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Feb
11
An Epic New Orleans Sikh Engagement Party
After years of experience in the wedding photography and videography industry, the Saiaf Films Team has visited some incredible and memorable locations across the United States. One thing we have learned, there is no place quite like New Orleans. In December, our team visited New Orleans to take part in an epic Sikh Engagement party for one of the nicest, genuine and hospitable couples we have ever worked with, Aman and Jaspal. Not only are Aman and Jaspal extremely kind and intriguing, they are also exciting and dedicated to their plans for the amazing events surrounding their union.
Originally, Aman and Jaspal contacted Saiaf Films in search of a team that could cover all aspects of their Sikh wedding events. They wanted a dedicated team that would be there for their proposal, Sikh engagement party and even the grand wedding event. Our team was there to capture the proposal which took place at the beautiful Tempe Town Lake in Arizona. From there, we planned for their epic New Orleans Sikh Engagement party.
Aman and Jaspal’s event took place on a beautiful three story boat, the Creole Queen. It was unlike any engagement party our team had ever seen! The boat was breathtaking and captured all the elegance of the surrounding New Orleans area. Once the couple’s 100-120 guests had arrived, the boat set sail from the bay. The view of the New Orlean’s city lights was incredible and provided a breathtaking scenery for our Sikh engagement photographers as well as the couple’s friends and family. While on the boat, the guests enjoyed an amazing engagement party dinner followed by energetic and entertaining dancing.
Meanwhile, even while the their Sikh engagement party was taking place, Aman and Jaspal took the time to have our Sikh engagement photographers capture some amazing shots of them in downtown New Orleans. At one particular moment, a New Orlean’s local allowed our team to capture some memorable photos of the couple on a cycle rickshaw. The images were mesmerizing and did an exceptional job at capturing the feel and ambiance of Downtown New Orleans.
From the couple’s amazing hospitality, to their epic Sikh engagement party on the boat, all the way to the beautiful and unforgettable photography and videography- our team genuinely enjoys working with Aman and Jaspal. We are anticipating their amazing Sikh wedding event that will be taking place in April at a mountaintop Colorado castle. We can only imagine the grand scale beauty that we will be capturing while there! Thank you, Aman and Jaspal, for selecting our team to capture your wedding events and allowing us the beautiful opportunity to take part in them!
Feb
08
The Basics of a Mehndi Event
If you are planning a South Asian wedding, or you have been invited to one, chances are- you will be attending a mehndi or henna celebration. A mehndi is a very exciting and meaningful moment where 
the bride has her hands painted with henna designs. Whereas, it’s not as big as the wedding, it is still an important- and sometimes extravagant- event. The events and festivities may differ depending on the couple and their family traditions, but they all follow the same guidelines.
At Saiaf Films, we specialize in traditional and multicultural weddings. That being the case, we have an enormous amount of experience with mehndi photography and capturing all the beautiful moments that tie in with these cultural events. Here, we would like to share the basics of Mehndi and Henna events so you can prepare and enjoy it to it’s fullest.
Mehndi Attire and Style
Traditionally, a mehndi is performed at a decently large scale. Depending on the couple’s preference, there may be a large guest list or it may be a more intimate affair. But no matter the size, the attire usually centers around bright, vibrant and colorful outfits. Green and yellow hues are a traditional pick for a mehndi, but reds and purples are popular as well. Extravagant and eye catching accessories and jewelry are standard as well. Just be sure to wear something that is comfortable and easy to move in as dancing will take place!
Events & Celebrations
Normally, a mehndi involves an enormous and incredibly exciting amount of dancing. Whether you choose to watch or participate, this is a very fun and entertaining part of this event. If you are planning the mehndi for your own wedding, make sure you elect to have a lot of upbeat and exciting music. There will usually be choreographed dance performances followed by open dancing for the friends and family. For our Mehndi photographers and videographers, this is always a very memorable and exciting moment to capture.
Depending on the couple’s cultural or beliefs, there may be a variety of rasms that will be performed for the bride and groom. These are also very meaningful and monumental moments for the mehndi photographers to capture. Most of these traditions have been passed down for centuries and are very important to the bride, groom and their families.
