Planning a wedding can be stressful, and while saying “I do” can be a truly magical experience, it’s also sprinkled with a bit of panic and stress too. But the honeymoon or first post-wedding getaway is a time to unwind and enjoy each other’s company and should be nothing short of epic.
Basically, the honeymoon sets the tone for the adventures you’re bound to have together, so why not start by making it a beautifully wild one.
Enter Limpopo’s luxurious Abelana Game Reserve, which is ready to make all your wildest adventures and dreams come true.
Forget the cobble-stoned streets of Europe because Africa is romance personified. Wake up each morning and be serenaded by the sounds of Africa: the distant roaring of lions, the magnificent trumpets of elephants, and the melodic songs of birdlife – is there anything more romantic than that?
Abelana Lodge is nestled on 15 000 hectares of unadulterated African beauty, boasting a stylish and newly rebuilt 20-room lodge that overlooks the Selati River. Spend your morning greeting the wildlife that calls this area home, including hippo, crocodiles and a range of birdlife species. Each room is beautifully decorated, offering a comfortable and stylish design that takes nothing away from the landscape. Head out onto the veranda, grab a glass of champagne and cheers as you enjoy Limpopo’s burnt skies and natural brilliance.
Booking a stay here is truly the ultimate escape into nature, providing you with the perfect opportunity to spend some much-needed time together after planning a wedding.
A wild giveaway!
While booking your stay at Abelana Lodge is a must, they‘re treating one lucky couple to a two night overnight stay in one of their luxurious rooms!
This incredible prize includes an air-conditioned, en-suite room, together with all meals (yum), a complimentary bottle of house wine at dinner, all the snacks your heart desires, game drives in an open vehicle and mesmerising bush walks, and a romantic sunset gin stop. Now, that‘s one way to spend your honeymoon, right?
Keep in mind that the giveaway will exclude the following:
- It’s not transferable for cash.
- Transport to and from the lodge is not included.
- Subject to availability.
- Valid for one year from the date of issue.
- This prize will, unfortunately, exclude long weekends, public holidays.
- All personal expenses (including, but not limited to, curios, soft and alcoholic drinks, telephone charges) are for own account.
So, just how do you get your hands on this unbelievable prize?
- Make sure to fill out your details and answer the question below.
- Head to Wedding Etc and Abelana Game Reserve’s Instagram page, follow and tag two friends under our Abelana River Lodge post – easy-peasy!
The Winner will be announced on 1 November.
Good luck!
*Please note that this prize is only available to newlywed couples.
Pictures: Abelana Game Reserve
QUESTION: How many newly rebuilt rooms will you find at Abelana Game Lodge?
Hear the distant roars of wild lions while watching the blazing African sunset at none other than Limpopo’s finest Abelana Game Reserve — the perfect place to escape…
Whether you’ve been racking your brain on unique and cute date night ideas to try, or whether you’re looking for convenient ways to enjoy each others company while still practising social distancing, we have a few adorable ideas that we know you’ll love. If you’re stuck on what to do for your next date, here are a few fun socially-distanced date ideas.
A picnic with a twist:
Restaurants are packed, and first dates are always awkward. If you’re looking for something that will break the ice and add a fun element to date night, try this picnic twist. Here’s what you do; each person needs to bring lunch for the other and then switch. This is an awesome way to get to know the other person’s taste, and it may even offer some comical relief.
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Backyard movie night:
There’s nothing more romantic than enjoying your favourite movie beneath the stars. The Galileo Open Air Cinema hosts a variety of movie nights, but if you’re looking to skip the crowds and do it yourself at home, then this is a great option. A projector, a sheet and your favourite movie is all you need to make this happen. If you’re feeling a little fancy and nostalgic, why not hire (or buy) a popcorn machine for the night.
Enjoy an online sommelier class:
They say that the couple that learns together stays together… or something like that. If you love wine, spend the evening learning with your partner by taking a virtual sommelier class together. Airbnb’s Virtual Experience has a ton of great options to choose from, which doesn’t only include wine tasting. Switch things up by taking a virtual gin tasting or coffee tasting.
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Airbnb Online Experiences:
Speaking of Airbnb’s virtual experiences, they have a range of experiences to suit your date-night desires. Learn how to make pasta from an authentic Italian grandma or enjoy a mellow cello concert from the comfort of your home. The internet can truly be an amazing place, so take advantage of it.
