Go bold or go home! Menswear is no longer restricted to a boring black tux – we’re talking bright colour, mixing and matching prints, and show-stopper accessories.
Julius (left) wears: Shirt, Edgars; jacket, Zara; trousers and bow tie, both Eurosuit Nicolas (right) wears: Shirt, Zara; blazer (part of set), trousers (part of set) and bow tie, all Eurosuit
Hector (left) wears: Shirt, trousers (part of set) and bow tie, all Eurosuit; waistcoat, Edgars; sneakers, Pressroom Julius (centre) wears: Shirt and waistcoat, both Sello Medupe; blazer and pocket square, both Woolworths; trousers(part of set), Eurosuit; shoes, Old Khaki; rings stylist’s own Nicolas (right) wears: Shirt, Topman; blazer, TM Lewin; trousers, Sello Medupe; tie, Thomas & Benno; shoes, Aldo; pocket square stylist’s own
Julius wears: Shirt and trousers, both Sello Medupe; blazer, Zara; sunglasses, Call It Spring; tiepins, Smith Jewellery; pocket square stylist’s own
Nicolas wears: Shirt, Thomas & Benno; blazer,Topman; pocket square and feather both stylist’s own
Hector wears: Shirt and bow tie, both Eurosuit; waistcoat, Woolworths; blazer, Edgars; pocket square stylist’s own
Nicolas (left) wears: Shirt (with collar pin), Topman; blazer (part of set), Eurosuit; trousers, DavidTlale; shoes, Old Khaki Julius (right) wears: Shirt, J Crew at Zando; blazer, David Tlale; trousers(part of set), Eurosuit;
pocket square and sneakers both stylist’s own
Nicolas wears: Shirt, Edgars; blazer (with spider brooch) and trousers, both Sello Medupe; bow tie stylist’s own; pocket watch, Smith Jewellery; shoes, Madison at Zando
We got together with some of the best local bakers around to show you six of our favourite wedding cake trends to help you make sure that your wedding cake… takes the cake!
1. METALLICS
Metallic studs – like the ones we see on shoes and clothing on the runway –add dimension and texture to a cake.
This season sees wedding cakes relieved of too many decorations and intricacies. A move to simpler yet striking designs like monotone or two-tone cakes is the style of choice. Watercolours and pastels reinforce this idea of less is more.
Think drama and flair with strokes painted in chocolate or fondant forming a beautiful portrait. Combine them with natural elements – another top choice – adding a flower or two for a softer, whimsical look.
Marble hasn’t left just yet! Apply it interestingly by having a pink, green or even blue marbled tier. Add some metallic ombré or gold dust and have fun with the design!
Along the theme of greenery and the environment, bakers are having fun playing around with different elements such as bark, birds, feathers and leaves (real or edible). These will take your cake from pretty to memorable.
Planning your big day is both an exciting and stressful time, with immense pressure to be at your best. Don’t forget to break away from all the organising every now and then for some me-time. These relaxing DIY face masks are the perfect way to take time out for yourself and keep your skin glowing and ready for the wedding.
Create easy facemasks with simple ingredients in your kitchen for a quick escape that will leave your skin feeling fresh and renewed.
THE METHOD
1. Mix all the ingredients together. 2. Use your hands or a clean make-up brush to apply the mask to your face. 3. Leave for 15-20 minutes. 4. Wash off and cleanse and moisturise.
THE MASKS
1. Aloe vera mask
1 tsp aloe vera gel
2 tbsp rosewater
2 tbsp coconut oil
2. Turmeric mask
1 tsp turmeric
1 tbsp honey
2 tbsp coconut oil
3. Home clay mask
2 tbsp bentonite clay powder
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp vitamin E oil
2 drops tea tree essential oil
With all the details you have to think about while planning your big day, one thing many couples often overlook is the grand getaway. After you’ve wowed your guests with your big entrance, the delicious meal, and that epic dance party, you probably won’t want the night to end. So sweeten the deal and go out with a bang! Here are 6 unique ways to bid adieu to your guests and ride off as newlyweds in style.
1. Own your exit with an old-fashioned car. Consider renting an old-fashioned car for your grand exit. Tie a few empty cans to the bumper and hang a home-made “just married” sign in the window, and you’re set for a classic sendoff…just like in the movies. The pictures you’ll get from this getaway will look great at the end of your wedding album, hung on the wall of your entryway, or on your thank you notes!
