From houstonpress.comOriginally published by Houston Press 2006-12-21©2005 New Times, Inc. All rights reserved.Gods and LoversDuring their massive, five-day Indian wedding, a local couple was worshippedBy RUTH SAMUELSON
Today, Atul and Sarika Maheshwari are gods incarnate. People have flown in from all over the world -- India, Canada, England and even the Ukraine -- to celebrate them. These visiting guests wait patiently in a ballroom. Waiting is not unusual. The gods are rarely punctual.
But the guests, spread out across 55 tables, aren't anxious. For hours they've been making merry. Outside the ballroom they dipped pineapple, strawberries and soft yellow cake into a towering fountain of chocolate fondu. They dined from a long table of hot Indian dishes. They even glimpsed Atul, who greeted the jubilant people while Sarika remained out of sight.
Now they wait.
Soon, the gods will make their grand entrance into the ballroom, commencing a night of dances, speeches and tributes in their honor. There is a large stage at the front of the room. There is a table for the gods and a place where they may eat and gaze over the crowds. Sarika and Atul were supposed to appear 45 minutes ago. Now, the guests sit below bright chandeliers and a canopy of lights and white-and-blue translucent fabric.
And still the people wait.
Suddenly a loud voice booms over the crowd. He has questions for the people. Serious, discerning queries.
"Are you ready to drink?" he calls out. Alcohol, he means. Copious amounts of it.
The voice belongs to "dj rick," Ricky Bajaj, and he is about to get this party started. He's talking to more than 500 people here at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square. He has another question for the excited masses: Are you ready to see Atul and Sarika?
"The gods" are two 26-year-old Indian-American newlyweds. They just got married a couple of hours ago -- and in their religion, Hinduism, the bride and groom are treated as gods Mahalakshmi and Lord Vishnu during their wedding. Outside of the ceremony itself, people don't seem to care too much about that; still, throughout the festivities, the bride and groom take on an almost exalted status.
Here in 21st-century America, there's an even more apt comparison: celebrities. Prior to the wedding, the couple had several sets of bridal portraits done. For their various wedding events, there are two photographers and a videographer (two on the wedding day). Friends and family have celebrated them at various events for days straight. Even their parents, brothers and sisters are like minor stars by association.
The wedding reception is the climax of this revelry. The fact that this party is kicking off so late is no big deal. Indian weddings never start on time. There's even a term for the general Indian phenomenon of lateness -- Indian Standard Time (or IST).
Finally, it's time to view the holy couple.
The guests look to the door, and the pair breezes out. Atul wears a black South Asian-style suit. Sarika is dressed in a blue, glittering lehnga (skirt) and choli (top). They make their way toward the stage. It is a quick, easy stroll forward; but it is also the culmination of years of anticipation and months of planning, stress, excitement and anxiety.
Finding each other was challenging enough. But in the South Asian community, there's a lot riding on the wedding itself. The bride's and groom's parents and family in- vite practically everyone they've ever known to celebrate their children's marriage, and alternately their success as parents. And they spare no expense to make sure it's a memorable affair. It's not uncommon to spend $75,000 -- more than twice what an average American couple spends, according to wedding coordinator Haley Doyle of En Vogue Events in Kingwood.
Click here to read the full stroy :http://www.houstonpress.com/Issues/2006-12-21/news/feature.html
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Lastest news about En Vogue Events
NEWS RELEASE
Texwood Shows, Inc.
2260 W. Holcombe, Suite 117
Houston, Texas 77030
Media contacts:
Janet Smith, Event Coordinator, 281-460-9646
janet@dreamweddingsbridalshow.com
Susan Love Fitts Communications, 936-597-8825
susanlovefitts@consolidated.net
BRIDAL SHOW TO FEATURE REAL-LIFE RECEPTION SITES, PROFESSIONAL FASHION SHOW
Two-day event to be staged at
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center
Saturday and Sunday, January 27 and 28, 2007
HOUSTON, TX. – December 7, 2006 - As the name implies, Dream Weddings Bridal Show in The Woodlands is all about making wedding-day fantasies come true. With a fashion show orchestrated by a nationally known producer and four season-themed reception sites planned over the two-day event, brides-to-be will be sure to come away with a unique vision for the day they don the white dress and walk down the aisle.
