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    Bridal beauty is undeniably one of the most important aspects of your wedding day, no matter who you are.

    We recently had the pleasure of chatting to the National Make-up Artist for Bobbi Brown, Anna Weinbeck. She has been with the brand for over 9 years and shares her insights and tips into looking picture perfect on your wedding day.

    Here’s what she had to say:

    Q: What is your best advice for all brides?

    A: Every bride deserves to look flawless on their big day, whether you’re getting a make-up artist or doing it yourself. Make sure you’re completely happy with your make-up, if you’re not, then change it. That’s why you need to do a trial first. Be comfortable in your own skin and be proud of who you are!

    At Bobbi Brown, we offer free How To lessons, so you can learn anything you want to know, from finding your perfect foundation to getting the perfect lip shade for your skin type. Pop past a counter any time and just book and enjoy.

    Q: What is a trial and why is it so important?

    A: A trial is where you and your make-up artist will discuss the look you want on your wedding day and apply the make-up. This is important as you might want a certain look but as soon as you see how it looks on you, you aren’t as happy as you thought you’d be. It will also give you an idea of how long the make-up lasts. After the trial is your opportunity to change anything that needs to be changed. I always recommend to my brides that they take a look at their make-up in as many different lighting situations as possible, and also take as many photos with flash and without to see if the colour of the foundation blends in seamlessly with the rest of their body.

    Q: How do I look after my skin before the wedding?

    A: Taking care of your skin before your wedding is of utmost importance. You want to make sure that you have fresh, healthy, glowing skin on the day of your wedding. The best time to start changing your skin regime is 6 months before your big day, as this will allow you to see if you have any reactions to facials/peels or any new skincare products you want to try out. The last facial you can go for should be a week before your wedding, but that’s only if you’ve done it before and you know your skin won’t react or flare-up. Make sure that you use a lot of hydrating products; I love our Hydrating Skincare range as it just balances the water levels of your skin and it’s also anti-bacterial so it will prevent any spots from forming on the skin.

    Q: What is the best foundation to use on your wedding day?

    A: I always prefer to use a foundation that doesn’t have an SPF as this is usually the ingredient in foundations that causes flash back. Flashback is where your face looks a lot lighter in photographs. My go-to foundation for all brides is our Skin Foundation Stick as it suits all skin types and skin shades with no SPF and buildable coverage. I love to use it with our Vitamin Enriched Face Base as a primer as this creates a smooth canvas and the foundation applies seamlessly.

    Q: What is the most popular look brides go for?

    A: I found that the most requested looks for brides are a smokey eye, very glam or natural beauty. A smokey eye is a very dark and dramatic eye perfectly balanced with a soft nude lip and bronzer. At Bobbi Brown, we have a Smokey Eye Mascara and beautiful eye palettes to help create this look perfectly.

    A very glam look is more of a winged out liner, bold lips and lots of highlighter. Luxe Lip is a great option here as the colour pigment is beautiful and lasts all day.

    Natural beauty is just a better version of yourself; soft eye makeup, pretty pink blush and a soft lip.

    Q: What are the most important products to have on your big day?

    A: An amazing primer; this will set the tone for how the foundation applies and lasts during the day.

    No Smudge Mascara; it won’t budge the whole day or night.

    Luxe Matte Lip Color; in your perfect shade, this lipstick will stay on for hours

    Q: Is there anything you should avoid on your wedding day?

    A: Please do not go for any tints the day before, be it your hair, brows or lashes. If you need to fill in your brows, go for our Perfectly Defined Long-Wear Brow Pencil to fill in any gaps. If you do change your products or go for a facial a bit before your big day and you see your skin is reacting, apply some Skin Relief Remedy – it will immediately reduce redness and help calm the skin. Try to go for a facial wax a week before your wedding, if you go later and your skin is a bit red, apply a little bit of Instant Full Cover Concealer over your foundation to neutralise any discolouration.

    Feature image: Supplied

    From traditional neutral make-up looks to the outstanding bright lip, here are our top 5 wedding beauty looks we deem as utterly iconic:

    1. Priyanka Chopra

     

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    The wedding that took, like, 20 celebrations and had us all in absolute awe! Even though Priyanka Chopra had so many wedding looks, our all-time fave was definitely her all red traditional look complete with classic make-up that complimented the outfit and did not overpower it.

