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In Food

Wedding food trucks that will wow your guests

October 20, 2019 No Comments

Food trucks have quickly become popular alternatives to the traditional wedding meal. These vehicles are transformed into stylish, mobile mini-kitchens ready to line the stomachs of eager wedding guests. Food trucks also work as extra decor pieces, providing a dose of whimsy sure to impress your guests.

With so many fun and unique food trucks to choose from, you’ll be overwhelmed with having to choose. Here are our favourite wedding food truck ideas to inspire you:

Gin bar:

Gin is having a moment. Stun your guests with a gin truck offering various add-ons and botanicals to quench their thirst.

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByXxfKGlLLZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Gelato:

Appeal to your guests’ sweet teeth with a gelato stand. This food truck works well for summer weddings and adds a fun, vintage feel to your wedding.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2CoaN8APBN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Fresh juice:

Homemade juice is the perfect drink for a hot summer’s day. Serve them on the back of a truck in massive juice jars, and you’ve got the cutest drink station.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3eqSMnnO3h/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Mexican food:

If you’re a lover of spice then a Mexican food truck will be right up your alley! Tacos, nachos, burritos and churros make for perfect handheld delights at your wedding.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3ummJrJgz3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Fried Chicken:

Having street food at your wedding creates a much more relaxed, informal atmosphere. If you’re not one for seated dinners, this food truck idea is perfect for you.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3TmZWkpVqB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Pizza:

Who doesn’t love pizza? Give your wedding an Italian flare with some freshly made pizza.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2L3MaABljA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Snacks:

We all get peckish, especially after a day of wedding festivities. Having a snack truck on hand will keep your guests coming back for more.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2PwIzHH4rJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Breakfast:

If you’re having an early wedding, you should consider providing a mobile breakfast bar. From pancakes, eggs, bacon and baked goods, there are so many options to fill your guests in preparation for the ceremony.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1g7Oe3HaI9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Toasties:

Toasted sandwiches take us back to childhood days of lunches in front of the TV. Take a trip down memory lane with a toastie truck. It will be the perfect addition to a chilled afternoon wedding.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3v-k7nAPX8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Charcuterie:

Harvest tables have been trending for a while now. If you want to be different, think about having a charcuterie and cheese truck. Cheese, meats and wine go so perfectly together and make a great picnic-style wedding snack.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzpg3jqisge/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Picture: Unsplash

In Accessories

Wedding trend predictions for 2020

October 18, 2019 No Comments

The modern wedding is one of fun, and unique-ness. Couples of today are eschewing tradition to create a personal story for their big day, one that will stay with them forever. As such, we have seen a number of new and different trends flare up in the wedding industry over the years. From neon signs and dried botanicals, to bridal jackets and artful cakes, couples are making statements with their wedding elements.

While there is no one-size-fits-all for weddings, wedding trends often help to guide couples when planning their Big Day. These are the biggest wedding trends predicted for 2020.

Individuality:

The main trend of the 2020 wedding season is individuality. People are embracing what makes them unique and incorporating that into their weddings. With so many options, engaged couples are no longer pigeon-holed into particular styles that may not suit them. It truly has become a free-for-all for the upcoming 2020 wedding season.

Bridal Fashion:

Bridal designers of today has moved away from the traditional bridal look. Bridal fashion has become less of a focus on the ‘bridal’, but more on the ‘fashion’. The millennial bride is ready to take risks and be bold, and designers are loving it. With more brides opting for separate ceremony and reception looks, there is more opportunity to have fun.

Vera Wang, Victor and Rolf and Monique Lhullier all featured puffy sleeves in their Bridal 2020 lines.

Victorian romance was featured in shows of Mira Zwillinger and Costarellos.

Reem Acra and Galia Lahav are putting the leg on display with side split wedding dresses.

The bridal jumpsuit is having a huge moment, and featured in collections by Cushnie, Pronovias and Viktor & Rolf.

Statement veils are having a moment in 2019, and will extend to 2020. We most recently saw Hailey Bieber feature this accessory in her wedding to Justin Bieber.

Veils are traditional and timeless, but with small finishes, they can be given a modernised look.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3VLmXjlfQH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Unique Engagement Rings:

Unique, vintage inspired rings will be the big trend for 2020. Mia Moross, founder of The One I Love NYC, says she has seen a rise in cushion-cut, hand-mined diamond rings being purchased, and predicts that there will be a rise in yellow-gold rather than platinum bands, as well as Art Deco pieces. She believes that modern couples want their rings to tell a story, and are looking for pieces that reflect history and soul.

