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In Advice

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

In News

‘Engaged’ for 7 months before dropping a bombshell: ‘I never asked you to marry me’

November 29, 2021 No Comments

Popping the big question can be a nerve-wracking experience for both the bride and groom-to-be, but there’s no question that it’s an unforgettable moment. Unfortunately, one woman did not get the happy ending she was hoping for as she took to Reddit to share her harrowing story.

The bride-to-be immediately said yes when her partner popped the question, and despite not having a ring, the thought of spending the rest of her life with the man of her dreams was enough. After all, there would be plenty of time to get a ring. However, things took a weird turn when the woman decided to go dress shopping.

“I have been planning my dream wedding for seven months now. When I told him that I was going dress shopping, he looked at me like I had five heads.”

If that’s not enough of a punch to the gut, the woman says that the man then said he never proposed. “He said, ‘why would I propose to a woman I am not even dating?’”

Despite having the wind knocked out of her wedding sails, the woman stated that she’d love to continue with wedding planning.

“I am thinking of tricking him into coming to our wedding and seeing what happens. I am not sure what else to do,” she said.

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While a number of commenters were left shocked, one Redditor could sympathise.

“I was sitting on the couch watching a movie I wanted to see, and my girlfriend of a year was in the other room watching a show she liked because she wasn’t interested in the movie (yeah….I know, one of us should have compromised). I’m not really paying attention to what she was saying, but I hear an inaudible “would you marry me?” Being sarcastic, I responded back with, “of course I’ll marry you, baby.”

According to the poster, his then-girlfriend came running into the room, kissed him, and told him to enjoy watching his movie.

“The next day, while I’m at work, I start getting my phone blown up with phone calls and texts. She had put on Facebook that I proposed to her the night previous! We had a long conversation about the fact that we are not engaged, and to this day, I still don’t know exactly what she said from the other room that I misheard (mostly because she got mad and refused to tell me), but it’s always been a funny story,” he writes.

Despite the twists and turns that this story provides, there’s no question that we’d be left fuming if this ever happened to us.

Picture: Unsplash

In Destination

The Perfect Wedding Destination: A Guide to Finding ‘The One’

November 25, 2021 No Comments

The COVID-19 pandemic certainly threw a spanner in the works for countless couples across the globe, with many soon-to-say-I-do being forced to postpone their big day due to tightening lockdown restrictions. However, despite the many setbacks along the way, there is a silver lining for twosomes planning on getting hitched.

Considering how, for social distancing’s sake, big weddings are out, and small, intimate ceremonies are in, couples have been able to conserve a significant amount of their initial wedding budget with many opting to use the extra money to plan a once-in-a-lifetime destination wedding and inviting only their nearest and dearest.

If this approach to getting married sounds appealing, you might be wondering “where to?” Here’s a look at five magical local wedding destinations to which you’ll want to immediately say “I do.”

A country-style union in Citrusdal

Escape from the noise of the city streets and savour the simple country life in Citrusdal, a charming little town nestled in the Western Cape’s Olifants River Valley. Breathe in the fresh air surrounded by the Cederberg mountains and marvel at the gorgeous backdrop of sprawling citrus orchards – talk about the perfect place to snap those wedding photos!

If you’re really after unrivalled privacy, peace and quiet when it comes to tying the knot, it’s a great idea to find a venue off the beaten track or, better yet, perched at the very top of a mountain pass, such as Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort.

“This resort is a popular choice for weddings not only for its country, rustic styling and breath-taking beauty but also due to its impressive facilities. Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort always promises a well-stocked bar, along with access to an indoor heated pool and a private spa for lengthy pamper sessions for the bride-to-be and her wedding party,” says Sharmila Ragunanan, Group Marketing Executive for Dream Hotels & Resorts.

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A whimsical wedding in the Winelands

There’s no better place in which to toast to life-long health and happiness than in the Cape Winelands. Who wouldn’t want to wed in the Winelands surrounded by flourishing grapevines and mountain views? Add to that some of the world’s best wine and the most mouth-watering gourmet masterpieces comprising farm-fresh ingredients for your wedding reception and you have yourself a wedding venue recipe guaranteed to wow.

