bride Archives | Wedding ETC

In Venues

A destination wedding of icy proportions and for only R4 million!

August 10, 2022 No Comments

After nearly two years of staying indoors and not enjoying the wonders of travel, heading to your favourite destination to get married is back on the table!

While many brides and grooms are grabbing their passports and jetting off to tropical destinations such as Mauritius and Bali, there are a few out there that prefer a different climate.

Luxury travel company Red Savannah recently launched an incredible package for winter-loving bridal couples looking to say “I do” in the remote destination of Antarctica.

The price tag? A cool R4 million!

Yup, we’re living in a post-pandemic world and weddings appear to be that expensive.

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A post shared by Red Savannah – Luxury Travel (@redsavannahhq)

The hefty price tag includes return flights from South Africa to Antarctica, accommodations for the soon-to-be newlyweds and the wedding party, beverages, food and activities. The big day will start with a breakfast on ice, followed by the cake-cutting ceremony and champagne in the snow lounge.

While you may think that R4 million may be more than enough to accommodate a whole host of guests, a maximum of 12 wedding guests are allowed to watch you step into newlywed bliss.

Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a white dessert party – yum!

Additional costs are the “wedding gift registry” which will be a pledge of $1000 (R16 600) per person. This will be used for conservation efforts in Antarctica.

If you’re interested, you’ll be happy to know that there is one flight that leaves Cape Town and will take five hours to arrive at the icy destination.

Feature Image: Brides Without Borders

In uncategorized

The ultimate pamper session guide for every bride

August 2, 2022 No Comments

Searching for the feel-good factor? Introduce some positive energy into your beauty routine with a sumptuous pamper session to help keep you calm, cool, and relaxed as you plan your big day. Adding a little self-love will leave you feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and feeling youthful again. Besides, it’s really the little highlights that can make the biggest difference to our well-being!

Follow this guide and get your hands on these luxe products to turn your bathroom ritual into a full-blown pamper experience.

Bath-time bliss

‘Bathing is a brilliant opportunity to give your body what it needs, and your mind a moment to reset,’ says well-being expert Susanne Kaufmann. You can easily turn your bath into a pamper session with a few additions too.

So how would you like to feel while submerged in your porcelain throne?

Relaxed

There’s nothing quite like a long soak to reset the senses. It’s the perfect ritual before bed, helping you have a good sleep: a hot bath followed by being in a cool bedroom is known to help the body prepare for sleep and tricks you into feeling drowsy. Aid those sensations with Ceridwen’s Cauldron (R135, Lush), which nourishes your skin and helps you switch off.

Or, if you are feeling tense, don’t underestimate the benefits of a salt bath. It can help with any muscle aches and pains, leaving you feeling soothed. We love Earthsap Bath Soak in Milk & Honey (R75, Made By Nature).

De-stressed

Feeling restless and anxious? Run a bath and choose products packed with calming ingredients, such as The Naturals Organic Bath Bombs (R320, yumm) or Dr Hauschka Moor Lavender Calming Bath Essence (R465, Woolworths).

As you soak in the scented bath, practise breathing deeply into your abdomen to relax and calm your mind. If you struggle to stay focused, it can help to imagine you are gently inflating your tummy like a balloon as you breathe in, then slowly deflating it as you breathe out. The warm water will aid those feelings of relaxation.

Upbeat

If you need a reboot, try adding a few drops of an uplifting essential oil – juniper is effective in stimulating a positive mood – try Soil Juniper Berry Essential Oil (R133, Faithful to Nature). Give your bath a sensuous twist by adding Jo Malone London Peony & Blush Suede Bath Oil 250 ml (R1 000, Edgars). And light a candle to uplift your senses – we adore The Aromatherapy Co Invigorating Candle (R199, @home).

Comforting Massage

As well as treating skin to a pamper session, use your evening regime as a chance to unwind. ‘Turn your cleanse into a moment of mindfulness,’ says acupuncturist and facialist Annee de Mamiel. ‘Face massage helps you unwind, but it’s also a reminder to begin to switch off from the day. Plus it doesn’t cost a thing!’

Start by warming your cleansing oil in your hands and inhaling the essential oils. Choose something with a soothing scent, such as Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil (R1 050, Woolworths). As you massage, you will increase circulation, boost oxygen and detoxify your skin. ‘You’ll be surprised how the texture, volume and radiance of your skin will improve in such a short time.’

