 

out-dated. Brands prefer to humanise their 

brand by working with a social influencer that 

has an audience that trusts them. 10 years 

ago this type of business didn’t exist but as 

someone that has experienced it first-hand, 

I’m excited to help other women to find their 

voice and their purpose.” 

Don’t feel intimidated if you don’t yet have 

the follower community you want; it takes 

time to build this trust but don’t give up. 

Jemelin says: “Be clear in what you represent. 

A lot of people want to be an influencer for 

the fame and so-called influencer lifestyle 

which many think is so glamorous but trust 

me when I say it’s anything but. Understand 

that it takes time to build a following and is 

not just about growing your followers but also 

creating a community around that and that 

is the difficult part because it requires a lot of 

time and effort. Be mindful of what content 

you put out. Ask yourself does this content 

really resonate with the audience I want to 

attract or just simply look good? Strategise 

everything you put out. 

“We are launching a free course soon that 

explains everything from different ways of 

growing to how to strategise - so definitely 

give us a follow on Instagram 

@igrowthsocialmediaexperts to learn new 

skills that could shape your future.” 

“SUCCESS IS THE ABILITY 

TO KEEP GROWING, NO 

MATTER HOW MANY 

TIMES YOU FAIL: LEARN 

FROM IT, GET UP AND 

KEEP TRYING.” 





“I WANTED TO BE THE CHANGE. 

I WANTED TO SHOW THE WORLD 

THAT IT’S OKAY TO BE YOURSELF 

AND EMBRACE WHO YOU ARE”

Kadeeja Sel Khan 

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Model and Skin Activist 

emeraldxbeauty 

Staying authentic to yourself is the number one 

reason a follower connects with you and hits the 

‘follow’ or subscribe button. They become drawn to 

your unique story which builds trust and support, 

and this is something that Kadeeja discovered when 

she decided to post, unfiltered photos of her acneprone 

skin. 

She didn’t realise at the time that by taking the 

brave step to show her imperfections, it would elevate 

her profile, launch her career and transform her into 

an influential Skin Activist; it certainly wasn’t an 

easy journey. She reveals: 

“Having acne prone skin from the age of 11 was 

very difficult. It was hard to adjust to and hard to live 

with. As I got older I felt like my skin wasn’t getting 

any better, in fact, I felt like it was getting worse. 

When I came onto social media and saw so many 

perfect faces and bodies it would have been easy to 

feel intimidated but instead, I felt that I wanted to be 

the change. I wanted to show the world that it’s okay 

to be yourself and embrace who you are.” 

Kadeeja had no idea that her honest approach 

would resonate with an international audience, this 

was the first time many of them felt seen and heard. 

She believed she was spreading positive messages 

about real beauty through her photos and videos but 

never expected anything more than a few likes. She 

says: “I didn’t realise I was blowing up. It just felt 

like my positive messages started being heard and 

then everything changed.” 

The biggest brands in the beauty industry noticed 

Kadeeja and wanted to work with her. She was 

booked as a model for adverts and campaigns for 

global brands like Rimmel London and Makeup 

Revolution. “My highlight was definitely doing an 

advert with Rita Ora for Rimmel London. I was 

so proud of my collaboration with Rita and Cara 

Delavigne. I mean, I could only dream of something 

like that, so to have that be the reality for me was 

very overwhelming. It’s actually crazy because as a 

teenager my reason behind wanting blonde hair was 

because of Rita Ora. I admired her so much and a few 

years later I was working with her, it was insane!” 

But the pinch-me moments haven’t stopped there 

for Kadeeja whose entrepreneurial successes and 

influence keep growing. Another standout moment 

for her was collaborating with Inglot. She admits: 

“Being in Westfield shopping centre and seeing 

my face on the Inglot counter, such a well-known 

beauty brand, was an amazing opportunity that 

I’m so grateful for. I never knew that sitting at 

home making videos and sharing photos of my 

everyday life could bring me so many extraordinary 

opportunities.” 


Sumaiyah Omar 

Beauty Influencer and MUA 

flawlessbysumaiyah 

“Instagram and make-up artists go together like strawberries 

and cream. They’re a match made in beauty heaven!” enthuses 

Sumaiyah, who has built her brand fuelled by her passion for 

beauty. She grew her influence by staying committed and pushing 

herself by upskilling. She says: “When I first created an Instagram 

account I felt absolutely lost. I posted regular content about my 

day, make-up and skincare and it was a fun way to build a small 

and steady following. I knew that one day these followers could 

be potential clients but I had to think outside of the box to push 

through to the next level.” 

Working at a beauty counter gave Sumaiyah practical 

experience, helping her keep up-to-date with beauty trends and 

gaining confidence in her entrepreneurial endeavours. In order to 

get noticed she started tagging influencers and entrepreneurs she 

admired and that’s when her journey really kicked off. She says: 

“I got noticed by Zukreat, a renowned entrepreneur that was one 

of the first hijabi make-up artists to become a YouTube sensation. 

Investing in her make-up course was one of the best decisions I 

made in my career. Learning from someone that is a prominent 

figure on social media took my approach to another level. I 

purchased a whole new kit, invested in good lighting and started to 

create looks on myself.” 

Sumaiyah’s numbers kept growing and enquiries for her MUA skills 

came flooding in - but she didn’t stop at doing make-up, she also 

became Zukreat’s PA. She says: “I practically ate, slept and breathed 

make-up. I worked in multiple locations around the UK and Instagram 

allowed me to share all my amazing experiences on the way.” 

But Sumaiyah didn’t just post randomly, she began using 

Instagram tools and strategies to monitor her progress. She admits: 

“I kept a work diary and planned client meetings, shoot days and 

blogging days. I researched trending videos and songs every day - 

sometimes this content took hours to create, But I never gave up.” 

Motivated by her goal of becoming a celebrity MUA Sumaiyah 

continued to learn and be inspired by the best in the industry. 

She says: “I’ve always had a make-up crush on Huda Kattan. A 

beauty influencer turned entrepreneur and pioneer in the make-up 

industry. She started out just like the rest of us. A woman that 

wanted to make it for herself - she is an inspiration to all women.” 

It was feeling empowered by other female entrepreneurs that 

gave Sumaiyah the edge to keep pushing herself. She says: “My 

mindset is key. If I want to do something I grab it with both hands. 

I took a masterclass with @makeupbymario Kim Kardashian’s 

make-up artist where I developed amazing techniques. Again, this 

was another great decision in my career. I instantly started getting 

recognition from celebrity agents that I networked with in previous 

events and that’s how I landed my first Pakistani actress Mahira 

Khan. Working on her was an absolute dream and it opened up a 

world of opportunities for me.” 

But these opportunities haven’t been handed to Sumaiyah on a 

plate. It is sheer hard work and consistency that have helped her 

achieve her dreams: “I’m always hungry for new opportunities and 

I’m not afraid to reach out to brands. They won’t always come 

to you, you have to write that email, send it, make that meeting 

happen and sell yourself.” 


“I’VE ALWAYS HAD A MAKE-UP 

CRUSH ON HUDA KATTAN. A 

BEAUTY INFLUENCER TURNED 

ENTREPRENEUR AND PIONEER 

IN THE INDUSTRY - SHE IS 

AN INSPIRATION TO 

ALL WOMEN.” 

SOCIAL MEDIA 








Mehrunnisa 

Beauty Influencer & Founder 

WithUns Cosmetics 

forever.fleek 

Mehrunnisa began posting on Instagram 

when she was 14, using it as an outlet to 

share her creative make-up looks. Her 

talents and consistency connected with her 

audience and she experienced phenomenal 

growth just by being herself. She enthuses: 

“I didn’t think I would ever hit over 1000 

followers, but here I am with over 100,000! 

I believed in my content and worked hard. 

When you truly believe in something you 

will always bring it to life.” 

Though her following is impressive, 

propelling her into the league of elite 

content creators, she firmly believes that 

numbers don’t matter. Everyone should 

give their business ideas a go. She advises: 

“I believe if you want to do something, 

especially when it comes to business, 

you should start as soon as you can. 

You’ll always be learning new things and 

improving your brand. Instead of delaying 

things start now. Followers are a great 

advantage who help push you towards 

your passion, creating a community and 

client base. However, you can start without 

any followers and be just as successful. 

You need to be determined, believe in your 

business and product, and lastly, work 

smart and effectively.” 

Using some of her own advice, she 

teamed up with her sister Zaynab and 

together they launched a fashion label 

MUNbymehrunnisa and cosmetics brand 

withUNS. The sisters invested their time 

and money into their plans and it paid 

off. She says: “Being an influencer means 

working 24/7. There are no days off. It’s 

about sharing your day-to-day life and 

passions. By doing so I built a community 

that want to be part of my world. I went 

from selling chocolate in school, using the 

money to invest and learn about make-up, 

to creating withUNS with my sister. It is 

the first business we created and have put

SOCIAL MEDIA 

our blood, sweat and tears into it. Initially 

we started with a large range of luxury, 

faux and half mink lashes, and now we 

have expanded to applicator tools such as 

our best-selling brush sets, sponges, puffs 

and applicator bundles. We also created 

our gorgeous lipstick range as affordable 

luxury so that they’re accessible, especially 

to the younger beauty fans that look up to 

us.” 

The brand has leveraged opportunities 

across social media platforms and 

sell products on Instagram, TikTok 

and Facebook, a dream come true for 

Mehrunissa who says: “Being my own boss 

has always been in my plan since I started 

thinking about careers at school but I still 

can’t believe it’s happened and that I’ve 

used social media to help me.” 

“BEING AN INFLUENCER 

MEANS WORKING 24/7. 

THERE ARE NO DAYS 

OFF. IT’S ABOUT SHARING 

YOUR DAY-TO-DAY LIFE 

AND PASSIONS” 


BEAUTY SECRETS 

BEHIND-THE-SCENES: 

Lubna Rafiq 

We arranged for our leading 

ladies to get pampered like 

A’list celebrities. Though 

they’re all make-up experts, 

nothing beats being the 

centre of attention on a 

photoshoot, so we called 

in Celebrity Make-Up Artist 

Lubna Rafiq to give them 

supermodel makeovers. 

Lubna says: “As one 

of the original beauty 

entrepreneurs in the Asian 

bridal industry I love seeing the next generation come up. 

I’m a fan of all the influencers so it was a pleasure to spend 

time with them and share my own advice while getting them 

ready for their moment in the limelight.” 

The colourful concept for the shoot was directed by 

Asiana’s Editor Indiya Ahmed who was keen to complement 

the bold, brave, powerful side of our Boss Babes by dressing 

them in eye-catching colours that would make them standout 

from the crowd, just like they stand out on our social 

media feeds. Lubna translated this vision into two striking 

beauty looks. 

She opted for natural, glowing skin, defined eyes with 

a classic eyeliner flick and soft sumptuous lips for the first 

theme, inspired by the pastel palette of the outfits: “Often 

when brides wear pastels there’s an assumption that the eyes 

should be kept soft too, but actually you need the contrast 

to make your features pop. I made the eyes the focal point, 

using a classic look where black liner and metallic eyeshadow 

create a dramatic effect, accentuated by dark brows to frame 

the face.” 

The second look was a celebration theme, with colourful 

party looks that bring out the fun personality of each 

entrepreneur. Lubna enthused: “These were fun, fashionable 

looks that I created for each of our girls that captured the 

individual spark they all brought to the shoot. I loved how 

Jemelin fully embraced the South Asian spirit and fused it 

with her Latin heritage so I knew she could pull off bright 

colours. We went for gorgeous green statement eyes 

balanced with nude lips. For Sumaiyah she’s so enthusiastic 

about the latest beauty trends that I created a high-fashion 

eye for her, introducing an alluring blue into her lower lid 

and then sweeping it out to create a look that was regal and 

elegant yet also created a fearless fashion statement.” 

She added: “All our influencers have beautiful hair so we 

kept it out, loose, and flowing with soft waves. I felt so proud 

seeing them in front of the camera. It was quite emotional 

when they all came together as there was so much pride, 

power and passion in the room.” officiallubnarafiq 

BEHIND THE SCENES: WITH 

ASIANA EDITOR INDIYA AHMED 

All dressed up: Tehxeeb London 

Elegance and timeless chic are 

synonymous with Pakistani 

boutique Tehxeeb London so they 

were the perfect brand to dress 

our stars. We enlisted owner 

Amty Ahmad to curate the perfect 

ensembles for each influencer: 

“When Indiya told me she wanted 

to dress these elite entrepreneurs 

in colour I was delighted to be able 

to showcase the incredible vibrant 

fashion trends that are coming 

out of Pakistani and to have such 

incredible inspirational women 

wear them.” As a leading fashion 

entrepreneur, Amty brought her 

own wisdom and encouragement to 

the set and our entrepreneurs were 

eager to hear her own story of how 

she started her leading brand. She 

said: “It’s my passion for fashion 

and desire to make women feel 

amazing that inspired me to start 

Tehxeeb London, so having the 

opportunity to dress such incredible 

entrepreneurs that share my vision 

was a privilege. I chose elegant 

lenghas and modest trouser suits 

which are becoming increasingly 

popular with younger fashionistas. 

I hope it inspires readers to try new 

looks for their own special occasions 

and of course, I’m always here to 

help them find their dream outfit.” 

tehxeeblondon 


SOCIAL MEDIA 

Treasure chest: Nargis Collections 

No outfit is complete without the jewels so 

we made our glitterati sparkle with beautiful 

jewellery from Nargis Collections. A major 

trend this season is head chains worn 

like Alice bands, creating a majestic feel 

without the weight of wearing a tiara. Nargis 

Collections’ range of delicate head chains 

featuring pearls and beads were a huge hit 

with our entrepreneurs as they are so easy to 

wear and can transform a look in an instant. 

Statement neckpieces brought glamour to 

the proceedings. Nargis Collections created 

coordinating sets with matching earrings that 

can be worn together or look just as striking 

worn alone. We styled their treasures both 

ways to show that you don’t need to follow 

the rules, ‘always do you’, a motto that all our 

shoot stars embody. For the finishing touches 

we styled our wonder women with sparkling 

over-sized crystal rings – the ultimate party 

accessory. nargis_collections 


THE BRIDE’S Guide 

Your need-to-know wedding industry news 

NEW OPENING: ZOYAZ LONDON 

There’s a brand new way to shop for Pakistani 

bridalwear in South London. Zoyaz London 

is bringing creative couture back to Tooting, 

which was once a thriving hub for South Asian 

shopping. In recent years the food scene in the 

area has exploded taking over from the shops, 

but now you can team your trip with good 

food and fabulous fashion. The fresh new 

brand is owned by friends Lubeena Yar and 

Tehmina Yakoob who spotted a gap, bringing 

contemporary Pakistani garments to the UK, 

making them accessible to UK shoppers. She 

says: “For a long time it felt like you’re buying 

the ‘best of the worst’ when you go shopping 

for Pakistani clothing in London. We had many 

friends who would go back every two years, 

bring home their haul of all the latest fashion 

trends but then wear them continuously until 

their next trip abroad. We want clients to be 

able to shop all year round and get the choice 

and quality they want without the travel.” 

Bring a touch of Hollywood 

glamour to your Big Day with 

your very own mobile beauty 

parlour. Inspired by the vanity 

vans A’list actresses get ready 

in on film location shoots, multiaward-winning 

make-up artist 

Shair Unisha Bashir decided 

to take her beauty business on 

the road, creating the UK’s first 

mobile Asian beauty studio. 

She says: “I’ve been an MUA for 

27 years and one thing I kept 

finding was that on the day it’s 

often hard to find a space for 

the bride to get ready in. It’s an 

MOBILE MUA! 

extra consideration that gets 

overlooked and there’s nothing 

worse than a bride having her 

make-up rushed in a room that 

has service providers making 

noise, or other people walking 

You’ll receive a warm welcome at Zoyaz 

London which has vibrant pink decor set 

over two floors. On the main floor you can 

shop for the latest ready-to-wear designs 

from Pakistan’s leading designers. Zoyaz are 

the official stockists for well-known brands 

such as Gul Ahmed and Saiqa Majeed. The 

basement is a dedicated bridal lounge where 

you can have your own bespoke bridal outfit 

made, Lubeena explains: “We invite you to a 

consultation where you can browse and try 

on our samples to help you find styles you 

like. All outfits can then be adapted to your 

choice of colour, fabric or changing lengths 

– having this level of personalised outfit that 

no one else will have is a rite of passage for 

every bride.” 

Whether you’re looking for a unique bridal 

outfit or you’re keen to stock up on Pakistani 

designerwear, add a visit to Zoyaz London to 

your list. zoyazlondon 

in and out. My beauty van is 

an answer to a lot of mother-ofthe-bride’s 

prayers. Everything 

is provided including hair and 

make-up, lighting and space. In 

fact, I often work with assistants 

so that the bride, her family and 

bridesmaids can all get ready 

together. The best part is you’ll 

get complete privacy and there’s 

no need to worry about tidying 

up. Just hop on board, get 

beautified and then get ready to 

step out for your moment in the 

limelight. 

themakeupboxofficial 

CHIC DREAMS 

Downtime dressing just stepped up a notch. 

Siyah Boudoir Wear is a new sleepwear brand that 

specialises in sexy, yet modest nightwear. Their 

chic and stylish collections are inspired by the fancy 

nightdresses, lingerie, and pyjama sets found in the 

fashionable boutiques of Dubai. Brides will love the 

feminine, flattering styles that offer a level of romance 

and elegance you can’t find on the high street. 

Remember you’re not just shopping for your Big 

Day, you also need an outfit for your Big Night! Head 

to Siyah Boudoir Wear’s website to browse luxury 

loungewear, elegant dresses with sheer capes, pretty 

lingerie with long-sleeved lace shrugs and silky soft 

pyjamas that will bring you sweet dreams. 

www.siyah.co.uk 

SETTING THE STANDARDS 

Purveyors of Pakistani tradition, Birmingham jewellers 

Jauhar Jewels are the hottest new heritage jewellery 

brand in the UK, filling a gap in the market that’s been 

crying out to be filled: Pakistani jewellery. History is at 

the heart of each piece which is handmade bespoke 

and personalised to the bride, ensuring you have a 

bridal jewellery set that doesn’t just dazzle on the day 

but will become a future family heirloom. Designer 

Sarw’at explains: “All the pieces are characterised 

by their historical influences, think back to the grand 

statement pieces worn during the Mughal empire 

in India, that side of the culture feeds into Pakistani 

bridal style and I wanted to be able to offer it to 

British brides who can’t make the journey to Pakistan 

to do their wedding shopping.” 

Jauhar’s intricate jewels are 24 gold plated and 

feature semi-precious stones, nothing is painted, they 

are all true treasures. Pop into the DZiner Studio on 

Ladypool Road to see the collections, Sarw’at adds: 

“I don’t sell any pieces until a bride has tried them 

on. Choosing wedding jewellery is an important part 

of becoming a bride, there’s no pressure to buy, just 

come and have a chat see the options and discover 

what appeals to you.” jauharjewels 


THE BRIDE’S GUIDE 

ASIANA 

RECOMMENDS: 

THE WORLD’S MOST ETHICAL BAR 

Yes! You read that right. Better World 

Bars are revolutionalising the drinks 

industry one tipple at a time. Their 

motto is ‘profit over planet’ and when you 

book them to create your wedding bar 

not only will guests be drinking ethically 

sourced and made drinks, they’ll be 

donating to charity at the same time. 

Founder Randy Rampersad explains: 

“You’ve heard of The Queen Vic, well 

originally I set up The Green Vic, a 

pop-up pub aiming to be the most ethical 

pub in the UK. It was a huge success 

but it made me realise how important 

our service was, it was more than just a 

slogan. I’m passionate about the planet 

and want to do whatever I can to help 

the Earth and the people that live on 

it.” So how does ethical drinking work 

and what can you expect when you hire 

Better World Bars for your wedding? 

Randy explains: “All the drinks we serve 

are made ethically and mostly that 

means they are being created through 

social enterprises and even charities. But 

don’t worry we still have a huge amount 

of choice, our menu has over 400 drinks 

including all the usual wines, beers, 

bubbles and soft drinks; they’ve just been 

sourced and made differently.” 

The charity angle of the business 

is also impressive as Randy explains: 

“At every event we do, for every sale of 

a drink, money is donated directly to 

charity. We support a number of different 

charities. At the end of your wedding, 

we can tell you exactly how that money 

will help, it could for example, be an 

environmental charity and we can tell 

you how many trees can be grown, or if 

it’s a homeless charity we can say how 

many people we can help.” 

There are two types of bars available 

for hire, a classic wooden bar made from 

eco-sourced materials, or their new TV 

screen bar which is a wall of televisions 

where your own visuals can be projected 

such as old photos and videos. Randy 

adds: “Weddings are fun occasions but 

they’re also a great opportunity for 

a large number of people to make a 

difference in the world. I hope the ethical 

approach to our business will change the 

way people plan their events and we’re 

looking forward to bringing our delicious 

drinks and party spirit while raising 

money for good causes all over the UK.” 

www.betterworld.love 

Perfect Puff Perfect Puff 

Shishalovers will appreciate the handy new service being offered by East London’s Dubai Nights 

Lounge. The brand behind the luxury shisha spot is now offering mobile shisha experiences 

bringing shisha lounge vibes to your wedding day. Find out more about Shisha Hire by Dubai 

Nights Lounge on page 198. And if you’ve not yet tried their shisha check out the incredible range 

of flavours they have online at their sister business yourlocalshishashop.com. All flavours are made 

at their factory in Spain shishatobaccofactory.com and they even create bespoke flavours so, this 

could be the perfect opportunity to get your own wedding blend made. 

TREND ALERT: 

360-Photobooths 

Photobooths have long been a wedding 

staple. They’re a great way to capture 

your guests in action enjoying the day. But 

with video fast taking over the popularity 

of images at events and in social media, 

360-degree photo/video experiences 

create a whole new way to remember the 

day. Gary Gill CEO of 360 Boothology 

explains: “We’ve all enjoyed going inside 

photobooths but how often do you look at 

the printout that you take home, that’s if you 

don’t lose it on the way. At 360 Boothology, 

we create 360-degree videos that can be 

easily uploaded to your social media, as an 

Instagram reel or straight to your TikTok. 

They bring your memories to life and are 

something guests can share and enjoy, while 

the couple receive a copy of everyone’s fun 

poses.” 

Like classic photobooths, the team will 

bring everything that’s required including a 

host of props to match your theme. Bookings 

for weddings typically last for four hours 

giving every guest a chance to have a go 

and all you need is some space for them to 

do a full 360 turn which gets recorded and 

saved. Videos can last up to 30 seconds and 

they’re a great way to bring groups together 

which always creates the most fun content. 

Gary adds: “360 videos are a creative way to 

engage guests. It’s a new concept that many 

of them wouldn’t have tried before making it 

a fun surprise. Backdrops can be personalised 

too so we can brand all videos to your 

wedding colour theme and branding.” 

360boothology 


SHOP SAVVY AT SHOP ASIANA 

Stay one step ahead of the 

season’s biggest fashion and 

Your one-stop destination for Asian fashion 

bridal trends at Shop Asiana, 

the UK’s first multi-brand 

online shopping experience, 

made for fashionistas. Whether you’re a 

bride-to-be curating her dream trousseau, 

or a fashion-conscious guest hunting for 

the perfect look, taking your style search 

online will take the stress out of shopping 

– especially when you can browse the 

latest collections from the best South Asian 

Shop for the latest looks 

fashion designers and retailers in one place. 

Look no further for the season’s trending looks. The 

At Shop Asiana you’ll find occasionwear, 

Shop Asiana homepage has a continuous feed of 

bridalwear, groomswear, jewellery 

fashion, where you’ll be able to view the latest designs 

and accessories that you can purchase 

as they become available. You’ll find the biggest names 

instantly; there’s no time wasted travelling 

in Asian fashion on the site including Seasons, Mona 

to busy shopping centres, no waiting 

Vora, Sache, Kyles Collection and many more. Simply 

months for a made-to-measure piece to 

choose your design, pick your size and pay. There’s 

arrive; those days are over. 

also the option to message designers and brands if you 

have a question you’d like to ask before you order. 

Exclusive discounts 

Keep an eye on Shop Asiana for special offers from 

your favourite brands and designers. You won’t find 

these discounts available elsewhere but you will find 

you save money. Visit each brand’s pages and see what 

discounts are available. These offers change regularly 

and they’re only available for a limited time period, so 

get ready for a haul. 


SHOPPING 

Choice cuts 

Unlike shopping in a store where you can’t always find the size 

and colour you’re looking for, all sizes and colour options are 

listed for each garment on the site. You’ll be able to compare 

outfits with each other and check measurements before 

you buy. And with so many styles to choose from, there’s 

something for everyone – sarees, bridal gowns, kidswear, 

menswear and even nightwear. Every outfit on Shop Asiana 

is professionally shot with clear, stylish photography so you 

can see all the outfit details like embellishments, embroidery, 

beading, and fabric textures to help you decide. 

“THE SHOP ASIANA HOMEPAGE HAS A CONTINUOUS 

FEED OF FASHION, WHERE YOU’LL BE ABLE TO VIEW 

THE LATEST DESIGNS AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE.” 

Great ideas for grooms 

Shop Asiana is proving to be a lifesaver for 

grooms and their groomsmen particularly 

those who don’t enjoy the shopping element 

of wedding planning but want to make an 

effort to make their partner proud. You won’t 

find a wider selection of options than those 

at Sache. Browse smart sherwanis, ethnicinfused 

kurtas and churidars, and majestic 

jodhpur and jacket sets. 

Perfect partywear 

As well as the Big Day, bridal outfits are 

needed for the many functions and parties 

that accompany weddings, and designer 

Puneet Bhandal has all your fashion needs 

covered. From Bollywood star-inspired 

sparkling dresses to delicately embellished 

anarkalis, and caped gowns. Puneet is 

continually setting bridal trends, yet her 

pieces maintain a timeless elegance. Discover 

them at Shop Asiana. 

Shop Asiana is revolutionalising the bridal 

shopping experience in the UK, so instead of 

spending a whole weekend trekking around 

the shops, get your next haul ordered online 

and delivered directly to your door. 

Beautiful bridalwear 

In the bridalwear section of Shop Asiana, you’ll find exquisite bridal lenghas by designers 

like the highly sought-after Sonas Haute Couture. If you’re not able to travel to her bridal 

showroom in Wembley, the next best thing is to buy her pieces online at Shop Asiana. 

There’s a price point for everyone starting with her simple yet formal silk lenghas that 

begin at £1250, up to her more lavishly embellished couture that starts at £4000. Her 

collection features contemporary palettes like pastels and traditional pairings like red and 

gold. There are shapes and cuts for all, from long sleeves and floaty skirts for modesty to 

cropped figure-hugging bodices for brides who want to command attention. 

www.shop.asiana.tv 


did I become a 

Fashion Designer? 

It came to me as 

a surprise! I was 

“How 

supposed to be an 

Engineer, but I suppose I became an ‘Engineer 

of Fashion.” Haneet’s passion and enthusiasm 

for designing womenswear are infectious. 

A part of the industry for over 20 years, he 

studied fashion in 1999 and was encouraged 

to do so by his mum. Ravinder Kaur ran her 

own small tailoring business and fashion ran 

through Haneet’s veins but he took those 

creative genes to a new level, being awarded 

Pride of Rajasthan in 2015 and being named 

Leading 

Designer of Rajasthan 

Profile: 

2018. 

GRACE STUDIO 

BY HANEET SINGH 

With his flamboyant Punjabi heritage and Rajasthani base, awardwinning 

Indian Couturier and Fashion Designer Haneet Singh 

has developed a reputation in India for creating new concepts in 

fusion attire and now he has showcased his style in London... 

GOING GLOBAL 

A reputable designer worldwide Haneet has 

graced the catwalks of Dubai Fashion Week 

and Colombo Fashion Week and in 2022 

made his European debut, unveiling his first 

collection at London Fashion Week. Entitled 

Stannic Luxe, it captured the spirit and 

craftsmanship of Jaipur with metallic dresses 

made from shimmering organza, foils and 

tissues in a pleasing palette of purples, lilacs 

and rose golds. Since then, Haneet’s phone 

hasn’t stopped ringing and his WhatsApps 

haven’t stopped pinging as British brides 

eagerly entrust him to make their wedding 

trousseau. 

Haneet explains: “I mainly design high 

fashion fusion bridal wear and specialise 

in sangeet wear which is some of the most 

exciting partywear you’ll come across. New 

brides and brides-to-be have endless social 

functions and I love designing pieces for these 

occasions. I also have a line of sustainable pretwear, 

but whatever type of garment you choose 

you’ll get my signature 3D embroidery details.” 


FASHION 

MAKING MAGIC 

Every bride has high expectations from her 

designer and for Haneet, meeting and surpassing 

them is his aim. He says: “I try to get on the same 

wavelength as brides, then show them the best 

options for her. Most modern brides have done 

their homework and have an image in their 

minds, but I try to give options which suit their 

personality and size. I like to follow my instincts 

and when we combine her ideas with my 

creative aspects together we create magic!” 

Haneet’s custom-made lenghas and dresses are 

identifiable through the intricate handiwork that 

goes into every piece and alongside the detailing 

you can expect appealing fusionwear as Haneet 

explains: “I like to work with the flattering fits of 

Western silhouettes and then embellish them 

with intricate Indian hand details, the goal is to 

make each piece as grand as possible.” The regal 

quality of his work is inspired by his Jaipur roots, 

he grew up there and feels a strong connection 

to Rajasthan and the royalty that have lived here; 

but his larger-than-life personality is down to his 

Punjabi heart. I try to mix Indian Intricate Hand 

work techniques into western silhouettes and 

make them as grand as possible! 

Haneet currently brings out two major 

collections a year and showcases his new 

designs on major catwalks around the 

world. His ready-to-wear pret collection is 

updated regularly and is affordable without 

compromising on the quality his pieces are 

known for. You’ll find his menswear collection 

sold at Pernia’s Pop Up Shop and his exclusive 

Rajasthan Boutique - Grace Studio. 

UK EXPANSION 

To date, fans have made the journey to his flagship 

store, Haneet Singh’s Grace Studio, in Jaipur 

where alongside his revered bridalwear you’ll also 

find a range of menswear and kidswear, all in his 

signature style. The popularity of the store led to 

a second branch opening in the city but now he’s 

taking his designs and making them available 

outside of India by expanding into the UK. 

Haneet Singh’s bridal and partywear will shortly 

be available to the UK market. This means you 

won’t need to wait the 45-60 days it currently takes 

to order via his website and have them delivered to 

the UK, you can view his range in person and try 

them on. 

As his first UK venture takes flight, he continues 

to expand his brand across India, it’s no surprise 

there’s so much demand for his designs. Haneet has 

amassed a celebrity following with the who’s who 

of Bollywood and television, names like Mugdha 

Godse, Aarti Chhabria, Yuvika Chaudry, Manasvi 

Mamgai and Karishma Tanna Machek Chahal are 

all fans. 

He enthuses: “I’ve been called one of the most 

powerful people in Rajasthan but that power is 

simply my passion; fashion is in my soul; it drives 

me to be a designer who creates unique, stylish 

and contemporary outfits that women love to wear. 

When they tell me how happy they are with what 

I’ve created for them, that’s when I know I’ve 

succeeded at what I was born to do.” 

www.haneetsingh.com 


PLANNING 

We’ve created the 

ultimate wedding 

hack and now we’re 

inviting you to join 

the thousands of 

couples that have discovered the secret to 

planning their Big Day without the fuss. 

Call it your online Little Black Book of 

wedding experts; the Asiana Wedding 

Directory is our hand-picked, specially 

curated selection of the best wedding 

service providers in the business. With 

over 15 years experience publishing the 

UK’s most-respected Asian wedding 

magazine, we have the inside knowledge 

on the Who’s Who in the industry. To 

get access, all you need to do is to head 

over to the Asiana Wedding Directory 

website. 

Meet the experts 

Wondering where’s the best place to 

start when you first begin planning your 

wedding? It’s not Google – the last thing 

you want is to fall into a digital hole of 

random articles, if you do, you may give 

up the search before you’ve made any 

progress. 

The UK is home to thousands of Asian 

wedding suppliers but only some of them 

get the Asiana seal of approval and these 

are the brands and businesses that 

feature in our Directory. So what makes 

them different? They all fit our criteria 

for what makes the ultimate wedding 

day: giving the best customer experience, 

offering the widest choice of options, and 

delivering the highest level of service. 

Enjoy the ease 

So how does it work? Start with your 

device of choice, whether that’s your 

mobile, tablet, laptop, or desktop 

computer, and head over to www. 