WEDDING WONDERLAND
Event Coordinator Janet Smith said she had brides in mind when planning the show and the featured Wedding Wonderland. She said she didn’t want to only offer suggestions on how brides might plan their wedding, she wanted to show them.
“It’s the biggest day of every girl’s life, and I think it should be a big deal,” she said.
Attendees will be treated to four faux reception sites, each set to represent a different season and styled by two of Houston’s premiere wedding planners, Kayla McDaniel of Kayla’s Weddings & Events and Haley Doyle, owner of En Vogue Events.
“I think all brides dream of their wedding and how they would do it,” Smith said. “The whole point is to create the ambiance so it gets them excited rather than just moving through the exhibit hall and talking to vendors. You actually get to see what you might do.”
Smith said each of the four reception sites will include table linens, china, flower arrangements, place cards, invitations and a wedding cake and groom’s cake for tasting.
In addition to touring the Wedding Wonderland, attendees will have a chance to talk to approximately 150 vendors who will be on hand to provide information on everything from bridal accessories to attire, from caterers to cakes.
Exhibitors include Al’s Formal Wear; Cake Affairs; Moonlight Video Productions; Macy’s; The Blooming Idea; The Linen House; and The Chocolate Fountains of Houston. A complete list of vendors can be found at www.dreamweddingsbridalshow.com.
BRIDAL FASHION SHOW
Of course, no wedding is complete without that perfect bridal gown.
To ensure even the most discerning bride finds her unique look, Smith said Dream Weddings will feature two fashion shows choreographed by Lenny Matuszewski, a highly sought after fashion show producer.
“Everything Lenny does is the very highest quality,” said Smith. “He’s going to take our show to a whole new level.”
Matuszewski, who is known for his high-energy shows including ones he’s put on for Tootsies, said the show will feature dresses to suit every bride’s sense of style. He added only Houston’s top models will walk the runway.
“We’re going to showcase the best of what is available in the current market for brides whether your look is clean and modern or romantic and traditional,” he said. “It’s not going to discriminate.”
Matuszewski said some of Houston’s top bridal salons such as Brickhouse Bridal, Parvani Vida, Maison de Mode and The Princess Bridal will provide the attire.
“The retailers are the crème de la crème of bridal stores,” he said.
WHERE
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center
1601 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands, Texas 77380
Free covered parking will be provided in the Convention Center garage on Six Pines with walkway to the hotel. Valet parking is also available.
WHEN
Saturday, January 27, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 28, 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
TICKETS
$15 or $12 with advance online purchase. For more information visit http://www.dreamweddingsbridalshow.com/
-30-
Texwood Shows, Inc.
2260 W. Holcombe, Suite 117
Houston, Texas 77030
Media contacts:
Janet Smith, Event Coordinator, 281-460-9646
janet@dreamweddingsbridalshow.com
Susan Love Fitts Communications, 936-597-8825
susanlovefitts@consolidated.net
BRIDAL SHOW TO FEATURE REAL-LIFE RECEPTION SITES, PROFESSIONAL FASHION SHOW
Two-day event to be staged at
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center
Saturday and Sunday, January 27 and 28, 2007
HOUSTON, TX. – December 7, 2006 - As the name implies, Dream Weddings Bridal Show in The Woodlands is all about making wedding-day fantasies come true. With a fashion show orchestrated by a nationally known producer and four season-themed reception sites planned over the two-day event, brides-to-be will be sure to come away with a unique vision for the day they don the white dress and walk down the aisle.
WEDDING WONDERLAND
Event Coordinator Janet Smith said she had brides in mind when planning the show and the featured Wedding Wonderland. She said she didn’t want to only offer suggestions on how brides might plan their wedding, she wanted to show them.
