Saiaf Films

Nov

15

A Guide to Asian Weddings: The Bride and the Groom’s Outfit

Choosing an outfit for a wedding can be tricky, especially if you haven’t been given a dress code to follow, yet attending a wedding of a different culture can make this decision even harder. Saiaf Films, one of the award-winning Santa Monica Indian Wedding Photographer, shares some thoughts on how dress codes look like on different Asian weddings.

The Bride

Japan
Japanese weddings are huge affairs. It is often the parents of the couple who organise the wedding, and they are willing to spend excessive amounts to save face. As such, the large scale of the weddings means that the bride can have as many as five costume changes.

The traditional wedding is called a Shinto wedding and at one of these ceremonies, the bride often wears a white kimono. At more modern-day ceremonies, the bride chooses to wear a dress similar to that of a Western wedding dress but with a Japanese print.

India
As witnessed by almost every Afghan Wedding Photographer Austin, the location of the wedding often determines the bridal outfit of an Indian bride. In some regions, the bride wears a saree, a garment that looks like a long drape; while in others the bride wears a lehenga, which is a long skirt. Often the bride is dressed in red or another vibrant colour, and her garments will be carefully embroidered with an impressive design. The bride and the rest of her bridal party are often painted with delicate henna patterns on the back of their hands.

China
A Chinese bride often chooses to dress in red as this is the colour of good luck in China. In some regions, typically in northern China, the traditional attire for a bride is a one-piece dress that is embroidered with gold and silver designs. In southern China, the typical wear is a two-piece frock.

On their feet, they often wear a small heel that has been embroidered with a recognisable symbol. For example, this could be a turtle or a deer which are symbols of happiness and longevity. Even here in the U.S., Saiaf Films often see Chinese brides still following the traditional dress code and ceremony, especially if the couple has pure Chinese bloodline. With such, it is important to hire the right Malibu Arab Wedding Videographer who’s familiar with Asian weddings and traditions.

The Groom

Japan
The traditional outfit for a Japanese groom is a wedding kimono called a montsuki, which often displays the family crest. The groom then changes into a tuxedo for the after-party, although more recently grooms start the ceremony in a tuxedo, too.

India
Grooms from different places in India choose to dress differently on their wedding day. According to some Fullerton Hindu Wedding Photographer, some husbands-to-be wear traditional dress, such as a dhoti, which is a rectangular cloth that is tied around the waist. In other regions, they wear a sherwani (a long coat), a kurta (loose falling shirt that hangs below the knee) or a Western suit.

Men, like their brides, often have henna on their bodies but it is not as elaborate and often hidden under the clothing.

China
A traditional Chinese groom is dressed in a silk coat over an embroidered robe. Nowadays, the traditional overcoat is sometimes not worn.

The groom often has to wear special headwear which is a black hat with a decorative red tassel. Some younger generations no longer follow the traditional dress code and simply wear a tuxedo or a Western-style business suit.

Nov

15

4 Often-Forgotten Wedding Details

Indian Wedding Photographer / Muslim Wedding Photographer / South Asian Wedding Photographer Posted by Saiaf Films / 0 comments

There are a million and one things to plan when it comes to a wedding. So is it any surprise that one or two or even twenty-five wedding details might fall through the cracks? Planning a wedding — whether big or small — can be extremely overwhelming, especially when juggling full-time job. There are so many details and so many people, vendors and logistics that have to be managed, so it’s not hard to believe that sometimes a detail here and there gets overlooked.

Here, Saiaf Films — your most trusted Chicago Hindu Wedding Photographer — will break down the top things that brides usually forget when planning their wedding. With any luck, this list will save you from forgetting these details, too!

Starting to Get Ready Later Than Planned

The time spent getting ready should be as relaxed and fun as possible, but once you find yourself behind schedule, the pressure can build to catch up. Do a test run and talk with your stylist beforehand to figure out how much time you and your wedding party will need on the big day. Also, it’s ideal to get started preparing earlier than planned, so your New York Hindu Wedding Videographer and photographer will have enough time to snap more photos and videos of you and your party before the ceremony actually begins.

