Photography:  Binita Patel
Written by: Jesal Pathak

Looking at the glossy ads for bridal-wear in a magazine can be both exciting and confusing. While the possibility of glamour can be exhilarating, you are also left wondering: can I really pull this off? The answer is definitely: yes! It’s all about having confidence and the right team of people by your side. Don’t believe us? Well then believe real life photographer Binita Patel, who recently shot this spread of real women just like you at the lovely Mandarin Oriental Boston. These women will certainly provide you with real inspiration for your big day!
First off, it is important to work with a designer. Even if a bride knows exactly what she wants, a designer can help to ensure that the colors, cut and fit of the dress and blouse piece are perfect for you; and that your outfit has all the right details. To achieve that perfectly stylish look, an essential secret weapon is to have a stylist dress you up. A stylist will ensure that your dress or saree is perfectly put together, and will come up with interesting new ways of fashioning your outfit and accessories. These real women were lucky to have stylist Anju Pathak on-location to help create a wide variety of saree styles galore!
While we all know that professional hair and make-up artistry can make a huge difference, most brides don’t test out their look on camera before making a commitment. While you should obviously be happy with what you see in the mirror, make sure that you are also happy with what you see on camera – as your photos are the memories that are going to last a lifetime.
While all of the aforementioned prep-work makes the biggest difference, selecting the right venue, ambiance and décor can take your photographic memories from ordinary to extraordinary. The very stylish Mandarin Oriental Boston give these real women and their photos a contemporary East meets West quality; having utilized spaces throughout the inviting lobby, sleek bar area, visually tempting restaurant and colorful arcade.
While all of these tips can help turn any real woman into a model for a day, the most important thing you need to pull it off is your own confidence. No matter how else you choose to go about making your day spectacular, make sure you stay true to your own style – now that’s inspirational.

Saree Styling & Accessorizing: Bridal Beauty by Anju
Select Couture Provided by: Seema Kapoor, Choonri Collection
Hair: Meghan Shea
Make-Up: Christy Lavalle of Makeup Artistry by Christy, Margi Patel of Make Me Up, Janelle DiLisio, and Shreni Patel
Location: Mandarin Oriental Boston