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    In Advice

    Wedding terminologies

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    You and your partner are planning your big day or maybe you’re tagging along with a loved one for their wedding planning. The wedding planner is explaining how everything is going to look. They’re talking about black tie optional and how the bomboniere will have to match the charger and center pieces. What does it all mean?

    1. Appliqué

    This is needlework or various types of material such as lace that is sewn on to larger pieces of fabric. It’s usually for creating texture, to form a pattern or 3-D effect.


    2. Black Tie Optional

    This means that formal wear is optional. You have the option of dressing for the gods or not.

     

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    Sydney + Michael’s blog post is LIVE! Check out this amazing wedding for lots of inspiration from some of the best vendors in Philly! Black and White has never looked more glamorous! Link in profile ? . Design + Coordination: @sarareadesign Photography: @mlepictures Branding + Design: @house_of_catherine Floral Design: @ramfloral Music: @eastcoastentertainment @ece_laura @phillys_finest_band @phillystring Ceremony Venue: @headhouse_shambles Reception Venue: @lapegatfringe Make Up: @makeupbyemilydimant Hair: @marissagraceartistry Rentals: @partyrentalltd Cake: @parkavecake Ice Cream: @weckerlys Dress: @pronovias Jewelry: @lpriorijewelry Shoes: @manoloblahnikhg Champagne: @therovingbar . . #philadelphiawedding #phillyvendors #phillyinlove #justsaidyes #blacktiewedding #luxurywedding #pawedding #philadelphiaweddingphotographer #oldcityphilly #phillywedding #theknot #firstsandlasts #thedailywedding #brides #bridesofinstagram #modernwedding #theknotrealweddings #philawedding

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    3. Bomboniere

    A wedding favour in Italian.


    4. Boutonniere

    A spray of flowers placed on the left lapel.


    5. Bustle

    This is something added to the wedding dress in order to make walking and dancing easier. It can be hooks, buttons or ribbons. The bustle will gather the wedding dress train or any parts of the dress that may get in the way.

     

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    The Tuesday after a holiday Monday is about as hard to figure out as a 16 point bustle! ? Someone tell me I’m not the ONLY one on the struggle bus today! ? Thankful today for business besties who are patient when you’re late for planning meeting (looking at you @rosetrailimages) and client gifting made easy and painless thanks to @greetabl! ? Whats getting YOU through this Monday of Tuesday’s?? . . . . . #imagesbyamberr #raleighweddingphotographer #raleigh #wedding #photographer #raleighwedding #raleighphotographer #weddingphotographer #ncwedding #ncweddingphotographer #destinationweddingphotographer #blackfemalephotographer #wokeweddingpro #letsgetmarried #weregettingmarried #isaidyes #curvyweddingphotographer #holidayweekend #holidayhangover #backatit #weddingdress #weddingbustle #weddinggown #strugglebus #greetablinsider #southernbrideandgroom

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    6. Celebrant

    This is the person who officiates your wedding ceremony. It can be someone who is ordained, a judge or member of the clergy. This person will also sign your marriage certificates.


    7. Charger

    The awkward plate that you may see some people dishing up on. It’s just for decorative purposes. Your actual plate will be placed on top of the charger.

     

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    ))#chargerplates #wineglass #wineglasses

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    8. Escort Card Display

    This display helps guests find their assigned seats.


    9. Fondant

    Fondue? Or the gooey chocolate cake-like dessert? Neither. Fondant is the edible thick paste made of sugar and water. It’s used to cover cakes and often used to create a canvas to work on. It can be made into various colours and shapes.


    10. Garland

    Basically decoration. It’s flowers or greenery that is used to embellish various things. You can add it to pretty much anything at your wedding from candles to doorways.


    11. Gobo lighting

    Have you ever seen patterns projected onto the floor or the wall at an event? Gobo is the stencil or template that is placed in front of a light to create the beautiful patterns and shapes you see. You and your partner can even have a gobo made with your monogram.


