Jan

08

Wedding Spotlight: Loveen and Merin’s South Asian Wedding

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South Asian Wedding In Scottsdale, AZ

When our team at Saiaf Films first met Loveen and Merin, we were completely intrigued by their warm, welcoming and genuine nature. As multicultural wedding photographers, our crew has an impressive background in the variety of events that accompany a multicultural wedding. Loveen and Merin’s wedding event included all the wonderful details of a South Asian wedding. Our South Asian wedding photographers were there to capture Loveen’s Henna night, to the intimate Mehndi and all the way through to the night of their South Asian wedding.

We arranged to meet her at her home in Scottsdale, Arizona where we be capturing the moments during her Henna night.We were so excited to be apart of her Henna as it is always a very meaningful moment for a bride to take part in before her wedding day. Henna is a popular South Asian wedding tradition. It involves a detailed Henna application for the bride to not only provide a beautiful design on her wedding, but also for her to relax and feel peace on her special day. Henna is said to have calming properties that contribute to this. Our South Asian wedding photographers and videographers are skilled at capturing the details of the Henna with our impressive state-of-the-art high definition cameras.

Loveen and Merin’s wedding events also included a beautiful and intimate Mehndi night. This particular event included only their closest family members which created a memorable occasion to capture on film. We were able to capture each candid moment that Loveen shared with the wonderful people closest to her. The photos and video that our skilled team captured of the Mehndi were crisp, clear and beautifully detailed.

Their elegant South Asian wedding was held at the Double Tree Resort in Phoenix, AZ. It was a glorious spectacle of colors and the bride and groom radiated beauty and happiness as they enjoyed their South Asian wedding event. We were so blessed that Loveen and her family chose our team to cover their amazing three day event. Thank you Loveen and Merin and we wish you the best of luck in your wonderful future.

Jan

06

Wedding Registry 101

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Tips for Setting Up Your Wedding Registry

Come on, you can admit it- setting up your registry can be super exciting. And don’t worry, there’s nothing selfish about telling your wedding guests about some things that you really want! Many brides-to-be get nervous about the registry process and sometimes don’t even register at all because there are iffy about designating what people should get them. Have no fear! Our team has attended an enormous amount of weddings and we have seen it all when it comes to the wedding gifts- some that are great, and some that are unnecessary. Here, we share our tips and ideas for your wedding registry.

Make sure you register. And don’t wait too long!
Believe us when we say, your wedding guests want to buy gifts. There is nothing selfish or tacky about setting up a registry. In fact, it not only saves your guest’s time, it also saves you time in the long run. Instead of trying to find what you need after the wedding, some of your guests can take care of it ahead of time for you by getting something you really wanted. Try to get it finished up at least 2-4 months ahead of your wedding date. That way you can guarantee your friends and family have adequate amount of time to pick up their gifts before you say, “I do!”

Check the return and exchange policies ahead of time!
You really want to make sure your registry is user friendly for both yourself and your guests! Take the time to navigate around the registry you select to ensure it is easy to find the items you select. Also, be sure to double check their return and exchange policy in case you get duplicate items at your wedding. Plus, some stores have great incentive programs. Read the fine print and do your research to find the best places to suit your needs!

Consider a wide price range and be creative.
Of course, you can always choose a few pieces that are on the higher end. But it is really convenient for guests to have a variety of price ranges to choose from. Not everyone has deep pockets, but there are some who may want to spend a little extra for your special occasion. Also, don’t feel like you have to follow the cliche norm of only registering fine china or home appliances. These days, many engaged couples choose creative registry options like travel gear, sporting goods, or even gift certificates to their favorite stores or restaurants.

Finally, be sure to have fun and get excited! This is a great opportunity to look forward to your future with your loved one. Don’t forget to share the details of your wedding registry either on your wedding website or even on your invitations. Looking for more tips and ideas for planning your wedding? Be sure to check our blog for many other great ways to plan your wedding!

Jan

04

Wedding Venue Spotlight: Valley Ho in Scottsdale, AZ

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Valley Ho in Scottsdale, AZ

It’s your wedding day. Your ceremony has just taken place beneath towering palm trees that are surrounded by beautiful and lush green grass and a breathtaking landscape. In the distance, you hear the faint sound of fountains that created the perfect background ambiance as you exchanged your vows. Now, you are standing on skyline rooftop- seven towers high- admiring the sweeping views of Downtown Scottsdale. Camelback Mountain rests on the horizon providing the perfect backdrop for beautiful and unforgettable wedding photos.

