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7 unique bride entry ideas
Couple shoot Flatpebble Photo shoot Photography Wedding wedding saga

7 unique bride entry ideas

Indian wedding comes with the most conventional rituals along with Bollywood music, floor breaking power packed dance performances by maternal/paternal uncles and aunties, and of course with the lifelong bonding of two different families. With time, the weddings have become extremely exotic and fascinating. Every small detail has turned important for the bride and groom. They want it big, awesome, and amazing. So, if you are the bride, get, set, ready for your ‘bindaas’ entry! Check these 7 unique bride entry ideas.

Beat the tradition, look at these 7 unique bride entry ideas!

1. Show your Swag: A Tractor entry with your partner

A tractor decorated with your favorite flower will definitely make a traditional bridal entry.



PC: Studio Kelly

2. The desi entry: Flower decorated rickshaw

A rickshaw, chasma and you, the perfect desi bridal entry.



3. The Cinderella ride

A Cinderella carriage decorated with loads of flower will simply make your wedding day memorable.




4. The chaadar with kaliras entry

The traditional entry balanced with your swag will make it so awesome.



5. The dhamakedaar bike entry with your BFFs

A wedding without friends is so boring. And your cool entry with your BFFs will make it more happening.

PC: Dipak Studios

6. A bride with her pet 

You can obviously decorate your bike with loads of flower and your cuddly pet.



Image Courtesy: Wedding Nama

7. The water ride entry

If you have a destination wedding in Goa or other beach regions, a water ride entry will be just perfect for you.




PC: Chocolate Box Photography

A wedding is all about fun, gathering, bonding, and love. Make it your dream wedding. Bring out the awesome and classy you with a bindaas bridal entry. Be greedy, look for new ways and unique bridal entry ideas for your wedding. Make it memorable for yourself and your family. What are your new bridal entry ideas? Share with us in the comment box. Cheers!!!!

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10 best Pre/Post wedding locations in Delhi
Couple shoot Flatpebble Photography Pre-wedding shoot Wedding wedding saga

10 best Pre/Post wedding locations in Delhi

Top 10 locations for Pre/Post wedding shoot in Delhi

We are perpetually flooded with wedding photographers. But with time we are getting more demand for couple photographers or pre/post wedding photographers. Nowadays, lovebirds are really fascinated and excited about their pre/post wedding shoot. This couple shoot has nothing ordinary but it captures extraordinary. This couple shoot requires no zoom, props or made-up stage. This is just about two people clearly in love with each other. The photographs are there to show their awesome chemistry that jumps off the screen.

These lovebirds are in need of a perfect location, a perfect outfit with a perfect look. They put lots of effort into finding the right photographer and right pre/post wedding location to get flashed. Actually, this pre/post wedding shoot is a great way of getting to know each other, especially in case of an arranged marriage. It also helps you get familiar with your wedding photographer.

Location of the shoot plays a very important role in pre/post wedding shoot. It can be done at an exotic location or somewhere you can connect to. For this pre/post wedding shoot, one can simply carry few dresses/outfits leaving the rest to your wedding photographer.

As a couple, you should feel free to pose and don’ bound yourself inside the lens. Be casual, have fun, have romance. The fun and romantic shoot, featuring the love between couples, will be your true pre/post wedding shoot. The picture should illustrate “Just two of you’ message. The excitement, compassion should be clearly visible in your picture to make it a perfect one.

Location is important because it adds an eternal beauty to the shoot. Your little research will help you in finding the perfect location for a pre/post wedding shoot. Here, we have come up with a list of 10 perfect locations for pre/post wedding shoot in and around Delhi.

1.Hauz Khas Fort for Pre/Post wedding shoot in Delhi



The Hauz Khas Fort is the first place which comes to mind when you are searching for a couple shoot. This place is historic and deserves to be on the top of the list. The couples who wants to play unique can blindly opt for Hauz Khas Fort. They would surely get some unique images of their couple shoot. The beauty of this place is just stays casual. Your casual look will contrast with the background of this Fort, giving you an awesome result in your final photos.

2.Humayun Tomb for Pre/Post wedding shoot in Delhi



Humayun Tomb is another great location for the pre/post wedding shoot in Delhi. This place provides the vintage feel which is very much required for a couple shoot. Humayun tomb gives a perfect background for a perfect picture. You will get the desired result smoothly. An old look with a new twist. 🙂

3.Okhla bird sanctuary for Pre/Post wedding shoot in Delhi



Okhla Bird Sanctuary is located at the Okhla barrage over Yamuna River. This sanctuary is a home for over 300 bird species, especially waterbirds. This place is a great location for pre/post wedding shoot because of it’s lakes, nature and historical movements. These natural things add vibrant colors to the background and highlight the subjects. Each time you shoot at this place it always comes away with a fresh perspective. Your unique and different personality will only enhance the image.