2. Hop in a horse and buggy. If you love horses or are just into the classic, romantic charm of a horse-drawn carriage ride, this is the getaway for you. Just be sure to have the driver bring a heavy blanket to keep you and your new spouse warm as you leisurely make your way home.
3. Take a trolley. For couples getting married in a city where trolleys are iconic fixtures (think: New Orleans or San Francisco), leaving in a trolley can be the perfect way to bring your wedding locale’s personality into your wedding. The best part? All of your nearest and dearest can join you when you depart if you’re not ready for the night to end just yet.
Like many of us dog lovers, I have a tendency to spoil our family dog, Bailey. How can you blame me, when he buries his nose in my couch looking for his old toys in such an adorable way? I love our guy, but the thing is, I’m skeptical about getting him new toys because he’s very particular: he only buries his favorite toys in the couch, but many of the rest of them just sit on the floor. When he was a puppy, I used to spend $40 per month on toys and treats alone (those bully sticks can get expensive)! But, in trying to find a (much) more wallet-friendly way to keep Bailey entertained, I found the absolute best gift you could get for any dog, any size, any personality.
For anyone who’s ever pined after their own Mr. Darcy, you’re going to swoon over this proposal story that’s two centuries in the making. Bethany Albert was visiting her parents over the holidays in Tacoma, Washington, when she unknowingly found herself starring in a real-life version of Pride and Prejudice!
The action unfolded on Christmas Eve, when she stepped into her family’s home and was seized by her sister, who exclaimed that “Mr. Bingley had returned to Netherfield at last!” The English lit major and Jane Austen fan froze when she realized what was about to unfold: “It took less than ten seconds; another sister was taking pictures and this had my boyfriend written all over it. Also knew that we were going to get engaged at some point, but he still managed to surprise me,” the bride-to-be writes on Reddit.
Albert changed into a dress more befitting of the era and was handed a script. She reprised the role of Elizabeth Bennet and acted out pivotal scenes from the novel with her parents (the honorable Mr. and Mrs. Bennet), brother-in-law (Mr. Bingley) and her boyfriend, David Slater (Mr. Darcy), among other relatives. She “just about lost it” but everyone else managed to stay in character for the entire half hour.
Then, the literary heroine and her dashing suitor took a private walk outside, where he reenacted Darcy’s second heart-stopping proposal in her neighbor’s yard (“my affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me forever”).
We’ve all imagined what our ‘perfect dress’ would look like and have idolised certain styles that would suit our body type, but sometimes what we want doesn’t always match up to the real thing.
When it comes to choosing a wedding dress, there are a couple of things to consider (see how to find your perfect wedding dress according to experts), but a good way to start is figuring out your body type and what styles will suit you best.
THE BODY TYPES
1. Apple – Full bust with rounded torso and hips 2. Athletic – Tall, slim and a straight waistline 3. Curvy/hourglass – Defined waist, full bust and rounded hips 4. Pear – Wide hips and slim shoulders with a small waist 5. Petite – Slim and small frame 6. Tall – Over 1.75 m with a varying frame 7. Triangle – Broad shoulders and slim hips with a straight waist
THE DRESS TYPES
Mermaid
This style is perfect for an hourglass shape as it will accentuate your curves.
Sleek
Those with a tall and slim frame will suit this look beautifully and elegantly.
Tea-length
Tea-length dresses are perfect for those with an apple shape. They accentuate the frame and provide the look of having a longer torso and legs.
Ballgown
This stunning princess-inspired look will let athletic and pear frames shine by balancing the proportions of bust to hips.
V-neck
This particular neckline flatters larger busts, complementing an hourglass shape.
Halter neck
Having the focal point be your neck, halter necks give the allusion of narrow shoulders, suiting tall and athletic builds.
Strapless
Elegant and sweet, strapless dresses allow petite shapes to appear taller, while also flattering a smaller bust.
A-line
This style suits triangle shapes by balancing out the hips-to-bust ratio and giving a more defined waist.
Sweetheart
The sweetheart gives the allusion of smaller shoulders, suiting those with broad shoulders and fuller busts.
Monochrome suits are making a big comeback and wearing them correctly head to toe can result in a super sleek look. Pairing formal and more casual pieces together is the #1 rule for this top trend.
Belief has compiled a selection of the top 15 destinations for weddings based on its Belief Awards. The Belief Award is an online contest created to celebrate wedding planners around the world.The main goal is to spread the talent worldwide and to honour the professionals’ knowledge and experience. Winners are selected by an array of experienced judges with adequate knowledge and experience within the wedding industry.
