• Weddings and stress go together like All Gold tomato sauce and slap chips – it’s the perfect combination. 

    The infamous Bridezilla always seems to be a tiny disaster away, but one bride appears to have taken the stereotype to its extreme. 

    A Reddit user shared a less than flattering story of a bride and groom on their wedding day. 

    According to a Reddit user, her friend was in desperate need of a photographer as they were on a tight budget – and we all know how expensive weddings can be. 

    While she was more than happy to help her friend out, the user did admit that snapping adorable dogs pics was actually her forte, opting to charge $250 (R3 600) for 10-hours of work. 

    The day started great. 

    “On the day of, I’m driving around following the bride as she goes from appointment to appointment before the ceremony, taking photos along the way. I shoot the ceremony itself, and during the reception I’m shooting speeches and people mingling,” says the photographer, adding that she started around 11:00 and was due to finish around 19:30. 

    “Around 5pm, food is being served, and I was told I cannot stop to eat because I need to be the photographer; in fact, they didn’t save me a spot at any table. I’m getting tired and at this point kinda regretting doing this for next to nothing,” says the photographer.

    That wasn’t the end though. She told the groom that she needed to take a 20-minute break in order to grab something to eat and drink as she didn’t have any more water in her water bottle. 

    The breaking point? The photographer was told by the groom that she needed to either be a photographer or leave without pay. 

    “With the heat, being hungry, being generally annoyed at the circumstances, I asked if he was sure, and he said yes, so I deleted all the photos I took in front of him and took off saying I’m not his photographer anymore,” says the photographer who is now wondering if she acted too harshly.

    “If I was to be paid $250, honestly at that point, I would have paid $250 just for a glass of cold water and somewhere to sit for 5 min,” says the photographer.

    Many users came to the photographer’s defence, stating that “if you’re going to be there all day, then they absolutely should be fed. Plus, it just seems like the polite thing to do,” stated one user. 


    Read Also: Wedding veils that will wow a crowd

    Picture: Unsplash


     

    You’re about to say your “I dos,” an event that will undoubtedly sweep you up into a love bubble of bliss as you learn to adjust to your new life as Mr and Mrs. But after 18 months of living in close proximately (at least for some of us) with your other half, spending some quality time with the most important person in your life – you – is crucial to stepping into this life of partnership on the right foot.

    Indulging in a solomoon is a great way to get some much-needed “me time” before standing at the altar. Whether you choose to enjoy a week-long solo trip or a weekend under the stars, experts are adamant that prioritising some alone time is a must before embarking on your new journey. 

    What is a Solomoon?

    Think of it as a honeymoon, but solo. Basically, it’s an independent trip that’s taken before your wedding day. Marriage is about finding that sweet spot between independence and dependence, learning to build a life with someone while staying authentically you. Taking time out to enjoy your company – alone – is the perfect way to get reacquainted with yourself before getting married.

    Sky Villa Boutique Hotel – Plettenberg 

    Sky Villa Boutique Hotel

    Perched on a hilltop, Sky Villa offers incredible views of Plettenberg Bay that will definitely make your soon-to-be-husband a little jealous. It’s only a five-minute drive from the beach, but trust us, you won’t want to leave this sprawling property. They offer a range of accommodation options, but it’s the Sky Villa cottage that you have to take advantage of. The cottage provides comfort and luxury, with a touch of independence if you’re not keen on spending your time in a hotel during your getaway. A gym, restaurant, fynbos garden, swimming pool and their famous Sky bar are all on-site, so you’ll never have to leave (or lift a finger).

