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    The first-look is the initial glimpse that your partner sees when you make your way down the aisle. Traditionally, your partner doesn’t see the grand wedding outfit until the big day. One bride-to-be, however, decided to add a humorous touch to her first-look reveal.

    Megan Martin decided to pull the ultimate prank on husband-to-be Logan Martin. Instead of her future hubby seeing her for the first time she asked Logan’s best friend Ryan Sowder to take part in the big joke. As Logan waited with his back turned, Ryan made his way down the aisle in a wedding dress.

    The muscular best man wore a strapless white gown and shocked the groom. Logan was completely taken by surprise and the prank resulted in endless laughter.

    The happy (and funny) couple wed on July 19, 2019.

    Picture: K Herman Photography

    Your wedding is approaching and planning is in full swing. You’ve thought about the outfit, the food, but what about the flowers? Flowers are used for your bouquet, boutonniere, decor, garlands, nosegays and more. Maybe you have an idea of which predominant flowers you’d like but how many of them are actually in season?

    Normally you can only get specific flowers in season when they bloom. This can be very unfortunate when you’re looking for something specific. Some brides end up importing flowers which can be quite costly.

    South Africa’s weather is usually warmer year round and therefore not as defined. The country is incredibly fortunate when it comes to flowers. With over 9000 species of fynbos, there shouldn’t be any issues with finding flowers, but it may be hard to decide! Here are a few in-season flower options:

    Spring and Summer in-season flowers
    • Hibiscus

    • Hydrangea

    • Peony

    • Roses

    • Lavender

    • Dahlias

     

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    #flowers #dahlia #dahlias #victoriaparkswansea #flowersofinstagram Aug 5, 2019

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    Autumn and Winter in-season flowers
    • Daffodil

     

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    Happy Daffodil Day ??? . . . . . #blissfulblooms #daffodil #happydaffodilday

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    • Protea

    • Hyacinth

     

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    #çiçek #sıfıredit #noedit #sümbül #flowers #hyacinthflower

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    • Snapdragon

    • Anthurium

     

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    Anthurium 8 settembre 2018 #fiori #balconifioriti #anthurium #settembre2018 #estate2018

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    Picture: Pexels

    The Zulu people are a Bantu group native to Southern Africa. They are the largest ethnic group in South Africa. So what happens at a traditional Zulu wedding?

     

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    We love how they are looking at each other ?????? Double tap if you love this and tag them if you know them. . . . Follow @mzansi_weddings for more traditional wedding inspiration . . . Photography #tendai_mhlanga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ______________________________________ #traditionalwedding #traditionalweddings #zulu #africanwedding #traditionalweddinginspo #traditionalweddinghub #traditionalweddingthings #traditionalweddingvibes #traditionalweddinginspo_za #southafricanwedding #africanbride #zuluwedding #zulunation #zululove #traditionalattire #africanweddings #zulunation #zululand #zululove #traditionalweddinginspo #lobolavibes #lobola #makotivibes #makoti #zulugirl #zulubeads #zuluculture #africanweddingbliss Reposted from @tendai_mhlanga

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    Pre-wedding

    Lobola

    • A form of payment. It’s an opportunity for the groom to show his appreciation for the bride-to-be. The groom compensates the brides family for the wonderful job they did.

    Izibizo

    • The groom and his family present gifts to the bride and her family.

    Umbondo

    • The bride will buy groceries for the groom and his family. It has been said that the lobola also enables the bride and her family to purchase the goods.

    These traditions are said to create a strong bond between the families, and unites them.

     

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    Isn’t this lovely? Double tap if you love this ???? . . Follow @mzansi_weddings For more traditional wedding inspiration . . Reposted from @misscurvylala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #mzansi #mzansiweddings #traditonalweddingdress #traditionalweddingfabric #traditionalweddinginspo_za #traditionalattire #traditionalfabric #traditionalweddingthings #traditionalweddings #traditionalwedding #traditionalweddingdress #traditionalweddingattire #traditionalweddinginspo #traditionalweddingvibes #zulu #xhosa #zuluwedding #xhosabrides #makoti #lobola #africanwedding #africanweddingbliss #southafricanbride #southafricanwedding #africanbride #traditionalweddinghub #traditionaljewelry #africanbeads