4.Lodhi garden for Pre/Post wedding shoot in Delhi



How to forget the lush green Lodhi garden, located on the Lodhi road. Not very far from Safdarjung Tomb. The greenery of this garden is a perfect setting for any pre/post wedding photographer.

Early morning is an ideal time to go for a shoot in Lodhi garden. Everything looks dewy fresh. The morning light plays an important role in a perfect image. The garden is full of flowers and that is enough to add beauty to your frame. What can be better than a colorful and natural background?

5.Neemrana Fort for Pre/Post wedding shoot in Delhi



Neemrana Fort is located on the outskirts of Delhi. A few hours of journey and there you are, at your desired place. It’s a perfect place for a soon-to-be-married couple. The perfect background of Neemrana Fort is something you will fall in love with. It provides some breathtaking images. If you want to look like a Nawab and Begum, please go to Neemrana Fort to those royal photographs.

6.Safdarjung Tomb for Pre/Post wedding shoot in Delhi



Safdarjung Tomb is one of the amazing places in Delhi which can be a great backdrop for a pre/post wedding shoot. Safdarjung’s Tomb is made of sandstone and marble.  This Tomb was built in 1754 in the late Mughal Empire style for the statesman Safdarjung. It is located in New Delhi and is a perfect location for pre/post wedding shoot. The royal look and background of this tomb will mesmerize you. The historic monuments accentuate your presence as they just look so grand in the background.

7.Deer Park, Hauz Khas village for Pre/Post wedding shoot in Delhi



In mid posh Hauz Khas colony, you will find this park. Away from the noise and pollution. You will love it. The Deer Park has a regal feel which makes it a great location for the pre/post wedding shoot. This place is very near to the Hauz Khas Fort. The natural beauty and greenery scores a perfect background for the pre/post wedding shoot.

8.Khan market for Pre/Post wedding shoot in Delhi



Khan market was established in the year 1951. The name was given in the honor of Khan Jabbar Khan. Khan market is located in the heart of Delhi and is one of the costliest markets in India. The location is simply perfect for a pre/post wedding shoot because of the area is so happening. You will feel alive when you are shooting in Khan market. This place will definitely make your wedding event memorable.

9.Garden of five senses for Pre/Post wedding shoot in Delhi



The Garden of five senses is a park located near the Mehrauli heritage area in Delhi. This park is opposite to Saket in Saidul Ajaib village. The name five senses is given to this park because it has various themes, including Mughal garden, Bamboo courts, Pools of water lilies, Herb garden, and solar energy park. This park is spread over 20 acres, giving you plenty of space to shoot.

The Garden of five senses is one leisure space for the public in Delhi. The beauty of this place is something that will add beauty to your pre/post wedding shoot too.

10.Suraj Kund for Pre/Post wedding shoot in Delhi



Weddings are not only rituals but is the most important day in a couple’s life. So the photographs from the special moments on these days should be more special. Surajkund will definitely be your perfect location for pre/post wedding shoot in Delhi. Surajkund means the ‘Lake of the Sun’ and is located in the Aravalli hill ranges.

The beautiful backdrop of Aravalli ranges is hard to ignore. The natural light and background make it a perfect pre/post wedding shoot location.

There are many trends dominating the Indian culture and this pre/post wedding shoot is one of them. This is most popular in the west but now is one of the most favorite parts of an Indian wedding. This is a must-have for all the Indian couples. Couples normally want to go for natural places and skips hotels or other such places. Photographers are also more comfortable with natural locations.

Delhi and its outskirts are laced with beautiful sceneries that are perfect for pre/post wedding shoot. You can create some unforgettable memories with your beloved in such locations. The names we have discussed above for the pre/post wedding shoot will make a stunning location for your memory.

Why you should go to a natural location for your pre/post wedding shoot?

The natural location keeps you natural and free from all the ordinary things. You can be in your skin. Although some couples still prefer the decorated venue, we suggest that you should consider a location that suits your body and mind.

The natural light

The morning lights in a garden are so blissful. It actually takes out the emotions and colors which most of the equipment cannot give. The colorful background created by natural flowers are hard to beat.

Saves your money

Choosing a natural location for your pre/post wedding shoot is always cost effective. It saves the extra lighting equipment, saves the decoration charges and many other such overheads can be given a miss when shooting at gardens or monuments.

Lavish feel

Professionally and well-shot images only add value to your photographs. You can enjoy this extravagant feel without using a prop or some lavish items if you were to opt for a studio.