    12. Nosegay

    A nosegay is a small handheld bouquet of flowers. Usually held by bridesmaids. The name comes from back in the day when the nosegay was used to appeal to the nose. Directly translated it could mean nose-happy!


    13. Procession

    This is the entire procedure of the bridesmaids leading down the aisle and finally the bride.


    14. Tablescape

    Remember the charger? Used for table decoration. Tablescape is the entire table design. Everything including chargers, candles, flowers and various other embellishments. Your tablescape should make a statement and colour coordinate with the rest of the wedding or reception.

     

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    Mesmerized by this twinkling reception in a cobblestone courtyard @hummingbirdnestranch. Swipe for a peek at this #tablescape + see the full minimal, modern wedding on our blog! Photography: @isaiahandtaylorphotography | Venue: @hummingbirdnestranch | Designer/Wedding Planner: @nicolegeorgeevents | Floral Design: @12olivefloral | Hair & Makeup Artist: @juna_beauty | Rentals: @sigpartyrentals | Speciality Rentals: @circarentals | Catering: @bludsosbbq | Cake: @susiecakesbakery | DJ: @restlessnites #modernwedding #minimalwedding #weddingvenue #weddingreception #weddingtablescape #lawedding #minimalistbride #summerwedding #weddingtrends # wedding #californiawedding #californiaweddingvenue #summerbride #driedflowers #hummingbirdnestranch #southerncaliforniawedding #socalwedding

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    Picture: Pixabay

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    In Weddings

    Out of this world wedding themes

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    Do you consider yourself a super fan? Do you own various Star Wars memorabilia or you know every spell from Harry Potter? Well you’ll be glad to know that there are people out there who are just as obsessed. These couples took their fandom to another level by incorporating their favourite movie, book and comic into their wedding.

    1. Star Wars

    May the 4th could be your wedding anniversary.


    2. Harry Potter

    Wingardium Leviosa all day.


    3. Lord of the Rings

    Sauron can kiss the ring(s) goodbye!


    4. Marvel

    I love you 3000.

     

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    Marvel wedding, completed it mate ❤ . . . . . . . . #marvelwedding #thor #spiderman #ironman #avengers #assemble #wedding #thebest

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    5. Disney

    A dream (wedding) is a wish your heart makes.


    6. Game of Thrones

    A wedding is coming.


    7. Video Games

    AFK while they get married.


    8. Pokémon

    Now you can catch em all together.

     

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    В Японії пропонують весілля в стилі Pokemon ? Японська компанія ESCRIT з планування весіль уклала угоду з брендом і тепер пропонує офіційно ліцензовані весілля в стилі Pokemon Go. Перше таке весілля вже відбулося. У ньому взяли участь два Пікачу, одягнені як наречений і наречена. Також молодятам видають свідоцтво про шлюб із зображеннями покемонів та тематичні подарунки. Photo: pokemon.jp #ObozTV #ОбозТВ #Obozrevatel #Обозреватель #photography #photoshoot #photo #photooftheday #picoftheday #instalike #instadaily #instamood #lovetheworld #traveladdict #doyoutravel #pokemon #pikachu #pokemonwedding #dreamwedding #pokemonmasters #pikapika #pokemonhome #pokemon2019 #pokemongojapan #Japan

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    9. Board Games

    Check mate.

     

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    #boardgamewedding #weddingidea #serendipityeventsbytina #googleinspiration #ifounditongoogle

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    In Food

    6 Wedding cake trends we love

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    While it is still traditional to have a wedding cake, the nature of these cakes are changing. Due to the exorbitant cost of wedding cakes in this day and age and the desire to keep up with current trends, we have moved away from the traditional fruitcake to make way for new takes on wedding cakes.

    Here are a few cake trends that we can’t get enough of:

    Semi-naked

    Naked cakes seem to be a trend of the past but the semi-naked is still very much in.

