These days it’s not just their bodies that brides are getting into shape before the big day. Twelve months before my big day I consulted with several aesthetic doctors for a pre-wedding skincare routine and I absolutely fell in love with Dr Reddy from Medisculpt.
She wasn’t gung-ho to fill or botox me to ‘perfection’ which is why I adored her approach. Instead she analysed my skin and worked out a programme for the year ahead. Yes, I started my skincare routine a year before my wedding (one of the only things I did in advance) and the focus was on my pores and pigmentation.
For the first 6 months I alternated between gentle chemical peels and oxygen facials. In the last 6 months we started the famous Vampire facials, which we did every 8 weeks and the results were spectacular.
The week before my wedding I did an L.O.L facial. This was my absolute favourite! The results are immediate. A L.O.L facial is a Lift, Oxygen and Lights facial. Throughout my whole wedding weekend everyone kept saying, ‘You’re literally glowing you’re so happy’. Honestly, most of that glow was thanks to the L.O.L facial. In truth I was stressed out of my wit, barely eating and definitely not sleeping – all the worst demons for one’s skin.
No matter how good your make-up artist is, you cannot really cover bad skin and no matter how badly I was neglecting my body before the wedding, my skin remained flawless from the work we had done throughout the year.
Romantic, symbolic and a key part of any wedding, take your time when you are choosing wedding flowers and consider these 4 important factors. 1. THE FLORAL FORECAST…
Kristin Breytenbach and Nicky Rossouw roped in their families for a modest-meets-rustic wedding in the heart of the Cape Winelands.
THE VENUE
Winery Road Forest was a dream come true – unpretentious yet lovely and enchanting. I’d always wanted to get married in a forest and Winery’s Morne and Lize made our day special and easy.
THE THEME
There was no theme, but the venue and day were filled with things we love in a sort of mismatched rustic and enchanted way.
THE DRESS
Sharon Burrows is highly creative and worked tirelessly to accommodate all the features I envisioned for my bridal look.
THE DECOR
This was definitely a family effort. We hired a few props, such aschalkboards to write quotes on, from My Pretty Vintage, but the whole family pitched in, as did our friends. Sewing 560 bunting flags was no joke.
THE FOOD
Chef Martin De Cock of Diemersdal Farm Eatery was amazingly imaginative with our budget and informal tapas-style menu. He and his team created small fine-dining magic.
THE DETAILS
We roped everyone in on other small details of the day too: I loved making my own crown, Nicky’s mom made my earrings and bracelet and, together with his aunt, created my wild bouquet too. One of my bridesmaids even sewed my garter that morning (one of the ‘small’ things I almost forgot on the day).
THE FIRST DANCE
For King And Country has long been one of my musically talented husband’s favourite bands – and when we heard ‘This Is Love’, we just knew!
LITTLE BLACK BOOK
Venue & coordination: Winery Road Forest
Photography: Nikki van Diermen Photography
Dress: Sharon Burrows at Still White
Hair & make-up: Donna Taylor at Make-up Madonna
Rings: Prins & Prins
Groom’s suit: Zara
Lighting: The In Thing
Catering: Diemersdal Farm Eatery
DJ & sound: The Party Technician
Videography: Triplane Film Company
Hiring: My Pretty Vintage
Make your big day a fun and festive affair with exciting and thoughtful quirky wedding ideas perfect for a beautiful summer’s day! 1. A FLOWER WALL A flower…
An engagement ring holds a large amount of significance for a couple. For hundreds of years, the classic diamond has been a major trend for engagement rings, often honoured for their simple beauty, shine, and value.
But with more and more traditions evolving, the classic diamond engagement ring is slowly being replaced with other special stones, materials and designs that value originality, affordability and meaning.
Take a look at our top picks for alternative engagement rings:
1. TANZANITE
The next best thing to diamonds is the striking tanzanite. With its deep blue, this stone can complement a silver, rose gold or white gold band beautifully. As far as cut goes, tanzanite is popular in many shapes. This teardrop ring shows how tanzanite can pair with other jewels as well.