She also notes that couples are choosing the rings together, rather than the one proposing doing it themselves.

Informal Venues:

Informal and relaxed venues have been trending for years, and do not seem to be going anywhere. Forests, barns, backyards and beaches have been popular wedding venues for a good reason. It’s less stuffy, more inviting and often times more affordable than renting out halls and wine farms.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3wLQbEHsGR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2zupVCAmWZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Sustainability:

Today’s couples are much more environmentally conscious, and are actively looking for eco-friendly alternatives to many wedding staples. Many venues and suppliers are starting to incorporate sustainability into their services. One such South African venue, Cederkloof Botanical Retreat, provides various elements of sustainability in their wedding offerings, covering aspects of social, environmental and financial health.

Seasonal Flowers:

Dried botanicals have been featuring in many bridal bouquets, and are as popular as ever. Engaged couples are also leaning towards local, seasonal and sustainable flowers to feature in their weddings.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3JYuADAaTm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0zftFpDBmm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Statement decor:

2020 wedding decor will focus on statement pieces. Think balloons, neon signs, elaborate wedding arches and massive floral centerpieces. Over sized decor makes for a wonderful talking point, and gives weddings a personal, unique touch.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3He57yni2y/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3jq2EknGRR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Exposed lighting:

Mood lighting is still all the rage. Exposed bulbs dangling from the ceiling, floating candles and twinkling fairy lights create a beautifully romantic setting perfect for weddings.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3rGm9Npb2t/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3hM9MkJRbT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Picture: Unsplash

In News

Breast cancer survivor gifted free wedding

October 18, 2019 No Comments

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.

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.

Picture: Instagram / Cheryl Ungar

In Advice

Lucky and unlucky days to get married

October 17, 2019 No Comments

Your wedding day is a wonderful moment to celebrate love, one you want to go off without a hitch. According to many, every aspect of the wedding process will affect your Big Day, even the date you choose to celebrate it on.

Setting the date is often the first big step in the wedding process which will frame every consequent decision you make. Religion, superstition, astrology and culture argue that there are certain days, dates and months more auspicious for weddings, while others are no-goes if you want good luck on your Big Day. If you are particularly superstitious, you might want to avoid some of these wedding days.

Lucky wedding days

Judaism:

In various religions, certain days are favoured as lucky. Those that practice Judaism are likely to consider Tuesdays to be particularly good days for weddings, because the Book of Genesis says “And God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:10 and 12) twice in the verse about the creation of the third day.

Jewish couples also favour the beginning of the month for weddings, as their religion’s calendar is lunar and believes that the moon renews itself every month.

Astrology:

Astrology believers should look to the moon for guidance. According to astrologers, the position and look of the moon and planets can have a deep impact on our lives. Changes in its shape and appearance are said to affect our inner beings. A waxing moon is considered lucky, while a waning moon is seen as unlucky.

A full moon is considered highly lucky on your wedding day. Astrologers believe that a full moon brings harmony, as the lunar yin energy is perfectly balanced with the solar yang energy. As the forms of the moon is said to influence our feelings, a full moon encourages people to express their inner feelings fully. The full moon also brings seeds of intention to fruition.

The new moon is the first lunar phase, representing the resetting of the lunar cycle and letting go of restrictions or fears holding you back. This allows you to move forward with clarity. Couples looking to follow astrology should plan their wedding at least 12 hours after the new moon for optimal results.

Astrology lovers should consult the their zodiac signs before setting a date, as dates for auspicious marriages range in luck depending on personal star signs. Auspicious dates are said to bless the couple with a good and prosperous marriage while unlucky dates will curse them.

Roman mythology:

April and June seem to be the most auspicious months to get married according to Roman mythology. April is closely linked with Venus, the Roman goddess of love, beauty and fertility, while June is named after Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and commitment. Juno was the wife of Zeus and lorded for her unwavering commitment to him. She also was the one that paired soulmates, making her the mastermind behind ancient marriages, according to Roman mythology.

Chinese culture:

Chinese culture considers August 8 a particularly auspicious date because the word for the number eight sounds similar to their word for wealth or fortune. As a result, the eighth day of the eighth month is a highly symbolic date to get married.

Unlucky wedding days:

Judaism:

Jewish couples are less likely to marry on a Friday because in their religion Friday is the day of rest, also known as Shabbat.

