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Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
After Their Multicultural Wedding Inspired by Art and Theater, One Couple Invited Guests to a Late-Night Pajama Party
Seetha Chandrasekhara and Hank Zhang proudly call themselves a pandemic couple—they met through the dating app Coffee Meets Bagel in August of 2020 and chatted by phone for a month before planning their first date in Philadelphia, where they both lived. "We became an official couple on New Year's Eve of 2020 when he brought me roses, and we ate charcuterie with champagne before watching the fireworks over the Delaware River from my window," Seetha says. By March of 2023, they were engaged—a decision they arrived at as a couple. 'We were lying in bed discussing our future and mutually decided that we wanted to grow old together,' the bride says. They celebrated with dinner at their favorite restaurant in Philly and held a small, self-uniting Quaker ceremony at home that May. Though they had already affirmed their commitment to one another in private, Seetha and Hank knew they wanted to celebrate with a broader guest list. They planned a multicultural celebration that melded the bride's Indian background and the groom's Chinese heritage, then invited 140 guests to join them for the fun on November 9, 2024. On the big day, the couple and their guests gathered at the Kimmel Center for Performing Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where the group enjoyed a variety of the venue's unique spaces. 'It's a Philadelphia icon on Broad Street and the architecture is breathtaking!' the bride says. The day began with a Hindu wedding ceremony in the morning, which was followed by a mid-day luncheon, and ended with a theatrical reception on the stage of Perelman Theater. "As a couple, we love art and theater, so we wanted the overall vision to lean artistic, specifically taking inspiration from Henri Rousseau and Gustav Klimt,' Seetha notes. To bring their overarching vision of a multicultural wedding with plenty of nods to art and theater to life, the couple worked with Christina Hadlow and her team from KPW Productions. Read on to see the vibrant colors, rainforest-inspired florals, and personal touches (including a pajama after-party!) in photos by Pat Furey Photography. Related: 11 Common Wedding-Related Events and Parties to Know About Seetha and Hank's invitation suite, designed by Chick Invitations, informed guests of the color palette they'd see on the big day—cards in shades of forest green, ivory, and soft blush featured gold foil accents and an illustration of a pair of elephants with intertwined trunks (a nod to Seetha's Indian heritage). The multi-piece suite, which also featured coffee flower and black and Sichuan pepper designs, invited guests to join the couple at four separate events: a morning ceremony, mid-day luncheon, evening reception, and late-night after-party. The envelope liners featured an intricate brown and white henna-inspired paisley motif with a double happiness symbol in the center of the flower. For the couple's Hindu ceremony, Seetha wore a gold Kanjivaram silk sari by Kankatala with pink and purple floral designs throughout. 'I wanted to lean into florals throughout the day and this design looked like a blend of both our cultures' flowers,' she says. She wore a red and green blouse with gold coins embroidered to coordinate with one of her three necklaces; a traditional South Indian coin necklace. 'I wore heirloom jewelry necklaces from my mother,' she says. 'It's traditional in South India to wear three bridal necklaces at different lengths.' In addition to the coin design, the bride wore an emerald, ruby, and uncut diamond necklace, along with traditional gold beads. 'My earrings were diamond jhumkas which are another traditional design,' Seetha says. She finished her look with a gold headpiece, braid accessories, and gold sandals from Gianvito Rossi. 'Braids are fairly traditional ceremony hairstyles, and I wanted to lean a little more traditional for the morning,' she notes. Hank wore a cream silk outfit traditionally worn by grooms in Karnataka, India, which included a long draped dhoti, a button down shirt, and a traditional turban. He accessorized with a Bulgari watch Seetha's parents gifted him on the morning of the wedding. The couple's ceremony, which took place in their venue's glass atrium, was designed to mimic the greenery and agriculture of Kodag. They brought in tons of potted plants and baskets of oranges, limes, and lemons. Chili plants, strung chilis, and orange and red floral garlands with red Chinese knots at the end decorated the mandap structure, which faced east per tradition. Overlapping rugs created a winding river-inspired aisle leading to the mandap, where the couple added pillows with double happiness and Chinese symbols as a nod to Hank's culture. 