Anita Froneman, Author at Wedding ETC

In Advice

5 ways to make your wedding fun without alcohol

July 29, 2020 No Comments

In the wedding industry, lockdown has become synonymous with creativity. Everything is different than it used to be, and planning a wedding in a COVID-19 era needs more lateral thinking than ever. Fear not! All that really matters on the day is being united with the person you love most in this world.

When it comes to refreshments, alcohol is a no-go for the foreseeable future in South Africa. Some couples might simply not want to offer alcohol, regardless of the ban. Whatever the reason, there are tonnes of ways to have a stellar reception without a drop of booze.

1. Have a breakfast wedding

During the morning, guests will be less likely to miss having an adult drink in hand. Brunch weddings are expertly classy, fun and pretty. Who needs wine when there’s an omelet station?

2. Have a connoisseur coffee bar

This fits in perfectly with a brunch wedding, but of course will work for any time of the day. Go all out with fancy coffee that will have even the most snobbish barista coming back for more. Add variety with other hot drinks such as teas and hot chocolate.

3. Have guests mix their own fruit juices

Having a juice bar where guests can mix and match as they please doubles as a fun activity too! Print out a directive of which juices pair well together, and label the different kinds. Add fresh fruits, ice and paper straws for extra “punch.”

4. Serve non-alcoholic drinks

These days, you can find almost any alcoholic beverage with an alcohol-free counterpart. Wine, sparkling wine, beer and even spirits like gin all have non-alcoholic ranges that are equally tasty and will add a sophisticated feel.

5. Don’t hold back with the dessert table

What better way to celebrate than to eat delicious treats? A delectable dessert table will have the mouths watering and no alcohol likely means you’ll have slightly more flexible budget. The key here is variety. More options mean more happy taste buds!

Images: Pinterest

Featured image: Unsplash

In Celebs

Beauty and the Beast: Tendai Mtawarira and Kuziva Makore

July 22, 2020 No Comments

South Africans love their rugby and beam with pride over the Springboks. You know a player is legendary and much-loved when he even has a nickname.

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Tendai Matawarira, known as ‘The Beast’ has been married to Kuziva Makore for a decade this year. Their love story is one of long-distance romance and destiny. The sports star is originally from Zimbabwe, where his mother saw Kuziva singing in a church choir in 2009. She must have struck a chord, because his mother gave Kuziva her son’s number, according to iHarare.

“My mother saw something in Ku that was perfect,” Mtawarira said to News24.

“He’s the sort of man I dreamt about,” Makore, a Psychology student and nail technician, added.

They began talking over the phone but didn’t meet for three months, as Mtawarira was travelling on a rugby tour. They fell in love nonetheless, constantly texting and calling.

Their wedding was a traditionally arranged one and the two tied the knot in Durban, South Africa in 2010. It turns out mother does know best!

The rugby player is famous for being ruthless on the field. He might be tough on the outside, but clearly has a soft spot on the inside.

“Happy 9th Year Anniversary my Queen. Doing life with you is such a privilege and SOOOO much fun. Thank you for being the most caring, loving wife and mother I could have ever hoped for. I Love U more than life itself Booblan aka Best friend. Super excited for what God has planned for our family and our future,” he wrote on Instagram for their ninth anniversary.

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They have two children together, a daughter and a son.

Image: Instagram/Tendai Mtawarira

In Accessories

Stylish hats for the groom

July 16, 2020 No Comments

Some grooms dress to impress. If your hubby is a fashion guru, he might want to don a hat. It’s important to choose the specific look you’re going to make a strong statement. Once the rest of the outfit is compiled, a hat will top it off perfectly.

Take a look at these memorable men’s hats for inspiration.

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Image: Unsplash

In Engagements

8 Ravishing ring settings for the avant-garde bride

July 15, 2020 No Comments

Sometimes, “plain and simple” just won’t do. The bold bride should have her ring reflect her fearless attitude and unique personality. There’s more out there than the rings you see lined up in mainstream jewellery stores. You might be on the hunt for something different, but you need options.

If you are looking for a ring style that’s off the beaten path, take a look at these gorgeous designs.

1. Jacquie Aiche Teardrop Diamond Crown Ring

This ring has an elongated teardrop shape that is repeated. Set with smaller diamonds, and no one will be able to keep their eyes off you.

2. Jade Trau “Rae” Wrap Ring

We love the openess and flowing design that will comfort your finger like a hug, while giving a daring look.

3. Bliss Lau “Mirage” Ring

This design absolutely screams “look at me!” We love that the first impression is dramatic, yet the ring has intricate detail.

4. Azlee “Glow” Diamond Ring

Playing with geometric shapes never looked so stylish. Stand out from the crowd with this triangle-shaped setting.

5. Opalescent kite with diamond sunburst

This modern-meets-vintage masterpiece is unique with its kite-shaped form that is accentuated by small diamonds on the edge.

6. Garden-inspired Montauk ring

Flower children, this one is for you. This delicate piece is light and fine with a romantic finish.

7. Cushion cut natural French

This design will accentuate your hands and give you a sleek look. We love that it’s not afraid to shine!

8. Swati Dhanak “Feature Shards” Ring

This stellar piece reminds of antarctic glaciers, or perhaps the pieces of a puzzle, fitting perfectly together. Take your pick.

Image: Unsplash

In Beauty

Elegant updo hairstyles for the classy bride

July 10, 2020 No Comments

We love updos! If you have long hair, why not opt for a sleek, finished look? Your hair will be out of your way, so you can play! You can add a touch of glam with decorative hair pieces, hair clips, bands and beads.

