In a low-key courthouse ceremony, Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker officially tied the knot.
@kourtneykardash
Now, a Kardashian having a downplayed wedding isn’t exactly on brand, but for Kourtney and Travis, AKA one of the most loved-up couples in Hollywood, the lack of grandeur seems fitting in the pair’s “we’re the different couple” narrative.
@kourtneykardash
If anything, Kourtney’s chill mini Dolce & Gabbana wedding dress and subtle veil and Travis’s sleek all-black suit are refreshing in a world where celebrity love (especially at the Kardashian level) is almost always contested with grandeur.
@kourtneykardash
The two sported pictures in a fabulous convertible, giving a 1960s genre film essence, as seen on Kourtney’s Instagram.
@kourtneykardash
However, rumours are pinning that there will be a bigger wedding down the line in Italy, according to a source as People reports. However, this is still just hearsay at this point, as Vogue notes, the couple have not confirmed big wedding plans.
@kourtneykardash
The courthouse wedding follows their practice wedding in Las Vagas post-Grammys in April according to Elle, but the marriage license wasn’t procured, making the ceremony unofficial. Kourtney had aptly captioned the pictures from this ceremony as “practice makes perfect” and her latest official wedding pictures with “Till death do us part.”
Who said a bride can’t look sexy on her wedding day? One of the most important aspects of choosing a wedding dress is making sure that you feel good because the worst thing you can do is look back on your big day and regret one of the most important aspects of the day – your wedding dress.
If you’ve been browsing wedding boutiques and you’ve finally found your killer bridal style, but you’re looking to add a sprinkle or dollop of sexy, your in luck. From subtly sexy to raunchy, we’ve found a variety of wedding dresses that may just inspire you to step into the more bold, sexy and tantalising bride that you are:
When we think about that special day, amidst imaginings of how our partners will look at us adoringly, the dress that we’ll wear flawlessly after months of picking the perfect one, and the smiles on our guests’ faces as we say “I do”, we may also consider what could turn our fairytale into a nightmare.
The rings get lost, the cake topples over, or worse – you forget to put on half your wedding gown.
Well, for one digital creator, Becky Jefferies, discovering that she had forgotten half her dress behind turned out to be a reality. However, this story has a good ending and can be understood far more as a romantic comedy than a nightmare.
Just before the bride and groom-to-be were about to say their vows, Becky became aware that things were a little lighter, as the detachable Point D’Esprit portion of her gown had not been put on!
Kindly, Becky took the mic and asked the guests if she could complete her look. As anyone who has ever spent what felt like a lifetime choosing the perfect dress will know, it’s a lot of effort (both mental and physical) to finish your bridal look, and wearing only half of it is like submitting an art project without the all-important details!
Despite the slight sense of “is this really happening” evident in Becky’s demeanour, the bride’s finishings quickly made it down the aisle just in time. “I bet you’ve never been to a wedding like this before,” Becky added humorously finally ready to say her vows in the completed dress she dreamed of (though, she looked stunning either way).
WATCH: Bride forgets half her dress and realises right before the vows
I’m sure we’ve all had a moment where we’ve sniggered at the fact that our friend got a matching tattoo with their significant other. Opinions on getting matching couple tattoos have the ability to divide a room, but no matter you’re thoughts, these inked memories have gained notoriety in recent years thanks to celebrities such as Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner.
Along with popularity, getting matching tattoos can be a great way to creatively express a lifetime commitment. So, before you say “I do”, here are a few matching tattoos to get – all in the name of love.
Coordinates
Coordinates all the way to your heart, maybe? In this case, you and your SO could get matching coordinates that lead all the way to where you first met. It’s a beautiful sentiment that you’ll never get tired of looking at.
Not everyone will be keen on getting their bride or groom’s face inked on their body but for those brave enough, it can be a great way to skip the cheesy quotes. Sticking to a minimalist design may help you to feel a bit braver, especially with this line tattoo.
The great thing about matching tattoos is the fact that they don’t actually have to be matching. Grab a design that complements each other, similar to this spaceship and solar system tattoos.
“Always” is a word you’ve probably uttered as you’ve gazed into your significant other’s eyes. There’s nothing simpler than a scripted tattoo, and it’s less painful too – bonus!
Is there anything more romantic than a handwritten love note? Take it a step further and get your SO’s tattooed onto your skin, it can be a wonderful message that carries a deeper meaning.
You’ll probably never forget the day that you tied the knot, but to commemorate the occasion, why not add the date so that you know neither of you will ever forget.
As sustainability seeps into the collective consciousness, more-and-more brides are researching how to achieve the quintessential ‘sustainable wedding,’ turning to vendors, services, and products that help them achieve this.
Jewellery is one way the modern eco-conscious bride is doing some good. From ethically sourced rings to fair trade necklaces, here are a few incredible jewellery brands that are sustainable AND African.
