Fun Wedding Facts & Traditions...

Today, I was reading a blog post by our dear friends at The Wedding Party Studio and I ran into this great article. I want to credit them for this but wanted to share this with our fans and friends. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

1. Rain on your wedding day is actually considered good luck, according to Hindu tradition.  So if it rains, pray it pours!  One can never have too much luck.

2. Middle Eastern brides paint henna on their hands and feet.  This ornate art is believed to protect the bride from the evil.

3.  In the US, most brides have four bridesmaids, including the maid of honor.

4. Legend says single women will dream of their future husbands if they sleep with a slice of the groom’s cake under their pillows.   So single gals- ask for a slice to go!

5. Viva Las Vegas!  If Elvis and neon lights are the keys to your dream wedding, don’t plan your Vegas “I Do’s” on Valentine’s Day or New Year’s Day.  These two holidays are the two busiest days for weddings in Las Vegas.

6.  A traditional Jewish wedding ceremony takes place under a chupah, which symbolizes that the bride and groom are creating a home together.  This tradition stems from the Biblical wedding of Abraham and Sarah.

7. Hello sunshine! In Ireland, a sunny wedding day means good luck for the couple.

8.  Engagement and wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because it was once thought that a vein in that finger led directly to the heart.  Awww!

9.  Why something old, something new, something barrowed, something blue?  Something old is meant to represent and link the bride with her family and their past. Something new is good luck and represents success and the bride’s hopes for a bright future in her new role as a wife. The wedding gown is often chosen as the “new”.  Something borrowed represents to the bride that friends and family will be there for her not only on her special day, but also in the future when help is needed.  Something blue refers back to ancient times.  Blue was a symbol of faithfulness, purity and loyalty.

10. The term “best man” dates back to the times when Scotsmen kidnapped their brides to be. The friend of the groom who had excelled at the abduction was given the title “best man”.

Unique Video Invites – Featured on Brides of...

If you’re familiar with Hakim Sons Films, you already know about one of our famous unique offerings, the DVD Invitation also known as Save the Date Video. Recently, this product was featured on the blog for Brides of North Texas, one of the premiere wedding publications in the state and the ultimate resource for all things wedding in North Texas. In this feature, you’ll see a sample DVD Invitation that we did for my own wedding (you’ll find many other samples on our website & blog). — Shezad

If you’re looking to put a unique twist on your wedding invites, we’ve got the perfect idea — DVD save-the-dates and wedding invites! Hakim Sons Films offers this truly creative spin on the traditional wedding invitations and we just had to share. Check out the video invite shown above from Hakim Sons Films very own Shezad and his lovely wife Sofia who just recently tied the knot in June — too cute! It’s like your very own music video! You can tell a story and set the tone for your big day with this fun and one-of-a-kind invitations! Enjoy!

June 2010 – ViDeO bUzZ Newsletter...

Dear Blog Reader, The Hakim Sons Films team has always had something to be excited about, but currently, we’re most excited about the celebration of our 10th anniversary! Since 2000, my team and I have had the privilege to document some of the best events, not only in the country, but around the world. Along the way, we’ve met the most amazing people who gave us great inspiration and challenge us to be the best. Thank you for being a part of Hakim Sons Films’ success! Cheers, Shezad Manjee 3rd Generation Filmmaker In This Issue Featured Film GiveBack Contest Recipe for Love About Us STAY CONNECTED Featured Film South Indian Wedding – New York Style Our team was in New York last month celebrating and documenting Rupa and Sunder’s wedding festivities! These college sweethearts met about seven years ago, became best friends, and finally tied the knot in a two day celebration including a traditional, South Indian ceremony and magnificent reception. The party took place in the heart of Manhattan at Gotham Hall. This former bank is a true gem in the Big Apple with a classy yet contemporary feel. Best wishes to Rupa and Sunder from the Hakim Sons Films team as they begin their life as husband and wife! View the film on our Blog. GiveBack Contest Looking for a way to giveback to your favorite Non-Profit? The Hakim Sons Films team is giving you an opportunity to WIN A FREE FILM (valued at $2000) for the Non-Profit Organization of your choice. Learn more & enter for your chance to win today. Deadline for submissions is June 20th. Recipe for Love Lemon-Garlic Chicken Kabobs Father’s Day is June 20. Treat your Dad to a relaxing Father’s Day. Grill him a meal he’ll always remember. A mouth-watering marinade of lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic powder and corn syrup adds subtle sweetness to these grilled chicken and vegetable skewers, transforming everyday chicken into extraordinary fare. Ingredients · 1 cup vegetable oil · 1/2 cup soy sauce · 1/2 cup light corn syrup · 1/4 cup lemon juice · 2 tablespoons sesame seeds · 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder · Garlic salt to taste · 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves-cut into 1-1/2 inch pieces · 1 (8 ounce) package fresh chopped mushrooms · 2 onions, quartered · 1 green bell pepper, cut into large chunks Cooking Instructions 1. In a medium bowl, blend vegetable oil, soy sauce, light corn syrup, lemon juice, sesame seeds, garlic powder, and garlic salt. Place chicken in the mixture. Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 2 hours. 2. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat, and lightly oil grate. Thread chicken onto skewers alternately with mushrooms, onions, and green bell pepper. Pour marinade into a saucepan, and bring to a boil. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes. 3. Place skewers on the prepared grill. Cook 15 to 20 minutes, turning frequently, until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear. Baste with the boiled marinade frequently during the last 10 minutes. Many Hearts. One Passion. Our Story… Our business stems three generations, from a family entrepreneur who had a distinct vision. It was Shezad’s grandfather, Hakim, who was a pioneer in the production industry. Today, Shezad is our managing partner, producer, and creative artist.  Hence, the name: Hakim Sons. Our most important clients are people from the future-yet to be born. Our films allow them to see, hear and feel what their parents and loved ones were like. It’s priceless, sentimental and very personal. It’s a document of…life. This is what fuels our passion.

