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
Anna Georgina
Lena Lisa
Cindy Bam
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#cindybambride “I felt so amazing in my dress and loved working with you.” Laura
Vagabond
Image: Pritti by Migneon Marais (model wearing Cindy Bam)
The wedding reception normally involves speeches, food, drinks, dancing and laughter. For most people, drinks are a crucial social element a party cannot be without, but not everyone…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Images: Pixabay
Your wedding is approaching and planning is in full swing. You’ve thought about the outfit, the food, but what about the flowers? Flowers are used for your bouquet,…
The Zulu people are a Bantu group native to Southern Africa. They are the largest ethnic group in South Africa. So what happens at a traditional Zulu wedding?
Pre-wedding
Lobola
- A form of payment. It’s an opportunity for the groom to show his appreciation for the bride-to-be. The groom compensates the brides family for the wonderful job they did.
Izibizo
- The groom and his family present gifts to the bride and her family.
Umbondo
- The bride will buy groceries for the groom and his family. It has been said that the lobola also enables the bride and her family to purchase the goods.
These traditions are said to create a strong bond between the families, and unites them.
Wedding
Umabo
- In the morning the bride will leave her home wearing a blanket that her mother presented to her. Her father then walks the bride to her new family home. She is advised to not look back she heads off. It is considered bad luck. The ceremony takes place at the grooms family home.
- Once there the father will call out the clan’s name. This is an announcement for the ancestors to know that his daughter is leaving.
- The wedding usually begins at midday, and two cows are slaughtered. After the head of the family has spoken, a goat is slaughtered.
- Bridesmaids hand out gifts to guests. The older women receive their gifts first then the groom’s sisters, men and finally the groom himself.
- Once this is done the bride looks for her groom and lays a grass mat down for him to sit on. She then proceeds to present him with a gift. Normally she washes his feet. While this happens the bridesmaids and other women from her side will hit the groom with small sticks.
- When the ceremony concludes there is dancing and food.
The Zulu people don’t believe that a couple is wed until this ritual is done. They believe that once this is done their marriage is accepted by the ancestors.
Picture: Pexels
An engagement usually includes a ring. Your partner gets down on one knee and pops the question. A beautiful ring is placed on your finger and you’re over…
Weddings are filled with customs and tradition that still play a role in weddings today. While some come from sweet superstitions, others have pretty archaic roots. Nowadays, people are much more accepting and so the couple can decide which traditions, if any, they would like to include in their wedding.
Most wedding traditions are just accepted without actually knowing the reasons behind them. Let’s see if you still think these 5 traditions are necessary once you know their history:
Bride wearing white
White has always been associated with purity and so it became a traditional colour for virgin brides. However, before the 1800s, brides would generally wear red on their wedding day and it wasn’t until Queen Victoria wore white to her wedding in 1840 that it became a trend. While the bride wearing white is probably the most commonly followed tradition, it is not necessary and totally up to the bride.
Something old, new, borrowed and blue
This is quite a sweet tradition and totally understandable, especially if you’re a superstitious person, as it’s meant to bring good fortune to the bride. The ‘something old’ is a way to keep the bride connected to her past and her family. The ‘something new’ represents the start of her new family. The bride is also supposed to borrow something from a happily married couple so that their luck will be passed on to the newlyweds. And lastly, ‘something blue’ comes from the phrase ‘true blue’ and is associated with faithfulness.
Bride’s father giving her away
This tradition dates back to arranged marriages and was a representation of a transfer of ownership. This of course refers to how women were treated as property and, surely, everyone will agree that the roots of this tradition are outdated, thank goodness! Today it is a sweet way for the bride to honour her father.
Couple not seeing each other before the wedding
Also dating back to arranged marriages, it was believed that the couple could change their minds about the marriage if they met before the wedding. Recently, ‘first looks’ (couple meets with their photographer before the ceremony) have become popular and can help calm the nerves of the couple before they walk down the aisle. Those who still hold this tradition, however, see it as a way to build excitement before the wedding, and it definitely makes for good pictures!
Bride’s family paying for everything
An old-fashioned tradition that also comes from the bride being considered property. The bride’s parents would pay for the wedding as they were essentially paying the groom’s family to take their daughter off their hands. Thankfully we live in a world today where women’s rights have advanced and marriage is no longer the only way a woman can be taken care of. These days it is up to the couple and their parents – some choosing to pay for the wedding themselves and sometimes both sets of parents deciding to split the cost – it is completely dependent on everyone’s personal situations.
Regardless of all this, times have changed and the roots of these traditions are no longer valid. It’s your wedding and you should only include traditions that you feel comfortable with.
Picture: Unsplash