Nidha, Author at Wedding ETC

In Destination

Beachcomber’s Romance Collection

June 24, 2014 No Comments

Perfecting islands for more than 60 years, Beachcomber Hotels is offering unmissable specials on their honeymoon, wedding anniversary and renewal of vowels offers.

For a match that is truly made in heaven, no destination beats Mauritius and Seychelles to create the perfect atmosphere in which to celebrate your life together. Leader and pioneer of the hotel industry in Mauritius, Beachcomber Hotels owns eight hotels built on the most spectacular shorelines in Mauritius and one exclusive resort on the private island of Sainte Anne, all providing the perfect backdrop for the most romantic time of your life.

Whether you plan an intimate honeymoon or lavish wedding anniversary, Beachcomber’s Romance Collection has something for your taste.

For reservations call Beachcomber on 0800 500 800 or email [email protected]. Visit their website at beachcomber.co.za

In Engagements

A La Card Celebrations

June 23, 2014 No Comments

A La Card Celebrations is the registry and celebration website that can make all your wishes come true!

If your ideal gift is a hot air balloon experience for your birthday (or you’re more interested in that gorgeous pair of brand shoes that are completely out of your reach) the latest must-have pram for your new arrival or gorgeous honeymoon add-ons after the huge expense of a wedding, all you have to do is register your event/celebration online at alacardcelebrations.co.za.

There you can create your dream wish list. Invitations to your friends, family and colleagues will automatically be emailed to your contact list where they can logon and gift you with a cash contribution towards your dream gift. This is loaded onto a GiftBucks™ MasterCard® that will be sent to you prior to your big day. It can be used in any store, throughout South Africa.

Not just weddings but Mother’s day, Father’s day, housewarmings, graduations, barmitvah’s and batmitvah’s, christenings, kitchen teas and bachelorettes – the celebrations are infinite.

From your dream gift list, your friends simply contribute towards exactly what you need and want, making you very happy on your special occasion!

Visit alacardcelebrations.co.za to sign up. For more info contact [email protected] or 011 467 0822.

In Venues

Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff

June 23, 2014 No Comments

An iconic hotel in leafy Jo’burg, the new Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff is a stylish urban resort offering wedding luxury to the utmost.

Elevated on a hillside with panoramic views across the Johannesburg Zoo and the prestigious neighbourhoods of The Parks, the Hotel is now available to book from 1 December 2014. In keeping with a modern African aesthetic, it’s reflective of the dynamic city that surrounds it and screams opulence in every nook and cranny.

With 117 guest rooms and suites scattered amid beautifully landscaped gardens, terraces and fountains, the mood is almost residential; a welcoming respite from the busyness of city life. Five all-new restaurants and lounges prepare to welcome you and your guests with an array of options to enjoy the finest cuisine, accompanied by the best wines of South Africa and the world.

Capturing the serenity of Johannesburg’s lush gardens and greenery, the nature-inspired Spa offers a casual atmosphere where you and your bridal party can relax in the sunshine before the wedding bell tolls.

Book your wedding date directly from their website HERE or visit fourseasons.com/johannesburg. Find it at 67 Jan Smuts Avenue, Johannesburg.

Photographs: Courtesy

In cake

Confetti dreams

June 20, 2014 No Comments

Bigger, bolder and better! Dark tablecloths and walls are offset by white: silvery-white chairs, starched serviettes, pretty pearly-white chandeliers and different-sized crisp rosettes. Bring these two antithetical colours together, and you get drama!

Flower arrangements by Jean Badenhorst and Lana Fredericks/Aspen Flowers & Co; Stationery by Heather Moore/Skinny Laminx; Food by Jacques Erasmus/Hemelhuijs; Cake by Wade van der Merwe/Cakes by Wade; Photography: Gareth van Nelson/HSMimages; Styling: Cornelia Badenhorst/de liefde

In Weddings

Anna & David

June 19, 2014 No Comments

Anna Kokosinska was swept off her feet by David Bird. They wed in true romantic style with a three-day affair in Franschhoek.

HERE COMES THE BRIDE…

Our versions of how we met differ dramatically, but it all started in a bar in Perth. Two days later, I was on my way to Texas with him, where a two-week visit soon turned into a whirlwind romance.

