The wedding day is one of the most memorable moments in a couple's life, especially in an arranged marriage where families come together to celebrate the union. Capturing these memories through a photo session is essential. Whether you're in Bangladesh or celebrating abroad, here are some tips to ensure your wedding photos are stunning and heartfelt.

Pre-Wedding Preparations
Plan Ahead: Discuss the photo shoot with your photographer beforehand. Share your preferences, specific shots you want, and any family traditions or rituals that should be captured.
Coordinate Outfits: Ensure the bride and groom’s outfits complement each other. Coordinating with the bridal party’s attire can also create a cohesive look in group photos.
Trial Makeup Session: Have a trial makeup and hair session before the wedding day to avoid any surprises. This ensures you look your best and feel confident in front of the camera.

Capture the Details
Wedding Attire: Get close-up shots of the bride’s lehenga or sari, the groom’s sherwani, and all the intricate details.
Jewelry and Accessories: Highlight the bride’s jewelry, the groom’s watch, cufflinks, and other accessories. These small details add richness to the photo album.
Henna Designs: Include shots of the bride’s mehendi (henna) designs, as they are a beautiful and traditional part of the wedding ceremony.

Family and Friends
Group Photos: Ensure you get photos with close family members and friends. Plan some time during the event for organized group photos.
Candid Moments: Encourage the photographer to capture candid moments. These natural shots often convey genuine emotions and tell the true story of the day.
Generational Photos: Capture pictures with grandparents, parents, and children. These multi-generational photos are priceless and cherished for years.

Ceremony and Rituals
Document Traditions: Bangladeshi weddings are rich in traditions. Make sure the photographer captures key rituals like the Gaye Holud, Saat Paake Bandha, and the exchange of garlands.
Emotional Moments: Focus on emotional moments such as the bride’s entry, the couple’s first look, and the parents’ expressions. These shots convey the heartfelt emotions of the day.

The Couple’s Session
Natural Poses: Opt for natural, relaxed poses over overly staged ones. Let your love and excitement shine through in the photos.
Private Moments: Schedule some time alone for intimate couple shots away from the crowd. These moments can produce some of the most beautiful and personal photos.
Use Props: Incorporate props like a decorated rickshaw, traditional umbrellas, or flower garlands to add a touch of cultural charm to your photos.

Venue and Décor
Location Shots: Capture the beauty of the wedding venue. Whether it’s an elegant hall in Dhaka or a scenic outdoor location abroad, the setting adds context to your story.
Décor Details: Get shots of the stage, floral arrangements, table settings, and other décor elements. These details reflect the theme and ambiance of your wedding.

Lighting and Timing
Golden Hour: If possible, plan some photos during the golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) when the light is soft and flattering.
Indoor Lighting: Ensure good lighting at indoor venues. Soft, diffused lighting works best for flattering portraits and eliminating harsh shadows.

Post-Wedding Shoot
Day-After Session: Consider a day-after photo session. This allows for more relaxed and creative shots without the time pressure of the wedding day.
Scenic Locations: Choose scenic locations for post-wedding shoots. This could be a picturesque spot in Bangladesh or a local landmark if you're abroad.

Relax and Enjoy
Be Yourself: Relax and be yourself in front of the camera. Genuine smiles and laughter make for the best photos.
Trust Your Photographer: Trust your photographer’s expertise. They know how to capture the best angles, lighting, and moments.

A well-planned photo session can beautifully capture the essence of your wedding day, highlighting the joy, love, and cultural richness of an arranged marriage. By following these tips, you can ensure your wedding photos are not just pictures but treasured memories that tell the story of your special day.

Who should pay the bill during the first meet is an age-old debate. Even in this era of feminism and women being financially independent, most women would still rather prefer the men pay during the first meet. It does not make the woman any less independent but rather demonstrates the man to be a gentleman. Apart from being chivalrous and courteous, taking control exudes confidence and gives the woman a sense of security; because no matter how independent women are, they love being taken care of, pampered and appreciated.
When we are talking about first meet ups, men instinctively think it has to be something extravagant. When in reality, it does not take up much to make any women happy. Most women are simply impressed by a bouquet of flowers or even by the man remembering how she likes her coffee. Similarly, in case of first meet ups, the man can simply take the woman to a place where the man’s wallet does not end up feeling lighter. After-all, women are supposed to be impressed by the company they are with and not by the place they are at.

When you keep sabr and pray continuously, Allah sends you miracles. My marriage is a fairytale and a miracle from Allah. My husband lives in our same road and we have a distance of five minutes only but all these years I had no idea that my soulmate lives so close to me. My husband is the most amazing, kindest, soft spoken human I ever saw! Shara apu from Bolo kobul, she is a blessing to me. Allah sent her as a bridge for our marriage. Lots of dua for Bolo Kobul and may Allah give you a long prosperous life Shara apu. Keep us in your prayers.