Underestimating the Cost of Drinks

When mapping your budget, bear in mind that, aside from your Dearborn Muslim Female Wedding Photography, a good chunk of your expenses will go towards drinks. It’s common practice to have an open bar during the reception, but not every couple can afford to shell out for an all-night open bar. Instead, consider the alternatives. There are many ways to save big without having to resort to a cash bar, including serving two signature cocktails, wine, and beer, or asking your venue for a corkage option. This will allow you to keep unopened bottles which you can return, if allowed.

Being Pressured and Hurried to Pick the Bridal Party

This one is more like a mistake than a forgotten detail. Picking your bridal party can be stressful and even awkward, but don’t forget that it’s your day and you shouldn’t feel an obligation towards anyone. The most important thing is to pick people who you want standing up with you on your wedding day and be in most of your photos shot by your Houston Arab Wedding Photographer. So, take your time before you ask anyone.

Traditionally, you’ll ask your sisters to be bridesmaids (assuming you have any, and you’re at least relatively close) and also any future sisters-in-law. Also, were all in favor of appointing a “man of honor” or having close guy friends in the bridal party. It’s 2018 folks! You can have whoever and whatever you want for your wedding!

Acknowledging Each One of Your Guests

It may seem silly, but plan how you’re going to greet your guests. Often, the bride and groom will stand at the end of the receiving line after the ceremony. This ensures the couple can greet all of their guests. If you want to skip straight to the reception, you might consider, instead, making the rounds while guests are seated at their tables. Whatever you decide to do, try your best to say hello to everyone and thank them for coming. This is particularly important for all of your out-of-town guests. Let them know you appreciate them making the trip to be there on your big day.

Nov

13

Do I Need a Second Photographer for My Wedding?

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So, should you pay for a second shooter at your wedding? Having a second photographer is becoming more and more popular among bridal couples nowadays and also seen a lot in photographer pricing packages. Whether you should decide to have a second photographer depends on a number of things.
The benefits of having a second shooter are extremely useful for…

Getting Ready Photos

With the bride and bridesmaids all getting ready together, these can make for some fun and lovely photos, shots of the bridesmaids helping the bride put the dress on, drinking wine together with the emotion and excitement of the day captured through photos.

But what about the groom? If they are getting ready somewhere else, then this is where a second shooter is useful, you have your main Colorado Indian Wedding Photographer capturing the bride getting ready, while the second shooter is with the groom, best man and the rest of the guys.

Guest Shots

If you have a very large number of guests at your wedding you may benefit from a second shooter that allows you to capture more of your guests and the emotion of the day. This is not to say that a single Denver Indian Wedding Videographer cannot do this nicely, but a second shooter allows your main photographer to focus on the bride and groom during the ceremony, allowing the second shooter to focus on the guests only. The more guests you have, the trickier it is to capture those fun moments, emotions and joy on your guests faces while also doing formal shots, for example.

The Venue

Be it for the ceremony or the reception, larger venues that offer a few different vantage points allow for a range of different shot. Requesting for a second shooter from your Colorado Indian Wedding Photographer allows you to take advantage of this by being able to capture the same moment from different angles. This could be shots of the bride and groom walking down the aisle with shots from a photographer on the ground level and a second shooter capturing the moment from a balcony above, for instance.

Overall, it comes down to whether you need an additional Denver Indian Wedding Videographer and photographer, and whether you have the budget for it.

Nov

02

5 important Tips for Every Indian Wedding Guest

Indian Wedding Photographer Posted by Saiaf Films / 0 comments

If you have been invited to an Indian wedding for the first time, you may want to know what to expect at an Indian wedding. Attending a traditional Indian wedding is quite a unique experience—you will witness a wide array of vibrant colors, food, ceremonies, rituals and dances blended together in a large and long celebration. If you decide to attend the wedding, be it a Hindu, Muslim or Sikh wedding, it’s very likely that you’ll get overwhelmed by the bewildering array of Indian wedding traditions, rituals and etiquette. But with the following tips in mind, you will enjoy the Indian wedding with grace, ease and fun.