    2. Kim Kardashian West

     

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    A post shared by KKWBEAUTY (@kkwbeauty) on

    When we think of the perfect nude make-up look, our minds instantly go to Kim Kardashian West. She most certainly made the look quite iconic and trend-worthy since her wedding to Kanye West in 2014 and has been perfecting the nude look ever since. Lashes for days, contoured cheekbones and that perfect nude lip shade all pull the look together.

    3. Meghan Markle

     

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    A post shared by ?Ти наречена??Тобі до нас? (@wed_org) on

    In our opinion, wedding make-up should just enhance your already natural, beautiful self. This is why Meghan Markle makes our top list of most iconic beauty looks. With her gorgeous freckles still peeping through, she radiated class and elegance with minimal make-up, yet still being true to herself.

    4. Solange Knowles

     

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    Bold red lips and a natural ‘do are why Solange Knowles makes it to our top beauty looks. Her unique choice of wedding attire makes her truly one in a million, and we are totally here for it. Even though Solange’s wedding was in 2014, this look has a modern edge that will still serve it well today.

    5. Princess Diana

     

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    We cannot use the word ‘iconic’ without making mention of Princess Diana. Her perfectly flushed and rosy cheeks, doe eyes and lightly tinted lips make this beauty look one we will never forget.

    By Yashna Balwanth

    Feature image: Instagram

    We’ve seen them just about everywhere, but the last thing you want is a standard, non-significant flower crown on your special day. But don’t stress – we’ve gathered 6 very significant flower crowns for you to incorporate into your wedding day beauty look. You don’t even have to stop and smell the roses – just wear them!

    Mother nature

     

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    A post shared by Utah Florist (@gracefullybloomed) on

    Keep things subtle and simple with a greenery-inspired flower crown that adds just the right amount of green to your look, without looking too boho. Ideal for a forest or garden wedding and, in addition, quite complimentary to redheads!

    OTT florals

     

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    A post shared by Utah Florist (@gracefullybloomed) on

    Big blooms are never a bad idea, especially ones with burgundy tones to contrast your wedding dress. This flower crown demands attention, and this one definitely has ours.

    Cascading pinks

     

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    Who said flower crowns need to only go around your head? Why not try this alternative which consists of cascading peonies, orchids and hydrangeas giving brides that boho-chic look.

    A crown of note

     

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    The highest flower crown you’ve ever seen? Yes please! Ivory colours to match your wedding dress, incorporating a bit of flowers and the very trendy pampas grass as well –  this is definitely an eye-catching flower crown fit for a queen.

    Halo of roses

     

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    A post shared by Bride In Bloom (@brideinbloom) on

    Pink roses never disappoint when it comes to adding that something extra to your wedding look. Flowers out of season? Try silk flower crowns that will last long after the wedding day is over and you can use it again in the future!

    Floral hat

     

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    A post shared by Carrie Courtney (@ccmillinerycreations) on

    Really want to make a statement with your flower crown? Try this completely covered floral hat in soft tones of purple and lavender which can fit over your hair perfectly. With such an extravagant floral headpiece, keep jewellery simple to keep the attention focused on the crown.

    By Yashna Balwanth

    Image: Unsplash

    Every bride wants to look like the best version of herself on her wedding day, as well as have all the correct tools to take along on her honeymoon. Thanks to Bobbi Brown, this dream can come true.

    Beauty comes in many forms, and it goes beyond a product, a routine, or a face. It can be found anywhere, but its expression is yours to create. No masks, just make-up, no rules. Just you. Beauty begins with you.

    When the brand was founded nearly 30 years ago, this was our vision – and we champion it today. We make make-up that enhances, not hides, your true beauty.

    One lucky winner will win a Bobbi Brown hamper to the value of R3 775 consisting of the following amazing products:

    1x Eye Shadow Palette valued at R1250

    Give your look a glamorous edge with this eye shadow palette that lets you shade, line and define with fashion-forward hues and high-impact finishes. Palette includes matte, shimmer wash, chrome metal and metallic shadows that can be applied dry or wet for maximum colour payoff.

    1x Vitamin Enriched Face Base valued at R895

    A Bobbi Brown bestseller – a primer plus moisturisation for smooth make-up application (it’s the best of both worlds). Rich in feel, but never greasy, this advanced oil-free face formula, with Shea Butter, instantly hydrates, softens and cushions skin.

