A New Wedding Trend Allows Families and Friends to Enjoy the Intimacy of the Ceremony

There is a new trend called "Unplugged Weddings" where guests are asked to refrain from using their smartphones during the entire event.

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This new trend is actually beneficial in creating more intimate connections with the guests of the wedding. Nowadays, people are more interested and concerned with getting that perfect "selfie" than actually interacting with the other people in the wedding. That is why this "Unplugged Wedding" trend works.  

Professional wedding photographer Lainie Hanlon recalled an incident when she had to ask a guest to take a seat because the guest was obstructing her view. However, the guest was persistent and kept on taking photos. Apparently, photography is the guest's hobby.

Hanlon added that she noticed the use of mobile devices in ceremonies has worsened over the years. Hanlon added that she tried talking the newlyweds out of this tradition. Most couples admitted that they did not really want the guests focusing on their smartphones all the time.

This is true for North Parramatta couple Amanda Watson and Sandy Free who got married January this year, according to SMH. They said they want their guests to enjoy the celebration and they would prefer to have the guest's attention focused on the wedding instead of their smartphones.

"Unplugged Wedding" is getting more and more popular. It is not just a fad. It is more of a reminder that people should stay connected in real life and not in social media.

Julie Petrella, a bride-to-be, told Press of Atlanta City that she wants to have an intimate affair with her family and friends when she gets married this October.

Petrella added that the flashes are just very distracting. "I've heard stories of frustration from brides and grooms about the role of social media during or after a wedding," said Petrella, 34. "People are sharing news that's really personal."

"Unplugged Weddings" bring us back to the basics, but it can also certainly improve the quality of connections of the people in the event as well as the privacy of the couple. 

Source: A New Wedding Trend Allows Families and Friends to Enjoy the Intimacy of the Ceremony

'Why I staged my wedding photos in a coffin'

'Why I staged my wedding photos in a coffin' By Heather Chen BBC News, Singapore

13 July 2015

From the section Asia

The couple's jobs in the funeral trade played a large role in their wedding shoot

A Singaporean couple have created a stir online after posing with a coffin in their wedding photos.

For Jenny Tay and Darren Cheng, both undertakers, death played a "central and important part" in the photo shoot, taken for their upcoming wedding in October.

"A large part of the shoot was definitely inspired by our jobs," said Ms Tay, who is also the daughter of one of Singapore's most famous undertakers.

"Wedding shoots are often staged at places which bring the most memories. For us, work plays such a huge part of our lives so we wanted to do it in style."

But that was not the only reason behind the couple's photo shoot.

"Death is a part of life and shouldn't be seen as taboo," Ms Tay, who has also written a children's book about dealing with death, told the BBC.

"It's important to talk about death; it's part and parcel of everyone's life. Many Asian societies often portray it negatively - we hope to be able to debunk that taboo by encouraging people to be open about death."

The couple has received largely positive feedback about their wedding photos 'Pretty and whimsical'

Wedding photo shoots in Singapore are traditionally taken by many local couples ahead of their banquets.

A Star Wars-themed wedding shoot and another one based on the zombie apocalypse were some of the other creative shoots by Singaporean couples.

The coffin-themed photo shoot, which was initiated by Ms Tay, took place in a waterway park in Singapore.

"We wanted it to be pretty and whimsical, not at all morbid, so we staged it there and not in an actual cemetery," Ms Tay explained.

"We also didn't want to scare people and the reaction to it has been very positive."

Ms Tay also said the shoot took a day to film, and the weather was "very hot".

"Bravo! It paid off" - Many users on Facebook praised the couple's "unique" and "daring' photo shoot

Chinese geomancers have weighed in on the couple's shoot, and Ms Tay has decided not to display them at their wedding banquet so as not to "disrespect" any of their guests.

"Everyone has different opinions and it's not possible for everyone to share the same line of thought as us," she explained, adding that the couple will feature a set of "assassin-themed" wedding photographs taken in Japan instead.

'Thinking outside the box'

But while guests may miss out on their coffin-themed shoot, the pictures drew a huge response on Facebook.