Back in the day, the mehndi was usually an event where the bride would have her henna applied. These days, some couples elect to have the mehndi done the day before the wedding- that way the bride can enjoy the other celebrations and festivities without ruining the henna application. But, like many traditions, this varies depending on the couple’s beliefs or preferred traditions.
There’s no doubt, mehndi nights are among the most eventful and fun-filled events of multicultural weddings. It is the perfect time to enjoy your friends and family while paying respect to the union of the bride and groom. These events are exciting and meaningful and amongst our favorite to capture on film. So whether you are planning to attend or host a mehndi, be ready for exciting traditions and lots of fun!
Feb
05
Nadine and Ayman’s Milwaukee Wedding
When we first met with Nadine and Ayman, we knew right away that their wedding was going to be an epic event. They are a truly amazing couple and we knew their Milwaukee wedding would be a great one to attend. For this particular Milwaukee wedding, our team utilized aerial drone videography to capture amazing and breathtaking shots of the wedding venue and the beautiful Milwaukee surroundings. The aerial drones were used to capture sweeping views that really showed the detail of the venue the couple selected as well as picturesque footage of the gorgeous coastline.
Our aerial drones are an unbelievable addition to the wedding packages that we offer and they provide our couples with footage that they will cherish forever. Our team at Saiaf Films only uses state-of-the-art equipment that is guaranteed to provide clean and crisp footage. One of our favorite moments captured by the aerial drone was when the moon had begun to rise over the water. There were birds flying over the coast and in front of the beautifully rising moon. It was unlike anything we had ever shot on film.
Our team of female videographers were on site as Nadine prepared for her important day. They captured unforgettable footage as the makeup artist and hair stylist prepared her ceremony. Wedding videography is such an amazing aspect for truly capturing the feeling of the moments being filmed. There were times where Nadine would smile beautifully and her happiness would be so apparent and infectious. She wore an elegant wedding dress that had a breathtaking lace design on the top portion. A string of diamonds encompassed her waist and was a beautiful addition to her already gorgeous dress. Nadine was highlighted with a subtle but perfect diamond hairpiece that matched perfectly with her diamond bracelet.
For the reception, the couple had selected the perfect color palette that featured a pale pink with a soft white. The tables were adorned with elegant centerpieces that were both subtle and impressive additions to their wedding decor. With floating candles and white rose bouquets, the elegance was obvious and perfect. Their friends and family danced through the night and were so exciting to film. Their energy and happiness for the couple was apparent in their will to celebrate. Our team was proud and grateful to be a part of their amazing event. Thank you Nadine and Ayman for allowing us the pleasure to capture your memories on film!
Feb
03
What You May Not Know About Wedding Photos
When it comes to having your wedding photos taken, there may be a few things you aren’t already aware of. That’s okay! In case you didn’t know already, our team at Saiaf Films is highly skilled in all things wedding photography and videography. After years of working in this industry, we have developed a thorough understanding of all those factors that play into capturing amazing and unforgettable wedding photos. Over the years, we have discovered that not everyone is fully aware of what a wedding photography session really entails. Therefore, we would like to share our thoughts about wedding photos and let you in on the little aspects you might not know yet!
Engagement photos are a great test-run!
It’s true! Believe us when we say, it is worth it to have professional engagement photos taken. Not only does it set you up with an amazing collection of photos for you and your fiance, but it also helps take the edge off. For couples who have never had their photos taken professionally, the wedding photos can be somewhat intimidating. Have an engagement photo shoot will provide you with a little bit of practice when it comes to posing and being comfortable in front of the camera. It is especially beneficial if you plan on using the same photographer for your wedding photos. Your photographer will get an idea of your photography style before your big day.
Don’t be strict on your wedding day schedule.
It is definitely important to have a wedding day schedule. Unfortunately though, things can happen. So, it is important to stay somewhat flexible. Maybe a vendor is running behind schedule, or perhaps the weather just isn’t playing in your favor- no matter the issue, try to keep somewhat of a positive outlook. Your wedding photographer will be skilled and familiar with even the worst wedding mishaps. Try to trust their instincts and roll with what they have in mind- even if it means postponing a session to a better time of day.
Your face may hurt, and your cheeks will get sore!