'Fresh jasmine and incredible jasmine-scented candles were set everywhere to add a signature scent to the ceremony,' the bride says. 'We even personally sourced tea and coffee from our family's regions for guests to enjoy during the ceremony.' Related: Scentscaping Is the 2024 Wedding Trend You Need to Know About As guests gathered for Seetha and Hank's ceremony, they were offered green bangles and fresh jasmine to wear in their hair. The couple hired a local harpist, Rebecca Simpson, to play songs like 'Your Name OST' by Katawaredoki and 'Let's Get Married' by Jagged Edge. Seetha and Hank planned an abbreviated Hindu ceremony that last 45 minutes. 'Hindu ceremonies can run long, so we shortened ours," the bride notes. "We made sure to include the major rituals such as the Ganesha prayer (to bless the space before starting), garland exchange (jai mala), father giving away the bride (kanyadaan), 'tying' the wedding necklace (mangalsutra), walking around the fire (vivaha homa), the seven steps (saptapadi), and paying respect to our parents (aashirwada)." The bride's hometown priest performed the ceremony, and he made sure to explain each ritual in English so that every guest in attendance could understand and enjoy the traditions. After being pronounced husband and wife (again!), the couple recessed back up the aisle to a live rendition of 'Starlight' by Muse. For the luncheon, which took place in the Kimmel Center's T2 Lounge, Seetha wore her mother's green silk sari from her wedding reception in the 1970s. 'I had told my mother ever since I was little that I would wear her sari at my wedding and she cried when she helped me drape it because she was so happy,' Seetha says. 'My maternal aunt hand-tied the sari 'kuchu' (tassels on the end).' Hank changed into a light gold sherwani from Nazranaa paired with a green necklace to coordinate with Seetha's sari. The couple offered guests a vegetarian meal that featured a variety of different Indian and Chinese dishes; everything from gobi Manchurian and chickpea salad to tamarind rice and sautéed bok choy was on offer. For a mid-day dessert, Seetha's parents ordered Indian sweets like Mysore pak, obbattu, and ladu for guests to enjoy. At the end of the luncheon, everyone left with a bubble tea, which was the perfect thing to keep them refreshed ahead of the evening reception. 'Our hotel was walking distance from the Kimmel Center, so Hank and I walked back to the hotel together after the morning and then over to the venue for the evening,' Seetha remembers. 'Not only did we get great photos, but it was wonderful to have that alone time together.' The used the time between their luncheon and reception to change into different outfits for the evening. Seetha wore a custom gown from Nazranaa, which featured beaded and sequined floral motifs. 'I wanted to continue the greenery and floral design with more drama for the evening and be able to incorporate some Chinese design elements as well,' she says. 'On the back we added a gold dragon and phoenix design to represent being husband and wife." She changed her hairstyle to her signature over the shoulder style to show off the gown's open neckline and her jewelry. Hank wore a blue wool suit paired with a pink, French cuff shirt, all from Ralph Lauren. 'He wanted something floral to coordinate with my reception outfit and went with a silver silk floral tie and matching pocket square,' Seetha says. The couple's escort card display was inspired by their mutual love of theater. A stage-inspired installation was created with "tickets" for each guest; red velvet curtains were pulled back to reveal the display inside. Ushers helped guests find their tickets, which then informed them of their table assignment for the evening. Inside the reception, guests found that each table was named after one of the couple's favorite stage shows. Seetha and Hank's reception took place on stage at the Perelman Theater, where the couple incorporated design elements inspired by surrealism. 'We heavily relied on the AV system and lighting to create an immersive and dream-like experience!' Seetha explains. Tables were covered in velvet linens in shades of rust, moss, and wine, and each tablescape featured gold, copper, and glass details, including cloches filled with fairy lights and air plants and antique vases brought in from the couple's home. For dinner, guests were invited to visit a variety of different food stations, all named for famous operas. A playbill-style menu outlined each of the offerings. At Pagliacci, guests found a variety of different cheeses; at Aida, there was a variety of charcuterie to choose from; and at Mudan ting, Dim Sum was the star of the show. Even the centerpieces paid homage to the couple's love of theater: 'Carnivorous plants were set on tables as a nod to Little Shop of Horrors, a