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In Weddings

Real wedding: Raelene & Nathaniel

November 16, 2018 No Comments

Former Miss Teen SA Raelene Rorke and Bostonian Nathaniel Clarke brought their two worlds together for a special weekend-long celebration in Hoedspruit.

THE VENUE

We loved the setting of Kapama River Lodge. It’s so luxurious and was big enough to accommodate 126 people comfortably, with lots of different areas to entertain our guests throughout the weekend – we didn’t have to use the main hall until the night of the actual wedding! The Kapama team was unreal, and the game drives were filled with wildlife action (almost everybody had an incredible viewing story). It was such a perfect safari-wedding experience.

THE THEME

With some 40 of our guests visiting Africa for the first time, the weekend was about them as much as it was about us, so the decision to have a safari wedding was an easy one. The theme was vintage African bush. We had a very romantic candlelit spit-braai under the stars on the Friday evening, with local dancers for entertainment, and finished with a traditional Xhosa wedding ceremony. Everybody came in traditional clothing and learnt some local dance moves!

THE DRESS

I had chosen a dress way before the wedding date, but it got stuck at customs and was shipped back to the US. I tried on about 25 other dresses in Joburg, but they all started looking alike to me. On a trip to Boston before our wedding, I went to Vows Bridal Outlet and fell in love with three dresses, which I had no idea were all from the same designer, Monique Lhuillier. I chose the one I felt most comfortable in; it was perfect!

THE DECOR

We kept the decor natural and elegant – canvas chairs, a hessian carpet for the aisle and lots of greenery, with a pink, red and lime green colour scheme for the flowers. The reception was set in a beautiful dining hall with simple wooden furniture, huge chandeliers, more than 200 candles and plenty of romantic roses.

THE FOOD

We worked with the hotel to plan a simple, elegant menu that had something for everybody: roasts, vegetables, and for the starter, hearty soup. It was delicious. We also ordered 11 of our favourite cakes from Châteaux Gâteaux and had their Mozart cake (layers of Japonais with hazelnut praline cream and chocolate shavings) for our wedding cake.

THE DETAILS

There were so many amazing moments throughout the weekend, but at about 10 pm on the night of our reception, the skies opened up with a torrential downpour – the first of the season! Rainfall on your wedding day is meant to be a blessing, and as the area was experiencing an extreme drought, the timing was even more special.

We also asked guests to donate to Umgazana Primary School, near my hometown in the Eastern Cape, instead of giving us gifts.

THE FIRST DANCE

‘There Will Be Time’ by Mumford & Sons

LITTLE BLACK BOOK

Venue: Kapama River Lodge, Kapama Private Game Reserve
Photography: Louise Meyer Photographers
Co-ordination: Adiel Tryon at Umvini
Rings: Park Lane Jewels
Flowers: Flower Market
Decor: The Wedding Warehouse
Stationery: Lime By Design
Cakes & dessert: Château Gâteaux
Band: Tokyo Groove

In Destination

Make your wedding a royal affair at the Royal St Andrews Hotel

November 13, 2018 No Comments

Set in the picturesque town of Port Alred and along the Sunshine Coast, the Royal St Andrews Hotel prides itself on its luxury service and beautiful facilities. With a range of options at your disposal, you’re spoiled for choice with what’s on offer at this magnificent venue.

THE VENUE

The venue hosts up to 160 guests, and couples can arrange to have both their ceremony and reception on site. With a state-of-the-art ballroom, incredible gardens and the exquisite beach backdrop, you’ll have everything you need and more for your dream day. Guests can enjoy canapés and cocktails in the modern and scenic courtyard whilst they await your arrival, before moving to the dining area with high ceilings and glass doors perfect for transforming the wedding reception area.

THE FOOD

Being part of the award-winning Manti Collection, the Royal St Andrews Hotel is renowned for its delicious cuisine, hospitality and a one-stop wedding weekend itinerary. The Thistle restaurant boasts a decadent menu and extensive wine list fit for catering to your big day.

THE ROOMS

The luxury rooms allow you to get settled in style before your wedding day, and also offer the perfect honeymoon escape. With ten elegant rooms in the Heritage section and another fifty stylish suites, there is more than enough space for your guests and bridal party.

