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    In Cake

    Showstopper cake-toppers

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    Your cake-topper doesn’t have to be the typically dressed bride and groom – make use of different objects to symbolise your love for each other or your personalities. You have to love the one of the woman dragging the man by his foot – unusual cake-toppers should definitely reflect who you are as a couple.

    The names of the bride and groom

     

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    Gorgeous cake (ombré and gold leaf perfection) by @blackbirdcakes sitting centre stage at @theburroweventspace with a roaring fire in the background. We had the pleasure of working with amazing vendors at Sally & Matt’s wedding a few weekends ago ♥️ Florals, Styling & Coordination | @thehattieandbairntribe . . . #weddingcake #ombreweddingcake #goldweddingcake #weddingcaketopper #weddingcakesmelbourne #melbournecakes #melbournecakedecorator #daylesfordweddingcake #weddingcakeflowers #daylesfordweddingvenue #macedonrangesweddings #daylesfordwedding #daylesfordweddingphotographer #daylesfordweddingflowers #daylesfordweddingstylist #blushweddingflowers #blushwedding #nativeweddingflowers #nativewedding

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    A phrase that represents how the couple feel about each another

    For the quirky couple

     

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    Hello wedding season! ????This is my absolute fave time of the year for my little business. I love working with couples on the small details to make your special day even more personal. My hand lettered toppers are one of my favourite to make and are definitely a firm favourite with you guys! ??? • • • • #notonthehighstreet #partyshop#creativehappylife#prettysquares#smallbusinesslove#thehandmadeparade #thehappynow#smallbusinesslove #creativebusiness#etsyseller #etsyuk#creativelifehappylife#handletteredwedding#makersmovement#smallbusinesslove#mycreativebiz #handsandhustle#smallbiz#pursuepretty#makeyousmilestyle #thehappynow #etsywedding#etsyweddings #weddingdecor #weddingstyling#gettingmarried#marthastewartweddings#weddingcaketoppers #caketoppers#allherglory

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    For the profanity-loving couple

     

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    // F * C K Y E S //⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ How about that on you Wedding Cake ? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ~⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I think this cheeky little cake topper is awesome… It proves that sometimes cool beats romance…⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ~⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ~⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Also Loving this awesome image from one of the talented @blondearmy ‘s styled shoot. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ~⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #weddings #marriage #weddingdecor #weddinginspiration #weddingplanning #weddingcake #weddingcakes #weddingcakeideas #weddingcakedesign #weddingcakesideas #weddingcaketopper #weddingcakerock #weddingcakepops #weddingcakeinspo #weddingcakegoals #weddingcakestand

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    For the couple who loves nature (and their fur-baby)

    For the couple who want to tell their story

     

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    How adorable is this cake topper?! He proposed in Paris. They both love their cat. This is super sweet. ?

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    For the vintage lovers

     

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    Cartolina dall’Arizona. Non sono molto brava con le parole, storie e sentimenti mi viene più semplice raccontarli con fil di ferro e pinze. Brittany e Ruben desideravano un cake topper che parlasse di loro, volevano ricordare quando in tandem avevano affrontato la ripida collina di San Francisco e attraversato il Golden Gate Bridge scoprendo di essere fatti l’uno per l’altra. Avevano capito di saper pedalare allo stesso ritmo, incoraggiandosi in salita e godendo insieme del vento che accarezza il viso durante la discesa, avevano compreso di sapersi aspettare. Scoperto di avere gli stessi valori e la stessa meta. #raccontostorie #conunsemplicefildiferro #lebianchemargherite #weddingcaketopper #caketopper #weddingcake #weddingcakeideas #weddingdetail #bike

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    For the couple who don’t love cake-toppers

     

     

     

     

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    In Advice

    Bridesmaid ‘proposal’ ideas

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    Your big day started with big gestures, and your bridesmaids should be included in these. Here are a few cute ways to ask those closest to you to be part of your wedding party.

    In this day and age, it is quite a big ask (as bridesmaids are expected to perform a lot of duties) so asking those closest to you with a personalised gift of sorts makes their experience that much more special. No matter what you choose to gift in the bridesmaid proposal, make sure to include a letter written by yourself to each individual bridesmaid. You are asking them to give up a lot of their free time to be your bridesmaid, you can take the time to write a personal letter about why you would like them to be up there with you on your special day.

    Here are 5 ways to ‘propose’ to your bridesmaids:

    A cute piece of jewelry

     

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    Getting Married or know someone that is? Why not tag them? ? This perfect little sterling silver bracelet makes the perfect gift for a special bridesmaid, at a very reasonable price ? (link in bio) You can change the text to suit your preference/ have it personalised or, you could have this wording with another item of Jewellery – whatever you would like! I’ll be adding much more wedding stock shortly, so keep an eye out ?? . . . #sterlingsilver #lulaloujewellery #bridesmaidbracelet #bridesmaidgift #maidofhonourgift #bridesmaidjewellery #weddingfavour #thankyougift #weddinggift #weddingjewellery #willyoubemybridesmaid #etsyuk #etsyselleruk #etsyjewelleryuk #etsyshopuk #picoftheday #jewellery #heartjewellery #mybridesmaid #supportsmall #shopsmall #smallbuisness

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    A bottle of wine with a custom label

    A bridesmaid hanger or robe

    This is a great and easy way for everyone to hang up their dresses while getting ready or wear. It also makes for a great wedding photo with all the bridesmaid hangers and dresses together.

