Meet Saumya! We had the pleasure of doing her bridal hair and makeup for her big day in Jersey City. Afterwards, we got the chance to ask her some questions about her wedding day! In this exclusive interview, she discusses her wedding-planning strategies, gives advice to upcoming brides, and shares her experiences with Cinderella Bridez.

What Indian bridal makeup look were you going for on your wedding day? Glamorous and bold? Simple yet elegant? Soft glam?

Saumya and her husband knew that they were having a non-religious ceremony followed by a cocktail hour and a reception. Because of this, she wanted a simple, elegant look that transitioned well for their nighttime events. For her hairstyle, she fell in love with the classic Hollywood waves with a side part. Since she had been growing out her hair and wanted to wear it down, this was the perfect choice for her.

What kind of South Asian wedding attire did you consider for you and your friends/family?

Both Saumya and her bridal party wore lehengas. For her own, she chose a beautiful off-white lehenga. For her bridesmaids, she chose a gorgeous royal blue so they could be part of her “something blue.”

Was there a specific South Asian wedding designer you wanted for your wedding? Would you buy from them again?

After watching their YouTube show “Nazranaa Diaries,” Saumya went to their store for her and her bridesmaids, where they had an extensive and customizable collection. Nazranaa is also very close to her parent’s house, which served as an added bonus deciding where to shop.

How/where did you get inspiration for your Indian bridal makeup look for your wedding day?

Saumya found a lot of her inspiration from bridal Instagram accounts, including Cinderella Bridez. She came across many Indian brides wearing off-white/ivory wedding outfits, which gave her a great idea of what she wanted.

Did you have a pre-wedding skincare regimen for your big day? (skincare products, dermaplaning, facials, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, etc.)

Every six weeks during the year before her wedding, Saumya received facials at Biologique Recherche. She also started using their Lotion P50, which helped to clear and smooth out her skin. Kiehl's Ultra was her go-to facial moisturizer, and at night, she would use a serum with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. All of these procedures and products really helped her skin, which motivates her to continue this regimen even after her wedding.

How did you handle any stress (if you had any) while getting ready for your South Asian wedding?

Saumya found that exercise, specifically strength training, really helped her de-stress, increased her energy levels, and improved her sleep schedule. She also took walks and practiced yoga.

How did you choose your perfect wedding venue? What aspects did you consider?

Jersey City was the most convenient location for not only most of her family and friends, but her and her husband. During their wedding planning, Saumya knew that she wanted to get married at a hotel, where everyone can spend the night and say goodbye in the morning. And because she and her husband met in New York city, they knew that they wanted a skyline with a gorgeous backdrop for their wedding pictures. Both of these factors made Hyatt Regency their final choice!

Where did your guests travel from and how did you accommodate their lodging (if you had to)?

With Hyatt Regency, Saumya and her husband reserved room blocks to accommodate their guests from the NYC area, Florida, Alabama, and California.

How did you and your spouse meet? How did you know you wanted to marry them?

Saumya and her husband met in yoga class several years ago. As they spent more time together and started to meet each other's friends and family, their friendship grew into romance. The time they spend together serves as one reason Saumya knew she wanted to marry her husband. When she had cancer, he was there to help her stay brave and remind her of the joys of life. Her husband made their time together lighthearted and enjoyable, even during their difficult times.

What are your honeymoon travel plans?

Saumya and her husband plan a relaxing getaway to Paris for their honeymoon! They don’t have any major plans other than to drink champagne and eat lots of pastries for their must-deserved break after their wedding planning!

Are there any moments that stand out to you from your South Asian wedding?

One moment that really stands out for Saumya is right when they opened the doors for her to walk down the aisle. She immediately saw all her friends and family standing before her. Seeing their smiles and feeling their love caused happy tears to run down her face as she started her new journey with her soon-to-be husband.

Do you have any do’s and don’ts for planning an Indian wedding?

For any upcoming brides, Saumya advises to do what feels best for you! For her and her husband, that meant skipping events they weren’t very excited for and choosing a ceremony that fit their beliefs, personalities, and love story. As for don’ts, she says to not limit your vendor list, especially when it comes to photographers, videographers, florists, and DJs. With more options, you can find vendors with different price points and experiences with South Asian weddings, which can help you narrow down your decision.

Why did you choose Cinderella Bridez for bridal makeup, bridal hair, and bridal styling for your Indian wedding?

Four years ago, her sister chose Cinderella Bridez for her own wedding. Saumya had her hair and makeup done by us and loved the look Barbie created. She also loved Barbie’s calm personality and knew she wanted to work with her again.

To Saumya, thank you so much for not only choosing us to be part of your special day, but also for this interview! To the happy couple, we wish you nothing but happiness for the future!

If you want to read more about our South Asian bridal hair and makeup services, check out the rest of our website at cinderellabridez.com! Or if you want to learn about Barbie’s experiences as a small business owner and want some tips for your own business ventures, visit her website at barbiepatel.com!