The best time to know your partner, if it’s an arranged marriage. The best time for romance and fun. A pre-wedding shoot makes you go easy with your partner. The casual moments, laughs, talk, and walk, will only make you happy. Let the photographer capture all these candid moments.

Things you should keep in mind before going for a pre/post wedding shoot

  • Choose the right location with your partner.
  • Communicate with your photographer.
  • Clarify your requirements.
  • Discuss your ideas.
  • Discuss your outfits for the shoot.
  • Take the professional advice of your photographer because they are more imaginative.
  • Some places may require prior permission, so beware of that.
  • Visit your location before the scheduled time to get an idea.
  • Places like gardens are best to visit early in the morning. So plan your routine accordingly.
  • Trust your photographer, because they can play with the same place in various ways.

Hope, you have enjoyed this article on wedding photography in Delhi. Congratulations in advance for a wedding of your dream.

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7 reasons: why you should book for a pre-wedding shoot?
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7 reasons: why you should book for a pre-wedding shoot?

Pre-wedding photo shoots are a session that you book with your photographer a couple of months prior to your wedding. Many of our Flatpebble couples book a pre-wedding shoot with us to get comfortable in front of the camera, and they will often use their images to add an extra personal touch to their wedding. Here are 7 reasons: why you should book for a pre-wedding shoot?


Even if you’re already married, in a relationship, or having a destination wedding you can use a Flatpebble photo shoot like this to get some beautiful pics of you and your life-partner.

1. Knock out camera nerves

How to get rid of those camera nerves? Encountering countless heads in front of a camera lens and being photographer between the crowd is an entirely different story. You may find yourself camera shy and without any idea of what you are supposed to do to deal with this. In hindsight, you may feel that you should have had a shoot with your photographer prior to the wedding to build rapport with them and get comfortable in front of the camera.


Booking a pre-wedding shoot with your photographer will give you an opportunity to get to know each other, and get a feel for what to expect on your big day. You’ll have an understanding of how your photographer will direct you on your D-day to get the best images. If you book a Flatpebble pre-wedding shoot, on the wedding day we can assure you’ll feel completely at ease, which will reflect in your photos of course.

2. You can use your pre-wedding photos in your reception slideshow

For something truly special, you can feature photos from your pre-wedding shoot and even the wedding day itself, at the reception. Set aside 5-10 minutes in the evening, pick some beautiful music to go with it, and wow your guests with a slideshow highlighting your love story.


3. Use it on your invitations cards

We recommend doing your pre-wedding shoot at least two months before your wedding day so that it gives us enough time to work with you on putting together a signature guestbook or canvas. It also leaves some breathing room before your wedding so that you’re not stressed or rushed. Some wedding couples also choose to use one or two of the best images from their shoot as part of their save the date or invitation cards.


4. Feature your Pre-wedding photos in your wedding album

A wedding album is a true storyteller. It tells the story of the biggest day of your lives and your love story. What better way to start your love story by including some images from your pre-wedding photo shoot? It’s a fun and informal way to start off your wedding album.


5. A beautiful wall art with your Pre-wedding photographs 

After getting married, of course, you’ll display some of your favorite wedding photos on your wall. How about mixing it up with a few fun and colorful prints from your pre-wedding shoot? Nowadays, couples love to display one or more of their favorite image on a canvas at the entrance to the reception, and then take it hope to hang up at home later.


6. Get photos in a different location to your wedding day

A pre-wedding session is perfect for getting photos done somewhere completely different to your wedding day. You may want to get photos at a certain spot where you often spend time together, or where the proposal happened. Or you may want it at night to feel that intimate vibes with your partner.


If you are going to have it on your wedding day, it’s always good to choose a location near to your wedding venue to maximize time for your location photos. 

7. Guide your photographer

The images from your pre-wedding shoots can help you to tell your photographer which photos you like and why so that they can focus on those type of images on your wedding day. This will help you to get the photos you were expecting on your D-day.


We are sure that we have convinced you enough about how important a pre-wedding shoot is? If not for any of these compelling reasons, book a shoot just to have some much-needed time out with each other. Get some gorgeous images from a Flatpebble pre-wedding shoot to keep forever.

Interested in booking a Pre-wedding photo shoot with us? Book now on Flatpebble.

All Pics Credit: 9 Blocks Photography

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Awesome date night ideas for a married couple
Flatpebble General Photography Relationship Wedding

Awesome date night ideas for a married couple

When you get married with passing time the intimacy between you and your life partner go beyond just the physical. But it becomes difficult when you have a nuclear family. It becomes tough to find some alone time especially when your kids are small. How to relive the romance then? Find out these awesome date night ideas for a married couple.