    A framed picture of the two of you

    A proposal box

    You can combine a few of these ideas and create a proposal box filled with goodies that make your bridesmaid feel special. Perhaps include items that will help make their bridesmaid duties a little easier.

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    In Wedding Gowns

    Wedding dresses to dip-dye for

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    When it comes to weddings, the small unique details make every moment memorable. There’s simply no better way to personalise your dress than by adding hand-dipped colour details.

    Artist Taylor Ann treats weddings dresses like canvases and creates amazing works of art that suit the exact style of each bride that dawns them.

    Taylor takes a blank dress and adds a touch of personality that not only makes the dress look like a designer piece but also helps to incorporate the specific style and favourite colours of each woman who wears them.

    “I’m just an Artist that wanted a wedding dress as colorful as my soul; then found out I wasn’t the only one.
    Custom Bridal Art Creations are now my specialty.”

    The dress that started it all was Taylor’s very own wedding dress. An image of her amazing Technicolor creation skyrocketed to fame being shared across social media and even featured in popular UK magazines.

    The idea of incorporating shocking colours into a wedding dress took the world by storm.

    What seemed as though it would be a once-off creation has turned into a booming business and brides all over the world are looking to have their dresses hand painted and dip-dyed.

    Now Taylor specialises in helping brides bring the colours of their soul out onto their dresses and she doesn’t spare any work to make sure they’re perfect.

    From sunsets to hand-painted flower details, the sky is the limit with this unique personalising technique.

    Each work Taylor creates is different from the one before and truly gives each bride a masterpiece to wear on their special day.

    Picture: Facebook

    https://www.taylorannart.com/shop

    https://www.instagram.com/taylorannart/

    https://www.facebook.com/TaylorAnnArt/

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    In Engagements

    Say I do with a ring tattoo

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    More and more young couples are moving away from wedding traditions. From having both parents and siblings walk the bride down the aisle, to not throwing the bouquet, and now swopping out wedding bands for tattoos.

     

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    A post shared by ????? ?????? ???? (@edut) on

    The exchange of wedding bands after saying “I do” is symbolic of tradition. Unfortunately though, wedding bands can be removed, stolen or lost. You could also be the indecisive type, like my mother, who has melted down and re-designed her wedding band, as the original was everything but timeless.

    For men, wearing a wedding band may be a bit unappealing. My father for example, never wore his wedding band. When I asked him why I got a simple, “I hate wearing jewelry”. He instead kept it and gave it to me when I turned 13. I now wear it on a thin silver necklace.

    Getting a tattoo on your ring finger is more appealing to some, especially those looking to move away from traditional norms. Those who do not enjoy wearing jewelry can opt for a more edgy symbol of their eternal commitment to their partner. A tattoo is far more permanent than a wedding band after all.

     

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    Matching wedding tattoos are also an option for couples. Or alternatively, you can pair your wedding bands with a wedding tattoo underneath. Getting a tattoo together is also a unique bonding experience.

     

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    There are many wedding band tattoo designs out there. From Roman Numerals of your wedding date, to each other’s initials, to an actual ring design to Mr and Mrs – Mr and Mr – or Mrs and Mrs, to something simple as a single thin band. If you are interested in exploring the idea, click here.

    If you’re already married, then getting a wedding band tattoo as a sort of vow-renewal, or as an anniversary gift could also be an option.

    We saw Beyoncé and Jay Z get matching “IV” tattoos, Dax Shepard has a ‘bell’ tattoo on his ring finger for his wife Kirsten Bell and Behati Prinsloo’s has three dots on her ring finger too. The symbolism of a permanent wedding band tattoo emphasises the eternal commitment of being married. There is nothing more romantic than that.

    Tattoo parlour recommendations:

    Body Architects in Claremont, Cape Town

    Cape Electric Tattoo in Gardens, Cape Town

    Descriptive Art Collective in Woodstock, Cape Town

    Image: Instagram @lindsay_k_evans

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    In Accessories

    Dance your way to love

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    If you’re looking for a classic and timeless gift that’s as unique as it is elegant, Shimansky will do nothing short of wow you.

    The captivating Dancing Diamond heart pendants are the perfect way to dance your way to love and spoil someone special (or have someone spoil you, hint hint). The distinctive design allows the diamond to – quite literally – dance within its setting. Watch as it sparkles against your already beaming skin.

    The pendants come in two limited edition heart shapes at a retail price of R3 995, available exclusively from Shimansky stores. For more information about Shimansky and the Dancing Diamonds visit shimansky.com.

    Wedding Album | Shimansky Dancing Diamond pendant

     

    Photographs Courtesy

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    In Advice

    Amazing “Pride and Prejudice”-Themed Proposal

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    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!

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    In Honeymoons

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

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    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!

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    In Accessories

    Alternative engagement ring stones

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    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

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    In Accessories

    5 nail trends that stand out this summer

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    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

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