You might think that a wedding planner wouldn’t want to do the work of planning his/her own wedding, since that’s what they do for a living. But actually, that’s the perfect reason for them to do it. They know all the ins and outs, the tricks and tips and most importantly, they have contacts in the industry.
One such lucky lady, California-based Erica España, recently threw her own wedding when she got hitched to her long-time best friend and high school sweetheart Dustin Lakin. They said their vows in the lovely English Gardens of Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills. And here’s the best part: There was no one at the ceremony.
Afterward the ceremony, they invited 30 family members for an intimate dinner at a hotel in Downton LA.
Erica told Brides that she called in some favours for her big day. The couple’s custom invitation suite featured calligraphy and bright, cheerful botanicals. It also included elements that hinted at reception elements to come. She asked bakers she often worked with to make cookies and macaroons that matched the invitation suite. The treats were packaged in mini velvet bags, the same material used to line the envelopes.
After the stately dinner, they threw a dance party for 90 guests. “I didn’t stop dancing until the wedding was over!” said Erica.
As a wedding planner AND a married woman, we are eager to get some wedding advice from her. Her mantra is easy enough: “Go with your gut and do what makes you feel comfortable. When guests see that you’re relaxed and having fun, they’ll follow suit.”
Picture: Brides/Mike Radford
When it comes to wedding decor, your seating chart is one of the most practical aspects. However, it does not have to be a boring one. Once you…
Recent wedding trends have focused on dramatic, colourful and opulent finishes. However, it is not for everyone. Many couples are drawn to simplistic finishes. You don’t always need tonnes of decor to make a statement.
The minimalist trend is all about less-is-more. Think neutral colours, natural fabrics, organic elements, accent metals and lots of glass pieces. Clean lines and key pieces create a sophisticated look perfect for weddings.
Minimalist wedding decor directs attention to where it should be: the newlyweds. Here is some decor inspiration that prove that there is beauty in simplicity.
Invitations:
Quality white paper and simple black script are a perfect pair. Add flair with some dried botanicals and a unique letter stamp.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3zH5MKFPl6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Welcome sign:
Welcome your guests in perfect minimalist style. Your welcome sign can feature lots of blank space and minimal words to achieve this simple yet striking finish.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3V-2azAoBi/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Venue:
High ceilings, exposed wood and white walls work best for a minimalist wedding venue. We love how just some string lights and greenery take this venue from drab to fab.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2D4OvCnB1A/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Backdrop:
For a beautiful yet simple photo backdrop, consider a wall of hanging lights. Your images will be stunningly and romantically lit, and its very affordable.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3au7IYBYGt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Seating arrangements:
Fabric banners are wonderfully minimalist. Use simple lettering, shapes and blank spaces to get the look.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzsivc3IWSg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Seating numbers:
If you’re having multiple tables, let your guests know the number with these minimalist table signs. A clear card with block lettering works very well for this theme.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B32pdoslTk6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Sweetheart table:
Minimalism does not have to be boring! With just a few candles, flowers and a frame, this sweetheart table has achieved picturesque perfection. The flowers add a softness to the angular frame that dominates the table, giving a great balance to the overall effect.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3eecPNnZxU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Table arrangements:
Long tables work best for a minimalist wedding. Decorate them with white candles, and dried botanicals to achieve this simplistic yet stunning look.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3A-eCajFOR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Plating:
Simple, white plating is all you need for a minimalist wedding. Have some fun with the menu by using curlycue scripts.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3tUul9DtCt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Table decor:
Place single leaves of greenery in modern terrariums or vases for some minimalist decoration. These table decorations are soft yet modern, creating a wonderful juxtaposition.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3xF8ongqRA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Signage:
A natural linen banner makes for perfect signage. Print a short slogan on the banner for some simplistic decor.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3Xnvm5Fhy5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Cake:
Cakes have become very extravagant in recent years. Take it back to simplicity with this minimalist design. We love how they incorporated a simple vine into this layered cake.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BE910O-Q0aP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Picture: Unsplash
Having your wedding ceremony in a church or House of Worship is a beautiful thing for couples who feel connected to their religion and would like to keep…
So, your heart is fluttering and your mind has one ever-present thought: you’ve found the love of your life, the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. Wow! Now you need to think about popping the big question.
Cape Town has plenty of romantic destinations for getting down on one knee to ask this all-important question.Whether it’s a beautiful vineyard or a stunning restaurant with a view, the Mother City has it all.