PC: Flashback lane

If your parents are living nearby, drop your children over to there place and find some valuable time for yourself. Go and plan for a quiet candlelight dinner for yourself.  Something you hadn’t had the chance to do for years after having the kids.

Besides the outing, you can plan something else that can be interesting for both of you. Do some fun tasks to make your bond stronger and to stay connected with your partner.

1. Games that rejuvenates you

Find out the choice of your partner, it can be an online or board game. Scrabble or Forbidden Island can be an awesome option for board games.Play online mystery games with your partner, that will keep you hooked and will not let you get bored. Playing games keeps us strongly engaged with each other though processes and additionally playing in co-operative mode reminds us what a great team we make.


PC: Flashback lane

2. Gossip waali bonding

Talk about the movies you watched when you met each other, your lunch, dinner moments. Your crazy moments with friends in the college canteens and your silly jealous behavior. The main idea is to keep your conversation going with each other. Even small interaction can bring a major change in your daily routine. Go nostalgic to set your mood for romance and not for a fight.


PC: Chocolate box photography

3. Recall your best moments

Remembering fond memories from the early days of your first meeting or interactions is the best way to relive your old days. Those were the time when things were exciting, hormonal and a wee bit awkward. These talks help us to go deeper and talk about our insecurities than, and the ways in which we have changed with time. Time keeps flying but our conversation keeps us alive.


PC: Flashback lane

4. Share your day

Peek into those parts of each other’s lives that are separate. The day itself has so many stories to tell. Share that with your partner, your work achievements, your writing, your new colleague and lot more. Many a time this helps you to find a solution to your own problem.

5. Outdoor activities to lighten your mood

An outing is the best thing to do. You feel relaxed and it also set your mood. Different activities, the changed ambience has a great effect on our behavior. Go to the beach, play with sand, run against the wind and cuddle each other watching the beautiful sunset. In the dark walk quietly holding hands. Listen to the silence. It speaks more than a word.


PC: Picture perfect photography

What are your date night ideas? Do share with us in the comment box. We would love to hear your views.

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Best places for pre/post wedding shoots in Lucknow
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Best places for pre/post wedding shoots in Lucknow

Lucknow has been a dominating name in the list of city of cultures and rich cuisines. In a city that has romance written all over it, finding a location for a pre or post-wedding shoot in Lucknow is a cakewalk. But we understand how busy you get before your wedding day and even the minute most work may seem like loads. Worry not, for we have curated the places which are best suited for beautiful pre or post-wedding photo shoots in Lucknow.

1. Bara Imambara

This colossal is one of the most attractive monuments in Lucknow. Apart from the enormous gateways, beautiful tomb, upper floors and gargantuan pillars, the intricately interwoven corridors of Bhulbhulaiyaa makes for amazing composition for a pre-wedding shoot.

bhool imambara

2. Dilkusha Kothi

Vast gardens and a lot of silence give this place the peace that is needed for an intimate couple shoot. The ruins of this place have told the history of Lucknow for the longest time. What better place to tell your love story?

dilkushakothi

3. Rumi Darwaza

This striking Indo-Islamic structure is a replica of the huge entrance gate of Istanbul. The photographer can include the exquisite architectural beauty and the panoramic views of the city, in the frames around you. This Awadhi hangover will not disappoint you.

rumidarwa

4. Chota Imambara

Constructed on the surface of an artificial lake, this elaborate tomb has quite a serene ambience. What accentuates the beauty of this place by leaps and bounds are the vibrant chandeliers and tazia too. A striking red baradari or summer house can also add an edge to your photo shoot.

chotta imambara

5. Chattar Manzil

Chattar Manzil is famous for its exquisite architecture and its umbrella-shaped dome. If you want the old-world charm to feature in your photo-shoot, Chattar Manzil is a great choice for pre or post-wedding photo shoot in Lucknow.

chhatar manzil

6. Sikandar Bagh

This fortified area and garden is a mark of love on the soil of Lucknow, built in the memory of Queen Sikander Mahal. There is something about a pre or post-wedding shoot in a place which has been dedicated to love itself. It seems like the perfect place to embark the journey upon.

sikanderbagh

7. Safed Baradari

This place has heritage and history written all over it. This white marbled palace was once built to mourn Imam Hussain and his followers at Karbala. It now serves as perhaps the most pristine place for a photo shoot for the beautiful and aesthetic feelings that it evokes.

safed baradari 4

8. Kanshiram Memorial

With bronze murals, statues, gardens, and fountains, this vast stretch of land gives a variety of places to shoot at. If you want to add another dimension to your photo shoot, you can also take a detour at the Kanshiram Eco Green Garden.