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    Wedding

    Umabo

    • In the morning the bride will leave her home wearing a blanket that her mother presented to her. Her father then walks the bride to her new family home. She is advised to not look back she heads off. It is considered bad luck. The ceremony takes place at the grooms family home.
    • Once there the father will call out the clan’s name. This is an announcement for the ancestors to know that his daughter is leaving.
    • The wedding usually begins at midday, and two cows are slaughtered. After the head of the family has spoken, a goat is slaughtered.
    • Bridesmaids hand out gifts to guests. The older women receive their gifts first then the groom’s sisters, men and finally the groom himself.
    • Once this is done the bride looks for her groom and lays a grass mat down for him to sit on. She then proceeds to present him with a gift. Normally she washes his feet. While this happens the bridesmaids and other women from her side will hit the groom with small sticks.
    • When the ceremony concludes there is dancing and food.

     

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    Congrats to @touch_hefner and @fafa_kubheka????. . . Follow @mzansi_weddings for more traditional wedding inspiration . . . ??: @thabanimabika ?: @myphotographygroup_dbn in collaboration with @sxmediamarketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #umembeso #umembesovibes #traditionalwedding #traditionalweddingfabric #traditionalweddingdress #traditionalweddingattire #traditionalweddinginspo_za #traditionalweddings #traditionalweddinghub #traditionalweddingvibes #traditionalweddingthings #traditiinalweddinginspo #makoti #lobola #lobolavibes #zulu #zulunation #zulubride #zulubeads #africanbride #traditionalattire #mzansiwediings #mzansi #zuluwedding #africanmenkillingit #africanwomenkillingit #africanmen #africanwomen

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    The Zulu people don’t believe that a couple is wed until this ritual is done. They believe that once this is done their marriage is accepted by the ancestors.

    Picture: Pexels

    An engagement usually includes a ring. Your partner gets down on one knee and pops the question. A beautiful ring is placed on your finger and you’re over the moon with happiness. When the big day finally comes is the same ring used? If not what happens to the ring? What is the difference between the engagement and wedding ring?

     

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    “It was our ninth anniversary and Andy told me to pack my bags for a surprise trip. I was ecstatic because I had a feeling we were going to Banff — a place I’ve always dreamed of visiting. I packed my bag and we headed to dinner. On the way, I remember saying that he’d lost his touch for surprises because I had already figured out where we were going — or so I thought! After dinner, we went back to our apartment and he suggested that we take some photos on our rooftop because the sunset was stunning. As the doors opened to the roof, I saw a beautiful arch in the corner paired with a perfect view of the city. The arch was made of fresh flowers and moss, and so it truly felt like a concrete jungle up there. I still had no clue as to what was going on! I thought Andy had just this set up for photos. Suddenly, I heard a drone buzzing above me. I looked up and it began descending towards us with a ring box attached to it. I was shocked! Andy grabbed the box, got down on his knee and asked me to marry him. I said yes! It was a beautiful moment and truly everything I could’ve asked for. Oh, and there was no surprise trip… THIS was the surprise! So, he definitely hasn’t lost his touch.” — @jlinhh #justsaidyes

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    Timing

    One big difference between the two rings is the timing. The engagement ring is given when your partner proposes. The wedding ring is exchanged between the couple on their big day.

     

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    “If you would’ve told me I was going to marry David, I probably would’ve laughed at you. We first met in college. We knew about one another (it was a small private college), but we both were in relationships at the time. I left that college after my first year there. Fast forward six years later and I get a private message on my Instagram (yes, he literally slid in my DM!) from David. At this point in my life, I was taking a much needed break from the dating seen. I had been single for over 2 years at this point, needless to say, I wasn’t paying any attention to men. But I thank God that I responded to his message. David wanted to hang out, but I didn’t want to take time out of my life to see him. So, I told him that I have a kickboxing class Tuesday night if he wants to hang out. Surprisingly, he showed up! After class we had a long and wonderful chat. From that night on, we spoke every day. There was something different about this guy.” Featured: @kimbsasser & @thedavidsasser

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    Design

    Usually but not always its the design of the two rings that differs too. The engagement ring is meant to make a statement and have a massive wow factor. It is meant to be an indicator of your partners wealth. It typically has a large beautiful stone or consists of many small ones. With that being said this is by no means necessary. Many couples opt for simple rings and have no desire for elaborate expensive rings. The wedding ring is normally quite simple and plain. It is usually a lot cheaper as it’s not as elaborate as the engagement ring.

