Weddings Archives | Page 189 of 190

In Destination

How to make a destination wedding easy on your guests

September 29, 2016 No Comments

There are many aspects of a destination wedding you should consider when planning one. Yes, it is your big day. You should be allowed the final say in what goes down over this period. Just remember, though, that the celebratory atmosphere of your wedding does depend, in part, on your guests having a good experience. They have given up part of their time, travelled a few miles, and spent quite a bit of money, to be there for you. So here’s some advice on how to make your destination wedding easier and more enjoyable for your guests.

Firstly, long before you do anything else, tell everyone about your plans to tie the knot overseas. Those you wish to invite need time to schedule the trip, and some might not be able to make it due to financial issues or prior engagements. It would be better if they declined long before you did the seating arrangements or decided who will be in the bridal party.

Now, once you know who’s definitely coming, don’t leave them hanging with regard to transport, directions and accommodation. Research what group rates are available for flights as well as hotel rooms. Definitely send them directions to the main venue, and in case transport might be difficult for them, organising a shuttle service would be a great favour.

Once your guests have arrived, make them feel welcome. A lovely little note left in plain sight on the bedspread or dressing table is always a good idea. A tiny gift, perhaps a small confection particular to the country you’re getting married in, would also go down well. In addition, you should probably give them products essential in dealing with that country’s climate and natural surroundings. Bug spray and sunscreen are good ideas if you’re tying the knot outdoors in the baking heat of a tropical paradise.

Lastly, while the wedding is the reason they came, it should not be the only activity on the weekend schedule. Organise something special for your guests, maybe a fun brunch or dinner at a nearby venue. This will be a good chance for your friends and family to touch base and catch up. After all, you do want all the special people in your life to get to know each other, and to get along, don’t you?

Photography pexels.com, pixabay.com

In Celebs

3 Bridal hair looks inspired by Gigi Hadid

January 5, 2016 No Comments

Want maximum style for minimal effort? Try your hand at our quick styling tricks for hairstyles that work as hard as you play.

1 The fresh princess

Create carefree beach waves by twisting damp or wet hair up into a coiled bun like model Gigi Hadid. Pin it up high for a modern top knot or at the nape of the neck for a more elegant chignon that you can wear from the beach to the bar. For a more chilled out style, release it when almost dry and shake loose carefree summer tresses. You can also refresh locks the-day-after-the-night-before by spritzing hair at the roots with a dry shampoo and giving it a quick blast of a hair dryer (powerful bathroom hand dryers work too in a pinch).

Style heroes Indola Innova #Style Style Reviver (R253) and Batiste Dry Shampoo Cool & Crisp Fresh (R69.95, get it here).

2 The crimper

Rock a gentle version of on-trend crimping by plaiting sections of hair for an hour or two and then releasing. If you’re in a rush you can also seal the deal quickly by pressing each braided piece between a hair straightener for a few seconds. Not bold enough for a full head? Use just one or two sections of plaiting intermittently through hair, which you can release later in the day for a crimped effect.

Style heroes ghd Style Heat Protect Spray (R180) and ghd Platinum Styler (R2 899).

3 The city slicker

For that just-stepped-out-of-the-water sleekness, there’s nothing better than smooth, gelled-back hair. This look is so hot right now, and so perfect for summer. Comb hair back sleekly with a clear gel to keep the top smooth, then apply a bit of cream or conditioner to the lengths of the hair to maintain softness.

Style heroes L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Hot & Sleek (R80) and label.m Gel (R315).

Text Lauren Watters
Photography popsugar.com.au, glamour.com, allure.com, IG @gigihadid, courtesy images

In Fashion And Grooming

5 Vintage touches for your groomsmen

September 2, 2015 No Comments

There’s nothing like a few vintage touches to complete your groomsmen’s look. With some attention to detail and few suave styles, they’ll look like the true and very dapper gentlemen they are. Here are five ways to pull off the look.

1 Waistcoats, suspenders and rolled up sleeves

Waistcoats, either as part of a three-piece suit or as an alternative to a jacket for a casual wedding, waistcoats add a great extra touch. As with the blazer or trousers, you can choose to match your suit or opt for a contrasting fabric, colour or pattern. Pair with a set of suspenders and rolled up sleeves for a more casual wedding, or with a great blazer for something more formal.

2 Old-school fabrics

Yes, we’re talking about velvet and tweed. This is a statement look not for everyone, but tweeds, houndstooth and plaid are fun and stylish. Channel your inner countryman by tweeding it up, or transport to centuries past by donning elegant velvet.

3 Pocket watches

There are few accessories for men (in comparison to women), but a pocket watch is just so charming and… vintage. What a great addition to a look, and will keep things running on time too – that’s if it still works.

4 Bow ties

Whether vintage themed or not, the bow tie is the epitome of chic for any gent. Fashionable since the 18th century, choose a fabric with a print, tweed or even sequinned for a smart look with a bit of fun.

5 Hats

Don the fedora, bowler or boater hat for a seriously smart look. It finishes the look off with stylish ease, and offers gents something a little different.

Photography Courtesy images

In Advice

My Wedding Wizard

September 29, 2014 No Comments

For brides looking for outstanding wedding suppliers, allow us to introduce you to your one-stop online wedding shop.

My Wedding Wizard provides information, images and reviews for top, professional wedding suppliers in South Africa. Find your perfect venue, designer wedding dress, professional hair and makeup artist and so much more. It’s free of charge, so register today and browse the easy to use online catalogue.

The wizard will match your wedding to the most suitable, available suppliers. Login and use the comprehensive wedding planning tools to start creating your own dream wedding day. It’s a simple, fun solution to wedding planning.

Sign up and register for My Wedding Wizard here. Visit the website at myweddingwizard.co.za or contact 021 556 3257.

Photographs Courtesy

In Beauty

Tasha Seccombe Photography

September 26, 2014 No Comments

Tasha Seccombe is a wedding and food photographer based in Elgin in the Western Cape. She finds beauty in life’s simplicity and has the gifted skill of capturing the beautiful moments shared between bride and groom. WA were excited to find out more about this talented artist.

How would you describe yourself and your work?
I’m a wedding photographer with an absolute love of happy tears, bear hugs, quiet moments and precious memories. You could say the style of my work is classic, crisp, real and feminine

What do you think separates you from other wedding photographers?
I don’t think I am alone in this, but I really feel that what separates dedicated wedding photographers from ‘I just found myself here’ wedding photographers is a real empathy with the emotions of such of personal day, as well as a happy spirit and approachable working style.art

What do you shoot in? (Film, digital/both?)
I shoot in digital format.

What keeps you inspired?
The potential for beauty in everyday moments, plus I’m a self-confessed idealist.

What do you enjoy about living and working in the Western Cape?
Living in Elgin in the Overberg is a real privilege and I love the Western Cape as a whole for its incredible natural beauty and inexhaustible choice of breathtaking backdrops!

Where’s your dream place to shoot?
At the moment it’s a toss up between Iceland and rural south of France.

A tip for couples who are looking for their wedding photographer?
Make sure you LOVE the work of the photographer you pick and feel it reflects something about your personality, rather than making the choice based on price alone. Go through a lot of portfolios and wait until you get ‘that feeling’.

How has being a wedding photographer made you a stronger photographer over all?
Without a doubt it’s because weddings are so fast paced, no-redos, busy and emotion-packed. It’s like a photography bootcamp every weekend to hone your skills and quick decision making. Plus there are a myriad of skills you need to face a wedding day, including strong documentary work, beautiful portraiture, macro and still life photography, flash work and low light photography – all in one day!

How has witnessing so many weddings impacted your life/work?
Wow, that’s a huge question… It’s hard to describe what an honour it is to share pretty much every single moment of one of the most momentous days in a couple’s life. I think it’s given me a deep appreciation for what a big decision it is to choose your photographer.

Favourite image you’ve taken?
It’s so hard to pick just one – some I love for the image itself while others for what was happening at the time. One of my favourites is of my gorgeous bride Ellie (featured), for its simplicity and softness – and that light.

What are looking forward to most right now?
Apart from the cup of Earl Grey tea I’m about to make? I’m looking forward to an incredibly diverse season ahead with weddings across the Western Cape with all sorts of amazing couples, plus working with other suppliers whose work I love and admire.

To get in touch with Tasha, email her on [email protected]. Visit tashaseccombe.com for more of her beautiful work.

Photographs Tasha Seccombe

In Our DIY

Fresh as a daisy

June 27, 2014 No Comments

How to make a chair posy.

What you’ll need

• Fresh flowers and foliage

• Floral tape

• Floral wire

• Ribbon

• Pins

Directions

1. In this case, we used wild olive tree leaves (Olea africana), a rose (Rosaceae), rosemary (Rosemaryinus officinalis) and trailing amaranth (Amaranthus). If you wish to use more flowers, just make sure you use odd numbers, such as one, three or five flowers, in your posy.

2. Gather your flowers and wrap them together with floral tape.

3. Add your greens (olive leaves, rosemary and amaranth) or whatever filler you have chosen. These can be placed between the flowers or underneath the flowers.

4. Wrap it all together with floral tape and trim the stems if needed. Wrap the ribbon and secure the whole posy with a pin.

TIP: Use the floral wire to support the flower heads if they are drooping

Chair posy made by Floral Affairs. Contact them on [email protected] or visit floralaffairs.co.za.

In Accessories

Le Creuset herb planters

June 27, 2014 No Comments

Plant small flowers to brighten your windowsill, or herbs to add fresh flavour to home-cooked meals. Le Creuset launches its new herb planter, a perfect gift to add to your registry.

