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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

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Questions to ask your videographer before your big day

July 14, 2022 No Comments

Your wedding photographs are one of the few tangible reminders you’ll have of your big day. If you haven’t already thought of it, a wedding video will also allow you to watch the day unfold again – bit by bit.

You’ll relive almost every experience from the recital of your vows to showing off your moves on the dance floor. But don’t settle for just any old chump with a video-camera. A quality videographer does not come cheap and considering your wedding video will last for a lifetime, you can’t afford to take the time to do your homework.

If you’re researching potential videographers and are unsure of how to go about picking one, make sure to ask them these important questions.

How long have you been shooting weddings?

As with many other professionals, it’s normally the videographers who have the most experience under their belt who you can count on to produce the best results. Being aware that there are no chances for second takes at weddings, a seasoned pro will be prepared to capture all the candid moments on your big day, be able to competently cope with unpredictable mishaps and be sharp enough to spot the heartfelt yet less noticeable moments those still new to the game may miss.

However, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go for someone with less experience. If they’re new to the wedding game but have solid references from other types of shoots, they may still be the perfect option.

What’s your style of shooting?

Two main styles can be adopted: cinematic and documentary. A cinematic style, as the name implies, involves using feature-film methods to craft an arty movie. In contrast, a documentary-style involves outlining all the highlights of the event from beginning to end.

To avoid disappointment, ensure your videographer’s style matches your expectations by watching previous wedding films they’ve shot.

How does your pricing work?

Videographers usually require you pay a flat rate based on the number of hours they’ll be shooting. They might also have designed fixed packages that include different products and services for different budgets. Whether your videographer bills you a flat rate or you’re opting for a package, it’s crucial you’re crystal clear on what is and isn’t part of the deal.

Note: Have any agreement you make with them sent to you in writing so if you’re disappointed with the product after, you have documentation outlining the promises made.

What does your schedule look like on my wedding date?

You want your videographer to focus solely on your wedding so make sure they have nothing else planned for that day. Having only one wedding to shoot guarantees your videographer will give you their undivided attention and that they’ll capture every aspect of the occasion they agreed to. Juggling multiple weddings or shoots in one day could mean your videographer does a rushed job.

Will you be the one shooting my wedding?

Some videographers work for large studios that commonly take on several projects per day or weekend. When you first make contact, you probably won’t speak to the person who will be filming your wedding. If this is the case, get the contact details of the videographer assigned to you and set up a meeting with them. This will give you the chance to get comfortable with them as well as ask them any pressing questions about their style of shooting.

Will you be working with an assistant?

Having an assistant is key because it’ll be challenging or nearly impossible for all the necessary footage to be shot without one. To make your video exciting, it’s best to have certain parts of your wedding and, most of all, your ceremony, shot from varying angles. Keep in mind that having more than three videographers isn’t recommended because they’ll probably end up getting in each other’s way – and possibly your photographer’s too.

Which photographers have you enjoyed working with?

Your photographer and videographer will operate as a close-knit team to create valuable footage that’ll last a lifetime. So it’s a huge plus if they’ve had positive experiences with each other before – and even better if they come as a package! If they’ve never worked together, set up a meeting before the wedding to chat about their approach to collaborating as they document the day’s events. If they compete, rather than co-operate, to get shots, it could lead to tension – and terrible photographs and footage.

Picture: Pexels

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How to pull off the ‘Natural glam’ makeup look

July 10, 2022 No Comments

‘Natural’ and ‘glam’ are two words that are seemingly opposites, yet an entire makeup style is dedicated to bringing these two styles together. This makeup style is perfect for the bride wanting a touch of glamour without feeling like they are wearing too much makeup.

It is typically characterised by a soft brown blown-out smokey eye and false lashes, paired with a natural skin finish. A bold, full brow helps to frame the face.

The key is to opt for a dewy-finish foundation with medium coverage and keep the skin makeup light. Don’t go crazy with the undereye concealer and use bronzer instead of contour for a softer finish. Use your perfect nude lipstick to complete the look. Top it with a gloss to look extra sweet.

Here are some tutorials to help you pull it off:

Picture: Pexels

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The ultimate wedding day emergency kit to avoid disaster!

