Wedding ETC, Author at Wedding ETC

In Bridal Shower

6 Amazing ways to find bridesmaid dresses that complement the wedding!

June 17, 2022 No Comments

Congratulations, you are getting married! After many years of relationship and waiting for the man of your life to dare to ask you the famous question, the time has come: you are going to celebrate your wedding and you must organize everything correctly to make it an unforgettable day.

For many brides to be able to organize their wedding day to their liking is a challenge, since they not only want their dress to be the ideal one and the place where the event will be held to be suitable for the type of ceremony they plan to celebrate, but they also want excellence in each of the details that surround an event of these characteristics: the type of flowers that will predominate throughout the ceremony, the banquet, the music, and of course choose what will be the dresses of their bridesmaids.

It is a truth known worldwide that a bride will always need at least one bridesmaid on her wedding day, although the ideal and most common is that there will be between 3 and 4 lucky bridesmaids who will accompany the bride to the altar and help her in everything she needs during the most important day of her life.

Now, what is the best way to choose the dress to be worn by the bridesmaids at your wedding? Is there only one way to get it right? Or does it all depend exclusively on the bride’s taste and the patience you have with her bridesmaids to accommodate her every whim and change of mind?

The answer is very wide. Cicinia has tons of experience dressing brides and their bridesmaids and they firmly believe that there are two main factors: the place where the wedding will be held and the time.

From these two factors, and of course the personal taste of the bride and groom, they assure you that you can choose the dress for your bridesmaids without fear of making a mistake. Knowing where and at what time your wedding will be held will help you to solve many doubts regarding the wardrobe, such as: choose long dresses and dark tones if it is a night wedding or opt for a more casual dress with white tones if it is a beach wedding, among other things.

Straight from the Cicinia team, they’ll explain six original ways to dress your bridesmaids so that the theme of your wedding and your wardrobe are perfectly combined!

Take note!

A wedding based on your moon sign

More and more brides are deciding to follow the designs of the moon and prepare their weddings based on what their zodiac signs tell them. For example, if you are a Leo bride, your bridesmaids’ dresses should be striking and quite seductive, because according to what astrology tells us about this fire sign, Leo women are usually very attractive, intelligent and with a great gift of people. Something that translated into the world of fashion results in dresses with large openings in the back, plunging necklines and beautiful silk or satin fabrics.

Each moon sign is different and unique, so every wedding that is prepared according to these characteristics is unique. Do not miss the opportunity to use this theme to make your wedding unforgettable for you and for all your guests.

In fact, in Cicinia we already have an opinion on this type of ancient quest, so do not hesitate to visit our article to learn more about it!

A wedding on the beach

Are you and your groom passionate about the beach and have always wanted to celebrate the most romantic day of your life surrounded by sand and sea? If so, you’ll be happy to know that using the beach theme to determine the style of your bridesmaids’ dresses is very effective. In fact, your own dress will also need to be tailored to the circumstances, as walking on the cold, hard aisle of a church is not the same as walking on the warm sand of a beach that sinks beneath your feet.

A wedding at the sea invites all dresses to be light, with a lot of flight and in white or beige tones. On the other hand, she also suggests you the option of eliminating shoes in your bridesmaids’ ensemble and opting for boho-style dresses with linen and cotton as protagonists. Finally, if you choose to do it in silver you can also think about choosing some kind of tiara or natural updo for you and your bridesmaids since in the sea it is always usually quite airy and for the ceremony and photo shoots you will be much more comfortable to have your hair well collected and out of your face.

Rustic Wedding

If you choose to get married outdoors but instead of opting for the sea you choose the mountains, you can also choose the style of your bridesmaids’ dresses inspired by nature and everything that represents for you to get married in a place as magical as the woods.

A mountain wedding invites you to choose vintage style dresses, with off-white and lace as the protagonists of the design. On the other hand, you can also add a floral detail at the waist of your bridesmaids’ dresses or in their updos to match your wedding dress. This way you will blend in with your surroundings and look like real forest nymphs. The possibilities are endless, you just have to look at the place where you will get married and try to find dresses that fit perfectly with its light and colours.