The region is also a sought-after honeymoon spot, allowing newlyweds to get wrapped up in the best of what Mother Nature has to offer. Think morning visits to the spa, romantic afternoon wine tastings and candlelit dinners at some of SA’s leading restaurants.

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Matrimony in the mountains, Drakensberg

You’ve probably noticed as you’ve gone through this list that getting married surrounded by majestic mountains is an emerging trend this wedding season. Well, there’s more to it than simply finding a beautiful backdrop for wedding photographs. Many couples believe that mountains are a perfect symbol of what they hope their union to be – strong, enduring, eternal.

There are other couples who liken marriage to the process of climbing a mountain. You start off at ‘basecamp’ when you say, ‘I do’ and begin your climb. Along the way, there are sure to be many twists and turns and extremely challenging moments, in-between moments where you can’t help but stop and savour the incredible beauty around you and a wonderful feeling of contentment. You’ll quickly realise that it’s not about reaching the top, but enjoying the journey, knowing that there will be positive and negative experiences throughout and remembering, of course, that it’s all worth it in the end!

Those looking for a true mountainous paradise can’t go wrong with the Drakensberg as their chosen destination. Whether you decide to get married at the foothills of the mountains or at the summit of one of the peaks, it’s certain to be a day to remember that’s full of depth, meaning and delight. You’ll be utterly charmed checking in at the Little Switzerland resort, an Alpine-esque retreat nestled at the foot of the northern Drakensberg. This corner of the Berg is ‘made’ for romance whether you want to get active with hikes or horse rides or relax around a roaring fire, get pampered in the spa or simply take in the epic views.

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A beautiful beach ceremony in Ballito

Saying ‘I do’ with the sunshine on your skin (making it super easy to get that natural bridal glow!) and the soft beach sand between your toes is sure to be a welcome indulgence on your special day.

It’s easy to understand why so many couples venture to the KZN coast for their nuptials. They know that they’re practically guaranteed the perfect weather and the perfect backdrop, as well as that there will be plenty of adventures in store after the wedding is over. After all, KZN is a go-to local honeymoon spot for a reason!

Ballito, in particular, is a top choice for proposals and weddings alike. Here, there are many stunning guesthouses and lodges located right next to the beach, like the ever-popular coastal resort, Zimbali Lodge. These venues promise views of the ebb and flow of the Indian Ocean, shade beneath picturesque palm trees, and an endless supply of refreshing sea air to soothe those pre-wedding jitters.

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A wedding in the wilderness, Greater Pilanesberg

If the serenity of the bushveld is calling, you can’t go wrong with a destination wedding in the North West’s Greater Pilanesberg. Grab your closest friends and relatives and head out into the wilderness for a few days of relaxation, pampering and life’s simplest pleasures ahead of the big day. It’s an ideal way in which to unwind and prepare for such a life-changing event. Once the wedding is over, you and your love will be free to set off on your own mission and enjoy a romantic safari getaway for two in the Pilanesberg National Park or, alternatively, a dose of glitz and glamour at nearby Sun City.

Wherever your wanderlust takes you, rest assured that your local destination wedding will be everything that you ever dreamed of and more. What a way to make the most of every moment as the two of you begin your life-long journey together!

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In What's Hot

Movie Alert: Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson say “I do” in “Marry Me” Trailer

November 22, 2021 No Comments

The thought of international singers Maluma and Jennifer Lopez in the same movie has our spines tingling. A match made in heaven, or by the looks of their new movie trailer, perhaps not.

Marry Me is said to be packed with original songs from the two Latin music stars. But while there’s nothing we love like a good song or two to tap our feet to, a lekker storyline is what we’re really after.

The film features Jennifer Lopez starring as musical superstar Kat Valdez and Owen Wilson as Charlie Gilbert, a math teacher—total strangers who agree to marry and then get to know each other. An unlikely romance about two different people searching for something real in a world where value is based on likes and followers, Marry Me is a modern love story about celebrity, marriage and social media.