Announcing the “GiveBack Contest”...

We’re very passionate about telling stories & promoting socially conscious causes. Here are a few samples of our recent work with Non-Profits. Now, let us help your favorite Non-Profit Organization through our GIVEBACK CONTEST. The Hakim Sons Films team is giving you an opportunity to WIN A FREE FILM (valued at $2000) for the Non-Profit Organization of your choice. All you have to do is tell us a few things in a simple email. Yup, it’s really that simple. To enter, send an email to giveback@hakimsonsfilms.com with the following information: 1) Name of the organization you are nominating for this contest. 2) A short one paragraph description about this organization. 3) Tell us how you think a marketing film or event documentary will help this organization in its mission? * Deadline for submissions is June 20th. Best of Luck, Shezad Manjee 3rd Generation Filmmaker Contest Winner will be announced June 31st, 2010.

Featured in the Bridal Buzz Newsletter...

It’s our 10th year anniversary and Brides of North Texas magazine has featured us in their latest newsletter. We’re so thankful to our clients, our super talented team, and our fellow industry professionals for all their love & support over the past 10 years. Here’s to 10 more strong years!!! Cheers.

“Congratulations to Hakim Sons Films on the celebration of their 10th anniversary! Hakim Sons Films was created by third generation filmmaker, Shezad Manjee, who sought out to honor his late grandfather, who himself was a pioneer in the production industry. During his ten years, Shezad and his team have filmed everything from destination weddings in Australia to U.S. presidential receptions. Hakim Sons Films has taken wedding filmmaking to the next level with its innovations in same day edits, save-the-date DVDs and concept films. Brides of North Texas was lucky enough to work with the talented videographers from Hakim Sons Films on several behind-the-scenes shoots for the inaugural issue. Be sure to check those out online! Happy Anniversary!”

Happy Ever After – An Evening of Bridal Luxu...

Dallas Brides Magazine & The Wedding Party Studio are hosting “Happy Ever After — An Evening of Bridal Luxury” on April 14, 2010 at 6pm. There’s going to be great cocktails and sweet treats and you’ll have a chance to register for a three-night honeymoon package in a luxury suite, courtesy of The Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita.

The Hakim Sons Films family is honored to have our films showcased at the event. Please RSVP to 214.647.5670 or rsvpdallas@modernluxury.com .

We’re Featured in Daily Candy… SWEET!...

A special thanks to our friends Robin and Lisa at The Wedding Party Studio for hosting this lovely event and for all of their efforts and support. We couldn’t have done it without these fabulous women. Come check us out tonight… hope to see you there!

We’ve been featured in “Style Me Prett...

Hakim Sons Films and the wonderful team at Edmonson Weddings has just been featured in one of the Industry’s most followed wedding blogs. The wedding of Miki + Trevor Strong held at the Union Station was simply exquisite. See for yourself…

This film is from Shezad Manjee at Hakim Sons Films and features the drop-dead gorgeous wedding reception of Miki and Trevor (daughter of country singer Neal McCoy). It’s simply terrific!

Reception @ Union Station and Catering by Wolfgang Puck

Congratulations to Miki & Trevor! What a wonderful celebration!! And as always, thanks to our wonderful LBB cinematographers at Hakim Sons Films for sharing.

– Article courtesy of Style Me Pretty

Partnership Walk 2009: End Global Poverty....

The Brides of North Texas Magazine Launch…...

The Brides of North Texas launched their premiere magazine last night at their official launch party at the Nylo Hotel. The party was a hit with exquisite décor, food, drinks, and music. The event featured five Behind the Scenes Films produced by Hakim Sons Films, which showcased different photo shoots done for the magazine. We are truly honored to be the official filmmaker for The Brides of North Texas!

As if being the filmmaker of choice for the publication wasn’t exciting enough, my wedding is featured in the magazine as well! Make sure you pick up your copy of The Brides of North Texas when it hits stands in February.  It’s a must have wedding planning resource.  Congratulations to The Brides of North Texas team for a magnificent first issue!