    Drip cake

    Drip cakes have been around for quite a while now, because it can be added to pretty much any style of cake and still look good. It also adds extra flavour and an element of fun.

    Metallic

    A metallic element can be added in a variety of ways, making this a continuous trend.

    Red velvet

    Red velvet as a flavour has become one of the most popular dessert options so it is not surprising that it has made its way to wedding cakes as well.

    Florals

    A beautiful and natural addition to any cake.

    Alternatives

    While this cake makes use of another trend, doughnuts, as an alternative to a wedding cake, there are other alternative options such as macaroons, croquembouche and if you’re not a cake lover, cheese.

     

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    The donut stack of dreams ? ?@paulbamford

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    Image: Pixabay

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    In Fashion

    Trash the wedding dress

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    Your wedding is over and you’re about to come back from your honeymoon. There’s one question that may cross your mind, “what do I do with my wedding dress?”

    It’s important to keep in mind that you probably spent a lot of time, effort and money on your wedding gown. Some people like to keep their dress as a reminder of the happy day, for sentimental value or to pass down to their daughter.

    If that doesn’t appeal to you and you have no interest in selling it, how about giving ‘trash the dress’ a go.

     

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    This was probably one of the most peaceful minutes of my life. ..till a huge wave hit me! ? . . Ever think of doing a “Trash the Dress session”? You could do it years later, right away or perhaps you just want to make room in the closet and want some good photos out of it! Maybe your marriage didn’t end up happily ever after and you literally want to trash your dress…make light of it and let us get creative behind the camera! . . This was me the day after our Wedding Day! I did it for fun as we were in such a beautiful spot down in Bahamas! Surprisingly, I didn’t end up ruining my dress at the end of it! . . It was fun and spontaneous and have wicked pictures to show for it! . . Interested in the idea? Messsge me or comment below! . . #trashyourdress #trashthedress #trashtheweddingdress #weddingdress #creative #creativephotography #photography #fun #spontaneous #bahamas #greatexumabahamas #sandalsbahamas #weddingday #offcenterphotography #weddingphotography #weddingphotographers #cambridgephotographer #cambridgeweddingphotography #love #oceanpictures #peaceful #husbandandwifeteam #beautiful #bride #bahamasbride #trashdress #weddingdress

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    Trash the dress is a photography activity in which the bride wears her wedding dress and ‘trashes’ it. It usually comes as a juxtaposition of the beautiful, elegant and dainty wedding gown with the backdrop of a garbage dump, forest or messing up the dress.

    The location can be anything from a beach to an eerie abandoned building.

    If you’re not jumping in the ocean, a popular option is colour bombs or powder. Throwing it on the dress or having the colour bombs set off around you makes for a great picture.

    Trash the dress can be a lot of fun and that really shines through the pictures. It’s also important to remember that you don’t have to go overboard. If you don’t want to completely destroy the dress there are options for less permanent trash the dress shoots. You don’t have to physically trash the dress in order for it to pass as the odd-seeming photo shoot. An out of place setting is enough to pass.

     

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    Our behind the scenes footage of the Trash The Wedding Dress has been viewed over 600 times since being uploaded in the October of last year. If you haven’t watched it yet, head over to our YouTube Channel, JackRabbits Paintball and Airsoft. It was such a great experience. We have some ideas and themes currently floating around in our brain boxes of what we would like to do next, so if you fancy getting involved, get in touch. Don’t forget to like our pages ?? Instagram: @jackrabbitspa Facebook: www.facebook.com/jackrabbitspa/ People to follow ?? @keithfusco @fuscomedia @rara140280 @victoriageldard32 @autumnwiccan @misssparklegem @creaturesofxix @mummababydoll @cjlock_ @francescaharding @mr__kn1ght @andrews.tales @z8_photography @miss_cnancy @mrs666suicide @lola_lucious @taskforcem4 @grs_uk #jackrabbitspa #paintball #airsoft #pyrotechnics #photography #photoideas #photoop #photoopportunity #weddingdress #weddingphotography #trashtheweddingdress #filming #filmmaking #modelling #modellife #creativity #youtube #youtubechannel

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    The trendy photo shoots has been credited to wedding photographer John Michael Cooper from Las Vegas. It has been said that he became bored with the traditional wedding shoots and decided to mix it up.

