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    Ryan Reynolds may be married to Blake Lively, but he’s the internet’s husband now. The Marvel actor has left women around the internet swooning after his adorable reaction to Blake’s colour-changing Versace dress.

    And deservedly so. The dress is a beautiful ode to the Statue of Liberty and the theme for the Gala titled: “Guilded Glamour.”

    The dress is perfect, mesmerising, beautiful, and a shiny example of glamour:

    The pictures of the dress “changing colour” is equally as beautiful, it’s hard not to see why anyone would have an awe-inspiring reaction:

    While it would’ve been incredible to see a dress changing colour before our  eyes, it was actually a top layer that was expertly removed by a crew of handy individuals half way up the stairs.

    Here’s a peek at the stunning reveal:

    And here’s a peek at Ryan’s adorable reaction:

    Talk about a fashion moment. We love a husband that supports his wife in all things!

    Feature Image: Met Gala 2022 Twitter

    Celebrations are best enjoyed with a glass of bubbly… Or in this case, a black salt pineapple cocktail or a citrus whisky tonic.

    Oh yes, let the party begin! Here are a few of our favourite wedding cocktail recipes to add to any party:

    Vodka + pineapple cocktail with black salt rim

    Tropical flavours are such a popular trend right now – we’ve glammed this up with the dark and mysterious black salt. The pineapple, paired with the mineral undertones of the black salt creates a deliciously refreshing drink. 

    Makes: 6 | Difficulty: Easy

    Ingredients: 

    • 6 cups pineapple juice and extra for dipping
    • 300ml Anestasia Vodka
    • 12 blocks ice
    • 12 tsp black salt

    To serve: 

    • 6 large slices of pineapple

    Method:

    1. Combine pineapple juice, vodka and ice in a cocktail shaker or large jug. Stir and leave to chill while you prepare the glasses.
    2. Dip the rim of each glass in a saucer filled with some pineapple juice.
    3. Then dip the rims in another saucer with the black salt. Roll the rims in the salt so that they are well coated.
    4. Once the glasses are ready, pour the prepared cocktail into the glasses and add a pinch of black salt to each one.
    5. Serve each with a large slice of pineapple.

    Spumanté + Pomegranate Cocktail 

    What is Spurmanté, you’re wondering? It is a lovely, slightly sweet wine, with a fruity and floral undertone – and a lively spark! Paired with the sharp flavour of the pomegranate juice, this is a balanced and invigorating cocktail. 

    Makes: 6 | Difficulty: Easy

    Ingredients: 

    • 1 bottle Ovation Spurmanté, chilled.
    • 6 tsp honey
    • 2 pomegranates thinly sliced
    • 1/2 cup pomegranate juice

    Method: 

    1. Divide the Spurmanté between 6 glasses, and add 1 tsp of honey per glass. Stir.
    2. Garnish the edge of the glass with a thin slice of pomegranate.
    3. Just before serving, pour a small amount of pomegranate juice into each drink.
    4. Serve chilled.

    Honey Bubbles

    This trend is new to SA but really ancient. Mead is a wine made from fermented honey, creating a distinct flavour like nothing you know.

    Makes: 5 | Difficulty: Easy

    Ingredients: 

    • 1 bottle Melaurea Mead Methodé Traditionelle, chilled.
    • To serve – six small pieces of honeycomb.

    Method: 

    1. Divide the Melaurea mead between 5 glasses.
    2. Garnish the side of each glass with a smaller piece of honeycomb.

    Berry + Lime Gin With Cashew Snack Basket

    The small snack basket in the cocktail is a fun way to keep your guests satisfied while you’re busy getting your photos taken. And the best part? You can add any snacks you like!

    Makes: 4 | Difficulty: Easy

    Ingredients: 

    • 300ml Flowstone Bushwillow Gin
    • 4 cups strawberry juice
    • 6 cups crushed ice
    • 1 1/2 cups fresh raspberries
    • 3 limes, halved and flesh removed
    • 1 1/2 cup raw cashews

    Method: 

    1. Combine the gin and strawberry juice, stirring well.
    2. Fill 4 glasses with crushed ice and place a few fresh raspberries in each glass.
    3. Pour the cocktail over the crushed ice.
    4. To garnish, settle the halved lime into the crushed ice and fill with a quarter cup of cashews. Serve immediately.