    Leobo Private Reserve – Vaalwater

    Solomoon - Leobo Private Reserve
    Lebo Private Game Reserve

    The key to an incredible solomoon is peace and quiet, and Leobo Private Reserve is paradise. Nestled within the Waterberg mountains, it’s a three hours drive from Johannesburg and offers everything you can possibly imagine for the nature-loving bride-to-be. Spend your day exploring this 20 000 acre reserve, with bird-watching, safaris, kayaking, game viewing and sky diving all on offer. Or enjoy a quiet time out by relaxing alongside the swimming pool or enjoying the mesmerising views. There’s literally something for everyone

    Woodsong Cottage – Dargle, KwaZulu-Natal 

    Solomoon - Woodsong
    Woodsong Cottage Airbnb

    Resorts aren’t the only place you can enjoy a solo vacation. If you love spending time on your own, blasting some R&B while cooking up a storm, then self-catering is a great option. Whether you’re exploring the lush landscapes of KwaZulu-Natal or looking for something a little closer to home, Woodsong Cottage is a steal. Nestled in the Dargle Valley and overlooking the Umngeni River, it provides some amazing views for the ideal time alone. Each bedroom leads out onto the deck, where views, views, and more views are on offer. A feast for your eyes for sure, but it’s the minimalist interior design and sense of escape from the bustle of wedding planning that will really leave you screaming with delight. 

    A Treehouse Stay – Port Elizabeth 

    Port Elizabeth Treehouse
    Port Elizabeth Treehouse Airbnb

    Allow your inner child to live vicariously through you before committing yourself to a life of forever with your person by booking a stay at this incredible Port Elizabeth Treehouse. You know it’s great when it’s ranked one of the top treehouse stays in South Africa, with endless views of the valley and sea in the distance right outside your window. Don’t forget to take your Lush bath bomb as you unwind in a bathtub that offers some incredible views of the forest – a nature lover’s dream! Grab a book and enjoy the incredible bird calls, soaking in the magical yet simple architectural design and interior. If it’s not on your solomoon list, then make sure to add it to your travel bucket list.

    Picture: Spirited Pursuit

    Looking to have glowing skin on your wedding day? Le Naturel is a local South African handcrafted luxury 100% natural beauty brand. This ec0-friendly skincare brand is known for its unique product ranges featuring indigenous oils. The products are created to help rejuvenate and nurture the body, skin, and mind. 

    Le Natural aspires to complement a natural approach to health and beauty, Founder Lea Botha is motivated to produce a range of luxury natural products with no chemicals, fragrances, colourants, or parabens. For our eco-conscious brides-to-be, Le Naturel strives to do business in a sustainable, environmentally-friendly, natural way.

    skincare products for your wedding day

    So, what are the benefits of using natural beauty products? Well, there are plenty, but here are a few: 

    Environmentally Friendly 

    These natural beauty products are not only good for you but good for the environment too! Their organic and natural products contain zero chemicals that are harmful or to the earth, animals, or humans. 

    Rich In Nutrients 

    Le Naturel is a fynbos-inspired brand, thus all the ingredients found in natural products are beneficial for the skin and body, it contains naturally-derived ingredients from plant extracts for their incredible healing benefits and enchanting aromas.

    Long-Term  Investment

    Looking for a long-term investment that provides quality and good coverage? Natural skincare products can cost a little more than synthetic skincare products, however, investing in good organic products comes with a guarantee of a  simplified skincare routine that includes quality natural ingredients that is beneficial for your skincare in the long run. 

    For more information, visit Le Naturel to shop and explore more natural, sustainable, environmentally friendly products. 

    Pictures: Le Naturel | Pexels

    Also Read: How to pull off the ‘Natural glam’ makeup look

    Ariana Grande has officially tied the knot! 

    The Dangerous Woman singer became a married woman in a secret ceremony, tying the knot with 25-year-old real estate broker Dalton Gomez. The couple has been engaged for half a year and quietly said “I do” at Grande’s Montecito, California home.

    Grande’s reps recently confirmed the nuptials to E! News, saying that “It was a beautiful day and very romantic.” The ceremony was said to include “close family and friends.” 

    The singer has been dating the luxury property for around 18 months, with their relationship surviving the coronavirus pandemic. Grande’s walk down the aisle comes five months after Gomez popped the question with a gorgeous diamond and pearl ring. 

    According to sources, Grande couldn’t be happier. “It was perfect and just what Ari wanted.”

    The singer was previously engaged to comedian Pete Davidson back in May 2018 before they called it quits the following October. 

    Also Read: Ariana Grande is engaged to Dalton Gomez

    Picture: Ariana Grande Instagram