Manyavar Kanshi Ram Smarak,Lucknow3

9. Shahi Baoli

These royal step wells are inspired by Persian architecture and you can guess well how beautiful it can be. Myth runs that the wells are well connected to the nearby river. Make your photo shoot fun and adventurous at this mysterious place apart from it being a unique edifice.

baoli-near-bada-imambara

10. Kudia Ghat

The beautiful sun ups and sun downs over here are mesmerizing to watch. Strike a pose with your hubby on the rocks or make for a long shot from above the bridge; you cannot go wrong with this place. Romance will only ooze from the photo shoot.

Kudia-Ghaat

Get your pre-wedding shoot done in the “City of Nawabs”. The stunning backdrop can definitely add to your love story. Create your love diary with Flatpebble. 🙂

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Your tiny moments of love
Photography

Your tiny moments of love

Every relationship starts with a lot of passion and love. With surprises and flowers of course. Initially, it’s all about how much you have missed each other when you were not together. But when the phase gets over, you land on the ground of reality. And if the cliches are right, then this is where the romance ends, right? Rekindle the romance with your tiny moments of love.


Nope, not at all, the romance is never over, it just takes a different form- with tiny moments and things we often don’t think twice about. Love is in the little things you do for your partner. And that’s the simplest way to improve the daily ‘khitpit’ of your life.

Chase your tiny moments of love

Create a list to find out what interests you and your partner in common. Did you have hobbies now abandoned, in your youth? What are your personal desires and aspirations? Make notes of your ideas and dreams. Eventually, one or more possibilities will begin to flower in your mind. Take a step forward, start working on it.

The main idea is to ‘have fun’ in whatever attracts you. The goals you share as a couple should be rewarding in terms of fun, growth or personal satisfaction. If it irritates you, it’s time to rethink that goal.


Talk about things, good or worse. Be faithful and make time for one another. Leave the past to the past, remember that you won’t always be happy. Don’t try to change your partner, accept them with their flaws. Stay like the best friends and half of your problem will disappear. Stop wasting away, your best time is now.


It is natural that as a couple you guys share some common interests, beyond home and children. This is what will form the basis of long-term goals. These interests might include trekking activities, sports, hiking or traveling. In other couples, it is important to find the common interest that can become shared goals of your life. Do the right things together. Do something just a little out of the ordinary to make their day easier. Sometimes, sit together in silence because that is beyond the need of small talks. Time is running out, make best out of it, live it. Learn from your life, your experiences, your mistakes, your choices. Make yourself aware of more important things other than your 9-5 job. That’s basic. Important, but basic. Love your life and your partner. Feel the magic of life again.

All PC: CK Photography

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Marriage is a beautiful journey of love
Flatpebble General Photo shoot Photography Relationship Wedding wedding saga

Marriage is a beautiful journey of love

A wedding is one of the most important events of your life when you want everything to be picture perfect. This is your special day that you have been waiting for and now it is finally happening. As a bride or groom, you don’t want to leave any room for the flaws. You start planning for everything in advance and dream of a bright and happy future.When newlyweds tie the knot, they hope for a long and happy marriage. But after some time, did you have the intimacy and passion… that made you feel alive? Were you able to talk to and share easily. Check out some because marriage is a beautiful journey of love.


Another year of marriage is quickly coming to a close. As you think about the past few years in your relationship… Did you feel loved and deeply cared for… the way you wanted to?  But what exactly happened? Have you lost the spark? If so, then why?

We are all so busy making a living that we often forget to live. Your relationship needs more of your time and less of your money. How to balance work and love? Are you one of those who is so lost in work that you don’t even get the quality time to spend with your wife all over again? Love never gets old unless you leave it alone. Sprinkle the fragrance of love again in your life. Small efforts bring a major change.

Marriage is not only about finding a soul mate it’s about standing with your partner in every situation. Love is picking you up when other is feeling low. Love is learning to love what you love.

Trust and honesty surely are the main factors behind the success of any relationship, but there are few other elements which are essential for a long-lasting bonding.

How to feel the spark again?

1. Never try to change each other. Your differences are your strength. Accept and appreciate the differences between you and your partner.

2. Compliment your better-half. Don’t you find her beautiful in every damn situation? But have you ever told her? Tell her, she will feel awesome. Love is saving the last for your love. Love is cuddling you is the best thing.  If your partner is a good parent or a good voice of reason, tell them that.

3. Revisit your old beautiful memories together. Skip the bad part and focus on the positive memories and times you shared.

4. Do your household chores together to avoid arguments and unwanted tension. Doing this will only strengthen your relationship with your partner.

