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    Western Cape brides, can we have your attention! Finding your wedding day inspiration can be as easy as scrolling through Pinterest or meandering through your favorite bridal fair.

    Each year, hundreds of bridal couples flock to the Cape Winelands Bridal Fair to soak up the ambience of the renowned and exclusive Winelands Bridal Fair.

    This year is no different with service provides and products from across the Cape available for brides and grooms to peruse through. It’s also a great spot for those looking to speak to various experts needed to plan your big day and make it a success.

    Live music, wedding dress designs, and a win-4-your wedding lucky draw!

    Interested? Make sure you grab your tickets via Webtickets or when you enter the expo.

    • Cost: R100 per person
    • Date: 30 – 31 July; 09:00 – 16:00
    • Location: Klein Joostenberg. R304 Muldersvlei, Stellenbosch

    Feature Image: Dear Heart Photos / Instagram 

    It’s been years in the making, but Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have finally tied the knot.

    Sources close to the couple confirmed the news to People with court records indicating that the pair obtained a marriage license over the weekend in Clark County, Nevada.

    The gorgeous couple shared the news of their engagement in April 2022 and are said to have said “I do” in a small ceremony.

    “They just wanted to get married,” one source reportedly stated.

    The news will undoubtedly overjoy romantics and die-hard Bennifer stans around the world. The Hollywood couple rekindled their iconic romance in 2021 with Lopez sharing her thoughts on why things are different 18 years later.

    The star revealed to People: “We’re older now, we’re smarter, we have more experience, we’re at different places in our lives, we have kids now, and we have to be very conscious of those things.”

    “We have been in the game in the public eye long enough to know who we are as people and what really matters and what doesn’t matter. We have kids and we respect each other. …”

    AH! Congratulations to the newlyweds.

    Feature Image: Pascal Le Segretain 

     

    If you’re looking for a dreamy honeymoon destination, try taking a peek in your own backyard.

    The glittering sands of the South of France, or the azure-blue waters of Mexico may hold a certain kind of magic for newlyweds, but the continent of Africa offers its own bit of adventurous magic just waiting to be explored.

    Here are five unbelievable honeymoon destinations, right here in Africa, that will leave you mesmerised by the abundance of natural beauty:

    Morocco

    Relax on the white sandy beaches of Casablanca or meander through the bustling streets of Marrakech, the North African country of Morocco is bursting with incredible destinations to suit every honeymooner’s palette.

    Picture: The Blonde Abroad

    Kenya

    Adventure awaits when choosing Kenya as your honeymoon destination. This African country has a little something for everyone, including the skyscrapers of Nairobi, the famous Masai Mara for a safari, and the dazzling beach of Mombasa. What’s better than enjoying a safari in the AM and a swim in the ocean in the PM.

    Picture: Pinterest

    Tanzania

    Tanzania is another versatile honeymoon destination that newlyweds can’t seem to get enough of. Get your hearts pumping with a hike to the edge of the vast Ngorongoro Crater or explore the historic Stone Town.

    Picture: Africa Freak

    Zimbabwe

    Zimbabwe often gets a bad rep, but there’s endless beauty to be explored when visiting our neighbour. It’s considered a wildly romantic wilderness adventure for all, with bungee jumping at Victoria Falls, discovering the Big 5 at one of its many game reserves, and cruising the Zambezi River – magical!

    Picture: Elephant in Hwange National Park

    Mauritius 

    You can’t really spell tropical island without honeymoon… well, you can, but the two go together like peanut butter and jam. Mauritius is a favourite for bridal couples looking to soak up the sun, spend the day snorkelling in warm waters, explore the island’s rugged terrain, and enjoy its unique culture. Make sure you take a peek at the 33-metre Mangal Mahadev statue on the island!

    Picture: The Blonde Abroad

    Feature Image: The Blonde Abroad

     

     

    Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Tebow and her husband Tim Tebow have us green with envy as they took to socials to share their recent trip to the Turks and Caicos Islands in the United Kingdom where they enjoyed some downtime.

    Demi-Leigh shared a stunning clip and photos of the pair on her Instagram, revealing that it’s the first time she and Tim had gone on holiday alone since their lavish wedding in South African back in 2020.