     

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    #throwbackthursday When I was flying on the @todayshow This memory popped in my feed and made me so happy. @johnmichaelcooper the INCREDIBLE photographer and artist of @altfphotography called me up and was like hey.. you can jump in the air and get your #melissasweet future wedding dress dirty right? Haha I was like umm YES So we drove to the dry lake bed and shot these pictures of me jumping in the air after my hubby drove by to kick the dust up. So many people thought this was photoshopped…ummm no…my ankle and John could attest to that haha We later appeared on an episode of The Today Show such an incredible experience! I wonder if I can find the episode. Thank you John for making this experience a possibility! You are an incredible artist! #altf #johnmichaelcooper #thetodayshow #trashthedressepisode #shanaemily #iam1stphorm #Jump #SayYes #vegas #nextlevelshit #neversettle #photography

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    Picture: Pixabay

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    In Celebs

    Fans hope for Miley and Liam’s reconciliation

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    On August 10, 2019 international singer Miley Cyrus’s rep released a statement confirming her split with actor husband, Liam Hemsworth. The statement revealed they both have decided to focus on themselves and careers, and have decided to separate to do so. This after less than a year of marriage. The couple wed in a private wedding with their nearest and dearest on December 23, 2018.

    Social media exploded with the news, some sympathising, others criticising.

    Before you grab your tissues and binge watching The Last Song (2010) – where the couple fell in love – there may not be a divorce after all. Neither of them are in any rush to file for it and based on their past issues and break ups there may be hope for the couple to reconcile.

    The couple got engaged in 2012 and broke up in 2013. They rekindled their love in 2015 and were re-engaged in October 2016.

     

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    I don’t know what’s happening. This is so heartbreaking and I’m crying ??. I can’t believe this is happening. I mean, they’re perfect together. But I appreciate their decision. And I hope, please don’t delete their pictures. And hope they can solve their problem in the future and back together. It’s just that I think it’s hard and I can’t stand to see them with someone else new. I’m going to keep their photos here as a memory and it will never fade away. ? #mileycyrus #hannahmontana #13yearsofhannahmontana #bestofbothworlds #destinyhopecyrus #hannahmontanaforever #bangerz #mileycyrusandherdeadpetz #thisisthelife #smiler #10yearschallenge #liamhemsworth #chrishemsworth #avengers #avengersendgame #avengerspremiere #mileycyrus #destinyhopecyrus #smiler #mileyhemsworth #liamhemsworth #mileystewart #meetmileycyrus #breakout #cantbetamed #bangerz #mileycyrusandherdeadpetz #youngernow #malibu #bolt #thelastsong #LOL #hannahmontanathemovie

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    The rumours began after pictures emerged of Miley getting intimate with Kaitlynn Carter while on vacation in Italy. Kaitlynn recently split from husband Brody Jenner.

     

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    rock the boat, don’t rock the boat baby ⚓️

    A post shared by Kaitlynn Carter (@kaitlynn) on

    After countless stories and various theories Liam took to Instagram to confirm and set the record straight.

    Miley shared a post on Instagram with a meaningful message.

    Fans are convinced the split was because of a difference in opinions when it comes to relationship basics. Miley has stated that she doesn’t fit into a stereotypical wife role. Even though she is married, she is still attracted to women.

    The couple have managed to overcome issues before and may be able to again. We’re rooting for you!

    Picture: Instagram/ Liam Hemsworth

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    In Advice

    Micro weddings

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    Weddings can be quite costly, which is why micro weddings are becoming increasingly popular. Otherwise known as small weddings, these micro nuptials are not just smaller guest lists.

    It should consist of all the typical wedding elements: just on a smaller scale.