5. Listen to your spouse. Pay attention to his/her words, it’s an essential element of any long-lasting relationship.



Working out together is the key to a happy and healthy relationship. Go for a weekly walk together, it’s a way to vent your frustrations together whilst keeping your mind and body healthy.  It’s a great way to catch up on what’s going on in each other’s lives and walk away from life’s stress. The happiest couples are the one who dates, tell each other how beautiful and good they look and do fun things together to keep the spark alive.

Believe us, these are very small issues but your love and bonding are much much bigger than this. Do little things together for your love. Take care of some small things that can ensure the longevity of your union and will help you to survive the obstacles life throws your way. Work on it to make your marriage a true and beautiful journey of love.

All pics credit: Bhushan

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Why you should be a working mother?
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Why you should be a working mother?

Being a daughter, wife and mother are the three key roles a girl plays in her lifetime. She should not be guilty of what she is doing with her love care and concern, she binds her family in a strong bond. As a person, she evolves herself from a girl to a woman. As a wife, she learns to take care of her husband and his family. Then why you should be a working mother?

Later as she stepped into the world of motherhood everything seems so complete. With that little bundle of joy in her arms, she cannot ask for more. Now she has found her true love because she has fallen in love at the first sight. Nothing can change this fact that a baby gives you an immense sense of joy.

After being born as a mother, your husband, family, and baby take the center stage leaving you far behind your dreams and passion. In India, a mother shares more responsibilities than a father does. Now many things have changed and the society has become much progressive but still, you cannot change the mentality in a day if it has been surviving there for years. As a mother, you have to be more responsible for your baby.

Why you should be a working mother?

Today the society has evolved to an extent and a woman, today, are now independent and speak up their opinions. That is what we needed for a long time or we can say we were missing from a long time. Their choices in life have come out of the kitchen and decorating their house interiors.  They still love to do it, but while doing so they want to spend their own money for buying the things for the interiors of their choice and are not dependent on their husband’s money. This is where we can mark a difference. A financial stability and independence.

Being a working mother is again not easy, it has its own downsides. Sometimes getting too busy with office works makes you feel guilty that you are not able to fulfill the responsibilities as a mother. The pressure to excel at your work, taking care of your kid, husband and family can sometimes be burdening and it may leave you exhausted. Being a supermom is surely not an easy task.

Let go of the guilt and stay calm, you cannot make everyone around you happy at the same time. Stop expecting a lot from yourself, the best part is when you are trying your best then there is no point in proving yourself as a perfect mother or wife or daughter-in-law. Share your responsibilities with your partner, both of you should become the role model for your growing kid. All parents go through challenges while growing up their kid, so whether you are working or not it does not make much difference. Parenting is tough anyways.

Stay away from the negative sources who make you feel guilty, you are better than them because you are a working mother. Remember that you are setting a good example for your kid. Take a day off for your kid, spend some free time and do whatever makes your little one happy. Overcome your guilt because you are setting an example and not avoiding your part of responsibilities. Let the people talk, kuch toh log kahenge, logon ka kaam hai kehna…….

Stay happy. 🙂

All pics Credit: 9 Blocks Photography

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A tie between like and love!
Flatpebble Photography Relationship

A tie between like and love!

Can’t get that girl or guy out of your head? Laughing, crying, feeling sad without any reason? Daydreaming when you should be working or working hard to avoid the moments you spent with that person. How can you be at peace with so much confusion? These dizzying thoughts may be signs of love.

Love is not an unknown term for us. First sight love is very famous but what if you have found it in the later period of your time? Are you going to deny it just because the situation demands it? What if you only like the person but are scared of falling in love with him? The tie is between like and love. Can you afford to miss it without giving yourself a fair chance?

The person you met has surprised you for no reason. At first, you hardly pay any attention to and not even really attracted to this person. But as you get to know, you started noticing yourself falling for that person. It’s funny looking back but it kind of just……. happened.

PC: Septive

Falling in love often leads to emotional and psychological instability. When you are in love you bounce between exhilaration, euphoria, anxiety, increased energy, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, trembling, racing heart and many more signs which is hard to explain. Being in love is a form of addiction. You can feel the same when you like a person but taking it forward is simply not possible. Then how you are going to identify its love or like? Your brain is telling you it’s not a good idea but your heart tells you, you can fly without falling.

You may not be able to see the person as often as you want to but deep in your heart, you know you don’t want to let the person go.  Because you still are daydreaming about your precious moments and mementos.

PC: Re-live

Each day of our life has a new page if one is sad other will be happy too. Stop worrying, turn the page and flow with it. Life is too short to regret. But confusion still lies there. What to do then? Don’t judge but share your ideas if you can.