THE FACILITIES

Be whisked away on a romantic Kowie River Cruise, or spend your time lounging at the on-site Camelot spa in the outdoor jacuzzi. The hotel also offers croquet, golf and beach horse rides, all suited to a full wedding weekend for you and your guests.

For more information, visit www.royalstandrews.co.za.

In Advice

Lookbook: A midsummer night’s dream

November 12, 2018 No Comments

As night falls, the forest becomes a scene of drama and mystery, complemented by plush fabrics and rustic details. Scroll through our magical lookbook for all your forest-themed wedding inspiration.

From left: Brass candleholders (to hire), Propeller Props; silver candleholders (to hire), Plush Props; tall candleholders, @home; small jug, flask and medium jug (to hire), all Plush Props; tapas bowl and cutlery, both Check My China; dinner plate, side plate, wine glass, tall glass with short stem and short glass with short stem, all Woolworths; linen, Fabric City; velvet runner, Fabric Centre

Rolled menus, Secret Diary; feathers, Epanouir Flower Studio

Cake from, Kanya Hunt from The Hunt House Kitchen; cake stand (to hire), Check My China; velvet fabric, Fabric Centre; crystal wine glass, Woolworths

Plate and spoon (to hire), both Check My China; blueberries, Pick n Pay; bottle, Merrypak; thank-you tag, Secret Diary; glass, Woolworths

Chairs (to hire), Propeller Props; fairy lights and ping-pong balls, both Game

Menu, Secret Diary; feathers, Epanouir Flower Studio

Decor styling: Francoise Jeanne de Villiers
Food styling: Chiara Turilli
Photography: Gareth van Nelson
Venue: D’Aria, Cape Town

*Products all subject to availability

In Weddings

Real wedding: Ané & Marius get married between heaven and earth

November 2, 2018 No Comments

Surrounded by their nearest and dearest, Ané Bartleman and Marius Eksteen celebrated their special day on a sprawling estate in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.

THE VENUE

We scoured the internet for a venue, which is where I stumbled across Bona Dea Private Estate. I lined up three venues for us to view around Cape Town in one day, but Bona Dea was our first and last stop. It is truly the most spectacular venue along the Whale Coast. With astonishing views, a lavish ballroom (as well as perfectly groomed gardens), we knew our guests would be entertained at all times.

THE THEME

We really wanted an elegant, exciting, fun and comfortable wedding. We all had a blast over a long weekend with wine tasting, great food and even some whale-watching! Our wedding day was even better than we imagined it would be.

THE DRESS

My dress was made by Casper Bosman of Casper Designer Wear in our hometown of Bloemfontein. I wanted something very simple, fitted and sophisticated. There were times I thought I should add something here or there, but your first instinct is always the best choice.

THE DECOR

We wanted decor that wouldn’t date, so went for a clean look and feel with shades of grey, silver and white. Bona Dea has a wide variety of decor options available for a perfectly tailored wedding. We loved everything from the tree branches and fairy lights dangling from the ceiling to the delicate flowers and gorgeous cake stand.

THE FOOD

For our entrée, we had a creamy wild mushroom and biltong soup. The main course was beef fillet on a bed of vegetables with pumpkin fritters – absolutely delicious! Our wedding cake was just perfect. I found a picture on Pinterest and we were so lucky to have Charlotte from Krummels Sugar Art make a red velvet cake, with cute cake toppers that looked like Marius and me.

THE FIRST DANCE

I’m a dance teacher, so this was crucial. Afrikaans music is great to dance to, so we opted for Juan Boucher’s ‘Gebore Om By Jou Te Wees’.

LITTLE BLACK BOOK

Co-ordination, decor & venue: Bona Dea Private
Photography: Johan Koegelenberg Photography
Flowers: The Flower Scene
Cake: Krummels Sugar Art
Catering: Two Chefs
Audio-visuals & DJ: Event Music Solutions

In Diy

Ready, set, wed! Your wedding planning timeline

November 1, 2018 No Comments

Your wedding planning timeline is a marathon, not a sprint. Here’s how to stay sane and make sure everything – from the big stuff to the tiniest detail – gets ticked off your list.