1. Dress modestly

Many first-timers wonder what guests wear to an Indian wedding, so that they can dress themselves accordingly. While there is no specific dress code at Indian weddings, dressing modestly is a must, meaning no bare shoulders and bare knees. For female wedding guests, a traditional sari or lehenga is perfect to show some respect to the religious wedding rituals, but it doesn’t matter if you don’t have. For men, suits and sherwani (a long coat-like garment) are fine.

Jewelries are also very important part of Indian outfits. Bindis and bangles are most common jewelries for Indian wedding guests we’ve seen as an Indian Wedding Photographer Arizona. A pair of chand balis or jhumkas is good adornment for your ears. Necklace with Indian touches, even a simple gold chain with a sparkling pendant, is perfect accessory to adorn your neck. Payals and mang tikkas can also be your choice to go with your wedding sari or lehenga. For male guests, choose a gold chain or jewelled buttons to make your outfit complete.

2. Prepare for strange hours of the day or night for the wedding ceremony

Many Indian weddings are timed at some strange hours of the day or night. The auspicious time for wedding is often chosen by astrology at around 2 or 3 am, especially for weddings in north India. So remember to ask if it is a late night or early morning wedding so that you can get some sleep the day before.

3. Plan accordingly for a long wedding

An Indian wedding lasts at least 3 days, even for a week! From pre-wedding rituals like Mehndi (henna) to the 2-3 hours long main ceremony and finally, the reception, there are a lot of events taking place, some of which you may be invited to participate in. Plan your time accordingly and get enough rest to be engaged in the events you’re invited to attend.

4. Learn the customs

Indian weddings are known for their colorful rituals, especially the Hindu weddings. Each individual ceremony, such as the Mehndi, the Saptapadi (seven steps), or the recitation of vows, has a meaning behind it. Knowing about them will help you enjoy the wedding to the fullest. For instance, at Indian wedding Mehndi (henna) ceremony held at the night before the wedding, the bride and her female friends and family members will have intricate mehndi patterns drawn on their hands and feet. It’s a common belief that the darker the color of the mehndi leaves on the hands of the bride, the more she will be loved by her husband and mother-in-law. In some regions, the groom will apply vermillion or kumkum to the bride’s forehead or put toe ring on the bride to symbolize that she’s now a married woman.

5. Money is the traditional wedding gift

Giving gifts is a common tradition at Indian weddings. The traditional wedding gift is money, which is regarded as the most thoughtful gift for the couple to start their lives together. This is better done by placing money in a pretty envelope or embroidered bag, along with your best wishes. The amount of Indian wedding gift money should be an “auspicious” number ending in 1, regardless of what the currency is. As to a reasonable amount, it mostly depends on how much you can afford and how close you’re to the bride and the groom. Other gifts that you will give for a non-Indian wedding would also be appropriate, such as decorative items, jewelry, and silver items.

Oct

06

How to Perfect the Natural-Look Photos

Engagement Photoshoot / Gilbert Wedding Photographer / Muslim Wedding Photographer / Palestinian Wedding Photographer / South Asian Wedding Photographer Posted by Saiaf Films / 0 comments

Perhaps, you’re thinking: “Perfecting the natural? That’s two different things.” But yes, natural-looking photos can be scripted subtly. How will you and your Goodyear Sikh Wedding Photographer make it look natural despite the posing directions? Here are some tips to pull it off.

1. Natural Light

Nothing is more natural looking than taking images in natural light. There’s always something very romantic about natural settings, and couples that pose together in any way outdoors are always going to create some lovely images.

2. Pictures in Motion

Some people don’t like to stand perfectly still and pose in front of the camera. Fortunately, you don’t have to as long as your Maricopa Indian Wedding Photographer is talented enough. You and your fiancé can get together and try to act like you’re just enjoying a romantic moment in motion, and your photographer can take the snapshot at the very exact moment.