    “Our first time away by ourselves since our wedding. No other couples, friends, colleagues, no noise. Just us. Great food, views, & a whole lot of pickle ball. The best few days,” wrote Demi-Leigh in an Instagram post.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Demi-Leigh Tebow (@demitebow)

    The couple looked sunkissed and gorgeous as they smiled for the camera, and we can’t help but add Turks and Caicos Islands to our honeymoon bucket list.

    Take a look at some of the photos below: 

    Picture: Demi-Leigh Nel / Instagram
    Picture: Demi-Leigh Nel / Instagram
    Picture: Demi-Leigh Nel / Instagram
    Picture: Demi-Leigh Nel / Instagram

    Feature Image: Picture: Demi-Leigh Nel / Instagram

    You don’t have to sit on a hill and meditate to de-stress. Although that’s exactly what you’ll want to do after haggling with wedding vendors and explaining to your uncle (second-removed) why he isn’t sitting at the main family table. 

    Whether you’re planning your wedding or meandering through life, making sure that you indulge in self-care is oh-so-important. But with so many things happening in the background, it’s pretty easy to let things slip through the cracks. 

    To keep you on track and remind you to incorporate self-care tasks – no matter how small – into your routine as you go about your wedding planning, here are a few things we hope you won’t let take a backseat:

    Eat Up 

    For some reason, brides feel the need to go on crazy fad diets in order to lose weight to fit into their wedding dress, but no bride wants to look like a completely different person when looking back at their wedding photos. And no one wants to feel hungry all the time. Nutrition is such a major component when it comes to self-care and is the key to our mental and physical well-being. Skip the fads and stick to a balanced diet that hit those targeted food groups – veggies, proteins, and all the wholesome goodness. 

    It’s all mental 

    When our cortisol levels are constantly elevated (thanks, stress) our mental health tends to take a backseat. While there’s a certain level of stress and anxiety that comes with wedding planning, if you feel that it’s affecting your mood and it’s gone beyond just “a bad day,” do not ignore such a big sign. Take advantage of the resources available to you, whether that be meditation apps, breathwork retreats, talk therapy or a break away from wedding planning. Follow your intuition. 

    Get your heart pumping 

    Now, we understand that your Significant Other is more than enough when it comes to getting your heart pumping and skipping beats, but sometimes you need a little more. Exercise is an excellent way to de-stress, so make sure that you get sweating. Take it easy with yoga or pilates, or really push things to the limit with some incredible workouts like CrossFit.

    If you feel yourself checking your schedule and watch, why not keep things simple by going for post-dinner walks. This is also a great way to get those endorphins going and connect with your partner as the big day approaches. 

    It’s okay to relax

    When you’re juggling work, a social life and wedding planning, it can be difficult to find the time to let go and relax. Release your grip on the reins and indulge in activities that will allow your stress to melt away. Think; movie nights, coffee dates (minus wedding talk), Netflix binges, naps and luxurious baths with tons of candles. Throw in a massage or two in for good measure! 

    Don’t forget those around you

    During the hustle and bustle that is wedding planning, you can sometimes forget about those closest to you. Decompress by spending some quality time with friends and family, doing things that are completely unrelated to your wedding. Sunday dinners with family and Saturday brunches with friends – now that’s magic!

    Feature Image: Pexels

    We may not all have our finger on the pulse of pop culture, but celebrity red carpet and wedding looks are a great form of inspiration. With your bridal glam look located on an already long list of to-dos, why not simplify things by allowing your favourite celebrity to be your muse.

    We’ve rounded up 6 celebrities that have left us giddy with inspiration:

    Dakota Johnson 

    The 50 shades of grey actress left us mesmerised with this romantic look. Keep things casual with a half-up, half-down hairstyle, while sporting a neutral makeup palette, rosy blush, a few subtle pink hues, and a beautiful bold lip.

    Picture: Getty Images

    Demi Lavato

    You’re not looking for subtle, you’re looking for wow! If bold is what you’re after,  then opt for darker tones to help you get that beautiful vintage look. Select a bold smokey eye or let your lips be the star of the show and grab a softer shade for your eyes. Pair this glam look with old Hollywood waves and you’ll have a look that’s gorgeous for brides planning a winter wedding.