AsianaWeddingDirectory.co.uk. Type 

in your postcode to receive a list of 

recommended local suppliers. These 

suppliers are organised into easy 

categories to help you find exactly 

what you need. Each listing features 

information about the company along 

with a link to their phone number and 

website, which means you can find who 

and what you’re looking for in seconds. If 

you’re not after a local company then you 

can search for providers nationwide. 

MAKE IT HAPPEN! 

PLAN YOUR PERFECT WEDDING FROM THE COMFORT OF 

YOUR HOME USING THE ASIANA WEDDING DIRECTORY 

www.AsianaWeddingDirectory.co.uk 

Save time 

The Asiana Wedding Directory is quick 

to use, making wedding planning a less 

daunting experience and because it cuts 

out the time it takes to do the research, 

you’ll have more time to yourself to relax 

and do the other things you love. 

Discover and decide 

So what type of service providers and 

experts will you find in the Directory? 

In short, every element of your wedding 

day including outfits, MUAs, venues, 

catering, photography, videography, 

décor companies, and even recommended 

beauty treatments. Once you’ve had a 

browse, short-list the providers you’d like 

to contact, give them a call, and arrange 

a meeting to get your dream wedding 

underway. 

Happy planning! 


ASIANA BRIDAL SHOW LONDON 

LONDON 2022 

IN ASSOCIATION WITH 

CATWALK MAKEUP 


CATWALK MAKEUP 


CATWALK 

REPORT 

Photography: Pardesi Photo 

REGAL ROMANCE 

ARAEYA RAI 

Chic silhouettes for modern princesses 

Jewellery: Tanaya Couture • Crowns: Vintage Kace • Singer: Zain Worldwide 

Versatile and elegant, Leicester couture house Araeya Rai’s beautiful bridal collection delivered a 

collection that appealed to all. They proved that modern brides can find a look that matches their 

personality while oozing opulence. First to emerge on the catwalk was an array of soft feminine 

cuts and colours featuring sheer statement sleeves and a classic white net sari encrusted with 

pearls. As the spectrum evolved, pastel hues of pink, yellow and aqua were introduced before 

the dramatic entrance of a show-stopping black and red lengha. With its red rose and gold 

embellishing it echoed the spirit of Latin vibes: think flamenco dancer meets Bollywood queen. 

TRENDS 

• Ruffled sleeves 

• Pearl details 

• Sequin 

embellishing 

• Graphic shapes 

• Bold & bright 

• Latin flair 


CATWALK REPORT 


TRENDS 

• Beaded flowers 

• Cut sleeves 

• Soft pinks 

• Sheer fabrics 

• Vintage patterns 

• Retro designs 

PRINCESS 

PERFECT 

DIYA’S THE BRIDAL SHOP 

Fairytale fashion for romantics 

Jewellery: Hr Jewellers 

Diya’s mesmerised with an enchanting bridal collection 

comprising a soft palette teamed with dainty 

embellishing. Each design as resplendent as the next, 

the audience was treated to shimmering dresses 

that captured the essence of what Diya’s is all about: 

outfits that make you feel like a princess. Modest, yet 

magnificent, bridalwear cuts consisted of long skirts and 

full-length sleeves, worn with long tops and dupattas. For 

brides who prefer softer shades, there were appealing 

mint green, pink and lemon ensembles. Crowd pleasers 

included a twinkling skirt embedded with delicate rose 

embroidery and a pink and gold lengha inspired by 

Spring’s cherry blossom season. 


CREATIVE 

CHARM 

FRONTIER RAAS 

Opulent outfits with imagination 

Jewellery: Deeya Jewellery 

Showcasing the best in contemporary bridalwear, Indian 

brand Frontier Raas treated the audience to a taste of 

what they can expect from their ever-evolving bridal 

collections which are a firm mixture on the Asiana 

catwalks. Each outfit showed the beauty and breadth of 

what they sell. With outfits for every wedding occasion, 

there was a joyful yellow lengha, ideal for mendhi parties, 

long, vintage beaded dresses 

which would be perfect for 

a registry and ornate velvets 

adorned with traditional 

goldwork. Other key pieces 

included soft satin pink bellbottom 

trousers bringing 

a touch of retro chic to the 

proceedings. 

TRENDS 

• Colourful couture 

• Long waistcoats 

• Bellbottom trousers 

• Beaded fringes 

• Iridescent embellishing 

• Zardosi work



GORGEOUS GLAMOUR 

FRONTIER RAAS 

Dramatic designs for charismatic couples 

Jewellery: Maala London 

Timeless traditions teamed with modern flavours summed up the second collection from Frontier 

Raas. Always one step ahead of the trends the Indian brand showcased elegant designs that 

captured historical techniques with fresh colour palettes. Unique pieces included a patchwork 

lengha top in radiant rainbow colours, perfect for a mendhi and a grand lengha in a combination 

of blues, offset by red and gold detailing. Bridal fabrics were decadent with fine brocades and 

chiffons while the groomswear was minimalist yet stylish. Offering choice and flexibility this was a 

range that captured the interest of young couples eager to feel glamorous yet grand. 

TRENDS 

• Opulent 

embroidery 

• Architectural motifs 

• Sequin fringing 

• Rainbow colours 

• Delicate straps 

• Beaded sherwanis 


STAR QUALITY 

MONGA’S 

Standout style for grand grooms 

Jewellery: Deeya Jewellery 

Grooms were put under the spotlight in the first collection from Monga’s, showcasing the breadth 

of exquisite design that is available to the modern maharaja. Long sherwanis were the key trend 

but these weren’t just jackets but styled as complete outfits with layering and shawls and 

accessories with jewellery. There was a range of colours and textures to suit different 

personalities from a midnight blue heavily embellished sherwani covered in intricate flowers 

perfect for an evening reception to subtler cream suits that were smart and sophisticated 

and ideal for a daytime event, Monga’s showed it’s not just brides that need several 

outfits, grooms are worthy of them too. 

TRENDS 

• Statement belts 

• Layered sherwanis 

• Cropped bodices 

• Classic colours 

• Rich velvets 

• Gold zardosi 

• Embroidered 

leaves



TRENDS 

• Statement collars 

• Freshwater pearls 

• Feathered cuffs 

• Shaped bodices 

• Beaded bolero 

HIGH 

CLASS 

MONGA’S 

Luxe partywear for every occasion 

Jewellery: Roshans Jewellery • Balloons: Balloons By Nic 

Singer: Ipsitaa Official 

High-glamour and fun fashion are signature features of 

Monga’s fusion haute-couture and for their 2022 range, the 

brand continued to push the boundaries of bridalwear with 

dresses that took the audience’s breath away. Captivating 

the crowds with shimmering dresses the use of silk and 

stonework setthe tone for the season with its ‘stand out 

from the crowd’, red carpet essence. The show-stopper 

dress was a flared, subtle cream-coloured silk creation, 

embellished with extraordinary bead and pearl work. Fusion 

influences were seen in the use of French lace teamed 

with Indian silk fabrics with touches of velvet and satins 

culminating in a collection that was fresh and fabulous. 


SOVEREIGN 

STYLE 

SACHE BY ASIF MALIK 

Aristocratic attire fit for royalty 

Jewellery: Maala London • Dhol Players: Beat Evolution 

With every outfit telling its a story about the heritageof 

Pakistani fashion, this was a collection that showed there’s 

more to choosing your bridal wedding wear than simply a 

design you design: it’s something that will become part of 

your own history and legacy and that of your partners. In 

Asif’s first showcase he demonstrated his understanding 

of designing for couples creating pieces that 

complimented each other including a red sherwani offset 

by the red shawl worn with 

a simple white sherwani. 

Layered shararas are a 

signature style at Sache and 

for his 2022 range, Asif used 

it as an opportunity to shake 

up colour palettes teaming 

conventional red with fresh, 

bold orange. 

TRENDS 

• Tassel fringes 

• Shaped bodices 

• Elegant 

childrenswear 

• Ornate embellishments 

• Antique handiwork 

• Fitted churidars



MAJESTIC LUXE 

SACHE BY ASIF MALIK 

Grandiose garments with timeless appeal 

Jewellery: Tanaya Couture • Floral: Varmala • Mirrors: Vintage Kace 

Taking its lead from Mughal empresses’ of yesterdays, Asif Malik showed us why he’s one of the most 

influential designers in the UK with a collection that added elegance, and raised the catwalk to majestic 

heights. Ornately embellished outfits that celebrated soft shades of pastel pink and yellow gold with 

silver and white options, pieces were accented with shimmering details. Resplendent long dresses 

and two-piece ensembles gracedthe stage with the wearable, yet versatile Pakistani-themed 

fashion that Sache is so revered for. Quality is a key feature of their timeless collections and the 

brand showcased its commitment to creating exquisite designs without compromise. 

TRENDS 

• Crystal work 

• Long dresses 

• Layered sharahas 

• Modest cuts 

• Full surface 

designs 

• Shisha mirrors 


ROYAL ELEGANCE 

SAI FASHIONS 

Delicate designs rich in tradition 

Jewellery: Hr Jewels • Violinist: My Musical Child 

Romance and decadence emerged at theheart of Sai Fashions’ breathtaking wedding collection 

presenting beautiful attire for the bride and groom. From exquisite floor-length dresses, 

embellished with rich gold antique embroidery paired alongside smart sherwanis styled with 

traditional shawls, couples were treated to a satisfying flow of outfit inspiration. The focus of 

the season was on shape – modest, feminine cuts with full sleeves area signature style of Sai 

Fashions. Close-up, each piece was delicately adorned with fine embroidery, sequins, beads and 

threadwork ensuring each outfit embodied a heritage theme that’s appealing to traditional and 

contemporary brides. 

TRENDS 

• Pretty pastels 

• Diamonté detailing 

• Sherwani shawls 

• Modest Cuts 

• Layering 

• Antique 

embroidery



TRENDS 

• Gathered ruffles 

• Feather trims 

• Sequin stripes 

• 3D embroidery 

• Appliqué 

• Creative cape 

CELEBRITY 

CHIC 

SEASONS DESIGNER WEAR 

A’list elegance for modern brides 

Jewellery: Maala London 

When it comes to wow factor weddingwear Seasons 

know how to turn heads. Their high-fashion bridalwear 

collection channelled red carpet glamour; each garment 

a showstopper. Experimental yet elegant the imaginative 

trousseau featured dazzling designs comprising evening 

dresses embellished with ostrich feathers, sequin 

encrusted lenghas and a draw-dropping colourful skirt 

scattered with 3D embroidery. Elsewhere gathered pleats 

gave impact and challenged the conventions of classic 

registry gowns. Charismatic and creative, this was a 

collection for brides that want to make a statement, feel 

like a goddess and break the internet with their trending 

celebrity style. 




TRENDS 

• Block colours 

• Rouge palette 

• Velvet sherwani 

• Peacock motifs 

• Antique 

threadwork 

• Light embellishing 

TIMELESS 

TRADITIONS 

SOHO WEDDING CENTRAL 

Heritage meets haute couture 

Jewellery: Roshans Jewellery 

Demonstrating how to nail a match made in heaven, Soho 

Wedding Central showed us their skill for styling couples 

in outfits that complimented each other with ease and 

elegance. Classic colours of red and black are seen in 

Western fashion more than Asian bridal, but Soho created 

the pairing perfect by juxtaposing simple block 

colours with minimal embellishments resulting 

in outfits that were functional and fabulous. 

Each garment captured heritage techniques 

like antique embroidery and threadwork 

with stand-out pieces including a regal 

lengha designed for a modern maharani, 

worn by a model who performed a 

dance fit for a palace.


BEHIND-THE-SCENES 

Photograph: Aimee Mcghee 

Catwalk 

SECRETS 

Behind-the-scenes of the biggest 

Asian bridal fashion show in the UK 

DREAM TEAM 

CREATIVE DIRECTOR 

Indiya Ahmed 

Hair And Makeup: Lubna Rafiq Academy 

AV: Kudos AV 

Decor: 1SW Events 

Choreography: Strut London 

Host: Anushka Arora 

Fashion Team: Zaf Shabir, Ibraheem Khan, 

Vinita Kalia, Hannah Irshad 

Media Partners: Sony TV 

Photographer: Pardesi Photo 

Catwalk report: Momtaz Begum-Hossain 

T 

his year the Asiana Bridal Show 

celebrated 21 years as the leading 

wedding and bridal event for UK 

brides. Hundreds of the nation’s 

wedding experts have joined us at 

the exhibition over the past two decades while 

thousands of brides have found the help and 

inspiration they needed to organise the wedding 

of their dreams. 

The heart of the show is the Asiana Bridal 

Catwalk and though we’ve been developing 

these fashionable extravaganzas for over two 

decades the excitement, anticipation and hard 

work never tires; all thanks to the team behindthe 

-scenes that makes it happen. 

Creative Director Indiya Ahmed curates 

the entire show which this year saw 8 leading 

wedding wear designers and brands take to the 

stage to reveal their new season looks: “The 

atmosphere backstage at every Asiana fashion 

show is filled with excitement, buzz and a touch 

of stress. A team of over 100 people including 

the AV team, MUAs, hair stylists, wardrobe 

dressers, choreographer and production team 

are required for every show which takes weeks 

of planning. This year it was great to have all 

of the UK’s most popular brands on the ramp, 

showcasing their talent to the world. 

To the untrained eye, stepping backstage 

may look like creative chaos with rows of shoes, 

jewellery boxes filled with exquisite bridal sets 

and endless accessories everywhere, but for the 

team of dressers, this is part of the joy. 

Each dresser is assigned a model and is 

responsible for ensuring they step out in 

style with accessories and jewellery in place: 

“Working backstage at a fashion show is 

a dream for all of our dressers; it’s a rare 

opportunity to get hands-on experience working 

with major designers and the most glamorous 

models the industry. But it’s also hard work. 

We rehearse for a week and on the day the 

call time is 7am and then when the thousands 

of guests go home we’re still working! But I 

wouldn’t have it any other way. I have the 

best job in the world, helping brides find their 

dream outfit and it’s a privilege to play such a 

fashionable part in their Big Day!” 



Show-Stopping 

BEAUTY 

Celebrity Make Up Artist LUBNA RAFIQ and her 

team worked their magic backstage to ensure all 

our models wowed the crowds and cameras... 

Aimee Mcghee insta - @shotsbyaimee_ 

Making magic happen 

Taking charge of the hair and make-up 

looks for a catwalk show is no easy feat. 

Lubna and her team beautified over 30 

models and it was go, go, go from the 

moment they arrived backstage. Lubna 

explains: “One of the reasons I became an 

MUA is because I love the intimate 1-2-1 

experience I have with my brides where we 

spend a few hours transforming her into a 

work of art. Working in the fashion side of 

my role is equally as satisfying but much 

more fast-paced. Despite the team working 

under speed and pressure, we’re all aware 

that every stroke has to be perfect. The 

camera never lies. As soon as the models 

step out onto the ramp there is constant 

snapping and every single one of those 

photos has to capture perfection.” 

Setting the trends 

The planning starts a few weeks before the 

show when Lubna receives a brief from 

Indiya, inspired by the collections that 

will appear on the runway. Lubna creates 

the theme and make-up looks and then 

teaches them to her team who assist on the 

day, taking on several models each. “All 

of my team members have trained with 

me so they have the highest standards 

of hair and make-up. Every model has to 

look uniform so I show them mood boards, 

organise them to practice the looks and 

then on the day itself no model steps out 

without them getting my approval.” 

Dramatic, attention-grabbing eyes and 

soft lips with pulled back hair was the look 

Lubna created for our catwalk models; 

one that’s striking yet elegant: “Catwalk 

models need to make an impact from a 

distance and close up and the eyes never 

lie, by having them as the focal point 

it made the overall effect powerful and 

beautiful. I also wanted to show brides that 

simplicity looks timeless. Soft lips are more 

mesmerising than heavy rouge palettes 

and I was thrilled with the response - so 

many brides came up to me afterwards, 

impressed by what they saw and wanting 

to book me for their wedding day. It was an 

honour to be part of this historic event!” 

www.lubnarafiq.com 

“THE EYES NEVER LIE, BY HAVING THEM AS 

THE FOCAL POINT IT MADE THE OVERALL 

EFFECT POWERFUL AND BEAUTIFUL” 


PRESENT... 







Hit the spot on how to create the perfect wedding 

PLANNING 

Where to wed 

We reveal the best 

venues in the UK & Abroad 

Tuck in! 

Treat your guests to a feast 

they’ll never forget 

FLOWER 

POWER 

How to choose your wedding bouquet

WEDDINGExpert 

PLANNING 

Sanjay Anand MBE offers essential advice on organising your Big Day 

Money is at the centre of 

every couple’s mind when 

they start planning their 

wedding. Though some 

have the luxury of having 

their celebrations paid for by family, 

increasingly couples are keen to pay for 

their Big Day, or at least foot the bill for 

some of it. Either way, you still need to 

set yourself a budget. Once you’ve decided 

how much you’re willing to spend you 

can get creative and ensure your wedding 

is exactly as you want it to be. Though 

we are living in uncertain times with 

concerns about rising energy bills and 

wondering if the pandemic will return, 

we can’t let these obstacles get in the 

way. You will only marry once, so don’t 

scrimp…the secret is in setting yourself a 

realistic budget. Here’s what you need to 

consider. 

Guests 

The average Asian wedding starts at around 

£25,000 and typically can cost around 

£60,000. The biggest percentage of that 

will go to the venue and catering and both 

of these decisions will be led by how many 

guests you invite – a wedding for 1000 guests 

versus a celebration for 100 are very different 

affairs. Understanding the numbers isn’t 

something a couple can do alone. Allow your 

family to get involved as they will be able to 

advise on any relatives and important guests 

you may not immediately think of. Then 

decide who you can shave off the list. Gone 

are the days of inviting the entire community, 

don’t be afraid to go more intimate by opting 

for a smaller gathering. 

Events 

Traditionally couples would celebrate their 

nuptials over several days to include pre 

and post-wedding events. However, this 

adds up. You will save money by joining 

events or spacing them out – if having your 

registry and your main reception six months 

apart suits your budget better then that is 

IN 

FOCUS 

PLANNING 

YOUR BUDGET 

Don’t let the cost of living crisis dampen your dream day 

fine – remember it’s your wedding your way. 

Weddings in low season and mid-week are 

cheaper so be flexible with your dates. 

Outfits 

Looking through the pages of Asiana 

Wedding Magazine you’ll no doubt find lots 

of inspiration for your wedding trousseau 

but you don’t only need to buy new. Some 

of your outfits will of course be made-tomeasure, 

that’s part of the joy of planning 

your wedding, but nothing tops the joy 

of wearing an heirloom outfit. I’ve seen 

countless brides beam with pride wearing the 

bridal outfit or jewellery their mother wore. 

It’s also become much easier to shop for 

weddingwear second-hand which could save 

you a few thousand pounds. 

Factoring In Forgotten Costs 

There are some costs couples forget about, don’t let that be you! 

Plan to pay for these essentials in your budget: 

Ceremonial costs – Aside from paying for your registry you may need to pay priests 

and any other staff so plan what they’ll cost. 

Personal shopping – Although you may not declare these to each other you’ll have 

personal costs like buying gifts, stocking up on luxury lingerie or perfumes and this 

will impact on your own expenses. 

Drinks – While a free bar may be a generous gesture it could end up breaking the 

bank – set bar tab limits or issue drinks tokens. 

Finally, never be afraid to negotiate costs. Service providers have set packages but 

they can be flexible so build a good rapport with your wedding planner, be open to 

their cost-cutting ideas and make room for changes. And of course, if you go under 

budget you’ll have more to spend on your honeymoon! 

SANJAY ANAND MBE IS CHAIRMAN OF MADHU’S. 

IF YOU HAVE A TOPIC TO SUGGEST EMAIL SANJAY@ASIANA.TV 


BRIDAL Notebook 

Your tick box guide to planning made per fect 

Edited by Momtaz Begum-Hossain 

CAKES 

Image: George Sistonen 

FLOWERS 

Three floral trends we’re loving… 

WHAT’S YOUR FLAVOUR? 

Choosing a grand design for your 

wedding cake is only half the decision. 

Even though cake cutting is a ritual 

for photographs, your guests will be 

looking forward to eating it too, so 

delight their senses with aromas and 

tastes that leave them wanting more. 

The wedding experts at Hitched. 

co.uk did some extensive research 

into the UK’s favourite wedding 

cake flavour and found that 84% of 

guests like traditional fruitcake. They 

prefer fresh fruit with strawberry and 

SIDE SHOW 

Domestic Goddess 

With so many dietary requirements to consider it’s hard catering 

for everyone’s needs. My Baker has a solution. They’ll make 

you a second ‘dietary friendly’ side cake to go with your main 

showstopper so that no one feels left out. This could be a vegan, 

eggless or gluten-free sponge, whatever you’re after speak to the 

team who deliver cakes across the UK. www.mybaker.co 

lemon cakes being firm favourites. 

The number one wedding cake 

flavour is classic vanilla, followed by 

chocolate and red velvet, but if you 

fancy something a little different, 

discuss options with your wedding 

cake supplier. It’s common to serve 

several tiers with different flavours to 

appeal to all palettes. We’ve also seen 

an emergence of desi flavours proving 

popular with brides; think masala 

chai sponge and rose and cardamom; 

someone put the kettle on! 

It’s not usual for a family member to bake your 

wedding cake so if an aunty offers to take on the 

role, treat them to some new baking accessories. 

We love the colourful new Great British Bake Off 

inspired range from Cath Kidston which features 

patterned mixing bowls, measuring spoons, 

dainty tea towels, gorgeous crockery, cake tins 

and a star baker apron. www.cathkidston.com 

Paper Flowers 

Make sustainability part of your decision-making. Paper 

flowers are versatile and kinder for the environment. Wedding 

Stationary experts Ananya Cards make decorative paper 

flowers in the colour theme and quantity of your choice. 

We recommend using them as décor, favours and even 

incorporating them into buttonholes. After the wedding, 

they’re a wonderful keepsake. 

www.ananyacards.com 

Bouquet 

Charms 

Dress up your bridal bouquet 

with a cute keepsake 

charm. Add them to any 

bunches being held by your 

bridesmaids and flower girls 

too; they’ll love the gesture 

of adding a detail they can 

keep. 

www.mwstudio.co.uk 

ASIANA 

LOVES 

Dried 

Arrangements 

If your favourite flowers 

aren’t in season, go for dried 

instead. Their softer shades, 

whimsical aesthetic and 

delicate nature make them 

extra special. A bonus is that 

you don’t need to worry 

about them wilting as they’re 

already preserved. 

www.juneinmarch.com 


How to make a DIY Food Hamper 

SPOTLIGHT: 

After the wedding when you’re back from your honeymoon, 

the first thing on your list should be sending out thank you 

cards and gifts to everyone who helped behind-the-scenes. 

From family members to service providers, they 

all did far more than you’ll ever know, so let 

them know they’re appreciated. A handmade 

hamper is perfect as it’s something that will be 

used, loved and shared. Here are five tips for 

how to make one and what to put inside. 

1Buy a basket 

You’ll need a natural straw basket with 

a lid like this Siesta Picnic Hamper 

(beaumonde.co.uk) to fill with intriguing 

luxury goodies and treats 

2Add crockery 

Mugs are great for presenting edible 

items inside while plates should be 

positioned at the back of a hamper. We 

love the colourful Marajah range from Easy 

Life (easylife.boutique) which features 

joyful elephant illustrations. 

3Tea is essential 

A luxury loose-leaf tea is a hamper 

must. French tea connoisseurs Mariage 

Frères (mariagefreres.com) have flavoured 

teas for every occasion. Each one is exquisitely 

presented and tastes like you’re taking high tea 

in a five-star hotel. The Christmas collection 

features yummy concoctions of black tea with 

festive fruits and warming spices. 

ART BY SHREE 

A one-of-a-kind artwork makes a thoughtful gift 

and when you commission the most sort after 

South Asian painter of the moment to create it, the 

recipient will appreciate the gesture even more. 

London-based Artist Shree who was recently 

nominated for an Asian Achiever’s Award 

creates breathtaking canvas works inspired by 

her Indian heritage. Each piece is unique and 

characterised by its vivid colours and textures. 

Compositions feature quotes, goddesses and 

abstract designs. Her work has been snapped up 

by Bollywood stars and look timeless hung up at 

home. Contact Shreena directly to commission 

her or buy prints from her Etsy store. 

www.artbyshree.com 

4Choose a spread 

Preserves and pickles are the usual 

jars you’ll find in a hamper, alongside 

them pop in a jar of the scrumptious nut 

butters from ButterNut London (butternut.com). 

Lovingly made in small batches 

they shower tastebuds with pure pleasure. 

Choose between Coconut Cardamom 

Cashew, Maple Turmeric Cashew and lots 

more. 

ASIANA 

TIP: 

5Say thank you 

Finally, add a colourful ribbon and drop 

the gift hamper off in person if you can. 

Don’t forget to pop in a handwritten card. 

Ananya Cards (ananyacards.com) can make 

them personalised to your needs using luxurious 

card and printing techniques. 

Chocolate Stash 

Take it from us, wedding days are long so it’s essential your bridal 

party have tasty treats to hand to keep their sugar levels and 

morale up – some couture cocoa is just the thing. Order a batch of 

handmade chocolate bars lovingly created by Priya at Flowers & 

Thorn. Flavours include pistachio & rose and cardamom and they 

come beautifully packaged in bright pink foil. It will be love at 

first sight and bite. www.flowersandthorn.co.uk 

RECOMMENDED READ 

Enjoy some wedding planning downtime with a 

chai and a good book. Sex Bomb, the memoirs 

of comedian and podcaster 

Sadia Azmat is a refreshing, 

honest and open account 

of what it’s like navigating 

life as a horny hijabi. 

Sadia shares her real-life 

horror stories of dating 

and her struggles of 

juggling work with 

her side-hustle of 

performing stand-up 

comedy. You’ll 

laugh, you’ll cry 

and you want to pass it on to all your 

girlfriends. www.sadiaazmat.com 


Amazonia Tea Set 

Seasonal Trend: Autumn 

www.micucci.co.uk 

Warm orange glows and 

soothing rustic browns capture 

the spirit of Autumn. Autumnal 

weddings are an opportunity 

to celebrate nature at its most 

magical and it’s easy to bring 

these elements into your 

wedding day says Colour Expert 

Momtaz Begum-Hossain. She 

says: “Autumn shades are 

versatile and luxurious and 

add depth to your décor. At one 

end of the Autumn spectrum, 

you have dark chocolates and 

rich mochas which work well 

in furniture like traditionally 

carved mandaps, while at the 

other you have deep purples. 

Pops of red and yellows bring 

a refreshing vibrancy and 

when you team them with the 

purples, browns and orange 

everything feels welcoming and 

cosy; exactly how guests like to 

feel when they attend a wedding 

LED Pinecone Candle 

www.annabeljames.co.uk 

in the cooler months.” 

Autumnal wreaths look 

stylish and are a nod to the 

winter season around the 

corner. Look out for anything 

themed such year such pine 

cones and woodland animals. 

It’s important to consider 

light sources too; candles and 

lanterns create a comforting 

Autumn glow both indoors and 

out. 

Wondering how to capture this 

season’s palette? Here’s the 

top pick from Colour Expert 

Momtaz Begum-Hossain 

Midnight Blue Wreath 

www.dibor.co.uk 

TREND ALERT: 

DIY WEDDING 

Bring rustic, natural charm to 

your wedding stationery with a 

rubber stamp. Choose a motif 

that captures the spirit of your 

theme and use it on everything 

from place settings to signage. 

www.skullandcrossbuns.com 

Floral Scrapbook 

www.paperchase.com 

Chai Spice Candle-Making Kit 

www.selfmadecandle.com 

Star Lantern 

www.paperstarlights.com 

Profile photo by Anthony Lycett 


BRIDAL NOTEBOOK 

Mushroom Cloche 

www.habitate.co.uk 

Seasonal Trend: Winter 

MOOD BOARD INSPO: CANDY COLOURS 

Seek out soft pastels and combine candyfloss colours with snow, 

silver and evergreens for social media-trending wedding décor. 

www.wayfair.co.uk 

For a wedding that’s straight from the pages 

of a fairytale, winter wonderland weddings 

have all the perfect elements for elegance 

such as snow, faux fur, white pearls and 

crystals. Traditionally these have been the 

go-to décor choices for couples, but for a 

more contemporary feel introduce some of 

the sparkles of Christmas into your festivities. 

Momtaz advises: “Don’t be afraid of colour. 

If you’re opting for a Narniaesque feel don’t 

stop at white and silver, accents of blue add 

contrast heightening the overall impact of the 

room or table display. Softer pastel shades 

reminiscent of Spring have been surfacing in 

winter mood boards - the most appealing of 

which is candy colours of mint, blush pinks, 

peaches and cream. They would bring a regal 

yet fresh feel to a registry celebration.” 

Candle Holder 

www.ivylinebg.co.uk 

TRIED & TESTED: DRINKS KITCHEN 

Premium non-alcoholic drinks have come a long way 

and it’s always great to see new soft drinks making their 

mark. Award-winning Somerset-based business Drinks 

Kitchen make a range of beverages that teetotalers and 

anyone cutting back on alcohol can enjoy. Their range 

includes Spiced Rhubarb which contains aromatic 

juniper and a hint of chilli and Orange Chincona which 

has a zesty peel and bittersweet finish. Serve at your 

drinks reception for a welcome drink with a difference. 

www.drinkskitchen.online 

Winter décor ideas 

www.marksandspencer.com 

Wild Wonderland 

Tealight Holder 

www.dibor.co.uk 

Honey, Cranberry and 

Vanilla Soaps 

www.notonthehighstreet.com 


More than ever, our homes are at the centre of our lives. For 

many of us, it’s where we work, sleep, play and socialise so 

it’s vital everything serves a purpose, be it functional or 

emotional. For newly-weds, a new home offers the chance 

to create an abode together. For a happy first home, fill 

your space with design choices, colours and pieces that you will want to 

live with every day. 

BOOKS WE LOVE 

Like art, books add style, depth and character 

to any home. If you have a penchant for travel, 

you’ll love the hardcover travel-themed coffee 

table books produced by Assouline. The 

recently-launched 

(£70, www.net-aporter.com) 

is a 

beautiful silk-lined 

hardback that pays 

homage to India’s 

‘Pink City’ and 

comes filled with 

over 200 pretty 

illustrations for you 

to flick through. 

Sweet 

HOME 

Stylish touches for your love nest 

Camel, Lahore Late 

19th Century Print 

(£140, 

50cm x 62cm) 

Liven up your walls 

A well-chosen piece of art can transform a goodlooking 

living space into a perfect one. We love 

these ethnic style prints by King and McGaw. 

www.kingandmcgaw.com 

A Scene in the East Indies by William 

Daniell (£140, 49cm x 62cm) 

HOME 

Adorned with a floral design, these 

beautiful Homesense Chest of 

Drawers will make a statement in any 

Scent 

room. Your 

www.homesense.com 

Home 

Fragrance sticks and diffusers are a stylish 

way to scent your home and create 

an inviting ambience. Rituals Happiness 

Fragrance Sticks (£31.50) contain moodboosting 

neroli and sensual Indian 

sandalwood. If you prefer an uplifting 

scent, try Jo Malone Townhouse Fresh Fig 

and Cassis Diffuser (£140) which is warm 

and inviting. The super chic Diptyque 

Plug-in Diffuser (£95), has a metallic lattice 

design and can be used with nine iconic 

Diptyque scent cartridges. 

DRESS THE FLOORS 

Rugs can instantly add texture to 

your floors. They can either sit in 

harmony with your space or stand 

out as a statement piece. This 

hand-woven and perfectly crafted 

French Connection Kerala Chenille 

Rug (£125) has a vintage-inspired 

print with soft coral, slate grey and 

ivory hues. It’s lovingly made in 

India from recycled plastic bottles, 

making it an ethical way to style 

your space. Team it up with the 

matching Kerala Ottoman Bench 

(£250). 

www.frenchconnection.com 


INTERIORS 

Words: Anjana Gosai 

Trend alert: Glistening Gold and Brushed Brass 

Opulent and glamorous, add hints of gold and brass to your home to bring warmth and a classic touch 

Be the host with the most by showing off your spirits in a luxe 

drinks trolley. www.dobbies.com 

Beautifully-carved and elegant, the Pooky Vulpo mirror makes a 

strong statement in any room. www.pooky.com 

Gold accessories and brass adorned furniture like this Cuckooland Meena 

Cabinet will give your room a luxurious edge. www.cuckooland.com 

Add a touch of grown-up glamour to your dining table. 

www.johnlewis.com 


Everlasting 

ELEGANCE 

When your brother is the designer behind 

a leading fashion brand, you’re guaranteed 

to have the best bridal outfits ever as Preeti 

found when Hare from Sharon’s Couture 

created her a trousseau of dreams 

The Proposal 

Ste proposed a year prior to us getting 

married on my birthday. Under the covid 

restrictions, he paired up with my siblings 

and orchestrated the entire proposal. 