In this week’s Wedding Venue Spotlight, our team shares their account for the Valley Ho in Scottsdale, AZ. The venue is trendy and perfect with a unique style that you cannot find anywhere else. With gorgeous scenery, delectable cuisine and tasty handcrafted cocktails- the Valley Ho is a wedding venue that is sure to leave with impressed and awestruck guests.

Venue Pricing
The Valley Ho is an unbelievably reasonably priced venue option if you are seeking a stylish, elegant and impressive wedding venue. They offer convenient, three tiered package options that can be selected to fit your wedding day needs perfectly. With prices starting as low as $2,000, each package is designed to add additional flair and options with each progressing package. Their choices that are viewable on their website.

Amenities
The Valley Ho is chock-full of amazing amenity options ranging from elegant ballrooms, to gorgeous cabanas and even luscious lawn front areas. With a range of unique settings, the options are simple and easy to choose from.

Room deals: The Valley Ho offers a 15% discount on their Best Available Rates. Planning to use more than 10 rooms? Don’t forget to request their 25% discount on room rates!
Complimentary options: You and your guest can enjoy complimentary internet, fitness room use, spa facility and limited free parking in designated areas.
Catering: The Valley Ho offers mouthwatering and delectable catering options that are sure to make any guest drool! With a variety of options, the ideas are limitless and vary in pricing options.
Stellar Ballrooms: Want to create a dramatic and memorable effect? Check out the beautiful ballrooms at the Valley Ho. The SoHo Ballroom features amazing floor-to-ceiling windows. The Valley Ho Ballroom is perfect for those seeking a more discreet and intimate wedding feel.
Palm Courtyard: This beautiful area features towering palms and awe-inspiring landscape. With gorgeous water features and a courtyard lawn, this area is ideal for both the wedding ceremony and reception.
Skyline Rooftop: This memorable location is scenic and breathtaking. Perched atop the seven-story hotel, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding town of Scottsdale.
Sands: This area is secluded and private. Perfect with unique decor and a spacious interior, bar area and a beautiful winding patio.

The Valley Ho is grandiose and perfect for those seeking a convenient and memorable location for their Scottsdale wedding. Our team at Saiaf Films has had the pleasure of capturing breathtaking wedding photos at this location and enjoyed the unique beauty and style that it offers.

Jan

01

Wedding Spotlight: Thomas and Jenny’s Scottsdale Wedding

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Thomas and Jenny’s Scottsdale Wedding

Thomas and Jenny requested our services for their wedding at a beautiful outdoor/indoor venue in Scottsdale, Arizona. Our wedding photographers and wedding videographer’s were there to capture every moment of their magical night. Their wedding was beautifully orchestrated and was an amazing event to capture.

To begin the day, our female photographer captured memorable and meaningful shots of Jenny while she was getting ready with her bridesmaids. It was an iconic moment as her friends and family made her laugh and carried on a wonderfully positive vibe throughout the morning. At the same time, Thomas was getting ready with his groomsmen. While in their room, our male photographer captured a photo of them with their colorful socks, laughing as they posed for the camera.

One of our favorite moments of this beautiful Scottsdale wedding was when Thomas and Jenny had their first look (these are always a Saiaf Films’ favorite!) They were both on the verge of tears and deeply in love. Our team captured the intensity of this moment perfectly! We really strive to focus on these particular moments as it is a perfect memory for the couple to cherish again in the future. When the intensity is strong and the love is obvious, those are the best photos to capture.

Their ceremony took place outdoors with a beautiful, lush and vibrant golf course behind them. Our team even got a shot of Thomas and Jenny as they ran down the golf course laughing with each other. When the sun was setting, our wedding photographer capture a beautiful and memorable shot of the couple silhouetted as they looked into eachother’s eyes. The night was exciting, lively and eventful. The event ended beautifully as the couple and their guests danced the night away. They were all such a spirited and lovely group. Our team genuinely enjoyed spending these moments with them. Thank you Thomas and Jenny for allowing us the privilege to take part in your beautiful union and beautiful Scottsdale wedding.

Dec

30

Hottest 2016 Wedding Trends

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2016 Wedding Trends

Out with old and in with the new! It’s the end of the year- and wow! It has been an amazing one. We participated, attended, enjoyed and captured so many beautiful weddings this year. Our team at Saiaf Films loved every minute of it. But now, this year has come to an end and we are looking forward to another wonderful year in 2016. With the new year upon us, we thought it would be a great idea to take a look at the upcoming 2016 wedding trends.