show Hank loves,' Seetha says. Seetha and Hank sat at a sweetheart table named after the Broadway show Company, which Hank brought Seetha to see for her 35th birthday; they also shared a first dance to 'Being Alive,' a song from that same show. Hank then shared a dance with his mom to 'Tian Mi Mi' by Teresa Teng and Seetha danced with her father to 'Ninnantha Appa Illa' by Devatha Manushya OST. Seetha and Hank's three-tiered wedding cake from Nutmeg Cake Design featured layers of pistachio cake with cardamom buttercream and orange marmalade, earl grey cake with raspberry buttercream and jam, and chocolate cake with espresso buttercream and chocolate ganache. And it looked as good as it tasted: The confection's exterior was designed to look like Seetha's custom wedding gown. At the end of the night, Seetha and Hank invited guests to join them for an after-party at The Franklin Mortgage and Investment Company, a speakeasy in Philadelphia. 'Our vibe was a 'Till death do us elevated pajama party,' so our guests could go straight to bed after a night cap, or two,' Seetha says. 'We wanted everyone to feel included so we had eye masks and slippers on hand for those guests who remained in their wedding outfits.' Seetha and Hank, on the other hand, changed into matching cotton leopard pajamas from Desmond & Dempsey and custom slippers. 'I kept on the Bulgari mangalsutra necklace and wore a coral lip ring from Hotlips by Solange,' Seetha says. 'This is the first piece of jewelry Hank bought for me and is still so special!'Wedding Photographer Pat Furey Photography Ceremony and Reception Venue Hamilton Garden, Kimmel Center for Performing Arts Wedding Planning and Design KPW Productions After-Party Venue The Franklin Mortgage and Investment Company Bride's Hair Heads and Tails Beauty Boutique Bride's Makeup Beke Beau Custom Nail Artist Nina Beanz Flowers SAC Design Wedding Invitations and Paper Products Chick Invitations Music Rebecca Simpson, DJ Shilpa, The Cresswell Club Catering Rhubarb Hospitality Collection Cake Nutmeg Cake Design Transportation King Limousine Accommodations The Franklin on Rittenhouse Photo Booth Sirena Photo BoothUp Next: The Complete Guide to Planning a Wedding Read the original article on Brides
New Paper
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Paper
Tips for online dating - apparently the eager beavers live in Yio Chu Kang
According to some data shared by dating app Coffee Meets Bagel on May 1, more than 41 per cent of users who would make the first move live in Yio Chu Kang. The Yio Chu Kang singles are also into keeping it casual. No pressure, take it easy. If you are shy, maybe swipe on the photo of someone from Yio Chu Kang and wait. There's a good chance you'll get a ping from the neighbourhood of "casual daters". "Yio Chu Kang leads the pack for casual daters even though only 7 per cent of users there are into short-term flings." But if it's a chio bu from Queenstown or a yan dao from Jalan Kayu who caught your attention, don't be disheartened if your swipe or ping gets swallowed by a black hole. Coffee Meets Bagel claims those from Jalan Kayu, Queenstown and Radin Mas have the highest tendency to ghost you. Maybe it's an SMC thing. Who knows? Coffee Meets Bagel did not know the cause either in sharing this tongue-in-cheek list, which came under the header "Your GRC might be why you're still single". "At Coffee Meets Bagel, we're always curious about what brings people together, and sometimes that means looking at how where you live shapes how you love," said Coffee Meets Bagel Worldwide CEO Shn Juay. "We hope this peek into Singapore's dating landscape sparks new conversations about romance, identity and maybe even politics." If you are the secretive sort and hope nobody finds out about your alter ego flexing that crop top at the gym you have been to only once so far this year, here's a tip for the late-night swiping: go for Jurongites. "Jurong Central folk are up way past bedtime, sliding into DMs after hours." But if you're the sort to flex that gym shot regardless of the time of day, then you should stick to the Queenstown folk. Yes, they ghost others. But they are also listed as "people seeking genuine, long-term love". And they are apparently "gym rats and dog lovers". How exciting is that? Bet on a Queenstowner and if he or she does not ghost you, then you're in for the long game. You might have equal chances with someone from Pioneer, which is also listed as the place where the app users are looking for long-term commitment. The Pioneer singles appear to be foodies and avid travellers. We can't blame them. If you live that far out and have to step out of your home, then you might as well make a trip to get out of the country. Oops, almost forgot to mention the people of Bukit Gombak. They're listed as bookworms. No other information was given about them.