He brought over my birthday presents 

and then asked if I’d like to go for a walk 

in the park. With covid, there weren’t 

WEDDING 

DETAILS 

Bride: Preeti Dhami 

Groom: Stephen (Ste) Spencer 

Date of Wedding: 7/4/2022 & 28/5/2022 

Venue: Shustoke Barn (Civil) & 

Home (Indian) 

Photography: The Wedding Film and 

Photo Co & Filmworks Media 

many places open so the park it was! He 

didn’t know the area well and kept asking 

questions about where the bridge was 

with the canal running through it which I 

thought was odd. 

We walked into the orchard section of 

the park which my siblings had set up 

with flowers and when we approached 

this magical setting, Ste got down on one 

knee and proposed with my siblings hiding 

nearby enough to take pictures, but not to 

be seen by me. 

I felt like something was up as Ste’s 

behaviour felt slightly odd especially as he 

kept checking his inside coat pocket. When 

he did propose it was a very emotional 

moment where we both got slightly teary as 

he pulled out the most beautiful sapphire 

and diamond engagement ring. I instantly 

said yes and remember being so overjoyed 

with all the emotions. 


REAL WEDDINGS

The Civil Ceremony 

We had two wedding days which gave us 

the chance to have two different but very 

elegant themes. We both liked the idea 

of a barn. I had always wanted to avoid 

a wedding reception in a dark conference 

centre atmosphere, even from an early 

age I had a vision of a luxury marquee 

setting that was light and gave a taste of 

the outdoors. We found the perfect venue 

that was cosy and had a traditional vibe. 

We wanted to keep its rustic charm but 

enhanced it with flowers and foliage 

including green eucalyptus leaves and 

white flowers with floating candles. 

Guests were treated to a three-course 

meal with a Mediterranean theme. The 

mouth-watering spread included halloumi 

skewers, falafel, tabbouleh, wood fire 

flatbreads, roast chicken, French onion tart 

and chocolate fondant with ice cream. In 

the evening, we all tucked into fresh stonebaked 

pizzas which went down a treat. 

One memory I won’t forget from the 

day is that I was so eager not to be late 

that I was the first one ready, before my 

bridesmaids and my entire family - I was 

waiting on the bridal party as oppose to 

them waiting for me! 

The Sikh Ceremony 

For our Indian reception, we kept a similar 

theme as a civil but with additional white 

flowers and a sophisticated white-on-white 

theme. Design and décor details included a 

pretty flower wall, orchard trees ad candles, 

it felt so special, but it was also a complete 

contrast to the Jaggo party. That reception 

was bright, flamboyant, and full of nostalgic 

Punjabi style. Our Punjabi feast featured 

classic dishes such as gol goppa, samosa 

chaat, shaahi paneer and butter chicken 

with the yummiest cheesecake, gajerela and 

ice cream to finish off. 

We had a total of 60 guests at our 

Sikh wedding ceremony and for our 

civil wedding. It was really important to 

us to have small and intimate wedding 

ceremonies to keep it feeling personal but 

for our reception, the number increased to 

170 guests. It was still small enough that we 

could speak to all our guests as I was very 

keen to have ‘quality over quantity.’ 

One of the memorable moments of the 

day was when my siblings performed a 

surprise dance sequence for me and Ste. It 

was so special as it was unexpected. The 

coordination and performance were so well 

received by all the guests that I felt so proud 

of them. 


REAL WEDDINGS 

GET THE LOOK: THE OUTFITS 

This was the exciting part! My brother Hare is the designer at the 

luxury Asian fashion house Sharon’s Couture. To have your own 

brother design all your outfits and those of your partner is the most 

extraordinary and personalised gift and as a bride, I knew that I 

would be wearing nothing short of perfection. Hare designed all 

of our outfits for the civil and Sikh ceremonies, my Jaggo party 

and Ste’s three-piece suit and sherwani. I knew Hare would do an 

incredible job, he still managed to exceed my expectations. 

He understood that I didn’t want to wear a traditional red wedding 

bridal lengha, yet I still wanted to look regal so he came up with a 

design that was red and olive which captured my personality, kept 

the traditional element of red and had so much attention to detail. 


COSMIC LOVE 

Lovers of the night sky, Marium and Tamoor’s 

Big Day was written in the stars 

The Proposal 

T (as I call him) took me by complete 

surprise. It was a spontaneous proposal. 

Back in February this year; we went 

for a walk under the stars. T is hugely 

fascinated by space and he was showing me 

various constellations. I was trying to find 

our favourite one, Orion’s Belt, and he was 

like ‘babe, what’s over there?’ As I turned 

back around, he was down on one knee 

with the most gorgeous ring I’d ever seen. 

I was over the moon. It was such a magical 

moment and it felt like the stars were 

shining down on us. 

The Venue 

I visited the Fairmont in January, for 

Afternoon Tea for my birthday with my 

best friend. While we were there, we 

starting talking about my relationship 

with T, which was progressing fast. 

Marriage talks were happening so the 

topic became very wedding focused. We 

WEDDING 

DETAILS 

Bride: Marium Tahir 

Groom: Tamoor Tahir 

Date of Wedding: 20th August 2022 

Venue: Fairmont Windsor Park 

Photography: Unique Films 

ended up talking to one of the directors, 

who showed us around the different 

ballrooms, and I instantly fell in love. I 

remember saying then and there to Dani, 

‘I want to get married here’. As soon as T 

proposed, enquiring about the venue was 

one of the first things I did. The ballroom 

was so beautiful it didn’t need any further 

dressing so we kept the décor minimal and 

were able to enjoy the grand setting. 

The Big Day 

Waking up with my mama at the Fairmont 

on my wedding day felt like a dream. We 

stayed over the night before so were able 

to enjoy the facilities, heading to breakfast 

at 7am. Some brides have their make-up 

artist turn up at 4/5am but mine came at 

a more convenient 10am and that’s when 

the Big Day felt like it was properly getting 

underway. 

The best part was that my mama and 

I got ready together in our suite. Both of 

us got pampered and had our hair and 

make-up done and I loved being able to 

make these special memories with her. 

Afterwards, we went downstairs and were 


REAL WEDDINGS 

greeted by my father and brother who 

were starstruck when they saw me dressed 

as a bride, they also made me feel like a 

princess. It was also a chance for me to 

spend some time with my bridesmaids and 

we used it as an opportunity to look around 

the venue and get our selfies and family 

photos before the guests arrived. For my 

outfit I wore a traditional red Pakistani 

bridal lengha. T wore ivory and my 

bridesmaids looked pretty in pink. 

Some brides miss the baraat but luckily 

I was able to watch T arrive in style 

from the window of my suite. We did our 

nikkah, I had mine first and then T did 

his but we didn’t see each other properly 

until afterwards when I made my grand 

entrance and the wedding finally began. 

We had our couple’s photos while mains 

were being served, a delicious feast by 

Ragamama. Then it was time for the 

speeches. I ended up doing a surprise 

speech which no one knew about and that 

felt great. 

My rukhsati, which is when I said 

goodbye to my family, was the most 

emotional part of the day, as I am so close 

to both of my parents and my brother. I was 

moving over two hours away so I wouldn’t 

be seeing them as much as I would like; 

this made having such an intimate 

wedding and spending time with my mama 

all the more special. There were lots of 

tears from my family and friends, but I’m 

beyond happy to have known I parted with 

lots of duas and into my loving husband’s 

family. 

Looking back at the photos I feel 

so happy but there’s also a sense of 

melancholy. It’s so sad knowing I won’t get 

to dress up and be that pretty again! But 

jokes aside, I couldn’t be happier. These 

photos evoke memories of the happiest day 

of my life and make me thank my lucky 

stars. 


DESTINATION 

WEDDING: 

PORTUGAL 

PRETTY AS 

A PICTURE 

How Karishma and Ravi 

found perfection in Portugal 

When Ravi whisked 

Karishma away for a 

weekend in the Lake 

District and popped 

the question during 

a romantic sunset stroll by Derwent 

Water, the couple knew that they wanted 

to celebrate their union with an outdoor 

wedding: “The idea of getting married 

amongst nature with a backdrop of birds, 

sun, the elements of fire, earth, water 

and air really appealed to us. Given how 

unreliable the British weather can be, we 

opted to have our wedding somewhere with 

guaranteed sunshine. We viewed the venues 

during a trip to Portugal in November 2021 

and it was love at first sight!” 

WEDDING 

DETAILS 

Bride: Karishma Kanabar 

Groom: Ravi Damani 

Date of Wedding: 1st -3rd August 2022 

Venue: Civil Wedding: Forte Da Cruz, 

Cascais. Hindu Wedding: Penha Longa Ritz 

Carlton Resort, Sintra, Portugal 

Photography: Profoto Studios 

Cue August 2022: the couple invited 80 

guests to join them for a three-day wedding 

extravaganza held in two beautiful 

Portuguese locations that ticked their 

alfresco box, with added luxury, elegance 

and magic. 

The Venue, Theme & Décor 

Karishma and Ravi combined elements of 

their Portugese location with their Hindu 

heritage. For their civil registry the colour 

palette was white and blue based on the 

traditional Azulejo tiles from the region 

and the bridesmaids wore pale blue dresses 

which complimented the sea views as the 

ceremony was held on a fort over-looking 

the beach. 

For their Hindu wedding ceremony 

the couple opted for an Indian Summer 

Garden theme in the picturesque grounds 

of the Penha Longa Resort which was 

once used as a meditation site for monks 

living in the nearby monastery. Karishma 

reminisces: “Our mandap was across a 

pool of sparkling turquoise water and 

the sound of the pool being filled with a 

steady stream of water filled the garden 

with a soothing noise alongside the sound 

of a meditative Bansuri being played 

during the wedding ceremony; it felt like a 

dream.” 


REAL WEDDINGS 

THE OUTFITS 

Over their three days of festivities, the couple held six 

events: civil wedding, Ganesh pooja/mandvo, pithi, 

mehndhi party, Hindu wedding and reception, giving them 

the opportunity to wear different outfits. The couple did 

their shopping in the UK but when it came to the Hindu 

wedding both outfits were designed from Karishma’s vision 

of a floral lengha with pops of hot pink and a sherwani for 

Ravi with complementing design and a matching dupatta. 

The Big Day 

The celebrations took place during 

the week with their civil ceremony 

first; it was no ordinary Monday! 

Guests were transported to the 

beach where they were greeted 

by the sounds of a Bollywood 

string quartet. The beach setting 

allowed the couple to get stunning 

portrait shots, making the most 

of golden hour and sunset. This 

was followed by a magical moment 

where guests created a twinkling 

archway of sparklers that the 

couple walked through to cut the 

cake. 

It was an early start the next 

day for the pithi and mandvo 

ceremonies. This included the 

chundri ceremony where the 

groom’s mother and siblings place 

a dupatta on the head of the bride 

and give her gifts, and the pithi 

ceremony where guests place haldi 

on the couple, followed by a flower 

shower where they tossed petals 

on the bride and groom. 

That evening the venue was 

transformed for the sangeet and 

mehndi party. Guests enjoyed 

mocktails and canapés and 

danced to classic Bollywood 

songs. Keeping with the filmi 

spirit Karishma’s sister Roshni 

and the bridesmaids performed a 

Bollywood dance routine straight 

from the pages of a Karan Johar 

hit. Games, a disco and traditional 

Gujarati garba dancing was a fun 

end to the evening. 

On the final day the Baarat 

started with Ravi entering on a 

golf buggy to the sounds of dholis 

and a saxophone as smoke bombs 

released a rainbow of colours. 

Karishma entered to the sounds of 

a live flute. 

The celebrations culminated in 

a grand cocktail reception with 

food, speeches and the couple’s 

First Dance as husband and wife. 

Karishma sums up: “Looking back 

at the photos, the whole wedding 

feels like a dream. Three days 

went by in a flash but these were 

some of the happiest moments 

of our life. Seeing our family and 

friends smiling and enjoying 

themselves in the photo means the 

whole world to us.” 


DESTINATION 

WEDDING: 

ITALY 

You’ll know him as ‘The 

Digital Doctor’ online, Dr 

Sohaib Imtiaz is an expert 

in lifestyle medicine and 

Founder of the Ameli App, 

but when it came to his wedding day it 

was very much a ‘Digital Detox’ as he and 

his beautiful wife Sana celebrated their 

union in an intimate ceremony in one of 

the world’s most romantic destinations; 

Lake Como. Here, he shares highlights 

from their dream day… 

Sana and I love to travel, I even 

proposed to her abroad. We were in Miami 

and after taking her for a meal in a lovely 

restaurant we took a stroll along the beach 

and that’s where I proposed. I felt like the 

luckiest guy alive when she said ‘yes’: she’s 

my best friend and it felt so right. 

WEDDING 

DETAILS 

Bride: Sana Khan 

Groom: Dr Sohaib Imtiaz 


Venue: Villa del Balbianello, 

Lake Como, Italy 

Photography: Vittore 

THAT’S AMORE 

Breathtaking views overlooking Lake Como was the 

perfect backdrop for Sohaib and Sana’s romantic nikkah 

We wanted to keep that theme of 

magical things happening in magical 

places so when we started planning our 

wedding, we knew we wanted a location 

that was out of the ordinary. Getting 

married in Italy was our dream as we 

adore its whimsical, picturesque setting. 

We chose Villa del Balbianello for the 

location of our nikkah, it was rich in 

history and romance, built on the site of 

an ancient monastery, on the shores of 

Lake Como with idyllic terraced gardens. 

It didn’t need any further décor, the lake 

views were enough, we simply enhanced 

and personalised it by adding white 

flowers. One of my favourite moments was 

travelling by a private boat taxi to reach 

the villa, holding hands all the way there 


REAL WEDDINGS 

and being so mesmerised by Sana and the 

surroundings; it was just like a fairytale. 

As this was our nikkah, which is the 

Islamic ceremony we wanted to keep 

the celebrations special and intimate 

so invited only a handful of loved ones. 

The venue provided the catering and it 

wonderful to simply slow down, enjoy 

the setting and good company on a warm 

summer’s day, sharing these precious 

moments with lots of laughter with the 

most important people in our life. The 

amount of love and affection we got from 

everyone made it extra special day. 

Looking back at our photos they truly 

capture the spark in our relationship 

and it’s a wonderful reminder of how 

beautiful our day was as we look forward 

to our walima in December which we’ll 

be celebrating with extended friends and 

family. 


Josh and I met aged 17 and 

our friendship blossomed into 

romance when we were 19, so the 

proposal felt very natural. It was 

a chilly Saturday morning, one 

of those days where the indoors beckons. 

Josh went to make the coffee while I 

decided what to watch on Netflix and 

when he returned with steaming coffee 

in hand, instead of going to his side of the 

sofa, he got down on one knee! I cried in 

joy and said yes a thousand times! 

The look 

OF LOVE 

Childhood sweethearts Navreen and 

Josh celebrated 12 years of romance 

with the wedding of their dreams 

The Venue, Theme & Décor 

We got married at Braxted Park, a 

beautiful countryside estate with a 

majestic drive and plush gardens. Our 

reception theme had a ‘midnight garden’ 

vibe. We had tall floral centrepieces with 

peach and coral flowers and a ceiling 

decorated with foliage and hanging 

wisteria. Our colour theme of gold and 

peachy tones was reflected in our table 

settings including ornate gold charger 

plates and frosted peach tumblers. Gold 

is a colour I associate with celebration 

and glamour, as well as the richness of my 

Indian culture. The venue is a short drive 

away from my childhood home. I can’t 

help but feel there is something special in 

that, unbeknown to me, I had gone past 

the venue of my dreams almost every day 

from the age of seven. 

WEDDING 

DETAILS 

Bride: Navreen Singh 

Groom: Josh Sarson 


Venue: Braxted Park 

Photography: Julia West 

THE OUTFITS 

I live by the philosophy of ‘Best of Both’ 

in terms of my British and Indian heritage 

and so it was only right my outfits followed 

suit. I had five outfits across the wedding 

week. For our wedding day, I wore an ivory 

lace dress with bespoke veil and for the 

evening, a bright red lengha from Monga’s. 

It was the first one I tried and it was love at 

first sight; it made me feel like a beautiful 

Indian bride. 

154| ASIANA WEDDING

REAL WEDDINGS 

The Big Week 

Some couples have a Big Day, we had a 

Big Week as the main wedding day was 

preceded by a festive week of traditional 

Punjabi events. The wedding day itself 

was inspired by a fusion of our cultures 

and us. We had a Western humanist 

ceremony, where our close friend Jesse 

married us, and the whole day was 

infused with elements from my Indian 

heritage. The theme of our wedding was 

country grandeur and glam. 

Our ceremony started at 1.30pm in 

the Orangery, a gorgeous room with a 

unique Italian mural. Afterwards, we 

had a drinks and canapé reception in the 

intricate gardens of Braxted Park. The 

weather was glorious. At around 5pm our 

guests were called into our reception in 

the Pavilion and it was time for our big 

entrance accompanied by Dhol players. 

We had our speeches, mingled in between 

our courses and then Josh and I took 

some more couple shots during a stunning 

golden hour. Then we changed into our 

second outfits, ready for our First Dance. I 

danced most of the night and boy my feet 

only stopped hurting a week later. 

The Catering 

Josh are I are both foodies, so this was 

an important part of the day for us. We 

created a bespoke menu where mouthwatering 

canapés were served during our 

drinks reception featuring a few of my 

favourites including lasooni prawns and 

smoked aubergine on bite-size prantha. 

Our wedding breakfast was a threecourse 

affair. Each meal was individually 

plated and beautifully presented and 

most importantly, it was absolutely 

delicious. 

The Memories 

Something that will always stand out 

to me is how personal our day was, and 

how it encapsulated our love story. We 

are childhood sweethearts and as a 

result, have friends and family who have 

been with us throughout our 12-year 

journey. Our friend Jesse conducted 

our marriage ceremony, my school 

friend Danielle sang and played 

the guitar as I walked down the 

aisle, our matchmaker Aisha, 

who introduced us, was our 

Best Woman and Josh’s best 

friend from primary school Mat 

was his Best Man. When I look 

back at the photos they reflect 

the love and joy we experienced 

on the best day of our lives. Our 

photographer Julia did an incredible 

job capturing the special moments 

and making us feel so comfortable in the 

process. 


REAL WEDDINGS 

PART OF 

YOUR WORLD 

Bride Karishma was keen to celebrate the 

Sri Lankan heritage of her husband Tash but 

when the global pandemic put a stop to their 

wedding abroad they brought their cultures 

together in a romantic union closer to home 

The Planning 

Our wedding was always going to be in Sri 

Lanka as Tash is Sri Lankan but when 

covid hit we kept postponing it until we 

realised no one knew when the borders 

would re-open. But that didn’t stop us from 

having our dream day. We compromised 

by holding the first part of our union, 

the Indian celebrations in the UK and it 

turned out to be the best decision we made, 

though it wasn’t easy. 

From the moment we decided we would 

WEDDING 

DETAILS 

Bride: Karishma 

Groom: Tashan 

Date of Wedding: 21 October 2021 

Venue: Offley Place 

Photography: Kreative Klicks 

have our Indian ceremony here, we only 

had seven weeks until the Big Day so we 

both had to get organising. Looking back 

now, seven weeks is a tight timeline but 

we did it. The most important decision was 

finding a venue that would echo elements 

of why we wanted to marry in Sri Lanka 

which was lots of natural light. 

We spent two whole days ringing venues, 

getting prices and shortlisting them down 

to three venues - Offley Place was one. 

Strapped for time, after visiting the first 

venue we hastily decided we would pick it. 

But just before we made the final decision 

on the other venue, our parents pushed us 

to go and view Offley Place. And we are so 

glad they did! As our wedding was originally 

going to be in tropical Sri Lanka and 

natural light was our priority, Offley Place, a 

country house hotel in Hertfordshire didn’t 

disappoint. Outside of the venue’s main 

manor house was beautifully draped with 

climbing ivy and oh my god we were in love! 


The Theme & Inspiration 

Our families are from India and Sri Lanka 

and one of the things we both have in 

common is our appreciation for nature 

so we incorporated that into our theme. 

Our plan was to ‘bring the outside in’ and 

this gave us the opportunity to use lots 

of earthy greens and foliage and keep 

everything looking soft and natural. 

We got our outfits in India. Though most 

couples get their colour themes from the 

bridal outfit, we let Tash’s safa set the 

tones for ours. 

The Big Day 

The day started with us waking up at our 

venue at a very dark and cloudy 6.30am 

following a storm from the night before, so 

we were nervous about how the weather 

would turn out. It was a leisurely morning 

and not rushed; Tash even managed to go 

to the restaurant and have a full breakfast 

and spy on the décor of the ballroom which 

is where the main wedding took place. 

Having our families around was 

reassuring and they kept popping into 

our rooms while we were getting ready 

which helped alleviate our nerves. The 

first thing we did was have our portraits 

taken, they turned out to be very regal and 

atmospheric and are timeless shots that we 

will treasure. 

158 | ASIANA WEDDING

REAL WEDDINGS 

Tash made his grand arrival which 

was extremely colourful. I was sad that I 

couldn’t witness it myself as it looked so 

fun. But there was other good news. All of a 

sudden the huge black cloud that has been 

looming in the sky vanished, the warm 

sun beamed into my room and I finally 

experienced the natural light I was hoping 

for. 

After that the day went smoothly. My 

brothers collected me and brought me 

down to the ceremony which was an 

emotional moment for everyone. Our guests 

were treated to a delicious feast and before 

we knew it the games got underway with 

one of my little cousins throwing water 

over Tash’s cousin in an attempt to get his 

shoes! 

We may not have had the wedding we 

had originally planned but it didn’t matter, 

we felt blessed to have finally tied the knot 

on a day that was filled with many happy 

memories and much laughter. When we 

look back at our wedding we remember 

feelings all the good vibes from our friends 

and family. The ceremony turned out to be 

even better than it would have been in Sri 

Lanka. 


Easy 

PLANNING MADE 

For a timesaving, convenient and simple way to plan your wedding visit 

Savii Weddings, a brand new online Asian Wedding Marketplace that puts your needs first 

No bride understands how 

stressful planning a wedding 

is until it’s her turn. Most of it 

is down to the sheer volume of 

tasks to tick off on your to-do 

list. Add on the pressure of work and other 

commitments and all of a sudden it feels like 

there’s no time to do it – the very thought 

of spending weeks researching and then 

travelling around the country to go shopping 

is enough to put even the most enthusiastic 

bride off. 

Thankfully there is a solution. It’s called 

Savii Weddings and it’s set to make planning 

your wedding headache-free and pleasurable. 

It’s exactly what you’ve been waiting for as 

Iqra from Savii Weddings explains: “Before 

we went live, in our market research 92% 

of brides agreed they would definitely use a 

platform like Savii Weddings.” 

So, what’s it all about? 

Savii Weddings is a one-stop shop for 

brides and grooms to browse, favourite, 

chat with, request quotes and directly 

book wedding suppliers all in one place. 

An online Asian Wedding Marketplace, it 

offers much more than a directory – you 

won’t just find listings, you’ll be able to 

connect with and pay suppliers and store 

that information in one place. 

How Savii Weddings works 

Whether you’re planning in advance or 

last minute, you can easily view a variety 

of products and services all in one place 

– your device. “Think of us as the Uber 


PLANNING 

Eats or AirBnB for weddings,” says Savii 

Weddings Director Amiaama. “Suppliers can 

list themselves while couples have choice and 

flexibility.” 

To get started simply search for the 

type of supplier you’re looking for, add in 

your dates and then request quotes or ask 

questions – all without wasting time Googling. 

When you find things you like you can easily 

share the details with family members and 

most reassuringly you’ll never lose contact 

numbers. All messages and numbers are 

saved in your customer profile and payments 

are clearly recorded as invoices so can track 

your budget, see who’s been paid and who’s 

still waiting. 

The Future is Savii Weddings 

Forget endless scrolling online, Savii 

Weddings is set to become the first point of 

call for all couples planning a wedding. The 

lists of service providers are constantly being 

updated so keep an eye throughout your 

wedding planning journey; say good-bye to 

time-wasting and hello to savvy shopping! 

“BEFORE WE WENT LIVE, IN OUR 

MARKET RESEARCH 92% OF BRIDES 

AGREED THEY WOULD DEFINITELY USE 

A PLATFORM LIKE SAVII WEDDINGS” 

JOIN SAVII WEDDING’S SUPPLIERS AND EXPERIENCE 

ACCESSIBILITY, SIMPLICITY AND ORGANISATION 

Whether you’re an individual MUA or a large catering 

company, if you work in the wedding industry sign up to 

be part of Savii Weddings, a unique online marketplace 

for Asian couples which is set to revolutionalise wedding 

planning as Savii Weddings CEO Shazad explains: “The 

Asian Wedding industry needs to be brought into the 21st 

century – wedding planning needed a digital makeover. Savii 

Weddings is doing just that by providing an online platform 

that connects couples with suppliers and allows them to be 

browsed, contacted and booked.” 

It’s free to join and there is no monthly subscription. 

Savii Weddings is your opportunity to have an online store 

that will help you increase your visibility and access a new 

customer base, it also reduces time and technological hassles. 

Commitment is minimal, you simply need to add the 

products you’re offering, reply to prospective clients directly 

and then deliver your service. You’ll receive your fee 

directly with a small commission taken by Savii Weddings. 

Marketing is taken care of and there are no exclusivity 

clauses - in fact we encourage you to promote yourself 

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in the UK continues to grow and thrive. 

www.saviiweddings.com 


are meant to 

be big, what’s your 

dream?” This is the 

question Tasneem 

“Dreams 

Alibhai asks all the 

brides and couples that book her to deliver 

their dream wedding day. Her speciality is 

destination weddings and she takes on a 

limited number each year so that she can 

dedicate 24/7 of her time to fulfilling a bride’s 

wishes without compromise. She says: “I am 

Team Bride, I will go out of my way to ensure 

perfection in every aspect of your wedding, not 

just the usual tasks like to helping to find and 

liaise with venues, caterers, entertainment 

and other suppliers; but I’m there for you too.” 

Destination 

DREAM WEDDING 

Whatever vision your heart has for your Big Day, don’t be 

afraid to follow it says celebrity wedding planner Tasneem 

Alibhai, Founder of TA Weddings & Special Occasions 

GETTING MARRIED ABROAD 

Post-pandemic the destination wedding industry 

is growing in popularity with couples seeking 

smaller, more intimate ways to make memories 

but while there are now more planners than ever, 

very few have the knowledge and experience 

that Tasneem has. She says: “I’m always honest 

with my couples. Many of my clients are seeking 

weddings in the UAE and Oman but what they 

may not realise is that the season is October- 

April. Outside of those months it’s too hot to 

enjoy the locations and there’s no point getting 

married abroad if you and your guests are inside 

a hotel all day; destination weddings are about 

experiencing beautiful backgrounds in heavenly 

places.” In the summer months, Tasneem advises 

brides to marry in Europe, places like Turkey, 

Italy, Cyprus and Portugal; but wherever your 

choose and whatever your budget, you can be 

sure it will be spectacular. 

THE CULTURAL CONNECTION 

One of the biggest concerns couples have 

when they consider marrying abroad is 

whether they can still have the customs and 

traditions from their cultural background. 

Tasneem has planned weddings for couples 

from all over the world so is aware of cultural 

needs but most importantly her knowledge of 

Asian weddings is second to none. Whatever 

your faith she understands all the different 

functions, ceremonies and rituals and how 

they need to be executed, so you can rest 

assured that this element is taken care of. 

How bookings work varies between 

countries but Tasneem knows what to expect. 

She reveals: “In the UK it’s common to book 

a venue and different catering suppliers. 

In Dubai it’s different, there is no wedding 

venue hire fee, instead there is a minimum 

spend and this can work out to be more 

cost-effective. You’ll get the venue space and 

furniture included when you pay for the 

catering and beverages. Additional services 

like décor, flowers and entertainment are 

extra but having the venue and catering 

package together removes the headache and 

cost of dealing with different suppliers.” 


WEDDING PLANNER 

DUBAI DREAMS 

Dubai has long been a popular honeymoon 

destination but with its luxurious hotels, some of 

the finest in the world, it’s lavish reputation and 

accessibility for guests travelling from all over the 

globe, it’s also the perfect place to get married. 

Tasneem explains: “Being an ex-pat in Dubai 

organising weddings in the city is a pleasure 

because I know the industry and suppliers here 

so well. Couples are amazed when I tell them 

the choice of venues they have – I’ve organised 

weddings and events at dream hotels like the 

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, The Ritz Carlton and 

Atlantis The Palm and in other Emirates like Abu 

Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah. The UAE offers a 

wealth of options for brides and I’m always happy 

to talk them through with brides and their families. 

POPPING THE QUESTION 

Tasneem is also the co-founder of a Dubai based 

company that helps grooms turn grand gestures 

into epic proposals. She explains: “Though 

wedding planning is my forte, I was regularly 

contacted by grooms who wanted advice, so 

together with another industry friend we launched 

The Big Proposals. She says: “Usually it’s the men 

looking for a way to propose. We suggest three 

ideas based on their budget and then help them 

execute their vision. Whether you splash out and 

have ‘Marry Me’ projected on the Burj Khalifa, or 

perhaps a more intimate and affordable private 

desert safari, anything is possible.” 

About Tasneem, Founder of 

TA Weddings & Special Occasions 

The most sought after wedding planner in 

Dubai, award-winning Destination Weddings 

and Special Occasions Planner Tasneem 

launched TA Weddings & Special Occasions, 

a wedding planning service in 2008. Since 

then she’s dedicated her life to her passion; 

ensuring every bride has her dream day 

exactly as she wants while bringing a level 

of magic that the bride never could have 

imagined. Tasneem grew up in Norway, has 

lived in the UK and now calls the UAE home. 

AS SEEN ON NETFLIX: DUBAI BLING 

The most-anticipated reality TV show of the Autumn is set 

to be Dubai Bling. Launching on Netflix on October 27th it 

follows the dazzling lives of 10 self-made multi-millionaires 

living in Dubai. One of them is radio presenter and fitness 

entrepreneur Kris Fade who hosts The Kris Fade Show on 

Virgin Radio Dubai whose wedding, organised by Tasneem 

and the TA Weddings & Special Occasions team is set to 

be the seen in the series finale. It’s one of the most highprofile 

bookings Tasneem has taken on, as she explains: 

“I’d previously planned the wedding of Dubai Housewives 

star Caroline Stanbury who is a friend of Kris and his wife 

Brianna, and like many of my bookings, word-of-mouth 

spread and I was invited to meet the couple and discuss 

their dream Dubai wedding.” 

Kris is Australian Lebanese and Brianna is Mexican 

America and they were keen to incorporate both of their 

cultures while having a beautiful outdoor wedding which 

took place at the iconic Ritz Carlton JBR. Tasneem says: 

“I was booked to be their planner before the show got 

underway however it was all top secret and though I was 

asked to wear a microphone while they recorded for the 

show, they couldn’t tell me what it was for. Having seen 

the trailer for the show now, everyone in Dubai and fans of 

shows like Bling Empire and Singapore Social are excited to 

watch it and I hope they’ll get to see a flavour of one of the 

grandest weddings that has taken place in the city - it was 

an honour to be part of it.” 

www.tasneemalibhai.com 

bytasneemalibhai 


CELEBRATORY 

Feast 

Awe-inspiring from every 

angle, the award-winning 

modern Indian restaurant 

Colonel Saab established 

itself as the most 

fashionable dining experience in the capital 

when it opened in October 2021. A year on 

as it celebrates its first anniversary, the 

restaurant continues to cater to discerning 

diners keen to try their infamous 

Memsaab’s Tasting Menu and those who 

are looking for a luxury private dining 

experience for a special occasion. 

It’s not just the food and décor that 

draws in the crowds, history and 

hospitality lie at the heart of this 

extraordinary dining experience which 

is the concept of hotelier Roop Partap 

Choudhary. He was keen to open a 

For the ultimate in decadent dining, treat your 

friends and family to a meal at Colonel Saab 

restaurant that celebrated the cultural 

cuisine that is rooted throughout India, 

from homes to street markets and royal 

kitchens. 

When you enter the eaterie which Roop 

describes as ‘a love letter to India’ you’ll 

be transfixed by the attention to detail. 

Part museum and part a treasure trove 

of artefacts and eclectic Indian art, these 

are things Roop and his family picked up 

during their travels across India when his 

father was a Colonel in the Indian army 

and nick-named ‘Colonel Saab.’ 