"Bravo to Jenny and Darren! They are very daring in their choice for a wedding shoot and I think it's paid off," said a Facebook user.

"It's literally 'til death do us part'," said another.

Other users were full of praise for the "unique approach" adopted by the couple.

"I think their shoot is creative and very tastefully done," said Molly Sim on Facebook. "It's a very nice change from the cookie c utter wedding shoots that we see done at Marina Bay Sands or Sentosa all the time."

"This is what you call 'thinking out of the box' - something their children and grandchildren will talk about for decades," said another user Jeffrey Poh.

Source: 'Why I staged my wedding photos in a coffin'

Wedded to luxury

Going by the Bollywood dialogue shaadi koi gudde gudiya ka khel nahi hai (marriage is not a child's play), which blatantly defines the seriousness of the most-celebrated affair in India, it is almost important, if not necessary, that one takes the arrangement seriously! After all, khaandaan ki izzat ka sawaal haI (it's about the family's respect)! So, after you are done calculating the budget of your social pride, you might as well head to hit a bargain at a two-day long wedding exhibition titled Wedding Wows at JW Marriott. Although the exhibition began on Saturday, welcoming the first spell of monsoon, even the full parking at the venue could not stop city folks from quenching their thirst for shopping - wedding shopping. In the labyrinth of over sixty stalls, exhibiting stitched and unstitched garments in silhouettes like silk, georgette, European chinon, net, and lawn, the exhibition also features stalls that attend to wedding photography, jewellery, mehandi and marriage se t designers. And those of you who want a peep into their married lives or if they are even getting married at all, the exhibition also offers tarot card readings that will cosmically sooth your worried nerves.

While the unstitched fabrics start from Rs 1,500, you can also get stitched lehangas at Studio Zoya stall for as much as Rs 3,500. The Tekchand Handloom House offers nets priced from Rs 400 onwards and we overheard a few women say, "Oh! It's a steal for just that amount of money!" Also, if you are a fan of Punjabi suits, the stall, Mutiyaar by Jasba offers interesting neck embroideries that are neither too flashy nor to jarring on the eyes, starting at just Rs 1,500. "We also have tops, dresses, gowns and tunics," informs the owner of the stall.

For those who would like to show their children how pretty they looked at their wedding with all that make-up, Deepika's Deep Clicks and Aman Sidhu Photography at the exhibition will take the bookings for you. And j ust when we thought that we forgot something, we are instantly reminded of the importance of the glow that is necessary for the bride-to-be. Let your ex-boyfriend whine and weep while you download the bulbul stylist app and get the bridal wellness and beauty regime at a click. "Since we are a start-up, we are offering services to people at very nominal rates. All you need to do is to download an app and book a bridal wellness and make up. The person will come to your house and give you the required services," shares Gagandeep of Bulbul stylist mobile app.

With stalls from designers belonging to the city, Punjab and Delhi, the exhibition really offers nominal pricing and a huge variety to choose from. However, a little heads up, mind the traffic jam around the venue. As for rest, happy shopping!

Source: Wedded to luxury

Nicky Hilton Wedding Photos: Hotel Heiress Wears Beautiful Lace Gown For Kensington Palace Ceremony

Blushing bride Nicky Hilton looked absolutely stunning outside her hotel in London today on the way to marry her fiance James Rothschild.

The hotel heiress donned a traditional white lace wedding gown by Valentino with a large train and sheer veil that draped several feet behind her as she walked arm and arm with her father Richard Hilton to a waiting car. The price tag for the dress? Nearly $80,000.

Her wedding gown is a major departure from the dress she wore at Paris Fashion Week on Sunday. She attended the Versace Haute Couture show in a 60s-inspired retro dress with gold grommets and sheer paneling. The frock was a little too short, and at certain angles you could see her bare rear end.

RELATED: Nicky Hilton Accidentally Bares Her Butt In A White Mini At Paris Fashion Week

Proud papa Richard Hilton escorts his daughter on her wedding day

 A close up of the socialite's lace dress and flower bouquet outside Claridge's luxury hotel

Nicky's fiance is the son of a British businessman. Hilton and the banking heir are tying the knot at Kensington Palace where Prince William and Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, currently reside.