Time Business News
01-05-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Crypto Crime Investigation (C.C.I.) Takes Action: Reclaiming Stolen Crypto from Coffee Meets Bagel (C.M.B) Scammers
Crypto Crime Investigation (C.C.I.), a leading authority in hi-cryptocurrency security and recovery, is proud to announce its latest initiative to combat fraud in the digital currency space. In a bold move to reclaim assets for victims, C.C.I. has launched an intensive investigation into the recent scams associated with the popular dating app, Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB) With the rise of cryptocurrency adoption, scams have proliferated, targeting unsuspecting users. The Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB) scam has left many individuals devastated, as fraudulent actors have manipulated users into transferring their digital assets under false pretenses. C.C.I. recognizes the urgency to act swiftly and decisively to recover these stolen assets and provide justice to victims. 'Our mission at C.C.I. is to protect individuals in the cryptocurrency market,' said Daniel Richards , Spokesperson at Crypto Crime Investigation (C.C.I) 'We are committed to utilizing our expertise to investigate and reclaim stolen funds for those affected by these heartless scams. Our team is equipped with the latest technology and investigative techniques to track down the perpetrators and restore faith in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.' C.C.I. is collaborating with law enforcement agencies, cybersecurity experts, and blockchain analysts to trace the stolen funds. By leveraging advanced tracking software and forensic analysis, the organization aims to identify the scammers and recover as much of the lost cryptocurrency as possible. In addition to recovery efforts, C.C.I. is dedicated to educating users about cryptocurrency safety. The organization encourages individuals to remain vigilant and adopt best practices when engaging in digital transactions. This includes verifying the legitimacy of offers, using secure wallets, and being cautious of unsolicited communications. For victims of the Coffee Meets Bagel (CMB) scam or anyone who has experienced cryptocurrency theft, C.C.I. offers a free consultation to discuss recovery options. The organization believes that with the right support and resources, victims can regain their lost assets and help bring scammers to justice. As the cryptocurrency landscape continues to evolve, C.C.I. remains at the forefront of the fight against crypto crime. With a commitment to innovation, security, and education, C.C.I. is determined to reclaim stolen assets and protect the integrity of the digital currency market. About Crypto Crime Investigation (C.C.I.) Crypto Crime Investigation (C.C.I.) is a premier organization dedicated to fighting cryptocurrency fraud and assisting victims in recovering stolen assets. With a team of experts in cybersecurity, law enforcement, and blockchain technology, C.C.I. provides comprehensive services to ensure the safety and security of cryptocurrency users. Daniel Richards Spokesperson Crypto Crime Investigation (C.C.I.) info@ TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
30-04-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Top Crypto Crime Investigation (C.C.I) Expert in Asia Releases Comprehensive Guide to Recover Stolen Funds from Pig Butchering Scams in Singapore
Singapore, 26-04-25 – As pig butchering scams continue to devastate lives across Asia particularly in Singapore Crypto Crime Investigation (C.C.I), the region's leading expert in crypto asset recovery, has published a comprehensive guide to help victims trace and recover their stolen funds. The guide is part of C.C.I's broader initiative to combat the surge of romance fueled crypto fraud that's leaving individuals financially and emotionally shattered. Pig butchering scams a calculated blend of online romance and fake investment schemes often begin on dating apps such as Coffee Meets Bagel, Tinder, or WhatsApp. Victims are groomed emotionally by scammers who pose as caring romantic partners, eventually convincing them to 'invest' in cryptocurrency through fake apps or trading platforms. Once funds are sent, scammers disappear, leaving victims without recourse until now. C.C.I's guide outlines the essential steps to take when recovering funds stolen in these scams, including: • 🔍 How to Identify Pig Butchering Scams: Key red flags, including unsolicited investment advice from a romantic interest and being directed to unfamiliar trading platforms. • 🧩 Blockchain Tracing Techniques: How C.C.I uses advanced forensics tools to follow the flow of stolen cryptocurrency across wallets and exchanges. • 🛡️ Cooperation with Exchanges and Law Enforcement: Insight into how C.C.I works with crypto platforms and authorities to freeze scam accounts and support legal recovery efforts. • 📁 How to Build a Strong Recovery Case: What victims should document (chats, transaction IDs, wallet addresses) to improve their chances of successful fund recovery. • 🧠 Prevention Tips: How to protect your digital assets and personal information while using dating apps and investment platforms. 'These scams are incredibly sophisticated and emotionally manipulative, but they're not beyond reach,' said Daniel Richards, Lead Investigator at C.C.I. 'We've helped numerous victims across Singapore and Asia recover funds they thought were lost forever. This guide empowers people with the knowledge to act fast and smart.' C.C.I is widely recognized in Asia for its success in crypto recovery, particularly in romance and investment scams. With a strong network of partners, legal experts, and forensic investigators, the firm continues to lead the charge in digital justice. To download the full guide or report a pig butchering scam, victims are urged to visit: 🌐 Website: 📧 Email: info@ Crypto Crime Investigation (C.C.I) – Asia's Trusted Ally in the Fight Against Crypto Fraud. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