    1x Crushed Liquid Lip valued at R395

    The look of a liquid lipstick meets the comfortable feel of a balm and the plumped-up sheen of a gloss. Created with a superfruit blend featuring cranberry, blueberry and raspberry extracts, this emollient-rich, full-coverage formula glides on with pure colour pigments and offers nourishing comfort and moisture – both instantly and over time. Paraben-free, phthalate-free, sulfate-free, talc-free, mineral oil-free, gluten-free & vegan.

    1x Primer Plus Hydrating 3-in-1 Setting Spray valued at R450

    A sheer, nutrient-rich mist that preps skin for foundation, finishes make-up and instantly refreshes the complexion for a healthy-looking glow.

    1x Highlighting Powder valued at R785

    Our cult-favourite Highlighting Powder is back. This high-impact, light-reflective powder gives skin shimmering bronze highlights and is ideal for strobing. Plus, it’s housed in a sleek, mirrored compact, so you can take your glow to go.

    How to enter: Fill in the form with your full name and contact details below

    Winner will be announced: 4 October 2019

    Our Winner: Johanette van Dyk

    You can also read: Best wedding planning APP’s and tools.

    Just like the wedding and everything that surrounds it, your honeymoon will be yet another expensive weight on your shoulders. However, with some careful planning, lots of research and a bit of consideration, it is possible to save some money. Here’s how:

    1. Include it in your registry

    Instead of opting for the traditional registry, ask guests for a contribution towards your honeymoon in general, or specific excursions, tickets or bookings. It’s no longer frowned upon to ask for a donation instead of a gift, as more and more couples already have everything they need for their home before even getting married.

    2. Who needs souvenirs?

    Instead of spending unnecessary money on souvenirs (which, let’s face it, you’ll never look at again), rather spend it on experiences – such as special dinners, excursions or tours. These experiences are much more valuable than physical things. However, if you love doing outdoorsy stuff, such as hiking, it might even cost you less!

    3. Use public transport instead of Ubers

    Do some research and gather information on how the public transport system works in the areas you’ll be in. Ubers and taxis are often much more expensive than the public systems, so this way you’ll be able to save quite a bit. Your hotel or accommodation staff will also be able to assist you with recommendations and guides.

    4. Be clever with your travel dates

    You don’t need to leave for your honeymoon the moment you get married. Because most couples still need to take personal matters, such as work, into consideration before being able to leave, you can plan your honeymoon around ‘cheaper’ seasons, flights and destinations. Consider off-season options, as this will not only be cheaper all round, but also less crowded.

    5. Score some points

    On your credit card, that is. Lots of credit card services offer rewards that you can use for travel, including discounts on flights, accommodation, restaurants etc. Although you’d have to start planning this one quite a bit in advance, it will definitely be worth it.

    6. DIY

    Instead of booking everything through a travel agency, do your research, plan carefully, and book everything yourself to avoid paying any additional fees. Also make sure to check the direct websites of hotels, lodges or resorts, as they often have slightly lower rates than when it’s booked elsewhere. If you do, however, prefer to use an agent, make sure they book package deals for you, so that you can get the most bang for your buck.

    7. Take a chance

    It might be a little forward, but when booking a room, a restaurant or whatever it may be, casually mention that it’s your honeymoon. People love romance, so they might just give you a freebie, an upgrade or a warm(er) welcome.

    8. Get travel insurance

    Just in case.

    9. Consider when you eat out

    You don’t have to eat at a restaurant for every single meal. Go to local markets or grocery stores and gather a few bits and pieces to take on a picnic, to have in your room or to make a meal yourself. This way you’ll also experience more of your surroundings and of the culture than you would sitting down at a restaurant three times a day.

    10. Go on the hunt

    Again, you’ll need to take some time and do your research with this one, but make an effort to hunt for some deals. Many hotels, destinations, cruises and airlines have regular deals – whether it’s for honeymooners, seasonal or simply because. Make use of them and be sure to make some calls to figure out if they don’t offer any additional deals. If you don’t ask, you’ll never know.

    Image: Unsplash

    Ellie Goulding and Caspar Jopling recently got married in a lavish event fit for royalty. Although they exchanged vows at the York Minster Cathedral, the party only really started at Castle Howard, a stately home a few miles away. In true Ellie style, she opted for not one, but 5 show-stopping wedding looks, paving the way for ‘royal’ wedding trends to come.