According to People, the pair will wed at the Orangery in Kensington Gardens, which is near the William and Kate Middleton's palace home. The space was constructed in 1704 for Queen Anne to winter her orange trees. 

Also spotted leaving the hotel were Nicky's sister Paris and mom Kathy Hilton in pale blue gowns. Paris carried a tiny bundle of yellow roses, while the mother of the bride donned a dress in a different shade of blue with fancy embroidery on the hemline.

Guests at the wedding reportedly included supermodel Naomi Campbell, actress Kate Beckinsale and former First Daughter Chelsea Clinton and her husband Marc Mezvinsky.

Paris smiles for photographers

This is Nicky's second time down the aisle. She wed childhood friend Todd Andrew Meister in Las Vegas in 2004. Their marriage was annulled three months later. She and Rothschild started dating in 2011 and got engaged in Italy last summer.

Nicky and her fiance James on the eve of their wedding

Source: Nicky Hilton Wedding Photos: Hotel Heiress Wears Beautiful Lace Gown For Kensington Palace Ceremony

Guest of honour: Naomi Campbell glitters in cut-out metallic mini dress at Nicky Hilton and James Rothschild's pre-wedding party

By Fehintola Betiku for MailOnline

Published: 04:12 EST, 10 July 2015 | Updated: 04:43 EST, 10 July 2015

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She is among an elite cliqué of towering beauties known as the original supermodels.

So as she stepped out in London on Thursday night to attend Nicky Hilton and James Rothschild's pre-wedding party, Naomi Campbell made sure to show off her statuesque figure.

Glittering in a metallic mini dress, the 45-year-old very much stood out as a guest of honour as she arrived at Spencer House in St James. 

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Guest of honour: Naomi Campbell glittered in metallic mini dress at Nicky Hilton's pre-wedding party in London

Campbell was all smiles as she was greeted by waiting photographers and made her way into the star studded bash.

Ensuring it was hard to be missed, Naomi looked amazing in the sleeveless bandage number which featured cut-out details.

Standing tall, the London born model wore a pair of glittery caged heeled peep-toe ankle boots. 

Show stopper! The 45-year-old stood out as she made an appearance at Spencer House in St James

In good company: Campbell left the party on the arm of an equally stunning female companion

As always, Naomi was preened to perfection as she displayed her model looks.

Wearing her long black hair down in loose waves, Campbell opted for nude lips as she kept her make-up simple for the soirée.

Accessorising with a few beaded bracelets, colourful rings and an emerald pendant necklace, the Empire actress finished her ensemble with a large metallic c lutch bag. 

The countdown begins: Nicky Hilton and her fiancé James Rothschild are set to wed on Friday

Nicky and James are set to become husband and wife during a luxurious wedding at The Orangery in Kensington Palace on Friday.

The couple, who became engaged in August 2014, will no doubt exchange vows in the eyes of several high profile guests if the pre-party is anything to go by. 

Speaking about her desire to lay on her nuptials away from her native US, Nicky previously said: 'I've always wanted a destination wedding and I love London, so I'm leaning towards London.'

Practice makes perfect: Nicky carefully navigated her steps as she strutted in pointed nude stilettos 

Source: Guest of honour: Naomi Campbell glitters in cut-out metallic mini dress at Nicky Hilton and James Rothschild's pre-wedding party

Could this be the best photograph EVER captured at an Irish wedding?

There's nothing quite like the craic at an Irish wedding.

But guests at a wedding last week got more laughs than they ever anticipated, when the poor groom had some difficulty getting his wedding ring to fit.

The hilarious snap - captured by photographer Paul Duane - shows the priest presiding over the ceremony pull a priceless face as the newlywed struggles with his ring.

Will the ring fit? Little girls face is brill but the priests face is just priceless! Amazing couple, great day was had. thanks for choosing me to be your photographer and you should have your DVD tomorrow <3

Posted by Paul Duane Photography on Wednesday, 8 July 2015

And the flowergirl was also highly amused by the groom's misfortune.