PARTY VENUE 

VIP DINING EXPERIENCE 

If you’re looking for somewhere to catch up with a small 

group of friends in the lead up to your Big Day, book a table 

in the main restaurant, or for a more exclusive meal, we 

recommend you book one of their extravagant private dining 

rooms. Colonel Saab is situated in a grand Grade II listed 

building, previously Holborn Town Hall which was also a public 

library back in 1894. The private dining rooms are a nod to this 

heritage with wooden features and stunning chandeliers. 

The two rooms can accommodate 30 guests for a seated 

dinner, perfect for a pre-wedding function or a dinner that 

brings both families together. It’s also perfect for a glamorous 

location for your hen or stag meal. And you don’t have to 

worry about going thirsty. A drinks bar made by Asprey for 

the Maharaja of Patiala takes pride of place in the private 

dining room, while 17th and 18th century Tanjore paintings 

and handwoven Persian silk carpets adorn the walls and 

precious decanters and crockery from the palace of the 

Maharaja of Faridkot shimmer in cabinets. It’s a space for 

dining and selfie-taking! 

RAISE YOUR GLASSES 

Every element of Colonel Saab has been 

lovingly and imaginatively crafted to create 

a multi-sensory experience of India, including 

the drinks. A Masala Dabba - or spice box of 

artisanal gins, whiskies and rums based on 

Indian botanicals has been created with the 

Diageo mixology team, along with innovative 

cocktails by celebrated mixologist Antony 

Bertin, designed to complement the food 

and named after family members. We’ll drink 

to that! 

A TASTE OF INDIA 

Colonel Saab’s menu is the culmination of the journey and adventures 

across India of Roop’s parents, a blend of traditional and global 

ingredients and techniques. You can expect a nostalgic palate of 

aromas, memories and flavours so it’s no wonder that Nobel Peace 

Prize winner Malala Yousafzai is a fan; she described the food here as 

“the only place which serves the authentic flavours from home.” 

Choose from the a la carte, seasonal menus for occasions like Diwali 

and Christmas, a British and Indian infused High Tea, the Tasting Menu 

or their popular two-course Lunch Tiffin. Dishes range from tender 

Anglo Indian Chicken Chop to perfectly marinated melt-in-the-mouth 

Sarsoi Ajwaini Fish Tikka alongside yummy vegetarian options. The 

Tasting Menu curated by Chef Sohan Bhandari allows you to try six 

dishes which takes your private dining experience to a new level. 

Colonel Saab 

193- 197 High Holborn, 

Covent Garden, London 

WC1V 7BD 

0208 016 6800 

www.colonelsaab.co.uk 


VENUE 

FOCUS: 

GRAND SAPPHIRE HOTEL 

& BANQUETING SUITES 

If you’re looking for majestic, luxurious banqueting facilities, 

this South London icon ticks all the boxes and so much more… 

Elegance and charm are at the 

centre of Grand Sapphire, 

a modern wedding venue in 

Croydon, South London. With 

its choice of five-star event 

spaces, hotel facilities and delicious inhouse 

catering, your wedding celebrations 

will be effortless to plan - yet memorable 

for all. While most banqueting suites are 

blank canvas spaces, here you have the 

option of keeping the opulent interiors as 

they are; or enhancing them with your 

own decorative touches. Whatever you 

choose to do, your guests will be in awe 

of their surroundings which are spacious, 

sophisticated and most importantly 

accessible, with plenty of parking spaces. 

THE EXPERIENCE 

The charm begins from the moment you 

enter. Grand Sapphire’s white façade 

has a palatial feel and makes a beautiful 

backdrop for photos. The venue can lay out 

a red carpet to add an A’list touch to the 

proceedings before guests head inside the 

elegant foyers with luxury décor. 

Here, guests can be welcome and directed 

to your private function space, or you can 

make use of the sumptuous surroundings 

and kick-start the party with a drinks 

reception. 

While guests tuck into canapés, for the 

bride who typically joins the festivities 

later, Grand Sapphire provides a beautiful 

bridal suite where you can relax and get 

ready before making your grand entrance. 


VENUE 

THE EVENT SPACES 

The main function area is the Grand Ballroom 

and there are an additional three luxury suites; 

all of which offer the same high standards of 

interior décor come and full A/V and lighting 

facilities. Every space can be used for dancing 

and entertainment; the most fun part of the day. 

The Grand Ballroom 

For a wow factor wedding reception 

for up to 1000 guests, Grand Sapphire’s 

signature suite is the most luxurious. It looks 

spectacular when it’s set up banqueting 

style. A popular choice is to dress the room 

with candles which adds a magical glow 

throughout, and complements the dazzling 

chandeliers and mood lighting. Combined 

with floral arrangements and décor, it 

creates a majestic setting. 

The Sapphire Suite 

Adjacent to The Grand Ballroom, this idyllic 

suite is characterised by its LED lighting 

features and comfortably seats 500 diners 

for a sit-down meal. 

The Emirates Suite 

Also adjacent to The Grand Ballroom, this 

suite can be interconnected to increase the 

Ballroom’s capacity. It also has its own foyer 

entrance and is suited to smaller functions of 

350 guests. 

The Rhubarb Suite 

With its chic and lavish interiors, this space 

is light, airy and intimate, holding up to 144 

guests. It’s perfect for intimate ceremonies 

and with its floral walls has a fairytale quality. 

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD! 

The catering options are what sets Grand 

Sapphire apart from other banqueting 

venues as there’s so much choice and you 

can feel rest-assured that you’ll be served 

a feast that’s fit for royalty. Choosing your 

menu is the hardest part. The venue works 

with leading chefs with global experience 

so whether you’re after Pakistani, South 

Indian, Bangladeshi, Lebanese or Gujarati 

catering, dining is a part of the day guests 

will really enjoy as they’ll be served 

beautifully presented dishes with authentic 

flavours. 

MORE THAN A WEDDING VENUE… 

Having arranged hundreds of weddings over 

the years, the team here are well-connected 

in the industry and know exactly who to call 

on for floral arrangements, fabric backdrops, 

tablecentres and your wedding cake and can 

even arrange children’s entertainment. It’s 

not just weddings that are held here; Grand 

Sapphire is also popular for conferences 

and charity galas and they’ve organised all 

kinds of set-ups with additional activities 

including themed casinos - so don’t be 

afraid to live out all your wedding dreams, 

anything is possible here! 

Then, when the evening comes to a close, 

guests can retire to Grand Sapphire’s hotel 

rooms. The honeymoon suite is a luxurious 

boudoir designed to feel like an Indian 

palace and is a perfect place to rest before 

jet-setting off on your honeymoon from 

Gatwick Airport - just a short drive away. 

VENUE CHECKLIST: 

Accessible for public transport: Yes 

Onsite parking: Yes 

Catering: In-house options 

Spaces: Flexible, blank canvas 

Capacity: 144 to 1000 

Accommodation: Onsite 

A/V: Provided in-house 

Support: In-house planners 

Grand Sapphire Hotel & Banqueting Suites, 45 Imperial Way, Croydon CR0 4RR • T: 0208 686 2905 • www.grandsapphire.co.uk 


FARNHAM 

CASTLE 

The Lowdown: 

Rich in history and oozing sophistication 

and style, it’s no surprise that Farnham 

Castle is considered to be one of the most 

enchanting wedding venues in England. 

Glorious gardens, manicured lawns 

and stunning features are all important 

elements of anyone’s wedding day, and 

at Farnham Castle you’ll get all three. 

Recent renovations have brought chic, 

classic 21st century style and facilities to 

the ancient Farnham Castle, making it 

the perfect choice for any couple seeking a 

romantic and beautiful wedding day. With 

a choice of ceremony settings, the elegant 

Great Hall for your wedding reception, 

world-class dining, beautiful grounds and 

accommodation for you and your guests, 

your every wedding need is guaranteed to 

be met. 

Choice of spaces: 

The Great Hall (up to 150 guests and 200 

in the evening) has real wow-factor and 

lavish décor including a stunning central 

chandelier, grand fireplace and majestic 

gold-framed portraits. The romantic 

Lantern Hall can also accommodate 150 

for a beautiful civil ceremony in a neutral, 

elegant space that gets drenched in 

sunlight. The Library provides a bright, 

contemporary space where you will enjoy 

breakfast in the morning while The 

Gatehouse is a comfortable break out style 

space with plush sofas that are ideal for 

guests to relax in during the day. 

Five star dining: 

Fabulous food is at the heart of every 

celebration at Farnham Castle. Talented 

Head Chef, Simon Lloyd, and his team 

from Michelin starred restaurant 

backgrounds, create exceptional food using 

the freshest, best quality ingredients, 

lovingly prepared in the Castle kitchens. 

Couples are able to tailor their menu to 

exactly what they want, often adding 

elements that evoke special memories for 

them both. 

Grand grounds: 

The grounds are an impressive feature 

of the venue and should be incorporated 

into your day. One moment guests can 

be indulging in a mouth-watering canapé 

and a sip of bubbly while basking in the 

sun on the lawns, and the next they can 

be strolling to the top of hilltops admiring 

the spectacular views, all before enjoying 

a spot of croquet with fellow guests within 

the Castle grounds. They are yours to enjoy 

throughout the day and to use as your 

heart desires. They provide the perfect 

backdrop for those newlywed photos and 

there are lots of places for the two of you to 

explore. 

CHECKLIST: 

Accommodation: The castle can sleep up to 

60 guests in 32 rooms and offers a luxury 

honeymoon suite for the couple. 

Facilities: Chef, choice of rooms, grounds, 

honeymoon suite 

Licence: The Lantern Hall can offer civil 

ceremonies. Hire is available from 9am until 

midnight (extended hours until 1am are 

available for an additional charge.) 

Farnham Castle, Castle Street, 

Farnham, Surrey GU9 0AG 

Telephone: 01252 413091 

www.farnhamcastle-weddings.co.uk 


VENUES 

TURVEY 

HOUSE 

The Lowdown: 

A magnificent Grade 1 listed stately 

home, Turvey House is a unique country 

retreat, located within a beautiful village 

just 1.5hrs drive from London and 

Birmingham. 

A family home, it’s lived in by the same 

family who have owned it for eight 

generations so its steeped in history, family 

and tradition. Open only to the public on 

special open days, the beauty of the venue 

is rarely shared, so holding your wedding 

here is extra special. 

The venue has an in-house planner who 

will help you in the lead up to, and attend 

your Big Day to ensure everything runs 

smoothly. Arriving at the grand house is 

a treat for all who see it. Guests are led 

to the terrace at the front of the house 

allowing them to admire the exquisite 

views, before they are led to a bespoke 

marquee which can be themed, lit and 

decorated to your own preferences. 

Private ceremonies: 

Though the venue is not licensed to carry 

out a civil ceremony, it does allow for small 

religious ceremonies which can be held in 

the drawing room or dining room. Bharat 

arrivals with drummers and musicians are 

also welcome 

Large events: 

Weddings are held inside a marquee that 

can accommodate 1000 guests. However 

the interiors and rooms of the house can be 

used by the couple for photo backdrops. 

Summer weddings: celebrations and 

private hire are available all year round 

but if you do choose the warmer summer 

months you’ll really get to take advantage 

of the beautiful grounds. The Walled 

Garden is a perfect backdrop to your 

portrait photos. 

Themed events: 

Couples have access to the venue two 

days before the event to decorate it and 

are welcome to visit whilst the set up is 

taking place. This is a rare opportunity for 

a venue of this calibre and makes planning 

and set up stress-free. 

CHECKLIST: 

Accommodation: Rooms are available on 

the day for couples to get ready. 

Facilities: Private hire available, external 

caterers allowed, ample parking 

Licence: There is currently no license for 

civil ceremonies. Hire is available until 1am 

Monday to Saturday and until midnight on 

Sundays. 

Turvey House, 

Turvey, Bedfordshire, MK43 8EL 

www.turveyhouse.co.uk 


HOUNSLOW, WEST LONDON 

CHISWICKHOUSE 

AND GARDENS 

Beautiful Georgian house surrounded by ornate gardens 

Why you’ll love it: 

A truly elegant experience, Chiswick House 

offers a classic English fairytale backdrop 

to the most romantic day of your life. 

Combining English characteristics with 

Italian architecture, it is a building that 

offers charm and beauty with its grand and 

artistic interiors. 

Asian weddings are popular at Chiswick 

House and the team are accustomed to 

meeting the needs of cultural ceremonies. 

Capacity and space wise you can design 

your wedding day to suit your needs, 

using different rooms for different aspects 

of the celebrations. Chiswick House 

itself can host up to 90 guests for a civil 

ceremony and 120 for drinks and canapés 

across the ornately decorated galleries 

and neighbouring Garden. Chiswick 

House is available to hire Thursday to 

Saturday. The Conservatory can host up 

to 100 guests for a civil ceremony and 

150 guests for a reception overlooking the 

stunning Italian Garden and is available 

to hire Monday – Sunday. Or for summer 

weddings you can hold your event inside 

The Burlington Pavilion which can host 

dinner and dancing for up to 220 guests 

from April to September. 

Religious blessings and ceremonies can 

also take place alfresco and a special 

place is amidst the lush greenery of the 

rarest collection of Camellia flowers in the 

country, offering a fairytale settling like 

no other. For indoor ceremonies a popular 

spot is inside the Domed Saloon in the 

presence of up to 92 guests followed by a 

toast to the happy couple in the splendid 

velvet rooms, surrounded by 18th Century 

art treasures. While your guests indulge 

in pre-dinner drinks, slip away to enjoy 

some time with your partner and take 

your wedding portraits. Your photographer 

will be spoilt for choice. Guests are free to 

wander at leisure on Chiswick’s beautiful 

lawns, admire the lake and take in the 

classical statues, sphinxes and urns. 

Chiswick House’s Event Manager is always 

on the phone or email to answer your 

questions in the build-up to your wedding 

so you’ll never feel alone; just happy you’ve 

chosen such a remarkable place that will 

best suit your needs. 

CHECKLIST: 

Maximum capacity: Up to 250 inside the 

Burlington Pavilion 

Facilities: Gardens, choice of spaces, 

approved suppliers 

Chiswick House and Gardens 

Burlington Lane, London W4 2RP 

Tel: 0203 141 3350 

www.chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk 


VENUES 

DEVON 

MOORLAND 

GARDEN 

HOTEL 

Picturesque country hotel on the edge of Dartmoor National Park 


Nestled within an area of outstanding 

natural beauty, Moorland Garden Hotel is 

a dream location for a romantic wedding, 

made even more special when you opt for 

exclusive hire, allowing you to enjoy nine 

acres of private land all to yourself. 

A popular choice for civil ceremonies, 

wedding breakfasts and evening receptions, 

Moorland is a destination venue that also 

makes for a special place to start of your 

married life. 

The friendly team are experts in advising 

on how to get the most of the space. Guests 

usually gather in the Dartmoor bar before 

the ceremony where they can have a 

welcome drink before they are then led 

through to the ceremony room, while the 

bride awaits in her bridal suite ready to 

make her grand entrance. 

After the ceremony a drinks reception 

can be enjoyed in the bar or outside in 

the venue’s picture perfect grounds. The 

wedding breakfast is typically served in 

the lower ballroom and afterwards guests 

can move through to the Mayflower room 

where there is a bar where evening guests 

can join you. It’s a great backdrop for your 

cake cutting before lights are dimmed for 

the dancefloor. Many couples opt to have 

an evening buffet and music can be played 

until midnight. 

During the planning Laura Braithwaite 

(Wedding and Event Manager) or 

Karen Thompson (Wedding and Events 

Coordinator) liaise with the couple while 

the hotel’s reception team will arrange 

guest bedrooms. A complimentary menu 

tasting for the couple is provided and there 

are monthly informal wedding open days 

at the hotel so couples can drop in with 

friends and family. 

Aside from traditional three course meals 

the hotel can also arrange for afternoon 

teas, hog roasts and BBQs which are ideal 

in the summer when the grounds are 

at their most impressive. If the outdoor 

appeals to you then you can also request 

a marquee in the hotel’s grounds. Lawn 

games and a bouncy castle for the kids are 

also popular choices for summer weddings 

when the beautiful Devon coastline and 

countryside really comes into its own. 

THINGS TO DO: 

Getting married in Devon is a great excuse 

to have a destination wedding where your 

guests can enjoy a minibreak as well as 

celebrate your nuptials. In the vicinity are 

a number of attractions that are ideal for 

family visits such as historic Buckland Abbey 

(www.nationaltrust.org.uk/buckland-abbey) 

and the fun National Marine Aquarium 

(www.national-aquarium.co.uk). 

For more ideas go to www.visitdevon.co.uk. 

www.moorlandgardenhotel.co.uk 

CHECKLIST: 

Accommodation: 

170 – 200 or marquee for 300 

Facilities: 44 hotel bedrooms, licence for 

outdoor ceremonies, nine acres of land and 

gardens, master of ceremonies, exclusive hire 

Moorland Garden Hotel 

Yelverton, Nr Plymouth Devon PL20 6DA 

www.moorlandgardenhotel.co.uk 


THE GROVE 

Flexibility: 

Spaces can be adjoined to meet 

your needs, preferences and 

capacity. Some rooms have 

recently been refurbished and all 

come with built in lighting. The 

experienced wedding planning 

team are on hand to advise how 

best to use the spaces to meet 

your needs. 

The Lowdown: 

This magnificent 18th-century former 

home of the Earls of Clarendon is set in 

300 acres of Hertfordshire countryside 

and is one of the most iconic wedding 

venues in the UK. There are a selection of 

unique rooms and spaces to choose from 

– for grand weddings there is the Amber 

complete with an elegant terrace opening 

onto stunning formal gardens. Or for 

something a little more intimate, there’s 

the mansion with exquisite rooms boasting 

18th century features, large windows, high 

ceilings and breathtaking views. 

The hotel also boasts 215 luxury guest 

rooms, three bars, three distinctive 

restaurants, an 18-hole championship golf 

course, an award-winning spa, fitness and 

exercise studios, a kid’s club and a Walled 

Garden, complete with two tennis courts 

an outdoor pool, croquet lawn, kitchen 

garden and beach, making it more than 

just a wedding venue, but a destination. 

Asian couples: 

The Grove’s wedding team have a great 

understanding of Asian ceremonies and 

the cultural requirements that come as 

standard. The venue hosts up to 30 Asian 

weddings every year and has a partnership 

with luxury caterers Madhu’s. 

Privacy: 

Exclusive hire of the complete venue can be 

arranged, so if you would like to have your 

own private celebrations at a venue guests 

can truly unwind in, The Grove is the ideal 

choice. If you prefer not to go for exclusive 

hire, you can still feel like you are in your 

own special location as there is a separate 

entrance for wedding guests. 

Alfresco celebrations: 

There are extensive grounds at the Grove 

that you and your guests can enjoy as part 

of your Big Day. Couples often utilise the 

formal gardens for a variety of uses - and 

wedding reception drinks can also be 

served outside. 

CHECKLIST: 

Accommodation: Available on site, including 

beautiful suites ideal for your First Night. 

Facilities: Adding to the experience are a 

range of facilities that you can enjoy such as 

a spa, golf course and fitness suite. 

Licence: The venue holds a license for 

civil ceremonies. Hire is available until 1am 

Monday to Saturday and until midnight on 

Sundays. 

The Grove, Chandler’s Cross 

Hertfordshire WD3 4TG 

www.thegrove.co.uk 


V ENUES 

ADDINGTON 

PALACE 

The Lowdown: 

With a history of romance dating back 

to 1776, Addington is the perfect venue 

in which to start your own majestic love 

story. Tucked into 163-acres of landscaped 

gardens, Addington is a real life Palace 

where kings and queens have dined and is 

considered Surrey’s premier Asian wedding 

venue. The estate has two wonderfully 

versatile spaces; the Palace itself and 

the Royal Marquee, both of which offer 

a fantastic setting for weddings. Popular 

with Hollywood film crews, the venue is 

breathtakingly beautiful and as you drive 

up to its grand white façade you’ll feel as 

though you are stepping on the sets of a 

fairytale. 

Grand setting: 

Inside Addington Palace you’ll find the 

exquisite The Great Hall which boasts a 

feature chandelier and imposing fireplace 

that provides a superb backdrop for your 

wedding photos. Ideal for weddings with 

a regal theme, the Palace is beautifully 

decorated throughout and you’ll no doubt 

enjoy feeling like you are the king and 

queen for the day in such a stately place. 

Flexible spaces: 

If you wish to wed inside the Palace there 

are a choice of spaces, each with their 

own charm such as the airy Library and 

Lecture Room which offers views over the 

immaculate gardens and The Great Hall 

(up to 150 guests). Many couples choose to 

hold their day in the Palace and then the 

main evening reception meal inside the 

Royal Banqueting Suite, also known as 

their Royal Marquee. 

Large capacities: 

Addington Palace’s Royal Marquee 

provides a truly majestic setting for large 

wedding, accommodating up to 900 guests. 

It feels like a part of the palace thanks to 

its décor and attention to detail with stateof-the-art 

facilities, it’s own kitchen, bar 

and toilets. 

Cultural celebrations: 

Addington Palace works with expert 

Asian caterers who specialise in Punjabi, 

Gujarati, Muslim, Sri Lankan and Bengali 

cuisines so can recommend the perfect 

suppliers to cater your special day. The 

team are experienced in holding Asian 

weddings so can advise how to use the 

space to suit your needs. 

Minimoon experience: 

Addington Palace makes for a wonderful 

venue in which to stay over for your first 

night of married life. After the celebrations 

you can retire to your own luxury 

chambers giving you a chance to enjoy 

the facilities again in the morning, before 

you head off on honeymoon from nearby 

Gatwick Airport. 

CHECKLIST: 

Accommodation: Available on site for 36 

guests with luxury suite for the bride and 

groom 

Facilities: Luxury Royal marquee, Asian 

caterers, ample parking, country club 

Licence: Civil ceremonies can be held on site 

Gravel Hill, Addington Village, 

Croydon, Surrey, CR0 5BB 

www.addington-palace.co.uk 


XXXXXXXXXXX 

LONDON PARK LANE 

SHERATON 

GRAND 


One of London’s premier locations for 

weddings and events, the Sheraton 

Grand London Park Lane is renowned 

for its elegant Art Deco architecture and 

exemplary service. Perfectly positioned in 

the heart of Mayfair, opposite Green Park 

and moments away from Buckingham 

Palace, it houses one of the city’s 

most iconic grade II listed ballrooms. 

Thoughtfully restored to truly capture 

the essence of the 1920s, this generous 

space creates a stylish backdrop, with high 

ceilings, sweeping staircases, ornate crystal 

lighting and elaborate gold and mirrored 

detailing. 

Exclusive hire is available and there 

is a choice of three rooms 

with varying capacities to 

accommodate your needs. 

The Grade II listed Art 

Deco Ballroom is the 

largest space and can 

accommodate 440 for 

a banquet, 360 for a 

dinner and dance or 

1200 for a reception. 

Other rooms are The 

Tudor Rose and Oak 

Room. The Smith & Whistle 

Bar and Mercante Restaurant, 

both of which can be hired out to come 

with outdoor terraces allowing you to 

extend your celebrations alfresco. 

The lavish experience begins the moment 

your guests arrive, through the private 

entrance of the gilded Silver Gallery on 

a red carpet. With its stylised murals 

and sculptural metalwork, the sweeping 

staircases lead guests to a vast mezzanine, 

ideal for drinks and canapé receptions. 

From here, they get their first glimpse 

of the stunning ballroom below, with 

its maple sprung dancefloor, classic 

waterfall lighting and original sunburst 

cornicing. The three levels offer a wealth 

of entertaining options and photo 

opportunities, 

ensuring a 

memorable day that 

is both personal and 

bespoke. 

You’ll be guided 

from the outset by the 

hotel’s dedicated wedding 

planner and to make your 

day extra special the bride and 

groom can spend their first night at the 

hotel’s beautiful Park View honeymoon 

suite, also a perfect place in which to get 

ready. 

CHECKLIST: 

Accommodation: Up to 1000 or reception 

and for 440 banquet 

Facilities: Staffed cloakroom, garage parking, 

choice of spaces, approved caterers list 

Sheraton Grand London Park Lane, 

Piccadilly, London, W1J 7BX 

Tel: 0207 290 7294 

www.mayfairweddingaddress.com 


VENUES 

CENTRAL LONDON 

TWO TEMPLE PLACE 

Ornately decorated neo-Gothic mansion by the River Thames 


Two Temple Place combines the grandeur 

of a London mansion with the intimacy 

of a private home. The interiors are 

adorned with marble, gilding and stained 

glass creating an opulent setting for any 

celebration, while the warm mahogany 

wood panelling gives a cosy and homely 

feel to the space. With a variety of 

stunning rooms, exclusive hire of the house 

enables you to create a truly magical and 

unforgettable experience for you and your 

guests. 

philanthropy. The dedicated Events team 

along with their experienced approved 

suppliers will guide you through every 

aspect of the planning process, ensuring 

complete peace of mind on the day. 

Nestled in the heart of London overlooking 

the River Thames, the fantastic location 

and stunning interiors of Two Temple 

Place make it the perfect venue choice for 

couples looking for a unique city wedding 

that all their guests will adore. 

With three licensed ceremony rooms 

available, whether you’re looking for an 

intimate ceremony for 30, a lavish wedding 

breakfast with dancing for 120 guests or a 

standing reception for up to 300 the house 

can adapt to suit your requirements. For 

those guests wishing to dance the night 

away a late licence is available on request 

until 4am. 

Two Temple Place is owned by The Bulldog 

Trust and all the income generated 

through private events supports the 

charity in its work to promote culture and 

CHECKLIST: 

Maximum capacity: 

seated 120, standing 300 

Facilities: Exclusive hire, three licenced 

ceremony rooms 

Two Temple Place, 

London, WC2R 3BD 

Tel: 0207 836 3715 

www.twotempleplace.org 


INTRODUCING 

THE ARIANA GROUP… 

Two venues. The same five-star service. Simply pick your location… 

Ariana Banqueting Hall (London) 

Need-to-know 

Capacity: 800 seated 

Car parking: 400 spaces 

Facilities: in-house catering or bring your own, 

safe play area for children, mood-lighting, bespoke 

layouts, and garden 

Ariana Banqueting Hall 

North London Business Park, 

Oakleigh Road South London, N11 1GN 

t: 0208 368 4716 • www.arianabanqueting.co.uk 

Whether you’re 

having one 

function or 

several, it’s likely 

that for your 

main reception you’ll need space to 

accommodate all the guests you’re keen 

to feed as part of your celebrations. 

Ariana Banqueting Hall in North 

London ticks all the boxes: it has all 

the practicalities alongside care and 

attention from an experienced team 

and can seat up to 800 guests for a 

lavish sit-down wedding. 

Located on private landscaped 

gardens, surrounded by green hills and 

lined with trees, it offers a new kind 

of banqueting experience making a 

welcome change from the usual urban 

venues on busy high streets. 

Ariana Banqueting Hall opened 

to much fanfare in March 2014 

and has developed a reputation for 

understanding the needs of all cultural 

weddings. They welcome, fires for 

Hindu weddings and for their Muslim 

clients offer a prayer room. It’s also 

possible to arrange segregated seating 

areas, the team is happy to arrange the 

layout of the space to suit the needs of 

every couple. 

Experience the charm 

Arriving at Ariana is part of its appeal 

and is an experience all your guests 

will appreciate. The entrance is via 

a private gated estate where guests 

are met by security and parking 

attendants to ensure the smooth 

running of getting everyone inside on 

time. 

The space itself consists of a grand 

hall that can accommodate up to 800 

guests and a luxurious conservatory 

that leads onto a pretty private garden; 

an ideal spot to have your portrait 

photographs taken. Decorations are 

welcome and whatever your theme, 

the team here can arrange it for you, 

or recommend one of their experienced 

suppliers. So whether you want fresh 

flowers in every corner or love the idea 

of themed props, consider it done. 

VIP experience 

Ariana also offers a bridal room; a 

sanctuary for the bride where she can 

have her hair and make-up done or 

simply use it to relax in and escape to 

during the day. The five star service 

doesn’t stop there. The venue’s 

in-house wedding coordinators are 

committed to ensuring all your needs 

are looked after every step of the way, 

from your initial booking, right up 

until the Big Day. This could be having 

someone to talk to, offering advice and 

support, as well as sourcing the finest 

service providers so you don’t have to 

worry about a thing. 


VENUE 

Ariana Gardens (Essex) 

Make your wedding dreams a reality. 

Ariana Gardens is an enchanted Manor 

House nestled in the Essex countryside 

and it’s the perfect venue for couples 

who want to get married in London 

without needing to worry about space, as 

Group Director Thufayel Ahmed explains: 

“When we opened Ariana Banqueting 

Hall in 2014 we filled a gap in the market, 

offering couples a new kind of experience 

for large weddings and we used our 

experience there to create our second 

venue Ariana Gardens. Some couples hire 

both for different functions and it’s great 

to be able to share in their special day in 

such an important way.” 

Designing your day 

The building has two floors and 

both can be incorporated into your 

celebrations. For example, you could 

host a drinks reception, entertainment 

and an afternoon tea on the ground 

floor, while upstairs can be transformed 

into the dining space for the evening, 

allowing you to create two very different 

atmospheres, giving your wedding the 

wow factor. As the rooms are a blank 

canvas you can decorate them to your 

own tastes and this is where the fun really 

begins. The team has in-house caterers 

but also welcome you to bring your own. 

The great outdoors 

The focal point of the venue is of course 

its beautiful, spacious gardens. 

The Main Hall has its own conservatory 

overlooking private gardens that you and 

your guests can enjoy. In the summer 

it becomes the perfect backdrop for 

serving drinks alfresco, taking your 

photographs, and even a bouncy castle 

to keep your younger guests entertained. 

All bookings include exclusive hire of 

the whole venue, so you can be assured 

that everyone will be safe whether they 

are inside or out. There’s also a covered 

shisha bar which is popular with guests 

who want to relax in the evening after the 

meal. 

Need-to-know 

Capacity: 650 seated 

Car parking: 300 spaces 

Facilities: Licensed for civil ceremonies, bar 

area, bride’s room kitchen, full segregation 

available, in-house wedding planner, lighting & 

AC, prayer room, security and garden. 

Ariana Gardens, Ivy Barn Lane, 

Margaretting, Chelmsford, Essex CM4 0EW 

T: 01277 356 108 • www.arianagardens.co.uk 

Created to fit your budget 

Whether you opt for Ariana Gardens or 

Ariana Banqueting Hall it’s refreshing to 

know that neither venue operates set 

packages. The team here believes in 

flexibility and will work within your budget. 

Whether it’s minimal or extravagant, you’ll 

get to enjoy your dream wedding exactly 

the way you want. 


VENUE 

FOCUS: 

THE ROYAL 

NATIONAL HOTEL 

Luxury & flexibility in the heart of Central London 

Getting married in the greatest 

city in the world is a dream 

for many couples. London has 

history, charm and character 

but it’s hard to find a venue 

that has car parking and blank canvas 

spaces; something The Royal National 

Hotel is proud to offer. 

THE EXPERIENCE 

A unique and lively hotel in the heart of 

Russell Square, the Royal National Hotel 

is one of the largest of the Imperial London 

Hotels Group and offers several event 

spaces, all of which are licensed to hold 

weddings. There are 1630 modern, spacious 

bedrooms and suites, ensuring your guests 

have somewhere to stay that’s comfortable 

and easy for them on the wedding day since 

they won’t have to travel far . 

There are also two restaurants, a pub 

with a garden, Bloom’s cafe which is a 

shisha bar and coffee shop on-site, making 

it a destination hotel where your guest’s 

needs are fully looked after. 

Wedding packages include the event 

space, catering, your wedding ceremony 

plus overnight accommodation for your 

guests. And though it’s a public hotel, 

guests can arrive via a courtyard which 

can be dressed with décor to create a 

personalised welcome. 


VENUE 

THE EVENT SPACES 

There are an impressive 10 stylish suites 

(four more opening in 2023) that are fully 

flexible and can be adapted according to the 

size of your wedding, with a capacity of up 

to 700 guests, though a more comfortable 

number of 550 is recommended as it allows 

guests to have dinner and a dancefloor in 

the Galleon Suite. Rooms can be divided 

and there are smaller theatre-style rooms 

for 40-60 guests and a grand Windsor room 

that can hold 400 guests for a standing 

reception. 

All of these rooms have grand chandeliers 

but are also blank canvas spaces. The Royal 

National provides a fantastic backdrop to 

creating your dream just the way you want it 

with theming and props. Whether you’d like 

to create a traditional colourful Indian setting 

with a mandap or a winter wonderland with 

mood lighting, the opportunities are endless, 

exclusive hire is also available. The hotel 

provides audio/visual in-house and the team 

can create backdrops, videoscreens, music, 

lights and audio. 