AuTerra is a Cape Town-based brand led by designer and maker, Ashley. It’s a remarkable, innovative brand that collects discarded electronic products and recycles them into jewellery. The aesthetics of the handcrafted pieces transcend trends and the contemporary designs are simplistic and minimal. The brand believes in creating pieces that can be passed down from generation to generation in the hopes of persevering quality craftsmanship.
Each gemstone is individually selected, ensuring that no two pieces are the same. Along with offering vibrant and minimalist designs, each piece is ethically sourced and handcrafted to perfection in South Africa. The brand also offers custom designs for brides looking for something extra special.
Bespoke jewellery pieces are only a click away. From gemstone-infused tiger necklaces to gorgeous pearl earrings and engagement rings, Black Betty Designs is a great place for those looking for pieces that will ‘wow.’ Based in Cape Town, this sustainable jewellery brand ships throughout South Africa.
This Kenyan-based jewellery brand provides pieces with a purpose, ensuring that each one of its designs has a positive impact. What’s more, they offer beautiful modern designs that perfectly reflect the beauty of Africa. From Sagana brass nugget necklaces to hammered brass bracelets – there’s plenty to choose from.
Dear Rae is the brainchild of fine arts graduate Karin Rae Matthees. The brand uses local materials and manufacturers to create unique pieces. Dear Rae design aesthetics can be described as classically minimal pieces that you can wear for the rest of your life. Karin’s brand adheres to the Kimberly process as well, and sources local manufacturers for production, ensuring each step of the manufacturing process is completely transparent.
Similar to Lady Whistledown’s society papers, Bridgerton is all anyone has time to talk about these days. The Netflix period drama has spawned a plethora of Regencycore-inspired home decor and fashion pieces and has gone on to take over the world of weddings too.
Pinterest, the one-stop for all things wedding inspo, has been dishing the dirt on what brides-to-be have been searching on the platform, and it looks like Bridgerton-inspired bridal showers are all the rage right now.
If your very own ‘Simon’ has gone down on one knee, you may be thinking about your bridal shower. With so many wonderful ways to incorporate the Bridgerton theme into your bridal shower, here are a few of our favourites:
A Tea Party Worthy of The Queen
Is there anything more regal than a sophisticated tea party? According to Pinterest, search terms have soared in relation to tea parties as a Bridgerton bridal shower idea. Grab your most sophisticated tea cups, three-tier platters, colourful macarons, florals, and a variety of tea flavours to sample. Make things extra special by creating a Bridgerton-inspired cup/mug for your bridal crew to take home with them, PostNet can be a good spot to do this.
Picture: Pinterest
Pearl Decor
Another aesthetic that ties in nicely with the Recencycore aesthetic, and which has been making waves on Pinterest, is pearl decor. Keep things simple by including pearls in your bridal shower through pearl hair clips, or pearl garland decor.
Picture: Pinterest
Puff Sleeves?
Take things up a notch and really get into the theme by incorporating puff sleeves. You can keep things subtle by simply asking guests to wear puffed blouses or dresses – a great way to add a modern twist to your period-themed bridal shower.
Picture: Superbalist
‘Bridgerton’ Inspired Hairstyles
No theme is complete without the quintessential hairstyle. Plenty of curls, puffy hair, and pearl hair clips seem to be theme when it comes to hairstyles associated with the regencycore aesthetic. If you’re feeling brave, go for something as daring as Queen Charlotte’s puffy hair-do or Daphne’s long flowing curls.
An abundance of floral
One thing that stands out when you watch the Bridgerton series is the bold colours, especially when it comes to floral. Now, adding flowers to any event can be quite pricey, so set a budget and stick to it. Grab a few of your favourite vases and add colourful roses (or your favourite bouquet of flowers) across the table. If you’re looking to keep things affordable and sustainable, try dried bouquets. You’ll be able to reuse it at your wedding ceremony.
While planning your wedding can be a time that’s filled with cake tasting and venue scouting, it can also be a time that’s filled with pulling out your hair and stress eating. Planning your impending nuptials can be a stressful affair, but it doesn’t have to be!
If you’re hoping to look back on your big day and smile with contentment and not sneer at the thought of all the stress you were under, check out these helpful tips.
Manage Your Expectations
You can use Pinterest and photos to inspire you, but your wedding won’t look exactly the same. There are so many different factors at play when you see those images on the internet: Where in the world was it taken? Is it even a real wedding, or a staged shoot? Are those flowers available in SA? So whatever you do, make sure you don’t get upset or stressed when things aren’t perfect – you’ll just ruin your day.
Come Prepared and Avoid Wardrobe Malfunctions
You or anyone in your bridal party might need a hook-and-eye closure, so be sure to carry spares, needle-nose pliers, and a sewing kit. Just one lean over into the gin table and pop! Disaster.
Stick to your Budget
It’s your wedding and it’s all very exciting, but you have a budget for a reason. Don’t set yourself into years of debt, or sell your prized pony. Set a budget for your wedding and download a wedding-planner app on your phone. Stick to it, and you’ll be glad that you did once the confetti has settled.
Don’t let your self-consciousness get the best of you
“I wish I had known how beautiful I looked.” Make sure this is not something you say four months, or years, later. Make choices that are your own when it comes to your dress or suit, and on the big day, rock it. Don’t worry about the fat roll you think is there, or the laugh lines under your eyes. Enjoy the moment; it goes quicker than you think.
Put your own spin on it
Listen to your mom, best friends and Aunt Joanna. But whatever you do, do it your way.
Don’t go cheap on certain things
Food poisoning for all your guests? Not fun. Blown-out or unflattering wedding photographs? You’ll regret that. While everything else lasts for the one day, you’ll have those pictures forever, so you want to get your money’s worth.
Don’t nitpick on the details
Months of planning, crammed into four or five hours, which are so charged with emotions and tears, you might not even notice that small calligraphy initials on the stem of every rose… Don’t stress about every little thing while planning your wedding and on the big day. Such a cliche, but words that couldn’t be more true.
We love a good Pinterest search, especially when it comes to finding much-needed wedding inspiration.
Did we mention how stressful wedding planning can be?
Thankfully, this online moldboard has been with us every step of the way and has been a favourite amongst brides-to-be as they pin away and plan their weddings.
While we would like to think that we’re still in the age where millennials are getting hitched, the social media platform has swooped in to burst our bubble, revealing that Gen Zers are pinning away as they plan their impending nuptials.
A burst of fresh air is what this generation is looking for as they ditch stuffy traditions and do it their own way.
“This year, Pinners are planning for the big wedding celebrations after postponements. We are seeing larger weddings come back and a movement away from minimalism,” says Swasti Sarna, Senior Insights Manager at Pinterest.
“We are also seeing rising searches for Pinners wanting to connect back to their roots by celebrating their unique cultural traditions, with 45% of the top wedding trends related to different cultures.”
So, just what are bridal couples searching for? From Bridgerton themes to sustainable weddings, here are a few of the wedding trends for 2022, according to Pinterest.
The Dark Side of Life
Traditionally, brides have always worn white, but the latest trends from Pinterest reveal that brides-to-be are stepping away from this and opting for something completely different. “Black dress wedding party,” “black boho wedding dress” ( 4X), and “black wedding cakes” (+94%) are a few search terms that have been trending as “dark wedding ideas” becomes a popular search term on the platform.
Picture: Pinterest
Pearls are a girl’s best friend
Move over diamonds because there’s a new sheriff in town. From engagement rings to “pearl cake,” the rise of the pearl is something that Pinterest predicted back in December 2021. They were certainly right on the mark as bridal couples opt for the non-traditional. Search terms such as “pearl wedding dress,” “Pearl wedding” and “Pearlcore” are just a few trends that are here to stay in 2022.
Picture: Pinterest
Back into nature
More specifically, the forest. Brides and grooms are really looking to make their wedding day a fairy tale event with search terms like “woodland fairy wedding,” “enchanted forest wedding dress,” and “forest wedding ceremony” being big trends. This is no surprise as forest wedding venues can offer couples a magical setting. Throw in earthy tones for suits and bohemian style dresses and flowy veils, and you have a wedding ceremony fit for a Disney princess and prince.
Picture: Pinterest
The Bridgerton Effect
The Netflix has been making waves in more ways than one. The opulent Regency Era has grabbed almost every bridal couple’s attention with search terms such as “‘Bridgerton’ bridal shower ideas,” and “‘Bridgerton’ wedding” being the top terms that bride- and grooms-to-be are searching for.
Picture: Pinterest
Sustainable Weddings
It’s cool to care for the environment and eco-conscious couples are taking a stand with their sustainable wedding. Paying special attention to how we affect the environment has slowly become a top priority for many people, so it comes as no surprise that sustainable weddings are on the rise. From food to decorations, “eco-friendly wedding ideas,” “thrifted wedding decor” and “reuse wedding dress ideas” are some of the top search terms.
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.
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:
Combine pineapple juice, vodka and ice in a cocktail shaker or large jug. Stir and leave to chill while you prepare the glasses.
Dip the rim of each glass in a saucer filled with some pineapple juice.
Then dip the rims in another saucer with the black salt. Roll the rims in the salt so that they are well coated.
Once the glasses are ready, pour the prepared cocktail into the glasses and add a pinch of black salt to each one.
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:
Divide the Spurmanté between 6 glasses, and add 1 tsp of honey per glass. Stir.
Garnish the edge of the glass with a thin slice of pomegranate.
Just before serving, pour a small amount of pomegranate juice into each drink.
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.
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:
Combine the gin and strawberry juice, stirring well.
Fill 4 glasses with crushed ice and place a few fresh raspberries in each glass.
Pour the cocktail over the crushed ice.
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:
Divide the ice between 6 glasses, and tip up a double shot of bourbon in each glass.
Finish the cocktail by filling each glass with tonic, and stir in a tablespoon of the citrus juice.