Our engagement was spectacular. We were staying at a spa hotel – Les Sources De Caudalie – just outside Bordeaux. He proposed in the cellars of Château Lafite Rothschild. To top it off, we had dinner at a two Michelin starred restaurant that night.

Having lived all over the world, David said South Africa was where he wanted to get married. After seeing photos of Franschhoek, I didn’t need much convincing!

A close friend in South Africa recommended Wedding Concepts and we met Kate, our wedding planner, over Skype. We spent a year chatting and creating Pinterest boards. She made the planning process a breeze and I will be forever thankful for her.

THE BIG DAY

Having never set foot in South Africa, it just blew me away. The venue and the decor were so much more than I could have ever imagined.

We had a great party with flowers and candles everywhere. We wanted a big celebration that was romantic and fun, as a well as being memorable for all our guests who had travelled so far for us.

It was raining on the day, just as I was heading to the altar. We delayed the start by 20 minutes – making David a little nervous! – which let me get some extra-special photos with my dad. So the rain turned out to be good luck for us!

David’s uncle handmade a beautiful box holding a bottle of Vrede en Lust wine and two love letters. During the ceremony it was explained that if there were ever a time in our relationship when we felt disheartened, we should open the bottle of wine and read the love letters – of course, the hope is that such a time will never come. It was very emotional and many guests said they would start this same tradition in their own relationships.

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT

One of the greatest ideas we had was to focus on each other on the day. We were not traditional and didn’t spend the night before apart. It was very special to be able to have so much time together and not get caught up in the chaos.

THE FINER DETAILS

I envisioned myself in a sleek, lacy vintage dress. After many bridal boutiques and describing what I wanted, one lady said ‘you are a Monique Lhuillier bride’, and how right she was! I settled on a ballgown style – completely different from what I wanted at first!

For the decor, we had lots of candles, flowers, crystal and mirrors everywhere, with romantic lighting. There were white couches around the dance floor so people could still be part of the atmosphere while taking a breather.

Our first dance was to ‘We Are Young’ by Fun.. We love the Jewish tradition of dancing straight after the ceremony and wanted an upbeat song to get everyone dancing.

LITTLE BLACK BOOK

Wedding Coordination: Kate from Wedding Concepts

weddingconcepts.co.za

Venue and catering: Vrede en Lust

vnl.co.za

Photographer: Jean-Pierre Uys

jeanpierrephotography.co.za

Music: DJ René Tanguy `the Frenchman’

djrene.co.za

Flowers: Aspen Flowers & Co

aspenandco.co.za

Stationery: Secret Diary

secretdiary.co.za

Dress: Monique Lhuillier

moniquelhuillier.com

In Advice

Dearheart Photos

June 18, 2014 2 Comments

‘To me, the beauty of being a photographer is telling stories in the middle of life’s unplanned and spontaneous moments. It’s about a gentle touch, a belly laugh, a shared look, sheer joy and being there to capture it all,’ says Lindsay-Rae Michael of Dearheart Photos. Cape Town based, Lindsay has a passion for people, storytelling and being hopeless romantic herself is bound to capture your special day in its true, intimate essence.

How would you describe yourself and your work?

Dearheart is an extension of my creative side. It’s an opportunity for me to follow a love I have, to capture the love of others and to have as much fun as possible while doing it.

What do you think separates you from other wedding photographers?

There are so many great photographers in Cape Town alone, and I think it really is a matter of personal preference and who will relay your story best.

What do you shoot in? (film, digital/both?)

Digital

What keeps you inspired?

I always love looking at the work of other artists, not just wedding photographers but fashion, documentary photographers and even films and illustration. Above that, life is inspiring – a beautiful view, a heartfelt moment and a passionate kiss.

What do you enjoy about living and working in the Western Cape?

Cape Town is so varied in its landscape and beauty, I’m always amazed how a location two hours away can have a completely different feel to the last.

Where’s your dream place to shoot?

It’s a toss up between New York and Iceland. I love cityscapes and street buzz but the landscapes of Iceland are breathtaking.