Take a hike:
Are you even from Cape Town if you haven’t gone hiking for date night? There’s no better way to get to know your partner (or potential partner) than when you’re huffing and puffing up a mountainside. Spending time outdoors is also a great way to keep your distance while enjoying someone’s company. From hiking up Devil’s Peak to enjoying a stroll through Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, Cape Town is home to some incredible hiking trails that boast spectacular views that you can enjoy together.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMRD4IApxCD/
Host a couples game night:
Date night doesn’t have to be just the two of you. Rope in a few friends and host a couples game night – virtually, of course. Pop open Zoom, choose your virtual game, light some candles, grab your drinks, and let the games begin! This is also a great way to spend some time with friends.
Picture: Pexels
One of the biggest features of any wedding is the fairytale wedding dress. Whether you’ve been dreaming of your quintessential gown since you were a little girl or…
Inspiration is not hard to come by; you just need to know where to look. Social media plays a huge role in wedding planning these days, and while many brides-to-be turn to Pinterest for that much-needed inspiration, Instagram is a great resource too.
Here are a few of our favourite Instagram accounts that are serving looks and some serious inspo.
A forest filled with inspiration
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTuJ700qtOB/
Beautifully organic wedding and lifestyle inspiration we can’t get enough of
https://www.instagram.com/p/BszGUydFszp/
Inspiration straight from an event planner
https://www.instagram.com/p/CSBO9dvgRyV/
A global collaboration of wedding inspiration
https://www.instagram.com/p/CIloRbpg2RN/
A splash of colour
https://www.instagram.com/p/CMkRz21lN_s/
Inspiration and resources that are sure to celebrate love
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUC-gzGhQ29/
Pretty Pictures:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUFjPtmKxYh/
Your floral inspiration
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ_UzDZnZtn/
A little venue decor inspiration
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3hmTw_hf7a/
Wedding wear for every bride
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUFn_x3tscZ/
Picture: June Bug Weddings Instagram
We love a good photo booth. Not only is it an excellent way to commemorate your wedding day, but it’s bound to keep your guests entertained. While renting…
2021 has been a rollercoaster ride filled with alcohol bans, gathering restrictions and rushing home from your friend’s home to make sure you don’t miss curfew. But finally, spring is in the air, and there are plenty of incredible spring wedding trends to admire.
The wedding industry may still be feeling the effects of the pandemic, and it’s evident in the trends for spring. Think smaller guest lists, more intimate settings, and fresh decor colours that are sure to liven up 2021 and beyond. It’s all about personal details and adding a non-traditional touch.
Here are a few of the top wedding trends for spring that we can’t get enough of right now:
Fairy lights
Outdoor weddings have become the norm thanks to COVID-19 as it provides a safer option for guests and vendors, with fairy lights and whimsical wedding tents now being added to every bride and groom’s shopping cart. Including twinkle lights in your decor offers a touch of romance and ethereal quality. The combination of drapery from tents and the proper mood lighting is sure to create a sense of brightness and ease for your wedding day.
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A destination wedding with a twist
While we’d all love to spend our wedding day frolicking on the beach of Mauritius, travel has been up in the air lately. So, what do you do? You bring the destination to you, of course! Transformative design is the keyword for 2021 as couples use their favourite destinations to inspire their event’s decor, look, feel and colour palette. Whether it’s the sweet and savoury treats of France or the tropical vibes of Bali, this trend is all about immersing your guests in your favourite destination in the world.
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Simple and intimate
We’re looking to keep things simple in 2021 and that extends to the food and entertainment. More couples are turning to acoustic performances to entertain while guests enjoy an intimate restaurant-style dinner service. Hosting a reception service at your favourite restaurant is a great way to support local businesses, provide guests with good food and spend the evening in a relaxed setting. It may even be a little cheaper than hiring a catering company!
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Quantity vs. quality
There’s no question that 2020 has forced us to re-examine what we find important, and that includes downscaling from quantity to quality. More guests, more flowers, and the biggest wedding cake have all been replaced with a smaller guest list, simple yet beautiful flower arrangements and single-tier cakes. Small events will likely be the trend for the foreseeable future, not that we’re complaining.
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Fresh colours
Neutral colour palettes are always an elegant touch, but couples are looking to shake things up with vibey colours that add a breath of fresh air. Bold pops of colour mixed with elegant prints are taking over spring as more couples exchange those “typical” wedding decor ideas for fun and bright colours.
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Picture: laurene_and_the_wolf