    Cutting the guest list down means that your wedding can be more intimate as it will only be your loved ones around. The ceremony duration is normally shorter. There is usually not a lot of bells and whistles involved. This cut back means that you can save quite a lot of money.

    Less people means that you can splurge on things that you wouldn’t be able to in bulk. For example, expensive champagne or snacks. Since you’re only catering for about 20 people you can afford to get those special things.

     

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    – G R A Z E –

    A post shared by ғᴏʀ ᴛʜᴇ ᴡɪʟᴅ + ᴜɴᴛᴀᴍᴇᴅ (@honeyfig) on

    The micro wedding will be less stressful as you’re planning your big day on a smaller scale. Since you’ll only have a few people it will also be less nerve racking and you’ll be able to connect with your guests more.

    Instead of having to mingle with over 50 people, your time can be divided among the few at your micro wedding.

    If you choose to have the smaller scale nuptials your venue options are also endless. You can try approaching your favourite restaurant or garden. Keep in mind even if a place doesn’t advertise hiring their venue for weddings they may be able to accommodate your micro wedding.

    Micro weddings are a great option and a good way to celebrate your wedding especially if you don’t have a lot of guests to invite.

    However it may not work if you want a wedding with everyone including your extended family and co-workers.

    Picture: Unsplash

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    How to choose a great wedding plus one

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    It’s your nearest and dearests wedding coming up and you’ve been given a plus one. With no partner, you have to pick a lucky someone to accompany you to the big bash.

    It’s important to remember that it’s not just a plus one, but rather someone you know you can have fun with. The wedding is an important day for your loved ones as it sees the union of two people ready to tie the knot.

    So how do you choose the perfect partner to bring along?

    1. Respectful

    Aretha Franklin said it. The person you pick should be mannerly and respectful. You don’t want to pick someone that will talk during the ceremony and speeches. Or someone that may have their eyes glued to their phone rather than the wedding itself. Choose someone that will show their gratitude for being invited.

     

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    Cheers to the Crenshaws! ?

    A post shared by Mai Anh Hall (@maianh.hall) on

    2. Outgoing and fun

    Your date should be sociable and friendly. They should be able to hold a conversation and feel comfortable on their own, if you need to step away for some reason. Bonus is if they bring along some whit and charm.

     

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    ⁠ Party on the dance floor !! ? ⁠ . ⁣⠀⁠ . ⁣⠀⁠ . ⁣⠀⁠ . ⁣⠀⁠ ? @37frames ⠀⁠ ? @silveradoresortweddings @silveradoresort⁠ . ⁣⠀⁠ . ⁣⠀⁠ . ⁣⠀⁠ . ⁣⠀⁠ #37frames #firstdance #weddingsaroundtheworld #silveradoresortwedding ⁠#silveradoresortweddings⁠ #silveradoresort⁠ #silveradoresortwedding⁠ #napavalleywedding⁠ #winecountrywedding⁠ #historicweddingvenue⁠ #destinationwedding⁠ #resortwedding⁠ #uniqueweddingvenue⁠ #countryclubwedding⁠ #outdoorwedding #napawedding #tokyoweddingphotographer #destinationweddingphotographer #firstdancegoals #bridesrealweddings #bridetobe #bridesmagazine #golfclubwedding #weddingreception #bridalparty #dancefloor #weddingdance #theknotwedding #destinationweddingspecialist #bestweddingdance

    A post shared by 37 Frames (@37frames) on

    3. Bust a move

    They don’t need to be able to take part in Step Up or Shall We Dance? As long as they can move their feet and have a great time. You don’t want someone that’s afraid of dancing and will just at the table while everyone else dances.

    4. Moderate

    If there is alcohol involved, your partner should be able to handle their liquor. There is nothing worse than someone who had a bit too much to drink and is falling all over the place. Pick someone that won’t go overboard but knows how to have some fun.

