Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week is in full swing, showcasing the best and brightest of Parisian designs. Mainstream fashion trends are born from the runway, so where better to look for some inspiration? From Givenchy to Elie Saab, stunning bridal looks ended the fashion shows in style.
All of these bridal looks, while unique, seem to follow a pattern of big and bold. Designers are offering up full skirts and textured detail.
Here are some of the standout gowns from the runway.
GivenchyElie SaabGeorges ChakraNicholas JebranTony WardChanelGeorges HobeikaRalph and RussoDiorAntonio Grimaldi
You probably think wedding cakes have always been about indulging in something sweet on your special day. It’s an easy assumption to make. Of course, nothing in life is that simple. The wedding cake has a centuries long history and started as a tradition that was said to ensure fertility.
In Ancient Rome, weddings would end with the bride and groom having a wheat or barley cake broken over their heads. Yes, really. This practice is said to have been to ensure prosperity and fertility in the couples future. The guests would try to secure some of these blessings for themselves by scrambling for a few crumbs which had fallen from the broken bread.
The tradition made its way to England, and was eventually altered quite a bit. In medieval England – as the English acquired more spices – the wheat and barley cake shifted to something tastier. Instead of simple bread, they would use spiced buns, scones, and cookies.
Another alteration that the English made to the tradition was to forget the breaking of the bread. The ‘confections’ were stacked into a tower as high as possible. At a wedding, the newly-wed couple would be required to kiss over the tower of treats. If they managed to kiss without toppling the tower, it was said they they were guaranteed some good fortune.
From there things took an odd turn. Instead of wedding cakes, wedding pies were more popular. Again, eating the pie was meant to ensure the couple had a happy life together. The pie also contained a ring, which single ladies would try to find. Finding the ring meant that they would be the next to get married (kind of like the bouquet toss that we do today). This may sound pleasant, but it most definitely was not. The first recorded wedding pie recipe, from 1685, contained oysters, lamb testicles, throat, and pine kernels.
Luckily, things began to change for the better from there when cakes replaced pies. As sugar became more available in England, white icing became the cake topping of choice. Queen Victoria had a wedding cake covered with white icing.
Tiered cakes took off in the 18th century. The story goes that a trainee of a baker in London fell in love with his bosses daughter. In an effort to dazzle her, and get her to love him back, he baked her an elaborate, tiered cake.
Every bride deserves to have her dream wedding. Oakfield Farm Wedding Venue is renowned for slick co-ordination, and the two Bridal Expos hosted at Oakfield Farm in January and June each year continue to celebrate their uniqueness, upholding both an easy-going vibe enhanced by the exceptional quality of exhibitors; the elegant grandeur of its existence and of course the proficiency of Oakfield’s friendly staff members. Couples get to meet SA’s leading wedding specialists in the beautiful and romantic gardens of this sought after wedding venue.
Add to that, no expo is complete without great food and entertainment. Various food trucks and vendors and live entertainment will be available in the sought after gardens at the venue.
Wedding Album will be there at stall BB B54 with indulgent products and amazing competitions. Four visitors could stand a chance to win top of the range scents from Women’Secret Seduction Hampers (Rose Seduction and Gold Seduction 100ml) as well as Women’Secret EAU Hampers (3x Eau 100ml). Be sure to come pop in, as there will also be loads of free samples to try.
Seduction range:
EAU Range:
Meet over 180 Top SA Wedding Specialists, and attend a spectacular free Fashion Show at 3 pm with fun prizes to be won. This bridal event is guaranteed to leave you feeling inspired and ready to plan your perfect day!
The Oakfield Bridal Expo will be held January 25 and 26, 2020 at the Oakfield Farm. Tickets are available from Computicket beforehand or at the gate on the day.
Iconic beach babe Pamela Anderson is a married woman! After dating 30 years ago, the Baywatch actress recently tied the knot with her ex, producer Jon Peters, in a private Malibu ceremony on January 20.
Anderson and Peters first met in the mid 1980s at the Playboy mansion when Anderson was 19 years old. Peters reportedly funded acting, dancing and singing lessons for the star during the very early stages of her career. The couple dated for a while and Peters even proposed but Anderson declined, citing their 22-year age difference as the main reason. He tells The Hollywood Reporter that he said to her, “In 30 years, our age difference won’t mean so much.”
This is the fifth marriage for both Anderson and Peters. Anderson married Tommy Lee in 1995 but divorced in 1998. She married second husband Kid Rock in 2006 but they split a year later. Third husband Rick Salomon came in 2007 but their marriage was annulled in 2008. She then remarried Salomon in 2014 but they split again in 2015.
The couple are incredibly private, and have very few photos together.
Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter, Peters said, “Pamela has never seen her full potential as an artist. She has yet to shine in a real way. There is much more to her than meets the eye, or I wouldn’t love her so much. There are beautiful girls everywhere. I could have my pick, but – for 35 years – I’ve only wanted Pamela. She makes me wild – in a good way. She inspires me. I protect her and treat her the way she deserves to be treated.”
Anderson shared a poem she wrote in dedication to Peters with The Hollywood Reporter.
“Jon is the original ‘bad boy’ of Hollywood –
no one compares –
I love him deeply like family.
His life used to scare me.
So much for a girl like me.
Now I’ve seen more of life
and realize ..
He’s been there all along.
Never failed me –
I’m ready now
and
he’s ready too –
We
understand
and respect each other –
We love each other
without conditions. –
I’m a lucky woman. –
Proof
God has a plan”
Every year, the Department of Home Affairs and Robben Island Museum work together to offer a yearly opportunity for couples to say ‘I do’ on Valentines Day on the island. Here’s how you can get in on the action.
On Valentines Day, the island is transformed into a stunning venue where couples can participate in a mass wedding. 2020 marks the 20th anniversary of this tradition, making this year very special. This Valentines Day, 20 couples will tie knot to honour the anniversary.
Couples chosen will take the ferry from the Nelson Mandela Gateway to the Robben Island Museum, and their ceremony will be held at the Robben Island Chapel. Following the exchanging of their vows, couples will head off to a wedding reception for lunch and thereafter go on a tour of the Museum. The area will also be an opportunity for the couples to take their wedding photos on the beach and to capture the iconic and other scenic areas on the island. The couples will return to Cape Town in the afternoon.
Couples wishing to participate may contact Wilhelmina Booysen on 021 468 4510 or [email protected] and Yolanda Mdutywana on 021 413 4226 or [email protected]. The last day to apply is February 5, 2020.
Jodi and Saul went to school together, but little did they know of the brilliant love story the future held for them. And when they got married, what a celebration it was! The amazing thing about culture is that each one is so wildly unique, but so special in its own way. Their Jewish wedding was one for the books, and we take a look into the traditions and customs that made their day extra special.
They didn’t see each other for 7 days before the wedding
For a full week before the day, the bride and groom don’t see each other or have any contact at all. 15 minutes before the wedding, they saw each other for the first time. “The most stressful time of the whole wedding is the week before. And when I finally saw him, it was so emotional, and totally worth it,” Jodi said.
The bedeken: Her husband veiled her
Dating back to a story in the Bible in which a man unknowingly wed his bride’s sister after her father tricked him, the bedeken is where the husband is brought in by both his father and hers, sees his lovely bride and then covers her face with the veil. “I was so overwhelmed with emotion,” Jodi says.
She walked around her husband 7 times
During the ceremony, the bride walks around the groom seven times to symbolise seven different blessings, the foundation of their new home and starting a full and complete life together.
Her husband smashed a glass
This tradition is to remind the couple and those celebrating of the destruction of the Jewish temples, symbolising that life is fragile, and even though they are celebrating their love, everything will not always be perfect and that there are struggles. The husband gets a glass or lightbulb wrapped in a cloth and steps on it with his foot, crushing it completely.
We also asked Jodi what advice she has for brides-to-be. “The best advice I can give anyone would simply be: Don’t sweat the small stuff. On the day, you’ll realise that they really don’t matter!” She also added a practical tip, saying that it’s important to stick with your partner on the day. “We went everywhere together. If you go get drinks, go together,” she adds. “If you chat to guests, go together. That way, you’ll remember the day as being spent with him. Otherwise you may look back and feel like you didn’t even spend any time together!”
For her wedding look, Jodi wore a stunning appliqué dress with detachable sleeves by designer Elbeth Gillis. The sleeves were on for the ceremony as a gesture of propriety and taken off for the reception. “I wanted something that would make me feel comfortable, something that’s me. And it was perfect.”
Elegant and regal, the kimono has been a long-standing tradition in Japanese culture. One of the most recognisable pieces of Japanese clothing, the kimono is traditionally worn for special occasions. And what’s more special than a wedding? The kimono has been given a modern twist as brides opt for avante garde gowns that blend tradition with contemporary edge.
Watabe Wedding, a Kyoto-based brand, has been at the forefront of this trend. Their collection, Shoen, features five strapless dresses made out of authentic, antique furisode kimonos. Each dress has its own name: The Tsurumomiji (“crane maple”), The Fujiageha (“wisteria and swallowtail butterfly”), The Ranbu (“orchid dance”), The Kanazuru (“gold crane”), and The Botangiku (“peony and chrysanthemum”).
From left to right: The Tsurumomiji, The Fujiageha, The Ranbu, The Kanazuru, The Botangiku. Credit: Facebook
The line is open for the public to rent on their website, and prices range from 50,000 yen (R6 519) to 150,000 yen (R19 559).