In the past years, it has been seemingly popular for brides to capture and recreate the feel and look of a wedding they discovered on Pinterest, Instagram, Google, etc. With the coming of 2016, there seems to be a shift in the originality of wedding styles. Brides are beginning to transition to a wedding that shows off their own style. Whether it’s a funky color, a unique location, or an unconventional setup- couples are discovering new ways to create a more personal experience at their wedding.

Colors: This year, metallics are in! Elegant and whimsical, metallic colors are appealing and can create quite a dynamic feel. Rose gold, copper and silver will show up in the centerpieces, linens, and decor.

Ambiance: Lighting is the key to creating the perfect ambiance. The lighting in wedding trends for 2016 will center around soft glows. With pendant lights or bare bulb, you can create a romantic and intimate environment.

Seating: Instead of the standard reception layout of large round tables, couples are now opting to use long rectangular tables with a mix of square tables. These contribute to a smaller, more intimate vibe.

Flowers: Many couples are opting for the “wild” style of flowers this 2016 wedding season. Freshly picked blooms with an ombre variety of color are popular and will create a beautiful effect. Succulents, ferns, and lavender sprigs will make quite an appearance as many will be moving past traditional florals as well.

Food and Drink: Cocktail hour remains popular, but now- couples are opting to put a more personal stance to the event. There will be His and Her cocktails that showcase a favorite flavor from the bride and groom, Beer Gardens with a signature selection of craft beers, and even Grown-up Popsicles with signature cocktails turned into a frozen treat. For the food, many couples are electing for table-side service bringing food carts to each table.

Cake: Buttercream will make a grand appearance throughout the 2016 wedding seasons. Brides are taking to the organic finish and subtle flavor that a buttercream cake brings. Popular flavors include: salted caramel, lemon, lavender-vanilla, green tea, white chocolate mousse, and even apple spice.

Photography: With the constant rise and demand for share-worthy photography, many couples are now requesting unique and memorable shots that create an everlasting impact (those are Saiaf Film favorites!) They want epic shots that capture meaningful moments like aerial shots of the dance floor or venue (again- our favorites!)

You can probably tell, we can’t wait for the new year and the beautiful wedding seasons it is going to bring. We are so thankful for all the amazing people we have met over the years and cannot wait to see what 2016 will bring forth!

Dec

28

Reception Disasters and How to Handle Them

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Reception Disasters 101

As much as we don’t like to admit it, reception disasters can happen! But luckily, there are always ways to fix them. Our team of wedding photographers have attended a plethora of weddings. We have seen it all! Therefore, we would like to share our tips for what to do when those unexpected reception disasters take place.

Uh oh. Looks like rain!

So, it’s the morning of the wedding and it has started to rain. Even if you are having an indoor ceremony and reception, you will still have to find a way to prevent your dress and hair from being ruined. The best way to handle the rain? Unfortunately, you can’t control how long it lasts, so- embrace it! Send someone to pick up a number of big umbrellas to keep you and your bridal party covered. Ask your hairstylist to stay on site a little longer to make any last minute touch-ups. Then, just wing it! Pose for some shots under the umbrella for a memorable reminder of that rainy day!

Wait, I didn’t choose brown flowers?!

It can happen to even the best flowers. After sitting for a while, they can start to wilt and discolor. Consider selecting blooms that don’t bruise too easily ahead of time- lilies, sunflowers and dahlias hold up nicely. Super soft flowers have a tendency to wilt faster, especially in harsher environments. If your florist prepped them correctly, your flowers should hold up decently on their own. Just to be sure, try to keep them away from heat sources. If you are showcasing them in vases, wash the vases beforehand with antibacterial soap to prevent unnecessary decay.

Who brought those crazy kids?!

Whether it’s your ring bearer, flower girl, the children of your invited guests, or maybe it’s your own kids- after they have overindulged on the amazing sweets or they are just high on the atmosphere of the wedding, children can get pretty wild. But, kids will be kids. If you have invited kids to your celebration, it is best to plan for the rambunctiousness ahead of time. Consider sitting them at a table that is free from glassware and fancy centerpieces. For the younger kids, maybe cover the table in butcher paper and provide a box of crayons at each of their spots. If the venue allows, consider setting up a movie to play or hire some entertainment like a clown or a magician. Maybe you can even slip a $20 to one of the older kids to keep an eye on the younger ones while the party continues.

Obviously, these are just a few of the many potential reception disasters that can take place at your wedding. Keep an eye out for our additional tips for potential reception disasters and the best ways to handle them. With a seasoned eye, you will be able to plan in advance for any mishaps that may take place.