    The first look, in which she tied the knot, consisted of a bespoke Chloé gown and a delicate silk tulle veil with an organza collar featuring her and Caspar’s initials. The veil reportedly took 591 hours to make. Talk about detail! The dress itself wasn’t shy of detail either – complete with hand-embroidered White Roses of York and subtle white glass bead embellishments, which took a further 640 hours to create.

    Image: Instagram

    The reception saw Ellie in her second ensemble – a sleek off-the-shoulder silk Cady dress, featuring diamond trim detail – a custom Stella McCartney design.

    Image: Instagram

    The third dress came straight from the Ralph & Russo AW19 runway – a bodice of pearls and silk, which she paired with an evening skirt.

    Image: Instagram

    For her fourth look, she turned to Olivier Rousteing from Balmain. Perfect for dancing the night away, Ellie showed some skin in a short dress with semi-sheer puffed sleeves and a high neckline with a plunging cut-out.

    Image: Instagram

    Fifth and finally, to end off her wedding weekend, Ellie appeared in a simple strapless black gown with a full skirt.

    Image: Instagram

    Feature image: Instagram / @elliegoulding

    Gone are the days of getting a wedding cake big enough to feed an entire army, and then some. Nowadays, wedding cakes are as much a part of your decor as your flowers are, and we couldn’t be more pleased. Feast your eyes on some of the most beautiful creations – a true representation of when cake and art collide.

    Who needs flowers when you can have cake?

    Photo: Instagram

    Textural sugar pastes, delicate sugar crystals and hand-painted layers are what cake dreams are made of.

    Photo: Instagram

    Something so simple, yet so beautiful.

    Photo: Instagram

    Sometimes a pop of colour is all you need.

    Photo: Instagram

    Soft and feminine, a blushing bride’s dream.

    Photo: Instagram

    Feature image: Instagram / @cynzcakes

    In this series we’ll be featuring Lisa Brown International’s recent styled shoot, paying tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld, and showcasing her graduate students’ work. First up, we take a look at how incorporating bold hair accessories with sleek, old-Hollywood hair resulted in a timeless hair affair:

    Big, chunky pearl sliders and a glitter barrette keep hair neatly tucked behind your ear.

     

    A single barrette that matches your earrings looks clean and simple, while being functional. Earrings from Jade SA (www.jade-sa.co.za)

     

    Bold hair clips on either side of your parting help keep hair sleek and neat. Use two of the same on either side, or mix and match!

     

    A big headpiece might be daunting, but if the rest is kept simple, it can be quite striking. Earrings from LE RU (www.le-ru.co.za)

     

    It’s sweet and delicate – a detailed hairpiece can be the ideal choice for fine hair while still providing stability.

    All images by Pritti by Migneon Marais Photography

    Make-up and hair by Lisa Brown International
    Dresses all by Cindy Bam
    Styling by Claudia Waschefort from CW Make-up & Styling
    Coordinated by Love Lienkie Events
    Furniture & Decor Styling by Country Daughters
    Shot on location at La Paris Estate, Franschhoek

    Lavender truly is a versatile little bloom. Used to calm and soothe you before bedtime, fill up your garden with sweet scents and pastel colours, or, in your wedding florals. Although it’s not a common first choice when picking blooms for your bouquet, table or installations, it really should be. Here are a few clever ways on how to incorporate lavender into your special day:

    Confetti

    It’s hardy enough to dry without breaking, and won’t litter the environment like plastic and glitter will.

     

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    Lavender – the flower of devotion ?⠀ ⠀ Thank you to the florists and clients who reached out this past year to include some of my lavender as part of their wedding celebrations & decor. Creating a wedding collection as part of my lavender line has been in the books even before we had a lavender in the ground. Now that we have an established crop, my plan for 2020 is to offer couples a collection that includes lavender wedding toss, lavender bouquets, lavender boutonnières, lavender aisle markers, lavender place settings & centerpieces, and of course bunches of lavender for the DIY-er ?.⠀ ⠀ I want to hear from you! ? Brides, Grooms, Florists, Event Planners, and Lavender Lovers….let me know what you want to see! Please share your ideas below?or send me a note✍️! If you are looking for some inspiration, head over ? to my Lavender Wedding Board on Pinterest to see some of my favourite picks. ? Link in bio ?. _ _ _ #lavenderwedding #lavendertoss #lavenderweddingtheme #lavenderweddingflowers #weddingdecorideas #lavenderlove #countrywedding #countryweddings #pembylife #seatoskywedding #whistlerwedding #squamishwedding #rockymountainbride #weddinginthemountains #weddinginthemeadow #themeaningofflowers #fromthegardenshed