Take a look at all these brilliant bridal updo styles.

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Image: Pexels

In Beauty

Luscious lip looks we love

July 7, 2020 No Comments

We all know the makeup makes the look. Don’t hold back on the lips! From bold and bright to subtle and toned down, anything goes. Speak to a stylist about what works with your hair colour and skin tone to make sure your pout stands out.

Scour these gorgeous lip looks for inspiration:

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Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Where to go for your post-lockdown honeymoon

July 1, 2020 No Comments

Keen to get planning on your post-lockdown honeymoon? Now is the time. If you and your loved one are avid travellers, listen up.

The global pandemic has forced most (if not all) countries to shut down worldwide, but some are slowly starting to open up for tourists again. While South Africans aren’t allowed to set foot outside the country yet, authorities say borders will likely open for outbound travel in 2021. That gives you just enough time to save up and look out for the best deals.

Several countries are already allowing tourists, including the European Union, Dubai, some south-east Asian countries and some African countries.

Other parts of the world that might take longer to recover are the United States and far east Asia, so don’t put your hopes on spending your honeymoon there just yet.

Here are our top picks of overseas honeymoon destinations that are welcoming visitors:

Europe

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The EU will be allowing non-Schengen visitors from July, and we couldn’t be more excited. Some EU countries like Italy and Spain were extremely hard hit, so they will be welcoming tourists with open arms. Get ready to sip wine and stroll through cobbled streets.

Dubai

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If you had your heart set on a glamorous shopping expedition, fear not. The United Arab Emirates is reopening its borders to tourists this July. Remember to plan your dates for a mild season, as summer in the middle east can get sweltering.

Read more here.

Mauritius

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If you had more of an island vacation in mind, you’re in luck. Mauritius has been declared coronavirus-free since April, and the country said it is excited to welcome visitors. Pack those sunnies and flip flops, margaritas under palm trees await.

Namibia

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If you’re looking to be immersed in the bushveld, look no further than our neighbours to the north. Namibia is set to reopen borders and will likely have several fantastic special offers. Grab the binoculars and sun hats.

Read more here.

Cambodia

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The country is open for tourists but be warned that travelling there in the near future will require a quite flexible budget. Cambodia asks tourists to put down a significant deposit for COVID-19 related protocols, but for those who don’t mind, the tropical paradise awaits.

Read more here.

Barbados

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This lovely eastern Caribbean island is a dream come true and you’ll be able to hop over soon. The country opens for international visitors in July, so make sure your snorkel gear is ready and your sarong is packed.

Read more here.

Image: Pixabay

In Fashion

Open-back wedding dress inspiration

July 1, 2020 No Comments

Wedding gowns come in endless variations. We especially love open-back designs for its classy, sultry look. If you like this style, try on a few different ones to see how it looks on you, what portion of your back you want to be exposed, and how much skin you want to show.

Remember that different dress styles fit different body shapes in different ways, so talk to your designer or stylist about what flatters you most.

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Feature image: Pexels

In Decor

Get fresh with graceful green wedding decor

June 25, 2020 No Comments

Earthy wedding decor will give your special day a fresh feel. We love green for its endless potential, as it can pair beautifully with almost any other colour, or be gorgeous on its own.

Remember not to mix and match too many different tones of green. Choose one or two varieties for a sophisticated yet fun look. Green can be whatever you want it: Vibrant and bright or calm and tranquil.

Take a look at these stunning green pieces to get inspired:

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Image: Unsplash

In Celebs

How P!nk and Carey Hart got the party started

June 24, 2020 No Comments

It’s not many celebrities who can maintain long-lasting, successful marriages in the spotlight. In fact, Hollywood is notorious for having countless marriages end in sensational divorces splashed across tabloids.

Some couples do however make it work amidst the pressures and high roller lifestyles of being famous. One rock star couple we all know and love is singer Pink and her husband Carey Hart.

Pink, (real name Alecia Beth Moore) met former professional motocross rider and current off-road truck racer Carey Hart at an extreme sports event in 2001. He was a contestant and piqued her interest.

The non-traditional rockstar honoured her ‘rebel’ persona by proposing to Hart during a motocross competition in 2005.

She painted a sign saying “Will you marry me?” and showed it to him on the course during the race. When he didn’t respond, she added “Serious!” at the bottom and showed it to him again. Of course, he said yes!

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They tied the knot in 2006 at the luxurious Four Seasons resort in Costa Rica. The Walk me home singer wore a tiered halter neck with a black bow belt and headband.

The power couple has not been without their fair share of marriage problems, however. The pair are as notorious for their ups and downs as they are for sticking together.

According to Goalcast, the two had a major split during their first two years of marriage but never got divorced. During this break, in 2008, Hart asked her to perform at his Las Vegas club on New Year’s Eve and she agreed. She had planned quite a theatrical surprise for him in the meantime.

“After soundcheck, I told him that he needed to come to my room,” she told Redbook. “I had made him a photo album of all the cards he had ever given me, of all the photos of our entire relationship. I spent months on this album. On the last page, I pasted a photo of me from a really bad movie I made years ago with my neck slit and blood everywhere. Next to it I wrote, ‘This is me without you.’”

They reconciled, went for marriage councelling after that, and seemed stronger together ever since.

“Both of us came from broken homes, yet we made the choice to work hard at our relationship. And look at us now! Two misfits when we met, we have grown together and now have an amazing family,” Hart posted on Instagram on their 14th anniversary earlier this year.

The couple have a daughter, Willow Sage, and a son, Jameson Moon.

Instagram/pinkfan.page