Kat Valdez (Lopez) is half of the sexiest celebrity power couple on Earth with hot new music supernova Bastian (Maluma, making his feature-film debut). As Kat and Bastian’s inescapable hit single, “Marry Me,” climbs the charts, they are about to be wed before an audience of their fans in a ceremony that will streamed across multiple platforms.

Divorced high-school math teacher Charlie Gilbert (Owen Wilson) has been dragged to the concert by his daughter Lou (Chloe Coleman, HBO’s Big Little Lies) and his best friend (Sarah Silverman). When Kat learns, seconds before the ceremony, that Bastian has cheated on her with her assistant, her life turns left as she has a meltdown on stage, questioning love, truth and loyalty. As her gossamer world falls away, she locks eyes with a stranger—a face in the crowd.

If what you know lets you down, then perhaps what you don’t know is the answer, and so, in a moment of inspired insanity, Kat chooses to marry Charlie. What begins as an impulsive reaction evolves into an unexpected romance. But as forces conspire to separate them, the universal question arises: Can two people from such different worlds bridge the gulf between them and build a place where they both belong?

Sounds like a movie we can sink our teeth into. Check out the trailer below:

Picture: YouTube Official Trailer

In Wedding Music

15 Of the best first dance songs for an unforgettable celebration

November 15, 2021 No Comments

The first dance as a married couple is the highlight of the wedding. It’s the perfect opportunity to show off your dance moves before the celebration really kicks off and gets have the chance to celebrate a little with you. The vows are done and dusted and the stress seems to melt away. However, for some couples choosing the first song to dance to as man and wife is an easy choice. Perhaps it was that Elton John song that was playing when you first bumped into each other at that charming coffee shop, but for others finding the perfect first song to boogie to can be a challenge.

Thankfully, a little survey conducted by The Black Tux of over 900 married couples from all age groups revealed a few of the most requested first-dance songs. Here’s a list of the top 15:

Sons and Daughters, by Allman Brown
Moon River, by Frank Sinatra
At Last, by Etta James
Time After Time, by Cyndi Lauper
Amazed, by Lonestar
500 Miles, by Sleeping at Last
Your Song, by Elton John
I’m Yours, by Jason Mraz
Perfect Duet, by Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé
The Way You Look Tonight, by Frank Sinatra
Escapade, by Janet Jackson
My Best Friend, by Tim McGraw
That’s When I Knew, by Alicia Keys
Falling Like the Stars, by James Arthur
This Kiss, by Faith Hill

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If you’ve been wondering what the perfect song to get down on one knee is, make sure you check out Spotify’s ultimate engagement playlist.

Pciture: Pexels

In Decor

Wedding dance floor ideas to kick of your shoes and let loose

November 9, 2021 No Comments

After the stress of planning a wedding and the jitters of saying your vows in front of friends and family, it can be liberating to metaphorically let your hair down, kick off your shoes and “shake what your mamma gave you.” Music is the entertainment that brings guests together and allows them to feel comfortable as they share in the bliss of the loved-up newlyweds.

Ready to put on your dancing shoes and find the inspiration you need?

Convert a pool

Okay, so while this may sound quite hazardous, what better way to impress your guests than with a dance floor on water? If your wedding venue has a swimming pool, while not grab a professional to convert it into something unique.

Bring the outdoors inside

Nature is a beautiful and magical thing, so why not add a few touches of nature to your dance floor. Create a magical space that incorporates lush and green-inspired flooring with plenty of lights to add to the ambience.

A Floral Dance Floor

Nothing is more romantic than a beautiful floral display. Elevate your dance floor with a floral design and, perhaps, a custom monochrome in the centre, and adding a gorgeous hanging floral installation above the dance floor will definitely add a bit of pizazz.

Balloons! Balloons! Balloons!

Tons of space, a classic dance floor and … balloons! Balloons don’t have to be reserved for birthday parties, but you can create an elegant bouquet of balloons to add a mix of fun to the space.

bouquet of balloons — **Kristin Sweeting**

A dash of fairy lights and a whole lot of chandeliers

A mixture of fairy lights and chandeliers are a great way to boost the ambience of your dance floor. Scrape the chandeliers and simply opt for fairy lights, which will allow you to add a starry night effect to your evening.