THE BIG DAY 

The team will look after every aspect of 

your day including delicious catering; 

with seasonal menus, canapés and light 

refreshments to sustain your guests 

during the day. Or if you prefer to bring 

in your preferred caterer, the hotel has a 

separate banqueting kitchen that can be 

hired with dry hire for external catering 

providers. Access is from 7am to 1am, 

though you can apply for a late license 

to extend your festivities. The Royal 

National Hotel is conveniently poised 

for discovering all the iconic sights and 

attractions that London has to offer too. 

Some couples enjoy taking their portraits 

against local landmarks while guests are 

treated to a private sightseeing bus tour 

which is especially appreciated by guests 

who are travelling from abroad. 

VENUE CHECKLIST: 

Accessible for public transport: Yes 

Onsite parking: Yes 

Catering: Internal or external 

catering welcome 

Spaces: Flexible, blank canvas 

Capacity: Up to 700 

Accommodation: Onsite 

A/V: Provided in-house 

Support: In-house planners 

Royal National Hotel, 38-51 Bedford Way, London WC1H 0DG • T: 0207 637 2488 • www.imperialhotels.co.uk 


SWISSÔTEL 

THE BOSPHORUS, ISTANBUL 

Travelling abroad for 

your nuptials has never 

been easier. Wedding 

venues around the 

world are now more 

experienced than ever in delivering 

dream days with all the traditions 

and details you’d expect; but there’s 

one hotel that’s caught our eye for 

going above and beyond when it 

comes to wedding planning and 

execution: the five-star Swissôtel 

The Bosphorus in Istanbul. 

Located on the picturesque banks 

of The Bosphorus, it’s nestled in 

a 63-acre private resort amidst 

gardens and hilly forests, making it 

a fairytale location with the added 

charm and culture of Turkish 

hospitality at its finest. 

Tying the knot in Turkey 

Every couple desires flexibility to 

have their wedding their way and 

this is something the team excels at. 

They deliver an experience that goes 

far beyond expectation and it starts 

with the location of your ceremony. 

Couples can either wed inside or 

outside; both options are equally 

as stunning. For outdoor summer 

weddings, hold your ceremony in 

Sultan Park which can be dressed 

and decorated to match your theme. 

For reception drinks and other 

wedding functions, a popular spot 

is the Swiss Living Terrace. Here, 

your guests can enjoy poolside 

activities against Istanbul’s striking 

city skyline. 

For a more formal indoor setting 

perhaps for an evening reception 

meal, book the exquisite Fuji 

Ballroom and Asuka Hall, which 

both cater for larger capacities – in 

fact, the hotel can cater for functions 

for up to 1000 guests so don’t be 

shy with your guest list numbers, 

though intimate celebrations are 

also welcome. In addition to the 

ballroom and hall which is popular 

for henna nights, there is a number 

of smaller function rooms that can 

also be hired if required. 


DESTINATION WEDDING VENUE 

Getting Big Day ready 

The wedding packages at Swissôtel 

The Bosphorus aren’t you’re typical 

options, every aspect takes the 

couple into consideration; book 

here and you can expect to feel like 

royalty throughout your stay. You’ll 

have access to two rooms for you and 

your families to get ready in. The 

hotel also has a spa, hairdresser and 

beauty salon and as a bride, you’ll 

receive discounts so you can rest 

assured you’re getting a good deal 

while having your make-up done 

by professionals. Another generous 

offering from the hotel is that your 

wedding cake is a gift from them 

and you can expect to receive the 

finest, picture-perfect tiered sponge 

to match your theme. 

Destination celebration 

One of the pleasures of having a 

wedding abroad is that friends and 

family are able to enjoy their own 

holiday and everyone that is invited 

to a wedding in Istanbul will want a 

chance to enjoy the city while they’re 

here. The hotel is an excellent base 

to explore Istanbul before and after 

the wedding and you could also 

arrange day trip activities to keep 

them busy. There are 566 spacious 

rooms and 63 luxury suites ranging 

from studios to three-bedroom 

suites so families with children 

can feel reassured they have the 

facilities they need. 

A feast fit for royalty 

As part of your wedding package the very best catering in 

the city is provided and every guest will enjoy five-courses: 

a starter, hot appetizer, main course, dessert and wedding 

cake. And with the newly opened Madhu’s restaurant 

Madhu’s Istanbul on site there’s also the option of booking 

additional meals there for pre and post wedding functions. 

Find out more about the award-winning catering 

company’s new venture on the next page. 

The wedding team at Swissôtel The Bosphorus are on 

hand throughout the planning stages and you’re invited 

to visit for a tasting with the chef and to discuss all the 

arrangements ahead of the day. Then leave the rest to 

them – all you need to do is look forward to spending your 

wedding in one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. 

Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Istanbul 

Vişnezade, Acısu Sokaği No:19, 

Beşiktaş, İstanbul, 34357, Turkey 

e:event.Istanbul@swissotel.com 

www.swissotelthebosphorus.com 


Chairman of Madhu’s Sanjay Anand MBE with General 

Manager of Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Ugur Talayhan 


FOOD 

INTRODUCING… 

MADHU’S ISTANBUL 

The first international restaurant from the UK’s leading Indian food pioneers 

The Indian catering industry 

in the UK wouldn’t be what 

it is without Madhu’s. For 

over 30 years Chairman 

Sanjay Anand MBE, along 

with his son Director of Madhu’s Arjun 

and their team have set the standard 

for wedding catering. Their restaurant 

portfolio includes their legendary Madhu’s 

in Southall, providing fine dining services 

at The Grove in Hertfordshire, Madhu’s 

of Mayfair and collaborations with 

department stores like Harvey Nichols 

and Harrods. Their reputation has long 

preceded them and now it’s taken them 

to new shores as they establish their 

first Indian dining experience at the 

most luxurious hotel in Istanbul, Turkey; 

Swissôtel The Bosphorus. Asiana Wedding 

Magazine travelled to Istanbul to find out 

more about their exciting new culinary 

adventure… 

Chairman Sanjay Anand and 

his son Arjun spent lockdown 

expanding the Madhu’s 

brands into the international 

restaurant market 

EXPANDING A LEGACY 

A tale of food, passion and spices! 

You never know what’s around the corner. 

When the world went into lockdown during 

the coronavirus pandemic and weddings 

were put on hold, Sanjay and Arjun finally 

has a moment to pause, but time off wasn’t 

their style. So, when they received a call 

from the General Manager of Swissôtel The 

Bosphorus, Ugur Talayhan who they had 

previously worked with for their Sheraton 

Skyline Heathrow venture, there was no time 

like the present to visit an old friend. It turned 

out to be no ordinary trip. Ugur invited the 

entrepreneurs to open a Madhu’s restaurant 

within the grounds of the most luxurious 

hotel in the city. Unbeknown to them when 

they boarded that flight from London, their 

business was about to change forever as they 

began planning what has now become their 

international flagship restaurant. 

Madhu’s Istanbul isn’t just a restaurant it’s 

a five-star luxury dining experience where 

everything from the décor to the drinks, 

music, fragrance and staff uniforms have 

been carefully curated to transport visitors to 

an extraordinary space where the food and 

hospitality are in a league of their own. 

Planning the décor and finding and 

training a new team for their new restaurant 

were major considerations, but the biggest 

challenge of expanding Madhu’s abroad has 

been finding a solution for the all-important 

spices. Though Istanbul is known for its 

thriving spice markets, the level and exact 

flavours of spice found in the region didn’t 

match up to the specific tastes that are 

synonymous with Madhu’s. 

Sanjay explains: “Arjun and I visited Istanbul 

on five occasions in search of spices but what 

we found was that the flavour strength was 

only 50% of what we use. So we had to make 

a decision, do we adapt our flavours or do we 

bring them from home, of course, we opted 

for the latter as we will never compromise on 

flavour!” All the spices for Madhu’s Istanbul 

are sent over from the UK and like at all their 

restaurants, are hand-ground to maintain 

the best and freshest flavour, including 

their signature garam masala which is a 

special house blend of 42 spices, exclusive 

to Madhu’s. This is a true testament to the 

commitment the brand has to authenticity 

and serving only the very best. 


INSIDE MADHU’S ISTANBUL 

Discover the grand, brand-new restaurant 

Within a day of arriving in Istanbul on their 

initial fact-finding mission to see if it would be 

feasible to open a restaurant abroad, Sanjay 

and Arjun arranged meetings with architects so 

they could get an overview of what they could 

keep and what facilities they would need to put 

in themselves. Back home they drew up their 

plans and sent them to the team at Swissôtel The 

Bosphorus. Six months later work began on a 2.5 

million euro refurbishment and the once derelict 

yet beautiful space was transformed into a smart 

and sophisticated dining experience thanks to a 

leading architect who had previously designed 

restaurant projects for Nobu. 


FOOD 

The restaurant seats 250 covers and for 

couples who hold their wedding events at 

Swissôtel The Bosphorus (see page 180 to find 

out more about getting married at the hotel,) 

there is an option of booking a group meal here. 

There’s also an outdoor terrace that holds 100 

guests and leads onto the picture-perfect Sultan 

Palace Gardens. 

Madhu’s Istanbul is open six days a week 

(closed Mondays) and serves between 5pm and 

2am with a separate bar menu that runs from 

11am to 2am. There’s also an attached Cognac 

Lounge and for smokers special storage for your 

cigars. 

For now, Madhu’s will focus on serving up 

the finest Indian cuisine in Istanbul, but in the 

future, they hope to expand into catering so that 

couples marrying at the Swissôtel The Bosphorus 

can finally have the Indian feast they want. 

Arjun reveals: “Until now the city hasn’t had the 

Indian food offering that many people want for 

their weddings and events. Last year there was 

a wedding here where 13 chefs were flown in 

from India just so the couple could eat traditional 

food. In time we will take on this responsibility 

ensuring couples never face this problem again, 

but for now we’re settling into our new home, 

enjoying meeting our new regular patrons and 

expanding our reputation on a global scale that 

we never imagined could be possible. 


Madhu’s Head Chef Amandeep Singh 

is overseeing the menu in Istanbul 

A Taste of Madhu’s Istanbul 

How the team are transforming 

eating out in the Turkish city 

What makes Madhu’s presence in 

Istanbul so important is that there are 

only limited places to enjoy Indian 

food in the city. Madhu’s Istanbul is 

the only restaurant to offer authentic 

Indian fine dining, bringing a new 

offering to discerning diners, many of 

whom are trying desi food for the first 

time. Sanjay explains: “It’s taken us 

by surprise that so many people are 

unfamiliar with our customs so what 

we’re offering them is groundbreaking, 

not just the flavours and dishes - but 

the whole experience of how we 

eat. For example in Turkey, they are 

familiar with lamb chops as a main 

meal but they have never had it as a 

starter, cooked how we do it and it’s 

been rewarding introducing them to 

our customs. But it’s not just locals 

we’re attracting. The Swissôtel The 

Bosphorus is home to some of the 

biggest conferences in the city and 

delegates visiting from abroad to 

attend events are finding solace and 

comfort in joining us for dinner and 

genuinely enjoying their meals.” 

International visitors to Istanbul 

can now feel relieved that they have 

somewhere to go to that they know 

they can trust. Arjun explains: “It’s 

rare to have Indian weddings held in 

Istanbul and similarly it’s not a popular 

choice with travellers from India 

because they don’t feel as though 

they’ll be able to find food they’ll like. 

And though Turkish food is amongst 

the most delicious cuisines in the world 

sometimes when you’re away only 

home flavours will do and if you’re 

not guaranteed good food, it can stop 

you from visiting somewhere. Since 

opening, we’ve had a steady stream of 

Indian diners who all confess to us how 

happy they are to finally have some 

authentic cuisine!” 

You’ll find dishes on the menu at 

Madhu’s Istanbul that you won’t find 

anywhere else. Arjun explains: “Each 

of our restaurants is a guaranteed 

gastronomic experience. We like to 

take inspiration from our surroundings 

and this inspires the décor and the 

menu, so of course, we’ve introduced 

a Turkish twist at Madhu’s Istanbul. 

Bespoke dishes include kadak calamari 

which is calamari tossed in fragrant 

cumin and chilli. 


SAMPLE MENU: MADHU’S OF ISTANBUL 

The menu at the restaurant offers a wide number of dining choices including meat, 

fish and vegetarian with the classic Indian/Kenyan flavours Madhu’s are known for. 

Here are some of the dishes and drinks you’ll find being served up… 

APPETIZERS 

Chilli paneer 

Aloo tikki 

Palak patta chaat 

Chilli and garlic prawns 

MAIN COURSES 

Boozi bafu 

Murgh makhani 

Masala fish 

Madhu’s signature Royal Thalis 

Dishes from the Robata Grill 

FOOD 

Devising these new dishes has been 

an exciting challenge for Madhu’s 

Head Chef Amandeep Singh who is 

responsible for training the staff for 

Madhu’s Istanbul which includes three 

chefs from India, working alongside 

the local Turkish sous chefs. The Indian 

chefs were hand-picked by Sanjay 

and the hotel’s Director of Food and 

Beverages who travelled to India 

together to interview chefs. Sanjay 

says: “Authenticity and exceptionally 

high standards are central to Madhu’s 

philosophy but we could only deliver 

this by having the right team and we 

had to travel to find them. This is the 

very first time in our history spanning 

over four decades that we have shared 

our family recipes and placed this 

knowledge in the hands of someone 

else, but if we are to expand and grow 

we had to share our secrets and it’s a 

pleasure to know our food and brand 

are now going global.” 

RICE 

Lamb or vegetable biryani 

Chicken pilau 

Steamed rice 

BREADS 

Assorted naans 

(tandoori, peshwari, garlic) 

Lachedar paratha 

Tandoori roti 

DESSERTS 

Kulfi (traditional almond) 

Gajar ka halwa baklawa 

Gulab jaman 

Kheer rice 

DRINKS 

Wine list 

Signature cocktails 

Bosphorus refreshers 

Spirits, gin, rum and whiskies 

www.madhus.co.uk 


Purveyors of 

PERFECTION 

When it comes to Authentic Punjabi dining 

expertise and experience look no further 

than Signature Banqueting 

Only the most passionate of caterers deserve to 

be part of your Big Day and no one understands 

and loves Punjabi food more than Signature 

Banqueting. Signature provides event and wedding 

catering services across the UK creating delicious, 

indulgent feasts that are bespoke for every couple’s needs. 

Whether you’re holding an intimate gathering or a large-scale 

celebration, they’ll design the complete experience, serving up a 

spread in style with crockery, cutlery, table settings and décor that 

creates a wow factor reception. 

Managing Director Prithpal Marway believes Signature’s 

success lies in their passion for throwing a great party with food at 

the heart: “Punjabi hospitality is all about warm and welcoming 

gestures, feeling positive, ensuring everyone is having a good 

time and that they’re eating! Our Punjabi cuisine is lovingly 

prepared by chefs that are foodies so we also serve fusions flavours, 

international food like Chinese and Lebanese as well as South 

Indian, so if you book us for several events, you can treat guests to 

all your favourite flavours from across the world.” 

Venus and Menus 

Signature Caterers are the approved 

caterers for over 50 leading wedding 

and event spaces across the UK 

including East Wintergarden in 

Canary Wharf, Hilton Waldorf Central 

London and North Mymms Park in 

Hertfordshire. You can either book 

them for catering at your venue of 

choice or let them help you find 

the perfect venue for you. Prithpal 

assures: “Whichever venue we’re 

working at, we always cook fresh on 

site which makes a huge difference 

in terms of how the food looks – 

the fresher it is the better it is. We 

also bring in our own tandoors and 

kitchen utensils to ensure quality and 

consistency.’ 

Your wedding is managed by a 

dedicated Events Coordinator who’ll 

be with you every step of the way, 

guiding you with any decision-making 

and ensuring the process is smooth 

from start to finish. 


PRESENTATION MATTERS 

Managing Director Prithpal Marway reveals how Signature Banqueting 

ensure your wedding catering hits the mark with every mouthful 

The food you serve at your wedding should be as pleasing tothe eye as it is to the palate. 

Presentation is key; the more mouthwatering your dishes look, the better they’ll taste. The 

more your guests enjoy the food, the more they’ll enjoy and remember the occasion, so 

make sure you set your guests up properly so they can fully succumb to the wonders of 

your wedding day. 

CATERING 

LIVE CHEFS 

At Signature Banqueting weoften use 

live chefs at our eventsas it enhances 

the whole dining experience. Guests 

love to see their food being prepared 

in front of them, especially as it 

guarantees that the food is fresh. We 

don’t just do this for the main meals; 

guests can also watch how we create 

our stunning canapés. 

QUALITY INGREDIENTS 

It’s a fact that what you put in your 

dishes will have an impact on the end 

result – wilting vegetables for example 

are never going to look appealing. 

We go one step further, as well as the 

main ingredients, we ensure the base 

ingredients are of an equal standard, 

like only using virgin oils, the highest 

quality, so our dishes look appealing 

and are delicious. 

FINER DETAILS 

Once dishes are completed that’s not 

the end. We also think about how we 

can add that extra something special 

that will make those who are eating our 

food, reach fortheir phone to Instagram 

what they’re about to tuck into! We 

employ ‘presentation chefs’ whose 

responsibility it is to ensure every 

dish has its finishing touches such as 

carving fruits into pretty flowers to add 

decorative features. 

APPETISING AESTHETIC 

One of the golden rules of good display 

is ensuring dishes the colours of the 

dish are curated. No one wants to see 

a spread of curries in brown sauces, 

it would all look the same. We ensure 

your menu is varied in terms of its 

ingredients and this may involve 

balancing it out with green vegetables 

and salads so the overall presentation is 

one guests want to tuck into. 

www.signature-banqueting.com 


THE ART OF Celebrating 

Every couple has ideas for 

their dream day; from 

a picturesque venue 

to a carefully curated 

menu that features 

their favourite dishes and a fun 

party atmosphere; but they can’t 

do it alone. That’s where Chakra 

Events come in. Passion, creativity, 

and elegance are the key ingredients 

behind this award-winning catering 

and events company. The team have 

been delivering dream wedding 

experiences since 2011, in the UK and 

abroad, taking care of all the finer 

details. 

Though their exquisite food and 

catering are what originally built 

their reputation, the event planning 

side of Chakra is delivered with an 

equal level of five-star service. Arjun 

Varma, CEO of The Chakra Group 

explains: “Our team is passionate 

about creating the wedding 

celebration of your dreams. They can 

create elaborate mandaps, Bollywood 

theming, bespoke set designs, chillout 

zones and even pyrotechnics to 

complete the entertainment as well as 

taking care of lighting, AV and sound; 

and this can be done anywhere in the 

world.” 

The secret to a perfect wedding lies in the 

planning so let the experts at Chakra Events plan yours 

The Great British wedding venue 

Chakra Events have long-standing relationships 

with some of the most luxurious hotels in theUK. 

They’re accredited in London venues including 

The Rosewood Hotel, The Mandarin Oriental 

Hotel, The MontCalm and Brown’s Hotel as well 

as beautiful locations outside of the capital. With 

the UK experiencing longer warmer summers 

it’s meant there’s been a demand for couples 

seeking British venues that guests haven’t 

visited before which has led Chakra to work with 

a host of lavish and unique new venues such as 

Wilderness Reserve, Hinwick House, Hintlesham 

Hall, Euridge Manor and Capesthorne Hall. 

Making destination weddings accessible 

Chakra is one of the UK’s leading experts in 

planning, organising and delivering weddings 

abroad. They’ve hosted many memorable 

celebrations thanks to the partnerships they 

have with luxury hotels in Vienna, Istanbul, 

Versailles, Italy, and Monte Carlo. 

It’s much easier and more affordable than you 

may think to marry abroad as Arjun explains: 

“Destination weddings are not as expensive 

as they may sound, in fact, they provide good 

value for money. Marrying in the off-peak 

seasons such as April to June or September to 

November in Europe means you’ll get a great 

deal and wonderful weather so you can truly 

enjoy outdoor gardens and beachfront venues. 

And don’t forget, typically the guestlist for 

destination weddings are smaller than for a UK 

function. Rather than feeding 1000 guests, you 

may not know at a reception in the UK, you 

could cut that into a quarter, invite your nearest 

and dearest and experience a much more 

exclusive affair. We’re already booked for five 

weddings abroad in 2023, if you fancy joining 

the list, get in touch and our team will discuss all 

the logistics and costs with you.” 

Not only will Chakra Events spring into action 

executing your vision for the day; they’ll also be 

able to offer ideas you may not have considered. 

Having an expert’s opinion will expose you to 

a rich source of inspiration culminating in a 

celebration that exceeds your expectations and 

will forever be one of the happiest memories of 

your life. 


PLANNING/CATERING 

Chakra Little Venice 

Creative cuisine and catering 

After hiring a venue, the food is your biggest 

expense so when you’re working with a caterer 

it’s essential that you know exactly what you’re 

paying for with no hidden costs. As well as 

cooking up a feast Chakra takes care of the 

extras that many couples don’t realise. Arjun 

explains: “At Chakra Events we have our own 

cutlery, crockery, glassware and linen and we 

can hire these out to our couples at a reduced 

price which will save on your overall costs 

ensuring you get the best value deal.” 

As for the food, Chakra’s mouth-watering 

menus are developed by chefs that understand 

what makes a good celebration so food is at 

the centre. You can expect innovative menus, 

show-stopping canapés, Instagrammable plating 

and dessert tables to die for! Arjun explains: 

“Indian hospitality reveres food; it brings 

people together, heightens the pleasure of an 

experience and helps break the ice when you’re 

Arjun Varma, 

CEO, Chakra Group 

in a group setting. Choosing your caterer is 

therefore the most important decision you make 

and you can only make up your mind when 

you’ve tried the food. Come and visit one of our 

restaurants to try our dishes for yourself, our 

wedding planners can then help you curate a 

wedding menu that captures the essence of your 

event and you can reminisce about it with the 

fondest of memories.” 

Chakra Barnes 

Vikalp Chhibber, Head of 

Operations, Chakra Group 

ABOUT CHAKRA EVENTS 

An award-winning catering, restaurant 

and events company, serving elegant 

Indian and Pan-Asian cuisine, Chakra 

was launched in 2011 by Arjun Varma 

using his 15+ years of experience 

working across the restaurant and 

catering industry. Today they operate 

four fine-dining London restaurants 

and are the preferred caterer for some 

of the most luxurious wedding venues 

in the UK. 

A FLAVOUR 

OF CHAKRA 

Chakra’s chefs will cook up 

a feast to fit your needs. They 

offer a wide choice of couture 

catering alongside separate 

menus for canapés, drinks 

and desserts 

Here are some of their most 

popular requests: 

Veg Canapés: 

Beetroot tikki 

Sweet potato chaat 

Masala tofu fritters 

Non-Veg Canapés: 

Masala fish and chips 

Chicken satay skewers 

Lamb seek kebabs 

Gujarati 

Crispy okra 

Paneer kofta 

Tarka dal 

Indo-Western 

Arancini 

Vegetable biryani 

Jalandhar chicken 

Mini desserts: chocolate pots, 

banoffee pies, kheer and ras malai 

DINE AT CHAKRA’S RESTAURANTS 

Fine food is at the essence of every event Chakra hosts. 

You can also dine all year round at one of their restaurants. 

Chakra Barnes: 1 The Broadway, SW13 0NY 

Chakra Kensington: 33c Holland Street, Kensington, W8 4LX 

Chakra Little Venice: 14 Formosa Street, W9 1EE 

Chakra Kingston: 1 Riverside Walk, KT1 1QN 

www.chakra.restaurant • www.chakra.events 

Scan QR code to 

Book an Event 

& Win a 

£1500 voucher 


DINE 

Sultan 

LIKE A 

Ensure your wedding catering 

is a feast fit for royalty 

Wedding catering is about more 

than what’s on the menu. 

Feeding your guests is the most 

significant part of your wedding 

day. After all, the dining may be 

the longest aspect of the celebrations, so it needs 

to be on point. The experience you provide your 

guests with is what they’ll remember the most, 

so every aspect needs to be considered. From the 

table settings to service, presentation to flavour, all 

of these elements need to complement each other 

so that the result is a day your guests will never 

forget. London-based Sultan Caterers believe in this 

very philosophy, going out of their way to create a 

complete catering experience, that’s so exceptional, 

it would get the royal seal of approval. 

Here are their secrets… 

Good food 

Your guests will have tasted many types of wedding 

cuisine in their life and they will have opinions. 

But even the pickiest of eaters will be impressed 

by Sultan’s cuisine. Varied, authentic, fresh, 

flavoursome food that leaves you feeling good, their 

dishes are exceptionally tasty – something you’ll 

discover at your taste testing with them at their HQ 

in Stratford, London. Sultan offers a comprehensive 

vegetarian menu comprising starters, canapés and 

mains and can also cater for complete vegetarian 

and vegan functions. 

FOCUS ON: 

SULTAN 

CATERERS 

Precision presentation 

The food you serve at your wedding should 

be as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. 

Presentation is therefore key; the more 

mouthwatering your dishes look, the better they 

will taste. What’s more, when your guests enjoy the 

food, they’ll have a much better day. 

Succumb to the experience 

There are many ways to create an atmosphere 

– sound, lighting, music, visuals, scents; but the 

aspect that has the biggest impact is the service, 

which is all down to the caterer you book. When 

you hear about a ‘five star service’ it refers to the 

staff and the role they play. At Sultan the staff are 

trained to provide the highest quality of service 

making sure the needs of every guest is met. Expect 

friendly, knowledgeable waiters who second-guess 

your guest’s needs and a supportive team to work 

with. 

192| ASIANA WEDDING

CATERING 

Hand over the responsibilities 

Most couples lead time-poor lives and though they 

have every intention of planning their wedding 

themselves when it comes down to it they simply 

don’t have the time. When you book Sultan just tell 

them what you want and they’ll do the rest. From 

securing your wedding venue to arranging all the 

relevant suppliers, providing the décor and of course 

delivering a wedding feast that hits the spot. If this 

sounds appealing give the team a call as they’ll be 

happy to discuss any concerns to ensure you feel 

informed and confident about your options. Then 

when you’re happy hand over the responsibility 

and focus on the other aspects of your nuptials like 

where you want to go on your dream honeymoon. 

ABOUT SULTAN 

Offering premium catering services and event 

management services across London and the 

South East, Sultan can cater for weddings of all 

faiths and are specialists in vegetarian catering 

with vegan options available. They can assist with 

finding a venue and provide décor. 

A TASTE FROM THE 

SULTAN’S TABLE 

STARTERS 

Tandoori chicken 

Masala fish 

Aloo puri chaat 

Bhel puri 

CANAPÉS 

Prawn pakora 

Shami kebab 

Vegetable samosa 

Paneer tikka 

MAIN COURSE 

Karahi lamb 

Lamb bhuna 

Chicken jalfrezi 

Chingri jhol 

Chilli paneer 

Biriyanis & rice 

BREADS 

Naan 

Poori 

Chapati 

Roti 

DESSERTS 

Seasonal fruit platter 

Kulfi 

Gajar halwa 

Kheer 

DRINKS 

Unlimited soft drinks 

Masala tea & coffee 

SULTAN CATERERS • T: 0208 522 4528 • E: info@sultancaterers.co.uk • www.sultancaterers.co.uk 


FUTURE SIGHTS AND 

SOUNDS OF THE DANCEFLOOR 

Welcome to a new era of entertainment. For over 30 years Paragon Roadshow have led the way, 

throwing the best wedding parties in the industry. Now, new Directors Malkit and Taran are 

taking the brand to impressive heights giving you a DJ and AV experience your guests will adore 

forget the OGs and what 

they’ve achieved’ Malkit and 

Taran, speak fondly of the 

founders of Paragon, the most 

‘Never 

trusted and reputable AV 

brand in Asian wedding events. They’ve filled big 

shoes since taking over the brand in 2020 from 

the original team following their retirement and 

now it’s their turn to shape how weddings will 

look and sound in the future, taking inspiration 

from the past. Malkit explains: “Everyone knows 

Paragon, they were pioneers and innovators. In 

the 1990s, no one threw wedding parties like they 

did but a lot has changed. Back then weddings 

took place in community halls and all you needed 

was a DJ. But now with larger venues, stricter 

regulations and technological innovations couples 

need to book a complete AV company and that’s 

what we offer. 


ENTERTAINMENT 

Why you need an AV company, 

not just a DJ 

Much more goes into wedding entertainment 

than a DJ turning up with floor-filler records. 

An AV team is responsible for all the 

elements that make your wedding party run 

smoothly, taking care of the finer details as 

Malkit explains: “The big venues like major 

hotels won’t allow AV equipment into their 

buildings without them approving particular 

brands, requesting to see safety certificates, 

ensuring all their regulations are met and 

their expectations of quality. Ordinary DJs 

can’t meet these requirements but we can.” 

Though Malkit and Taran are both young 

company directors, they aren’t new to the 

industry and their knowledge of music 

combined with AV is what makes them 

experts. Taran says: “Both of us were DJing 

with Paragon for over 10 years so we’ve 

grown our careers with the company. 

When the owners retired we couldn’t let 

the brand name and experience end there, 

so we committed to taking it forward. Our 

priority is to provide a full AV experience 

that complies with venues and exceeds our 

client’s expectations.” 

GET THE PARTY STARTED 

Paragon have six DJs on their 

books who are all multi-genre so 

whether you want the full Punjabi 

extravaganza or a popular Western 

or Bollywood disco they’ll play the 

sounds that get you and your guests 

on the dancefloor. On the AV side, 

the team can arrange full lighting 

and production including bespoke 

synchronised lighting shows with 

the wow factor and mood lighting to 

set the scene during your wedding 

reception meal. The team also create 

bespoke staging with digital screens, 

LED walls and can even provide 

hosts and presenters bringing an 

extra level of professionalism to the 

proceedings. 

The dancefloor, of course, is 

of particular importance at all 

weddings and Paragon have an 

impressive range of options to 

choose from including high shine 

gloss and mirror floors, personalised 

floor decals and creative colourful 

painted floors with beautiful rangoli 

and mandala- inspired designs. 

Having flexible options is a passion 

of the team who are committed to 

continuing the innovations of their 

predecessors as Malkit explains: 

“There are no second chances at a 

wedding, everything you do has to 

be perfect on the day. A memorable 

party is ‘make or break’ for guests 

and as the AV and DJ team we 

carry the weight of ensuring it all 

goes smoothly. Most of the team 

are behind-the-scenes meticulously 

planning your perfect party so that 

everyone has a great time, and we 

wouldn’t have it any other way.” 

www.paragonroadshow.com 


Industry leaders The VIP Studio give their 

TOP TIPS 

for choosing your photographer 

With thousands of stunning wedding photos to their 

credit, Industry leaders The VIP Studio share the 

secret to capturing your dream day in style... 

Choosing a photographer for your 

wedding can be a daunting process, 

but these top five tips from The VIP 

Studio will help you get the album of 

your dreams: 

Think about the finer details 

The VIP Studio like to capture 

weddings in an all-new style. They don’t 

believe in asking people to freeze at crucial 

moments, instead what they offer is the 

perfect album, which showcases what was 

happening and when. It’s great looking 

through an album of smiling faces, but 

even more beautiful to see real emotions 

and scenarios you may have missed on the 

day. 

Spend on quality, not quantity 

It’s far more important to spend on 

quality, rather than quantity when it 

comes to your wedding photography. Just 

one stunning photo can be priceless, and 

having high-quality images will help to 

keep the memories with you forever. 

The VIP Studio is a company that can offer 

you endless superior photos, something 

that is far more important than offering 

numerous albums and photos at a lower 

standard. Even if you’re on a tight budget, 

The VIP Studio can still create your 

fairytale album. 


PHOTOGRAPHY 

Look at examples 

Always look through a photographer’s 

portfolio and judge them based on 

the final product. A good photographer 

should be able to offer a variety of styles 

that captures the personalities of the 

bride, groom and their guests. You may 

like them or the price they offer, but do you 

like the finishing style on their images? 

Also be aware that photographers will all 

have different editing techniques. If all of 

their images are heavily edited then this 

could be a sign of poor quality. Make a note 

of the other key things including style, edit 

and post production of each photo and the 

album design itself. 

We have over ten years experience in 

photography and 15 years in the graphic design 

industry, and we feel it’s our duty to change 

the way weddings are captured. 

Meet them beforehand 

Your photographer is going to 

be with you throughout the day, 

starting with those precious hours before 

the ceremony when you’re still having 

your hair and makeup done. Finding a 

photographer who you feel comfortable 

with, will not only make the experience 

more enjoyable, but will result in better, 

more natural images. 

Remember that technology 

doesn’t beat experience 

When choosing your photographer 

bear in mind that great photography can 

often be confused with a good knowledge of 

taking pictures. For example, just because a 

photographer uses the top quality technology 

does not necessarily make him the best 

option – what equipment they use shouldn’t 

dictate who you choose. If you love their work 

and style then they are the company for you. 