“It’s the biggest day of every girl’s life, and I think it should be a big deal,” she said.
Attendees will be treated to four faux reception sites, each set to represent a different season and styled by two of Houston’s premiere wedding planners, Kayla McDaniel of Kayla’s Weddings & Events and Haley Doyle, owner of En Vogue Events.
“I think all brides dream of their wedding and how they would do it,” Smith said. “The whole point is to create the ambiance so it gets them excited rather than just moving through the exhibit hall and talking to vendors. You actually get to see what you might do.”
Smith said each of the four reception sites will include table linens, china, flower arrangements, place cards, invitations and a wedding cake and groom’s cake for tasting.
In addition to touring the Wedding Wonderland, attendees will have a chance to talk to approximately 150 vendors who will be on hand to provide information on everything from bridal accessories to attire, from caterers to cakes.
Exhibitors include Al’s Formal Wear; Cake Affairs; Moonlight Video Productions; Macy’s; The Blooming Idea; The Linen House; and The Chocolate Fountains of Houston. A complete list of vendors can be found at www.dreamweddingsbridalshow.com.
BRIDAL FASHION SHOW
Of course, no wedding is complete without that perfect bridal gown.
To ensure even the most discerning bride finds her unique look, Smith said Dream Weddings will feature two fashion shows choreographed by Lenny Matuszewski, a highly sought after fashion show producer.
“Everything Lenny does is the very highest quality,” said Smith. “He’s going to take our show to a whole new level.”
Matuszewski, who is known for his high-energy shows including ones he’s put on for Tootsies, said the show will feature dresses to suit every bride’s sense of style. He added only Houston’s top models will walk the runway.
“We’re going to showcase the best of what is available in the current market for brides whether your look is clean and modern or romantic and traditional,” he said. “It’s not going to discriminate.”
Matuszewski said some of Houston’s top bridal salons such as Brickhouse Bridal, Parvani Vida, Maison de Mode and The Princess Bridal will provide the attire.
“The retailers are the crème de la crème of bridal stores,” he said.
WHERE
The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center
1601 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands, Texas 77380
Free covered parking will be provided in the Convention Center garage on Six Pines with walkway to the hotel. Valet parking is also available.
WHEN
Saturday, January 27, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, January 28, 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
TICKETS
$15 or $12 with advance online purchase. For more information visit http://www.dreamweddingsbridalshow.com/
-30-
Wednesday, December 6, 2006
Hello
En Vogue Events works with all types of occasions in complete management, planning and coordination. The consultants blend their creative talents, planning skills and calm way of thinking to bring together a professionally managed event.
Our services support you with planning your event on many levels, from handling the details to complete event management. We assist with
Budget development and allocation
Timeline
Vendor selection
Site selection
Contract negotiation
Decorating and creative concepts
Event management
We maintain relationships with the most qualified and professional vendors. This way you can relax and trust that your day is in capable hands . We work with many different vendors and research them thoroughly, so that we can connect your event with the correct resources.
Everyone at En Vogue Events attends educational seminars, conferences, and is active in trade associations to stay on top of current trends, new innovations and technology.
En Vogue Events provides top-notch complete event planning and coordination. Through their commitment, experience, and expertise En Vogue Events has established a relationship with their clients that will last a lifetime.
Our services support you with planning your event on many levels, from handling the details to complete event management. We assist with
Budget development and allocation
Timeline
Vendor selection
Site selection
Contract negotiation
Decorating and creative concepts
Event management
We maintain relationships with the most qualified and professional vendors. This way you can relax and trust that your day is in capable hands . We work with many different vendors and research them thoroughly, so that we can connect your event with the correct resources.
Everyone at En Vogue Events attends educational seminars, conferences, and is active in trade associations to stay on top of current trends, new innovations and technology.
En Vogue Events provides top-notch complete event planning and coordination. Through their commitment, experience, and expertise En Vogue Events has established a relationship with their clients that will last a lifetime.
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