An evening wedding

As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, taking into account the time of day you are getting married will also help you determine the type of dress your bridesmaids should wear. Therefore, if you are getting married at night, your bridesmaids’ dresses should be according to the light and tones of a night event, that is, dark tones but full of bright elements that in contact with the light of the spotlights illuminate and generate a hypnotic effect on the dresses.

An example of the ideal bridesmaid dress for this type of wedding would be a cobalt blue dress covered with sequins and with a large opening in the back. In our catalog you will find a wide variety of options that match this description, do not hesitate to consult it to learn more.

Indoor wedding in classic style

Your wedding will follow all the classic canons of traditional weddings, it will be held in a church and the banquet will be indoors. You may think that this style of wedding is already seen and that your bridesmaids’ dresses will not be anything out of the ordinary, but the truth is that you can also innovate in this field and use the classic style to your advantage to choose a beautiful and timeless design that will make both you and your bridesmaids look very beautiful and fashionable.

An indoor wedding invites you to choose long silk or satin dresses, with demure sweetheart necklines and with some kind of cape or veil on the shoulders that bring movement and sensuality to the design. Pastel colors are perfect for this type of ceremonies, such as salmon or blue. Whatever your choice, on our website you will surely find the bridesmaid dress that suits your needs.

Winter Wedding

More and more brides and grooms decide to get married in winter and have a wedding worthy of a Christmas fairy tale. However, getting married when temperatures are so low makes the search for a dress even more complex, but nothing is impossible. You just have to let yourself be carried away by the magic of the season and its colors.

For example, if you are getting married in December or January you can opt for green or red colors (since you are in the middle of the Christmas season) and thicker fabrics that help your bridesmaids to cope with the cold without preventing them from looking beautiful. Wearing gloves is also a good idea, both to keep your hands from getting cold and to make the whole dress more complete and elegant.

You can also opt for all-white dresses that emulate snow and do the same with the rest of the decoration. The options for choosing a dress in winter are many, you just have to relax and look at all the information available to you.

These are six really effective ways in which you can find the perfect dress for your bridesmaids to look spectacular on the most beautiful day of your life. Although they are not the only ways to find your ideal dress, we hope that with the information we have given you and by consulting our website, you will be able to find what you are looking forward to for your wedding.

For more tips and tricks, visit: https://cicinia.co.uk/

Pictures: Supplied

In Destination

Five South African coastal honeymoon destinations

June 8, 2022 No Comments

After months of planning for your big day, you deserve a break. Somewhere you can take in the salty air, take leisurely morning walks on the shore and de-stress.

If you and your partner are looking for a beach escape, why not keep things local? South Africa is known for its picturesque coast lines, beautiful beaches and quaint towns. Have a look at these five South African coastal towns perfect for a honeymoon.

Hermanus, Western Cape

You’ll find this charming town Southeast of Cape Town. Hermanus is famous for its whales and you can spot these magnificent sea creatures from July-October. The seaside town offers plenty of accommodation and restaurants. Activities and things to see include cycle tours, kayaking, museums, hiking trails, and nature reserves.

Paternoster, Western Cape

This quaint village is one of the oldest fishing villages on the West Coast of South Africa. Enjoy the nature reserves and museums. Walk along the stunning beaches, and if you’re brave enough, venture into the chilly waters! Being one of the oldest fishing towns on the West Coast, Paternoster is known for its delectable seafood.

3. Coffee Bay, Eastern Cape

This little town is situated on the Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape and is known for its exquisite views and beaches. From hiking to whale-watching, there are so many fun activities for you and your partner. A must see is the Hole in the Wall, a hiking trail with a stunning natural feature carved out of a huge mass of rock by milllions of years of pounding waves.

Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal

Forbes named Durban South Africa’s new darling, and Uhmlanga perfectly exemplifies why. Located on the coast of Kwazulu-Natal with gorgeous beach fronts and tons of adrenalin-pumping activities, there is something for everyone in Umhlanga. The Umhlanaga Lagoon Nature Reserve is one of the top attractions in the area, and will take you on a journey through the coastline forest, across the lagoon and then to the beach. Don’t forget to stop by the promenade for a romantic stroll on the picturesque pier.

Sodwana Bay, KwaZulu-Natal

You’ll find this little gem of a town on the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. If you and your partner love to scuba dive or enjoy fishing, you should definitely consider Sodwana Bay for your honeymoon! It is also considered to be one of the top dive sites in the world. For something more land-based, pay a visit to the Sodwana Bay National Park and have a look at the wildlife!