Marriage - The beautiful journey of two souls becoming one. But amidst the love, laughter, and endless cups of cha, there lies a silent battlefield: the cupboard. Whether you're setting up home in Dhaka or settling in Dallas, the struggle for space in the cupboard is real. Let’s dive into this amusing yet critical aspect of marital harmony.

The Initial Arrangement
In the beginning, everything seems perfect. You’ve moved in together, and there’s that fresh sense of newness. The cupboard is neatly divided – his clothes on one side, hers on the other. But, much like Dhaka traffic during rush hour, chaos is inevitable.

The Space Invaders
Ladies, we know you love your saris, salwar kameez, and those gorgeous lehengas for special occasions. Gents, your punjabis, shirts, and office wear are just as important. But soon, the neatly divided space starts to blur. "Honey, can I just put this one dress here?" And so it begins. Before you know it, his side looks like a cramped street vendor’s stall, while her side resembles a grand bazaar.

The Negotiation
The key to a peaceful cupboard is negotiation. Just like bargaining at New Market, it requires skill and patience. "I’ll give you space for two more shirts if I can keep my extra pairs of shoes here." Or, "Let’s install another shelf; it’s a win-win." Compromise is the cornerstone of both a successful marriage and an organized cupboard.

Creative Solutions
Living in Bangladesh or abroad, space can be a constraint. Here are a few creative solutions:
Dual-Purpose Furniture: Invest in a bed with storage drawers or an ottoman that doubles as a storage unit.
Vertical Space: Use hanging organizers and shelves to maximize vertical space.
Seasonal Rotation: Store off-season clothes in suitcases or under the bed to free up space.

The Purge
Every few months, it’s essential to purge the cupboard. Donate clothes you haven’t worn in a year. This not only creates space but also brings a sense of relief. Plus, it’s a good deed! "One person’s clutter is another person’s treasure."

In the grand scheme of marriage, the battle for cupboard space is a minor skirmish. It teaches patience, compromise, and creativity. So, whether you’re folding clothes in Barisal or Boston, remember that sharing a cupboard is just one of the many adventures in this journey of togetherness.

A well-organized cupboard might be a dream, but a happy marriage is a reality you can achieve with love, respect, and a bit of humor. After all, it’s not just about making space in the cupboard; it’s about making space in your hearts for each other.

In the bustling corridors of university life, where dreams flourished and hearts danced to the rhythm of youth, I found myself enchanted by a senior who had ignited a spark within my heart. Little did I know that this enchantment would mark the beginning of a beautiful journey, one where I would become my very own matchmaker.

The object of my affection was a senior, a charismatic individual who seemed to possess an aura of mystery and allure. As I secretly admired from afar, I knew that my feelings needed a voice, a way to bridge the gap between my heart and his. So, I turned to the age-old art of poetry, crafting verses that bared my soul and unveiled the emotions I had kept hidden for so long.

In those carefully chosen words, I poured my heart out, leaving the poem as a message to be deciphered. It was a gamble, a leap of faith into the unknown. But as fate would have it, my feelings were reciprocated, and our love story began to unfold.

Four magical years flew by, filled with laughter, shared dreams, and a bond that only grew stronger with each passing day. We supported each other through the highs and lows of life, navigating the challenges of university life and adulthood together. Our love became an unbreakable bond, and we knew that we were meant to be.

A decade has now passed since we have tied the knot, and our love story continues to evolve. We are not just a couple; we are a family of four, with two beautiful children who embody the love that brought us together. Our journey has been a testament to the power of love, perseverance, and the belief that sometimes, the heart knows best.

But our story is not just about us; it's about the ripple effect that love can create. Inspired by our own journey, I embarked on a mission to help others find their soulmates in a world where technology had changed the rules of dating. In an era dominated by swipes and screens, I am trying to become a beacon of hope, proving that love could still be found in the digital age.

With unwavering determination, I delved into the intricacies of modern matchmaking, using technology as a tool to connect hearts and create lasting relationships. My journey as a matchmaker was fueled by the belief that everyone deserves a chance at true love, and I was determined to be the catalyst for that change.

As I reflect on my journey, I am proud to say that I have successfully supported 83 prospects in finding their life partners. Each success story is a testament to the enduring power of love and the resilience of the human heart.

In a world where love stories are often reduced to swipes and superficial connections, our story stands as a reminder that true love is worth the wait, the effort, and the risk. And I, the matchmaker, will continue to bring people together, one heartfelt connection at a time, proving that love can conquer all, even in the times of online dating apps.