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.
Photographs Courtesy
Whether you and your SO are heading for a destination honeymoon or staying local, we’re here to guide you into packing the beauty essentials you need, no matter…
Take a trip into the wild with Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge for a glamorous honeymoon stay. With endless activities and luxurious amenities, this spot is the perfect destination for keen adventurers and those looking for an intimate escape.
THE VENUE
A mere 1.5 hours from Richards Bay lies Africa’s oldest game reserve, Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, with its singular game lodge, Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge. This 4-star accommodation sits privately in the expansive reserve and in the middle of Big 5 territory, making it the ideal getaway for couples. Besides taking pride in their excellent service, Rhino Ridge fulfils its duty as part of the Isibindi Africa Lodge group to protect and preserve the natural surrounds and species present in the game reserve, as well as uplift the local community of Mpembeni.
THE ROOMS
With only four room types to choose from and 36 beds in total, Rhino Ridge provides an exclusive and intimate stay. The honeymoon villas at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge are what dreams are made of. Nestled in indigenous bush and secluded from the rest of the reserve so you have your privacy, each villa overlooks the expansive wilderness and boasts a private plunge pool for you to take a dip at your leisure. There are also eight luxury bush villas, four safari rooms and two safari family suites to stay in.
THE FOOD
Meals are enjoyed in the main lounge, which showcases breathtaking views of the bush, sunsets and starry skies. Indulge in an array of cocktails and local dishes on the terrace, or sip on one of your favourite South African wines by the fire pit. All the meals are freshly made from local produce and cater to all dietary requirements.
THE ACTIVITIES
Apart from the main lodge, Rhino Ridge has its own private spa with organic treatments designed to promote health, wellness and, of course, relaxation. While you unwind for a massage, you can look out at some incredible views of the reserve. When it comes to adventurous activities, the lodge offers game drives twice a day and guided bush walks on request. You can also enjoy a Zulu cultural experience with visits to the local Mpembeni community, or browse the fascinating items in the Centenary Capture Centre and Museum.
For more information, head to rhinoridge.co.za.
Images: Rhino Ridge / rhinoridge.co.za
Let’s face it, metallics are more than just a colour scheme for your big day. They’re bold, fun and glamorous! You can instantly liven up any piece of…
With a strong emphasis on living a sustainable life, there is more and more pressure to go green in all aspects of our lives – and that includes your wedding day. But going green for your big day is a lot easier than you think, and will give you plenty of options to play around with to create a unique event. From everything including your food down to your dress, check out our top 10 ways you can make your wedding more green.
1. LOCATION
Your wedding venue plays a big part in how your day will look, feel and be represented, but it’s also one of the key ways to making your wedding greener. Aim to choose a location that is already promoting sustainability with their food, electricity, water usage, etc. This will make it easier for you when sorting out your decor and catering. To save on fuel, try to find a venue that is more central so that most of your guests can carpool and travel shorter distances.
2. STATIONERY
When it comes to creating greener stationery, there’s plenty to play around with. Apart from it being a major trend in the digital era, creating a wedding website where your guests can find all the details and RSVP saves you on paper (and printing costs). As for the menus, seating charts and stationery present at the wedding, you can get creative with materials like recycled cotton for that high-end look. You can also get away with only one menu per table, instead of giving one to each individual guest.
3. DIY
While DIY doesn’t necessarily equal planet-friendly, creating things yourself will help you keep track of the materials and methods you’re using so that you can avoid anything harmful. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and family for second-hand or recycled goods that can be used to for your wedding decor. For example, placing candles or organic flowers inside old mason jars can create a rustic look on the tables for your wedding reception.
4. FLOWERS
Source the flowers for your wedding from a local organic florist, or even plant them and pick them yourself from your garden. Try to use florals that don’t require a lot of water – succulents are beautiful and modern – and create a beautifully unique arrangement. They can even serve as your wedding favours too, so your guests can take them home and plant them in their own gardens.
5. FAVOURS
There is a wide variety of thoughtful and fun wedding favours when it comes to sticking to green options. Spoil your guests with some herbal tea leaves and a personalised ‘Thank You’ note, or offer them organic seeds that they can grow at home to symbolise your new journey of growth with your loved one. Plants, birdseed or homemade organic beauty products are also lovely options.
6. THE DRESS
Every bride wants that special and unique dress that feels perfectly made for her, but this can be an expensive and taxing reality. It’s much greener and cheaper to hire a dress or have a vintage one altered to suit you. However, if you do plan on buying a dress or having one made, aim to use more planet-friendly materials and create a piece that you will be able to wear again or pass down.
7. FOOD
If your venue is sustainable and offers catering, it’s a perfect deal! If not, look for a caterer that makes use of organic produce. Maybe even opt for going completely meat-free for your wedding menu and serve colourful fresh foods for your guests to enjoy that have a lower impact on the environment.
8. CONFETTI
Instead of plastic or paper confetti, opt for flower petals (which are much softer), birdseed, grains or plant seeds. These make light and pretty confetti pieces that can be carried in hand-woven baskets or bowls to save on plastic or paper cups. They are also affordable, easy to find and utterly unique.
9. DECOR
Try to avoid any paper or plastic use. Rather use proper cotton napkins, bare tables and chairs, and lots of greenery. Write your table numbers on rocks, pebbles or shells, and ask friends and family for spare decorations and table settings that you can borrow just for the day. Mismatched decor may just be the next trend!
10. RINGS
A family heirloom or vintage ring is the perfect way to lower your environmental impact on the planet, while still spoiling your other half with something precious. Alternatively, you can source your ring from companies that work with recycled metals and gemstones and have fair trade labour practices to create a sustainable option for you and your partner.
Image: Unsplash
With all the planning and excitement around the wedding, there’s little room to prepare to ensure you are fully honeymoon ready! Even if you’ve arranged for your honeymoon…
Weddings are all about celebration and coming together. But most of all, weddings are about love. Finding all of these elements in one song that you and your partner both enjoy is no easy feat, which is why we tend to fall back on old wedding classics (or every single Ed Sheeran song). While there is absolutely nothing wrong with this, it’s important to remember the tune you pick will hold memories that last a lifetime, and to hear your wedding song blasted on the radio for months on end can be a bit – well – annoying.
If you really want to opt for a wedding classic for your song, consider using a cover or having someone perform the track on the day for a more personal experience. But for those who prefer something out of the ordinary, see our top 10 picks of wedding songs for the alternative couple.
1. Issues – Julia Michaels
2. Magic – Coldplay
3. Home – Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
4. I Will Follow You Into The Dark – Death Cab For Cutie
5. Mango Tree by Angus & Julia Stone
6. I Would Do Anything For You – Foster The People
7. How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
8. Video Games – Lana Del Rey
9. Make You Feel My Love – Adele
10. Better Together – Jack Johnson
Picture: Pixabay