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
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
Former Miss Teen SA Raelene Rorke and Bostonian Nathaniel Clarke brought their two worlds together for a special weekend-long celebration in Hoedspruit. THE VENUE We loved the setting…
Set in the picturesque town of Port Alred and along the Sunshine Coast, the Royal St Andrews Hotel prides itself on its luxury service and beautiful facilities. With a range of options at your disposal, you’re spoiled for choice with what’s on offer at this magnificent venue.
THE VENUE
The venue hosts up to 160 guests, and couples can arrange to have both their ceremony and reception on site. With a state-of-the-art ballroom, incredible gardens and the exquisite beach backdrop, you’ll have everything you need and more for your dream day. Guests can enjoy canapés and cocktails in the modern and scenic courtyard whilst they await your arrival, before moving to the dining area with high ceilings and glass doors perfect for transforming the wedding reception area.
THE FOOD
Being part of the award-winning Manti Collection, the Royal St Andrews Hotel is renowned for its delicious cuisine, hospitality and a one-stop wedding weekend itinerary. The Thistle restaurant boasts a decadent menu and extensive wine list fit for catering to your big day.
THE ROOMS
The luxury rooms allow you to get settled in style before your wedding day, and also offer the perfect honeymoon escape. With ten elegant rooms in the Heritage section and another fifty stylish suites, there is more than enough space for your guests and bridal party.
THE FACILITIES
Be whisked away on a romantic Kowie River Cruise, or spend your time lounging at the on-site Camelot spa in the outdoor jacuzzi. The hotel also offers croquet, golf and beach horse rides, all suited to a full wedding weekend for you and your guests.
For more information, visit www.royalstandrews.co.za.