Of course, smiling for an extended period time does have some minor drawbacks. Your cheeks may be achy, your eyes may feel squinty from the lights. But, believe us when we say- your wedding photos will be worth it. It’s hard to keep smiling after so many photos. Try to remember just how amazing this day is. Above all, be natural. Even if your smile isn’t a wide ear-to-ear one, a subtle one is just as good if not better.
Once your wedding photos are in your hands, you will be so grateful that you elected to have them done. Especially if you choose a team as talented as the ones we have at Saiaf Films. Above all, make sure you enjoy your special day. It will make those wedding photos all the better when they are complete.
Feb
01
Ring Finger 101
So most of us have an idea of what the “ring finger” is. But did you ever wonder where the idea came from? Or perhaps what the difference is in the wedding ring finger or the engagement ring finger? At Saiaf Films, we like to help out when it comes to a lot of the questions that come with getting engaged or married. The same goes for even the simplest ideas like “ring finger” facts. Here, we break down all there is to know about the ring finger.
Where did the idea come from?
A long, long time ago (like ancient times long ago)- it was believed that the ring finger held a vein that ran from the tip of the finger all the way to the heart. It was called the Vena Amoris, aka- Vein of Love. Because of the “so-called” vein, it became customary that couples who were in love should wear a ring as the symbol of their love to one another. As romantic as that sounds, it was discovered that there is no such vein in that finger. But, the tradition remains and couples still wear the engagement and wedding ring on the fourth finger of their left hand.
The Engagement Ring
In some countries – like Greece, Columbia and Russia- couples elect to wear their engagement rings on their right hand. The idea of the engagement ring originated in the 1400s when Mary of Burgundy was presented with a ring of diamonds in the shape of the letter “M.” It was given to her by the Archduke Maximilian of Austria as a symbol of his love and desire to wed her.
Diamonds became a popular trend as the diamond is the strongest natural substance found on Earth. Diamonds have become an icon to those wanting to represent a strong and unwavering commitment to one another. These days, diamonds aren’t a mandatory addition to an engagement ring, but they are still among the most popular.
The traditional method is for the man to propose to the woman, and the woman wears the engagement ring as a symbol of her commitment to the proposal. But, as times have changed. it is not uncommon for a man to wear one as well.
The Wedding Ring
Like the engagement ring, the wedding ring comes from a long, long time ago- just under 5,000 years ago in Egypt. It was believed that the circle shape of the ring symbolized eternity, as a circle has no end. The space inside of the circle is a symbol of immortal love. Typically, the couple will exchange the rings at their wedding ceremony. The rings will be placed on the wedding ring finger after the vows are said and they are promised to each other.
Whatever the style, no matter the size or cost- the engagement and wedding rings are an extremely important factor for most couples. They are a meaningful and apparent symbol of one’s commitment. The wedding ring finger is just another of the many important icons that go into a beautiful relationship.
Jan
29
Mike and Melissa’s Downtown Engagement Photo Shoot
What do you get when you combine a gorgeous couple with a team of highly skilled engagement photographers? You get amazing and unforgettable engagement photos, of course! They first contacted us when they were in search of a local Phoenix photography and videography team to cover their engagement photo shoot and grand Assyrian wedding they were planning. When our team first met Mike and Melissa, we were super intrigued by their energy and excitement for their engagement photo shoot. We knew in a heartbeat that they would be extremely photogenic and fun to capture on film!
As with all of our amazing clients, we took the time to listen and find out exactly what kind of image they had in 
mind for their engagement shoot. We always aim to capture the style and personality of each couple- their photo shoot was no different. After discussing it with them, we settled on having the photos taken in Downtown Phoenix. Downtown Phoenix is one of our favorite spots to photograph at! Not only does it offer a breathtaking city backdrop with unique architecture and inspiring buildings, but it also houses a variety of vibrant and green locations as well.
On the day of their engagement shoot, our Saiaf Films team had a great time exploring all the 
beautiful painted backdrops and cityscape backgrounds that Downtown Phoenix had to offer. Mike and Melissa stood out beautifully and the connection they had was so easy to capture on film. The city lights illuminated their faces perfectly. We walked around and scouted some amazing locations for their particular shoot. A few of our favorite shots were captured on a bridge that overlooked the breathtaking city backdrop. There were so many unique buildings in the background that really added to the beauty of their photos.