12+ MONTHS BEFORE

1. Create a wedding file or make a Pinterest board to keep track of all your ideas and inspiration.
2. Work out your budget.
3. If you’re going to hire a wedding planner, do that now.
4. Choose your date and reserve a venue (one of these is likely to depend on the other).
5. Book the venue for your reception, if it’s going to be different to the ceremony venue.
6. Choose the wedding party.
7. Start planning your guest list.
8. Book your officiant.
9. Choose and book an MC (see tips on page 40).
10. Have an engagement party, keeping in mind that anyone invited to this should also feature on your wedding guest list.

9-12 MONTHS BEFORE

1. Order your dress or book a designer.
2. If they’re not included in your venue hire, choose a caterer.
3. Book your DJ or entertainment (including ceremony musicians).
4. Research and hire a photographer and videographer.
5. Book your florist.
6. Reserve accommodation for out-of-town guests and pay deposits.

6-9 MONTHS BEFORE

1. Meet with your officiant to make sure you have all the necessary paperwork covered.
2. Have invitations made.
3. Send out save-the-dates.
4. Start organising bridesmaids’ dresses, groomsmen’s suits and flower-girl outfits.
5. Start planning your honeymoon (including renewing your passport and getting any required vaccinations).

4-6 MONTHS BEFORE

1. Fit and purchase your rings.
2. Do tastings and order your cake.
3. Buy your wedding shoes (and start taking them to dress fittings).
4. Book your hairstylist and make-up artist.
5. Plan the big-day timeline.
6. Start choosing the playlist.
7. Contact rental companies for anything your venue isn’t providing, from seat covers to fancy Portaloos.
8. Book the venue for your rehearsal dinner.
9. Compile your registry.

3 MONTHS BEFORE

1. Finalise the menu.
2. Finalise the flowers.
3. Order wedding favours, if you’ll have any.
4. Choose people to give toasts
5. Buy your wedding lingerie.
6. Make your vendors aware of the day’s schedule (they may have helpful feedback).
7. Hire wedding-day transport.
8. Book your spa treatments for the week of your wedding.

2 MONTHS BEFORE

1. Send out invitations.
2. Meet with your photographer to discuss specific shots, locations and people to be photographed.
3. Do a trial hair and make-up run.
4. Have menus and programmes printed.
5. Write your vows.

4 WEEKS BEFORE

1. Make a list of your RSVPs and follow up with anyone who has not yet responded.
2. Make a seating chart and have place cards printed.
3. Have your final dress fitting. You should bring along your maid of honour so she can learn specifics such as how to lace your corset or bustle your train (we’re not kidding).

2 WEEKS BEFORE

1. Let your venue contact know about any special vendor requests, such as additional power outlets for the DJ or refrigeration for the cake.
2. Send your DJ your final playlist, including any songs you definitely don’t want to hear.
3. Have your pre-wedding haircut and colour.
4. Wear in your wedding shoes.
5. Stock the bar.

THE WEEK OF

1. Give venue and caterers a final headcount.
2. Confirm times, dates and final details with every vendor.
3. Hand over programmes, menus and place cards, and any hired or DIY decor, to your reception manager.
4. Delegate wedding-day and post-wedding tasks – someone to be in charge of getting your gifts home, someone to handle rental returns while you’re on honeymoon.
5. Pick up your dress!
6. Make sure the bridesmaids’ dresses, groomsmen’s suits and flower-girl attire are ready to go.
7. Pack for your honeymoon.
8. Make final payments to vendors, and prepare cash tip envelopes for waitstaff on the day.
9. Organise snacks and drinks for the dressing rooms.

THE NIGHT BEFORE

1. Rehearse the ceremony with your wedding party, immediate family and officiant.
2. Introduce the manager of your reception venue to the best man and maid of honour, or whomever you’ve delegated as the go-to person for any questions or problems during the reception.

THE BIG DAY!

1. Give the wedding bands to the best man and maid of honour.
2. Eat breakfast, stay hydrated and don’t rush!

Image: Unsplash

In Diy

5 DIY paper flowers ideas for non-traditional brides

August 7, 2018 No Comments

If you’re someone who doesn’t like to play by the rules, then DIY paper flowers will be ideal for you. You also won’t have to worry about wilting, watering or the fear of a guest knocking over an arrangement, not to mention the amount of money you’ll save!