    A post shared by Catherine Karpman (@fromthegardenshed) on

    Bouquet or bridesmaids’ bouquets

    If you’re going for a more dainty, rustic type of aesthetic, lavender is the perfect pick for a long-lasting and budget-friendly addition, or to use alone.

     

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    Congratulations Carrie, you are a beautiful bride! ?: @klaarphotography

    A post shared by Lavender Wedding Co. (@lavenderweddingco) on

    Add it to your invitation or stationary

    A single sprig of lavender attached to your invitations or escort cards will last longer than most flowers and will subtly scent the paper as well.

    Boutonnieres

    Small and detailed flowers work best for boutonnieres to provide that extra bit of detail to the groom or groomsmen’s ensembles.

     

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    Well, we are moved in! Every muscle hurts, but I’m loving the new place so far! ?❤️ #lavenderboutonniere

    A post shared by Emily Suidikas (@whichgoose) on

    In your altar or chuppah

    It’s whimsical, a little wild and undeniably romantic. And because you need larger amounts of flowers to fill up the space, lavender offers a wallet-friendly alternative to more expensive flowers.

    Use it in your hair

    Instead of incorporating flowers that are bound to wilt and break off, pin small pieces of lavender sprigs and young blooms to your flower crown, in your updo or in your plait.

     

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    Our dried Lavender hair comb is a beautiful accent for any bride.

    A post shared by Lavender Wedding Co. (@lavenderweddingco) on

    Decorate your lounge areas and tables

    Take small vases or pots and place bunches of lavender everywhere your guests will be lounging or sitting, perfect for an al fresco setting with the added bonus of being a natural insect repellent. Alternatively, place bunches of fresh lavender along the centre of your tables instead of traditional runners.

    Tie it to your chairs

    Small bunches of lavender tied to your seating area or along your aisle make for a fragrant sillage that will envelop while your guests are seated.

     

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    Bundles of rosemary and lavender to accent the ceremony aisle ~ best smelling aisle!

    A post shared by Bella Bloom Florals – Oregon (@bellabloomflorals) on

    Add it to your dessert table or cocktails

    Food-grade lavender sprigs add a floral and slightly sweet flavour to your cake, tiny desserts, and even your cocktails and G&Ts.

    Give individual plants or seeds as favours

    A gift that keeps on giving is the ultimate gift. Give your guests seed pods or a small lavender plant to take home with them, plant and eventually harvest.

     

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    Lavender season #lavender #lavenderseason #lavenderfavors #weddingfavors #marturii #nunta #botez #marturiinunta #marturiibotez

    A post shared by Plantecadou.ro (@plantecadou) on

    Image: Unsplash

    When it comes to ‘business in the front and party at the back’, wedding dresses with gorgeous back detail have got it down.

    Whether you’re looking for something simple, modern or over the top, we’ve got all the (local!) inspiration you need for your dream wedding dress right here:

    Elbeth Gillis

    Robyn Roberts

     

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    Introducing: ✨ P E R L A ✨ Designed to appeal to the modern, relaxed bride who is looking for something a little bit different but still wants to feel comfortable on her wedding day. The geometric lace used for Perla’s bodice is really unique and we have a limited amount available. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Perla is part of our NEW Macao collection and is available to try on in our studio now ✨ by appointment only, visit www.robynroberts.co.za ✨ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #wedressdreams ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Can we also just take a moment to give some love to @nicola_katie who photographed our most recent shoot? She captured the delicacy of our dresses so beautifully and with such an artistic eye. We love your work, Nicola!

    A post shared by Robyn Roberts Bridal Studio (@robynrobertsbridal) on

    Anna Georgina

    Lena Lisa

    Cindy Bam

     

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    #cindybambride “I felt so amazing in my dress and loved working with you.” Laura

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    Vagabond

    Image: Pritti by Migneon Marais (model wearing Cindy Bam)