Our team always aims to have adequate time during the photo shoots to really explore and plan out unforgettable photos. The photos we captured of Mike and Melissa were all unique and diverse- which was the perfect compliment to their beautiful relationship! Thank you Mike and Melissa for allowing us the opportunity to photograph your engagement shoot in such a beautiful and inspiring location. We will never forget your amazing downtown engagement photo shoot!
Jan
27
Wedding Tuxedo 101
Planning on rocking a tuxedo for your wedding event? Most likely, this is one of the most important days of your life. Chances are, you want to look the best you can for that special day. You already know your beautiful fiance will be doing the same. Selecting a wedding tuxedo is an important (perhaps the only) major decision you may be making in the planning of your wedding event. It’s important to know exactly what you are facing when it comes to choosing what will fit your style best. Here, our team shares a few tips and ideas that may come in handy when selecting a wedding tuxedo.
Will you rent or will you buy?
There may be a few different factors that play into the decision for choosing your wedding tuxedo. Cost can definitely be one of those factors. Before you even start trying on the suits and ties, you will probably be deciding whether or not you want to rent or buy your wedding tuxedo. Cost is always important and there can be a significant difference in the price of renting versus buying. Renting is obviously the more price efficient choice- unless you attend formal events throughout the year. If that’s the case, purchasing a tuxedo may be a worthwhile decision. Consider it an investment. If formal events aren’t a frequent thing in your lifestyle, and that suave looking tuxedo will spend most of its existence in the back-end of your closet- renting may be the easiest option.
When selecting a wedding tuxedo…
To begin, try selecting a location that has fashionable and up-to-date tuxedos. You don’t want to walk into a spot that has suits straight out of Dumb & Dumber (Unless you are going for that look. In that case, carry on.) Otherwise, you should have the ability to select from recent and up-to-date wedding tuxedo options.
Make sure you speak to someone with experience.
You also want to make sure that the company or individual you are working with is skilled in guiding you on your best options as well as being able to measure you properly. They should be able to measure you efficiently and professionally.
Speak your mind…
This is a very important occasion, and you want to look your best. Don’t be afraid to speak up and share your vision for your wedding tuxedo. Your sales associate should be willing to listen to your requests and guide you on choosing what suits your needs. If they come off as pushy or unwilling to hear your thoughts, go somewhere else.
Do your research.
Don’t hesitate to look up some options ahead of time. Browse other wedding galleries to get an idea of the wedding tuxedo look you are going for. You also want to make sure that tuxedo dealer you select will be able to supply you with all the tuxedo accessories as well. From cufflinks, to bow ties, shoes, etc- it may be nice to find it all in one spot.
Try to get your groomsmen to order their attire from the same location- that way they match you nicely. Otherwise, enjoy the wedding tuxedo selection process! It is an important and memorable event to planning your wedding together. Need some ideas? Check out our gallery to see all the grooms we have had the pleasure of photographing.
Jan
25
Want to get the best wedding videography ever?
What’s one of the most important aspects of your wedding? Well, getting to watch it over and over again and reliving the beautiful memories of that spectacular day. Want to know the best way to do that? With awesome wedding videography of course! And boy, do we know A LOT about that. In fact, it’s one of our specialties. Our team at Saiaf Films has an enormous amount of experience with capturing some of the most beautiful and epic wedding videography ever. Therefore, we would like to share our tips for acquiring the best wedding videography ever!
Wedding videography is just as important as the photography!
Seriously- It really is. Great wedding photos are amazing to look back on. They give you the opportunity to reminiscence about all kinds of memorable moments on your day. But, wedding videography has the ability to bring you back to the sounds, the movements, the words, the laughter. With wedding videos, you can remember exactly what that day looked and felt like. Why not experience even more in depth memories of one of the most important days of your life?
Check out Vimeo!
Want to know the best way to check out amazing wedding videography? Check out Vimeo! Vimeo is one of the easiest tools for browsing amazing wedding video footage. The videos on there really help to provide an idea of just how phenomenal wedding videography can be. In fact, we have published some of our favorite weddings on our Vimeo. This is a great tool for deciding the different styles or angles you may want for your own wedding videography.
Consult a professional wedding videographer!