June 7, 2022 No Comments

We all hope that our wedding day will go off without a hitch, but sometimes mishaps happen. Between wardrobe malfunction to allergic reactions to beauty blunders – it’s all part of the process.

I’m sure we’d all love to be prepared for every scenario our minds can conjure, but this is simply not possible. However, a little preparation goes a long way and adding an emergency kit to your wedding day can be a great way to alleviate stress.

Needle and Thread

Sometimes things tear, and that’s true for bridesmaids and wedding dresses. Having a handy dandy sewing kit is a must when getting ready for your big day, it helps avoid anyone running around looking for a needle and thread.

Shoe Repair Glue

We’re preparing for everything, right? While a tear in a dress is a very real reality, sometimes heels get stuck on things they shouldn’t and give way to gravity. Adding some shoe repair glue into your emergency kit may save you the trouble of re-doing your makeup after your wedding shoe hits a snag.

Double-Sided Wardrobe Tape

Stop necklines from sagging and keep straps covered with this life-saving tool! This magical little took has the ability to tackle wardrobe malfunction by simply peeling and sticking.

Wine Stain Remover

The drinks are flowing and the guests are getting down on the dance floor. A shove here and a spill there, sometimes white wedding dresses can get stained when having a good time. Not to worry, Takealot has a few good options when it comes to stain removals, especially red wine!

Mini First Aid Kit

Grab a travel-sized first aid kit from your nearest pharmacy or online. These kits are equipped with everything you could need when handling bumps, scratches, and other minor accidents that may derail your day.

Feature Image: Unsplash

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How to plan your outfit when attending a wedding

May 16, 2022 No Comments

With the constant evolution of wedding themes, trends and styles, picking an appropriate and stylish wedding outfit can seem like a challenging task. But with more modern traditions coming into place, there are plenty of options for the perfect wedding guest attire.

Before you pull an outfit out of your closet, there are a few key things to consider.

Embrace the season

Whether it’s spring, summer, winter or autumn, match your outfit to the season. Florals are beautiful for spring, while bright colours are better suited to summer, and darker shades for winter. Of course, you’ll want to layer up and wear thicker fabrics if attending a winter wedding, whereas light, flowy fabrics are ideal for a hot summer event.

Location, location, location:

Stiletto heels are not ideal for a beach wedding and a casual summer dress will seem out of place at a grand hotel. The location of the wedding will let you know the type of vibe you can go for. Remember, a chilled backyard party is very different from a glamorous estate so choose wisely.

Follow the dress code:

The easiest way to know what to wear to a wedding is to follow the dress code. From casual or semi-formal to black tie, this stipulation will give you clear guidelines on the type of outfit you may choose. It’s important to follow the bridal couple’s wishes, so make sure to stick to their plan to fit into the environment.

Prioritise comfort:

There’s nothing worse than finding blisters all over your feet at the end of the evening from your uncomfortable shoes, or constantly having to rearrange your dress so that it doesn’t slip down/up/off! Before you decide on an outfit, make sure you can walk, dance, sit and be comfortable in your outfit.

Do not wear white:

White is reserved for the bride on her big day. Unless it’s been stipulated in the wedding invitation that the dress code is white, this colour is out of bounds for anyone not tying the knot. Close shades like cream are also frowned upon.

Picture: Unsplash

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Things you should know about premarital counselling

May 9, 2022 No Comments

In the past, premarital counselling was mainly carried out in religious institutions. These days, however, it has become more popular with non-religious couples too. Couples go to seek guidance and advice in the hopes of preventing divorce.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Premarital counseling is a type of therapy that helps couples prepare for marriage. Premarital counseling can help ensure that you and your partner have a strong, healthy relationship — giving you a better chance for a stable and satisfying marriage”. They add that the sessions will assist you in identifying weaknesses that could result in trouble for you as a couple further down the road.

What to expect from premarital counselling:

The counselling is usually carried out by a licenced therapist. You’ll sit in the therapists office with your partner by your side discussing a variety of topics related to marriage. Some of these topics include: Money, quality time together, sex, roles in marriage, children, extended family, beliefs and values, and goals.

Some therapists may have you fill out questionnaires separately. The questionnaire will have you answer questions about each other. Thereafter, the therapist will help you to work through the results together.

