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
Black is not just a colour for mourning. For decades, white has been synonymous with weddings for its symbolism of purity. White is traditionally expected. However, while many are afraid of including this dark-hued colour in weddings, black can actually bring much class and sophistication to your big day. Take a walk on the dark side and think of bringing this dark tone into your wedding.
Here are a few way to incorporate black into your wedding that won’t look morbid.
This Colorado-based bride was blessed with a free wedding after surviving her battle with breast cancer, proving that there is still kindness in humanity.
Credit: Instagram / Cloud9Denver
Sabrina Blosky’s world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with breast cancer just before her 27th birthday in April 2016.
“When I got the news, obviously, it was like a kick in the stomach,” Blosky told 9 News. “I was like, ‘No way, I’m too young. There’s no way that’s ever a possibility.’ As much as I hate to admit it, I didn’t want to be afraid. But I think that’s just the nature of the beast.”
Her battle with breast cancer deeply affected her confidence. As a result of all the surgeries and treatments she had to endure, Blosky says she stuggled to see her beauty.
Her now-husband, Rex, a Retired US Marine, has been her greatest support thoughout her cancer journey, and always reminded her how beautiful she is.
“Rex always made me feel so pretty all the time,” she said. “So I was like, ‘OK, nothing’s wrong with me. I’ll go to the grocery store bald.”
The became engaged in March 2017. Watch the video of their enagement here:
Blosky recently completed her final treatment, and to honour her journey, The Wedding Pink gifted her with a free wedding.
The Wedding Pink is an annual wedding giveaway package presented to a couple whose lives have been recently touched by breast cancer. Held annually in Colorado, USA, one deserving couple wins a wedding to the value of $40 000.
The purpose behind the organisation, founded by fellow breast cancer survivor Sheryl Ungar, is to present a silver lining to couples that have been through the extremely rough battle with this disease.
“I know what all these young women are going through and it’s just a hard time in your life,” Ungar said. “I mean, it’s probably the one time in you life where you just look at yourself in the mirror and it doesn’t look like you.”
Ungar works with a team of wedding vendors in Colorado who have generously donated their services and products to give one couple a year a spectacular wedding in Colorado.
“It’s just really a way to let these couples start their life off,” Ungar said. “It’s a new life. You’re done with cancer, you’re well and now this is a beautiful marriage. You’re starting over with this beautiful life and we’re just sort of giving them that start.”
Sabrina and Rex were chosen as the 2019 recipients, and married on October 17 at the Spruce Mountain Ranch in Colorado.
Credit: Instagram / Ali and GarrettCredit: Instagram / Ali and GarrettCredit: Instagram / Cheryl Ungar
As a maid of honour, you’re one of the most important parts of the wedding. You are the bride’s greatest support system, and will be relied on to help with any- and everything in the lead up to and the day of the wedding.
To be the ultimate maid of honour, you’ll need to be prepared. There is no better way to do this than to carry a maid of honour emergency kit.
This is what every maid of honour needs in her emergency kit.
Where you get married is an integral part of the big day. You want your surroundings to be absolutely stunning and the photos to be a beautiful reminder of the day. We found these spectacular, slightly off-the-beaten-track venues to keep in mind as you go on the search of the perfect space.
Granny Mouse Country House
Considered one of the most romantic venues in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands, the Granny Mouse is a sight to see. The chapel has panoramic views over the Caversham Valley and is the perfect combination of countryside and luxury. It has an old time charm to it, and is far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life.
This venue is in a somewhat obscure place of the country, but trust us, you want to go there. On the fringe of the Karoo, the hotel is one of those rare places that takes you back in time and makes you feel like you’re not even in this century. Named after Lord Alfred Milner, the hotel is also a heritage site and was completed in 1899, and shortly thereafter served as the Headquarters of the Cape Western Command.
If you want a fairy tale inspired venue, this place is for you. Situated outside of Plettenberg Bay along the Garden Route, the venue is one with nature and has an enchanted forest look. Almost no need for expensive decor, as nature is your backdrop!
It’s not news that Clarens in the Eastern Free State is arguably the view-mecca of the inland. Nestled in the Maluti mountains, you get the veld atmosphere without having to sacrifice class. Think open green fields, cattle grazing and mountainous peaks popping up all around.
This awe inspiring structure is on the outskirts of Graskop towards God’s Window in Mpumalanga. Set in the style of a 17th century Italian castle, the venue is an experience in itself. The castle was constructed using hand picked relics and works of art to create a magnificent masterpiece set in one of the most beautiful areas of the country.
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 BrelsfordInstead 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.”
Themed weddings have grown in popularity over the years. From movies to books to decades, there is no end to the possibilities. But what about holidays? The month of October is spooky season because of the popular holiday Halloween, and some Halloween fans are taking their love for this spooky holiday to the next level.
If you’re a big Halloween fan, here is some inspiration to throw your own Halloween-themed wedding.
Fashion:
Black dresses go well with a Halloween wedding theme. Think black lace and tulle for an edgy yet romantic finish. Princess cuts give a traditional look, but the black fabric still makes it spooky. It’s a perfect juxtaposition for Halloween.
Decor:
Decor truly pulls a wedding together. Make use of lots of fabric like mesh, tulle and velvet, as well as candles and dried/dead flowers to create a dark and spooky yet elegant atmosphere. Gold finishes provide an antique look perfect for Halloween. Add fake skulls and dried twigs to complete the look.
Cake:
Black cakes adorned with Halloween-themed imagery work best for these kinds of weddings. Think skulls, spiderwebs and dead flowers. For an extra touch, choose a red-velvet or black velvet cake.
Photography:
As with any wedding, you’ll want some iconic photography to preserve your memories. Props will greatly add to your images. Make use of fake skulls, face paint, pumpkins, candles, mist and smoke bombs to create a spooky atmosphere.