3. Look anywhere but the camera

Pictures where everyone looks at the camera are always very unnatural. Sometimes, it’s reasonable to try to get shots like that. However, in many cases, people are going to want to take pictures that are far more casual and real. Pictures look significantly less ‘posed’ when you are not looking directly at the camera.

4. Try to laugh as naturally as possible

People often smile in picture. But if the goal is to look natural, then try a soft laugh. There’s always something natural when you laugh. And when your Hindu Wedding Photographer Jerome is able to capture the perfect moment, it will look evocative and genuine in photo.

5. Shot from all angles

This one is on your photographer. Photographing people only from the frontal view isn’t always a good idea, since it creates more of a posed impression. When the couple is photographed from lots of different angles, people can also appreciate the wholeness of the image.

6. Physical contact

Weddings are all about love and romance, and wedding portraits need to really capture that love and romance. That is why our photographers here at Saiaf Films always encourage the couples we handle to be physically affectionate. Physical contact creates a warm vibe between the couple that makes them relax and feel a bit more comfortable in any given situation.

Oct

06

Wedding Photography Trends

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Just like any industry, wedding photography evolves and changes through time. Here, we have rounded up popular trends when it comes to wedding photography and what to plan about and what to include (and not to include) in your wedding.

Reportage/Documentary Style

Gone are the days when all we see in wedding albums are posed and staged photos of every family combination possible. Today, it is all about capturing moments as they naturally unfold, and wedding photographers being discreet in the background rather than being directors.

Reportage, which is also known as documentary style, is a popular style among Sikh Wedding Photographer Yuma. This is a style preferred by most couples nowadays because of its relaxed and casual flair, highlighting raw emotions and priceless reactions.

Unplugged Ceremony

More and more couples are adapting this trend due to the extensive use of mobile devices. First, this is to ensure that your Glendale Palestinian Wedding Photographer captures high quality photos. And secondly, for the guests to enjoy the moment and just be there with you. No phones, no cameras, no tablets and iPads on hand.

First-Look Photos

Your Sierra Vista Muslim Wedding Photographer will likely recommend going for a first-look photo shoot as this is one of the growing trends right now. Photographers see this as an advantage since they wouldn’t have to combat with guests in capturing a dramatic first-look as you walk down the aisle. Plus, you get to shake those nerves away for seeing your partner before the ceremony actually starts.

Drone Photos

Drones are used to capture aerial shots, which showcases the entirety of the wedding. This is an effective way for our photographers here at Saiaf Films to capture the blissful spirit and highlight the splendid setup of the venue, especially if yours is an outdoor event.

Day-After Photos

Weddings cans be stressful and chaotic. Many times, things may arise that are beyond your control (e.g. intoxicated guests, lighting problems, time crunch, etc.) and may limit the photos that your photographer may get on the day. As a solution, there’s day-after photography. This photography trend allows photographers to shoot the newlywed couple in an alternate location and gives couples more photo options to include in their wedding album.

Oct

05

The Most Common Wedding Photography Misconceptions

Hindu Wedding Photographer / Indian Wedding Photographer / Palestinian Wedding Photographer Posted by Saiaf Films / 0 comments

If not all, most couples see their wedding as the most important event in their lives. Obviously, you want to be able to cherish every bit of it and record everything that happened on that day. After all, it isn’t every day that you get married and you also want to be able to show off your wedding to family members both now and in the future.

However, you need an excellent South Asian Wedding Photographer Arizona in order to do that. Unfortunately, there are a lot of misconceptions out there about wedding photography that made couples less-prioritize this supposedly very important element in a wedding.

1. All wedding photographers do is to take photos

Granted that the main job of a Fremont Palestinian Wedding Photographer is to take photographs, but that is far from the truth that it is the only thing they do in this job. Wedding photographers need to possess all of the technical knowledge that comes with being able to photograph people beautifully and remarkably, and they have to be skilled enough to be able to do it in all different kinds of settings—not just in a studio where the environment can be controlled.

