• Author

    Anita Froneman

    Browsing

    Queen Elizabeth turned 94 yesterday, 21 April. Traditionally, her birthday is officially celebrated in June every year. The magnificent celebration, referred to as the ‘Trooping the Colour’, is an enormous feast and was due to take place on 13 June this year. This year, however, Buckingham Palace have announced that the event will not go ahead due to the coronavirus outbreak.

    In honour of the royal icon’s birthday, we take a look at her and her husband, Prince Philp’s remarkable love story.

    The two got married on 20 November, 1947 at Westminster Abbey, meaning this year they will celebrate their 73rd wedding anniversary!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5FiU7thGz0/

    They met at a royal wedding when Queen Elizabeth was just eight years old. They fell in love after a second encounter when she was 13 and he 18, and began exchanging letters. In 1946, Philip asked King George VI for his daughter’s hand in marriage. The rest, as they say, is history.

    The wedding did not go without incident, however. Elizabeth’s tiara snapped on the morning of the wedding, and Philip was stopped for speeding through central London on the day of the rehearsal dinner (19 November). He reportedly said at the time: “I’m sorry officer, but I’ve got an appointment with the Archbishop of Canterbury.”

    When she was just 25, Elizabeth’s ascended the throne on 2 June 1953 after her father’s death. Prince Philip was the first to swear allegiance to the new queen, describing himself as her “liege man of life and limb”.

    The two have been by each other’s side for many years now, and are a beautiful example of a strong and steadfast marriage. He has, quite simply, been my strength and stay all these years,” said Queen Elizabeth II as she described her husband on their golden anniversary in 1997.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5HuXWsnL1d/

    Their marriage is the longest of any British rulers ever, and we wish them many more happy years to come and the Queen a happy birthday.

    Source: History Extra

    Image: Instagram

     

    Wedding shoes are an essential part of the look, and men are not to be excused from dressing the part. Depending on your style, and suit of course, there are many different options when it comes to men’s shoes.

    From vintage to modern and everything in between, there will be something out there for you. Remember, out are the old rules of shoes having to match the belt or having to be the same colour as the trousers.

    We say in with the new, go for what makes you look and feel amazing and remember: bolder is better.

    Here are some trending ideas to inspire you when going shoe shopping:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-e7McODA4p/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-59-uHhCFj/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B8C5tVYF9UO/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BGMiCI-MzWE/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7Akz7yFzx5/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B93dO0vhSEG/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B9WvFfnpNeW/

    Image: Pixabay

    Amid all the confusion the coronavirus pandemic has caused, many weddings have fallen victim. Turns out not even the royals are above the pandemic, as it was recently announced that Princess Beatrice and her Edoardo, who were all set to get married 29 May, have cancelled their wedding completely.

    A representative for the pair told People magazine: “There are no plans to switch venues or hold a bigger wedding. They aren’t even thinking about their wedding at this time. There will come a time to rearrange, but that’s not yet.”

    Beatrice and Edoardo were due to marry at St. James’s Palace in London, with a reception to follow at her grandmother Queen Elizabeth’s gardens at Buckingham Palace.

    The two seem to be in love as ever though and are sure to get married in the far future when things return to normal.

    Beatrice’s mother Sarah Ferguson recently said: “[Beatrice is] the happiest I have ever seen her in my life. She and Edo have a great love for each other and passion for life. For them to be getting married fills my heart with joy.”

    Image: Instagram

     

    Life is too short to wear boring clothes. So, if you are a man of style, these looks are for you. Don’t hold back. If you wear something that’s truly you, your partner will love your look!

    The key to success here is confidence, and that comes with being comfortable with your choice. Stand out from the crowd, but make sure you choose something you love.

    Here are some of our favourite suits and accessories for the bold groom:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo_CLyunMHi/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7FotGkDRi5/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BsHjQqljL1P/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BquZWAdFWAB/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4mJQOqj7qB/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bsyyun0AXYy/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-21zu5hPT3/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_DbO5pgUFw/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BsJjVLHH8XE/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BnBl3y8Hd_l/

    Image: Unsplash

     

    So while it looks like the coronavirus will be meddling in our plans a while longer, you may find yourself having to postpone your wedding.

    If you could manage to move the date, make sure all your guests are notified by sending them pretty ‘Change the Date’ cards.

    Try doing it as soon as everything is confirmed so the guests have enough time to plan ahead too.

    We recommend sending e-cards, as the postal services are most likely not running! Here are some ideas to help you get creative:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_AG3omDQfP/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_AGbQ8A-ak/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-_EChEjOIj/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-P2AV6nYuj/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-AJ3NVHYVF/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-iVHS-HFDP/

    Image: Pixabay

    Originally, “kimono” was the Japanese word for clothing. These days, it refers more specifically to traditional Japanese clothing. Typically in the olden days, color combinations represented either seasonal colours or the political class to which one belonged, according to web-Japan.com.