THE VIP STUDIO 

07572 008 007 • 0800 80 40 20 30 

info@thevipstudio.com www.thevipstudio.com 

thevipstudio 


Heat THINGS UP… 

Take your event to the next level with a private shisha experience. 

Asiana spoke to Ebrahim Badat from Shisha Hire by Dubai Nights Lounge 

to discover more about the biggest new trend in wedding celebrations 

There’s a strong possibility 

that many of your guests 

will be shisha enthusiasts 

so why treat them to the 

pleasures at your party? 

After all, enjoying shisha is a centuriesold 

tradition so it’s a chance to combine 

heritage with contemporary culture. 

Rooted in the Middle East and popular 

since the time of the Ottoman empire, 

shisha lounges and hookah bars have 

long been established in countries like 

the UAE, Egypt, Iran and Turkey and 

thankfully these establishments have been 

expanding across the UK. As the clientele 

gets more discerning, the experience is 

getting more luxurious and this is what 

you can expect when you book Shisha 

Hire by Dubai Nights Lounge for your 

wedding. They offer a luxury mobile shisha 

service; ideal for pre-wedding functions 

such as a mendhi party or to complement 

the evening reception on your Big Day. 

Make your wedding sizzle 

The Shisha Hire by Dubai Nights Lounge 

service was devised by business 

development manager Ebrahim Badat 

who has over 15 years experience working 

in the shisha market. He and his team 

opened Dubai Nights Lounge in Leyton in 

May 2022 and it quickly established itself 

as the ‘go to’ shisha space in East London. 

Ebrahim is committed to using only the 

best tobacco as he explains: “I split my 

time between Dubai and Madrid as we 

have a tobacco factory in Spain. This 

gives us complete control over the supply 

chain meaning the shisha you smoke is of 

the highest quality.” 


SHISHA HIRE 

Shisha Hire For Your Wedding 

“Nothing compares to the experience of sitting 

down with friends over shisha and those are the 

memorable moments your guests will appreciate 

when you surprise them with an element of a 

wedding they aren’t expecting. All too often smokers 

can be excluded from weddings, made to smoke 

outside. A shisha experience makes smoking more 

accessible, acceptable and enjoyable,” says Ebrahim. 

So how does it work? There is a minimum booking 

of 10 people, though it can go as large as you 

want. All shisha equipment is provided including 

premium shisha pipes, bowls of pre-packed flavour, 

disposable hoses and mouth tips and charcoal and 

the services are unlimited so you can try as many 

flavours as you desire – expect glowing reviews from 

your guests. And don’t worry about setting it all up, 

Ebrahim assures: “There will be a Shisha Master in 

attendance. This is a trained expert who will ensure 

all guests are looked after and receive what they 

need for the experience.” 

SMOKING SERVICES – BESPOKE SHISHA LOUNGE 

For the ultimate experience, the 

team can arrange for a tent to be 

installed and create your very own 

private smoking lounge with all the 

elements you’d expect visiting your 

favourite hangout. 

Ebrahim explains: “Since 

I’ve been living in Dubai I’ve 

experienced the luxurious settings 

that the Shisha lounges have 

created. They were on a level of 

chicness and comfort that the UK 

hadn’t yet caught up with and it’s 

that aesthetic that inspired me 

when we opened Dubai Nights 

Lounge in East London. We’re now 

taking that same smouldering vibe 

and bringing it to your wedding. 

In order for us to create a bespoke 

tent we simply ask that your 

wedding venue has a garden or 

outdoor space so we can construct 

a tent. We will do full set-up and 

bring everything, whether it’s an 

inflatable lounge, a classic marquee 

or an outdoor terrace. The décor, 

lights, soft furnishings, furniture 

and even music are all included.” 

The Shisha Hire by Dubai Nights Lounge service is available nationwide. It is only available to guests who are 18+ • www.shishahire.com 


XXXXXXXXXXX 

Ok bloomer! 

SAY ‘I DO’ WITH THE 

RIGHT BOUQUET FOR YOU… 

10 considerations for picking your bridal flowers 


FLOWERS 

Choose your bridal outfit first 

1 

The colour palette of your wedding 

bouquet should complement and enhance 

your outfit, whether it’s a classic white 

wedding dress or a traditional lengha. Take a 

photo of it along to meetings with your florist 

so they can advise on which flowers they 

recommend. 

Be seasonal 

2 

While you may be a fan of bright 

tropical florals, if you’re getting married in the 

winter these flowers won’t be available and 

they’ll look out of place. You’ll spend more 

money on sourcing them and they’ll have to 

travel far. Instead go for a more sustainable, 

seasonal and local option; wildflowers are our 

favourite. 

Opt for comfort 

3 

You may be holding your bouquet for 

a while so for a budding romance, make sure 

it’s manageable. It may look enchanting to 

have lots of hanging green foliage but if they 

get caught in your kaleeras it may become a 

thorny issue. 

Consider the bouquet shape 

4 

There is no one specific design when it 

comes to bridal bouquets. Just like you’ll be 

researching your jewellery and accessories, 

try holding round bouquets, shaped bouquets 

and even fan bouquets where flowers are 

attached to a fan – your florist can assist with 

this. 

Know your body shape 

5 

Whether you’re curvaceous, tall or 

petite, think about how your bouquet will 

compliment your overall look. For example, 

cascading bouquets with larger flowers suit 

curvy figures, while small buds wouldn’t 

look as effective. 

Compliment your theme and décor 

6 

If the starting point is your dress, once 

you’ve chosen your bouquet you could then 

carry those colours and flowers into your 

wedding venue décor in flower walls, garlands 

for pillars and table-setting centrepieces. 

Match your wedding cake 

7 

A popular trend is to incorporate the 

same flowers that appear in your bouquet 

onto your wedding cake. If you’re keen to try 

this ensure the flowers in your bouquet work 

on a cake – roses are perfect. 

Co-ordinating bouquets for 

8 

bridesmaids 

The bouquets held by your bridesmaids 

and even the petals strewn by flower girls 

shouldn’t overpower your bouquet but they 

can include similar flowers and colours, just 

on a simpler, smaller scale. 

Buttonholes for the groom and his 

9 

groomsmen 

It’s traditional to take one variety of flower 

from your bloom and introduce that into the 

flower corsages worn by the guys. When 

you’re selecting your bouquet discuss with 

your florist which one could be that feature 

flower. 

Scented flowers 

10 

Last bud not least, think about the 

smell! Some flowers like lilies and lavender 

give off a very strong fragrance and while 

that may be a welcoming feel for vases at 

home, when you have a bouquet to hold all 

day it can become nauseating if your senses 

are distracted. Opt for neutral-scented 

blooms so that the joy is in the aesthetics 

and not in the air. 


HEN & STAG 

Celebrate your last days of singledom in style… 


DOUBLE TROUBLE: 

STEN DO IDEA 

A combined stag and hen do is the ideal 

choice for couples with overlapping 

friendship groups wishing to celebrate 

together. Named after the Mumbai 

suburb, Pahli Hill Restaurant in the heart 

of London is a vibrant dining space with 

an informal feel and capacity for 55 

people. There’s an open kitchen in one 

corner where diners can watch head chef 

Avi Shashidhara and his team cook up 

delicious sharing plates, like homestyle 

fish curry, paper dosa and sourdough 

roti. Once you’ve eaten, take your party 

down to the kitsch basement bar Banda 

PIERCING PARTY! 

Give your hens a memento to cherish. If you’re a fan of 

the ‘curated ear’, which involves stacking dainty earrings 

along the lobes and cartilage, Lark & Berry’s personalised 

service includes piercing placement and styling advice, 

a 14k gold earring from their elegant selection and some 

fizz for your group to sip on.You also get a selection 

of mini perfumes, fine chocolates and tote bag to take 

away. It all takes place at their chic flagship store in 

London Marylebone. £150pp, www.larkandberry.com 

Bhai, which will transport you to the 

dimly-lit world of India’s old smuggling 

dens. Decked with plush velvet chairs and 

vintage wallpaper it’s the perfect space to 

drink the night away together. 

www.pahlihillbandrabhai.com 

Boozy afternoon tea for blokes 

Planning a stag do for a small group of 

friends? Foodies should head to the The 

Sanctum Soho Hotel for their Gentlemen’s 

Afternoon Tea. There are no dainty 

sandwiches here, instead your party can 

tuck into oysters, baby back ribs, hearty 

steak rolls and burgers. Sweet options 

include rum and raisin scones followed by 

a Villiger Export Cigar to enjoy on the roof 

terrace. www.sanctumsoho.com 

DINING OUT: COPPA CLUB 

A chic and spacious café, bar, restaurant and lounge, Coppa 

Club is made for group get-togethers. You’ll find branches 

in picture perfect locations like Tower Bridge in London and 

the North Laine in Brighton. Coppa Club place emphasis on 

experience and they have a range of bookable domes where 

you can dine alfresco and enjoy intimate conversation, or sit 

inside amidst the colourful surroundings. While there’s a vast 

cocktail menu, non-drinkers won’t feel left out. The mocktails 

are impressive and include a refreshing Popstar Martini and 

Peach Trip which has a CBD infusion. Tuck into grills like 

spiced roasted cauliflower and fish and finish with a droolworthy 

dessert. www.coppaclub.co.uk 

HIT IT OUT AT SIXES 

With branches in London, Birmingham and Manchester, 

cricket-lovers should head down to Sixes for a sporty stag. 

Practice your cover drives in state-of-the-art batting nets 

and cricket simulators, which can be hired by the hour. Once 

you’re done channeling your inner Virat Kohli, be sure to grab 

some food. The menu includes options such as the Coronation 

Bubble & Squeak Pakoras and the Delhi Smasher Burger. Not 

just for the guys, brides-to-be wanting to get in on the action 

should go along on a Friday to take advantage of the free nets 

that are available to book for groups of up to 15 using the 

code ‘wegotgame’. 

www.sixescricket.com 


HEN & STAG 

RELAX LIKE ROYALTY AT 

FAIRMONT, WINDSOR PARK 

If you’re looking for some pre-wedding downtime with 

the girls, look no further than a spa break at this 

recently opened countryside retreat. Set within a 40- 

acre estate, beside Windsor Great Park, the newly-opened 

luxury property makes a grand first impression. From its 

lake-view entrance complete with pretty fountains, to its 

majestic lobby with a 50ft glass atrium dome – it’s all so 

pristine and grand. This includes the state-of-the-art spa, 

which is a destination in its own right. 

Fairmont Spa & Wellness is a sprawling two-floor 2,500 

square metre space designed to make you feel rested and 

restored. 

TREATMENTS 

Let’s start with the pampering. There are 18 plush 

treatment rooms, including three for couples plus a VIP 

spa suite with a rasul, hot tub, private dining area and 

dressing room. Pick from over 20 treatments which 

are carried out using Comfort Zone and the wonderful 

ayurvedic Mauli range. 

The blissful Maharani Detox Glow Heated Cocoon 

(£245 for 135 minutes) includes a body brush, scrub, wrap, 

mini facial and scalp massage. Stressed out individuals 

should go for the Royal Signature Ritual (£175, 85 

minutes), which incorporates stretches and breathwork 

combining Japanese, Ayurvedic and an practices. 

Other therapies include ayurvedic rituals, vitamin 

infusions, osteopathy, nutritional therapy and 

acupuncture. 

FACILITIES 

There’s plenty for the hen party to enjoy here. Inside 

you will find a 20 metre indoor pool area, complete with 

marble loungers, a thermal suite with a Finnish sauna, 

steam room, experience showers, ice fountain, Japanese 

Ashiyu foot ritual bath, a hot tub and a warming 

tepidarium bench. 

The softly-lit deep relaxation room is ideal for a post 

treatment nap, while the bright Himalayan salt room 

overlooking the picturesque courtyard is great for a lie 

down. The spa welcomes day and hotel guests. There are 

several packages to pick from. The Spa Escape (£685) 

includes an overnight stay, breakfast, a three-course 

dinner plus a 55-minute treatment. The Signature 

Collection (£260 per person) comprises of a stint in 

DINING AND SLEEPING 

the invigorating Cryotherapy Chamber, a 55-minute 

treatment followed by the relaxation-inducing AquaVibe 

therapy, where you lie on a dry floatation bed that 

delivers sound frequencies to the body. The friendly spa 

team can also design bespoke packages to suit your needs 

and those looking to only use the facilities can book a spa 

pass (£75 per person). 

Guests on the spa packages have access to the stunning 

and highly Instagrammable courtyard hydrotherapy 

vitality pool, which resembles a Moroccan riad - with 

floral decor and mosaic tiles. Amid bubbling massage jets, 

the vitality pool is heated to a comforting 39°C, making it 

an all-weather space where you can gather with friends 

and chat for hours. That’s not all. For deeper relaxation, 

thermal treatments designed by Parisian brand La 

Sultane de Saba can also be booked in the six-person 

marble Hammam. If you feel peckish, pop into Greens 

Café, which serves a range of salads, snacks and juices. 

We recommend staying for dinner at the hotel’s fabulous restaurant – Moreish. 

Book the Chef’s Experience (for up to 16 people) where you’ll be seated adjacent 

to the buzzy open kitchen. Not only do you get to see head chef Matyas Rigo 

and his team prepare European and Middle Eastern delights, he’ll present them 

to you throughout the evening complete with a detailed explanation of the 

culinary delight – including his indulgent crab linguine in lobster bisque. 

Those staying the night are in for a treat. All 200 rooms and suites are 

spacious and sophisticated, many with views of the manicured grounds, serene 

lake or nearby forests. Decked out in natural stone, soft textures and a muted 

colour palette, the rooms make you feel immediately relaxed. Beds are some 

of the most comfortable you will sleep on, while bathrooms are spacious, with 

enormous tubs and Le Labo goodies. • www.fairmont-windsorpark.com 


Love stories in movies, books 

and songs all have one thing 

in common; they only tell you 

one side of the story. Marriage 

is amazing but it’s also hard. 

Many of the obstacles and hurdles you’ll 

face, particularly in the early days are to do 

with navigating the relationship you have 

with your partner, dealing with the needs of 

another person and getting to know them and 

yourself in a new way. Dr Sohaib Imtiaz who 

is a certified Lifestyle Doctor and Founder of 

the Ameli App, a matchmaking app that uses 

behavioural psychology to help you find your 

perfect partner, is a newly-wed himself so is 

aware of the challenges and believes they can 

be overcome: “All change is hard, even the 

most exciting changes like moving in with your 

life partner present problems that you never 

could have predicted. There is a link between 

relationships and mental health, especially in 

terms of how someone treats you and makes 

you feel, but while this may seem like a cause 

for 

Happily 

concern, these issues can be addressed.” 

EVER AFTER 

Being a newlywed is filled with blissful moments but adjusting to 

married life has its fair share of challenges too. Here’s how you can 

ensure that both of you are equipped to deal with the changes ahead 

Adjusting to living with a partner 

There are physical and emotional 

adjustments that need to be made when 

you move in with someone and this can 

have an effect on your emotional wellbeing 

and mental health. That’s why it’s so 

important to prioritise communication from 

the beginning. Dr Sohaib explains: “We 

call this love languages; how you speak to 

and communicate with your partner. If you 

experience differences rather than start 

an argument, break the problem down 

into chunks. Take a moment to air your 

expectations of the situation. Being open 

and honest will help ease the issue, find a 

compromise and strengthen your bond.” 

Often these issues don’t arise until the 

honeymoon period wares off but you are 

not alone in this, it’s completely natural. 

Dr Sohaib explains: “In the first six months 

you’ll experience a lot of dopamine and 

because you’ll be feeling so happy you 

may overlook what later becomes a red 

flag. Things that didn’t annoy you when 

you were courting may suddenly become 

difficult to deal with. Again communication 

is important but it’s recommended that you 

speak to an expert outside of the marriage.” 

Most people assume relationship 

counsellors are for couples but they are 

equally as beneficial if you attend sessions 

on your own. Having a relationship 

Dr Sohaib Imtiaz is a doctor certified 

in lifestyle medicine; Founder of the 

Ameli App and Human Behaviour 

Club on Clubhouse 

counsellor will help you talk about your 

feelings without being judged, this is 

something that isn’t possible with friends 

and family. You’ll also be in a better place 

to speak with your partner, which should 

be weekly. Dr Sohaib advises: “Have weekly 

check-ins with your partner where you can 

both say how you’re feeling about things. 

Doing it at the weekends when you may 

have a bit more time is great as it clears the 

air before the new week so that you don’t 

carry over any stresses which can manifest 

in your mental health going down.” 


RELATIONSHIPS 

Coping with loneliness 

Leaving your home behind which may be 

buzzing with the sounds of siblings and 

swapping it for a space with just two people 

can feel very quiet and at times when your 

partner is away or out, feelings of loneliness 

can set in which can trigger your mental 

health. “Loneliness is dangerous”, says Dr 

Sohaib. “The pandemic showed us just how 

serious it is and the effect it can have on our 

mental health. The best way to combat it is to 

stay in contact with friends and family. Apps 

like Facetime make this so easy to do. But 

also seek new friendships. Online is a great 

place to meet people, the Bumble app has a 

feature for making new friends and it would 

be fun to meet up and do an activity that you 

have a shared interest in. You don’t need to 

feel alone, there is always someone to talk to. 

Talking to a therapist or counsellor can help.” 

Moving in with in-laws 

For some couples, not only are they adjusting 

to living with each other, they may have to 

deal with the whole new dynamic of living 

with in-laws and this has its own set of 

concerns. There are many things to consider 

before moving in with your in-laws. The most 

important will be to sit with your spouse 

and come up with a plan and list out the 

expectations both parties have of each other 

as well as the responsibilities. Psychologist Dr 

Saliha Afridi explains: “Questions that will 

need discussion will include things like how 

much time and when are you expected to be 

together? What is ‘the couples space’ versus 

shared space? Who will speak to the in-laws if 

there is a disagreement? What are your nonnegotiable 

boundaries? What are you willing 

to compromise?” 

Dr Saliha Afridi, is a Psychologist, 

Entrepreneur and Founder of 

the Lighthouse Arabia Dubai 

She adds: “Remember that most people 

already have preconceived ideas about how 

‘mother-in-laws’ are and they are mostly 

about how contentious that relationship can 

be and how mother-in-laws don’t respect 

boundaries and so when a disagreement 

happens it is typically seen with that lens and 

taken as a sign of something much more than 

just a disagreement.” 

This is something to think about before you 

react in the wrong way. 

Dr Saliha says preparation can help. She 

advises: “Before the move, write out what 

your preconceived fears are and know what 

the triggers could be. It will also be important 

to come up with a list of things to remember 

when things get heated, as they do in any 

relationship where people live together. That 

list can include many things such as how you 

will make considerations, how to not take 

things personally, how to find your centre 

again and move towards compromise and 

harmony.” 

If you need relationship or mental 

health advice always speak to 

a professional. Here are some 

organisations that can help you. 

You can also speak to your GP. 

• Relate 

(relationship counselling services) 

www.relate.org.uk 

• Mind (mental health charity 

www.mind.org.uk 

• NHS 

(lists local counselling services) 

www.nhs.uk 


BEAUTY 

Scented Wedding 

Light one of these fragrant candles on your wedding day. As well as creating a beautiful 

atmosphere, you and your loved ones will forever associate the scent with the joyous occasion 

Words and styling: Anjana Gosai 

Ginori 1735 Rajathra Palace Candle (£144, 

selfridges.com) is inspired by Rajasthan. It 

will fill your venue with scents of rose oil, 

clove, sandalwood and patchouli 

Rituals Soulful Love 

Jasmine Wild Rose 

Scented Candle 

(£26.50, rituals.com) 

will infuse your venue 

with a floral scent of 

intense jasmine flower 

and delicate wild rose 

Filled into an elegant marble 

vessel Officine Universelle 

Buly, Conversations in a 

Park Scented Candle (£135, 

buly1803.com) features notes 

of peppermint, bergamot and 

opulent Ottoman roses 

Tom Ford Private Blend Neroli Portofino (£68, 

johnlewis.com) is an uplifting citrus and floral 

scent that captures the cool breezes and crystal 

waters of the Italian Riviera 

Tom Ford Private Blend Neroli 

Portofino (£68, johnlewis.com) is 

an uplifting citrus and floral scent 

that captures the cool breezes and 

crystal waters of the Italian Riviera 

Fable & Mane Incredible India Scented Candle (£42, fableandmane. 

com) is influenced by the garlands worn at the temples of the 

spiritual city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu. It will fill your room with 

scents of heady jasmine sambac and citrusy champaca flowers 


Essential knowledge for the bride-to-be 

BEAUT Y 

The Mane 

Attraction 

No one does show-stopping hair like Dar 

FACE TIME 

These fast-track procedures could 

revolutionalise your skin 

SMELL THE ROSES 

Forest Essentials Rose Absolute collection comes infused with 

hand plucked roses sourced from the verdant gardens in Kannauj, 

India. This beautiful flower, also known as desi gulab in Ayurveda, 

is steam distilled to extract its pure essential oil which is then filled 

into this deeply nourishing collection. www.forestessentials.co.uk 

THE ART OF 

AESTHETICS 

Pre-wedding treatments 

every bride should prioritise



07939 15 44 00 


Outfit: Monga’s • Jewellery: Maala London

Words: Anjana Gosai • Hair & Make-Up: Naveeda 

Outfit: Seasons • Jewellery: Tanaya Couture 

BEAUTYNotes 

The latest innovations to help you look and feel great 

Glow Getter 

Make-up won’t look smooth without 

the right ‘canvas’. Make sure your 

skin is in the best possible shape by 

smoothing on Tatcha Violet C Radiance 

Mask (£65, spacenk.com) before 

applying your base. Crafted in Tokyo, 

the mask comes filled with two types 

of brightening vitamin C along with 

mild, exfoliating fruit acids to refine skin 

texture and impart a dewy-glow. 

SPA OF THE SEASON 

BLUSHING BRIDE 

Achieve a romantic touch of blush with the 

lightweight and buildable Liquid Flush Cheek 

Tint (£25, cultbeauty.com) by celebrity make-up 

artist Monika Blunder. Available in four shades 

that flatter Asian complexions, 

the blushers are made with 

skin-friendly oils such as arnica 

and safflower, making them 

ideal for dry or sensitive skin. 

Perfect Primer 

Huda GloWish Blur Jam Silicone- 

Free Smoothing Primer (£29, boots. 

com) contains soothing Damascus 

rose water, vitamin-rich prickly pear, 

calming cactus flower extract, 

and water-locking powder 

technology to help boost 

hydration, blur pores, and 

extend make-up wear 

for up to 12 hours – a 

wedding day must. 

TRY IT: ESPA’S CRYO GLOBES 

Made from stainless steel, these cooling ESPA’s 

Cryo Globes (£55, espaskincare.com) work a 

treat to reduce puffiness, release facial tension 

and awaken the complexion. Use alongside your 

favourite skincare, massaging along the facial 

contours to help lift, tighten and depuff. 

Homewood, Bath 

Part of the Small Luxury Hotels 

of the World family, this stylish 

country house property, located 

just 15-minutes from Bath is 

surrounded by the enchanting 

Avon Valley and is the perfect 

bolthole for a pre or postwedding 

spot of relaxation. 

The Georgian mansion is truly 

charismatic, with quirky touches all 

over, such as antique wall clocks 

covering the reception area and 

floral prints adorning the walls of 

the Valentine’s Bar. Take a stroll 

through the immaculate gardens 

where you’ll spot an adorable boxhedged 

teddy bear and life-sized 

giraffe, which are sure to put a smile 

on your face. 

There are 21 bedrooms which 

are all spacious and bright. You 

could spend hours in the wellequipped 

spa that includes a 

large indoor hydrotherapy pool, 

sauna and steam room; a hot 

tub with views of the valley; 

plus an outdoor swimming pool 

heated to 28 degrees Celcius. 

Treatments are carried out using 

the award-winning Ila products, 

which are wonderfully-therapeutic 

and centred around enhancing your 

physical and emotional wellbeing. 

The signature Vitality top-to-toe 

treatment (£85, 60minutes) is 

blissful. It combines a full body 

massage using the ancient Indian 

practice of marma therapy and 

energy-boosting essential oils along 

with a rejuvenating facial. 

www.homewoodbath.co.uk 


Cosmetics: Forever 52 Makeup • Jewellery: Heritage Jewels • Bridalwear: Bibi London • Photography: OMJ Photography • Styling: Zaf Shabir

07498 374 888 

ashqaisar@hotmail.com 

ayshaqaisar.mua

Cosmetics: Forever 52 Makeup • Jewellery: Zevar by Samra Falak • Bridalwear: Zoyaz London • Photography: The Cactus Agency • Styling: Zaf Shabir

07391 170 125 

kirenvirdimua@gmail.com 

kirenvirdimua

JK 

JOGGY KANG 

07879 674 174 • joggy.kang@gmail.com 

www.joggykang.com

Jewellery: Roshan’s Jewellery

Bridal Enquiries: 

For more information or to 

book to a Makeup Trial, call 

07958 635 857 

Training Courses 

Learn the tricks of the trade and 

how to become a top MUA. 

Discover more online at 

www.naveeda.com

Outfit: Seasons • Jewellery: Tanaya Couture

As soon as the 

countdown to your 

wedding starts, 

there are parts of 

the planning and 

preparations that friends, family 

and wedding planners can’t help 

with and that is you investing 

in yourself. But thankfully, it’s a 

task where help is at hand. Brides 

and grooms all strive to look 

their very best on their Big Day 

and ‘tweakments’ or non-surgical 

aesthetic procedures can help you 

feel confident, rejuvenated and 

ready to shine in front of the crowds 

and cameras. 

Mi:Skin Laser Clinic in Aylesbury 

are beauty aesthetic specialists 

offering a range of treatments 

that are applied in a bespoke way 

for every client. Senior Aesthetic 

Therapist Snowvia at Mi:Skin 

Laser Clinic explains: “Our bespoke 

treatments are tailor-made for our 

brides, everyone is different and 

we spend time understanding and 

best 

analysing your needs so that you get 

optimum results.” 

LOOK YOUR VERY 

Senior Aesthetic Therapist Snowvia at Mi:Skin Laser Clinic 

explains the pre-wedding treatments every bride should prioritise 

Their treatments include 

everything from teeth whitening 

to laser hair and pigment removal, 

vein removal and redness reduction; 

the personal concerns you may 

have that may be preventing you 

from feeling your most confident. 

Whatever your worries are, Snowvia 

and her team invite you to join them 

for a private consultation where 

all your concerns will be listened 

to, taken seriously, and a plan of 

action created; it could be the most 

important investment you make. 

The world of aesthetics can be 

daunting if they’re new to you, 

so we asked Snowvia for her 

recommendations of the top three 

treatments that brides and groomsto-be 

can benefit from. 


BEAUTY 

Hydrafacials 

You might not expect to find facials on the 

treatment list at an aesthetic clinic, but the 

Hydrafacial is unlike the regular facials you find at 

spas. They are just as relaxing, but the treatments 

are targeted at giving you long-lasting results 

that start from your first one. Snowvia explains: 

“Clients can have a course of hydrafacial to target 

specific skin concerns. It’s typically a course of 

three or six, two to four weeks apart. For an 

instant pre-wedding glow, a hydrafacial is a must 

one to two days before your wedding, there is no 

downtime and you’ll leave with an instant glow.” 

It’s no wonder that A’list celebrities swear by 

hydrafacials before major events like red carpets 

as it makes an immediate difference. 

Laser Skin Rejuvenation 

A safe and reliable way to revive tired-looking 

dull, loose and even sun-damaged and 

dehydrated skin, laser skin rejuvenation stimulates 

collagen growth and production and addresses 

many of the issues that ageing skin has. It’s a 

comfortable treatment that will give impressive 

results. Snowvia explains the procedure: “We 

begin with a skin analysis, followed by a full 

cleanse of the skin before the laser treatments are 

carried out.” These treatments are most effective 

applied monthly and lead to firmer, tighter skin. 

Laser Hair Removal 

The removal of unwanted body and facial hair 

can completely change your life, giving you a 

newfound feeling of body confidence and beauty. 

Like all of the treatments at Mi:Skin Laser Clinic, 

clients are invited for an in-depth consultation 

where a patch test is undertaken. Snowvia 

explains: “On the consultation day clients can 

feel the sensation and we always reassure them 

how it will feel and what to expect. What really 

sets us apart is the use of a gold standard, FDAapproved 

device. This makes the process from the 

beginning to the end seamless for clients. Quite 

often clients have had uncomfortable experiences 

elsewhere, as an overwhelming number of clinics 

are using cheaply made replica machines, these 

aren’t safe or effective.” For optimal results 

Snowvia recommends you begin this procedure 

a year before your Big Day. Laser Hair removal is 

usually for around eight sessions every four weeks 

on the face and every six weeks on the body. 

“OUR BESPOKE TREATMENTS ARE TAILOR-MADE 

FOR OUR BRIDES, EVERY CLIENT IS DIFFERENT AND 

WE SPEND TIME UNDERSTANDING AND ANALYSING 

YOUR NEEDS SO THAT YOU GET OPTIMUM RESULTS” 

ABOUT SNOWVIA 

Clinical Director & Senior Aesthetic Therapist at Mi:Skin Laser Clinic 

Snowvia has over 15 years of 

experience in Aesthetics gaining a 

Level 4 Aesthetics qualification. Her 

background is in cosmetic dentistry. 

Mi:Skin Laser Clinic opened in August 

2020 with a vision to bring the Harley 

Street experience and make it more 

accessible in Buckinghamshire. 

To book a consultation with Snowvia 

and her team, contact: 

Mi:Skin Laser Clinic 

52 Wedgewood Street, 

Aylesbury, HP19 7HL 

01296 796464 

info@miskinlaserclinic.com 

www.miskinlaserclinic.com 


WorkOF 

ART 

Don’t know where to begin with mehndi designs and finding the right artist? 

House of Henna is on hand with expert tips, trends and know-how… 

Even beyond your Big Day, 

during those memorable 

weeks following your wedding, 

your hennaed hands will be 

admired by all and symbolise 

your new bride status. Since the henna 

isn’t going to fade away that easily, you 

need to entrust someone with the role of 

beautifying your hands safely and ensure that 

you are actually going to love the finished 

designs. Cue House of Henna, a collective of 

experienced and talented henna artists based 

in London… 

Feel like a bride 

Most of the wedding prep is done and you’re 

just about winding down in the lead-up 

to your Big Day. Whether you have your 

henna applied at home or at your full-on 

Mehndi party, it’s only when you’re sat 

down, surrounded by loved ones watching 

the henna art conjured up on your body, that 

you start getting the bridal feels. Alma of 

House of Henna understands this sentiment 

as she enthuses, ‘We understand that henna 

for brides is an integral part of the wedding 

rituals. Whilst the bride-to-be has her henna 

applied to her hands and feet a few days 

before her wedding, she can enjoy the moment 

and relax. Traditionally, this is a tranquil 

time for the bride and a fun time for her 

friends to join in with the celebrations at the 

henna party before the Big Day.’ 

Henna is an aphrodisiac 

Whilst it is traditional and symbolic for the 

bride to have her henna done, it is also fun 

to involve your family and friends to get 

their hands adorned too. What makes House 

of Henna so refreshingly unique, current 

and on-trend, is that they not only provide 

mobile services, but also have a rather hip 

pop-up experience in a range of locations, 

currently in trendy Shoreditch. It’s not all 

about the traditions, it’s also about the art. 

Alma explains more, ‘We are unique in the 

henna industry, as not only do we provide our 

services at your own private and corporate 

parties, but you can also have your henna 

done in the comfort of our beautiful pop-up 

henna salons, which pop up in vibrant 

parts of London. We create a variety of 

temporary body art for people from all kinds 

of backgrounds. Even brides who want to 


BEAUTY 

enjoy the salon experience and get away from 

the chaos of wedding prep, relax and tell us 

all about their big day whilst having their 

henna done. For some, this ritual and the 

henna itself is considered to bring good luck, 

joy and beautification. Apparently, henna has 

aphrodisiac properties too!’ 

Safe and natural 

Anything going on your skin, particularly 

something that is going to last a while, should 

be safe and natural. Fortunately, the artists 

at House of Henna use only the best type of 

henna there is. Alma shares more, ‘House 

of Henna specialises in creating beautiful 

body art using henna and a fruit based dye 

called Jagua ink, which produces a beautiful 

and safe black stain, akin to a permanent 

tattoo. We only use fresh henna which is 

chemical free and pay attention to every 

detail of your wedding attire to ensure the 

henna compliments your chosen look for your 

special day. Our team of henna artists are 

highly skilled with every one of their skills 

deriving from years of having done beautiful 

bridal henna. Nothing is more intricate and 

beautiful then the henna which adorns the 

arms and legs of a bride.’ 

GET WITH THE TRENDS 

• Brides are wanting to go all out and 

show off motifs from leafy vines and 

florals, mandalas and lace patterns all 

along the same arm. 