A Monochrome Feature

Show off your newlywedded bliss with a special crest of your initials. This is a great way to transform a regular dance floor into an extra special one.

monochrome intials dance floor — **Pinterest**

A carpet of dancing dreams

There’s nothing wrong with adding a little rustic charm to your dance floor. However, if wood flooring is not your vibe, why not opt for rugs to add a vintage-inspired vibe that is sure to leave your guests feeling comfortable and right at home.

rustic carpet dreams — Holtz Photography

Picture: Samm Blake

In Weddings

Japan’s former princess chooses the heart over the crown

October 29, 2021 No Comments

Some will consider former Japanese Princess Mako and her ‘peasant’ husband Kei Komuro the stuff of fairy tales. Upper echelon circles have considered it dishonourable. Either way, for those who may have thought that the kind of love worth sacrificing everything for is dead, it’s a story worth knowing.

The daughter of the Japanese emperor’s kin has made headlines for breaking the shackles of royal tradition in the name of not only love but also her independence – being the first female Japanese royal to do so.

Four years ago, the former princess and her college sweetheart, a non-royal, brought a real-life fairy tale into the world’s gaze. Many swooned over the kind of love so powerful it would cause Mako to willingly take on the harsh consequences of marrying a commoner. As the BBC writes, their smiles won over a country.

But the consequences were brutal as those within Mako’s social class frowned upon the former Princess’s decision. It would mean losing her royal status, forfeiting millions, and facing intense scrutiny at the sacrifice of her mental health – for years.

But to Mako, Kei Komuro was the sun, famously mentioning that his smile was as warm as the burning star.

The couple had met at a meeting of students planning to go abroad in 2012 and had become close as university students over five years, even when studying in different countries. Mako’s university journey was also largely her first symbol of abandoning tradition as it marked her leaving the traditional institution of study for royal Japanese family members.

While it may have seemed as though Mako was taking all the heat for a story films will no doubt be made about, Komuro too had signed up for mass public scrutiny. As VICE reports, intense questioning regarding whether Kumuro would cause Mako to struggle financially in the future came about in the past after an alleged money dispute to do with the young lawyer’s mother and her former fiance.

However, despite it all, the young lovers have stood by each other through and through and tied the knot yesterday, October 26.

In a highly anticipated live TV appearance, the former princess defended her marriage decision expressing that:

“Kei is irreplaceable for me,” she said. “For us, marriage is a necessary choice to live while cherishing our hearts.”

Mr Komuro also made vows to his love, stating the words that will be quoted by hopeless romantics all over the world:

“I want to spend the only life I have with the one I love.”

Originally posted on Cape {town} Etc

Picture: EPA

In Venues

6 Forest wedding venues around South Africa that are truly magical

October 25, 2021 No Comments

There’s something magical about a beautifully lit space filled with towering trees and the smell of pine. Nature always has a way of calming the mind and rejuvenating the soul, so it’s no surprise that basking in the glow of a few sparkly fairy lights and the delights of Mother Nature makes for an incredible wedding venue.

There is an array of mesmerising wedding spots in South Africa that make for the perfect forest wedding. If you’re in love with the idea of donning your bohemian wedding dress, grabbing your groom and getting married while being surrounded by a sea of tall trees, here are a few incredible forest wedding venues around South Africa to add to your list:

Die Woud – Caledon, Western Cape

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The Forest Walk Venue – Johannesburg, Gauteng

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Smitsfield Farm Venue – Lothair, Mpumalanga

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Winery Road Forest – Cape Winelands, Western Cape

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De Uijlenes – Overberg, Western Cape

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Beloftebos – Stanford, Western Cape

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Picture: Instagram Bridgette Wuest

In Weddings

PICTURES | Inside former Miss SA Tamaryn Green and hubby Ze’s stunning umembeso ceremony

October 15, 2021 No Comments

Former Miss South Africa Tamaryn Green and her fiancé Zesimdumise Nxumalo, better known as ‘Ze’, have shared snaps from their traditional Zulu ‘umembeso’ ceremony, which took place last weekend.