2. It’s extremely expensive to hire a professional

If you really want to hire someone who is good enough to produce the best results, it is not going to be free of charge. However, it also doesn’t need to cost you an arm and a leg. If budget is a main concern, there are so many professional photographers offering different styles and varying service fees. There is no doubt you will find one that will suit your budget, needs and preferences.

3. Any professional photographer can take wedding photos

False! A lot of people think that those who take professional photos of landscapes, or even those who take photos in a studio, will be able to take high-quality wedding photos. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for most photographers. A wedding is a unique event. In a fashion shoot, the model will strike poses for the photographer. In landscape photography, the photographer can take the time to look for the perfect angle with the best lighting. But with a wedding, you can’t ask the bride and groom to walk down the aisle again or kiss each other again. If you miss to capture the moment, you miss it forever. Wedding photographers have one chance, one shot; they have to be in the right place at the right time. And that, my friend, is the edge of a professional New Orleans Sikh Wedding Photographer—they know when and where to anticipate the moment.

4. You can just Photoshop it

Yes, you can Photoshop pimples, wrinkles and flyaway hair. But you can never Photoshop candid moments and emotions. Wedding photos are about real natural moments captured naturally. We, at Saiaf Films, make use of our years of experience to help use the natural light to our advantage while photographing events as they unfold, so that you get natural shots and there’s no need (or at least very minimal need) for ‘photoshopping’.

Oct

04

Wedding Accessory Photos You Don’t Want to Miss

Catholic Wedding / Chicago Muslim Wedding Photographer / Engagement Photoshoot Posted by Saiaf Films / 0 comments

You’ve already hired the Best Wedding Photographer in Chandler and have decided on the photographs you want them to take. Your pros will be arriving in time to capture all those precious getting ready moments—but will they be able to capture all those carefully chosen details in photos, too?

While every bride hopes to keep these precious heirlooms forever, you never know what might happen, so make sure all your wedding accessories are on your photography list. You’ll love looking back at all your glittering accessory choices, and we haven’t even mentioned those gorgeous rings…

The Shoes

Whether you’ll be strutting your stuff down the aisle in Cinderella shoes or going for a fun pair of flats, make sure they are photographed. Your feet will probably never feel so fabulous again (especially if you’ve treated yourself to a magnificent pair of Louis Vuitton!).

On or off, staged or candidly taken shots—the artistic options for your San Francisco Afghan Wedding Photographer are endless. Your wedding shoes will be tucked beneath your dress most of the day, so let them take centre stage in your accessories photos. It’s the perfect way to capture all the little details.

The Rings

It can also be all too easy to forget the important ring photographs. On the day, you officially put a ring on it and celebrate exactly that! While it’s lovely to snap them on your fingers once you’ve officially become husband and wife, you can also get really pretty ones using different props. Hang them on a slender branch, balance them on old books, place them on top of conkers, and have your Palestinian Wedding Photographer Flagstaff snap photos of your gorgeous rings.

Groom’s Accessories

Don’t forget your man’s accessories, too! If you’ll have a photographer joining him while getting ready, make sure they are briefed to capture the groom’s wear. Think pocket watches, cuff links, tie pins, buttonholes and watches.

Other Details

The little details will have a lot of memories and importance to you. You spent a long time choosing the perfect jewelry, hair accessories and perfume, so of course you’ll want to remember them. Combine your smaller pieces in one photograph for pretty results.

Sep

20

Quick Planning Tips for Your Wedding

Chicago Muslim Wedding Photographer / Indian Wedding Photographer / Muslim Wedding Photographer Posted by Saiaf Films / 0 comments

Weddings are big—and expensive—affairs, but they are also beautiful and fun. We, here at Saiaf Films, know quite well that budgeting, planning and managing a plethora of wedding elements can get seriously stressful. If you are one of those brides-to-be who are slowly morphing into a bridezilla, don’t lose hope! We, as your trustee Hindu Wedding Photographer Scottsdale, are here for you. Below are some of our known trendy tips and tricks for a less stressful wedding planning.

