• When it comes to ‘business in the front and party at the back’, wedding dresses with gorgeous back detail have got it down.

    Whether you’re looking for something simple, modern or over the top, we’ve got all the (local!) inspiration you need for your dream wedding dress right here:

    Elbeth Gillis

    Robyn Roberts

     

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    Introducing: ✨ P E R L A ✨ Designed to appeal to the modern, relaxed bride who is looking for something a little bit different but still wants to feel comfortable on her wedding day. The geometric lace used for Perla’s bodice is really unique and we have a limited amount available. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Perla is part of our NEW Macao collection and is available to try on in our studio now ✨ by appointment only, visit www.robynroberts.co.za ✨ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #wedressdreams ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Can we also just take a moment to give some love to @nicola_katie who photographed our most recent shoot? She captured the delicacy of our dresses so beautifully and with such an artistic eye. We love your work, Nicola!

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    Anna Georgina

    Lena Lisa

    Cindy Bam

     

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    #cindybambride “I felt so amazing in my dress and loved working with you.” Laura

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    Vagabond

    Image: Pritti by Migneon Marais (model wearing Cindy Bam)

    After the stress and excitement of the wedding, we can’t think of a better way to give your soul some therapy than to get into nature. Hiking is a great way to explore, reconnect with and appreciate the beauty of nature.

    These are some of the best places to go hiking around the world, thanks to the variety and diversity within them.

    Canada

    With sky-high mountains and an endless number of different landscapes, Canada provides an exceptional hiking experience. Within the landscapes you will find lakes, mountains, forests and lots of wildlife. Due to the vast land area, there are hiking opportunities that range from easy to difficult.

    Banff, Canada

    USA

    Consists of hundreds of thousands of hiking trails and is extremely diverse in terms of landscapes. There are deserts, mountains, rainforests etc. Hiking in the U.S. is protected by the National Park Service and they ensure the preservation of the trails and scenery. You’ll be able to experience ample views, mighty trees, rocky ledges and endless canyons.

    Yosemite National Park

    Norway

    Norway has a reputation for being one of the best hiking destinations in the world, and it is well deserved. There is no better way to experience and see all of Norway’s beauty than by foot. It has jagged mountains and a large scenic variety that is so beautiful it will take your breath away.

    Trolltunga, Norway

    South Africa

    Known for its diverse landscapes and stunning views, South Africa has hiking trails that suit every fitness level. There is no better way to explore the terrain and discover indigenous flora and fauna than by trekking through it.

    Otter Trail, South Africa

    Nepal

    A famous hiking destination thanks to Mount Everest with people travelling from all over the world to get a glimpse of the world’s highest mountain. But hiking in Nepal is not only limited to Mount Everest. In fact, Nepal is home to 8 of the top 10 highest mountains in the world. Hiking in Nepal is a truly unique experience as many of the beautiful landscapes are only accessible by foot.

    Himalayas, Nepal

    New Zealand

    Home to the ‘Great Walks’ – amazing trails that allow one to experience the diverse and breathtaking scenery. There are walking and hiking options for all levels. Discover the range of scenery from snowcapped mountains to lush forests.

    Tongariro National Park

    Images: Pixabay

    You’ve said ‘I do’ and tied the knot, the first dance is done and the sappy speeches are over. The evening turns into a party, you’re working up a sweat, and the caterers have packed everything away. What can you serve when your guests are feeling a bit peckish? Here are a few snacks that your guests will love.

    There are a few things to keep in mind when deciding on what snacks to serve:

    • Are your guests older and more mature or younger and hip?
    • What’s the vibe like? Is it more sophisticated and elegant or is it chilled and laid back?
    • Dietary requirements. For example, it might be awkward to only serve pizza slices when someone is lactose intolerant. So it’s important to cater your snacks as you would for you dinner catering.

    When you have your answers you’ll be able to customise your snack table accordingly.

    Pizza=Life

    Serve up tasty slices of pizza or have mini ones available. It’s simple and not too messy. Pizza is also a massive crowd-pleaser.


    Spill the corn

    Opt for ready-made mini boxes or have a machine and a self-help option. Don’t forget the spices! What’s popcorn without flavour?

