It was a Bollywood shaadi with a difference. Blushing bride and actress Sameera Reddy looked stunning in a Neeta Lulla red and gold silk sari; henna and choodas covering both arms. The groom, Akshai Varde, meanwhile added zing to his traditional dhoti-kurta-topi ensemble, also designed by Neeta Lulla, by zooming into the wedding mandap on a customized Vardenchi motorcycle.
Apparently, it's a fondness for speed and motorcycles that played Cupid to these lovebirds. Akshai, owns a company that makes custom-made bikes and the couple have been dating for the last two years.
The sangeet was a fun affair with the bride and groom cutting a cake though the wedding was more traditional and private affair, attended only by close friends and family.
Sameera Reddy looked like a pretty dulhan in a traditional sari. Nishika Lulla said that when Sameera approached her mother (Neeta) to design her wedding sari she was very clear that it should be traditional with a twist. So while the wedding was conducted as per Maharashtrian rituals, Neeta designed a Kanjeevaram sari in cream, maroon and saffron befitting a wedding.
Sameera kept the rest of her look simple and understated, choosing to wear very little makeup. We especially loved the mundavalya—the decorative string of pearls, beads and flowers tied around the forehead—that she sported.
Sameera's choice of a sari goes to show that they've become a rage this wedding season, scoring over lehengas, shararas and ghagras. Sported just by middle aged women even a decade ago, today its all the rage with the younger lot because of the grace and elegance they epitomize. Its really a multi-occasion attire, and looks great at work, parties and of course weddings.
Makeup essentials for DIY bridal makeup
We have had many bride-to-be writing in and seeking advice on the bare essentials they need to stock up on to look their prettiest on their wedding day. Of course you can do your own makeup but remember it'll be hard to get the finished look if you hired a pro makeup artist. To make sure you get the look right, try it a few times beforehand to get it just right.
You could use your regular makeup products for your wedding but make sure that all the products are photograph-friendly and capable of hiding the minutest of flaws because the bright lights and cameras will capture the tiniest of details.
We've listed a step wise application of makeup if you're planning to do your own makeup on D Day. After all if Kate Middleton could do her own makeup then why not you?
Step 1: It's a three step routine that can never go wrong; Cleanse, Tone and Moisturize. This is no time to experiment, just use your regular brand and follow your tried and tested routine. Remember skin tends to get dehydrated due to anxiety, so remember to moisturize well. I personally love the Dermalogica range. It gives great results.
Step 2: Use a primer. It evens out your skin and holds the makeup longer without streaking or fading. The NYX Professional Makeup Studio Perfect Primer works wonders.
Step 3: Conceal correctly! Skilful concealing is the key to creating a flawless complexion. Dab in the concealer to blend instead to rubbing it on to blend. I love the texture of the Rimmel Stay Matte Dual Action Concealer if you like a matte finish.
Step 4: On a big day I always prefer choosing a cream foundation. It gives a heavier and even coverage leaving you photo ready for all those snapshots. The Max Factor Miracle Touch Liquid Illusion Foundation that goes from solid to liquid sits on skin like a dream.
Step 5: Try a compact powder instead of a translucent powder to finish up. The end result is better and lasts longer. It’s also easy to keep handy to touchups. I like the feel and look of L‘Oreal Paris True Match Press Powder.
Step 6: Use a bronzer to create contour if you know how to. Follow by a generous brush of blush. The makeup will grow warmer and deeper the longer it stays on your face. I like Rimmel 3 in1 Multi Tonal Powder Blush as each pan has three shades that can be combined or mixed to personalize your shade.
Step 7: For the eyes I always suggest a nice deep warm shade. It might take a little time but try and contour to get a more dramatic look. I simply adore the new Lakme 9 To 5 Eye Quartet Eye Shadow.
Step 8: Line the eyes with a brown or black liner. The L'Oreal Paris Superliner Luminizer Eye Liner is very smooth and long lasting. Don't forget to apply lashings of mascara on lashes, inclusing lower lashes. Try Lakme Eyeconic Curling Mascara.
Step 9: When you are the bride you are bound to get nostalgic and emotional. So make sure your kajal and mascara are water-proof. The Lakme Eyeconic Kajal + New Shades is very smooth, and best of all smudge-free!
Step 10: Spice up your lips! Wear a nice bright pink or red lippie. But don't forget to line your lips first. The L'Oreal Paris Infallible Le Rouge Lipstick range has several shades that compliment every skin tone and taste.
Picture Credits:plus.google.com | bollywoodmantra.com | nagpurtoday.in | meraneed.com | www.tamilstar.com
By makeup artist Arshis Javeri (www.arshisjaveri.com)
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