• In recent years, a trend has emerged where brides wear two dresses on their big day: one for their ceremony and another for the reception. However, this can become quite costly. Luckily, this inventive New Zealand-based designer developed a way around this by creating the world’s first reversible bridal collection.

    Trish Peng was inspired by one of her brides to create her new line.

    “The reversible dress idea came to life after one of my custom brides couldn’t decide between a lace or plain dress, but she knew exactly what silhouette she wanted,” Peng told Daily Mail Australia. “At her first fitting I was like, ‘why don’t we do both?! I will figure it out!’ So the idea of having two dresses in one was born. You simply flip it and reverse it, one for the ceremony, the other for the reception.”

    The 2020 Reflections collection, which first featured at New York Bridal Fashion Week in October, features 11 versatile wedding gowns to offer brides multiple dress options in one.

    “Introducing our brand new 2020 Reflections collection that features 11 reversible and versatile styles all inspired and named after our brides,” reads Peng’s website. “The gowns are available in every silhouette, they can be worn multiple ways, and you can even select your own fabric.”

    One side typically features one crepe (or any plain fabric) side and one lace (any lace) side.

    Image: Instagram / Trish Peng

    Tropical island hotels and exotic beach-side resorts are what most people would consider “common” honeymoon destinations. If you’re looking to escape from the norm and experience something totally different, then these unique hotels are perfect for you.

    – Thorngrove Manor (Adelaide, Australia)

    This hotel will make you feel like you’re living in a fairytale. The Manor has five unique rooms to choose from and provides day-trips to various tourist destinations. If you’re looking for a perfect romantic getaway, this is it.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B1YKUkTDsIX/

    – Aman-i-Khás (Ranthambhore, India)

    Go glamping at this stunning safari outpost. Not only will you have the unique experience of glamping in India, but you can also go on various adventures provided by the wildlife camp. Exploring by camel, visiting Ranthambhore’s old city, viewing ancient forts, and going on safari’s are but a few of the experiences on offer.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B1yKMNhHMMC/

    Hotel Yunak Evleri (Cappadocia, Turkey) 

    At this five star hotel, you’ll be snuggled up in a cave dug in the wall. The hotel is a combination of seven cave houses and 46 private cave rooms, all overlooking the Turkish Mesa. Yunak Evleri combines modernity with tradition to give you an exceptionally unique experience.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg1bdT9lIbi/

    – Giraffe Manor (Nairobi, Kenya) 

    Get up close and personal with the giraffes at Giraffe Manor. The boutique hotel is set in 12 acres of private land and boasts stunning interiors, gardens, terraces, and courtyards.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B0gl1axn2fk/

    – The Stanley Hotel (Colorado, USA)

    What could be more interesting than a haunted hotel? Not only is the Stanley Hotel an attraction because of its feature in the movie The Shining, but also because of the various paranormal experiences that guests have had there. There are a few rooms which have been noted as the most haunted. If you’re brave, and really want an out-of-the-box idea, this is the one for you.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4EJyTaFnKY/

    – Free Spirit Spheres (Qualicum Beach, Canada) 

    Have an environmentally friendly honeymoon in these eco-eggs hanging from trees! There are three different eggs you can choose from and everything you need is inside…except the toilets. The toilets are outside, but they are very elegant. Since the spheres are on an island, there are many other experiences on offer, such as kayaking, swimming, caving, and zip-lining.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BtbslT7BdCc/

    Image: Pexels 

    If you’re getting married in paradise, why not have your wedding decor reflect it? Tropical wedding decor is a great way to bring the island to your wedding, even if you’re not there. Incorporating natural elements and lots of colour gives your wedding a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for the laid-back couple.

    Invites:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B47BPVEAHa9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Aisle:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3emeXXA5sk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Table numbers:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5Cja6Gn_j8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Table decor:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B45kkAwocww/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Coconut drinks:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B441S2JDse-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Chill zone:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4tqZiWFQ3j/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Bouquet:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5A_MhzFAo-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Getaway car:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5A6dqTKttW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Surfboard drinks menu:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4-8dXkDBwX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Floral chandelier:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4-ErabhXI4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Photo backdrop:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B48xQkrAoR5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Image: Unsplash

    Writing wedding vows can be a daunting task. It can be overwhelming to attempt to sum up all the things that you want to say to your partner. The vows, which at the end of it only add up to a few minutes of talking, are a summary of the love you have for your partner, the promises you are making to them, and the hopes and dreams you have for your future together.

    What makes this more difficult for many, is that it has to be done not only in front of your partner but also in front of all your guests.

    We’ve compiled a list of tips to ensure that you’re writing the best wedding vows you can.

    Things to say in your vows 

    – First, mention your own name and your partner’s name. There are probably many people in the audience staring at you; this could take away some of the intimacy of your vows. Emphasise the intimacy by adding something like, “I, Harry, take you, Sally.”

    – Second, add some anecdotes and personal stories. The guests will enjoy listening to this, and your partner will enjoy the trip down memory lane.

    – Third, make sure you’re saying meaningful things. Cute and funny stories will only get you so far. Say things that also show how serious you are about this commitment.

    – This final one should be a no-brainer, but we know that the stress of vow writing can cause some forgetfulness so we’ll mention it just incase. Always say “I love you”.

    Writing tips 

    – Do not, we repeat, do NOT write them at the last minute.

    – Read through some samples of vows before you start writing. This may help you to work out what your tone should be and could give you some inspiration.

    – Actually write your vows down. “I will remember them”, never works out.

    – Cut out clichés and things that might embarrass your partner.

    – Make sure your vows are not too long. Your audience may get fidgety.

    – Get somebody to proofread it. An outside opinion always ensures improvements.

    -Preparation tips 

    – Practice your vows. Say them out loud. Say them in the mirror. You’ll be nervous on the big day and the practice will ensure you’re familiar with what you want to say.

    – Carry a written or typed copy of your vows with you. If you do end up stumbling on your words, this will be a great help.

    – With all of these tips in mind, remember to also get creative and take into account the finer details and context of your relationship like Jimmy Gisondi, who wrote a set of vows not only for his bride, Kelsea, but also for his new step-daughter, Olivia.

    Credit:Abigail Gingerale Photography

    In his separate vows to Olivia, he said “I promise to never treat you [like] anything less than my own child”. This thoughtful additional set of vows brought the crowd to tears.

    Credit: Abigail Gingerale Photography

    Last but not least, don’t forget to add your personality. Your partner-to-be loves you for who you are, so staying true to yourself will make the vows unforgettable for them.

    Image: Pexels