Skin saviours

It’s the original emblem of what a pamper session should be!. A face mask is the easiest way to treat your skin and give you a bit of a time out. Just make sure you’re using the best one for your skin type.

Dry skin

Use: FILORGA Hydra-Filler Mask (R148, skinmiles.co.za)

This calming sheet mask contains aloe vera to soothe and hyaluronic acid to hydrate, giving your face a plump, juicy glow.

Sensitive skin

Use: Lamelle Serra Lipid Recovery Mask (R520, dermastore.co.za)

When sensitive skin flares up, leave this soothing mask on for 15 minutes, then swipe away any excess with a tissue to calm flushed, tight-feeling skin.

Feature Image: Unsplash

In News

Stranded bride saved by good samaritan who gives her a lift!

July 28, 2022 No Comments

We all need a knight in shining armour, especially when you’re a bride rushing to make it to her wedding ceremony.

Marksteen Adamson is a driver from the United Kingdom. On his way to a reunion, Marksteen said he noticed the bride on the side of the road in London asking for a lift.

The apparently looked “distressed” as countless cars passed her by.

According to the anxious bride, three rideshares had already cancelled on her and her bridal party, which included her sister and one other bridesmaid who could be seen carrying her veil.

“I’m late for church,” the bride can be heard saying in the video.

Despite being a whole 45 minutes late to her own wedding, Adamson delivers the bride and her bridal party safely to the church, where she is met by the vicar to who she recounts the tale to.

An adorable rom-com or an absolute nightmare? Luckily this story has a happy ending!

Watch the video below:

@marksteenadamsonWas driving through london traffic to visit friends for a reunion lunch in South East London when I stopped at a padestrian crossing and saw a bride looking confused and flustered. I started filming as I thought it would be a great shot seeing her cross the road in her full attire. Then she saw me and started walking towards me and gesturing. It turns out that she and her brides maid and team had been trying to order Uber cabs but three cabs had canceled at the last minute and she was 45min late for church. Everyone, most importantly her husbsnd to be, were wating at Holy Trinity Bromton for her to artive. She asked if I could give her and the group a lift, and so they jumped in to my landrover and I drove her to church. In our short time together we had lots of quick short conversations about everthing and got to know eachother a little better and new friendships were made. After I dropped her off I heard the sound of the organ ring out and knew everything was going to be alright. It was a beautiful sunny day.♬ Going To The Chapel – The Paragons

Feature Image: TikTok

In Advice

5 Ways to practice self care while planning your wedding

July 14, 2022 No Comments

You don’t have to sit on a hill and meditate to de-stress. Although that’s exactly what you’ll want to do after haggling with wedding vendors and explaining to your uncle (second-removed) why he isn’t sitting at the main family table.

Whether you’re planning your wedding or meandering through life, making sure that you indulge in self-care is oh-so-important. But with so many things happening in the background, it’s pretty easy to let things slip through the cracks.

To keep you on track and remind you to incorporate self-care tasks – no matter how small – into your routine as you go about your wedding planning, here are a few things we hope you won’t let take a backseat:

Eat Up

For some reason, brides feel the need to go on crazy fad diets in order to lose weight to fit into their wedding dress, but no bride wants to look like a completely different person when looking back at their wedding photos. And no one wants to feel hungry all the time. Nutrition is such a major component when it comes to self-care and is the key to our mental and physical well-being. Skip the fads and stick to a balanced diet that hit those targeted food groups – veggies, proteins, and all the wholesome goodness.

It’s all mental

When our cortisol levels are constantly elevated (thanks, stress) our mental health tends to take a backseat. While there’s a certain level of stress and anxiety that comes with wedding planning, if you feel that it’s affecting your mood and it’s gone beyond just “a bad day,” do not ignore such a big sign. Take advantage of the resources available to you, whether that be meditation apps, breathwork retreats, talk therapy or a break away from wedding planning. Follow your intuition.

Get your heart pumping

Now, we understand that your Significant Other is more than enough when it comes to getting your heart pumping and skipping beats, but sometimes you need a little more. Exercise is an excellent way to de-stress, so make sure that you get sweating. Take it easy with yoga or pilates, or really push things to the limit with some incredible workouts like CrossFit.