    5. Independent

    Since it is your loved ones wedding, you will obviously know quite a few people. You’re going to have to mingle with everyone and there may be a few times throughout the night where you’ll need to excuse yourself from your partner. Hopefully they won’t just sit at the table or stand in the corner awkwardly. If they are on their own, they should be independent enough to know what to do with themselves.

    6. Smartly dressed

    It is a wedding and there’s normally a dress code. Your partner should dress accordingly. They should look great on your arm and should compliment what you wear.

    Picture: Unsplash

     

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    Dresses we love: Lace

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    Lace is a beautiful and delicate fabric and it also brings a sense of romance to a wedding dress, so it’s easy to see why it is incorporated into many wedding gowns.

    Here are some of the latest gorgeous dresses with lace detail from the top wedding dress designers.

    Vera Wang

    An enchanting gown that incorporates lace from head to toe.

    Reem Acra

    A plunging neckline paired with lace makes for a subtly-sexy bride.

    Rosa Clara

    A stunning take on the mermaid style dress with beaded lace.

    Zuhair Murad

    A show-stopping gown covered in lace with a tulle sleeve detail.

     

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    Combining contemporary and classic into the most romantic of forms – #ZuhairMuradRTW Bridal Fall 2019 #ZMbride #ZMrealm

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    Marchesa

    A delicate lace for a breathtaking look.

    Naeem Khan

    An elegant dress with laced sleeves.

    Elbeth Gillis

    A simple and classic gown with a laced sleeve detail.

    Janita Toerien

    Beautiful laced bodice paired with a soft skirt for a sultry, yet sophisticated, look.

     

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    Our NINA dress, a soft fitted bodice with a crochet like lace, exposed boning casings and a flowing chiffon skirt. Part of our COUTURE 2019 Collection and available to purchase. Email for booking information and custom made options. ————————————————— Photo @debbielourens_photographer | MUH @marnelmakeup | Model @chanelirene_ ————————————————— #janitatoerien #janitatoerien2019 #weddingdress #weddingdressideas #weddingdressinspo #weddingdressinspiration #bride #bridalinspo #bridalinspiration #southafricandesigner #capetowndesigner #stellenboschdesigner #bohoweddingdress #modernweddingdress #laceweddingdress #flowyweddingdress

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    How to make exciting cocktails for your bachelorette

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    When one thinks of the drinks offered at a bachelorette party, the classics like vodka-cranberry come to mind. Instead of sticking to the obvious, mix things up with these fabulous cocktail recipes.

    1. Alcoholic slush

    This one is pretty easy and can be changed to suit various tastes. Whether you prefer vodka, tequila or both, a boozy slush is always a crowd-pleaser. There are equipment companies that hire out these machines, so you don’t have to do all the work. An alcoholic slush is perfect for a summer bachelorette party.


    2. Candy floss heaven

    To add a touch of flair to your cocktails, add some candy floss to the rim of the glass. It not only looks great but once the candy floss dissolves, it makes the drink taste even better.

     

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    Cloudy With A Chance Of Drip Drops. ?

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    3. Solid cocktails

    Who doesn’t enjoy a fruity popsicle with a touch of booze? Opt for your cocktail in frozen form and your guests will be over the moon. You can create a delicious mixture of your preference, poured into a popsicle mould and left to freeze for a few hours. Voila! A unique bachelorette cocktail.


    4. Mini cocktails

    Served in a tot glass, a mini cocktail is similar to a shooter. The saying “dynamite comes in small packages” rings true with these tasty and tiny drinks. Packing a punch per gulp, mini cocktails are guaranteed to bring an element of fun to the party.


    5. Healthy imitation

    Soak your favourite fruits in alcohol and serve them on a platter or as an additive to a mix of your choosing. A popular fruit to soak is watermelon. There are two ways to spike this fruit. The first is by cutting a hole into the top and sticking a bottle of booze into the gap. Allow the bottle to drain overnight. The second method is to cut the fruit up and pour the alcohol over the pieces. While a bit messier, it gets the job done.