    Citrus Whisky Tonic

    Use any citrus juice you fancy for this drink – it really depends on how sweet or sour you like it. For a sparkling and glamourous finish, add a small pinch of edible gold glitter to the glasses. 

    Makes: 6 | Difficulty: Easy

    Ingredients: 

    • 24 blocks ice
    • 300ml American Barrels Bourbon Whiskey
    • 4 cups tonic
    • 1 tbsp citrus juice (orange, grapefruit or lemon juice)
    • 6 small pinches of edible glitter (to serve)

    Method: 

    1. Divide the ice between 6 glasses, and tip up a double shot of bourbon in each glass.
    2. Finish the cocktail by filling each glass with tonic, and stir in a tablespoon of the citrus juice.
    3. Serve immediately.

    Read Also: Modern Romance: Dreamy make-up trends that we love

    There’s something truly special about an unabashedly feminine look on your wedding day. Take a cue from these timeless hair and make-up trends for that quintessential dreamy look.

    Twiggy Lashes 

    To create this doe-eyed look, focus on defining both top and bottom lash lines by loading your lashes with mascara. Fill in any gaps and add volume with individual lashes.

    wedding make-up trends

    Red Velvet 

    There is a reason red is the colour of love, and when it comes to wearing it, it’s all about choosing the perfect texture. Not as shiny as creamy lipstick, but not as dry as a matte version, a velvet lip is a beautiful in-between texture that is extremely wearable with a decadent edge.

    wedding make-up trends
    Picture: Pinterest

    Wing It

    When it comes to wearing winged eyeliner, the most important thing to keep in mind is your eye shape and what suits you best. The win should lift your outer eye corner, creating a flattering feline shape.

    wedding make-up trends
    Picture: Pinterest

    Glass Skin 

    No obvious sparkly highlighter here, this is more of an overall ‘lit from within’ glow. Start with good skincare leading up to your big day, making exfoliation and hydration your focus.

    wedding make-up trends
    Picture: Pinterest

    Glitter Goddess

    Glitter is one of the biggest trends in make-up right now, appearing everywhere from the runways to the red carpet. It adds that extra glamour to your look when dabbed over cream-textured shadow.

    wedding make-up trends
    Picture: Pinterest

    Read Also: Looking for the perfect wedding dress? Here are a few tips to find ‘the one’

     

    If you’ve just made it past the potential minefield that is the guest list, here’s your next challenge: How are you going to seat everyone? Round tables? Long ones? One long banquet table? Goodness.

    If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

    Get down and boogie: 

    While your nuptials are all about sharing the love, it’s the dance floor that will have your guests remember your big day. Having said that, this is an excellent starting point. The most popular – and effective – option is to plonk your dance floor in the centre of the room. Then you’ll position the band or DJ against the wall. Of course, there are a whole host of ideas that will have your guests dancing until their feet hurt, and if your venue doesn’t allow for this, you can place the dance floor at one end of the room, centred and backed up against a wall.

    dance floor wedding
    Picture: Pinterest

    It’s all about the size: 

    Long or round – choose the shape and size of your tables, but beyond this, make sure that the two of you are in the central spot so that your guests can see you in all your glory. A great place to start is to figure out how many guests fit at each table, this will allow you to figure out how many tables you will need.

    What’s the plan – the floor plan that is: 

    We may think that the dance floor is the most important aspect of the wedding celebration, nothing is possible without creating a floor plan that the two of you are happy with. Start with the two most important people – you and your partner as you need to have the best seats and view in the house. Arrange your tables as symmetrically as possible – in a U-shape around the centred dance floor or fill one end of the space (if the dance floor is on the one side).

    Here’s a little example

    Don’t forget the VIPs

    Reserve the tables closest to the two of you for your immediate families, and set aside tables further from the band/DJ for the older guests. The less desirable seats should be saved for your friends. Keep people together who will enjoy the time together – perhaps there are family members who haven’t seen each other in a while?

    The bar area

    This will also be dependent on your venue, but as a rule of thumb, the bar should be away from the entrance to avoid possible congestion. If you have more than one bar (one bar with two bartenders for every 100 guests is a good point of measure), then position one close to the dance floor and another one on the other side of the room.

    But, how will your guests know

    It’s time to dab the sweat that’s been dripping from your forehead and let a little stress go because we have something else on the agenda. How will you let guests know where to sit on the day? Whether you have 150 or 20 guests, displaying their names in alphabetical order is the most convenient option, to eliminate confusion and unnecessary time spent hovering around the seating chart. To make it more exciting, give each guest a refreshing cocktail or glass of bubbly along with their table number – it really sets the tone for a festive reception! Why not go a step further and add a signature cocktail to your wedding reception – here are a few ideas.