    Traditional kimonos have beautiful floral designs and are made of silk.


     
    In modern times, the Japanese rarely wear kimonos except on special cultural occasions like weddings, funerals, tea ceremonies, or festivals.
     
    As the world turned into a global village over the years, different cultures and fashions were influenced by each other, taking inspiration from the beautiful designs of foreign nations.

    It’s not advisable for Westerners to wear traditional Japanese bridal kimonos on their weddings without specific reasons, however taking design inspiration and adapting it to your own style is a great way of celebrating wonderful cultures and learning about customs around the world.

    Take a look at these incredible gowns inspired by kimonos, mixing East and West in a splendid way:

     
    Image: Pixabay

     

     

     

    There’s no more meeting up in cozy coffee shops to discuss photoshoot ideas, tasting scrumptious samples of delicacies with the caterer of dreamily viewing venue after venue to get the feel for your big day.

    However, lucky for us, technology makes it possible to have those essential meetings with vendors online, so you don’t have to fall behind schedule on your wedding planning during lockdown.

    Here are some tips to get the best out of your meetings with different planners and service providers, from the comfort of your couch.

    Photographer

    Although you will want to meet them in person if you haven’t yet, it’s quite easy to view their work online, discuss ideas and plan your photos over the phone. It’s a good idea to set aside examples of their work you really love and want to recreate, so they know what you like.

    Read: Post-lockdown wedding photo inspiration

    Caterer and baker

    Nothing beats a tasting session of delicious goods and nibbling on some cake. In the meanwhile, try asking your the caterer if they are able to deliver some samples you can try at home. Then arrange a video chat so they can walk you through each sample and discuss your options while you dig in.

    Venue

    Venue visiting is a super important part of the planning. Of course, you can see photos of places online but best would be if you can ask each venue for video material if they have any. After watching it, make a list of questions you have and arrange a call or video chat (include your partner!) to discuss your concerns. Then, try to go there in person as soon as you can.

    Hair and makeup artist

    Your trials still need to happen, of course. But gathering ideas and discussing them with your stylists can happen beforehand, and a great idea is to create an inspiration board on Pinterest of makeup looks and hairstyles you like and share it with them. Then set up video chat consultations with them so they can look at your skin complexion, hair texture and other physical traits that will affect their work.

    Read: Bridal makeup tutorials to inspire your look

    Dress designer

    Arguably the most important part of your wedding look, do not, we repeat do not skip the actual fitting. There’s just no guarantee, even with exact measurements. If you have already fitted and bought a ready-made dress, confirm with the boutique that all is in order with the delivery to make sure it reaches you in time, or what you should do if they are not able to deliver as planned.

    Read: Trying on virtual dresses

    If you are in the process of having one designed and made, keep in touch with your designer to let them know should anything change (like your measures – try not to stress eat during lockdown!). It’s a good idea to ask them to send you good pictures of parts of the dress as they progress and also a video chat where they can show you the dress and you can discuss any concerns.

    Also read: How to have a fun online bachelorette party

    Image: Pixabay

    We’ve made it past halfway through the nationwide lockdown in South Africa, and fingers crossed things will slowly but surely start returning to normal.

    If your wedding is coming up later this year or next, don’t forget about all the planning (and dreaming!) you can do while stuck at home. While you can’t go out cake tasting, dress shopping or venue scouting in person, cuddle up and feast your eyes on these amazing photo ideas.

    Think magic and celebration meets soft romance. We’re seeing a lot of nature backdrops, playing with sunlight and wind and incorporating flowers.

    When you next meet up with your photographer, discuss some of the looks you and your partner want to go for, and some poses, colour schemes and backdrops you like to give them an idea of what you want.

    Here’s some inspiration to get you going:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-rMz1Rgon5/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-oPFnalH6q/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BsYY7canxoX/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd7qa5fFHnZ/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B6CnQQWpYg-/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bjo0AyOFvkm/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BfoPJxOjqkA/

    Image: Unsplash

    In earlier centuries, these disc-shaped beads were made from shiny metals. Today, sequins are most often made from plastic. They look just as glamorous as ever, though!

    We love the sparkle they give, and since we’re back in the 20s, why not reimagine sequins? Especially for evening weddings, sequins can create a beautiful and striking effect.

    Take a look at these for some glam-spiration:

    Image: Pixabay

     

    Gwyneth Paltrow and hubby Brad Falchuck tied the knot in 2018, but the actress recently posted a never-before-seen picture from her wedding for good friend Robert Downey Jnr’s birthday.

    Paltrow captioned the picture of her looking surprised at something he said, saying “Here he is, making a toast at our wedding, during which his humor elicited my usual look of pure joy/shock whenever he is near. He is my brother, friend and supporter. A mega genius, and the weirdest comedy writer of all time.”

    Image: Instagram