If you feel yourself checking your schedule and watch, why not keep things simple by going for post-dinner walks. This is also a great way to get those endorphins going and connect with your partner as the big day approaches.

It’s okay to relax

When you’re juggling work, a social life and wedding planning, it can be difficult to find the time to let go and relax. Release your grip on the reins and indulge in activities that will allow your stress to melt away. Think; movie nights, coffee dates (minus wedding talk), Netflix binges, naps and luxurious baths with tons of candles. Throw in a massage or two in for good measure!

Don’t forget those around you

During the hustle and bustle that is wedding planning, you can sometimes forget about those closest to you. Decompress by spending some quality time with friends and family, doing things that are completely unrelated to your wedding. Sunday dinners with family and Saturday brunches with friends – now that’s magic!

Feature Image: Pexels

In News

Blushing bride spends R60 on her gorgeous wedding dress

June 22, 2022 No Comments

Most brides wouldn’t mind spending a few R10 000 or more on a gorgeous new wedding dress, but for some cash-strapped brides, that’s simply not an option.

Heading to your local thrifting store is a great way to unearth some fashionable gems, including a gorgeous wedding dress as one young bride found out.

The blushing bride took to TikTok to share her experience of purchasing her wedding dress at a thrift shop as she was determined to keep spending to a minimum.

As prices continue to soar throughout various industries, many young couples are attempting to keep things more affordable. Thrifting and smaller, more intimate settings are just a few ways bridal couples are attempting to cut costs.

Jullian Lynch, who hails from Ohia in the United States, explained that she initially spent around R60 ($3.75) on the dress, but forked out a few more bucks for alternations, costing an extra R1700 ($110).

That’s still not a bad price tag for such a gorgeous dress, a thought many TikTok users had as they gawked at her budget-friendly wedding experience.

@jilly_lynch ♬ Put Your Head On My Shoulder – Paul Anka

According to Lynch, the dress was brand new as it still had its tags and social media users couldn’t seem to get enough:

“Still $115 compared to $5,000,” one user stated. “Such an amazing dress and shoes. Very classy look.”

“Gorgeous,” another user noted.

Gorgeous, and oh-so-clever!

Feature Image: Jillian Lynch / TikTok

In News

PICS: Bride and groom grab some McDonald’s before wedding ceremony!

June 20, 2022 No Comments

When the cravings hit, there’s nothing you can do as one bridal couple recently found out. After all, walking down the aisle and saying “I do” can certainly work up an apetitie.

Newlyweds Basman Alwakeel (28) and blushing bride Haneen Alkhthir (31) tied the knot in a traditional wedding ceremony before sneaking away to satisfy their fast food cravings – a tasty meal at McDonalds – before heading back to an incredible evening with family and friends.

The couple, who hail from Australia, spent a few hours snapping wedding pics at the University of Sydney.

“It is such a beautiful location, but we were so hungry and craved some food, so we did a quick search of the nearest McDonald’s,” said Basman.

So what was on the menu for Mr and Mrs?

“We both ordered a spicy McChicken with chips and coke. The staff were shocked and the people kept congratulating us.”

Thankfully, the talented photographer was there to capture the “beautiful and natural moment.”

Despite the impromptu affair, that meal sure does look delicious! Even more fantastic is the fact that the gorgeous bride managed to keep her all-white wedding attire free of ketchup – no easy feat!

But while the couple tucked into a spicy chicken burger, just what about the guests? Friends and family did not go hungry as tradition dictates otherwise.

“It’s tradition for us to have guests in both the bride and groom’s house before the service. Simple snacks are prepared for the guests and later at the reception we chose Mediterranean food,” Basman said.

Feature Image: @auraweddings/ Caters News

In Accessories

Wedding veil inspiration for the fashion-forward bride

June 7, 2022 No Comments

Some brides are born to break the rules. To scoff at tradition and forge a new path.

Now, this doesn’t have to mean ditching the white dress and opting for something a little darker, as per the wedding trends currently making waves on Pinterest. Sometimes the forward-thinking bride embodies her boldness with something as small as a non-traditional wedding veil.