     

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    Project for the weekend! #vodka #rum #tequila #alcohol #alcoholwatermelon

    A post shared by Cody O’Neill (@codyo2000) on

    There are so many ways to make your cocktails interesting and flamboyant, without having to go to the extreme. Remember, if you are going to serve drinks with straws, make sure to avoid plastic straws and rather use paper or biodegradable straws instead.

    Picture: Unsplash

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    What to eat before and on your wedding day

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    Feeling your absolute best on your wedding day is non-negotiable. We asked Loredana Loots, an integrative nutrition and holistic health coach, for her advice on what to eat before and on your wedding day:

    “With only a few days to go and a whirlwind of emotions, arrangements and final prep, you may (understandably) not give much thought about what you are eating and drinking. What you consume actually has a major impact on how feel – physically, mentally and emotionally. Every couple deserves to look and feel like a million bucks on their special day. These handy food secrets are a must!

    Plan in advance

    Shop, prepare and store meals for the days leading up to the wedding to make sure you are not left feeling overwhelmed or forced to reach for greasy and sugary foods.

    Squeeze the day

    Energise your mornings with a glass of warm water and the juice of half a lemon. Add fresh or dried ginger for an extra kick. This boosts your immune system, aids digestion and naturally detoxes the body.

    Prevent added nerves, excessive sweating and dehydration

    Don’t overdo the caffeine – stick to 1-2 cups of coffee in the morning only. Avoid energy drinks completely, and stay hydrated with classic h2o and herbal teas. Brazil nuts, salmon, dark chocolate, oatmeal, eggs and leafy greens are known to induce a calming effect as well.

    Beauty starts from within

    For gorgeous hair, clear skin and a natural, camera-ready glow, incorporate more friendly fats such as walnuts, chia seeds, avocados, fatty fish and virgin olive oil into your diet well in advance.

    Boost your collagen by incorporating more foods with vitamin C (grapefruit, lemons, peppers, guavas, green veg) and protein-rich foods (eggs, fish, organic meat, nuts and seeds), and up your antioxidant intake with berries, leafy greens, beetroot, green and rooibos teas and turmeric.

    Avoid these:

    Soda and fizzy drinks, dairy, beans, excess caffeine and alcohol can all cause gas, nausea and bloating. Cruciferous veggies like broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower, and foods containing wheat often lead to bloating too.

    Sugar, deep-fried and processed foods can lead to inflammation and fatigue. This will affect your overall mood and wellbeing, so avoid these as well.

    Instead, incorportae these foods into your diet if you want to avoid bloating and nausea:

    Asparagus, papaya, lemon, mint, ginger, cucumber, celery, brown rice, rolled oats, quinoa, grilled or steamed chicken and fish. Drink lots of water (but avoid sparkling) and herbal teas like peppermint and chamomile. Eat cooked instead of raw veggies for easier digestion, and take a good probiotic daily for extra gut support.

    Steer clear of any new, exotic or spicy foods- it may lead to indigestion, heartburn or an allergic reaction. Stick with what you know.

    ON THE DAY

    It is often one hectic marathon on the day of the wedding and you may not even get a chance to think about eating. However, breakfast is extremely important. This will give you the energy to meet and greet, avoid fatigue and stay cool, calm and collected for most of the day. Opt for something along the lines of: Oatmeal topped with fruit and nuts, eggs with sautéd veggies and avo, or a smoothie consisting of oats, banana/berries, almond milk, spinach, chia seeds and protein powder.

    It is important to stay well-hydrated as well, but rather sip on a little water at a time to avoid bloating and the constant need to run to the bathroom. Furthermore, ask your bride tribe to arrange a light lunch or to keep some snacks (such as nuts, biltong and salad bites) on hand for just before the ceremony and pre-reception.

    With the right fuel, you will look and feel your absolute best, with the energy, glow and confidence to enjoy every single precious moment of your big day!”

    Image: Unsplash

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