Dec

26

Wedding Spotlight: Clarissa and Anthony’s Engagement Photo Shoot

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Engagement Photo Shoot in Queen Creek

When Clarissa and Anthony contacted us, they were looking for a team of wedding photographers to cover their engagement photo shoot in Queen Creek with a second shoot in San Tan. We discussed their options and selected the perfect engagement photo package to fit their needs. They were excited and enthusiastic which made planning their engagement photo shoot so much fun. To our team at Saiaf Films, we genuinely enjoy capturing the excitement of a newly engaged couple. It adds a unique reality to their photos and makes the process so much more fun!

When it came time for their engagement photo shoot, we couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day! It was cloudy and surreal. Our team loves cloudy days for engagement photo photography. Clouds can help create a gorgeous backdrop. They allow just the right amount of light and create an amazing contrast on the couple as we photograph. The photos are team captured that day were vibrant and colorful. This particular location was very ideal as it offered a large variety backdrops to work with. There was green grass, beautiful water, and even a photo-worthy brick wall that enhanced to couple perfectly.

During engagement photo shoots, our photographers really like to showcase the love that the couple has for each other. Clarissa and Anthony had no trouble with that! They were amazingly photogenic and exhibited their connection perfectly. We always try to make these moments as comfortable and as easy as possible, especially for those who are slightly camera-shy. Yet these two, didn’t need much help! To make it even more special, their two beautiful children joined in on the photo shoot. They were such a pleasure to be around and did an amazing job when it came time to pose and smile. Especially when children are involved, we prefer to make these moments memorable ones.

As the sun began setting, we captured amazing and unforgettable photos of the beautiful couple silhouetted in front of the sunset. One of our favorites was when they made a heart out their hands. It was a perfect symbol of their love! Clarissa was excited to have her engagement photos used in their Save the Date invitations. She was so excited when she saw the quality of the photographs. Clarissa and Anthony were such an amazingly beautiful couple! We enjoyed their engagement photo shoot so much. Thank you Clarissa and Anthony for the wonderful experience of capturing your love on film!

Dec

23

Wedding Hairpiece 101

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Wedding Hairpiece 101

Planning your wedding look can be an extremely exciting, yet difficult, part of preparing for your wedding. One very important aspect is selecting the perfect wedding hairpiece. A well selected bridal accessory can have the ability to pull your entire wedding look together. With all the weddings we have attended, we have really gotten to see just how many different styles are out there. Here, we would like to share some tips for selecting the best wedding hairpiece to fit your look and complete your wedding day style.

Decide your hairstyle in advance.

When selecting a wedding hairpiece, it helps to have an idea of what type of hairstyle you may want to go with. Perhaps you prefer to wear your locks down? Or maybe a ballerina bun is more your style? Whether you have long hair, thick hair or short hair, consider choosing a wedding hairpiece that not only stands out, but also can support the weight or length of your hair. Knowing the style you plan to have will be useful in selecting your bridal hairpiece when the time comes.

Test out your wedding hairpiece.

Remember when you were selecting your wedding dress? You made sure that you viewed it from all angles right? Front, back, both sides? You should do the same with your chosen wedding hairpiece. Make sure it looks good from every angle and that it fits with the style you are trying to achieve. If you have someone with you, ask them to take a photo from each side, or a short video clip showing all angles. If you are shopping by yourself, as a salesperson to help you out. Even if you feel silly taking pictures at first, it won’t feel silly when you realize that you selected a wedding hairpiece that looks great all around. Also, don’t be afraid to test out a few different ones. Again, this accessory is just as important as the shoes or the jewelry. So take your time!

Consider the color.

It is important to make sure that the color and hue of your chosen wedding hairpiece compliments the color and style of your gown. Take note of your dress color- is it a bright white? Maybe is off-white with bead work? If your wedding hairpiece isn’t close to the same color, it may appear too bright or too dull next to your dress. Consider bringing a picture of your dress that really accents the colors when you are selecting your bridal headpiece. That way you can guarantee you are choosing a piece that matches well.

Decide how you want to wear it.

An advantage to a beautiful wedding hairpiece is the ability to change up the style and the look with how you decide to position it. It can look completely different depending on where you place it in your hair. If you choose to place it higher, it gives a more dramatic look. Maybe subtle is more your style? Place it lower on your head. Same goes for hair clips and pins. Drawing them closer to your face will make them stand out more. Recognize your desired look and determine the position of your wedding hairpiece according to what will appeal to your selected style.