Feature Image: Unsplash

In Weddings

Germany’s fun and quirky wedding traditions

May 12, 2022 No Comments

To those on the outside, a German wedding looks quite similar to a “normal” Western “white wedding”. However, the country has several wedding traditions that we bet would surprise you.

From dancing under the bride’s veil and sawing through a log to smashing pottery, the Germans truly make their weddings a day they’ll never forget.

Here are some of the quirky wedding traditions practiced in Germany:

Junggesellenabschied

Similar to a bachelor or bachelorette party, the Junggesellenabschied sees the couple partaking in all sorts of debauchery before the wedding. Often, those soon to be wed are required to sell all sorts of odd (and sometimes suggestive) things to random people on the street. Items they sell often include shots or condoms.

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Polterabend

The night before the wedding, couples gather their loved ones for a rehearsal dinner, after which polterabend occurs. The tradition calls on the couple and their loved ones to smash pottery and porcelain items. The more shards of broken items, the more luck for the couple during their married life.

After everything is broken, the couple clean up the mess together. This is symbolic of their ability to work together, through large tasks.

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Baumstamm sägen

This custom sees the couple saw a log together. Again showing their ability to work together, and in addition, showing their collective strength, the couple each hold a side of a saw and cut through a log in tandem.

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Schleiertanz

Schleiertanz or the veil dance is a sweet tradition where the newlywed couple dances beneath the bride’s veil. After this, women who are in attendance try to rip off pieces of it. The one with the biggest piece is said to be the next one who will get married.

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Bride Shoes

One of the traditions quickly fading is the one centering around the bride’s shoes. In the past, the tradition was that a bride would buy her shoes using her own money, and only using one-cent coins. This was said to be symbolic of her ability to be thrifty.

On the day of the wedding, her shoes would go on auction. Guests would put money in the shoes, and the groom puts the last bid in and gives the shoes back to his new wife.

It is said that this tradition stopped as couples do not like putting the financial burden on their guests.

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Image: Pexels

In Drinks

Popping bottles! Cocktails to quench your guests’ thirst

May 4, 2022 No Comments

Celebrations are best enjoyed with a glass of bubbly… Or in this case, a black salt pineapple cocktail or a citrus whisky tonic.

Oh yes, let the party begin! Here are a few of our favourite wedding cocktail recipes to add to any party:

Vodka + pineapple cocktail with black salt rim

Tropical flavours are such a popular trend right now – we’ve glammed this up with the dark and mysterious black salt. The pineapple, paired with the mineral undertones of the black salt creates a deliciously refreshing drink.

Makes: 6 | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

6 cups pineapple juice and extra for dipping
300ml Anestasia Vodka
12 blocks ice
12 tsp black salt

To serve:

6 large slices of pineapple

Method:

Combine pineapple juice, vodka and ice in a cocktail shaker or large jug. Stir and leave to chill while you prepare the glasses.
Dip the rim of each glass in a saucer filled with some pineapple juice.
Then dip the rims in another saucer with the black salt. Roll the rims in the salt so that they are well coated.
Once the glasses are ready, pour the prepared cocktail into the glasses and add a pinch of black salt to each one.
Serve each with a large slice of pineapple.

Spumanté + Pomegranate Cocktail

What is Spurmanté, you’re wondering? It is a lovely, slightly sweet wine, with a fruity and floral undertone – and a lively spark! Paired with the sharp flavour of the pomegranate juice, this is a balanced and invigorating cocktail.

Makes: 6 | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

1 bottle Ovation Spurmanté, chilled.
6 tsp honey
2 pomegranates thinly sliced
1/2 cup pomegranate juice

Method:

Divide the Spurmanté between 6 glasses, and add 1 tsp of honey per glass. Stir.
Garnish the edge of the glass with a thin slice of pomegranate.
Just before serving, pour a small amount of pomegranate juice into each drink.
Serve chilled.

Honey Bubbles

This trend is new to SA but really ancient. Mead is a wine made from fermented honey, creating a distinct flavour like nothing you know.