    Picture: Pinterest

    Feature Image: Grace Charlotte

    There are some brides that simply know what they want their wedding dress to look like. However, there are a few brides-to-be who need a little nudge towards inspiration, and there’s nothing more inspiring than the latest wedding gowns from Bridal Fashion Week. 

    The crème de la crème of the fashion world came together to grace us with the most fabulous and on-trend designs – the perfect way to find inspiration for your upcoming nuptials. 

    Here are a few of our favourite designs from Bridal Fashion Week’s Spring Collection:

    Anne Barge 

    Bridal Fashion Week

    Bridal Fashion Week

    Mira Zwillinger

    Bridal Fashion Week

    Zuhair Murad

    Bridal Fashion Week

    Bridal Fashion Week

    Ines Di Santo 

    Bridal Fashion Week

    Reem Acra 

    Bridal Fashion Week

    Galia Lahav

    Bridal Fashion Week

    Bridal Fashion Week

    Savannah Miller

    Bridal Fashion Week

    Galvan Bridal 

    Halfpenny London

    Bridal Fashion Week

    Bridal Fashion Week

    Elie Saab

    Bridal Fashion Week

    Bridal Fashion Week

    Monique Lhuillier

    Feature Image: Monique Lhuillier

     

    “The devil is in the details,” and boy, can planning a wedding sometimes feel like taking a quick trip to hell if you don’t have the right support. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you how stressful planning your impending nuptials can be, but with so many details to think about, some things can slip through the cracks. 

    One detail that’s not always necessary, but that’s great to include if you’re looking to have your guests “ooh” and “ahh” is the centrepiece. An interesting fact is that a table centrepiece is often overlooked by brides and planners. 

    Who wants to talk over a ginormous centrepiece, right? But despite a few cons, a table centrepiece is a fantastic way to elevate your wedding theme, adding a little je ne sais quois to your already incredible event. 

    Go big or go home you say? If you’re looking to add a little drama to your wedding – with decor, that is – adding a tall centrepiece can be a great way to add that pop you’re looking for. 

    Take what resonates and toss what doesn’t! Here are a few tall centrepiece ideas that will steal your heart as they have mine:

    A drama that’s subtle

    Picture: Endless Exposures

    A dramatic centrepiece that offers a subtle touch. Bridal couples looking to keep things simple when their guests sit down will certainly love this minimalist geometric design. Keep it elegant with gold and floral trimmings. 

    A reception by candlelight 

    Picture: Carly Rae Weddings

    There’s something cosy yet alluring about a candle and flame. After all, don’t all romances start after an intimate candlelit dinner? This amazing design keeps things simple, using levels to add a subtle drama that’s not too much while the addition of greenery and flowers beautifully tie things together.  

    A whimsical addition 

    Picture: Chillie Breeze

    I love the idea of bringing nature into the mix, and this tall centrepiece is certainly perfect for nature lovers looking to bring the outdoors inside. Wisteria can be a great addition for bridal couples looking to add more romance to an already romantic setting. The best part? Your guests will definitely be able to see and talk to each other. 

    Keep it traditional 

    Picture: Jaine Kershner Photography

    Looking to make a statement but hoping to keep it traditional? This floral design, which is mixed with classic white blooms and pops of purple and pink will provide a striking arrangement while allowing you to stick to something more traditional. 

    Fancy grass 

    Picture: Elizabeth Wells Photography

    I have a confession to make. I’m a little obsessed with pampas grass. There’s something so subtly elegant and fancy about it… it must be the feather-like texture that this plant offers. Nonetheless, it can be a gorgeous addition to your guests’ table. Similar to this design, all you need is a tall stand and as many pampas grass as you can dream of. They’re also pretty affordable to purchase, so we’re winning! 

    There’s nothing wrong with simple

    Picture: Creative Nook

    Sometimes it’s okay to let your gorgeous venue do all the talking. This simple table centrepiece adds a little light and romance and ensures that the decor does all the talking. While there’s nothing wrong with going big, this design proves that simplicity can often speak louder.

    Feature Image: Elizabeth Wells Photography

    Classy, sophisticated, posh. All three of these words mean the exact same thing but somehow manage to individually encompass the essence of the always fabulous Beckhams. 