    Picture: Getty Images

    Adele 

    Who doesn’t want their makeup to look as gorgeous as Adeles? The songstress is famous for her winged eyeliner, a winner for many brides these days, but blend and layer your eyeshadow for a more glamorous look. Darker brows add a pop of colour while false eyelashes will have your soon-to-be husband swooning.

    Picture: Getty Images

    Leslie Rose

    The Game of Thrones star looked like an angel on her wedding day, opting for natural makeup that let her gorgeous face do all the talking. A flower crown for that extra bit of magic and shades of pink for her cheeks and lips were the perfect combination.

    Picture: Pinterest

    Priyanka Chopra 

    Priyanka Chopra may have had multiple outfit changes during her three-day wedding to Nick Jonas, but the actress looked absolutely stunning in this bold and beautiful outfit at her Mumbai wedding reception. She paired her dark red lip with neutral eyeshadow for a bit of sultry romance. She finished the look with her locks flowing over her shoulders, but this look can be paired with an up-do.

    Picture: Pinterest

    Meghan Markle

    She may not be the future queen of England, but Meghan Markle looked like an absolute queen on her wedding day. The royal rocked a natural look with a low chignon which was parted down the middle. Rosy lips, dewy skin and a headband fit for… well, a royal.

    Picture: Pinterest

    Feature Image: Pinterest

    You’re on the hunt for the perfect wedding venue in Cape Town but don’t know where to start? With so many incredible venues to choose from in the Western Cape, it can be a tough choice to make. But don’t fret, we have you covered.

    Here are six Cape Town wedding venues we can’t get enough of right now:

    Nitida Wine Farm 

    Picture: Nitida Wine Farm

    Why we love it: 

    Nestled along the Durbanville Wine Route, this dreamy wedding venue provides an intimate setting for bridal couples looking for something quaint. Gorgeous views of the Cassia dam and the rolling vineyards aren’t too bad either for those all-important wedding pictures.

    • Location: Durbanville, Western Cape
    • Contact: 021 976 0640

    Belair Pavillion 

    wedding venues cape town
    Picture: Belair Pavillion / Instagram

    Why we love it: 

    If you’re looking for that WOW factor, then look no further than this exquisite venue in the heart of Paarl. The award-winning venue offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape and a light and airy space with which to soak it all in.

    • Location: Suid-Agter-Paarl Road, Paarl
    • Contact: 083 987 2264

    Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate

    Picture: Grande Provence

    Why we love it: 

    Is there anything more romantic than a French-inspired wedding venue? Perhaps there is, but there’s nothing wrong with pretending you’re in the South of France. Grande Provence in Franschhoek offers bridal couples a beautiful blend of romance, elegance and lush greenery with a restaurant on-site to help you whip up something delicious for your guests.

    • Location: Main Road, Franschhoek
    • Contact: 021 876 8600

    Blaauwklippen Wine Estate

    Picture: Blaauwklippen Wine Estate

    Why we love it: 

    It’s not just the good food and wine Blaauwklippen is renowned for, it also offers a magical wedding venue for bridal couples looking for something their guests will never forget. The venue is a custom-designed glass structure – the perfect setting for dancing under the moonlight or watching the sun dip behind the Stellenbosch mountains.

    • Location: Strand Road, Route 44 Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch
    • Contact: 021 880 0133

    Die Woud

    Picture: Die Woud

    Why we love it: 

    Die Woud is a “place where dreams are realised” with bridal couples saying “I do” under towering wattle trees and oak trees. The glass marquee is another gorgeous feature of this venue and is ideal for nature lovers as the natural elements form part of your wedding ceremony.

    • Location: N2, Myddleton, Caledon
    • Contact: 082 930 1688

    Muratie Canvas

    Picture: Muratie Canvas / Facebook

     

    Why we love it: 

    Located on the gorgeous Muratie Wine Estate, the venue offers a 20×20 space, beautiful views of Cape Town and a sprawling grass area for your guests to mingle. It’s a great option for bridal couples looking for an intimate setting which immerses guests in nature.

    • Location: Knorhoek Rd, Koelenhof, Stellenbosch
    • Contact: 082 744 9144

    Feature Image: Muratie Wine Estate

    Most brides wouldn’t mind spending a few R10 000 or more on a gorgeous new wedding dress, but for some cash-strapped brides, that’s simply not an option. 