     

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    I Do.. I Do.. #wedding #weddingband #weddingring #ringshot #simpleband #100mmf28l #weddingday #weddingphotography #weddingblog

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    Should you wear both rings at the same time, if you have both?

    Your engagement ring will be worn for the full duration of the engagement up until the big day. Many people wear both after the wedding day or opt for only one. This is why the rings are generally purchased as a set. When buying both rings together as a set they match. This means that after the wedding you can wear both rings with ease.


    Problems occur when the rings don’t match. It often looks odd or don’t fit together on the same finger and can become uncomfortable. It can be quite difficult to find two different rings that match when worn together.


    The rings are worn on the fourth finger on the left hand. The vein in the ring finger is believed to be closest to your heart. It is called the vena amoris which means the vein of love.

    Picture: Pexels

    The Xhosa people are a Bantu group native to Southern Africa. They belong to various tribes such as amaGcaleka, amaNdlambe, imiDushane and more. A traditional Xhosa wedding doesn’t just see the union of two people, but of two families joining. So what happens at a traditional Xhosa wedding?


    Pre wedding traditions

    Picking your partner

    • The term is called ‘Ukuthwala’. This is where a groom will choose a partner to marry and once the lucky person is chosen, the groom will inform his family and approach the bride’s family. They will discuss their desires and reach an agreement followed by the bride-to-be being asked to spend the night with the groom’s family. This is a form of acknowledgement of the marriage.

    Lobola

    • A form of payment – in order to wed the woman, the groom-to-be has to pay her family in exchange for her hand. Traditionally, payment was in the form of cattle, but nowadays people prefer money. The amount is usually more if the bride-to-be is more educated and is calculated on her success.

    Wedding traditions

    The ‘night before’ rule

    • The couple isn’t allowed to see each other the night before their big day.

     

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    Regal ? #TheRiver1Magic . . . Who else watched this last night? ????let us know in the comments below . . Follow @mzansi_weddings For more wedding inspiration. Dm us for collabos/advertising . . . Reposted from @1magictv ?@lindo_mnguni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #mzansiweddings #mzansi #mzansicelebs #fashionweddingdress #weddingsonpoint #southafricanbride #traditionalweddingfabric #traditionalweddingdress #traditionalwedding #traditionalweddinghub #xhosa #xhosawedding #xhosabride #makoti #traditionalweddinginspo_za #traditionalweddingthings #weddingsouthafrica #maxhosa #isixhosa #xhosaculture #africanwedding #africanweddings #southafricanbride #africanbride

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    Two-day event

    • Celebrations normally go on for two days and involve a lot of dancing and singing.

    To the streets

    • The newlywed couple will take to the streets. They will walk together in the road to present themselves as a new couple to the community.

    Two weddings

    • Not all couples, but many of them, have two weddings. They have their traditional one and choose to have a modern ‘white’ wedding as well.

    Picture: Unsplash

    You’re planning your big day and you’re deciding on venues. A beach, forest and traditional chapel have all crossed your mind, however, those options aren’t engrossing you. So why not think outside the box and set sail by having your wedding on a cruise ship? Here’s how to plan one:


    There are many things to consider when planning a wedding on a cruise ship:

    • Will you get married in port or destination – If you choose port, your guests can come for the ceremony and leave before you sail away with your newlywed partner. Be sure to consult your wedding planner about this.
    • Decide if you and your partner will be taking the cruise by yourselves or with family and friends.
    • Consider your options if your guests are coming along.
    • How much can your guests afford and how long can they stay away.
    • Look for cruises that offer wedding packages or options.


    1. Pick your destination

    Maybe you’ve had your heart set on a specific place and if not, have a look at the options that fall within your budget. Consider when you’d like to go as it’s not always perfect weather year round, unfortunately. Remember, things get pricier in high season as well.


    2. License to wed

    Consult your wedding planner about this. Your romantic nautical nuptials will require a marriage license before the ceremony.


