Divya + Rahil’s Hindu wedding weekend at the Novi Suburban Collection Showplace was spectacular. I was so happy to be their wedding cinematographer to capture the meaning and significance of it all. They were a wonderful couple to work with, and was so happy with their wedding films.
Divya + Rahil's first dance at the Novi Suburban Collection Showplace.
photo credit: Joseph Kang Photography
Their weekend started with the sangeet at the Farmington Hills Manor in Farmington Hills, MI. Sangeets are traditionally known for robust colors not only from the guest’s outfits, but also from the boldly decorated setting. Divya + Rahil chose for a more neutral palate for their sangeet decor so the guests would stand out. The rich swirling colors, festive songs and dances and happy voices decorated the evening. For traditional Indian weddings I’m always impressed with the company hired for the decor, due to the number of events and settings over the course of the weekend, and Divya + Rahil’s wedding was no exception. Shaadi Creations handled the decor for the weekend, and did a spectacular job. Photography for the weekend was done by Joseph Kang Photography, and we were on our feet all weekend filming and shooting, not letting anything slip us by.
Hindu Wedding Trailer at the Novi Suburban Collection Showplace.
Wedding Cinematography: 97 Films
Once the couple and bridal party was decorated and ready on the morning of the wedding, it was time for the baraat. Though traditionally the groom rides in on a horse, Rahil broke with tradition and rode in on a flashy black Yamaha Slingshot. The families met with dancing, song and colorful smoke. Divya + Rahil met before the ceremony for a few pictures and a quiet moment together, and some of my favorite cinematography of the day came from their first look. Colorful smoke filled the air and made for a soft and artistic scene.
Hindu wedding ceremony traditions at the Novi Suburban Collection Showplace.
photo credit: Joseph Kang Photography
The ceremony and reception were both held at the Diamond Center in Novi, MI. The ceremony had all the traditional Hindu elements, and it’s always a challenge to film it all, but also stay out of the way and out of view. Divya wore was a beautiful two-piece dress embroidered and subtly jeweled with sparkles. Rahil’s jacket complemented her gown perfectly.
Divya + Rahil's Hindu wedding ceremony at the Novi Suburban Collection Showplace.
photo credit: Joseph Kang Photography
However, their guests were treated to a costume change and fireworks as the newlywed couple entered the reception. It was exceptional! DJ ICE got the party started, and Divya’s pink and silver two-piece gown with matching scarf looked great against Rahil’s snappy tuxedo. There were coordinated dances, one led by the bride and groom, slow dances with parents and couples, and in the end, all the guests danced the night away.
How did you two meet?
We met at a bar in Detroit years ago through mutual friends!
How did Rahil propose?
Rahil proposed at one of my favorite locations in Chicago-the adler planetarium where you can see the entire Chicago skyline. He told me we were going to meet his residents for happy hour but ended up surprising me!
What did you envision your wedding being prior to planning?
Surprisingly, I did not have a pre planned wedding envisioned. I've never thought of my wedding or what it would look like before getting engaged!
What was your color palette and your style vision?
Wedding ceremony: Neutral tones for the ceremony, blush, ivory, white, gold with hints of burgundy.
Reception: Navy blue, marsala, blush, gold, I wanted this to be classy, elegant and a mix of bold but beautiful colors that complimented each other. Nicely enough, blue is Rahil's favorite color and the marsala/burgundy is one of my favorites!
Sangeet: Green, white, gold. Theme was to go after a nature/greenery/outdoor theme with greenery and whites to compliment each other. I didn't want to do the traditional robust colors Sangeet's are known for and wanted to allow the diversity of colors from the guest's to stand out amidst a simpler theme.
Mehendi: Traditional pink, orange, yellow colors for a bright and lively color palette
What unique elements or DIY details did you include?
Custom made/designed the bridesmaid and maid of honor dresses!
Custom made the table numbers are the reception to fit the marasala theme
Cocktail menu with animated picture of our two fur animals as representation of the cocktails we had " The Mason" and " The Rocky"
Custom made wedding program with sudoku and a crossword puzzle for guests
Wedding guestbook made in a Q&A format for example "what's one thing the bride should know about the groom" for guests to fill out tips/advice/funny comments!
Dessert special was a variety of mochi (one of Rahil's favorite desserts) on an ice tray by Ice Dreams!
Baraat Car was a slingshot 3 wheeler!
What was your favorite moment?
The first look without a doubt. (sitting down to eat my plate of dessert is a close second)
Moments after Divya + Rahil's first look at the Novi Suburban Collection Showplace.
photo credit: Joseph Kang Photography
Describe your wedding day.
Perfect. Everything came together perfectly and there's nothing more amazing than having all the people you love come together from near and far to celebrate you and the love of your life. Hindu wedding with a mix of north and south indian cultural aspects. Traditional colors were used throughout the weekend. Location- Novi and Farmington Hills Michigan.
What is one piece of advice that you could give brides-to-be?
Someone told me this and I'll pass it forward because its 100% true: Take 20 seconds here and
there throughout your wedding day or weekend to pause and look at each other and really take in the moments that are happening around you together. It's the best advice I could have received for that weekend and I highly recommend it to anyone getting married!
What's the #1 thing people should know about your wedding?
LIT. You don't have to spend a fortune for it to be a perfect wedding, focus on the things that matter most to you and your significant other (ie: ours was making sure our friends and family as well as ourselves had the best time that weekend)
Sangeet Venue: Farmington Hills Manor
Ceremony and Reception Venue: Novi Suburban Collection Showplace
Photographer: Joseph Kang Photography
Planner: Iris Bloom, Nita Sheth
Florist & Decor: Shaadi Creations
DJ/Band: DJ ICE
Hairstylist: Aysha Riaz
Makeup Artist: Jhobby Makeup Studio Bride Dress Designer: Dress from ROOP KALA in Mumbai, India
Bride/Groom Suit Designer: Groom Outfit from G9 in Mumbai, India
Bridesmaid Dress Designer: Custom made
Bride Shoe Designer: Badgley Mischka
Bridal Party Gifts: Wine decanters, bath bombs, face mask, custom item based on each bridesmaid and/or maid of honor
Ice sculpture Centerpieces: Ice Dreams
Dessert Table: Le monde
Dance Floor, Lights, and Indoor Fireworks: Jena Sound and Lighting Henna: Dreaming in Henna
Food: Rangoli, Ashoka, Punjab Indian Cuisine
Divya + Rahil's photo session outside the Novi Suburban Collection Showplace.
photo credit: Joseph Kang Photography
Overall, it was an amazing weekend at the Novi Suburban Collection Showplace. All of the careful planning Divya + Rahil put into their wedding paid off, and I was happy to film their wedding as their cinematographer. Are you getting married at The Diamond Center? We'd love to be there to capture your wedding celebration! Send me an email [katie@97films.com] or fill out the contact form and let’s chat about how AMAZING your wedding day will be and how I can capture every single detail!
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