    In 1999, David and Victoria Beckham solidified their status as pop culture icons following their Robin Hood themed wedding. Fashionistas and brides-to-be around the world couldn’t get enough of Victoria’s tightly fitted corset by English corsetiere, Mr Pearl, a gorgeous piece that she wore under her ballgown. 

    Nearly two decades later and another Beckham appears to be inspiring future brides and grooms. In a lavish $3.5 million “modern fairytale” wedding, Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz said their “I dos” in front of family and friends in what many are describing as simply “magical.”

    Picture: British Vogue

    The ceremony was said to be a star-studded affair with Serena Williams and Eva Longoria making an appearance at the $103 million venue in Palm Beach, which happened to be billionaire Nelson Peltz’s (Nicola’s father) compound.  

    Along with the who’s who of the celebrity world, British Vogue had a front-row seat to the couple’s nuptials, sharing a plethora of snaps and noting: ‘It’s the stuff that modern fairytales are made of: a beautiful blonde film star meets a handsome young scion of one of Britain’s most famous – and fashionable – families, sparks fly, and a truly 21st-century romance unfolds.’ 

    While there are many elements that make a wedding magical, all eyes were undoubtedly on Nicola’s custom-made Valentino wedding gown – a culmination of a years’ worth of conversations between the bride, Peltz’s stylist and the creative team at Valentino. 

    Picture: British Vogue

    The result has been the blushing bride’s “dream dress” with countless snaps showcasing the sheer elegance of this masterpiece. 

    A cute little inclusion featured the bride’s dress is adorned with an evil eye symbol and included a message from her mother which the Valentino team stitched with blue thread – for that something blue. 

    The world was treated to new images of the newlyweds which came after Brooklyn uploaded the first shot from their wedding on Sunday, a black and white image of the pair that he captioned: ‘Mr. & Mrs Peltz Beckham.’

    The images are breathtaking and ooze old Hollywood. However, Peltz appears to have taken some inspiration from the 90s with Vogue noting that the bride’s hair was styled as “an ode to Claudia Schiffer in the ‘90s.”

    “It was all about keeping her hair beautiful, soft and smooth. ”Think luxe, polished texture, but with fullness and movement to it,” said Adir Abergel, Nicola’s hairstylist. 

    Picture: British Vogue

    A natural look was chosen for the day and offered a fresh, natural look that was barely there but provided a few details that ensured her features would pop under the veil. 

    The result? A gorgeous bride, a magical day and a happy groom. Is there anything more perfect than that? 

    Congratulations to the happy couple! 

    Picture: British Vogue

    While a couple were in the midst of a marriage proposal, a few seconds after the bride-to-be said ‘yes’, a lion stepped onto the scene to join in on the magic, and let out a roar (possibly of approval if this were a Disney movie) moments after the two became fianceés.

    The moment took place in the Kgalagadi at the Cape Town couple’s campsite in Botswana.

    According to John Peiser, he had heard a roar in the distance and decided it was the perfect moment to propose to his fiance, Sandy.

    “Mr. Lion must have told a friend, as a lioness came into our camp the very next evening, more or less the same time!” John recalled speaking to Latest Sightings. 

    Footage was captured of the special moment, and it stands as just one of many magical moments in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

    WATCH: Lions during the proposal aftermath

    Feature Image: Screenshot

    There’s something magical about saying I do under a canopy of indigenous fauna and flora, the burnt-orange sun setting in the background and an endless array of wildlife as bystanders. 

    And there’s certainly nothing more magical than Botswana. 

    Home to the best wilderness and wildlife spots on the African continent, Botswana is a dream for wedding couples looking to tie the knot and immerse themselves in nature. 

    While the Okavango Delta may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of nature and Southern Africa, it’s the unsurpassed natural beauty of Tuli Private Game Reserve that will truly steal your heart. 

    The destination – Tuli Game Reserve 

    Featuring 72 000 hectares of unadulterated beauty, this privately-owned land in the north-eastern sector of Botswana’s Tuli Block offers a timeless African experience. 

    But this wild stretch of land goes beyond offering picturesque views of rugged landscapes, flowing rivers and a region teeming with wildlife, it also provides one of its shiniest gems – the Africa Experience

    The Africa Experience features excellent wilderness retreats, specialised private African safaris, interactive research participation, and now, a wedding venue. Nestled between the lush greenery of the Tuli and perched on the banks of the Limpopo River, lovebirds have the opportunity to plan a wedding ceremony that they will never forget. 