Makes: 5 | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

1 bottle Melaurea Mead Methodé Traditionelle, chilled.
To serve – six small pieces of honeycomb.

Method:

Divide the Melaurea mead between 5 glasses.
Garnish the side of each glass with a smaller piece of honeycomb.

Berry + Lime Gin With Cashew Snack Basket

The small snack basket in the cocktail is a fun way to keep your guests satisfied while you’re busy getting your photos taken. And the best part? You can add any snacks you like!

Makes: 4 | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

300ml Flowstone Bushwillow Gin
4 cups strawberry juice
6 cups crushed ice
1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries
3 limes, halved and flesh removed
1 1/2 cup raw cashews

Method:

Combine the gin and strawberry juice, stirring well.
Fill 4 glasses with crushed ice and place a few fresh raspberries in each glass.
Pour the cocktail over the crushed ice.
To garnish, settle the halved lime into the crushed ice and fill with a quarter cup of cashews. Serve immediately.

Citrus Whisky Tonic

Use any citrus juice you fancy for this drink – it really depends on how sweet or sour you like it. For a sparkling and glamourous finish, add a small pinch of edible gold glitter to the glasses.

Makes: 6 | Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

24 blocks ice
300ml American Barrels Bourbon Whiskey
4 cups tonic
1 tbsp citrus juice (orange, grapefruit or lemon juice)
6 small pinches of edible glitter (to serve)

Method:

Divide the ice between 6 glasses, and tip up a double shot of bourbon in each glass.
Finish the cocktail by filling each glass with tonic, and stir in a tablespoon of the citrus juice.
Serve immediately.

In Beauty

Modern Romance: Dreamy make-up trends that we love

May 4, 2022 No Comments

There’s something truly special about an unabashedly feminine look on your wedding day. Take a cue from these timeless hair and make-up trends for that quintessential dreamy look.

Twiggy Lashes

To create this doe-eyed look, focus on defining both top and bottom lash lines by loading your lashes with mascara. Fill in any gaps and add volume with individual lashes.

Red Velvet

There is a reason red is the colour of love, and when it comes to wearing it, it’s all about choosing the perfect texture. Not as shiny as creamy lipstick, but not as dry as a matte version, a velvet lip is a beautiful in-between texture that is extremely wearable with a decadent edge.

wedding make-up trends — Picture: Pinterest

Wing It

When it comes to wearing winged eyeliner, the most important thing to keep in mind is your eye shape and what suits you best. The win should lift your outer eye corner, creating a flattering feline shape.

Glass Skin

No obvious sparkly highlighter here, this is more of an overall ‘lit from within’ glow. Start with good skincare leading up to your big day, making exfoliation and hydration your focus.

Glitter Goddess

Glitter is one of the biggest trends in make-up right now, appearing everywhere from the runways to the red carpet. It adds that extra glamour to your look when dabbed over cream-textured shadow.

In Venues

Glasshouse wedding venues in South Africa

April 20, 2022 No Comments

Glasshouse wedding venues ensure that you get the best of the outdoors while you have the comforts of being indoors. South Africa has some incredible wedding venues, particularly those on vineyards. However, the country boasts some stunning glasshouse venues too.

Here are four of our favourites:

Die Woud

Where: Caledon, in the Overberg Western Cape. About 113kms east of Cape Town’s city centre.

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This venue makes you feel as though you’re one with nature. The glasshouse is nestled between oak trees and wattle forests. From inside the venue you’ll hear the calming sounds of birds chirping from the trees and water running through a stream nearby. A perfect location to ensure a relaxed and classy wedding day.

Accommodating 140 guests, and offering both indoor and outdoor facilities, there is not much more you could ask for of this venue.

Burkleigh House

Where: 327 Pine Ave, Ferndale, Randburg, 2194

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This venue is perfect for a smaller, more intimate wedding. The roofed glasshouse conservatory was completed in February of this year, which means the venue is brand new and hardly been used! So you’ll be one of the first to have your wedding there.

The lush gardens which surround the venue are renowned and make for the most tranquil backdrop you could ever imagine.

Belair Pavilion

Where: Suid-Agter-Paarl Rd, 7624

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The roof may not be glass, but the glass walls allow for more than enough light to enter the venue. Situated on a country estate, the venue gives you class, nature, culture and more.