Article PC: Chocolate Box Photography

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The essence of a south Indian wedding

Indian wedding is world famous because it holds the essence of togetherness. You will find all your extended family under one roof. The long lost friends, the persons to whom you have never talked for so long will happily become the part of your wedding functions. The whole wedding is divided into mainly three parts, pre-wedding, wedding, and post-wedding ceremony. Each has its own value and color. Your ‘door ki tai’ and ‘paas ki chachi’  can add flavor with their witty jokes, you have  never imagined.
Flowers and fragrances are the striking features of any South Indian wedding. 
Pre-wedding functions
The pre-wedding function includes ‘Janna Vasam’, a social function that takes place a day before the wedding in South India. The evening before the wedding, the bridegroom is brought in a flower decorated vehicle from the temple. Later, escorted and welcomed by the bride’s parents at the ‘mandap’. After reaching the marriage hall, there is a bethoral ceremony suggestive of the agreement between both the families.

The Day Of The Wedding
Ganapathi Puja is done to ensure the remover of obstacles is invoked to waive away all impediments for such a favorable function. Navagraha puja is performed to encourage and plead the nine astral planets that rule over man’s destinies. The bride and the groom separately perform Vratham ritual. For the bride, it means the tying of the kappu – the holy thread on her wrists, which is meant to ward off all evil sprits and it symbolizes a kind of protective shield for the bride. For the groom vratham begins with invocations to the Gods Indra, Soma, Chandra and Agni.

Malai Mathal is the ritual where, the bride and groom are lifted to the shoulders of their respective maternal uncles. This ritual signifies the continual sibling support to their mothers. And in that position the couple garland each other thrice for a complete union. In the shastras, the exchange of garlands signifies their unification, as one soul in two bodies. In Oonchal, couple is seated on a swing and rocked forth and back, as the gathered women sing songs to praise the couple. The bride and groom are given a sweet mixture of milk, sugar and bananas to eat. Water and lighted lamps are kept around the swing in order to guard the couple against demons and ghosts.

Pallikai Seeds Sowing is a fertility rite. Pallikais are earthern pots made a day earlier. Pots spread at the base with hariali grass and Bael leaves (vilvam). Nine kinds of presoaked cereals are royally sown in these pots by sumangalis. After the marriage, the sprouted seedlings are unconfined in a river or pool. This ritual signifies the blessing of the eight direction quartered guardian angels (Ashtadikh Paalaks) for a healthy life and children of the couple.
The Main Wedding
Vara Puja is performed when the feet of the bridegroom are washed in milk and wiped off with silk by the bride’s father. The groom is represented as the male principle of Godhead or the brahmachari. The Design of the Mangal Sutra varies from family to family according to the tradition. In Shivite families the design of the tulasi madam is decorated where as others could have the shiva lingam or Goddess Meenakshi represented. As the Mangalsutra is placed on the middle of the bride’s chest, it symbolizes that her man has occupied the whole of her being through her heart. The bride in all ceremonies is represented as the female principle of Godhead or the Shakti.

Kanya Danam is the ritual where the bride is made to sit on her father’s lap and is given away as a gift by him to the bridegroom. A ring made of Darbha of Kusa grass is placed on her head. They hold the Mangalsutra and chant the mantra meaning – “Let this gold multiply your wealth, Let this water purify your married life, And may your prosperity increase. Offer yourself to your husband.”

The bride is then given a propitious ablution. A new sari, exclusive for the occasion, called the red koorai is chosen. She drapes around the sari by the sister of the bridegroom, thus signifying her welcome to the bride. A belt made of reed grass is then tied around the bride’s waist. Thanksgiving vedic hymns are said to the celestial caretakers of her childhood, the deities of Soma, Gandharva and Agni. Having attained nobility, the girl is now free to be given over to her man.

The vedic concept underlying this ritual is metaphorically that in her childhood Soma givers her the coolness of the moon. In the next stage of life the Gandharvas gave her playfulness and beauty. And when she becomes a maiden Agni gave her passions of life. After the father chants some prayers, the bridegroom returns his assurance to the father in law saying three times that he shall remain for ever her companion in joy and sorrow, in this life and life after.

Kankana Dhaarana is when the bride ties a string fastened to a piece of turmeric around the wrist of the bridegroom to bind himself by a religious vow. It is only after tying the kankanam that the groom gets the right to touch the bride.