    Heading to your local thrifting store is a great way to unearth some fashionable gems, including a gorgeous wedding dress as one young bride found out. 

    The blushing bride took to TikTok to share her experience of purchasing her wedding dress at a thrift shop as she was determined to keep spending to a minimum. 

    As prices continue to soar throughout various industries, many young couples are attempting to keep things more affordable. Thrifting and smaller, more intimate settings are just a few ways bridal couples are attempting to cut costs. 

    Jullian Lynch, who hails from Ohia in the United States, explained that she initially spent around R60 ($3.75) on the dress, but forked out a few more bucks for alternations, costing an extra R1700 ($110). 

    That’s still not a bad price tag for such a gorgeous dress, a thought many TikTok users had as they gawked at her budget-friendly wedding experience. 

    @jilly_lynch♬ Put Your Head On My Shoulder – Paul Anka

    According to Lynch, the dress was brand new as it still had its tags and social media users couldn’t seem to get enough: 

    “Still $115 compared to $5,000,” one user stated. “Such an amazing dress and shoes. Very classy look.”

    “Gorgeous,” another user noted. 

    Gorgeous, and oh-so-clever!

    Feature Image: Jillian Lynch / TikTok

    When the cravings hit, there’s nothing you can do as one bridal couple recently found out. After all, walking down the aisle and saying “I do” can certainly work up an apetitie. 

    Newlyweds Basman Alwakeel (28) and blushing bride Haneen Alkhthir (31) tied the knot in a traditional wedding ceremony before sneaking away to satisfy their fast food cravings – a tasty meal at McDonalds – before heading back to an incredible evening with family and friends. 

    The couple, who hail from Australia, spent a few hours snapping wedding pics at the University of Sydney. 

    “It is such a beautiful location, but we were so hungry and craved some food, so we did a quick search of the nearest McDonald’s,” said Basman. 

    Picture: @auraweddings/ Caters News

    So what was on the menu for Mr and Mrs? 

    “We both ordered a spicy McChicken with chips and coke. The staff were shocked and the people kept congratulating us.” 

    Thankfully, the talented photographer was there to capture the “beautiful and natural moment.”

    Picture: @auraweddings/ Caters News

    Despite the impromptu affair, that meal sure does look delicious! Even more fantastic is the fact that the gorgeous bride managed to keep her all-white wedding attire free of ketchup – no easy feat! 

    But while the couple tucked into a spicy chicken burger, just what about the guests? Friends and family did not go hungry as tradition dictates otherwise. 

    Picture: @auraweddings/ Caters News

    “It’s tradition for us to have guests in both the bride and groom’s house before the service. Simple snacks are prepared for the guests and later at the reception we chose Mediterranean food,” Basman said.

    Feature Image: @auraweddings/ Caters News

    The one cardinal rule for every and all weddings is this: do not upstage the bride. 

    Also, never wear white.

    Unfortunately, one woman managed to break both of these rules. 

    A mother of the groom attempted to ensure all eyes were on her by donning a replica dress of the bride’s wedding gown – yikes! 

    The bride shared her experience on Reddit’s wedding shame community, sharing a series of snaps from her “big day.” In the photo, the bride, mother-in-law, and now, ex-husband, can be seen posing for the cringe-worthy photo. 

    “MIL really wanted to be bride. I’m now divorced from her son, who she posed with in the 2nd picture,” wrote jerseygirl1105.

    Picture: Reddit

    It’s a tough pill to swallow but the dresses look eerily similar. 

    So, just what did the guests at the wedding think? 

    “It was humiliating for her because the reaction was not what she expected, which was to feel like the bride. Instead, she looked like an absolute fool.”

    While the image stirs up some level of fury and embarrassment, the comments regarding the post were hilarious. 

    “I thought they were sister wives,” said one comment.

    “You know the engagement photos where the bride-to-be poses with left hand on chest, engagement ring showing? It looks like she’s doing that in the mother/son photo,” noted another.

    All’s well that ends well! The Redditor explained that despite the kerfuffle that took place on her wedding day, the ending of her marriage was not so disastrous. 

    “We remain good friends because he’s a great guy who was embarrassed by his mother.”

    Feature image: Unsplash | Reddit