Small steps, right? If you’re looking to embrace your ‘wild’ side by going beyond the white tulle or lace, here are a few stunning suggestions:

Polka Dot

If you love a good polka dot outfit, then you’re in luck! Including a polka dot veil in your wedding ensemble can be an exciting way to infuse a little fun into your outfit.

non-traditional veils for the foward-thinking bride — Picture: Pinterest

Something Blue

A modern twist on something blue. A blue wedding veil can be a wonderful way to add a pop of colour as it provides a beautiful contrast if you’re sporting a white wedding dress.

Pearl-studded

Pearls are having a bit of a moment right now and are a trend that has brides “oh-ing” and “ah-ing,” and for good reason. Pearls are often associated with royalty and opulence, and that’s exactly the vibe you’ll get when adding modern pearls to your veil.

The Birdcage

Who needs a long veil anyway? Short and sweet in more ways than one, the classic “birdcage” veil is a great addition for brides who are looking for something different yet simple. Make it your own by adding modern pearls or flowers, let your inner-creative run wild!

Adorned with flowers

Flowers have a way of elevating anyone’s mood, so why not do the same for your veil. Opt for a traditional veil but zhoosh it up by adding your favourite flowers. Fresh flowers are best, so make sure you speak to your florist or go the dry flower route if you’re feeling sentimental and looking to keep things fresh forever.

Embroidered Elegance

If adding fresh flowers to your veil doesn’t sound like something you’d like but you’re still looking to add a few blooms to your accessory, a colourful embroidered veil is the way to go. It’s a great addition for brides who are looking to add a little bohemian flair to their wedding outfit and creates an incredible texture too!

Feature Image: Pinterest

In Weddings

The history of the wedding kiss

December 17, 2019 No Comments

While some traditions fade and others are altered, the wedding kiss has remained. A kiss after the vows is a wedding tradition that, it seems, will never disappear. Today, the wedding kiss serves as a representation of love and devotion between the couple. Historically, however, the wedding kiss had a different purpose.

Like many – if not most – traditions passed down for centuries, the history is a bit broken and unclear. As a result, there are a few origin stories of the wedding kiss.

The most commonly cited story is that of the ancient Romans (753 BC to 27 BC and then from 64 AD to 1453 AD). In ancient Rome, the wedding kiss was more of a legal formality; it symbolised a transaction that had taken place.

In those times, marriage was considered a contract and the kiss was the “signature” that rendered the contract binding. Neel Burton MD says, “In an age of widespread illiteracy, kisses served to seal agreements, thus the expression ‘to seal with a kiss.'” The kiss was also considered to be the first time that the couple ever kissed.

Others argue that the history of this significant kiss starts in the church. In ancient Catholic ceremonies, it was customary for priests to give the groom “a kiss of peace.” The groom was then required to pass the kiss on to his dearly beloved. It is said that this is how the phrase “you may now kiss the bride” came about.

Another religious argument about the origin story of this kiss comes from the scripture itself. The kiss is said to symbolise the fulfilment of the scripture that says “and the two shall become one flesh” (Mark 10:8).

Wherever it stems from, we’re pretty glad that it stood the test of time. The wedding kiss is one of the most anticipated moments of a western wedding. When celebs or royals are married, the kiss is sometimes even analysed by body language experts.

If public displays of affection are not for you though, remember that the kiss is not compulsory and your nuptials are still valid without it!

Image: Unsplash

In News

The meaning behind ‘something old, new, borrowed and blue’

October 21, 2019 No Comments

“Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue”. This wedding charm is a tradition that has been followed many betrothed couples for decades. Brides traditionally incorporate this tradition into their bridal attire, wearing something old, new, borrowed, and blue, typically obtained from loved ones. But where does this tradition come from, and why do we still do it today?

The tradition began in the Victorian era as an English rhyme. Originally it went, “Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, A Sixpence in your Shoe”. The final part of the rhyme is typically a British custom only, and thus largely omitted from the saying.

Each object is meant to bring the couple good luck on their wedding day and encourage a successful marriage.

Something Old:

Brides were traditionally required to incorporate something old into their bridal attire to ward off evil. In the olden times, brides traditionally wore an undergarment of a woman that had already bore children as their something old. Doing this was meant to confuse the Evil Eye, who was said to cause infertility. Through this, the Evil Eye was tricked into thinking the bride was already fertile, thus leaving her alone.