Benefits of premarital counselling:

– Helps guide the conversation

Discussing heavy topics such as religion, sex, or kids, can result in both partners getting emotional and therefore losing focus of the topic at hand. A counsellor will help to guide the conversation. They also ensure you don’t get angry or misinterpret each other.

– Teaches communication

An important thing to know is that different people respond in different ways to tones and speech patterns. You must be aware of how your partner needs to be spoken to, in order to feel understood, supported, and heard. Premarital counselling also teaches you how to communicate in a healthy and productive way.

– Helps you prepare for your future together

You will be made aware of which expectations are realistic and which are not. You will also get an idea of your timing and goals as a couple, for example when you both want to have kids, or when you want to move to a bigger house. Additionally, your anxieties and fears will be lessened as a result of how well counselling demystifies marriage. It also ensure’s that you avoid many potential conflicts in the future.

– You’ll learn more about yourself and your partner

Often, counselling is an eye opening experience. You discover things about yourself you’ve never known because the mental health professional is guiding you towards these realisations. When you and your partner have these experiences together, it also becomes a sort of bonding experience.

Tips for successful premarital counselling:

– Know that it will be tough

You’ll be dealing with very touchy subjects. Be sure to be as open as you can and don’t be scared to be vulnerable. Most importantly, don’t give up because it’s uncomfortable! Remember that in the end, this will only grow and strengthen your relationship.

– Don’t say what you think they want to hear

Avoid saying things that downplay your emotions or opinions, don’t answer in a way that you think is correct (there are no right or wrong answers). You should also avoid saying things just because it makes you seem more compatible with your significant other. If you do that, there will be no real progress.

– It’s not a competition

There is no winner or loser, and there should be no “I told you so” at the end of the session.

Be open to listening and accepting that you are both capable of being better.

Image: Unsplash

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A ‘modern fairytale’ Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz tie the knot

April 11, 2022 No Comments

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.”

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.

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.

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

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5 Colour palette trends for 2022 that we’re loving right now!

February 10, 2022 No Comments

If you’re busy planning your wedding, there are probably a million things you’ve managed to scribble down on your to-do list. Nestled between dress fittings and chats with vendors is probably choosing the perfect colour palette for your wedding.

Now, we’re sure that we don’t have to tell you how important choosing colours for your big day can be. After all, it’s right at the top of your list. The colour palette of your choice will influence every aspect of your day – from the decor to the cake.

Of course, this can feel incredibly overwhelming. Thankfully, the experts are providing us with some direction. Here are a few of the most popping colours for 2022:

“Very Peri”

It’s only fitting that we start with Pantone’s Colour of the Year – Very Peri. A beautiful combination of blues and purples that offer a romantic and vibrant tone to your wedding celebration. This colour packs a punch and works well when paired with pink, vibrant purples, or even classic black.

Stay in neutral

While sticking to neutral colours such as creams and whites may seem like the safe bet, experts say this is quite popular right now. However, opting for texture and adding floral to add a little pop can be a great way to take things to the next level.

Terracotta & Rust

This beautiful warm hue has been everywhere in 2021, and trust us, it’s not going anywhere. These colours are borrowed from Mother Nature and offer earthy tones that are perfect for any wedding – no matter the season.

Stay Bold

Not every wedding couple likes to play it safe. Bold and vibrant colours such as deep purples and blues can feel like a massive departure from the traditional blush pinks or all-white decor, but this can be an amazing way to make a splash on your wedding day. If you’re feeling a little anxious about it, why not pair it with a tone that you feel a bit more comfortable with.

A sea of grass and sage

A breath of fresh air. These are the perfect tones for wedding couples looking to add a soft and relaxing feel to their decor. Deeper greens and blues work well with these colours, as well as gold.

Picture: Pinterest

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7 Wedding nail ideas for brides and their big day

January 20, 2022 No Comments

When the wedding day rolls around, all eyes will be on you … and your hands. Between intimate shots of you and your handsome {new} husband, everyone fawning over your wedding ring, and the signing of your wedding certificate, your hands will be getting plenty of time in the spotlight.