In the end, all of your accessories should go together in perfect harmony. One piece shouldn’t necessarily stand out above the others, as you don’t want anything to be too distracting. Choose your pieces based on the idea that they should enhance your style, not distract it. Need some more ideas for some beautiful wedding hairpieces? Feel free to browse through our gallery to check out some of the beautiful brides and their hairstyles that we have had the privilege of photographing.

Dec

21

Tips For Protecting Your Wedding

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Protecting Your Wedding and Why You Should Do It!

It’s hard not to be wrapped up in all the beautiful, fun and exciting details of your wedding. Trust us, we completely understand. Yet, after attending so many wonderful events, we have also witnessed the amount of time and stress that is put into planning such an event. That being the case, our team at Saiaf Films would like to share some tips for protecting your wedding and a few different aspects that go with it.

Consider Event Insurance

You may be thinking, “Event insurance? Is that even possible?” Yes! And for some, it is an a great way to protecting your big event. What happens if the venue that you booked 6-months in advance suddenly goes out of business? Or let’s say a paid vendor drops out last minute, leaving you stuck. Event insurance will can help get you a refund on your deposit in case there is a cancellation. Policies are relatively inexpensive and can really insure peace of mind. Also, it provides liability insurance in the event of a medical emergency or some form of damage occurs at your event. Check with your insurance representative for more details on protecting your wedding.

Get coverage for valuable wedding gifts.

What happens when you receive some valuable wedding gifts? Perhaps it’s a valuable family heirloom. Maybe it’s a priceless piece of artwork to decorate your home? Whatever it is, it is important to make sure those items are covered. Usually, household appliances are covered under a regular homeowner’s or renter’s policy. You should look into adding more coverage for items that are considered collectibles and may be irreplaceable in the event of an accident. Consider making a list of such items and discuss them with your insurance agent to find out the best way to cover those valuable and meaningful items.

Insure your rings!

It’s no secret, a wife cherishes her wedding ring. It can be one of the most important items in her life. That being the case, it would be a shame for something to happen to it and have no means of protection. Insuring your rings will guarantee that it is covered in case anything ever happens to them (theft, loss, damage, etc.) It is such a simple process to add a ring to an existing policy- whether you add it to your current renter’s insurance, homeowner’s policy, or even decide to create a new policy. Save yourself the stress and anxiety by covering items like these ahead of time.

Protecting your wedding and your important items are a great way to relieve any additional stress or anxiety that may come with an event disaster or the loss of an important and meaningful item related to your wedding. Consider taking these steps in advance to make your event an amazing and long-lasting memory.

Dec

18

Wedding Spotlight: Jennifer and Marwan’s Catholic-Arab Wedding

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Catholic-Arab Wedding in Phoenix, AZ

While planning her Catholic-Arab wedding, Jennifer first called the office after looking at our website. She couldn’t stop raving about what she saw. She scheduled an appointment to meet with us and brought along her brother and sister. She was so enthusiastic and loved everything so much that she selected both Gold Packages for her wedding photography and videography. We loved her personality and appreciated her enthusiasm for the wedding she had been planning. We couldn’t wait to capture her and Marwan’s special memories.

The beautiful and elegant Catholic-Arab wedding began with a photo shoot in the park. Jennifer stood beautifully with her bridesmaids while Marwan posed with his groomsmen. In just an hour, our team of Catholic wedding photographers snapped over 200 photos of the wedding party. While there, our Catholic wedding photographer took the time to get special photos of Jennifer’s gorgeous wedding dress and the wedding bouquet. We knew that these were the details that brides cherish for years to come.

The couple’s Catholic-Arab wedding was held at the glorious St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church in Phoenix, AZ. It houses a beautifully designed chapel with a charming spectacle for the packed wedding ceremony. This Catholic-Arab wedding began with an impressive and grand entrance of the bridesmaids that were accompanied by the groomsmen who were dancing and singing to the drums. During the ceremony, the pastor presented wonderful advice to the couple tailored around love and patience for their next chapter of Ghent. The pastor’s charismatic personality made for a very enjoyable and entertaining experience for all.

One of our favorite moments of the night was when Jennifer danced with her father. As they danced, we witnessed a beautiful and powerful father-daughter connection. Throughout the night, the bride was showered with love and hugs from all her friends and family. Jennifer and Marwan were exciting, fun, and energetic as they danced to the live music. While the dancing and Dabka were taking place, our photography crane captured memorable aerial shots of everyone on the dance floor. Jennifer and Marwan’s Catholic-Arab wedding at St. George was truly a night to remember. We wish these two the best in their beautiful marriage.