While the identity of the happy couple is unknown, after Paul uploaded the brilliant image to his Facebook page, it was spotted by some eagle-eyed locals who said they would be posting it to the parish page and making sure the priest knew his comical expression was giving people a giggle.

Not enough wedding laughs for one day? This picture captures the moment wedding photographer FALLS OVER - leaving the bridal party open-mouthed.

Source: Could this be the best photograph EVER captured at an Irish wedding?

Big day, huge price tag: The skyrocketing cost of a wedding

If you're about to get hitched, hang on to your wallet.

Each year, Weddingbells Magazine polls thousands of brides- and- grooms-to-be for a glimpse of their wedding wants and needs. Then, it crunches the numbers to forecast trends, including how much the average wedding will cost, and releases it in an annual survey.

The forecast for 2015? A cool $31,717.

Before you decide to elope, consider that whopping figure includes some big bells and whistles: a honeymoon averaging $4,489, and an engagement ring clocking in at $3,125.

Weddingbells magazine editor Jen O'Brien says that average gets skewed by larger cities. Booking a venue in downtown Toronto will cost considerably more than one in Corner Brook, for instance. 

The pressure of Pinterest

Both the betrothed and those in the wedding business point to media, especially social media, as having a massive influence over spending. In particular, Pinterest — the popular site where users share photos and inspirations like a virtual clipboard — is widely used for wedding inspiration.

'I didn't expect it to be so expensive'- Bride-to-be Faith Parsons

"(Couples are) spending a lot of time on Pinterest before even becoming engaged, so they're not really willing to compromise on their dream days — they have an exact vision of what they want, and they're going to get it at all costs," says O'Brien.

She adds that 75 per cent of people surveyed by her magazine end up blowing their wedding budgets.

Andrea Hounsell, owner of the St. John's-based wedding planning company Something Borrowed Something Blue, agrees.

"I think that people are seeing a lot more photos of weddings than they used to before, and a lot more inspiration pictures," Hounsell said.

That inspiration adds up.

Wedding photographers routinely charge upwards of $3,000 for one day of service. With widespread exposure to professional photos in unique locations, couples now want unique mementoes of matrimony: one Corner Brook-based photography company has worked with couples who have booked helicopters in order to get the perfect shot — on a mountaintop. 

The big cost...of chair covers?

Even scaling back to simple decor might not be the answer.

Magazine editor Jen O'Brien: 'They have an exact vision of what they want, and they're going to get it at all costs.' (Twitter)

"If you have 300 guests, or 250-plus guests, it doesn't matter how simple your decor is. Just chair covers alone are $4 to $5.50 per chair cover," Hounsell said.

"Times that by 300 people, and you have a very large chunk of your decor budget probably eaten up already by that point in time."

The Weddingbells survey cited venue and catering costs as the single largest expense, up to one third the total cost for the event.

And if you're wondering who's footing this bill?

"About half the people we surveyed said they're relying on their parents to chip in," O'Brien said.

"And actually 61 per cent of brides indicated that cash donations are an important part of their wedding budget. So people really are relying on those envelopes full of cash on the big day to pay for everything."

Consider the winter wedding

One way to save big is to skip summertime.

Half of the 2,600 marriage licences issued by the Newfoundland and Labrador government in an average year are handed out in just two months: July and August.

O'Brien said venues can charge a premium during that period, and couples can score better deals negotiating during the off- season.

Hounsell adds it's important to plan ahead, and shop around. "Get a little idea of how much things cost from decorators beforehand," she said.

"Then set a realistic budget for what you want your decor to be, before you get into the nitty gritty details of picking out centrepieces and linens, because you really can go from zero to 60 very quickly."

'Everything was kind of a shocker'

Bride-to-be Faith Parsons has taken some of these tips to heart.

She's on track for an October wedding, with a $5,000 budget.

"We did a lot of the DIY. We got a lot of things from the dollar store, and spray-painted them ourselves, and did glittering ourselves. Just to keep costs down rather than get somebody else to do it."

But even then, Parsons was caught off guard by the price of planning.

"I found everything was kind of a shocker. I didn't expect it to be so expensive," she said.

Source: Big day, huge price tag: The skyrocketing cost of a wedding