2. MORGANITE
With a light, dusty pink tint, morganite is an affordable and stunning stone which signifies unconditional love and compassion – two necessary traits in all marriages. This stone is equally as versatile due to its light shade and works well with all metals.
3. JEWEL BAND
If you want to have a more practical and simple engagement ring, then a plain band with a few jewels may be the one for you. Incorporate your favourite stone, or multiple to make a statement. If you opt for a brightly coloured stone such as the ruby or peridot, your band is bound to stand out.
4. OPAL
Opals are a rare and highly sought after stone that adds a touch of glamour to a ring. They can give off a vintage appearance, but if you pair it with a simple silver band surrounded by smaller diamonds, it becomes a modern but still unique ring.
5. VINTAGE
Whether it’s an heirloom, has been bought in an antique store, or specially made to appear old-fashioned, vintage rings will always be breathtaking options for engagement rings. The metal is darker and has intricate detail, which is often accompanied by a large and neatly cut stone.
6. ONYX
Dare to make a bold statement with a dark and shimmery onyx centrepiece on your engagement ring. This black stone complements yellow gold in a unique and modern way, which has slowly started to pick up attraction on the market.
7. PEARL
Having a pearl on your engagement ring definitely adds a touch of vintage elegance. If you are a lover of all things old-fashioned, opting for these lovely round jewels will bring your dream ring to life.
8. ROUGH CUT
The cut of the stone makes a big impact on the overall ring. Just simply using an uncut diamond instead of a neatly cut one can change the look and feel of your ring. A rough cut ring is more rustic and natural-looking, for a more organic finish. In this case, it’s better to seek a specialist for a hand-crafted option.
9. TURQUOISE
If you love to be different then this is the stone for you. Choosing a turquoise jewel for your engagement ring is a big step, as this particular stone has a very youthful appearance, especially when paired with a dainty band and smaller stones. But you will have a unique and special ring that you value, which is all that matters.
10. SMOKY QUARTZ
This earthy stone is a beautiful and affordable option for an exquisite natural-looking engagement ring and can be paired with silver or yellow gold for complementary tones. Marvel over its sparkle and changing colours when it catches the light.
Image: Unsplash
No matter your haircut, length or texture, these wedding hair trends are just for you. Check out some of our favourites for this season. 1. TIE THE KNOT…
Give your guests a day they’ll never forget (and something to do while you have your photos done) with fun and creative outdoor wedding games perfect for a summer soiree! From jJengato karaoke, the list of fun activities is endless.
By Taryn Wilson
1. BRIDE & GROOM TRIVIA
Let your guests put their knowledge to the test in an exciting game of bride and groom trivia with fun questions relating to your relationship.
2. GIANT CHESS
If you’re hosting your big day at a big outdoor venue, be sure to include this fun and competitive game for your guests to take part in. Use giant chess pieces, or simply paint big water containers black and white to fit the chess board theme.
3. POKER
Adding a few poker tables to your reception area is a great way to keep guests entertained, and can go along with a fun casino wedding theme.
4. WORD SEARCH
Set up a chalkboard word game with words relating to your big day and let guests use their skills to find them all.
5. DRESS UP PHOTO BOOTH
Go big with your photobooth and include boxes with dress-up goodies. You can even be funky and include a few Snapchat filter look-a-likes to get some great pics and loads of laughs.
6. BOARD GAMES GALORE
Stack up on all of your favourite boardgames and lay them outside on a table with some picnic blankets for fun activies that will remind your guests of fond childhood memories.
7. KARAOKE
This one’s always a winner! One way to get the party started at your reception is to set up a karaoke station and get everyone to take part in singing their favourite hits.
8. PIN THE TIE ON THE GROOM
Similar to pin the tail on the donkey, set up a picture of the man of the hour and get guests to attempt to pin on a tie while blindfolded. It’ll be loads of fun!
9. LOTS OF LEGO
If you have children at your wedding, setting up a play area with big lego pieces will keep them busy and entertained during your reception. It may even attract some adult guests too!
10. A JENGA STATION
You can’t go wrong with Jenga! This simple game is an easy way to let your guests have a great time. Set up a few Jenga games on some tables and let your guests do the rest.
Image: Pinterest