    Accommodation options come in the form of Koro River Camp, beautifully appointed tented master suites that offer fantastic views, and Koro Island Camp, four simple yet elegant tented en-suites. It’s the perfect spot for newlyweds looking to stay and enjoy the beauty of the region a little longer. 

    The Wedding Experience

    The bridal couple and guests will be treated to a three-day wedding extravagant, in the heart of the bush. Doesn’t get much better than this, right? Wrong!

    Africa Experience offers couples the chance to spend some quality time with loved ones with a fully inclusive three-night stay for a maximum of 30 pax.

    Breakfast, pre-wedding dinner, a spa day for the ladies and a morning walk for the guys are just a few amazing activities you’ll get to indulge in with your guests. The ceremony and reception will take place at the gorgeous River Camp, perfect for those eager to enjoy the sweet sounds of Mother Nature and incredible views over the river. Fall asleep to the wonders of the universe as you top this experience off with an incredible sleep out under the stars!

    Depart with your heart full and stomach full as you enjoy breakfast at the camp. 

    Newlyweds eager to spend a little extra time enjoying this part of the world can stay on for their honeymoon.

    For the ecologically conscious bride and groom, the Africa Experience prides itself in being at the forefront of conservation tourism and this ethos is at the heart of their operations, having established the foundation, TIMBO AFRIKA

    This incredible foundation funds and supports numerous conservation and community projects, including an accredited PhD level field study, which focuses on the ecology of leopards and hyenas of the Tuli.

    What’s more, bridal couples staying at the camps have the opportunity to get their hands dirty by joining in with monitoring activities and field observations – if that’s not an incredible way to spend your honeymoon, then we don’t know what is!

    With conservation and community at the heart of everything they do, there’s no better place to say I do” than at this incredible wedding destination.

    To find out more, head to their website.

    The ultimate showcase of South Africa’s best in the wedding industry is back as a live event.

    The Wedding Expo will be taking place from 6&& August 2022 at the Heartfelt Arena in Centurion, the perfect setting to welcome back the thousands of brides and grooms who want to connect in-person with leading wedding industry professionals. 

    Amanda Cunningham, founder of The Wedding Expo, is proud to announce that Specialised Exhibitions – a division of world-renowned Montgomery Group, will head up this event which promises an exciting and innovative two days. 

    Specialised Exhibitions is a company with over 50 years’ experience and a reputation synonymous with innovation, integrity and professionalism.

    “We engaged, we proposed and we said ‘Yes’ to The Wedding Expo,” says a smiling Charlene Hefer, portfolio director at Specialised Exhibitions. “It’s an exciting opportunity for all of us. With our diverse, dynamic and experienced team, our forward-thinking approach and the integration of latest technologies, we will bring a vibrant energy to the expo in full support of the well-known and successful brand.” 

    “We are really excited about the changes and innovations that will be in place for the expo,” says Hefer. “There will be lots of new features, competitions and promotions in addition to the many informative talks and workshops. An experience shared with loved ones, it will be a super fun two days of fashion, buying and bubbly.” 

    “Globally we are seeing the exhibition and events industry successfully re-open after almost two years of restrictions,” Hefer continues. “Face-to-face interactions have been greatly missed, as they facilitate the building of relationships and trust, enable the engagement of all five senses – to see, hear, taste, touch and smell the products, and also satisfy the gregarious and social nature of people.

    For the many brides, grooms, families and friends who want to meet a host of suppliers to help plan the big day, the wedding expo is the place to be.” 

    Cunningham agrees, “Exhibitors are only too pleased to assist with wedding planning such as giving great advice on venues, catering requirements, flowers and decor, dresses, invitations, honeymoons, legal requirements, and much more! I am constantly astounded at the incredible talent showcased in the South African Bridal Industry.

    This is an entrepreneur driven industry and the service providers are right up there with the best of the best on the international platform. I have loved working with and promoting these incredibly talented individuals and businesses.”  

    Whether you are an entrepreneur in the wedding industry looking for brand exposure, sales leads and the opportunity to network and collaborate with other wedding professionals, or if you are a bride or groom ready to plan your special day, then save the date for The Wedding Expo, 6 & 7 August 2022. 

     Pictures: Supplied / Abbi Cooley Photography