1. Crepe paper bouquet

2. Paper flower initial

3. Tissue paper centrepiece

4. Paper flower backdrop

5. Paper flower crown

Images: Pinterest

In Advice

Who pays for the wedding? Here’s what tradition says…

July 26, 2018 No Comments

Whether you’re opting for a low-key affair or a lavish celebration, a wedding is going to be costly – but who pays for the wedding?

WHAT TRADITION SAYS

1. The venue

When it comes to the venue – both the ceremony and the reception – the bride’s family is responsible for the cost. And this doesn’t just mean the venue hire. Budget for all decorations, food, musical accompaniments at the ceremony and the officiant’s fee.

2. The reception

If you’re the bride, your parents are probably breaking out in a sweat just thinking about the bill that’s coming their way. But the financial responsibility doesn’t rest solely on their shoulders. The groom’s side normally pays for the DJ and the booze – two important and often pricey aspects of any wedding.

3. The attire

Perhaps the most important detail for any bride, the dress also doesn’t come cheap. Butter up Mom and Dad, because they’ll be paying (you hope). But what about dresses for your bridesmaids? Buying their attire is not expected, but it’s a nice gesture. The groom covers the cost of his suit and can choose whether to pay for his groomsmen’s get-up or not. If you’re asking them to buy their own, make sure it’s not expensive!

4. The small details

It may seem as though most of the big expenses are for the bride’s parents to cover. However, there are a few smaller but no less important details for the groom’s account too. The most obvious are the bridal bouquets, corsages for the mother-of-the-bride and boutonnières for the groomsmen.

5. The rings

It only makes sense that the groom pays for his bride’s wedding band and she does the same for him. If you’re on a tight budget, look at more affordable metals or simply forgo wedding bands altogether.

6. The honeymoon

It’s something newlyweds really look forward to, whether it’s an island getaway or a local adventure – and it’s for the groom to plan and pay for! Some couples ask guests to make a contribution to a honeymoon fund rather than buy gifts.

WHAT WE SAY

If you choose to buck tradition, split the budget according to who can afford what. Here are some ideas:

1. Chip in as a couple

If you have money saved, what better way to spend it than on your wedding? Most of the guests attending will be your friends, so consider covering the music and bar tab, which you know they’ll get the most enjoyment from.

2. Draw up a budget

Sit down with all parties involved to discuss splitting the costs equally – it may just be a win-win for everyone.

3. Pay for your own wedding dress

Especially if your parents are paying for most of the wedding. You can find ways to cut costs in this department, from buying off the rack or on sale to asking friends or family who are talented seamstresses to help design your gown.

4. Ask the groom’s family to cover the venue hire

With the cost of decorations, food and staff, the reception can be a financial sting for the bride’s parents.

In Fashion And Grooming

5 wedding shoes for men

July 25, 2018 No Comments

Classic black dress shoes aren’t your only footwear option. Here are 5 wedding shoes for men to suit any attire. Keep things fresh by opting for a shoe in brown or grey instead of classic black.

1. BROGUES

A low-heeled shoe with sturdy leather uppers and perforated and serrated edges. These come in a variety of styles but the most popular is the semi-brogue, which features a decorative toecap.

2. LOAFERS

A slip-on shoe that often sports a tassel or leather strap across its upper (it’s then known as a penny loafer).

3. ANKLE BOOTS

Widely worn by both men and women, ankle boot styles range from shoe boots, which skim the ankle, to Chelsea boots, which fit closely around the ankle, and even boots that cover the lower part of the calf.

4. SANDALS

Open footwear with straps over the instep and sometimes also around the ankle. Not to be confused with the flip-flop, which is best reserved for other less formal occasions.

5. MONKS

Also called monk-straps, these dress shoes sport a buckle and strap instead of laces and can be found with cap toes, as brogues, and in both suede and leather.

Images: Pinterest

In Bridal Shower

5 tips to remember when picking your bridesmaids dresses

July 18, 2018 No Comments

Having your wedding day accompanied by your absolute besties as your bridesmaids, all matching and looking gorgeous, is an absolute dream. However, this can be quite a challenging task.