Belair Pavilion is surrounded by several wine estates, providing you with an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Positioned in the exquisite garden, the venue is covered in evergreen star jasmine. The view of the mountains from the garden ensures that you have a stunning backdrop for your nuptials.

The Conservatory

Where: Klein Kastaiing, Happy Valley Road, Franschhoek, South Africa, Franschhoek, Cape Town, 7691

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This award-winning venue is set up between vineyards and oak trees and is on the bank of he Kastaiing River. The Conservatory floods with light and allows guests to enjoy the picturesque views of Franschhoek, as they sip their drinks and chat in the venue.

Image: Instagram / Die Woud

In Advice

5 Reasons we can’t get enough of the Seychelles

April 12, 2022 No Comments

One thing that we love the most about honeymooning in Africa is that there are so many incredible options to choose from. However, there’s nothing more idyllic than soaking up the glorious African sun, drinking cocktails poolside, and enjoying the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

As travel restrictions continue to ease, more and more newlyweds are looking across the waters to book their honeymoons. The Seychelles has continuously made the list of the top places to visit on your honeymoon, and with good reason.

It’s a breath-taking paradise just off the east coast of Africa and home to incredible culture, activities and sights. With its Insta-perfect beaches, luxurious accommodations and jam-packed itinerary, it’s not difficult to see why South African bridal couples are obsessed.

There’s no visa requirement

For South African citizens, travelling to the gorgeous islands of The Seychelles is a breeze. No visa is required for a maximum stay of 3 months, making it the perfect spot for a honeymoon – with a valid passport of course.

It’s nearby

Just off the coast of East Africa, roughly 1 600 km from Kenya, there won’t be any long and unbearable flights involved when travelling to The Seychelles, making it a quick and easy option. It will take you about 5 hours to get there, and flights leave regularly from Johannesburg or Durban through Air Seychelles.

They have a similar climate

Warm tropical weather covers the island year round, with temperatures rarely hitting extremely hot or cold levels. Being used to our own Mediterranean climate, South Africans migrate towards the warm and sunny island tropics for fun days in the sun and exciting water activities.

It’s a gorgeous island escape

Perhaps one of the most obvious attractions of The Seychelles is its absolute luxury. White sandy beaches and crystal blue waters create a breath-taking backdrop, while the weather conditions are perfectly suited for all sorts of activities. Besides the beaches, The Seychelles also has its own gorgeous mountainous terrains and tropical forests filled with beautiful wildlife to explore.

There’s plenty to do

With perfect day weather and a range of landscapes, there’s no shortage of creativity when it comes to activites and adventure. You can experience the incredible roaming creatures on wildlife tours, go bird-watching, snorkelling, or take part in adventurous endeavours with island hopping, skiing and kayaking.

Feature Image: johan_drone_adventures

In Planning

Say ‘YES’ to The Wedding Expo 2022!

March 17, 2022 No Comments

The ultimate showcase of South Africa’s best in the wedding industry is back as a live event.

The Wedding Expo will be taking place from 6&& August 2022 at the Heartfelt Arena in Centurion, the perfect setting to welcome back the thousands of brides and grooms who want to connect in-person with leading wedding industry professionals.

Amanda Cunningham, founder of The Wedding Expo, is proud to announce that Specialised Exhibitions – a division of world-renowned Montgomery Group, will head up this event which promises an exciting and innovative two days.

Specialised Exhibitions is a company with over 50 years’ experience and a reputation synonymous with innovation, integrity and professionalism.

“We engaged, we proposed and we said ‘Yes’ to The Wedding Expo,” says a smiling Charlene Hefer, portfolio director at Specialised Exhibitions. “It’s an exciting opportunity for all of us. With our diverse, dynamic and experienced team, our forward-thinking approach and the integration of latest technologies, we will bring a vibrant energy to the expo in full support of the well-known and successful brand.”

“We are really excited about the changes and innovations that will be in place for the expo,” says Hefer. “There will be lots of new features, competitions and promotions in addition to the many informative talks and workshops. An experience shared with loved ones, it will be a super fun two days of fashion, buying and bubbly.”