    3. Take your pick

    Once you’ve decided on a destination that fits your budget, have a look at various packages. See what each place has to offer and what their bundle entails. Do they have group rates? Do they include free things with the wedding package? Don’t be afraid to ask.


    4. Communicate

    Be sure to inform your guests well in advance. They may need to plan their leave and save up some money. Keep them updated on all the details and expenses that might come up.


    5. Dress the part

    If you’re going to be staying on the ship, it’s important to factor in your comfortability. It may not be easy to wear a constricting wedding dress on board. If that’s what you want, however, then go for it! But a cruise ship wedding is also the chance to make things more casual.


    6. One-stop shop

    You’ll be getting your ceremony, reception and honeymoon all in one go! If your loved ones come along it’s a great getaway for them too. Smiles all around.

    Picture: Pexels

    Come experience the ‘good life’ at Monte Vista Boutique Hotel. The brand-new boutique hotel, situated along South Africa’s famed Route 62, offers up all the creature comforts of home with a whole lot of added luxury. ⠀

    Catering for the perfect space to have a romantic retreat with your loved one or to host family and friends, in a relaxed and inspired setting. With fourteen suites to choose from, all en-suite and individually decorated, you’ll be left spoilt for choice and feeling every bit ‘at home’ during your stay with us. Our newly launched luxury suites also boasts its own verandah, perfect for your first morning coffee.

    We have the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy a time of leisure around our pools and beautiful gardens, overlooking encompassing mountain views. Our prime spot on the historical Church street also means you can leisurely stroll to fine restaurants, art galleries, and museums.
    Montagu has a way of refreshing and restoring like no other little town.

    It is a priceless privilege to wake up surrounded by mountains and we are offering a lucky couple just that – a two-night stay in our gorgeous and individually finished honeymoon en-suite that is designed around maximizing your comfort.

    Included in your two-night stay:⠀
    – Welcome basket filled with treats
    – Breakfast for two⠀
    – WiFi⠀
    – In-room tea and coffee making station
    – Use of pool and gardens
    – Inside & secure parking⠀
    – Air conditioning ⠀
    – En suite bathroom and outdoor verandah⠀

    Prize Details:
    A two-night stay at Monte Vista Boutique Hotel with breakfast included.
    How to enter: Fill in the form below.
    Our Winner:
    Juanita Loubser.
    Competition Ts & Cs:
    – The winners will be announced on September 2, 2019.
    – Does not include transport
    – Winners will be contacted via details entered on the form
    – Prizes are not refundable and cannot be exchanged for money
    – Winners must be over the age of 18
    – Subject to availability
    – Two night stay in the honeymoon suite
    – Breakfast included for both days
    – Dinner can be arranged at an additional fee⠀

    Bush breaks are no longer just reserved for weekends with Sibani Lodge’s brand new and diverse portfolio offering.

    Situated on the world heritage site of Mt Savannah, near the Cradle of Humankind, Sibani offers local and international guests real value.

    The luxury extends to wellness treatments, where you’re able to choose a treatment under the trees, near the watering hole or indoors. This newest addition to Sibani’s activity line-up aims to appeal to both overnight and day guests, where spa-rties, bachelorettes and special event requests are welcomed.

    The plentiful game on site includes a variety of antelope and other non-‘Big 5’ predatory animals, which allows for walking trails on site and the opportunity to roam the expansive property at your own free will.

    A ‘boma’ area caters for all guests as the central watering hole, offering the chance to come together and share a feast as well as tales of the daily sightings, around the campfire and under a ceiling of stars.

    Be warned – this is luxury camping where hot water and down duvets come complete with the outdoor dream but if that’s not for you, Sibani also offers basic camping sites on a nightly rate for all those wanting to enjoy a fully-immersive camp set up on their own terms.

    Prize Details:
    Sibani Lodge: Two people will win standard full body massages, a romantic picnic for 2, value: R2000.
    How to enter: Fill out the form below.
    Our Winner:
    Cheryl Wheeler
    Competition Ts & Cs:
    – The winners will be announced on September 3
    – Wine is not included in the picnic
    – Does not include transport
    – Winners will be contacted via details entered on the form
    – Prizes are not refundable and cannot be exchanged for money
    – Winners must be over the age of 18

    Looking for a premium quality bottle of bubbles to celebrate with on your wedding day?  Look no further than the Lourensford Brut 2014 Méthode Cap Classique from the iconic and beautiful Lourensford Estate in Somerset West.