1. The Dress

Gone are the days when brides only wear crisp white wedding gowns. Being an Arizona Indian Wedding Photographer for years, we’ve seen how brides have explored the wedding fashion. Subtle colors, like champagne and blush, are all the trend right now. And don’t even underestimate ready-to-wear dresses you find in department stores. Going for a ready-made one will greatly reduce the stress of showing up to multiple fittings when you have more important things to do. With a ready-made dress, all your options are right in front of you, and all you need to do is just to pick the one that fits perfectly on you.

2. The Invitations and Save-the-Date Cards

Eliminate the need to print multiple cards for your invitations and save-the-dates by creating a wedding website. You can even skip the save-the-dates altogether as you can go online with it instead. For wedding invitations, still have them printed out. You’d want to be formal with the principal sponsors, wouldn’t you?

3. The Bridal Makeup

To ensure you look fresh as your Sikh Wedding Photographer Phoenix snaps photo of you all day, keep your lipstick looking sharp and crisp by keeping a lip liner on hand. This will be your best friend the whole day of your wedding. Not only does it reshape your lips, but it also serves as a stencil for your lipstick to last longer.

4. The Venue

When asking for a venue’s capacity, ask for maximum guest count for seated dinner. If planning to hire a live band, ask for space for the stage and the dance floor. In many cases, these aren’t included in the maximum guest count.

5. The Décor and Setup

Among the popular wedding décor trend today is bringing the outside in, with lots of fairy lights and greenery. For the dining setup, go for classic style with romantic edge by using monochromatic floral centerpieces with accents like textured plates or linens. Top it off with accessories like tall vases.

6. The Food

Perhaps, you may want to consider choosing healthier menu over friend and thick-gravy recipes. Even if you don’t go all-out healthy, having one or two healthier recipes, such as green salad and roasted turkey, will give your menu a variation. Ask your caterer if they are open for customizing the menu, too, especially if you have a family recipe you want to include in your banquet.

Sep

20

How to Achieve Incredible Rainy Wedding Photos

Arab Wedding / Engagement Photoshoot / Gilbert Wedding Photographer / Indian Wedding Photographer Posted by Saiaf Films / 0 comments

Yes, you wouldn’t want to wish rain on your wedding day, but you have to be prepared with a backup plan in case that happens. However, for us here at Saiaf Films, we see it as an opportunity for some really unique and stunning images! Check out our tried-and-tested tips on how you can turn a gloomy day into stunning photo opportunities on your very special day.

1. Adjust your timeline

Holding off on your wedding portraits 30 minutes to even a few hours for a break in the rain can be well worth the wait! This could be a good time to try with your Afghani Wedding Photographer San Francisco some indoor photo magic while waiting for the rain to stop. Our pros here at Saiaf Films, will help you plan out your day and communicate with you leading up to the event if we see that rain is in the forecast, so we can adjust accordingly and ensure that you will still have amazing photos no matter the weather!

2. But don’t avoid the rain altogether

If the rain never lets up, or if you’re willing to take the risk of getting a little bit wet for some epic photos, plan a short session in the rain. We will take care of scouting the locations and setting up the shots. All you have to do is relax, stay dry, and look amazing!

3. Communicate with your pros

With a weather less than ideal like this, it is more critical to keep an open line with your Tucson Bengali Wedding Photographer. It’s important to ask any and all questions you may have so that your photographer can address your concerns. Your photographer may even be able to use flash to mimic the sun for a magical golden-hour look!

4. Feature the big clouds

Rains and storms often create an epic array of clouds and textures that give you and your Sedona Muslim Wedding Photographer the opportunity for truly unique imagery. Don’t let the gloomy vibe of a rainy wedding day get you down as your photographer will be there to turn a cloudy moment into a beautiful lasting memory!

5. Grab a stylish umbrella

This is a great time to grab a stylish umbrella to use as accessory to your photo. A white, black or clear umbrella can take your rainy photos to the next level, not to mention keep you dry during the outdoor shoot. Plus, umbrellas have the ability to reflect light in a unique and ethereal way.