“Globally we are seeing the exhibition and events industry successfully re-open after almost two years of restrictions,” Hefer continues. “Face-to-face interactions have been greatly missed, as they facilitate the building of relationships and trust, enable the engagement of all five senses – to see, hear, taste, touch and smell the products, and also satisfy the gregarious and social nature of people.

For the many brides, grooms, families and friends who want to meet a host of suppliers to help plan the big day, the wedding expo is the place to be.”

Cunningham agrees, “Exhibitors are only too pleased to assist with wedding planning such as giving great advice on venues, catering requirements, flowers and decor, dresses, invitations, honeymoons, legal requirements, and much more! I am constantly astounded at the incredible talent showcased in the South African Bridal Industry.

This is an entrepreneur driven industry and the service providers are right up there with the best of the best on the international platform. I have loved working with and promoting these incredibly talented individuals and businesses.”

Whether you are an entrepreneur in the wedding industry looking for brand exposure, sales leads and the opportunity to network and collaborate with other wedding professionals, or if you are a bride or groom ready to plan your special day, then save the date for The Wedding Expo, 6 & 7 August 2022.

Pictures: Supplied / Abbi Cooley Photography

In Destination

The Perfect Wedding Destination: A Guide to Finding ‘The One’

November 25, 2021 No Comments

The COVID-19 pandemic certainly threw a spanner in the works for countless couples across the globe, with many soon-to-say-I-do being forced to postpone their big day due to tightening lockdown restrictions. However, despite the many setbacks along the way, there is a silver lining for twosomes planning on getting hitched.

Considering how, for social distancing’s sake, big weddings are out, and small, intimate ceremonies are in, couples have been able to conserve a significant amount of their initial wedding budget with many opting to use the extra money to plan a once-in-a-lifetime destination wedding and inviting only their nearest and dearest.

If this approach to getting married sounds appealing, you might be wondering “where to?” Here’s a look at five magical local wedding destinations to which you’ll want to immediately say “I do.”

A country-style union in Citrusdal

Escape from the noise of the city streets and savour the simple country life in Citrusdal, a charming little town nestled in the Western Cape’s Olifants River Valley. Breathe in the fresh air surrounded by the Cederberg mountains and marvel at the gorgeous backdrop of sprawling citrus orchards – talk about the perfect place to snap those wedding photos!

If you’re really after unrivalled privacy, peace and quiet when it comes to tying the knot, it’s a great idea to find a venue off the beaten track or, better yet, perched at the very top of a mountain pass, such as Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort.

“This resort is a popular choice for weddings not only for its country, rustic styling and breath-taking beauty but also due to its impressive facilities. Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort always promises a well-stocked bar, along with access to an indoor heated pool and a private spa for lengthy pamper sessions for the bride-to-be and her wedding party,” says Sharmila Ragunanan, Group Marketing Executive for Dream Hotels & Resorts.

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A whimsical wedding in the Winelands

There’s no better place in which to toast to life-long health and happiness than in the Cape Winelands. Who wouldn’t want to wed in the Winelands surrounded by flourishing grapevines and mountain views? Add to that some of the world’s best wine and the most mouth-watering gourmet masterpieces comprising farm-fresh ingredients for your wedding reception and you have yourself a wedding venue recipe guaranteed to wow.

The region is also a sought-after honeymoon spot, allowing newlyweds to get wrapped up in the best of what Mother Nature has to offer. Think morning visits to the spa, romantic afternoon wine tastings and candlelit dinners at some of SA’s leading restaurants.

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Matrimony in the mountains, Drakensberg

You’ve probably noticed as you’ve gone through this list that getting married surrounded by majestic mountains is an emerging trend this wedding season. Well, there’s more to it than simply finding a beautiful backdrop for wedding photographs. Many couples believe that mountains are a perfect symbol of what they hope their union to be – strong, enduring, eternal.

There are other couples who liken marriage to the process of climbing a mountain. You start off at ‘basecamp’ when you say, ‘I do’ and begin your climb. Along the way, there are sure to be many twists and turns and extremely challenging moments, in-between moments where you can’t help but stop and savour the incredible beauty around you and a wonderful feeling of contentment. You’ll quickly realise that it’s not about reaching the top, but enjoying the journey, knowing that there will be positive and negative experiences throughout and remembering, of course, that it’s all worth it in the end!

