An Authentic Punjabi Celebration!

Thanksgiving weekend was once again dedicated to working on an out of town wedding! But i had no complaints on missing out on the turkey as this was one of the most enjoyable weddings i have ever been part of. Spanning over 3 days and two cities, with live dhol players, bhangra, gidda, punjabi style feasts, music, masti and more it was an event to remember!

Before i start with the looks we worked on for the Sangeet, wedding and reception i would like to express how honored i was with the heartfelt hospitality, respect and love of my bride and her family. Her best friend was truly a matron of honor and took on the responsibility of not only last minute details for the bride but also ensuring that i was taken care of. Thank you so much for every thing!

Sangeet night was thursday evening and my bride wore a traditional wine colored patiala shalwar kameez ensemble with antique embroidery detailing. She wanted a true punjabi look so we braided her hair at the back with accents of tassels at the base and parted her bangs to gently frame her face on one side. The makeup was an evening look with pearlesque pink, wine and antique bronze eyeshadow, black eyeliner and kohl, fake eyelashes in the most natural set, contoured pink cheeks and a taupe/pink lip color.

For the wedding, it was all about the maharani look. The exquisite lehnga was a maroon/burgundy completely laden with antique zardozi, kundan, gota and gemstones in golds, bronzes and emerald green. The dupatta was extremely heavy due to the embroidery so we did a very high behinve style updo that came down to just the right height once the dupatta was pinned.  The makeup was a classic gold, maroon, vanilla, copper, bronze eyeshadow, winged black liner on the top line, emerald green shimmering liner on the bottom line, black kohl, more defined black fake lashes. The cheeks were sculpted with a dark taupe, blush was a peach tone with antique gold highlights, the lips were a soft copper on apricot and the skin was finished with a mineral face powder finish to add a subtle glow to the matte foundation. Bindis were placed around the brows in red and white crystals and the dupatta was draped maharani style.

I don't usually attend the wedding ceremonies but this one i did, and her entrance was so surreal that i got a tear in my eye and goosebumps from the grandeur. As she walked under a drape of flower garlands, to the sounds of live 'Ohmmm mangalam' chanting and her face glowing with regal elegance reflecting the sparkles from her wedding outfit!

The next morning a 4.5 hour drive from one city to another and we were ready to work on the reception look. This was going to be red carpet diva all the way. The burnt russet sari once again had antique detailing and a lush maroon velvet blouse.  So we did the hair in large soft curls on a side part with a lot of bounce and touchable feel.

For makeup i worked with russet, cream and olive green on the eyes, black liner done cleopatra style, olive liner on the lower lash line, black kohl rimming the eyes and true diva style eyelashes. Cheeks were copper toned, the lips were a mocha pink layered with two toned gold/orange pigment and then glossed. True starlett material indeed!