    Something to sip on as you get ready, a private Cheers with your loved one after you say “I do” and a delicious glass (or four) for your guests at the reception, the Brut 2014 MCC is one of Lourensford’s most sought-after wines.

    Cellarmaster Hannes Nel refers to the MCC as mysterious, unassuming and surrounded with finesse. “The natural beauty and fine integrated bubbles enhance the iodine-like minerality that reminds you of fresh seaweed and freshly crushed oyster shells, complimented with a rich creamy allure and elegance. Expect rich, complex flavours of lemon cream and Pink Lady apples on the nose with hints of citrus, pineapple and kiwi fruit on the palate.”

    If you’re looking for a tasty food paring, the Brut 2014 MCC is sophisticated but likes simplistic, raw, fresh produce. Hannes suggests a beef and East Coast oyster tartare with soy mayonnaise and quail egg. It also pairs well with goat’s milk and feta cheese, tempura oysters, deep fried fish, game carpaccio, avocado and fresh bread.

    Lourensford has exciting other wines to compliment your big day and celebrations. Take your pick from the flagship Chrysalis, Limited Release, The Dome or River Garden ranges.

    For more information or to order wine visit www.lourensford.co.za. You can also follow Lourensford’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

    If you would like to enquire about weddings at Lourensford’s Laurent then visit The Aleit Group’s website.

    Prize Details:

    Win Lourensford Brut 2014 Méthode Cap Classique worth R1 055.00
    How to enter: Fill in the form below.
    Our Winner:
    Hanlie Engelbrecht.
    Competition Ts & Cs:
    –  Competition is not open to persons under the age of 18.
    – Prizes are not refundable for cash
    – Winners must be able to provide a day time delivery address within South Africa. No PO BOX addresses accepted.

    Just outside the red flower-lined streets of picturesque Roberston is a place that’s truly seen a renaissance that captures its rich past. Jan Harmsgat Guest House is a grand old dame, cleverly veiling some of her best keep secrets, just a little off SA’s famed Route 62.

    The farm history dates back to 1723 and as if that’s not impressive enough, if pomegranates are the fruit of the gods – this must certainly be an earthly offering of heaven.

    Exporting more than 850 tonnes a year, a safari-style farm drive around the 625 hectares of seemingly ever-stretching views proudly boasts some of SA’s most fertile lands. When Jan Harmsgat is not perfecting its wine offering, they’re harvesting and exporting pomegranate, making pomegranate honey for a demand they can’t keep up with, and are dealing out litres of the 100-percent natural pomegranate juice, that the health world is lapping up for its incredible anti-oxidant properties.

    At its core, this is a working farm but beyond the bountiful harvests and warm welcomes, there’s a sense of tranquiltiy here that greets you upon arrival and holds you at a sub-average pulse rate until your departure date. (This despite there being really great wifi on site).

    It could be something to do with the slower pace of life that’s encouraged here, the fact that locals love it and are catered for in clever additions to the event calendar line up like ‘local night’- where your ribs come complete with complimentary bib and local musician for background entertainment.

    Pecan nut trees line the picturesque gardens and encourage the sense of tranquility that Jan Harmsgat has become well known for.

    Dining al-fresco at this luxurious old country lodge also means your first-world problems extend only to the choice between tree canopy cover or vineyard view.

    Old-world luxury and an unsurpassed opportunity to indulge in an authentic country ambience and history are all part of the package at Jan Harmsgat and this summer, there’s not much that’s not on offer.

    Less than a two-hour drive from Cape Town, be prepared to be transported back to another era where open space, country charm and your comfort reign supreme.

    Prize Details:
    1 Night stay for 2 people at Jan Harmsgat, Breakfast, 3-course dinner, Backlands Farm Drive worth R3400
    How to enter: Please fill in the form below
    Our Winner:
    Marica Phyfer.
    Competition Ts & Cs:
    – The winners will be announced on September 6 on this page
    – This stay is valid for 6 months
    – Does not include transport
    – Winners will be contacted via details entered on the form
    – Prizes are not refundable and cannot be exchanged for money
    – Winners must be over the age of 18