Mangalya Dharanam is the rite of tying the Mangalsutra or Thali takes place at exactly the pre-determined propitious hour. The bride is seated on a sheaf of grain-layden hay looking eastward while the bridegroom faces westward.
The bridegroom ties the gold Mangalsutra around the neck of the bride. The Nadaswaram is played loud and fast so as to soften any inauspicious sounds at the critical hour. This is called Getti Melam. Sumangali ladies sing fortunate songs. At the same time as the Mangalsutra a turmeric thread is also put around the bride’s neck. To this thread three knots are tied. The bridegroom ties the first one and the groom’s sister to make the bride a part of their family ties the other two knots.

Paani Graharam means holding hands and promises not part from each other even when they grow old. Saptha Padhi holds the bride’s hand the bridegroom walks seven steps around the holy fire with her. This is the most important part of the marriage ceremony. And only when they walk these seven steps together is the marriage complete. With each step they take a new vow. Pala Dhanam is the ritual, where gifts are exchanged between the families of the bride and groom. Pala Dhanam as ordained by the scriptures is thus an action signifying the mutual arrangements between the families, to be based on the principle of equality and respect for each other irrespective of the individual’s economic stature in life.

Pradhana Homam is a vital part of the wedding is the respect paid by the couple to Agni, the God of Fire. The couple goes around the fire, and feed it with ghee and twigs of nine types of holy trees as the sacrificial fuel. The fumes that rise are medicinal, curative and cleansing effects on the bodies of the couple. Agni, the mightiest power in the universe, the sacred purifier, the all-round benefactor is deemed as a witness to the sacred marriage. Treading on the Grindstone is the ritual where, the bridegroom holding the bride’s left toe helps her to tread on a grindstone kept on the right side of a fire. This ritual is emblematic of the solid rock foundation for the union.

Arundhati and Dhruva Star is the rite symbolic of the fact that important virtues are to be emulated throughout marital life. Next the groom shows the bride the star Arundhati as also Dhruva or the pole star. Arundhati is the wife of the Vashishta Maharishi and thus thought to be the ideal wife. Laaja Homam ritual comprises the bride’s own offering into the sacrificial fire. Reflecting the sibling support to her marriage her brother helps her. He gives her a handful of puffed rice grains, which she hands over to the bridegroom, who on her behalf, feeds it to the fire. Through this food offering, the bride seeks a long life for her husband and for circulation of her family. Participation of the bride’s brother indicates the continuation of links between the two families even after marriage. The couple moves around the fire three times. The feeding of puffed rice to the fire is repeated thrice.

Invitees shower saffron on the couple as benediction, this is the ritual of Akshadai i.e. rice grains colored with turmeric. Akshadai Graha Pravesham enters the new home of her in-laws.
The Evening Functions
Nalangu is performed in the evening of the marriage day is the time to relax and play. The newly wed wife calls her husband for play, inviting him by singing a song. Much to the merriment of all the guests and then follows a series of playful games. The bride smearing the groom’s feet with color paste, fanning him, showing him a mirror, breaking papads over each other’s head are few of the games.

These events bring out the qualities of the bride and the groom’s sporting spirit, kindness, co-operative nature thus surfacing the hidden traits for the other to note, thus bringing about better understanding and compatibility. The Night Time Homams are the functions performed on the evening of the wedding. Jayaathi Homam is performed to please and satisfy the Gandharvas and all other deities they believe in. The Gandharvas and other deities are the soft natured celestial beings generally associated with the finer sentiments of life, that are so necessary for a fulfilling married life.

Pravesa Homam is done to sanctify the bride’s entry into the husband’s home. The bride signifying that through her, new lives would be brought forth into this world brings along the sacrificial fire; same as the fact that fire brings forth new fires. Sesha Homam is the ritual of fire oblation with the residual ghee, a little of which is sprinkled on the bride’s head four times. The leftover ghee is considered as the sacred, the whole of which was offered to Agni. ‘Sesha’ means leftover. The idea of sprinkling this residual ghee on the bride’s head denotes strength to be drawn from the four vedas; which is left over from one yuga or era to another.

Thamboola Charvanam is the ritual where, the bride’s brother gives the ceremonial first betel to the couple to chew. Betel leaf is usually posses several aphrodisiacal properties and to be eaten only after marriage. Other gifts are also given to bless the couple with long lives and children. Mangala Arathi is a solution of lime and turmeric powder that is prepared on a plate, circled around before the couple and thrown away to drive away evils. This is also done a number of times during the wedding ceremony. Shanthi is the ritual followed to the consummation of the marriage during the night fixed for an auspicious time for a happy, ever lasting married life that is full of understanding and affection. Two souls are united in a sacred act of fulfillment, to bring forth children as nature’s best creation.

Thus the south Indian marriage rituals are vast and expansive, although each of them has special significance and importance.


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