Your bridesmaids may not like your choice of dress, style, colour or overall idea towards what they will wear on the day, and if you’re someone who wants everyone to be happy and satisfied, this can cause serious complications and even some drama.

With an open mind and these simple tips, finding the perfect bridesmaids dresses that everyone will love will be much easier.

1. CUT OUT SAME-STYLE DRESSES

Unless your bridesmaids all look identical, the same style of dress will fit each woman differently, and may not be suitable or flattering for every body type. This is where styles like the infinity dress come in, where one dress with the same material and colour can be worn in multiple ways to suit each woman’s body. Try to be more open with finding different styles for each bridesmaid.

2. MAKE COLOUR THE COMMON THEME

If you’ve decided that your bridesmaids can wear different style dresses, make sure they stick to a very specific colour palette that suits you and your wedding theme. Even though the dresses may not be identical, your bridesmaids will still appear co-ordinated and will be comfortable in their favoured style of dress.

3. SET A GUIDELINE

Apart from simply having a common colour scheme, ensure that your bridesmaids know the boundaries of what you want for their appearance on the day. Try to use your wedding dress at a starting point, and model the bridesmaids dresses after it. Decide whether you want classy or glamorous, short or long dresses, what season you are getting married in, and how conservative they will need to be.

4. STAY IN TOUCH

Stay up to date with your bridesmaids’ dress-hunting, and, if you can, try to go with them to be a part of the decision process. Staying in contact will also show your interest and concern for your bridesmaids, as it is an important day for them too. Make a WhatsApp group and regularly ask for images. This may become frustrating, but it will be worth it to ensure that you are part of the decision-making process.

5. REMEMBER, YOU ARE THE BRIDE

Above everything else, remember that you are the bride and it is your special day. If you cannot come to an agreement with one of your bridesmaids and it is causing you more stress, it is not selfish to cut someone out. At the end of the day, it comes down to what you and your partner have decided for the wedding.

Image: Unsplash

In Wedding Flowers & Bouquets

7 steps for choosing your flowers

July 9, 2018 No Comments

Flowers (and more recently, a flower theme) have been a part of wedding ceremonies for as long as we can remember. It is believed that in certain European countries women would carry bouquets to mask the scent of not having bathed for a few months.

Nowadays, florals are a huge part of the decor and, of course, the bridal and bridesmaids’ bouquets. Typically, florals fit into your specific wedding theme or colour palette, or your entire theme can revolve around your flowers and other natural elements.

So how should you choose your floral arrangements? We have 7 easy steps to help you create the floral setting you’ve always dreamed of.

FIRST THING’S FIRST

Decide on your budget and whether you want to go big or small. If florals fall into your theme, you’ll want to set aside a larger portion of your budget to them.

GET INSPIRED

Try to research designs or arrangements you want to see at your wedding, while still keeping an open mind and have at least two extra options. Pinterest is a great app for finding all the inspiration you need!

RESEARCH

While looking for inspiration, you should also start to familiarise yourself with the kinds of flowers you want to have at your wedding, whether they’re in season, and their basic information. It will really benefit you when you meet with a florist and you understand the terminology.

FIND A FLORIST

Before picking a florist, make sure you research their work and pricing to ensure that you go with someone whose style will match your desired theme. Also keep your options open here, and make several consultations with different florists to get a feel for what would suit you best.

BOUQUET

If you or your fiancé plan to carry a bouquet, make sure that this is your starting point, as it features as a big element on the day. You ideally want the bouquet to match the wedding dress, and can design your flower arrangements from there.

SCENTED

When picking your flowers, you also need to consider whether you want scented florals or not. The idea of a lovely sweet scent in the venue seems tempting, but it may affect some of the guests. When you send out your invitations, ask guests to let you know if they have any allergies so that you can avoid any unpleasant experiences on the day.

PLAY MATCHY

While not everything has to be perfectly coordinated, it is elegant to match your flowers to your wedding style. Whether it be formal, playful or mystical, flowers can really emphasize the atmosphere you want to have on your big day.

“A flower cannot blossom without sunshine, and man cannot live without love.” – Max Muller