Folklore:

An ancient Celtic folk rhyme suggests that Saturdays are unlucky days to wed. The rhyme goes: “Monday for wealth, Tuesday for health, Wednesday the best day of all, Thursday for losses, Friday for crosses, and Saturday no luck at all.”

According to folklore, July is an unlucky month for weddings. An old rhyme from the 1800s lamenting the fates of married couples based on their wedding dates predicted July marriages would curse newlyweds.

“Marry when June roses blow, Over land and sea you’ll go,” the rhyme goes, “Those who in July do wed Must labour [sic] for their daily bread”.

American folklore records from the 1930s echo this sentiment, saying that marriages from this month “are apt to be crisscrossed with sunshine and shadow”.

Roman mythology:

July also contained many mourning days for the ancient Romans, where they commemorated battles and no religious practices were followed, making many parts of the month off-limits for weddings.

Another unlucky month is May, according to Roman mythology. This month is said to be unlucky because it is between April and June, the two months closely associated with Roman goddesses Venus and Juno. Marrying in May could thus be seen as an insult to the two goddesses. This month was also traditionally when Romans celebrated Lemuria, a festival of the dead.

Chinese culture:

Chinese culture views April 4 as a bad day for a wedding as their word for the number four is similar to their word for death, thus symbolising bad luck for the fourth day of the fourth month. Many Chinese buildings and apartments even omit the fourth floor completely because of this superstition.

Unlucky number 13:

The number 13 is considered unlucky across various cultures in the world, and as a result, the 13th of any month is often seen as bad. Friday the 13th is considered particularly unlucky as it is closely associated with the horror film franchise of the same name.

Some Italians are superstitious of Friday the 17th, as the roman numeral form of the date, XVII, can be rearranged into “VIXI”, which translates from Latin into the meaning “my life is over”.

Picture: Unsplash

In Bachelorette Party

Bride chooses her grannies as flower girls

October 17, 2019 No Comments

The bridal procession do not often get more attention than the bride, but this wedding’s flower girls were exceptional and truly attention-worthy. Lyndsey Raby and her new husband, Tanner, felt so privileged to have their grandmothers present at their Tennesee wedding ceremony that they went a step further and asked them to be the flower girls.

“I knew as soon as I was engaged, I wanted to involve my grandmothers,” Lyndsey told the Huffington Post.

The beaming bunch included Tanner’s gran Joyce Raby (70), Lyndsey’s two grandmothers, Betty Brown (72) and Wanda Grant (76), and even her great-grandmother 90-year-old Kathleen Brown.

“I do believe they were more excited than my bridesmaids,” Lyndsey added.

These matriarchs are an integral part of both Lyndsey and Tanner’s families and have a great influence on their lives. Lyndsey said that she felt honoured to have them at the wedding and encourages other couples to do the same. “I felt so blessed to have them all here so I wanted them to be involved.”

Traditionally, the flower girls at the wedding are the cousins or nieces of the couple, and mostly they are little children. Of course, there’s no reason why the bride can’t skip a few generations! What a special moment.

Picture: Natalie Caho Photography

In Advice

The ultimate maid of honour’s emergency kit

October 17, 2019 No Comments

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.

Hair products:

hairbrush/comb
bobby pins
hairspray
hair ties

Beauty products:

makeup wipes
cotton swabs
miceller water
extra brushes
makeup for touch-ups
lip-balm
tweezers
nail polish
nail polish remover

The outfit:

a sewing kit
lint roller
scissors
stain-removing products
fabric tape
safety pins
extra jewellery
lotion (body and hand)
sunscreen

Medical:

ibuprofen/pain pills
anti-allergy medication
anti-anxiety medication
eye drops
band-aids

Organisation:

a copy of the bride’s toast/wedding vows
a contact list of all vendors for the day
a time schedule for the day

General:

tissues
gum
snacks
deodorant
perfume
superglue
phone chargers/powerbanks
cash

Picture: Unsplash

In Gifts

SA couple foregoes wedding gifts for student debt donations

October 17, 2019 No Comments

A South African couple forewent tradition by requesting financial donations to help pay off Rhodes University students’ fee debts instead of wedding gifts when they got married earlier this month.

James Rycroft and Toni Parsons are both Rhodes alumni. They each received a one-year bursary award from the English Olympiad and both went on to read for a Bachelor of Arts degree with English as a major, which is how they met in 2001.

