Engagements Archives | Page 44 of 45

In Advice

Amazing “Pride and Prejudice”-Themed Proposal

February 10, 2019 No Comments

For anyone who’s ever pined after their own Mr. Darcy, you’re going to swoon over this proposal story that’s two centuries in the making. Bethany Albert was visiting her parents over the holidays in Tacoma, Washington, when she unknowingly found herself starring in a real-life version of Pride and Prejudice!

The action unfolded on Christmas Eve, when she stepped into her family’s home and was seized by her sister, who exclaimed that “Mr. Bingley had returned to Netherfield at last!” The English lit major and Jane Austen fan froze when she realized what was about to unfold: “It took less than ten seconds; another sister was taking pictures and this had my boyfriend written all over it. Also knew that we were going to get engaged at some point, but he still managed to surprise me,” the bride-to-be writes on Reddit.

Albert changed into a dress more befitting of the era and was handed a script. She reprised the role of Elizabeth Bennet and acted out pivotal scenes from the novel with her parents (the honorable Mr. and Mrs. Bennet), brother-in-law (Mr. Bingley) and her boyfriend, David Slater (Mr. Darcy), among other relatives. She “just about lost it” but everyone else managed to stay in character for the entire half hour.

Then, the literary heroine and her dashing suitor took a private walk outside, where he reenacted Darcy’s second heart-stopping proposal in her neighbor’s yard (“my affections and wishes are unchanged, but one word from you will silence me forever”).

Check out their adorable photos below!

In Honeymoons

Enjoy an out of the ordinary honeymoon at Lanzerac Hotel & Spa

December 14, 2018 No Comments

One really needs a week at Lanzerac Hotel & Spa to reset and refresh body and mind. There’s really too much to do for a one- or two-night stay. To start, exploring the estate – the gardens, pool, spa and various restaurants – takes an entire day, and who wants to rush that?

As a honeymoon cove of luxury, the pool, surrounded by loungers and gazebos with its own bar, is a priority on a hot sunny day. Head over there straight after breakfast to have it all to yourselves for a little while, sipping white wine-wine spritzer or a sneaky cocktail – just you and beau.

Speaking of breakfast, it’s honestly a pity you have to wait until the day after checking in until you get to experience the spread that is the breakfast buffet. Everything you could possibly want is on the table (pun intended) from oysters to cold-pressed juice to fresh pastries, and always completed with a cappuccino. The eggs Benedict that should follow any continental spread is stacked with so much salmon and perfectly prepared hollandaise sauce, you might struggle to find space to finish it all.

After a morning swim, and if you haven’t gone back to your room and finished the contents of your complimentary mini-bar, you need to head to the spa for a relax in the hot tub overlooking the vineyards,; unless you’re staying in an exclusive suite, that is. Then your personal steam room takes preference. Lounging on the deck on a hot day, laps in the (very) heated indoor pool, a workout or mist completely relaxes you when you’re unwinding from the whirlwind that was planning and executing the perfect wedding.

This is even before you’ve ventured upstairs, where a world-class spa with an endless list of treatments and massages awaits. (Side-note – if you’re even slightly decor obsessed – feast your eyes on the embroidered upholstery that covers the walls.)

The reason that Lanzerac feels so much like home is the unique decor. Nothing is the same in each room – in one, a lucky find of lime floral headboards inspired the greens and pinks throughout the suite. In another, bold wallpaper panels are installed behind the Californian king-sized bed, inspiring the colouring for the rest of the suite.

It’s the combination of old and new furniture and finishes that makes it special and anything but standard hotel decorating.

The Craven Lounge is another must-see where one antique find provided inspiration for the rest of the space. Paintings of 19th-century hunters on the wall with their red jackets inspired the red tapestry rugs covering the floor. This lounge is where one ends a tranquil day, sipping on whisky or Champagne before heading to your room to get some rest for the adventures that await you tomorrow.

Want to see more or make a booking? Head over to lanzerac.co.za now!

In Accessories

Alternative engagement ring stones

November 25, 2018 No Comments

An engagement ring holds a large amount of significance for a couple. For hundreds of years, the classic diamond has been a major trend for engagement rings, often honoured for their simple beauty, shine, and value.

But with more and more traditions evolving, the classic diamond engagement ring is slowly being replaced with other special stones, materials and designs that value originality, affordability and meaning.