And adding a fresh manicure to your wedding to-do list will ensure that your gorgeous nails get a chance to shine. Perhaps a simple French manicure is right up your alley, or moody and bold hues provide a little pop of colour. Here are a few wedding manicure ideas for you to think about:

Keep it neutral

The colour grey should never be underestimated! This colour provides a modern yet elegant twist for your wedding day and gives a pop of colour that isn’t too over the top.

Keep it simple, but not too simple

Adding a nude colour to your nails is a great way to ensure that you keep things simple, choosing to let your wedding gown do all the talking. However, a great way to utilise this trend while still being a little flashy is by incorporating a subtle design such as this gorgeous marble-esque nail design.

A touch of gold

Simple yet oh-so magical. Painted gold foiling is a subtle way to add a little je ne sais quois to your nails and your big day.

The single rhinestone

Who wouldn’t want to match their engagement ring or wedding band? This bridal manicure trend has been around for a while, so why mess with a classic? This is a wonderful way to include some glitz without the gold to your nails.

Romantic reds

Attention bold brides! If you’re looking to make a statement when it comes to your nails, then this one is for you. Deep reds such as burgundy can be a wonderful way to add colour to your white gown while sprinkling some extra romance to your day.

Ombré Away

Trying out an ombré nail design for your wedding day can be a great way to spice things up without getting too crazy. Stick to neutrals or soft shades if you’re looking to keep it simple.

Metallic to rock your world

Add some extra sparkle to your wedding day with a metallic manicure. A great way to ensure that colours don’t clash is to make sure that your fresh manicure matches your engagement ring or wedding band.

Picture: @loreanjewellery

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6 Tips that will leave you feeling great on your wedding day

December 6, 2021 No Comments

Your wedding day is often a mix of excitement and anxiety, with stress thrown in for good measure. Unfortunately, uncomfortable bloating, a few panic attacks and unexpected energy dips may also rear their unnecessary heads.

If there’s one thing that any bride wants to feel, it’s great – especially when you feel the glare of countless eyeballs on you. Whether you imagine it as the day of your dreams or the start of an incredible journey, here are six tips to leave you feeling your best on your big day.

Grab a cup of lemon water

Hot water and a squeeze of lemon is the miracle cure to bloating. It also offers a natural way to boost alertness and energy – who knew! Lemon is also bursting with vitamin C and is a great immune booster (you hear that COVID!) Along with all these incredible benefits, it will also help you stay hydrated throughout the day, so make sure that you sip on a glass or two.

Don’t forget to eat

Saying “I do” can be overwhelming with your wedding day going by in a blur. If there’s anything that you take from this article it’s this – don’t forget to eat! Indulge in a few healthy snacks and good food throughout the day to keep your energy levels up and squash those nerves. Loading up on veggies, proteins and some healthy snacks will ensure that you steer clear of those sugary snacks and carbs, which are known to spike sugar levels and cause you to lose energy quicker.

Handy essential oils

There are so many benefits to having your favourite essential oils handy. Energy crashes and anxiety be gone, thanks to a few sniffs of lavender and peppermint essential oils. Put a few drops on your pulse points or take a few sniffs, including a few bottles of oils in your clutch will offer you a natural way to boost energy and calm your nerves.

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Trade coffee for green tea

Is green tea the best tasting beverage? No, but it will leave you a lot less jittery than consuming five cups of coffee. Green tea is teeming with antioxidants and caffeine, ensuring that you get your energy and have glowing skin. A few other benefits? It helps with that pesky bloating and it also contains the amino acid L-theanine which promotes relaxation. We see no downsides!

Exchange letters with your soon-to-be husband

Your big day can go by in a whirl, and while you’ll have a ton of beautiful photos, there’s nothing that stops time quite like a handwritten love letter. Consider writing heartfelt letters to each other to help wash the jitters away. There’s nothing quite as magical as reading a letter from your person and cracking a smile. Plus, it’s bound to fill your day with love!

Surround yourself with people you trust

Last, but not least is surrounding yourself with loved ones on your big day. We all know that wedding planning is stressful and the last thing you need is negativity. If those around you aren’t wiping away tears of joy, then be sure to cut a few people from the guest list. This is your special day, so make sure that you surround yourself with judgement-free and positive energy – only!

Picture: Finn and the Fox Photography