“We lost touch after graduating and it was through Facebook that we reconnected. We met again in 2016 through our dear friend Natasha, and got engaged in 2018 in Esizindeni, near Coffee Bay, during our December cross-country road trip,” they said.

The couple got married in Southbroom on the Kwa-Zulu Natal south coast at the beginning of October 2019.

The couple spoke to their alma mater to explain that their request for financial aid for students was inspired by a fellow old Rhodian and friend, Natasha Joseph, who has been running an annual call for contributions to clear students’ fee accounts since 2017.

“Earning a degree is often a key life moment for a young person and we felt strongly about directing our community resources to helping a few young people at the university to graduate,” said James.

Toni added: “We believe that earning a degree should not be inhibited by your [in]ability to pay. A degree from a quality institution like Rhodes University can lead to serious opportunities when you enter the world of work. The contributions made by our community are intended in that spirit – to help those students who are unable to graduate, not because they did not meet academic standards, but because they were unable to raise the cash.”

Rhodes University Vice Chancellor, Dr Sizwe Mabizela accepted the couple’s gift and thanked them in a letter with these words.

“This has impacted me deeply. It proves, once again, the calibre and well-roundedness of our graduates. At a time when young couples would normally and naturally only think of their own comfort and improving their lives, they have both actioned a social purpose and are living proof of our alumni.”

Picture: Rhodes University

In Do's And Don'ts

How to keep calm on your wedding day

October 16, 2019 No Comments

The days leading up to your wedding can be super stressful and the day itself quite emotional. Don’t let the best day of your life be spoiled by feelings of anxiety or exhaustion. Here are some helpful tips on how to keep the joyful experience this special day is meant to be.

– The week before, take a few minutes each day and write down things you are grateful for. Journaling can be very therapeutic and serve as a reminder of how blessed you are for the people around you. Whether it be the one you’re marrying, the friends and family that support you or this exciting new adventure that lies ahead, jot it down and reflect on it.

– There’s a saying that goes: “Don’t sweat the petty stuff and don’t pet the sweaty stuff.” That’s about as perfect a saying you can get for a wedding. Remember the reason you are getting married: You have found the person you love with all your heart and you want to share it with people that are close to you. So when those little emergencies come, and they will, take a deep breath, smile and let the bridesmaids handle it.

– Get enough sleep the week before. Make sure you sleep well. Essential oils like lavender and jasmine might help you drift off to dreamland with a smile on your face. You will be quite busy those last few days, but you will want to feel rested and energetic at the wedding.

– Water is life. Taking a long, tranquil bath or shower the morning of your wedding will let the world’s worries flow away. Light some scented candles and make it your me-time where no one may bother you. Relax and focus on your breathing while soaking in the bubbles.

– It might sound like a good time to get hammered at the party but in truth, you will regret getting crazy drunk on your wedding and especially being hungover on your honeymoon. Having a good time at this joyous celebration is important, but overdoing it might lead you to make a mess of things. You want to remember your special day with grace for the rest of your life.

Image: Unsplash

In Fashion

Trending in wedding fashion: personalised bridal jackets

October 15, 2019 No Comments

Accessories are the final cherry on top of the cake. From jewellery to hair accessories, there are a host of additions that can be made to complete your final bridal look.

Personalised bridal jackets have been trending for a few years now, most famously worn by Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West.

Bridal jackets are typically leather or denim jackets adorned with personalised wedding script. Newlyweds wear these jackets on their wedding evening and as a bonus can keep it for decades to come. Another bonus is that it is easily DIY-able.

Here are a few bridal jackets to inspire you on your big day:

Crew love:

Dress your bridal party in matching jackets to show off your squad.

Just married:

Shout out you newlywed status with these jackets.

Wifey:

You’ve got a new title now, and everyone can read it off your back.

Till death:

Have a physical reminder of your vows by emblazoning ’til death” on your bridal jacket.

Babe:

Not one for official titles? Go with a cute nickname like ‘babe’.

Wife of the party:

Remind everyone that it’s your day with a jacket screaming ‘wife of the party’, or ‘bride’.

Get sappy:

Once you’ve found your person, everything falls into place. Let them know how you feel with a jacket with ‘it was always you’ written across it, or let them know you’ve found your happily ever after.

Surnames:

Have your surnames emblazoned on your jackets for a personalised touch.

Picture: Instagram / Kim Kardashian

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