The ceremony came seven months after the couple got engaged in the Kruger National Park while on baecation in April, according to Times Live.

Umembeso is a Zulu traditional wedding ceremony in which the groom’s relatives bring gifts to the bride’s family. The ceremony occurs after the lobola negotiations but prior to the official Zulu traditional wedding.

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Originally Posted: African Insider

In Venues

A whole lot of nature and magic on your wedding day with Abelana Game Reserve

October 12, 2021 No Comments

Hear the distant roars of wild lions while watching the blazing African sunset at none other than Limpopo’s finest Abelana Game Reserve — the perfect place to escape the bustle of everyday life and dive into a little romance.

2020 was a tough year for the travel industry, and many love birds had to put their wedding day on hold. But now, all that’s left to focus on is a whole lot of love as couples across the world get ready to say “I do”.

It’s time for love to take center stage and there’s no better way to celebrate than at one of the most gorgeous locations in South Africa.

Welcome to Abelana Game Reserve…

A history of union with Abelana Game Reserve’s first bush wedding:

Situated on 15 000 hectares of pure unadulterated beauty, Abelana welcomed their first bride and groom on the scenic Malati Weir.

An intimate, mid-afternoon gathering saw no more than 42 guests come together in celebration of the couple, who said yes to forever with panoramic views overlooking the Selati River, which only enhanced the already magical moment.

The dinner reception was a classic-chic affair hosted at the Abelana River Lodge with not much of the lodge altered in terms of decor — raw beauty. A beaming bride and groom ensured that Abelana’s first bush wedding was the perfect African-ever-after.

Saying “I do” at Abelana Game Reserve

There’s something uniquely indescribable about being serenaded by the sounds of the bushveld, and Abelana is hoping to bring boatloads of African ambience to your wedding day.

Located just a 5 hours drive from Johannesburg, the luxury lodge is now launching its bespoke wedding package to the public. The perfect bushveld wedding is not only available but accessible to brides and grooms ready to tie the knot.

Thanks to Abelana Game Reserve, Limpopo’s burnt skies and natural brilliance are just a booking way from becoming your wedding reality.

Couples can expect only the best service from the Abelana team with wedding packages including, but not limited to:

A dedicated team was allocated to attend to the bride and groom on the wedding day
A complimentary Abelana wedding cake
A romantic turndown
Luxurious king-suite accommodation for up to 40 overnight guests
All standard accommodation inclusions apply to overnight guests, such as meals and game viewing activities

COVID-19 has played a big part in wedding plans, but an intimate bush wedding still remains an attractive prospect for couples who are considering the implications of the pandemic.

COVID precautions are the lodge’s top priority and nothing beats naturally wide-open spaces, fresh air, and ample room for social distancing that’s offered when choosing to book your wedding here.

Abelana River Lodge follows stringent protocols to protect tourists, wedding guests and staff, including:

Guest temperatures are scanned on arrival at the reserve gate, and each guest completes a contact-tracing and general wellness form.
Staff temperatures and wellness are assessed and recorded on a daily basis.
All staff are required to wear a mask at all times, and to sanitise their hands frequently.
Guests are required to wear their masks in the lodge’s indoor public areas.
All suites are rested between guest stays.
Hand sanitising stations are positioned at all entrances to the lodge and hand sanitiser supply is available on each game viewing vehicle.
All surfaces are wiped down with sanitiser on a regular basis, and game viewing vehicles are wiped down between each game drive.

So, what are a few things that brides and grooms-to-be should consider when planning their “safari wedding?”

“Wedding couples should be passionate about nature, animals and bush life. Don’t be too attached to the timing of your big day. Out here, we could run into any number of situations that could delay the whole itinerary. We encounter roadblocks – not the city kind – and detours created by fallen trees and wildlife. We may put a plan in place, but when you come face-to-face with a breeding herd of elephants, we wait; you wait – everyone waits. It’s part of the magic,” says Natalie Roberts, assistant lodge manager.

Ready to book the venue of your dreams and say “I do” while immersed in nature?

For more information on the lodge and its wedding packages, please contact Bryan West at 061 952 4302 or [email protected]

Pictures: Abelana Game Reserve