Briony Brookes, Communications and PR Manager for Cape Town Tourism, shares her thoughts about the best spots for a romantic proposal to your loved one.
Signal Hill:
Signal Hill, with its panoramic views of the city, the ocean and the mountains, is a wonderful spot for watching a stunning Cape Town sunset. With a glass of bubbly in hand, it lends itself to being among the most romantic places to pop the big question. But, if this is your choice of location for the marriage proposal, arrive early so that you can select the best spot – before you are crowded out by the many other couples spending a romantic few hours together.
Dash Restaurant & Bar:
Smooth, soulful live jazz from Thursday to Saturday, elegant and chic decor and a panoramic backdrop of Table Mountain lit up in all its glory beneath a starry summer sky. This is the perfect location for an exclusive, romantic soiree. Dash Restaurant and Bar at the prestigious Queen Victoria Hotel is intimate while also being within the V&A Waterfront precinct. Arrive early and watch the sunset from the terrace before diving into their colourful new menu blending classic French and cultural Cape Malay-inspired cuisine. The restaurant is an idyllic setting for a special evening, such as when you’re asking for your partner’s hand.
Chapmans Peak Drive:
Chapmans Peak Drive, or simply Chappies, is the Godfather of scenic drives in Cape Town. With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Constantiaberg Mountains on the other, this road is an absolute joy to cruise down. There are also look-out spots and over 50 picnic spots along the road. So, when it comes to proposing, Chappies is undeniably one of the top spots.
Cape Point Nature Reserve:
If you’re looking for applause and a few damp eyes from inquisitive onlookers, then head for the top and pop the question alongside the iconic black and white old lighthouse at Cape Point. The dramatic views are unforgettable, and you will have the support and encouragement of a large audience of tourists making the trek to the top. What could be more meaningful than being congratulated in languages from all over the world?
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden:
If your partner loves beautiful gardens and a romantic picnic, then Kirstenbosch will take their breath away! The meandering pathways and green areas lined with indigenous fynbos vegetation make for the perfect spot to lay down your picnic blanket and pop some bubbly (and the big question). Enjoy the incredible views from the Boomslang Canopy Walkway as you take a romantic walk together. With all this beauty and romance your partner will surely say yes!
Picture: Unsplash
Your wedding day is the biggest, happiest day of your life. You want it to be extra special and leave a lasting impression. Contrary to popular belief, you…
Your maid of honour is usually your best fried and you trust her with everything regarding your big day. She is the one who’s got your back. This maid of honour fulfilled her role perfectly, but some might say she didn’t exactly approach it in the best way. She noticed that her friend’s new boyfriend acted suspiciously when they first started dating. The first red flag was when she realised he lied to her friend about the price of the ring.
On the night, the groom-to-be decided to pop the question with a ring that still had the price tag of $599 (R8 870) on it. Fortunately, the best friend stopped him and they took the price tag off before the bride-to-be saw it, however, the best friend later found out that he had told his then-fiancée that he had bought the ring for $12,000 (R177 798).
In a Reddit thread, the maid of honour explains how the groom then started telling outrageous stories about his life, which, according to her, seemed too outlandish to be true. He also did some suspicious things and had a history that raised red flags. For instance, he told the maid of honour and her partner that he was a millionaire but lost everything when he got divorced. He also said he used drugs with his ex-wife to try and bring her back from her addiction. The ex-wife, he said, abused him.
Then, the maid of honour was becoming more suspicious and ran a background check on him and found that he kept changing his last name. He had been married three times before and took his ex-wives’ last names. To top that, he had an active aggravated domestic violence case, and a restraining order against him which was granted right before he met the bride.
When the best friend told the bride-to-be about her findings and concerns, she said she knew about his previous marriages but dismissed all the other concerns saying: “It’s not like that, he had a hard life and he loves me.”
The maid of honour decided not to be part of the wedding as she didn’t approve of the marriage and knew that her friend was landing herself in a compromising position with this man.
But shortly before the wedding, the bride phoned her and begged her to be there. The maid of honour, wanting to protect her friend, then decided to attend the wedding with a sign that read: “As your best friend, I OBJECT! You deserve better! Done with love xoxoxox,” taped to the back of her shirt.
However, despite all the maid of honour’s efforts, the wedding went ahead. Regretting nothing about her objection, the maid of honour is no longer on speaking terms with her best friend. She said that even though she was sad, she has moved on.
If you do disagree with your best friend’s choice to marry a person, the right thing to do is to gently warn her like this maid of honour did. Make sure you have your facts straight, though.
Picture: Pexels