Features:

Dense stoneware blocks moisture absorption to prevent cracking, crazing and rippling
Impermeable exterior enamel resists stains and scratches from metal tools
Nearly-nonstick glazed interior easily releases soil for quick cleanup
Dishwasher-safe

Add it to your registry on Yuppichef.com’s online wedding registry or order online at lecreuset.co.za.

In Venues

Adore Weddings and Events

June 25, 2014 No Comments

Adore Weddings and Events is a KZN based wedding and events planning company headed by born romantic and experienced Wedding Planner Carolyn McNeil. Adore strives to bring to life your vision and hope for your special day.

‘I have a deep love for wide open spaces and growing things,’ says Carolyn when WA chatted to her. ‘I simply love weddings and feel honoured to be invited to be a part of someone’s special day.’

The Adore Weddings and Events team offers a variety of coordination, styling, flower and decor options. ‘We adore all things romantic, eclectic and wonderful, and aim to partner alongside our clients to create a uniquely tailored, stress free and memorable experience of laughter, love and light for you and your guests.’ We thought it fitting to ask Carolyn a few questions about wedding decor and styling trends right now.

What are the 5 hottest wedding trends this year?

A continuation of the gorgeous copper, gold and rose gold trend.

Raw wood tables.

Whimsical, boho weddings with wreaths, vines and pretty, loose, asymmetrical flower arrangements.

On the opposite side of the style scale, a return to very clean lines, clear glass, symmetry and pure white decor and flowers look set to happen toward to middle of 2015.

We’ll begin to see an introduction of deep burgundies, purples, cobalt and blacks as base colours, teamed with rich golds and / or silvers.

How do international trends differ from local trends?

The South African market tends to follow the international market by a season or two. That being said, Pinterest and social media have bridged this gap largely and often homegrown weddings are bang on trend with international markets. I do see a more personalised look for South African weddings, with personal and intimate details included in the decor and stationery.

What’s the most important things to remember when planning a wedding?

Remember why you’re planning this day. When details, budget and expectations become overwhelming, remember that the entire point of this day is that you’re marrying your best friend, and sharing the beauty of that moment with your closest friends and family.

In your experience, what’s the best way to bring out a couple’s personality in the decor scheme?

I’m a personal fan of planning your wedding around your personal style. Your wedding should ideally be like having special people over to your home for dinner – just on a bigger scale.

What advice do you have for couples trying to decide on their decor and colour scheme?

Don’t follow a trend or fashion unless it is already your intrinsic style. You need to live with your wedding photos, so if your decor is something you will love always, and if it is very personal to the two of you, you will always love it.

If you wish to contact Carolyn about your wedding day, email her on [email protected] or call 083 364 4658. Visit the Adore Weddings website at adoreweddings.co.za.

Images: Courtesy

In Destination

Beachcomber’s Romance Collection

June 24, 2014 No Comments

Perfecting islands for more than 60 years, Beachcomber Hotels is offering unmissable specials on their honeymoon, wedding anniversary and renewal of vowels offers.

For a match that is truly made in heaven, no destination beats Mauritius and Seychelles to create the perfect atmosphere in which to celebrate your life together. Leader and pioneer of the hotel industry in Mauritius, Beachcomber Hotels owns eight hotels built on the most spectacular shorelines in Mauritius and one exclusive resort on the private island of Sainte Anne, all providing the perfect backdrop for the most romantic time of your life.

Whether you plan an intimate honeymoon or lavish wedding anniversary, Beachcomber’s Romance Collection has something for your taste.

For reservations call Beachcomber on 0800 500 800 or email [email protected]. Visit their website at beachcomber.co.za

In Venues

Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff

June 23, 2014 No Comments

An iconic hotel in leafy Jo’burg, the new Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff is a stylish urban resort offering wedding luxury to the utmost.

Elevated on a hillside with panoramic views across the Johannesburg Zoo and the prestigious neighbourhoods of The Parks, the Hotel is now available to book from 1 December 2014. In keeping with a modern African aesthetic, it’s reflective of the dynamic city that surrounds it and screams opulence in every nook and cranny.

With 117 guest rooms and suites scattered amid beautifully landscaped gardens, terraces and fountains, the mood is almost residential; a welcoming respite from the busyness of city life. Five all-new restaurants and lounges prepare to welcome you and your guests with an array of options to enjoy the finest cuisine, accompanied by the best wines of South Africa and the world.

Capturing the serenity of Johannesburg’s lush gardens and greenery, the nature-inspired Spa offers a casual atmosphere where you and your bridal party can relax in the sunshine before the wedding bell tolls.

Book your wedding date directly from their website HERE or visit fourseasons.com/johannesburg. Find it at 67 Jan Smuts Avenue, Johannesburg.

Photographs: Courtesy