However, the more favoured meaning is that of continuity. By incorporating something old, brides carry with them something sentimental from their past.

Typically, brides opt for heirlooms to represent their something old.

Something New:

As the betrothed begin their new life as a married couple, the something new acts as a symbol of optimism for the future.

This is the easiest and most straight-forward element to incorporate, as it can literally be anything. The easiest is to have jewellery or the wedding dress itself stand for the something new, as those will most likely be purchased brand new.

Something Borrowed:

Something borrowed works to bring the couple good luck on their wedding day and their marriage. Traditionally, couples are meant to borrow something from a close friend or relative that is already married and ideally has children. This way, the luck of the happily married person will rub off on the newlyweds, thus starting the marriage off on a positive note.

As with the something old, brides were encouraged to borrow the undergarments of a close relative or friend as a positive sign of fertility.

Nowadays, couples generally borrow things of significance from friends or family. Once again, it can be anything, from accessories to shoes.

Something Blue:

Blue is said to represent purity, love and fidelity, and as such has become a highly symbolic colour for weddings. It also has the bonus of warding off the Evil Eye, according to legend.

Traditionally, brides incorporated their something blue into their garters. However, today brides can use blue in any aspect of their wedding attire to get the same effect.

The “Sixpence in your shoe” part of the rhyme typically refers to British custom, in which a bride places a sixpence coin inside their shoe for good luck and prosperity.

Picture: Unsplash

In News

Bride has symbolic solo photoshoot after cancelling wedding

October 15, 2019 No Comments

An American bride’s story has gone viral on social media after she cancelled her wedding but still had her wedding photoshoot. Her story has inspired many and has become an important symbol for choosing your own happiness first.

Chandley Brelsford from Reno, Nevada, took to Facebook to write a moving message that explains why she cancelled her June 8 wedding. Three weeks before her big day, she realised that she was not happy and that her fiancé was not the right man for her.

“The man I had fallen in love with was not the man I could call my husband. And it has shaken my character to its very core.” she writes. “The life I so desperately wanted to live with him was never going to exist. Our marriage would not be peaceful, supportive, and loving and it took 4 years for me to realize that this man was not right for me.”

When she first began dating her partner, she feel like the most special woman in the world. She viewed the relationship through rose-tinted glasses, ignoring multiple warning signs. She began making many sacrifices and dedicated most of her time to making the relationship work.

“I started my freshman year of college in Reno, but drove back to Sacramento every weekend to see him. He had told me he wouldn’t do long-distance, so I kept jobs close to his home and worked on the weekends. Every week, I would go to class and finish all my homework in Reno, then drive 2.5 hours over the mountains to work my shifts and see him. I would clean his home and buy our groceries. I would meal prep all our lunches for the week as well as any miscellaneous tasks that he asked of me. He would become very angry if I forgot little things, so I tried my best to do everything to his specifications. I wanted to prove how serious I was.”

She began walking on eggshells, dedicating every free moment to making sure her partner would not get mad at her. Brelsford also isolated herself from her friends, and gave up many of her dreams to accompany his wishes.

Their engagement was a happy moment, one she thought would improve things. However, nothing changed.

“My life was so perfect on the outside, but inside the depression was beginning to consume me.”

She decided to cancel the wedding after a particularly large fight broke out that took her to a dark place.

On the date that she was meant to get married, she put on her wedding dress and had her pre-scheduled wedding photoshoot by herself, in a symbol of choosing herself.

She appears much more happy and confident.
Credit: Facebook / Chandley Brelsford

Instead of saving money for a honeymoon, she is saving money for grad school Credit: Facebook / Chandley Brelsford

“To all the women out there, no one is worth sacrificing what you hold dear. It doesn’t matter if he is good-looking or willing to spend money on you or promises you the whole world; if he does not show you respect now, then he never will. Love is blind.”

“Every person is deserving of a love that sets their soul on fire, as well as provides a place to rest when weary. This world is harsh sometimes, so hold onto those who are kind to you. For now, I will be focusing on myself, my goals, my faith, and my family and friends. I might be ready to get married again… some day, but not today.”

Read her inspiring message here:

Picture: Facebook / Chandley Brelsford