Those looking for a true mountainous paradise can’t go wrong with the Drakensberg as their chosen destination. Whether you decide to get married at the foothills of the mountains or at the summit of one of the peaks, it’s certain to be a day to remember that’s full of depth, meaning and delight. You’ll be utterly charmed checking in at the Little Switzerland resort, an Alpine-esque retreat nestled at the foot of the northern Drakensberg. This corner of the Berg is ‘made’ for romance whether you want to get active with hikes or horse rides or relax around a roaring fire, get pampered in the spa or simply take in the epic views.

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A beautiful beach ceremony in Ballito

Saying ‘I do’ with the sunshine on your skin (making it super easy to get that natural bridal glow!) and the soft beach sand between your toes is sure to be a welcome indulgence on your special day.

It’s easy to understand why so many couples venture to the KZN coast for their nuptials. They know that they’re practically guaranteed the perfect weather and the perfect backdrop, as well as that there will be plenty of adventures in store after the wedding is over. After all, KZN is a go-to local honeymoon spot for a reason!

Ballito, in particular, is a top choice for proposals and weddings alike. Here, there are many stunning guesthouses and lodges located right next to the beach, like the ever-popular coastal resort, Zimbali Lodge. These venues promise views of the ebb and flow of the Indian Ocean, shade beneath picturesque palm trees, and an endless supply of refreshing sea air to soothe those pre-wedding jitters.

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A wedding in the wilderness, Greater Pilanesberg

If the serenity of the bushveld is calling, you can’t go wrong with a destination wedding in the North West’s Greater Pilanesberg. Grab your closest friends and relatives and head out into the wilderness for a few days of relaxation, pampering and life’s simplest pleasures ahead of the big day. It’s an ideal way in which to unwind and prepare for such a life-changing event. Once the wedding is over, you and your love will be free to set off on your own mission and enjoy a romantic safari getaway for two in the Pilanesberg National Park or, alternatively, a dose of glitz and glamour at nearby Sun City.

Wherever your wanderlust takes you, rest assured that your local destination wedding will be everything that you ever dreamed of and more. What a way to make the most of every moment as the two of you begin your life-long journey together!

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In Weddings

Japan’s former princess chooses the heart over the crown

October 29, 2021 No Comments

Some will consider former Japanese Princess Mako and her ‘peasant’ husband Kei Komuro the stuff of fairy tales. Upper echelon circles have considered it dishonourable. Either way, for those who may have thought that the kind of love worth sacrificing everything for is dead, it’s a story worth knowing.

The daughter of the Japanese emperor’s kin has made headlines for breaking the shackles of royal tradition in the name of not only love but also her independence – being the first female Japanese royal to do so.

Four years ago, the former princess and her college sweetheart, a non-royal, brought a real-life fairy tale into the world’s gaze. Many swooned over the kind of love so powerful it would cause Mako to willingly take on the harsh consequences of marrying a commoner. As the BBC writes, their smiles won over a country.

But the consequences were brutal as those within Mako’s social class frowned upon the former Princess’s decision. It would mean losing her royal status, forfeiting millions, and facing intense scrutiny at the sacrifice of her mental health – for years.

But to Mako, Kei Komuro was the sun, famously mentioning that his smile was as warm as the burning star.

The couple had met at a meeting of students planning to go abroad in 2012 and had become close as university students over five years, even when studying in different countries. Mako’s university journey was also largely her first symbol of abandoning tradition as it marked her leaving the traditional institution of study for royal Japanese family members.

While it may have seemed as though Mako was taking all the heat for a story films will no doubt be made about, Komuro too had signed up for mass public scrutiny. As VICE reports, intense questioning regarding whether Kumuro would cause Mako to struggle financially in the future came about in the past after an alleged money dispute to do with the young lawyer’s mother and her former fiance.

However, despite it all, the young lovers have stood by each other through and through and tied the knot yesterday, October 26.

In a highly anticipated live TV appearance, the former princess defended her marriage decision expressing that:

“Kei is irreplaceable for me,” she said. “For us, marriage is a necessary choice to live while cherishing our hearts.”

Mr Komuro also made vows to his love, stating the words that will be quoted by hopeless romantics all over the world:

“I want to spend the only life I have with the one I love.”

Originally posted on Cape {town} Etc

Picture: EPA