For most brides-to-be, deciding where to get married has and will always be a stressful topic and tough decision to make. However, the latest trend in the wedding industry has been destination weddings.
1. Lipari, Aeolian Islands, Italy
Photography: Stefania Paternostro; Wedding planning: Francesca Casamento – Eolie in Love
Lipari is one of the biggest of the Aeolian Islands in Italy. Its beautiful sea views and stunning landscapes make Lipari a perfect wedding destination. Its natural beauty speaks for itself and will definitely add romance to any wedding.
2. Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Photography: Sylvia Guardia|; Wedding planning: Meghan Cox – Mil Besos
Situated on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio encapsulates the beauty of a rugged rainforest, coral reefs and white-sand beaches. Its tropical plants add to its amazing aesthetic, perfect for a wedding day. This wedding destination definitely has a romantic style but also a touch of elegance.
Looking for a unique beach wedding destination? Placencia is the perfect place. Situated on a beach resort on the Caribbean coast of Belize, this is where you’d want your wedding day to be. Perfect sea views and stunning palm trees are all the decor you’ll need.
4. Kefalonia, Greece
Photography: Ben Rigas – Wedding Stories; Wedding planning: Donna Palimeri – Kefalonia Weddings
An island west of mainland Greece, in the Ionian sea, Kefalonia is a beautiful wedding destination. Overlooking a harbour it would definitely add a touch of uniqueness to your special day.
If you and your partner are more adventurous and love the thrill and rush of exploring, the Bruararfoss in Iceland is the perfect location for your wedding day. Its spectacular waterfall views speak for itself, adding nothing but nature’s beauty for amazing wedding snaps of you and your loved one.
Looking for a chic and rustic yet stunning wedding destination? Playa Paraiso in Ecuador is the perfect location. Filled with activities to keep guests occupied, it’s without a doubt the kind of place where two can become one. It’s both peaceful and tranquil, which is what every bride wants for her and all her guests.
7. Gloucestershire, UK
Photography: Albert Palmer Photography; Wedding planning: Mary Cushen Wedding Planner
If you love the outdoors, you’ll definitely love this wedding destination. Situated in South West England, Gloucestershire is a stunning location. With views of the valley of the River Severn, it allows for an amazing outdoor setting.
8. Lake Maggiore, Italy
Photography: David Bastianoni; Wedding planning: Valentina Lombardi – Italian Wedding Company
If you and your partner want a traditional Roman Catholic wedding ceremony in a traditional Italian chapel, Lake Maggiore in Italy is the perfect destination for you. With breathtaking views and picture-perfect vistas, Lake Maggiore will add the Italian romance your wedding needs.
Need some Mexican beauty for your wedding day? San Miguel de Allende in Mexico is the perfect place for you. Its architecture, art and cultural festivals will add all the spice your wedding day needs.
10. Crete, Greece
Photography: Andreas Markakis Photography; Wedding planning: Anna Laudanska – Crete For Love
Greece’s largest island, Crete is both an elegant and scenic wedding destination. Its natural fine-sand beaches and white mountains create a perfect setting for a wedding.
11. Evora Boat, Lisbon, Portugal
Photography: Pedro Bento Photography; Wedding planning: Rui Mota Pinto
Ever dreamed of getting married on a boat? In Portugal, Lisbon the Evora Boat is perfect. Having your guests on board with you exploring the beauty of Lisbon will definitely make your wedding day one to remember.
Looking for a wedding destination with charming views and a breathtaking setting? Djupavik in Iceland is the answer. It will definitely make your wedding day the dream that will exceed all your expectations.
13. Alberobello and Polignano a Mare, Italy
Photography: Ivan L’Astorina; Wedding planning: Serena Ranieri – Italian Event Planners
Are you and your partner down to earth, sweet and romantic? The Alberobello and Polignano a Mare, Italy is the place you’re looking for. With perfect sunsets, it’s definitely a destination you’d want to consider.
If you’re looking for architectural show-pieces to make your wedding images stand out, Murcia and Granada, Spain is the perfect location for your wedding day, no decor or added extras needed. The place itself speaks volumes.
If you and your partner love modern art, the Verbeke Foundation in Kemzeke, Belgium is the perfect location. All kinds of art can be seen, from contemporary to modern. An art lover’s dream!