A tip for couples who are looking for their perfect wedding photographer?

Look at a few weddings that the photographer has done, not just one, and get a feel for their style. Also, arrange to meet with the photographer/s. Make sure they are the kind of people you want with you on your wedding day. Besides your groom, they really are the person you spend the most time with, so make sure you like them.

What advice can you give couples for their wedding day?

Keep perspective, relax and enjoy! Remember what the main focus is – you’re getting married! So as long as your partner is there, everything is perfect. At the end of the day your life will be forever changed, and whether your flowers/hair/music was perfect or not won’t take away from that.

How has being a wedding photographer made you a stronger photographer over all?

Being a wedding photographer keeps you on your toes constantly, always looking for a beautiful moment to snap. It teaches you to be quick with your decision making, lighting ideas and how to communicate well with the people you are photographing.

How has witnessing so many weddings impacted your life/work?

I love witnessing two people at their happiest, enjoying the best day of their lives. Every time I finish shooting a wedding I cant wait to get home to my husband and tell him how much I flipping love him.

What are you looking forward to most right now?

Every wedding is exciting. I love meeting new couples and hearing their stories. I’m a sucker for romance.

Contact Lindsay on [email protected] or call 084 657 8938. To see more of her work visit dearheartphotos.com.

Photographs: Dearheart

In Honeymoons

How to pack for your honeymoon

June 17, 2014 No Comments

There’s an easy trick to organised packing and once you know it, you’ll never need to wrestle with your luggage again. Four easy words: line, lay, roll, and fold.

Line the bottom of your suitcase with shoes and tech gear in bags. Fill the center with rolled-up jeans and jackets.

Lay dresses and pants lengthwise on top of the first layer, letting the ends hang over the sides of the luggage.

Roll shirts and jerseys. Place them on top of the second layer and cover them with the ends of the dresses and pants from the layer underneath.

Fold delicates. Place toiletries and lingerie into separate bags and set it all on top.

Keep in Mind

1. Liquids should be poured into 100ml containers and stored in resealable bags.

2. Make sure you lock your luggage with a safe and reliable lock (you don’t want luggage going walk-abouts).

3. Going there you may be light on luggage, but upon return your bags will most likely be filled with honeymoon memorabilia. Check your airline’s website to see the size and weight restrictions to avoid paying a hefty penalty fee.

Adapted from Martha Stewart Weddings

In Fashion

Catwalk trends: Spring 2015 bridal runways

June 17, 2014 No Comments

As seen on international bridal runways, Spring welcomes an array of new necklines, skirts, colour choices and unexpected accessories. Top trends include off-the-shoulder necklines, bold pops of colour, overskirts and convertible dresses as well as capes, cathedral veils and interesting embellished collars.

Designers like Oscar de la Renta have embraced draped shoulders and off-the-shoulder designs (a natural progression from last season’s one shoulder dresses and cap sleeves). Monique Lhuillier’s range focused on pretty colours, introducing blues, greys and minty greens – a fresh take on the typical all-white bridal dress. Lace detailed necklines and collars were seen from Marchesa’s range giving a subtle, regal finish to the overall silhouette of the dress.

Off-the-shoulder necklines

A suitable match for the more bohemian bride, this pretty and romantic neckline goes well with a soft tulle dress.

Flowing fabric from the bodice of an A-line dress with pretty off-the-shoulder sleeves inspire Grecian romance.

Long lacy sleeves are another take on the off-the-shoulder trend – perfect for the more demure bride who prefers to cover up.

Capes & veils

For a bride who wants to cover up or create added drama to her look, the cape is a versatile option (while also being practical).

Collars

A statement piece for a bride who wants to exude an element of royalty. Lace or embellished, collars provide a striking silhouette.

Wedding Album_Fashion_Trends-alberta-ferretti

Wedding Album_Fashion_Trends-Jenny Packham

Wedding Album_Fashion_Trends-MONIQUE LHUILLIER BRIDAL

Wedding Album_Fashion_Trends-carolina-herrera

Wedding Album_Fashion_Trends-pronovias-runway

See more of the Temperley London Iris Collection here

Photographs: Courtesy