• The trick is to ensure each motif 

connects beautifully with the next, leaving 

little space. 

• As body art specialists, if you wish to 

be truly unique, we can create so much 

more than the usual requests for birds and 

elephants and why stop at hands and feet? 

Consider displaying beautiful bridal henna 

art on your back or shoulders. 

• For the minimalistic bride, an elegant 

mandala or the continued trend of the 

lacy glove-like style finished with delicate 

geometric patterns along the fingers may 

be more her choice. 

• The half and half becoming one gorgeous 

motif when the bride’s hands are placed 

together will still be on trend. 

• There is a continued rise in popularity 

of the bold and beautiful Gulf bridal henna 

designs. 

• Grooms are also getting more and more 

in on the act, we expect to see more this 

year. 

• Whilst trends are great, the classic 

elegance of domes, names of loved ones 

intricately placed in between curvy 

paisleys, portraits of the bride and groom 

and the spiritually significant Lotus flower 

will always be firm favourites and on the 

list of many of your henna requests. 

It’s all about the colour 

There is many an old folklore claiming that the 

deeper the colour of your henna, the more your 

husband will love you. So don’t be surprised 

if an aunty jee examines your hands on your 

wedding day and comments on the colour and 

gives you a cheeky wink! Alma tells all, ‘To 

achieve an optimal stunning colour, once our 

artist completes your gorgeous bridal henna, we 

will spritz it with a lemon and sugar sealant and 

wrap it up in breathable tape to ensure you have 

a beautiful deep henna stain when it matters the 

most, on your wedding day.’ 

Book House of Henna: 

www.houseofhennalondon.com 

info@houseofhennalondon.com 

07852 125825 • 020 7739 9428 


Fast-track 

BEAUTY 

The latest non-invasive procedures can swiftly leave 

you looking brighter, tauter and years younger in 

time for your Big Day, says Anjana Gosai 

If you’re having regular facials but your skin 

is still not looking as perky as you desire, or 

perhaps you’re putting in the can be the best 

option for the pre-wedding results you demand. 

Thanks to a new generation of tools and 

techniques doctors can now smooth lines, fade 

discoloration and melt unwanted fat in a matter 

of hours. The best thing about this new breed of 

subtle procedures is that they are comfortable, 

there’s no recovery time and the effects are so 

discreet, that you’ll simply look like a tweaked 

version of yourself. 

FACE TIME 

As we turn 30, the body’s firming collagen and 

moisturising hyaluronic acid stores begin to 

deplete, which means our skin can start to look 

thinner, lined and less taut. Plus, accumulated 

sun exposure can lead to the formation of 

hyperpigmentation on the skin, which can be just 

as ageing as wrinkles. 

Dull, Dry Skin 

Make-up will sit better on smooth skin. The 

Egyptian Facial (£250, drdavidjackclinic.com) 

with Dr David Jack will leave your complexion 

looking fresh and radiant. The three-step facial 

includes a bespoke fruit acid peel to dissolve dead 

skin cells. Next comes dermaplaning, where a 

tiny scalpel is used to shave away peach fuzz 

followed by a nourishing vitamin facial. 

Refresh dry and tired looking skin with 

Profhilo (www.profhilo.co.uk). Unlike fillers, this 

unique injectable does not alter the volume or 

shape of the face, making it a great entry point 

for those looking to try tweakments. The fluid 

hyaluronic acid gel is injected into five areas of 

the face where it spreads under the skin, forming 

a water-binding layer to give the complexion a 

juicy glow that lasts for several months. It also 

stimulates the production of collagen and elastin 

giving skin a firmer, springier feel. 

Pigmentation 

Removing blotchy pigmentation can instantly 

brighten up and even out the skin. Dr Amiee Vyas’s 

signature DSP Method (doctoramiee.com) consists 

of an in-depth skin and lifestyle consultation 

followed by a carefully-designed plan consisting 

of a combination of medical-grade skincare and 

chemical peels that are tailored to your skin tone 

and needs - so there’s no risk of irritation. 

Fine Lines 

For tighter and perkier skin, you won’t be 

disappointed with Dermafrac (dermafrac.co.uk), 

which calls on crystal-free microdermabrasion 

to buff away dead cells and shift impurities 

followed by vacuum occlusion to pull the skin 

into contact with hundreds of microneedles, 

while infusing it with a serum. The needling 

action pierces the skin, creating pathways for 

the serum to penetrate deeper. Expect to emerge 

with smoother and tighter skin after just one 

45-minute treatment. 


BEAUTY

BEAUTY 

Lax Skin 

If you are a smoker or sunworshipper, 

skin laxity may be 

visible in your early 30s, and it is 

difficult to treat with skin care. 

Tissue-tightening radiofrequency 

treatments such as Pelleve (from 

£1200, drritarakus.com) is an 

effective fix. Pelleve involves the 

use of a pain-free, radiofrequencyemitting 

wand, which heats the 

lower layers of the skin to firm 

the area and smooth crinkles. 

Results are instant and users have 

seen impressive results around 

the eye, brow and mouth area 

after just one session. Sunken 

cheeks can be lifted with the 

HarmonyCa (allerganaesthetics. 

co.uk) – a new hybrid injectable 

containing hyaluronic acid and 

calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHa). 

The hyaluronic acid particles work 

deep within the skin providing 

an immediate lifting effect, while 

the CaHA support the body’s own 

collagen production, so new collagen 

fibres start to form. 

If you’re worried about ending up 

with chipmunk cheeks, show the 

doctor a picture of yourself in your 

20s, so they can see how you looked 

and then try to replicate that. 

Dark Circles 

If you’ve tried every eye cream 

under the sun, but are still not 

noticing a difference in your dark 

circles, then you may be expecting 

too much from your skincare. 

As we age, the fat just under the 

skin diminishes, and this exposes 

the underlying deep fat pad. 

This creates a hollowing effect, 

that casts a shadow. Ophthalmic 

plastic reconstructive surgeon, Dr 

Sabrina Shah Desai has developed 

Eye Boost (www.perfecteyesltd. 

com). She delivers nano-droplets of 

dermal filler Restylane Vital Light 

into the eyelid skin and tear trough 

area (the area below your lower 

eyelid and above your cheek) to 

restore lost volume, which reduces 

the appearance of dark circles. 

PRE 

PROCEDURE 

CHECKLIST 

Before you go ahead 

with any treatment, 

do your homework… 

Research your doctor 

It’s vital to check 

out your doctor’s 

credentials, qualifications 

and reputation before 

you book. 

Know your brands Not 

all products and tools 

are of the same quality. 

Ask your doctor which 

brands they use and 

why. 

Check the manufacturer 

Research the reputation 

of the company 

behind the product or 

procedure. 

Safety check 

Be sure that the product 

or procedure has been 

extensively tested. 

Past patient satisfaction 

Your doctor should 

be willing to show you 

testimonials and before/ 

after pictures of previous 

patient’s outcomes. 

BODY OF WORK 

Stubborn Fat 

If countless gym sessions 

or Peloton classes haven’t 

whittled down trouble spots 

such as love handles, podgy 

bellies or back flab, look into 

Accent Prime X (almalasers. 

com, drmedispa.com). The 

non-invasive treatment uses 

ultrasound technology to 

break down stubborn fatty 

deposits and radiofrequency 

to stimulates collagen in 

the skin, producing a lifting 

and tightening effect. Some 

patients have also noticed a 

reduction in the appearance 

of cellulite. To reap the full 

benefits, be sure to book a few 

months before your wedding 

day as four to six sessions 

spaced a week apart are 

recommended. 

Body Toning 

If you’ve only got months 

or even weeks to go before 

the Big Day, Emsculpt Neo 

offers fast-track toning. The 

30-minute treatment sculpts 

the body by using highintensity 

focused 

electromagnetic technology 

to stimulate the muscles. 

Just one 30-minute session 

is said to be equivalent to 

20,000 crunches or squats. 

It’s ideal for those who are in 

fairly good shape, but have 

resistant spots on the thighs, 

buttock, tummy and arms 

that need toning. 

TRIED AND TRUSTED DOCTORS 

• Dr Preema Vig (drpreema.co.uk) Carries out skilful work and subtle 

transformations with anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers from her 

chic Park Lane clinic. 

• Dr Munir Somji (drmedispa.com) has a calm and confident manner that 

will make you feel instantly reassured. His Knightsbridge, Marylebone and 

Loughton based DrMediSpa clinics are equipped with the latest devices. 

• Dr Amiee Vyas (doctoramiee.com) is an expert in treating South Asian 

skin. She offers online consultations and an array of treatments from 

cosmeceutical skincare, medical-grade peels and skin-boosting injectables. 

• Miss Sherina Balaratnam (sthetics.co.uk) is a former NHS surgeon who 

runs the multi-award winning S-Thetics clinic, which is home to the very 

latest medical aesthetic devices for the face and body, including high-tech 

facials, radiofrequency and laser skin resurfacing. 


BEAUTYSolution 

Your bridal beauty dilemmas solved by Anjana Gosai 

TWEAKMENT TIME 

I want to 

have some 

Botox and 

lip filler 

before my 

wedding. 

When is the best time to 

have these treatments? 

I spoke to Knightsbridgebased 

cosmetic doctor 

Dr Divya Veluvolu. She 

recommends starting 

anti-wrinkle treatments 

at least two months before 

the wedding followed by a 

review after three weeks, 

then another review 

three weeks prior to the 

wedding. “The botulinum 

toxin (Botox) takes time to 

marinate, but also for the 

muscles to be controlled in 

a way that looks natural,” 

explains Dr Divya. Dermal 

fillers, be it for volume loss 

or lip augmentation, should 

be carried out two months 

prior to the wedding. 

“Fillers should be built in 

stages to achieve natural 

results. It takes three to 

four weeks for the filler to 

settle into the facial tissues,” 

she adds. 

Book a consultation with 

Dr Divya, 07462382670. 

Tummy trimmer 

I have tried everything to trim down 

my tummy, can you recommend any 

treatments? 

Stubborn abdominal fat can be hard 

to treat. I was impressed with the 

FDA-approved Emerald Laser (www. 

emeraldlaser.com). The 30-minute painless 

procedure emits green-hued beams to the 

target area. The beams make tiny pores 

in the fat cell membrane, emulsifying the 

fat, which then leaves the body via the 

lymphatic system. Emerald can be used on 

the stomach, thighs, hips and underarms. 

A Harvard study saw an average loss of 

3.51 inches over two weeks in the waist, 

hip, and thigh areas. Dr Munir Somji, who 

was one of the first to offer the treatment 

at his Dr. Medispa clinic recommends 

two sessions per week. He says: “Since it 

doesn’t generate heat, there is no chance 

of burns or freezing and it shrinks fat cells 

rather than destroying them, so there’s no 

side-effects or downtime.” If it’s toning you 

are after, look into Emsculpt, which uses 

high-intensity focused electromagnetic 

technology to trigger 20,000 muscle 

contractions in one 30-minute session. 

You’ll notice the area looking trimmer 

in a matter of days. Both treatments are 

available at www.drmedispa.com 

Whether you 

TRY IT want to try 

something new or 

are considering hair colour for the first time, 

try Stil (www.stil-salon.com). Spearheaded by 

award-winning colour guru, Christel Barron- 

Hough, the chic salon offers meticulous 

consultations looking at eye colour, 

complexion, face shape and personality, 

which results in the most flattering hues. Be 

sure to book in at least two weeks before your 

wedding day to allow the colour to settle. 

HAIR HERO 

The ends of my hair are 

really dry. I have tried 

masks and leave-in 

conditioners but nothing 

seems to work. Please help! 

I often have the same issue 

with my coloured hair. I 

recently discovered K18 Leave-In Molecular 

Repair Hair Mask (£8.95, www.k18hair.com) 

and was super amazed with how soft and shiny 

it left my hair. The intensive mask 

uses a patented molecule, which is 

designed to reverse hair damage 

from colour, harmful chemicals 

and heat, in just four minutes. 

K18 renews hair from the inside 

by repairing broken keratin chains 

and leaving strands stronger, 

smoother and softer. 

SENSITIVE ISSUE 

I have sensitive skin and am always 

recommended medical body washes. Can 

you suggest something that 

doesn’t feel so clinical? 

Check out Olverum 

Body Cleanser (£26.50, 

harveynichols.com) which took 

five years to develop by brand 

founder Dominic Hawksley, a 

sufferer of enduringly sensitive 

skin. It’s sulphate-free and 

contains avocado oil plus the 

most soothing, aromatic blend of 

essential oils to ease tension. 

TO SOLVE YOUR BRIDAL BEAUTY WORRIES EMAIL: ANJANA@ASIANA.TV 


The Mane 

ATTRACTION 

Own the limelight with luxurious 

locks by celebrity hairstylist Dar 

There is only one Dar. A legend in the industry, with 

over 30 years of experience of beautifying celebrities, 

royalty and real women, he is the ‘go to’ hair designer 

when you want to feel like a million dollars. The A’list 

experience begins the moment you walk through 

the door of his glamorous salon based inside the prestigious 

five star Taj 51 Buckingham Gate which feels like a palace. With 

a flower wall backdrop and the choice of having your hair styled 

either in a spacious, communal area or inside your own private VIP 

room, pampering takes priority. Dar elaborates: ‘Whether you have 

a special event, are hosting a dinner party, going on a date night or 

are getting married, if your hair looks perfect, you’ll ooze confidence 

and sexiness and that’s what I gift to all my clients; the feeling that 

they are the most beautiful woman in the world.” 

Dar’s clientele includes Bollywood superstars Kajol and 

Jacqueline Fernandez, Hollywood actress Goldie Hawn, Miss 

England Bhasha Mukerjee, HRH Sultanah Kalsom, Queen of 

Pahang, Malaysia, Naughty Boy and Prime Minister of Pakistan 

Imran Khan. You too can experience the reason they go to him when 

they have a special occasion, when you book him for your bridal 

hair; a luxurious experience whether you pop in for a blow dry or 

book a complete bridal transformation. 

What they’re saying about Dar 

Check out Google reviews to see the consistent high-ratings 

Dar gets from all his clients like this one from January 2022: 

“5 stars aren’t enough! Absolutely loving my 

new haircut by Dar. I’ve always been nervous 

about going to salons due to bad experiences so 

subsequently, I didn’t get my haircut for a few 

years. When I first spoke to Dar before my visit, 

he was very personable and talked me through his 

style and techniques. From the moment I walked 

in the salon, he was charming and very attentive. 

I felt so relaxed. Throughout my appointment he 

taught me how to look after my hair at home; 

from achieving gorgeous, lasting styles, to which 

products to use to help and protect my hair. Dar is 

more than a hairdresser/stylist, he is an innovative 

artist and a true professional who has incredible 

passion for his profession and cares about his 

clients” 


SALON TALK WITH DAR 

The Celebrity Hair Stylist answers your questions 

BEAUTY 

I’m growing my hair for my wedding day, what 

can I do to help it look healthy? 

Firstly, congratulations! This is a very exciting 

time for you and I’m pleased to hear you’re 

already thinking about your hair. This is something I 

recommend to all my clients, your hair needs to be treated 

with regular TLC to maintain its condition. My suggestion is 

to find a reliable hairdresser at a local salon. Let them know 

that you’re getting married. They will start taking care of 

your hair by introducing good conditioning treatments, 

ensuring it is well moisturised in the lead up to your Big 

Day so that when it arrives, you’re ready to be under the 

spotlight. 

I’ve got three functions and I don’t know if I 

need to book a hair stylist for all three days or 

whether the style will hold? 

I advise booking a hairdresser for all three days. 

Having your hair done is part of your bridal pampering 

so don’t miss this step. We work so hard in our daily lives 

but your wedding should be about comfort, excitement 

and the happiness of this once in a lifetime occasion so 

don’t scrimp by only booking one day. It’s important 

that you’re fully rested and get your sleep during your 

wedding and you can only do that if you’re comfortable 

and not worrying about caring for your hair – leave that 

to a professional. Each morning when you’re with your 

hairstylist it’s a chance to slow down and catch your breath 

so enjoy this opportunity. 

I want to treat my mother to a pampering salon 

experience but she’s never been to hairdressers 

before so I’m not sure how to persuade her, 

what do you suggest? 

What a wonderful thing to do for your mother. I have 

one suggestion. Bring her to the Dar Blo Bar & Spa at the 

beautiful Taj 51 Buckingham Gate. She’ll be treated like an 

A’list celebrity, I’ll personally see to it myself! I’ve also styled 

many women including Kajol and Goldie Hawn but I take 

just as much time and effort on every client ensuring they 

all feel a million dollars. Why not take her out to lunch at 

the Taj and bring her to the salon as an additional surprise. 

DAR’S TOP TIPS FOR ENJOYING 

YOUR WEDDING DAY 

Styling 100s of brides over the years means Dar has a 

wealth of experience in understanding the needs of brides. 

Here he shares some of the advice he gives his clients: 

Get a copy of Asiana: As soon as 

they say yes I tell all brides to get 

Asiana Wedding Magazine, it’s their 

A-Z guide on planning their Big Day. 

Have a confidant: This is your 

shoulder to lean on. It could be a 

relative or best friend. From choosing 

your dress, jewellery, venue and 

even underwear, they will hold your 

hand until the last minute and it’s a 

great relief to bounce your ideas with 

somebody you trust and have known 

for a while. 

Have a separate MUA and hair 

stylist: If someone specialise in 

make-up and they do dressing hair 

on the side is that the best you 

deserve? It takes years to become 

a hairdresser they have training 

and experience to give you the best 

experience so if you can afford both 

book both. 

Enjoy the day: Don’t look back on 

your photos and regret that you were 

worrying about the catering rather 

than enjoying the moment. On the 

day forget about everything else, 

leave that to the experienced team 

and enjoy soaking up the happiest, 

most romantic, most beautiful day of 

your life. 

Book your appointment with Dar: 

Hair By Dar Salon, Taj 51 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AF 

www.hairbydar.com 


HEALTH 

&Wellbeing 

Give your mind and body some TLC 

Edited by Anjana Gosai 

Inner healing 

Ila’s Kunye Massage is just the therapies to balance the meridian 

tonic when you’re feeling tired or system and make you feel like 

overwhelmed. The deeply-holistic yourself again. Expect Tibetan 

treatment utilises potent organic cupping, kneading and acupressure 

essential oils, many of which are on the body and scalp along with 

inherent to the Himalayas, to warm heart crystals that are 

stabilise the body and mind. Rose strategically placed over the body to 

geranium, lemongrass, tulsi and leave you fully energised. 

lavender oils smell divine and Find your nearest spa: 

are used with a host of healing www.ila-spa.com 

HEALTHY HOT DRINKS 

Reclaim your calm 

Are you one of those people that have no 

time to slot supplements into your regime? 

These vegan Deja Life wellness lattes 

are a great alternative to pills. Available in 

Love Cacoa, Glow Wild and Gold Powder (£30 

each, www.deja.life) options, each blend is packed 

with antioxidants and ashwagandha – a well know 

ayurvedic herb that boasts an array of health benefits. 

Stir two teaspoons into your favourite milk to help boost 

immunity, balance hormones and improve mood. 

Mauli’s Sleep Dharma Calm Balm (£44) has been designed 

to help you recentre yourself in moments of physical or 

emotional unrest. The therapeutic balm is loaded with 

a fusion of rare adaptogens of ashwagandha, brahmi, 

chamomile and sage to calm the nervous system and 

balance the mind. Massage onto the palms or pulse points 

and notice tension melt away. 

PACK A PUNCH 

As far as workouts go, boxing is a great way to 

burn fat, build muscle, keep fit and unleash some 

pent-up pre-wedding aggression. 

You’ll be targeting your whole 

body, including upper, lower 

and core. Working out at home? 

Try Boxing via the Peloton 

App (www.onepeloton.co.uk/ 

app), which includes 20-minute 

classes covering shadowboxing 

fundamentals, footwork and 

defence with an expert instructor. 

Prefer to go it alone? Invest in a 

punch bag and get jabbing. Try 

Mirafit Freestanding Punch Bag 

(£139, www.mirafit.co.uk), which is made with 

PU leather with a base that can be filled with 

sand or water ensuring it withstands punches 

and kicks. 

FITNESS FABRIC 

The clever and weightless Pro Skins Slim High 

Waist Compression Leggings (£49.95, www. 

proskins.co) come infused with skincare 

ingredients that are massaged into the skin while 

you move. Ingredients like retinol, vitamin E, aloe 

vera and caffeine help boost circulation and keep 

the skin looking its best. Perfect for low impact 

workouts like yoga and pilates, Lululemon Align 

Pants (£88, www.lululemon.co.uk) are made with 

stretchable Nulu fabric, which is super soft with 

an almost second-skin like feel. 


HEALTH & FITNESS 

TRIED, TESTED 

& OBSESSED: 

Ushvani Spa 

You’ll feel immersed in serenity 

the moment you step inside this 

luxurious Malaysian day spa where the 

focus is on slowing down and being 

pampered. Ahead of your chosen 

treatment you’re invited to take a 

dip in the warm and soothing spa 

plunge pool and steam rooms before 

you surrender to the calming touch 

of your therapist. If you’re visiting 

with a friend or partner, book the 

Amara ‘love’ Suite for the ultimate 

relaxing retreat. All massages last 

a minimum of 90 minutes giving 

you optimal relaxation. Signature 

treatments include the heavenly Malay 

massage where you’ll receive topto-toe 

attention. A scalp massage 

and reflexology with a velvety soft 

ointment are highlights, alongside 

a full body massage leaving you 

feeling like you’re in a cocoon of 

bliss. Afterwards chill out in Ushvani’s 

candlelit tea lounge with a comforting 

cup of hibiscus tea. 

www.ushvani.com 

Recharge with IV 

When you consider the stresses that come 

with planning a wedding, it’s no wonder many 

brides and grooms reach their Big Day feeling 

run down and exhausted. Recharge your body 

and mind with a customised Intravenous 

infusion. IV drips work by delivering 

essential minerals and vitamins directly into 

the bloodstream, allowing the cells to take 

immediate advantage. If you’re exhausted 

look for vitamins C and B12 plus magnesium 

to replenish energy levels, while B-complex 

can help to calm nerves and improve 

concentration. 

Try it at www.zenhealthcare.co.uk 

LOVE YOUR LYMPH 

The lymphatic system is our body’s built-in-detoxifier, working to 

get rid of waste, toxins and excess fluid. “Blockages in our lymphatic 

system can lead to migraines, breakouts, tiredness and 

bloating,” says lymphatic drainage expert Dimple Amani. 

Loved by Sonam Kapoor and a host of influencers, Dimple’s 

healing lymphatic drainage is a must for anyone suffering 

from these symptoms. The Amani Method involves Brazilian 

and Ayurvedic massage techniques using her magic hands 

combined with a Gua Sha-like body sculpting tool and a 

warm Ayurvedic oil filled with more than 20 herbs. It instantly 

removes excess fluid from the body and works especially 

well to de-puff the stomach and legs. The temporary 

slimming effect is an added bonus. www.dimpleamani.com 

POWER SHOTS 

Blended with vitamin and mineral rich fruits and vegetables 

carefully selected for their health benefits – the B Fresh 

Wellness Shots have been designed with nutritionist 

Matt Jones. The Focus, Relax and Sleep cold-pressed juice 

shots can be sipped on daily and come filled with natural 

goodness like flaxseed to ease inflammation, stress-reducing 

ashwagandha and relaxation-inducing lemon balm. Available 

for nationwide delivery, (£59 for an 8 day supply) 

www.b-fresh.co.uk 

TRY IT 

Power your workouts with Artah 

Cellular Hydration (£32, www.artah. 

co). Loaded with 

Peruvian maca and insulin, 

this sugar and sweetenerfree 

electrolyte powder 

improves recovery, boosts 

energy and supports 

mineral balance in low 

carbohydrate diets. 


Fall in love with 

YOUR SMILE 

Simple cosmetic procedures can make a big 

difference as Dentist Dr Kal Prajapat explains 

About Dr Kalpesh Prajapat 

Dr Kal was awarded ‘Best Young 

Dentist Midlands - Highly Commended’ 

and was shortlisted as a finalist for Best 

Young Dentist UK for two years running 

at the 2019 and 2020 Dental awards. He is 

also a best-selling Amazon Author and the 

co-founder of www.iwanttobeadentist.com, 

an educational platform for future dentists. 

It’s well-known that when meeting someone new, one of the 

first things that we notice about them is their smile. In fact, 

the smile is also one of the most powerful traits determining 

attractiveness. So it’s not surprising that so many brides and 

grooms-to-be seek cosmetic dental treatment ahead of their 

Big Day, to ensure they look their best when it matters most in front 

of all those cameras. That’s where Dr Kal comes in. Kalpesh has an 

enormous passion for dental excellence and has a special interest in 

cosmetic dental treatments including composite bonding, Invisalign 

teeth straightening, ceramic veneers, teeth whitening and smile 

reconstruction with dental implants. In short all the procedures that 

could make a huge difference to improving you life your self confidence 

and your smile. 

Dr Kal shares his top five healthy 

hygiene habits for brides and groom 

Buy a pressure sensitive toothbrush 

1 

Using an electric toothbrush with a 

pressure sensitive function is a must. Electric 

toothbrushes help to remove more plaque 

bacteria than a regular toothbrush, the key 

cause of gum bleeding, bad breath and 

staining. A pressure alert sensor will help to 

prevent harm caused by over brushing. My 

personal favorite would be Oral B IO. 

Use interdental cleaning aids 

2 

Did you know a toothbrush only cleans 

three of the five surfaces of your teeth? To 

clean all tooth surfaces an interdental aid must 

be used, ideally twice daily. A silky floss can 

help glide between tightly placed teeth but an 

interdental brush is ideal for back teeth and 

bigger gaps. The key is to get a tight fitting 

brush to clean between teeth. My top tip is to 

add toothpaste on these bristles before you 

use them. My favourites are Oral B Pro-expert 

floss and Tepe Easypick. 

Try a tongue cleaner 

3 

The tongue can be a large store of 

bacteria which can contribute to poor odour. 

Daily tongue cleansing is a good habit to 

maintain fresh breath and avoid a coated 

tongue. 

4 

Book your professional hygiene visit 

Seeing a dental hygienist can make a 

huge impact to your oral health. Hygienists 

are equipped with advanced tools to blast 

through deep staining and remove hard tartar 

build up helping to brighten and freshen your 

smile. 

Be mindful of your diet 

5 

We all know red wine, tea and coffee 

can lead to staining. But did you know 

that ‘no added sugar’ drinks can also be 

harmful? due to their erosive potential it 

can cause the enamel to weaken. Using 

a straw can reduce harmful damage and 

reduce staining. Also drinking cooler fluids 

is better than warmer, for reducing damage 

by erosion. 

230| ASIANA WEDDING

CHOOSING YOUR TREATMENT 

Dr Kal shares the most common treatments requested by couples 

DENTAL 

INVISALIGN TEETH STRAIGHTENING 

What to expect 

Invisalign is a clear alternative to metal 

braces. It’s the most advanced, near 

invisible aligner, designed for teeth 

straightening. Over 10 million people 

worldwide have benefitted from Invisalign 

and it can be used to treat overcrowding, 

spaced teeth, improve the bite position and 

many other dental issues. 

When you’ll see results 

Invisalign uses a series of aligners to move 

teeth gradually into a straighter, desirable 

position. Each aligner is typically worn 

for seven days and a series of aligners are 

COMPOSITE BONDING 


Composite bonding is 

where a tooth coloured 

material is sculpted 

onto the natural tooth 

to improve its cosmetic 

appearance. It is cost 

effective, minimally 

invasive and is used for 

correcting small changes 

in tooth shape, size, and 

symmetry. Common 

reasons for treatment 

include fractures, small 

imperfections, minor 

gaps, chips and uneven 

edges. Composite 

bonding is also commonly 

performed after invisalign 

to enhance the smile. 

There is no pain involved. 

In most cases a dental 

injection is not even 

needed. There is no harm 

to the natural tooth as the 

material is layered onto 

of natural tooth surface 

without drilling. 


Composite bonding is done 

in a single visit usually, 

and can take up to two 

to three hours only. This 

gives you an instant smile 

makeover with no harm or 

no injection. On average 

given for you to use and change at home. 

Treatment can be as quick as 12 weeks. 

Patient aftercare 

You also don’t need to have multiple visits 

to the dentist either. They use a digital scan 

box to monitor your teeth movement to 

ensure it’s super accurate which reduces 

your need to attend the clinic. You only 

attend at the start and a couple of times 

throughout for monitoring. 

Cost 

Invisalign starts from £2500 or from £100 

per month over 24 months. 

bonding lasts between 

three to five years, in this 

time the material will 

require maintenance. 


Six to 12 monthly polishes 

are advised to maintain 

their shine and reduce 

stain build up. Excellent 

oral hygiene and diet 

control is advised to 

provide long lasting 

results. 

Cost Composite bonding 

start from £299 per tooth 

PROFESSIONAL 

TEETH WHITENING 


Teeth whitening is an extremely simple yet 

highly effective minimally invasive method 

of brightening your smile. The most common 

form of tooth whitening involves a twoweek 

home treatment kit. This kit includes 

whitening gels and custom-made tooth 

whitening trays. The trays are worn at night 

while you sleep and the gel works by breaking 

down the discolouration. 


Guaranteed whiter teeth can be expected 

with the treatment. Usually most patients 

will see a noticeable improvement within 

two weeks. Darker discolouration may take 

longer to whiten but 90% of patients will see a 

difference within the first two weeks. 


Whitening results are largely dependent on 

lifestyle factors such as diet, oral hygiene and 

smoking. Most patients will be satisfied with 

their result for up to four years. Long lasting 

white smiles can be maintained by topping up 

whitening once every three-six months. 

Cost 

Whitening fees begin from £350 

Scan QR code 

Watch Dr Kal perform LIVE 

To book an appointment with Dr Kal visit 

www.drkal.co.uk or Whatsapp +447835798611 

Clinic locations: Birmingham 

(Sheldon Dental Centre, 26 Sheaf Lane, 

B25 3HD) and Stafford (Abbey House Dental, 

13 Lichfield Street, St158NA) 


Groomingnotes 

FIVE STAR TREATMENT FOR THE MAN OF THE MOMENT 

TRY IT 

Is your skin easily irritated? Gingerlily Man 

Mulberry Silk Pillowcase (£66) is said to limit the 

amount of friction the skin is exposed to during sleep, 

helping to prevent irritation and pulling. 

Hair hero 

Healthy hair begins at the root. 

If dandruff is a problem, give Inkey 

List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Scalp 

Scrub (£12.99) a go. It’s loaded with 

glycolic acid to remove dead skin, 

Mediterranean microalgae to regulate 

sebum levels, biodegradable castor 

beads to enhance exfoliation, plus 

natural sugars to balance and 

maintain scalp health. It works 

wonders to deep clean the 

scalp and sweep away 

build-up. 

Multi-tasking balm 

Feed Your Skin 

If you find regular moisturisers too rich or greasy, 

try this lightweight gel formula that feels like a 

burst of water for thirsty skin. Zelens Acqua 

Shiso Hydrating Gel Cream (£65, www.zelens. 

com) contains Japanese mint, which provides antiinflammatory 

and antibacterial benefits along with 

moisture-enhancing hyaluronic acid and glycerin. 

Loaded with skin-softening shea, mango seed and kokum 

butters, the La Labo Multi-Purpose Balm (£16, Lelabofragrances. 

com) is gently fragranced with the brand’s signature 

grooming scent of fresh bergamot and lavender, 

edged with the coolness of violet and tonka bean. 

Use it to tame unruly hair, stubble and to hydrate 

dry skin patches on the go. 

SENSUAL 

SCENT 

Part of the 

new Tom Ford 

Enigmatic Woods 

Collection, Santal 

Blush (£195) is 

a sensual fusion 

of sandalwood 

and exotic spices, 

enhanced with 

soothing ylang 

ylang, warm 

cinnamon, and 

sumptuous woods. 

The perfect winter 

wedding scent. 