     

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    Yum!!!! #wedding #weddingsigns #popcorn #weddingsnacks #alwayshanddrawn #signage ##fishermensinn

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    A cop’s dream

    Can anyone say doughnuts? Mini, holes or custom packaged boxes! The options are endless and so are the flavours!


    Not your usual burgers and chips

    Serve up some sliders with a couple of chips. Serving these tiny burgers makes it easy enough for your guests to eat and leaves them totally satisfied.


    Chopsticks and noodles

    Who doesn’t love chow mein? Set out cute Asian take-away boxes with chopsticks. Whatever your guests don’t eat, they can close up and take home.

     

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    Can’t say enough about Bham Eats (Kathy and Rick Claypoole) catering and Chef Wendy! They created a fantastic menu for my mother’s surprise birthday party this past weekend and everything was incredible! More about the catering and Bham Eats in a future blog post but meanwhile, so sorry if you are drooling over these sweet and spicy noodles with toasted sesame seeds in Chinese takeout boxes! They were as delicious as they look!!! ? . . . . #southernsenora #blogger #latinablogger #photographer #iphonephotography #canonphotography #birminghameats #sweetandspicynoodles #chefwendy #bhamfood #bhameatscatering #hooveral #chinesetakeoutbox #alacarteal #aroundtheworldin80years #barbturns80

    A post shared by Teresa Zuniga Odom * Blogger (@southernsenora) on


    Cookies and cream

    You can have mini cookies laid out with milk in shot glasses. Serve a few options of cookies so your guests can mix and match. Set out cute packets so your guests can take some home as well.

     

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    It’s #nationalchocolatechipcookieday and I’m here for it! ???

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    I love candy

    Candy bars are always popular. Provide packets or mini buckets so your guests can make a candy pack to take with them.

     

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    If you missed my “Candy Bar” You missed something special!! #welovecandy #canttellcanya #weddingcandybar #swannerkivettwedding2019

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    Picture: Unsplash

    Choosing a signature fragrance that represents who you are as a person is one thing, but finding a special one, separate from your everyday life, is another. If you’re planning to buy a special fragrance for your wedding day, take these thoughts into consideration:

    What do you like?

    Consider the type of fragrance you’re usually drawn to, and eliminate the ones you absolutely don’t like. If you want to try something new and different, make sure to get a sample of the fragrance so that you can wear it beforehand and figure out if it suits you. Remember, fragrances smell different on you than it does in a bottle. Furthermore, experiment and try out scents with different notes, but from the fragrance families you like. So if you usually wear a floral fragrance, try something with citrus notes – perfect for a summer ceremony al fresco. Or if you want something warmer for an evening reception, try jasmine, amber or musk notes.

    What flowers will you have at your wedding?

    Taking inspiration from your floral arrangements or bouquet is a clever way of tying your elements together, as well as creating a special scent memory. You’ll likely have beautifully fragrant flowers throughout your wedding space, so choose a fragrance that carries those same notes. If you’re having roses, choose a scent with geranium as one of the heart notes. If you’re having a forest of eucalyptus, choose a scent with fresh, herbaceous notes such as bergamot and pine. And if you’re using local fynbos and Proteas as your floral focus, go for a fragrance with woody or earthy notes such as vanilla, sandalwood and oud.

    Will you and your partner share the fragrance?

    Although you and your partner probably don’t usually share the same fragrance, it’s a good idea to do that for your wedding. Your sense of smell is directly linked to the olfactory processing system in the memory part of your brain, which is why a certain fragrance can immediately take you back to a certain moment in your life. With this olfactory element, it also triggers emotions, which your wedding day will definitely be filled with. Choose a fragrance that will represent both your personalities, with an added element that represents you as a couple, too. If you like a floral fragrance, and your partner likes something spicy, combine the two, then add a note of something you both like, like the smoky scent of a campfire or the crisp scent of freshly cut grass.

    Carry your scent through

    After you’ve picked your wedding fragrance, whether you and your partner will share it or not, carry the fragrance through to the rest of the space as well. A lot of fragrance houses have candles and diffusers within the same fragrance range, so place these elements on the tables, in the bathrooms or in spaces where guests will be spending a lot of time to create a sillage that goes beyond just you.

    Image: Unsplash