Author: Alexandra

-AS SEEN IN BRIDAL GUIDE MAGAZINE-

Photo: Manish + Sung Photography

As nimble in hosting intimate micro-weddings as well as large-scale celebrations with up to 800 guests, Jersey City, NJ based Diwan by Design, is especially renowned for visually spectacular South Asian wedding events, a series of jubilant festivities steeped in the rituals and traditions of the bride and groom’s families’ culture. In riding the roller coaster of the pandemic of 2020, Sneh says, “I have always asked my clients, ‘What are the three things you cannot live without for your wedding?’ Before the pandemic couples might say food, music, decor. Now it has shifted to specific moments, such as father/daughter dance, exchanging vows and having my grandparents attend. Based on their answers, we do whatever we can to make that happen.”

Photo: Manish + Sung Photography

Favorite Moments from Pre-Pandemic Weddings

“One highlight of traditional South Asian weddings is the baraat, the groom’s procession. The procession is an event unto itself. It starts in the morning, with the groom’s side of the family, his friends, groomsmen, DJ and dihol player (drummer) gathered outside the venue, awaiting the groom’s grand entrance. It is a dramatic moment. Some memorable groom processions have also included colorful smoke bombs, creating magical clouds of color, which look great in photos!”

“I also love when the bride and groom see each other for the first time. In Hindu traditions, the bride’s hands and feet are decorated with henna designs, mehndi, typically two days before the wedding. Mehndi represents marriage and good luck. It is said that the deeper the hue of the mehndi after it dries, the deeper the love between the couple.”

Photo: Shanti Weddings

Favorite “New Normal” Moments

“Though it was challenging, couples were more open to new ways to create special intimate moments without losing the glamour and romance you expect to experience in a wedding.”

“For one memorable micro-wedding, we completely transformed the backyard, so that you felt like you were stepping into a magical dream world. We covered the pool with flooring, built out the tent, and lit it with chandeliers and twinkling fairy lights. The couple was married in a small private ceremony with parents and siblings in attendance, and the sister of the groom officiating.

Another resourceful couple made their celebration personally meaningful starting with a beautiful engagement session around NYC, stopping at different locations where they had shared a fond memory. On the following day they celebrated their love and love of the water with a private ceremony on a boat cruise around Manhattan.”

Photo: The Day by Ira Lippke

Universal Truths

“No matter how big or small the celebration is, as a planner, our work remains the same. We still put in the same amount of attention to detail, sourcing the right vendors, building a timeline, and making sure everything runs smoothly.”

Photo: The Day by Ira Lippke

Why I Love Weddings

“I love seeing a story come to life! From the first conversation to creating mood boards, site visits, building a vendor team, and finally the execution! Every wedding is different, with its own traditions. Seeing the smiles (and happy tears) on the couple’s faces and feeling the love in the room when friends and family come together to celebrate is truly a feeling that never gets old.”

Photo: Ryon Lockhart Photography

Looking Ahead

“I look forward to not having to factor in additional time for temperature checks for all the guests/vendors at the wedding — there is already enough stress on the wedding day. And being able to hug my clients again!”

Photo: The Santos & Co.

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Kourtney Kardashian / Instagram

Kourtney Kardashian And Travis Barker are engaged! After a year of dating, the rock star proposed to the Poosh founder on the beach in California, surrounded by their families and a sea of red roses. As soon as we laid eyes on Kourtney’s massive oval-shaped engagement ring, we couldn’t help but dream about what her wedding dress might look like. While Kourtney has always been a style star, there’s no denying her look has gotten a lot edgier since becoming #Kravis.  

From sultry black wedding gowns, to short and chic dresses, take a look at our predictions for Kourtney’s wedding-day look. 

1. Casablanca Bridal, Style Mina 

Since meeting Travis, Kourtney has been dressed nearly head-to-toe in black, so it only seems natural she’d incorporate her new favorite color into her bridal style. This black lace wedding gown is a total knockout, and the sheer open back add the perfect sultry element. 

2. Vera Wang, Fall 2021 Look 4

The oldest Kardashian sister has been showing more skin lately — which is why we love this revealing bow top and high-waisted black shorts look for her. 

3. Adrianna Papell Platinum, Style #31205

We predict a short engagement for #Kravis, so should the pair decide to tie the knot this winter, Kourtney may choose a long sleeve wedding gown, like this black lace stunner. 

4. Sottero and Midgley, Style Norvinia 

A fairytale princess gown, but make it edgy.

5. Moonlight Couture, Style H-1476

A sexy mermaid gown with beaded black lace appliqués may be the perfect marriage between Kourtney and Travis’ senses of style.

6. Vera Wang, Fall 2021 Look 18

Hear us out, there are two Vera Wang dresses on this list, but she is a celebrity favorite, and this may be the coolest two-piece bridal look we’ve ever seen. 

7. Sophie et Voilà’s Black Label Collection, Style Daniella

It doesn’t get more rock ‘n’ roll than this short halter dress with rhinestone fringes. 

8. Edem Couture, Corset Dress with Lace

Kourt has been sporting lots of corsets lately, and we think this sexy yet chic wedding gown with exposed boning would be perfect for Poosh founder.

9. Viktor&Rolf Mariage, Style VRM304

This sleek mermaid gown with a sexy T-back would fit Kourt’s minimalist style, without overwhelming her petite frame. 

10. Justin Alexander Signature, Style Cher

Named after the icon herself, this ultra-chic mini dress with trending puff-sleeves was made for a modern bride like Kourt.

11. Kiki de Montparnasse, Tuxedo Blazer Dress

Always a fan of elevated menswear, we’d love to see the KUWTK star rock this edgy tuxedo blazer dress with a killer pair of heels. 

12. SuitShop, Women’s White Tuxedo 

Daring to be different, we could see Kourt opt for a posh white tux (without anything underneath!) for an intimate wedding or a rehearsal dinner. 

Will Kourtney wear a traditional wedding dress, or celebrate her new, edgier style? Stay tuned to find out!