This is why you keep getting flaked on dating apps, according to experts
Move over, ghosting. Flaking is the newly preferred method of cutting ties with a match on dating apps, with victims calling it a "flaking epidemic". Gone are the days when you might start a conversation with someone on a dating app, only to suddenly never hear from them again. Users are now reporting that they are building relationships and making plans with potential romantic interests over the apps, only for the other person to suddenly cancel at the last minute. Getting flaked on is becoming an increasingly common experience on dating apps, according to users discussing the issue on Reddit. Understandably frustrated, one dating app user asked: "Is it just me, or is there a flaking epidemic on dating apps? "At this rate, three out of five times these past couple of months, my friends are getting flaked on in Hinge, Coffee Meets Bagel and Bumble dates. And these are HOT people! What's going on?" Other Reddit users added their own experiences and opinions to the forum, with one person wondering: "I get protecting your own mental health and setting boundaries for your time, but what about the other person's time/mental health that you made plans with?" Another user suggested that the reason so many people are flaking out on dates could be due to "app fatigue". "This stuff was fun five to 10 years ago, but I'm just kinda… over… the whole app pleasantries," they said. "I think it's worst since Covid, because a lot more has shifted electronically (eg. Zoom meetings) so I'm pre-exhausted on online personal interaction from work. "These are people I'd actually like to meet, but it's so exhausting and it feels like work. I'm going back to being more chatty in the real world." According to Dr Lalitaa Sugliani, relationship expert for eharmony, there is indeed a problem with flaky behaviour becoming more common on dating apps. She suggests that one of the reasons behind the rise of flaking could be "the abundance of choice and the paradox that having too many options can lead to decision fatigue". "This in turn leads to exhaustion and freeze state, making it harder to commit to one person or follow through on plans," she explains to Yahoo UK. "At a deeper level, our attachment styles and past experiences can also shape how we engage in these digital spaces, influencing our ability to commit and follow through." Sometimes, flaky behaviour can stem from a crisis of confidence. From the perspective of someone who is having confidence issues, there may be uncertainty as to how they'll be perceived in real life after building rapport with the other person online, Dr Sugliani says. "Anxiety surrounding rejection or the pressure to live up to curated online personas can trigger avoidance behaviour," she adds. "Some people may also struggle with emotional readiness, leading them to have dating conversations without actually being prepared to connect deeply or meet in person." Another reason flaking might be becoming more common is because some people use dating apps for a quick dopamine boost, rather than to foster a long-term relationship. "For some, dating apps serve as a temporary escape or a means to satisfy a need for connection without building a long-term relationship," Dr Sugliani says, emphasising that everyone has different needs and wants when it comes to looking for love. "Immediate gratification often takes precedence, leading to impulsive decision-making," she adds. This means that some people might feel initially excited about getting a match on an app, but quickly lose interest when the novelty wears off or another connection seems more appealing. For many singletons, dating apps just aren't working in the pursuit of love. Data from Ofcom, published in November 2024, found that dating app use is declining in the UK, particularly as younger people are increasingly turning to in-person meet-ups to find The One. The communications watchdog found that the top four dating apps in the UK have been steadily losing users since 2023. Tinder lost 600,000 users, while 131,000 users fell out of love with Hinge. Meanwhile, Bumble's user base fell by 368,000 and Grindr lost out on 11,000 users. "Some analysts speculate that for younger people, particularly Gen Z, the novelty of dating apps is wearing off," said Ofcom in its annual Online Nation report. Dr Sugliani adds that it's important for dating apps to prioritise connecting people based on personalities and values in order to foster deeper compatibility and more meaningful relationships, instead of encouraging users to chase "short-term excitement". "This means it is easier to engage with people who are genuinely aligned with what you're looking for," she says. Lonely hearts looking for love are also becoming more invested in authenticity. "When individuals portray their true selves and communicate their intentions honestly, they are more likely to attract partners and create meaningful connections, but it is for them to also know what they are looking for," Dr Sugliani explains. "Being clear about what you're looking for and respecting the boundaries and feelings of others creates a healthier and more respectful dating culture. "It is also important to remember we're not mind-readers and what is authentic to you may be different to a partner. Good communication starts with being aware of what is going on in your own head so you can get this across to a partner." Read more about sex and relationships: Six health benefits of staying single (Yahoo Life UK, 3-min read) Sex can help men live longer - and has important health benefits for woman too (Daily Record, 2-min read) Sick Of Dating Apps? 4 Couples Share Their IRL Meet-Cute Stories (HuffPost, 4-min read)