Take a look at our top picks for alternative engagement rings:

1. TANZANITE

The next best thing to diamonds is the striking tanzanite. With its deep blue, this stone can complement a silver, rose gold or white gold band beautifully. As far as cut goes, tanzanite is popular in many shapes. This teardrop ring shows how tanzanite can pair with other jewels as well.

2. MORGANITE

With a light, dusty pink tint, morganite is an affordable and stunning stone which signifies unconditional love and compassion – two necessary traits in all marriages. This stone is equally as versatile due to its light shade and works well with all metals.

3. JEWEL BAND

If you want to have a more practical and simple engagement ring, then a plain band with a few jewels may be the one for you. Incorporate your favourite stone, or multiple to make a statement. If you opt for a brightly coloured stone such as the ruby or peridot, your band is bound to stand out.

4. OPAL

Opals are a rare and highly sought after stone that adds a touch of glamour to a ring. They can give off a vintage appearance, but if you pair it with a simple silver band surrounded by smaller diamonds, it becomes a modern but still unique ring.

5. VINTAGE

Whether it’s an heirloom, has been bought in an antique store, or specially made to appear old-fashioned, vintage rings will always be breathtaking options for engagement rings. The metal is darker and has intricate detail, which is often accompanied by a large and neatly cut stone.

6. ONYX

Dare to make a bold statement with a dark and shimmery onyx centrepiece on your engagement ring. This black stone complements yellow gold in a unique and modern way, which has slowly started to pick up attraction on the market.

7. PEARL

Having a pearl on your engagement ring definitely adds a touch of vintage elegance. If you are a lover of all things old-fashioned, opting for these lovely round jewels will bring your dream ring to life.

8. ROUGH CUT

The cut of the stone makes a big impact on the overall ring. Just simply using an uncut diamond instead of a neatly cut one can change the look and feel of your ring. A rough cut ring is more rustic and natural-looking, for a more organic finish. In this case, it’s better to seek a specialist for a hand-crafted option.

9. TURQUOISE

If you love to be different then this is the stone for you. Choosing a turquoise jewel for your engagement ring is a big step, as this particular stone has a very youthful appearance, especially when paired with a dainty band and smaller stones. But you will have a unique and special ring that you value, which is all that matters.

10. SMOKY QUARTZ

This earthy stone is a beautiful and affordable option for an exquisite natural-looking engagement ring and can be paired with silver or yellow gold for complementary tones. Marvel over its sparkle and changing colours when it catches the light.

Image: Unsplash

In Accessories

5 nail trends that stand out this summer

November 12, 2018 No Comments

This summer’s nail trends are keeping it simple and feminine with pastels, glitter, nudes and a few bold details. Incorporate one of these 5 gorgeous summer nail trends for a glamorous feel on your big day.

1. NUDES

Simple, neutral and oh-so-sophisticated, nude shades bring a subtle elegance to your look. Pair with shimmery jewellery and bold make-up for added flair.

2. METALLICS

Make a shining statement with tinted metallic shades to suit your wedding theme.

3. MARBLE

The marbled effect will give your bridal look an elegant and modern touch, one that you’ll definitely want to try again.

4. PASTEL

Soft pastel shades matched with delicate details will always be a winner for a bride. Pinks, blues and lilacs make lovely summer options.

5. RED

Make classic bright red your colour for the day, and have your nails shaped into a bold and daring style for an extra sultry statement.

Images: Pinterest

In Engagements

Take in the beauty of Durban’s golden coast at Belaire Suites Hotel

November 9, 2018 No Comments

Sun? Check! Sand? Check! Sexy selfies? Check! When it comes to a beach holiday, Durban ticks all the boxes – year-round! And the stunning four-star Belaire Suites Hotel is situated conveniently along the golden coastline, offering views and entertainment no one can resist!

THE VENUE

Gracing Durban’s incredible coastline, Belaire Suites Hotel takes beachfront luxury to a whole new level with sea-facing rooms and a glamorously decorated interior suitable for couples seeking an escape amidst the hustle and bustle of the beachfront. Take in the glorious promenade view and breathtaking sunsets right from your bedroom window in this romantic atmosphere.

THE ROOMS

The hotel is comprised of 124 apartments, each containing a kitchenette with a microwave, kettle and fridge to suit everyone’s needs. You’ll be able to take in the stunning views of Durban’s coast while experiencing the luxury of Belaire’s modern set-up, with clean decor and a marble bathroom design. Guests can choose from studio, family, grand family and studio suite apartments or interleading rooms.