Flowers have always been an important part of wedding décor, and we assume they will continue as such. From bouquets and boutonnières to centrepieces and decorations, the wedding flowers play a big role in creating an atmosphere.
The only problem is that flowers are quite pricey; they can extensively push up your expenses list. This is the opposite of the goal…right? We all want to save some money and bring that wedding expenses down as low as possible.
Here are a few ways you can save money on your wedding flowers:
– Keep it local and seasonal
Avoiding importing your flowers will save you big bucks. A local option is definitely the better choice for your budget. A similar principle applies to in-season blossoms. While you probably could find your desired out-of-season flower somewhere, it’ll be way more pricey than picking something in-season. The flowers will be fresher too!
– Go for greens
Adding some lush leaves and greenery can do wonders for your budget and your floral arrangements. They add a whimsical feel to your decor and fill up your arrangements in a stylish way, saving you from purchasing large quantities of flowers.
– Bigger blooms
This one is simple. The bigger the flower, the less you have to buy. Save yourself some cash and opt for a larger or statement bloom.
– Limit yourself to three flowers
In most cases, a florist will order the flowers in bulk, even if you don’t need too many of a specific one. If you keep the flower variations to three or less, it’ll save you some money because a bulk purchase will be necessary and none will go to waste.
– Mix and match decor elements
Add tea lights, fairy lights and candles or whatever trimming your heart desires to your venue. Opting for some different decor elements will cut your flower expenses drastically.
– Leave flowers out where you can
Perhaps you could skip the boutonnieres and corsages. While some people might want to keep them for tradition, they are not a necessity and can be replaced with alternatives if need be.
– Forget a February wedding
Valentine’s Day pushes up the price of flowers! You’re likely to pay much more than usual for whatever flower you want in February. Best avoid this month to keep the costs down.
Glowing skin is always a good thing. On your wedding day you’ll want to look your best, and one of the ways to achieve that is by treating your skin. If you haven’t got a spa budget, however, there are a number of at-home face masks you can make yourself. Give yourself the gift of a glow-up without the expensive price tag by making your own all-natural treatments.
These masks are all natural and all good for your skin. Your biggest challenge will be to stop touching your face afterwards and marvelling at how smooth it feels.
Pumpkin smoothie – enhances skin elasticity and hydration
Ingredients:
1/4 cup canned pumpkin (frozen)
1/2 cup almond milk
1/4 banana (frozen)
1 tsp cinnamon
Blend all the ingredients together in a blender for one minute at high speed. This will form a paste that you can apply to your skin and leave on for 15 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a face towel and apply moisturiser.
Pumpkin is packed with vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants that will boost your skin’s elasticity, circulation, and hydration. Almond milk will provide moisture, while the banana also helps enhance skin’s elasticity. Cinnamon acts as a natural antioxidant and has antibacterial properties.
Aloe vera mask – fights acne
Ingredients
2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
1 tablespoon milk
1 tablespoon sugar
Mix the milk and sugar together until the sugar dissolves, then add the aloe vera and blend until you’re left with a paste. Apply to your face and neck and leave on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a face towel and apply moisturiser.
Aloe vera is a wonder plant that has multiple skin benefits to ease burns, sunburns, irritation, allergies and even acne. The milk also helps to soothe skin, while sugar is a natural source of glycolic acid that aids in cell turnover.
Honey citrus mask – boosts glow
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon orange juice
1/4 cup of honey
Mix the orange juice and honey together until it creates a gel. Apply to your face and leave it on for 15 minutes. Remove with lukwarm water, pat dry with a face towel and apply moisturiser.
These ingredients are amazing at brightening your skin, replacing dullness with a beautiful glow.
Bonus:Brown sugar exfoliant
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 splashes of olive oil
Mix the brown sugar and olive oil together and apply to your face. Massage the misture into your skin with gentle circular motions. Rinse with lukewarm water, pat dry with a face towel and apply moisturiser.
The sugar acts as a gentle exfoliant and aids in cell turnover, while the olive oil provides moisture that will leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and supple.
Dubai based designer, Michael Cinco, took to Instagram on Monday to show off his latest creation. The dress, which is embedded with crystals from top to bottom and has a three-metre long train, is the picture of extravagance.
“The bride specifically asked me to create her dream wedding a 50’s inspired Dior gown… So I made her dream wedding gown with a couture M5 touch on it,” Cinco said,
The train is designed with intricate petal layers and holds about 200 000 Swarovski crystals. The Filipino designer said the out-of-this-world dress “takes a village to transport”. The dress is said to be for a bride in Abu Dhabi.
Cinco has dressed several celebrities including Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna, Mariah Carey, and more. Just a quick scroll through his Instagram shows that he isn’t afraid to be bold and make risky fashion choices. His designs are truly something to behold. He definitely was the correct designer to approach for the task of a three-metre long train!
Have a look at the Swarovski covered wedding dress here:
