• Your big day is filled with many things. Saying “I do” to the person you’ll spend the rest of your life with, delicious food, endless dancing, and to ensure that the day stays in your memories forever – the wedding photos.

    While no one ever forgets when they walk down the aisle, one bride and groom will definitely not, and they have the photos to prove it!

    The bridal couple – named Murat Zhurayev and Kamilla – had been posing for pictures when the groom decided he wanted to go the extra mile and strike a ‘dramatic and artsy’ pose. Unfortunately, things didn’t go according to plan as the groom slipped and both of them ended up lying in a muddy slime caused by a flash rainstorm in Almaty.

    Picture: Askar Bumaga

    Photographer Askar Bumaga was there to capture the entire moment, which has since garnered more than 41 000 likes on Instagram. The images show the bridal couple landing in the mud, turning Kamilla’s from a traditional white to a muddy brown. A pained expression can be seen sprawled across her face, but this soon gives way to laughter.

    Looking on the bright side of things, at least the couple has some memorable photos!

    Picture: Askar Bumaga

    So, just why were they in the mud anyway?

    “My main specialisation is the photography of lovers and weddings. I’ve been doing this for over 10 years.

    “I planned this photo shoot as an experiment. Unfortunately, or fortunately, such failures, the mistakes of others and random situations attract more attention than standard photo sessions against the background of a beautiful sunset,” said photographer Bumaga.

    Picture: Askar Bumaga

    “The photo shoot itself took place in Almaty, Kazakhstan. No one was injured during the filming of this project.”

    Thankfully, all’s well that ends well!

    Picture: Askar Bumaga

    Feature Image: Askar Bumaga / Instagram

     

    You’ve said your “I dos,” and now it’s time to enjoy newlywed bliss with a luxurious honeymoon. Thankfully, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy incredible views and Balinese-inspired spots.

    Here are five South African honeymoon spots we’re loving right now:

    Tsala Treetop Lodge, Western Cape

    South African honeymoon destinations

    The Western Cape has some pretty cute spots perfect for a bride and groom looking to escape, but who wouldn’t want to feel like the modern-day Jane and Tarzan with this tree-top adventure. Tsala Treetop Lodge is a luxurious escape nestled along the Garden Route, providing spectacular views of a lush paradise and opulent suites that would beat any childhood treehouse.

    Zimbali Lodge, KwaZulu Natal 

    South African honeymoon destinations

    Who said we need to travel all the way to Bali? Zimbali Lodge is nestled in a coastal forest reserve and offers guests plenty of “Balinese” charm without ever needing to leave South Africa. Grab your surfboard and catch a few waves, or spending your evenings sipping cocktails and enjoying the sprawling swimming pool. This spot is sure to be a paradise for lovers or nature lovers.

    Sasi Bush Lodge, Northern Drakensberg

    South African honeymoon destinations

    You don’t need to travel far to experience the pitter-patter of snow falling. The Drakensberg is a popular destination for those looking for a snowy escape and there’s nothing more gorgeous than a winter wedding. Sasi Bush Lodge is a glamping experience like no other that offers incredible views of the Drakensberg Mountains and a range of “camping tents” that gets you close to nature without ever feeling like you’re “roughing it.”

    Kwandwe Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape

    South African honeymoon destinations

    The Big Five, a rugged landscape, and serenity – that’s all you need, right? Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is a hidden gem in the Eastern Cape and is the perfect spot to put your feet up and enjoy newlywed bliss. There are several accommodation options to choose from, including eco-friendly tents and a luxurious lodge that provides jaw-dropping panoramic views. 

    Ulusaba Private Game Reserve 

    South African honeymoon destinations

    Ever wanted to take a peek inside a billionaire’s private game reserve? Well, now’s your chance. Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is owned by Sir Richard Branson, but apart from that small fact, the property is incredible. Nestled in the Sabi Sabi area and built high upon a cliff, the lodges offer amazing views and luxury. Spend your days discovering the wildlife in this area with daily safari trips before catching the sunrise while cooling off in one of the swimming pools.


    Picture: Sasi Bush Lodge

    It’s 2022, and if there’s one thing dominating the world of trends, it’s the desire to be unique, ignite our inner child and have fun again. Who could blame us? After being kept indoors for as long as we were thanks to the pandemic, the want to make our comeback fun-filled speaks greatly to the overall reminder that life is too precious to be boring.

    Cue the fun couple – you may know them or identify as part of the trope (at least that’s what your friends and inner dialogue suggest). Ordinary was never on the cards for this kind of couple. Regular dinner dates? Nope, a spontaneous adventure always made more sense. Staying in to watch a movie? Sure, if candy and homemade forts are involved. Just one drink after work? The fun couple laughs at your naivety.

    Translating the desire for a fun-loving wedding from paper to the aisle isn’t always easy, and can sometimes border on messy. As much fun as it is to add uniqueness, laughter and the joy associated with parties in our younger days can be, there’s a fine line between “fun done right” and fun that unravels like a bad comedy. However, with a little planning and a touch of organisation, guests will be waiting for you to renew your vows sooner than you can say “I do!”

    With this in mind, here are some suggestions to turn your wedding from typical to fun-loving fantastic:

    1. Have guests take a shot to find their seat

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    Wedding photographer Jake Molina says that “this could either turn out well or a little too well”. Whether it help guests ease the nerves of not knowing many people, or simply the idea that makes them chuckle, it’s a great shot at making any ceremony a little more entertaining.

    2. Flower girls? How about flower grannies? 

    Pinterest

    Let’s face it, little ones are cute and all, but a flower granny certainly adds that golden touch of surprise and fun for the older guests at your wedding. This is another suggestion from Molina, who says that it’s a “fun way to incorporate family in your big day.”

    3.A polaroid guest book 

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    Posing for wedding photographers is one thing, but the excitement of a travelling polaroid camera just adds that extra snap that takes away from rigidity. Let guests take their photos, then glue them into a big guest book. It’ll be a great reminder for you of who all was there, and a laugh at the nature of single-take photos.

    4.Cupcakes over a big wedding cake 

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    Tiny cakes and cupcakes are ruling the roost in 2022’s wedding cake trends, and for good reason. 1.Everyone can have their cake (and eat it too) without waiting too long, and small-sized treats allow for personalisation. Also, treats in smaller form are categorically more exciting for reasons most humans feel but can’t explain.

    5. A bouncy house at your reception 

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    If you really want to marry your relationship’s child-like energy with aesthetics, then renting a bouncy house is a sure way to keep both your free-spirited and younger guests happy. Adding balloon bouquet arrangements makes for the perfect non-traditional wedding aesthetic, and we bet your wedding will be all the talk on Instagram and TikTok.

    6.Have a food station 

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    Whether it’s a taco bar, a doughnut station, noodles or a dessert bar, having an awesome foodie station adds the kick of thoughtfulness and creativity to your menu.

    7.Fun fact napkins

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    Who doesn’t love a fun fact, especially when it’s about the couple? Creating fun facts is one of the most creative ways to spill some tea to your guests, and let them get to know you and your partner as a couple, better.

    Picture: Pinterest/ Huffpost

    Before your beau went done on one knee and decided to pop the question, you always had a clear idea of how you would look on your wedding day.

    Mermaid dress, dewy makeup, and hair tied back. But sometimes reality is far more chaotic than fantasy, and you may now find yourself frustrated at the fact that the dress, make-up and hairstyle you’ve always wanted isn’t exactly what you want now. 

    A great thing about planning your wedding in today’s social media-obsessed world is that inspiration is simply a click away. Don’t believe us? Check out these inspiring Instagram accounts for the perfect bridal hair and make-up straight from the pros:

    Veiled Vanity Artistry

    Simple, elegant and perfect for brides looking to achieve a look that’s effortless.

    Page Beauty

    Perfect for brides who have spent years scrolling through high fashion magazines such as Vogue. Emphasis on high fashion.

    April Foster Bridal

    Self-described as “sophisticated, classy and cool” – that’s exactly what you’ll get!

    Fiore Beauty

    It’s the perfect Instagram account for brides looking to add a feminine and classic touch to their big day.

     

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    The Queens Bees

    We want bold, we want beautiful, we want chic! This Instagram account is all that and more.

     

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    Natalia Issa

    Who doesn’t want to feel like a princess on their wedding day? Beautiful and bold inspiration is exactly what you’ll get when checking out this Instagram account.

     

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     Ana Matanovic

    You want that je ne sais quois! That local flavour infused with an international aesthetic – Ana Matanovic has you covered.

     

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    Shauna Elizabeth

    Effortless and ready to take on the aisle!

    Feature Image: Ana Matanovic