Happy Hour 

Whether whisky is your weakness 

or you prefer to have some rum 

in your tum every groom and his 

groomsmen need a hip flask to 

hand. A good drinking vessel can 

go a long way on the Big Day 

and this 14-carat gold-plated hip 

flask by VISKI (£66.45) is ideal. Its 

rounded design makes it easy to 

slip into your pocket so if you need 

a swig of Dutch courage before the speeches you know 

where to reach for it. www.thedesigngiftshop.com 

BRASSED OFF 

Bring the giggles to the gang. Gift this 

humorous gold foghorn (£21) to your 

best man to help him keep the boys in 

check during your stag do. One blast 

from the horn and they’ll know who’s 

in charge. It’s a replica of an original 

horn used by sailors to notify each 

other of hazardous weather and it will 

no doubt attract its own memorable 

tales from the evening. 

www.thenauticalcompany.com 

Your wedding day is 

an excuse to invest in 

a piece of history. Sure 

you can check your 

mobile for the time but 

where’s the sophistication? These mechanical 

masterpieces, popular with the elite in the early 

20th century, carry prestige and when hung 

from a chain will make you feel every inch 

the gentlemen. An accessory that will bring 

a timeless charm to your wedding photos 

the Mount Royal gold-plated Double Hunter 

pocket watch (£110) can be engraved with a 

personal message too. www.farrar-tanner.co.uk 

GROOM 

Accessories 

MAN MUST HAVES 

THE GROOM 

Stay Grounded 

Good coffee takes time, so don’t cut 

corners. Enjoy the aroma of a fresh 

brew each morning while you work on 

your wedding checklist. Use these quiet 

moments to carve out some for yourself 

as you sip from the drip. The Hario Bloom 

coffee drip kit (£299) retains the full flavour 

of the coffee beans so you can guarantee a 

caffeine kick that hits you when you need 

it. The kit includes three blends and a smart 

server. 

www.bridgecoffeeroasters.co.uk 

BOXED IN 

For the suave gent who has an eye for style 

Handmade from one of the rarest 

woods in the world Macassar Ebony, 

this heirloom watch box (£3200) 

is a modern-day treasure chest. 

Limited edition in design, it stores 

watches and essential accessories 

such as cufflinks and rings ensuring 

your valuables are safe inside chic, lockable 

storage. www.iwoodesign.com 

It’s About Time 

Mindful Moments 

Press pause and take a moment to 

recharge and reflect – wedding planning 

can take its toll. The only way 

to survive is to slow down and 

aromatherapy can help. Essential 

oils can reduce any stresses 

you’re experiencing and keep you 

energised between tasks. We love 

the Young Living range (£41 

each) which features specially 

blended portable aromas. 

www.youngliving.com 

Outfit by Sache 


HONEYMOON Notes 

The world’s most romantic escapes, new openings and travel essentials 

NEW OPENINGS 

Asiana recommends: 

Anantara World Islands 

Dubai Resort, UAE 

Hop on a boat from mainland Dubai to Anantara World 

Islands resort where you can indulge in ultimate privacy. 

Bask in the sun on the private beach whilst gazing at the 

iconic Dubai skyline. Pick from a range of luxurious rooms, 

suites and villas featuring private pools and sea views. Give 

your tastebuds a treat with dishes at the on-site restaurants 

showcasing local and Mediterranean cuisine, as well as 

private ‘dine by design’ concepts on the beach. The relaxing 

ambience continues in the soothing spa, featuring a variety 

of treatments. Daily boats are available to transport you from 

the island to the city and back. 

• www.anantara.com/en/world-islands-dubai 

SWITZERLAND 

Skiing enthusiasts should head to Six 

Senses Crans-Montana. Swiss chalet 

architecture meets Alpine sophistication 

at this five-star mountaintop retreat. Hit 

the slopes then recover in style at the 

2,000 square metre spa. There’s also a 

rooftop pool, Alpine garden and openair-cinema 

to enjoy. 

www.sixsenses.com 

VIETNAM 

There are no rooms at Regent Phu 

Quoc, just stunning suites and villas all 

with private pools and an airy aesthetic. 

Expect six restaurants and bars, a 

comprehensive spa and stretches of 

white sandy beaches. Honeymooners 

will love the romantic offerings such as 

a Robinson Crusoe picnic on a deserted 

island and oceanside dinners. 

www.phuquoc.regenthotels.com 

Get Packing 

What to take on your great getaway 

Their Nibs nightwear are a 

treat to slip into. Pick from 

soft satin or comfy cotton 

sets with gorgeous hand 

painted prints. Peacock 

Feather Shorties (£36, 

www.theirnibs.com) 

With a distinctive design, the Antler 

Clifton (£159, antler.co.uk) is everything 

you want from a carry on - strong but 

light. Its hard polycarbonate shell is built 

to last and will protect your belongings 

from damage. Inside, it’s spacious, 

allowing you to easily cram a week’s 

worth of essentials. Clever 360-degree 

wheels means it glides like a dream. 

Stow your travel essentials away in 

this soft leather Passport Folio (£49, 

www.notanotherbill.com). Available 

in seven shades and you can also 

personalise it with your new initials. 

SOUTH AFRICA 

The Homestead is an ultra-luxury 

eco lodge on the Nambiti Private 

Game Reserve offering huge suites 

with butler service, private pools and 

crackling fires. Spot the Big Five along 

with species of birds and plants native 

to the region. Newly-weds can learn 

wildlife photography skills and partake 

in cooking lessons. 

www.homesteadlodge.com 



HOTEL OF THE SEASON: 

THE GALATA ISTANBUL 

MGALLERY HOTEL 

You’re guaranteed to find 

Turkish delight inside the luxury 

Galata Istanbul MGallery Hotel 

and not just on the dessert 

table. Anatolian charm, design 

and attention to detail are felt in every aspect 

of your experience here; from its bright and 

spacious art-deco inspired bedrooms to its 

grand historic Cesme Hammam which dates 

back 300 years. The MGallery which is the 

oldest of four Galata hotels in the collection is 

the most exclusive boutique hotel in the city 

of Istanbul. Housed in a former bank there are 

quirky features like safety boxes in the hotel 

lobby and nods to the heritage of the space 

once being a newspaper printing house too. 

Combining culture and heritage with grand 

design, it’s the number one must-stay place 

for honeymooners and is the most-desirable 

hotel of the moment in Turkey. 

Elegant accommodation 

The deluxe rooms and suites have fresh, 

contemporary interiors and come with large 

LED televisions and espresso machines. 

Furniture and styling have a stylish art-deco 

theme with details like wooden shutters 

and original wallpaper, you’ll feel like you’re 

staying somewhere truly special. You’ll also 

have a private terrace where you can take in 

the beauty of this magical city. 

Pampering Perfection 

Guests are invited to use the historic Cesme Hammam 

and book in for a complete Turkish Bath & Spa experience 

where you’ll be immersed in water therapy, giving you a 

chance to recharge and refresh after your wedding. It’s 

also a popular spot with bridal parties so if you’re planning 

on a destination wedding in Istanbul it’s a great place to 

make a private booking so you can all indulge in pampering 

treatments followed by lashings of Turkish tea and the most 

delectable baklava you’ve ever tried. 

HONEYMOON 

Divine dining 

You’ll find two restaurants and a chic lobby 

bar at the hotel. Mesai Restaurant offers 

dreamy views of the Old City and is a 

romantic spot to enjoy a sundowner cocktail 

and tuck into artistic dishes. Mesai Karakoy 

served global dishes all day and offers views 

over the dramatic Historic Peninsular. 

www.thegalataistanbul.com 

thegalataistanbul 


MR 

AND 

MRS 

Start married life in the lap of luxury... 

Shangri-La The Shard, London 

Sky high luxury coupled with unrivalled views over the Capital 

THE ROOMS AND SUITES 

Starting up in the clouds on level 34 – 125 

metres high – Shangri La The Shard occupies 

18 floors inside the Renzo Piano-designed 

skyscraper – the UK’s tallest building. The 

hotel is the Hong Kong based Shangri-La’s 

first UK outpost, offering exquisite and 

spacious rooms with jaw-dropping views. 

All 202 rooms are spacious and serene 

with a sleek and sophisticated décor 

complete with floor to ceiling windows, 

which make you feel connected to the 

city. There are 17 suites to pick from, 

including the London Suite – the place to 

book for serious wow-factor. The second 

largest suite in the hotel, can be found 

on level 38. Luxurious in every way, the 

expansive one-bedroom suite features 

mood-lighting, a walk-in dressing area, 

huge living and dining room, kitchenette, a 

spacious marble clad bathroom - complete 

with a rain shower, separate tub overlooking 

Tower Bridge and The Tower of London, 

Acqua Di Parma toiletries and an integrated 

television screen in the mirror. You’re 

guaranteed a good sleep in the comfy 

beds with body-contouring technology, 

1,000-threadcount Frette linen and a lavish 

pillow menu to pick from. 

Telescopes for admiring the views and 

fascinating books on London architectural 

history are thoughtful additions. London 

Suite guests also get exclusive privileges 

including a one-way private airport 

transfer – ideal for those jetting off on a 

honeymoon plus a bottle of Champagne 

on arrival. There’s also a Butler service 

available upon request. 

FACILITIES 

This is a hotel where you will want to 

enjoy the room rather than explore your 

surroundings. 

If you do venture out, whizz up to 

the 52nd-floor, where you will find the 

calming Skypool and Finnish sauna 

boasting stunning views of London’s iconic 

landmarks. There is also a lounge area and 

complimentary teas and fruit to snack on. 

This floor is also home to Gong, the highest 

hotel bar in Europe. While there’s no spa on 

site, you can book a Neal’s Yard massage in 

the comfort of your room. 

For your evening meal, head to Ting, 

which offers European fine-dining with 

an Asian twist. Dishes are put together 

using plenty of ingredients sourced from 

the neighbouring Borough Market. We 

recommend the delicious Miso Cod and 

Malaysian-style Fried Rice. There’s also a 

plant-based menu. If you prefer a more 

intimate meal, book Dining in the Sky – this 

romantic private dining experience includes 

a three-course meal, champagne, wine and 

wonderful views. 

www.shangri-la.com 


FIRST NIGHT 


The Loch & The Tyne, 

Old Windsor, Berkshire 

Five-star food in a gorgeous 

countryside inn makes this the 

perfect post-wedding getaway 

Conveniently located in the pretty village of Old 

Windsor, just 20 minutes from Heathrow, this 

characterful inn by celebrity chef Adam Handling is 

an ideal pit stop for foodies. 

The lodge style building complete with two suites, 

fire pits, tartan throws (a nod to Handling’s Scottish 

heritage) and a large outdoor terrace is an ideal post 

wedding getaway for those wanting some seclusion 

and serenity after the festivities. 

With just two rooms, you’ll feel well looked after, 

but be sure to book well in advance as demand is 

high. The Loch Suite features a free-standing bath 

in the living room, sofa, double bed, shower room, 

walls adorned with modern art and a pretty outdoor 

terrace with views of the restaurant’s eco-garden. 

Little touches like homemade bath salts, hot water 

bottles, ready-made Negroni and the most delicious 

chunky shortbread, baked daily in-house, will make 

your stay all so special. 

A chance for you to sample Adam Handling’s 

culinary creations should not be overlooked. 

Handling has cooked for G7 leaders, he also runs the 

Michelin-starred Frog in Covent Garden and Ugly 

Butterfly in Cornwall. 

The menu at The Loch & The Tyne includes 

refined British pub classics made with local 

produce and there’s a huge emphasis on sustainable 

practices - no food goes to waste here. A lot of the 

ingredients are picked from the onsite vegetable 

garden and orchid. Highlights from the a la carte 

menu include Handling’s famous warm sourdough 

with whipped chicken butter and a sprinkle of 

crunchy chicken ‘crackling’; decadent cheese 

doughnuts topped with lashings of parmesan and a 

pretty strawberry trifle scattered with edible petals 

on chantilly cream. There are also classic options 

like fish and chips and aged rib-eye, which come 

with a fine-dining edge. 

Once you’ve indulged, hop on one of the Velosophy 

bikes, made using recycled Nespresso pods and 

explore the nearby countryside. 

www.lochandtyne.com 


ISLAND PARADISE 

Indulge in the simple pleasures of glorious weather, divine 

dining and pure unadulterated pampering at the Angsana 

Corfu Resort & Spa says Momtaz Begum-Hossain 

The first time you spy the impressive 

hilltop resort of Angsana Corfu 

will be from the plane. It’s the most 

striking building on the landscape 

as you come to land on the beautiful 

island of Corfu. Basking in golden lights it has 

an almost heavenly air about it and a celestial 

spirit that radiates throughout your stay. 

Corfu is the most intriguing of the Greek 

islands, nestled in the Ionian Sea and rich 

in history and natural wonders. Corfu’s Old 

Town is a thriving hub of shops and eateries 

adjacent to a picturesque harbour. If you hire 

a car you’ll have the freedom to zip around 

the island visiting monasteries, beaches and 

epic viewpoints; that’s if you can draw yourself 

away from the Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa. 

Opened in the summer of 2021 in a short space 

of time, it has established itself as the most 

desirable spot on the island, ideal for a luxurious 

honeymoon and a dreamy fairytale wedding in 

the Mediterranean. 

The resort has a private sandy beach, spa, 

several fine dining restaurants and cocktail 

bars. Large spacious rooms with balconies are 

located in the main building or you can book one 

of the hotel’s villas which comes with a private 

pool, kitchen and dining area. The concierge 

have also designed local walking tours where 

you can wander through olive groves and enjoy 

mesmerising sunset views. 


HONEYMOON 

Luxury lodgings & delicious dining 

Whether you stay in one of the 37 private villas or in 

the main hotel which has 159 luxurious rooms you’ll 

experience the five-star treatment that Angsana hotels 

around the world are known for, blending Asian hospitality 

with local culture. Comfort is a priority and you’ll feel at 

ease immediately. 

There are four signature restaurants and seven bars 

located throughout the resort which have outdoor terraces, 

perfect for warm summer evenings. Cuisine includes 

Asian fusion dishes and Greek specialities including the 

most cooling, thick and moreish tzatziki you’ve ever tried. 

Foodies from all over Greece book a table at Botrini’s finedining 

restaurant curated by Michelin-star chef Ettore 

Botrini and with such highly praised cooking on your 

doorstep it would be rude not to visit. 

Blissful bathing 

Home to the largest infinity pool in Corfu, the hotel’s main 

swimming pool is the focal point of the resort. From here 

you can look out over breathtaking views while sipping 

on a cocktail. If you’re staying in one of the villas that 

have a private pool, it’s still worth venturing here for the 

experience. The Angsana Spa on site is a must-visit for 

honeymooners. Share an indulgent flower petal bath and 

enjoy their complete wellness experience which features a 

sublime foot rub and relaxing massage. 

DESTINATION WEDDINGS AT ANGSANA 

CORFU HOTEL & RESORT 

Hotel weddings can often take place inside conference facilities which 

means guests miss out on the allure and charm of the venue but not 

here. Weddings can be held in any area of the hotel you like. Couples are 

encouraged to visit and enjoy the facilities before choosing their spot 

which could be the alfresco terrace of one of the hotel’s bars, holding a 

reception in a restaurant and having a ceremony on Angsana’s private 

beach which is exclusive to guests. Our favourite spot though is on the 

wooden decks overlooking the hotel’s pool, the light here is stunning with 

blue skies as far as the eye can see; it truly is an island paradise. 

www.angsana.com/greece/corfu 


DEIA 

Nestled amongst the majestic 

Tramuntana mountains, 

yet boasting views of the 

sparkling Mediterranean 

waters, Deià, is a charming 

village that has become a magnet for 

celebrities and adventurers as well as a 

long-established hub for artistic talent. 

Just 45-minutes from Palma Airport, 

this region of Majorca is a UNESCO world 

heritage site thanks to its picture-perfect 

landscapes and lush greenery giving it 

an old world, unspoilt feel. With a cluster 

of exceptional restaurants, including the 

Michelin-starred Es Racó d’es Teix- it’s no 

surprise that foodies often make a bee line 

for this idyllic municipality. 

WHERE TO STAY: La Residencia, 

A Belmond Hotel 

This rocky hillside town is also home to one 

of Majorca’s most desirable properties – La 

Residencia, A Belmond Hotel. Furnished 

with local antiques, fabrics and over 750 

works from local painters, this is a place 

which offers high-end luxury but with 

a creative soul. Home to an exclusive 

suite created by British fashion designer, 

Matthew Williamson, La Residencia 

unapologetically serves up the very best 

of everything from fine dining to spa 

indulgence to poolside relaxation and 

impeccable service. 

Honeymooners will feel a million miles 

away from it all amongst the mountains 

which, according to local legend, emit 

positive, healing energy. Just what you 

need after all the excursions that come 

with getting hitched. There’s plenty to do 

at the hotel once you’ve settled into your 

rooms, which are spacious and serene with 

MAGNIFICENT 

Majorca 

Dramatic landscapes, azure 

waters and cultural corners 

makes this Balearic Island the ideal 

honeymoon hotspot, says Anjana Gosai 

The largest of the Balearic Islands and blessed with more than 300 sunny days-a-year, 

Majorca is a well-established beach, golf and party destination for British holidaymakers. 

But venture slightly off the beaten track to the largely unspoilt north west of the Island, 

you will find breath-taking coastlines, rugged mountain ranges, towns rich in art and 

culture and high-end luxury to rival Europe’s more traditionally-glamorous destinations. 

crisp linen and sumptuous pillows. 

Bask in the views by the pool, as staff 

bring over cooling sorbets along with a tray 

of mini Natura Bisse sunscreen. 

Pick from a range of therapeutic 

treatments at the award-winning spa 

or simply chill out in the indoor pool. A 

couple’s Citrus Siesta massage on the 

alfresco terrace is highly recommended 

– it’s the perfect spot to soak in the 

spectacular scenery while being pampered. 

Art lovers can’t help but adore this place. 

Book into a sculpting class with sculptormaestro 

Juan Waelder or an art class with 

residence artist Alan Hydes, who has some 

fascinating anecdotes to share about his 

celebrity clients. The ‘cava’ masterclass 

with resident sommelier is also popular. 

Those who prefer adventure can hire a 

Vespa to explore or venture out for a hike 

with expert guide, Eduardo. 

For a memorable afternoon, take the 

complimentary shuttle from the hotel down 

to Ca’s Patro March . This restaurant sits 

so close to the crashing waves on a tiny cove 

known as Cala Deià, that you have to time 

your walk across the pebbles from the path 

to reach this rustic seafood eatery, in order 

to avoid the tides. 

Evenings at ‘La Res’ are magical and 

best enjoyed sipping a cocktail in the 

citrus and ancient olive tree lined gardens 

before an indulgent dinner at one of the 

restaurants. The fine-dining El Olivo, 

set in a 17th-century olive mill, serves 

Majorcan breads and catch-of-the-day 

delights such as prawn ceviche with 

seaweed sour cream. The mountain-facing 

Café Miro comes to life with live music 

and they serve an unforgettable selection 

of traditional desserts. La Residencia is 

known as Mallorca’s grand dame and a 

vast proportion of guests return here year 

after year - it just has that effect on you. 

www.belmond.com 


HONEYMOON 

PORT DE SOLLER & SOLLER 

A buzzy and popular harbour village, Port 

de Soller offers a discerning alternative 

to Majorca’s more mainstream coastal 

resorts. With a marina studded with bars 

and restaurants, this horseshoe-shaped bay 

attracts holidaymakers and honeymooners 

alike. 

The vintage tramway, nicknamed the 

‘Orange Express’ due to the citrus groves 

it rattles past, is the only working tram in 

Majorca and connects Port de Soller with 

the nearby town of Soller. This postcardpretty 

historical town features charming 

local eateries, cobbled streets and eclectic 

architecture including the imposinglybeautiful 

Neo-gothic church of Sant 

Bartolomeu. 

WHERE TO STAY: JUMEIRAH 

PORT SOLLER HOTEL & SPA 

Perched majestically on the cliffs overlooking 

the port and the gleaming Mediterranean 

Sea is the Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa. 

This luxurious retreat feels a world away from 

the bustle of the harbour, with panoramic 

views of the sea on one side and the towering 

Tramuntana Mountains on the other. 

Its 87 rooms and 40 suites are thoughtfully 

spaced, ensuring the property never feels 

too busy. Each room comes with a balcony 

and large bathrooms, many of which boast 

glass-walled showers overlooking the sea. 

You can also expect high-end touches from 

Mühldorfer goose-down pillows to Natura 

Bisse amenities. 

If you really want to soak in the views, 

head to the Sunset Lounge, where guests 

can sample a variety of Japanese-Peruvian 

delicacies amidst live DJs as the sun 

disappears into the sea. Formal dining can be 

enjoyed at the resort’s Cap Roig restaurant. 

The jewel in the crown of this regal 

property is the incredible Talise Spa, a 

modern wellness centre including a sauna, 

Hamman suite and ten treatment rooms. 

The spa’s outdoor hydro pool overlooking 

the mountains offers ultimate relaxation while 

the extensive spa menu includes treatments 

combining modern techniques with traditional 

ingredients, like crushed almonds and local 

olive oil. 

While it may be tempting to lounge by the 

hotel’s impressive infinity pool throughout 

your stay, we recommend booking a 

speedboat for an afternoon. Explore the 

rugged coastline, relax on the waves, and 

venture into caves with a knowledgeable 

guide (try www.sollercharterexperience). 

Once the boat trip is over, grab a meal 

at Suculenta Port de Soller (www. 

suculentaportdesoller.com)– a fine dining 

restaurant that is perfectly placed right on the 

waterfront. 

www.jumeirah.com 


EASTERN Promise 

The Middle East remains the number one dream destination for couples seeking 

unrivalled luxury and hospitality. We sent Fariha Sabir-Bajwa to check out the latest 

must-stay hotels for honeymooners in the region’s most desirable locations 

UAE: FOUR SEASONS RESORT JUMEIRAH BEACH, DUBAI 

Dubai has long established itself as 

a honeymoon haven and made 

its mark as the ultimate glitzy 

and glamorous playground of 

indulgence and hedonism. With 

this image in mind, it only makes sense to choose 

a hotel that will match such lustrous expectations. 

Cue Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach 

– which will not just meet expectations, but also go 

way beyond. 

Ideally located near downtown Dubai on 

Jumeirah Beach Road, the hotel boasts aweinspiring 

views of the illustrious Dubai skyline on 

one side and the sparkling waters of the Arabian 

Gulf on the other. This means that most things on 

your to-do list will most likely be conveniently close 

by such as Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountains, the tallest 

building in the world Burj Khalifa, Dubai Water 

Canal and so much more. 

There is an array of rooms and suites to choose 

from, each with impressive views all around, 

featuring classic themes, with contemporary 

accents, hints of Arabian design and finished with 

sumptuous furnishings. The large cushy beds 

promise a slumber of a lifetime, the bathrobes 

are plush and your toes will sink into the thick 

bathmats. The attention to detail is divine and is 

what sets Four Seasons apart from the others, as 

well as the most attentive staff. 

Dining at the Four Seasons is a treat to the 

senses, with a range of restaurants and bars such 

as Mercury Lounge, offering delectable cuisines 

that you can tuck into and sip a swanky cocktail, all 

whilst taking in alluring views of the city. Whether 

it’s a Tomahawk steak cooked to perfection at 

dinner or chocolate madeleines with tea – both 

will be the finest edibles your tastebuds have 

ever savoured. Newlyweds can romance during 

a private beachfront dining evening, featuring 

their very own attendant catering a five-course 

extravaganza. 

Not many hotels can boast a private beach 

along the Arabian Gulf coastline – ideal for a spot 

of basking in the sun and beachside tipple. For 

those looking for a sanctuary, The Pearl Spa is 

a lavish retreat featuring an array of treatments 

and therapies to rejuvenate the mind and body, 

including the use of luxury products such as 

Biologique Recherche, which will leave your skin 

feeling anew. The pearl-themed spa is reminiscent 

of Dubai’s ancient pearl industry, where guests 

can be wowed by pearl-embedded feature walls, 

consisting of reflective pearl elements resembling a 

mermaid’s tail. 

Although Dubai showcases an extensive portfolio 

of decadent hotels and resorts, the Four Seasons is 

an iconic gem of sheer elegance and refinement in 

every aspect. 

• www.fourseasons.com/dubaijb 


OMAN: SHANGRI-LA RESORTS, MUSCAT 

Upon first impressions of Muscat, you will be 

pleasantly surprised and awe-inspired by the 

imposing landscape of gigantic, looming, rocky 

mountains. The journey to Shangri-La resort 

hotels is a unique one, where you will be left 

wondering how the roads were carved from 

these epic rocks. As the roads wind upwards and 

downwards, the resort is hidden away by the 

mountains, until it magically emerges on the 

horizon. 

Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah resort connects two 

enormous luxurious hotel wings called Al Waha 

‘The Oasis’ and Al Bandar ‘The Town’. The 

hidden gem amidst this treasure, is Shangri-La 

Al Husn, an ultra swanky adult-only retreat, 

discreetly nestled atop a cliff, adding to the 

exclusive honeymoon vibes. 

Set away from the rest of the resort hotels, Al 

Husn’s ambience is of the utmost tranquility. 

Staying true to Omani heritage and culture, 

sumptuous Arabian décor, facades and 

furnishings fit for royalty are themed throughout 

the resorts. Al-Husn boasts understated opulence 

with quintessentially Middle-Eastern shaped 

archways and golden embossed ceilings. As you 

walk out into the main courtyard, there is not a 

sound to be heard, except the gentle tinkering of 

the central fountains cascading, until your eyes 

and ears are drawn towards the most soothing 

melody and sight of the dazzling waters of the 

Gulf of Oman, creating an idyllic backdrop for the 

huge infinity pool. 

Following the uninterrupted sandy coastline, 

there is no better relaxation spot than the 

serenity of the private beach cove. There are 

a variety of rooms and suites on offer, each 

impeccably designed and wonderfully spacious, 

including a special balcony or terrace from which 

to savour the surrounding natural scenes. 

As you enter the decadent Luban Spa, you 

will instantly be welcomed by the indulgent and 

mystical scents of Frankincense – a traditional 

oil embedded in the Omani culture since the 

beginning. Tantalising cuisine from traditional 

Omani dishes to Mediterranean delights can 

be enjoyed at any of the three restaurants and 

bars onsite. Omani food is delicious, where the 

meat in particular is cooked to the utmost tender 

perfection. Although you won’t want to leave the 

serenity of Al-Husn, guests can also utilise all 

facilities and services at the adjacent hotels on 

the resort, including six swimming pools, nine 

restaurants, bars and cafes. 

Although it is easy not to leave this seaside 

haven, there is of course plenty to experience 

in and around Muscat including local markets, 

beautiful mosques, shopping and a variety of 

watersports. But what will certainly leave its 

mark is the warm Omani hospitality. 

• www.shangri-la.com/en/muscat/ 

alhusnresortandspa 

HONEYMOON 

GET MARRIED IN MUSCAT 

Muscat makes the ideal destination wedding spot with year-round sunshine, 

stunning natural beauty backdrops such as sandy beaches, turquoise 

sparkling waters and a mesmerizingly unique landscape of rugged mountains. 

The Shangri-La resorts can accommodate large capacity celebrations and 

their in-house wedding planning team can cater to all your dream wedding 

requirements. They really know how to personalise each event too - they 

once changed the name of the resort to a groom’s surname upon his request. 


Shreena | Art by Shree 

www.artbyshree.com 

E: artbyshree@hotmail.com • artybyshree

Better than a little black book - this is your checklist of experts to check out 

DIRECTORY 

Dream Team 

Selected service providers to make 

your wedding wishes come true 

CREATIVE TOUCH 

Modern art for your new love nest 

GET THE 

PARTY 

STARTED 

IT’S NOT A CELEBRATION 

WITHOUT THE MUSIC 

Photograph by Illusion Photo Video

T: +44(0)207 193 0138 • E: hello@illusionphotovideo.co.uk 

www.illusionphotovideo.co.uk 

illusionphotovideo

THE ULTIMATE EVENT PLANNING & CATERING COMPANY 

VENUES • CATERING • DÉCOR 

The All-In-One Wedding Company 

Unit 10, Abbey Trading Point, Canning Road, Stratford, London E15 3NW 

Tel: 0208 522 4528 / 07956 237 128 / 07545 881 924 

info@sultancaterers.co.uk 

www.sultancaterers.co.uk



07939 15 44 00 


Outfit & Jewellery: Golden Zari • Henna: Henna by Mevy • Styling: Zaf Shabir • Photography: Mona Munshi • Location: Souk Al Bahar, Dubai

Outfit: Seasons • Jewellery: Tanaya Couture 

Bridal Enquiries: 

For more information or to 

book to a Makeup Trial, call 

07958 635 857 

Training Courses 

Learn the tricks of the trade and 

how to become a top MUA. 

Discover more online at 

www.naveeda.com

STOCKISTS 

FASHION 

Anayah Jewellery 07950 747192 

Araeya Rai 100A Belgrave Road, 

Leicester 07792 275770 

Chunri Boutique 


Birmingham, West Midlands 

0121 328 5355 

Diya's 

213-215 Soho Road, Handsworth, 

Birmingham 0121 523 3369 

Ganesh Jewels 

320 Farnham Road, Slough 

01753 533 500 

Grace Studio By Haneet Singh 

Plot No: 148,149 Frontier Colony, 

Adarsh Nagar, Nr Hotel Divine, 

Jaipur 302004, Rajasthan, India 

T: +91-9660504407 

Jauhar Jewels 

176A Ladypool Road, Sparkbrook, 


Khushboo’s Bespoke Fabrics 

197 Ladypool Road, 


Khushboo’s By Chand 

218-220 Ladypool Road, 

Sparkbrook, Birmingham 

0121 753 3045 

Mona Vora Xari Department 

Store, Aklu Plaza, Romford 

Monga’s 60-66 The Broadway, 

Southall 020 8574 4863, 

020 8843 0111 

Nargis Collections 

96 The Broadway, Southall, 

020 8571 2378 

Nazia Nasir 

Appointments: 07930407459 

O & P Birmingham 

1 - 2 St. Paul’s Road, Smethwick, 

West Midlands 

01215583476, 07738883277 

Panache Boutique 

161 Ladypool Road, Sparkbrook, 

Birmingham, West Midlands 

0121 446 4541 

Ramesh Jewellers 

90 The Broadway, Southall, Middx 

020 8571 5339 

RDC London 

181 Ilford Lane, Ilford, Essex 


246 Green Street, London 

020 8514 8206 

Sache 

115 Alum Rock Road, Birmingham 

0121 328 7024 

Sai Fashions 

189, 209 Queens Road, Cheetam 

Hill, Manchester 0161 202 2455 

Seasons 

69 Wingletye Lane, Essex 

07930809028 

Sonas Haute Couture 

48 Ealing Road, Wembley, 

Middlesex, 020 8795 1100 

Tanaya Couture 07970 138 983 

Tehxeeb London 


London 

02033056778, 07867339737 

456 Stratford Road Birmingham 

0121 7942181, 07483906161 

DETAILS 

1SW Events www.1swevents.com 

Anayah Jewellery 

www.anayahjewellery.co.uk 

Blooms by Vanita 

info@bloomsbyvanita.com 

Dazzle London 07956453813 

Deeya Jewellery www.deeya.co.uk 

Faras Boutique 07841507746 

FemmexFashionx 

sabrina.osami@hotmail.co.uk 

Finene Jewellery 07979840586 

Goenka Jewels 

www.goenkajewels.co.uk 

Jewels by Nazish 07583 061179 

Konplott www.konplott.com 

Kyles Collection 

www.kylescollection.com 

Lotus Bride 

www.thelotuslondon.com 

Maala London 07958200874 

Maz Events www.mazevents.com 

NeckLuxe London 

www.neckluxe.london 

Nikita By Niki 

www.nikitabyniki.com 

Paul Jewellers 

www.pauljewellers.co.uk 

Poonam Khaira 07824379141 

Red Dot Jewels 

www.reddotjewels.com 

Roshan’s Jewellery 07940019003 

Rubina Kapoor 

www.rubinakapoor.com 

PLEASE MENTION ASIANA WEDDING MAGAZINE WHEN YOU CONTACT OUR STOCKISTS 

258 | ASIANA WEDDING

PRESENT... 







Excellence and expertise… 

with a touch of brilliance 

OFFICIAL CATERERS AT: 

Hilton Metropole NEC Birmingham 

Park Plaza Riverbank 

Royal Lancaster London 

Park Plaza Westminster Bridge 

London Hilton On Park Lane 

Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel 

Intercontinental O2 

The Grove 

Natural History Museum 

London Hilton Syon Park 

The Landmark London 

The Savoy 

The Fairmont, Windsor 

Rosewood London 

De Vere Beaumont Estate 

Sofitel London Heathrow 

Sheraton Skyline Heathrow 

Radisson Edwardian Heathrow 

London Heathrow Marriott 

Hilton London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 

Madhu’s Southall 

39 South Road, Southall UB1 1SW 

All Enquiries: 020 8574 1897 

Madhu’s Heathrow 

Sheraton Skyline Hotel, Bath Rd, Hayes 

Madhu’s of Mayfair 

The Dilly Hotel, 21 Piccadilly, London 

Madhu’s at The Grove 

The Grove, Chandler’s Cross, Watford 

Madhu’s Istanbul 

Swissôtel, The Bosphorous 

www.madhus.co.uk

Asiana Wedding 58 - Aut/Win22

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