Lookbook: Fly away with me

November 6, 2018 No Comments

Take in the romance of dramatic trains, long floaty dresses, full skirts and soft veils billowing in the wind with our gorgeous lookbook.

Top, Zara; dress, Tsotetsi KL; bracelet, Jangi; socks, Witchery; shoes, The Fix

Shirt dress, Stephen van Eeden; Karla satin ballgown skirt, Elbeth Gillis

Dress, Elbeth Gillis; fringed kaftan by Erre, Showspace; velvet choker, H&M; sneakers, The Fix

Dress, Enzoani; top, Zara; cape veil, Janita Toerien; hat, Woolworths

Dress, Janita Toerien; top, Zara; veil stylist’s own; socks, Witchery; sneakers, The Fix

Top by Utopia, Zando; skirt, Orapeleng Modutle

Dress, Spero Villioti; wrap blouse by Tiger Lily at Dark Paradise, Showspace; shoes, The Fix

Dress, Stephen van Eeden

Header image: Dress, Orapeleng Modutle; top, Erre; earrings, Pichulik

Fashion: Rochelle Malherbe
Photography: Gareth van Nelson

*All products subject to availability

In Cake

Top 5 wedding cake trends popping up this season

November 6, 2018 No Comments

From simple design to styles with flair, this season sees wedding cake trends that flaunt colour, details and texture perfect for a summer wedding.

1. RUFFLED

Trends from the fashion world are making their way to the foodie scene, with ruffles giving cakes a lovely textured look that is unique. This look already creates a light and fluffy style that is simple and elegant and doesn’t need much more decorating.

2. A TRIO OF CAKES

Following Prince Harry and Megan Markle’s wedding, couples are taking inspiration from their magnificent cake which sat in a trio instead of the usual tiered layer. This creates a slightly more casual look, but also allows for more variation. You can have three different styles and flavours!

3. NAKED

The naked cake trend continues to be a popular option for couples who want a more rustic theme for their big day. You can be playful with fillings and flavours and top it with fresh summer fruit to inject a bit of freshness

4. A TOUCH OF ART

Adding an artistic touch to your decor, theme and food is a big trend this year, and what better way to show your love for art than with a hand-painted wedding cake? With a simple tiered cake as your canvas and a few added details, you can have any kind of design to fit your style.

5. PUT A NAME ON IT

Another trend derived from a royal wedding is the newlywed’s initials placed on to the cake. Princess Eugenie and Jack Brooksbank had their initials monogrammed around the bottom tier of their cake, which has led couples to bring back this sentimental trend.

Images: Pinterest

In Advice

“Harry Potter” Book Proposals

June 25, 2018 No Comments

A Redditor named trehlo cut a hollow square into the pages of “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” then attached a ring inside the hollow section so it rested on top of the chapter titled “The Unbreakable Vow.”

In Decor

How to fold a linen napkin into a bow tie

May 15, 2018 No Comments

If you don’t already know how, we’re teaching you how to fold a linen napkin this week. With minimal effort and maximum style, these bow ties make for perfect modern table decor.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Square napkins
Napkin rings

STEP 1

Iron out a square napkin.

STEP 2

Fold the napkin in half once from opposite corners. Turn it so the longest side is at the top and the point faces down.

STEP 3

Fold up the bottom point about 2–3 cm.

STEP 4

Fold over the top towards the point twice.

STEP 5

Turn the bottom half up and over the top, then turn the napkin over.

STEP 6

Fold the napkin at the two diagonal folds in the middle then fold in each end. Make sure that the folded section lies parallel to the diagonal fold line.

STEP 7

Pinch the napkin into a rough bow shape with your fingers and slide it into a napkin ring. Neaten, then repeat with the rest of your napkins.

In Engagements

DIY floral seating chart

April 24, 2018 No Comments

Enchant your guests with a floral seating chart that’s in full bloom! Just be sure to let your stationer know your plan, so that they can create the design accordingly.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

Floral design of your choice
Cardboard
Scissors
Paper punch
Ribbon
Floral fabric
Large polystyrene board
Flat-head pins

STEP 1

Choose a floral design and create seating cards with the table number on the front and guests’ names on the back. Print these on cardboard and cut them out.

STEP 2

Punch a hole in the top of each card.

STEP 3

Thread a piece of ribbon through, knotting it at the back. Make sure every piece of ribbon is a different length.

STEP 4

Pin the fabric on to the polystyrene board, ensuring it is stretched taut. You’ll use this as the backboard.Hang each numbered card over the front of the floral board. Pin the ribbon in place at the back.