Enter Saiaf Films (wink..wink…) Whereas your great uncle may be skilled capturing amazing video footage on his old school video camera- you really don’t want to trust the integrity of your memories with someone who may not fully understand the beauty of wedding videography. This particular service requires a dynamic understanding of what it takes to get great memories on film. Lighting, sound, movement, the image- these are all important factors that separate good video from epic footage.
Here at Saiaf Films, we have that covered. Our team is not only experienced in wedding videography, we are actually talented in it. The team members that capture the live footage have an eye for the epic moments. Our video editors are second to none and have put together unforgettable footage for the special couples we work with. Don’t trust your wedding videography to just anyone. Do your research, decide exactly what you want. Or, consult with our amazing team and we will guide you every step of the way with sensational wedding footage.
Jan
22
Roxanne and Gustavo’s Arizona Wedding
Here at Saiaf Films, we have the pleasure of capturing some of the most beautiful and amazing wedding events ever! Every event offers something unique and intriguing. Every moment is memorable. We have met so many wonderful and amazing people over our years of experience. We cherish these memories, almost as much as the people we are photographing. Roxanne and Gustavo’s Arizona wedding was nothing short of what we just described. It was a beautiful and breathtaking experience for our whole team that had the privilege of attending.
This particular wedding was truly fit for a king and queen. From the very moment we arrived, the couple’s amazing and personable family were gracious and friendly. From the very start, they were having a great time celebrating this beautiful day. The bridal party had a blast as we captured some amazing and unique photos. Their turquoise accent color was appealing and highlighted the beauty of each bridal party member. The groomsmen were excited and their energy was so easy to capture in every picture we took.
The couple selected a gorgeous chariot that was utilized perfectly in a number of their photos. It created such a surreal and meaningful image. Their particular wedding was held at a gorgeous venue that gave a unique and romantic vibe to their day. There were brick walls that we used for a backdrop along with beautiful archways and grand scale wooden doors.
Roxanne and Gustavo were such vibrant and enthusiastic individuals. Their love and connection with each other was so apparent. The photos our team shot really captured the true beauty that illuminated them. Roxanne and Gustavo’s Arizona wedding took place at the perfect timing. There was a light breeze in the amazing desert air. The sun began setting perfectly as they said their vows to one another.
The vibrant couple and their wonderful family and friends danced the night away. It was truly a night to remember. Our team loved being a part of this day and we will forever cherish the moments that this beautiful couple shared on their special day. Thank you Roxanne and Gustavo! We wish you all the best in your beautiful future together.
Jan
20
So, you just got engaged! On behalf of Saiaf Films, congratulations! Believe us when we say, we love weddings. And we whole-heartedly understand what it takes to plan one.This can be such an exciting, and somewhat overwhelming process. But we would like to help make it as easy as possible. Here, we would like to share some of our tips and ideas for planning a wedding.
Start a checklist!
The key to planning a perfectly organized wedding is to start off with a checklist. Lists are key to staying organized and keeping your priorities in line. Staying organized is one way to guarantee less of a chance for something going wrong. Having a checklist will keep your to-dos on track while also giving you a timeline of what needs to be accomplished.
Give yourself time to plan!
Whether you designate a specific day each week, or you set aside a little time each day- make sure you give yourself adequate time to plan your wedding. Try to select a time where you can devote a few uninterrupted minutes to checking off a to-do task on your checklist. If possible, try to plan these moments with your fiance. That way you can guarantee you both are on the same page for everything.
Ask for help!
Don’t feel like you have to accomplish all this on your own. Do not be afraid to recruit the help of your fiance or your lovely wedding party. Try to take notice in what tasks may be easier for others to handle. Whether it’s gathering a list of potential cake bakers or creating a wedding invitation, don’t try to handle it all alone. You will just end up overwhelmed and stressed thinking you have to take on everything.
Try to stay flexible.
This can be somewhat difficult when attempting to plan your dream wedding. But it is really important to consider all options and stay flexible with certain arrangements. You need to take other opinions and opportunities into account whether it be about cake flavors or wedding dates for your favorite venues. Staying flexible-within reason- will make it less stressful in the end.
In the end, everything will work out beautifully. Just keep yourself focused, on track and excited about planning one of the most important days of your life! Need some amazing wedding inspiration? Check out our phenomenal portfolio for some great ideas for planning a wedding!
