Weddings Archives | Page 192 of 193

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

In Wedding Cakes

Confetti dreams

June 20, 2014 No Comments

Bigger, bolder and better! Dark tablecloths and walls are offset by white: silvery-white chairs, starched serviettes, pretty pearly-white chandeliers and different-sized crisp rosettes. Bring these two antithetical colours together, and you get drama!

Flower arrangements by Jean Badenhorst and Lana Fredericks/Aspen Flowers & Co; Stationery by Heather Moore/Skinny Laminx; Food by Jacques Erasmus/Hemelhuijs; Cake by Wade van der Merwe/Cakes by Wade; Photography: Gareth van Nelson/HSMimages; Styling: Cornelia Badenhorst/de liefde

In Weddings

Anna & David

June 19, 2014 No Comments

Anna Kokosinska was swept off her feet by David Bird. They wed in true romantic style with a three-day affair in Franschhoek.

HERE COMES THE BRIDE…

Our versions of how we met differ dramatically, but it all started in a bar in Perth. Two days later, I was on my way to Texas with him, where a two-week visit soon turned into a whirlwind romance.

Our engagement was spectacular. We were staying at a spa hotel – Les Sources De Caudalie – just outside Bordeaux. He proposed in the cellars of Château Lafite Rothschild. To top it off, we had dinner at a two Michelin starred restaurant that night.

Having lived all over the world, David said South Africa was where he wanted to get married. After seeing photos of Franschhoek, I didn’t need much convincing!

A close friend in South Africa recommended Wedding Concepts and we met Kate, our wedding planner, over Skype. We spent a year chatting and creating Pinterest boards. She made the planning process a breeze and I will be forever thankful for her.

THE BIG DAY

Having never set foot in South Africa, it just blew me away. The venue and the decor were so much more than I could have ever imagined.

We had a great party with flowers and candles everywhere. We wanted a big celebration that was romantic and fun, as a well as being memorable for all our guests who had travelled so far for us.

It was raining on the day, just as I was heading to the altar. We delayed the start by 20 minutes – making David a little nervous! – which let me get some extra-special photos with my dad. So the rain turned out to be good luck for us!

David’s uncle handmade a beautiful box holding a bottle of Vrede en Lust wine and two love letters. During the ceremony it was explained that if there were ever a time in our relationship when we felt disheartened, we should open the bottle of wine and read the love letters – of course, the hope is that such a time will never come. It was very emotional and many guests said they would start this same tradition in their own relationships.

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT

One of the greatest ideas we had was to focus on each other on the day. We were not traditional and didn’t spend the night before apart. It was very special to be able to have so much time together and not get caught up in the chaos.

THE FINER DETAILS

I envisioned myself in a sleek, lacy vintage dress. After many bridal boutiques and describing what I wanted, one lady said ‘you are a Monique Lhuillier bride’, and how right she was! I settled on a ballgown style – completely different from what I wanted at first!

For the decor, we had lots of candles, flowers, crystal and mirrors everywhere, with romantic lighting. There were white couches around the dance floor so people could still be part of the atmosphere while taking a breather.

Our first dance was to ‘We Are Young’ by Fun.. We love the Jewish tradition of dancing straight after the ceremony and wanted an upbeat song to get everyone dancing.

LITTLE BLACK BOOK

Wedding Coordination: Kate from Wedding Concepts

weddingconcepts.co.za

Venue and catering: Vrede en Lust

vnl.co.za

Photographer: Jean-Pierre Uys

jeanpierrephotography.co.za

Music: DJ René Tanguy `the Frenchman’

djrene.co.za

Flowers: Aspen Flowers & Co

aspenandco.co.za

Stationery: Secret Diary

secretdiary.co.za

Dress: Monique Lhuillier

moniquelhuillier.com

In Advice

Dearheart Photos

June 18, 2014 2 Comments

‘To me, the beauty of being a photographer is telling stories in the middle of life’s unplanned and spontaneous moments. It’s about a gentle touch, a belly laugh, a shared look, sheer joy and being there to capture it all,’ says Lindsay-Rae Michael of Dearheart Photos. Cape Town based, Lindsay has a passion for people, storytelling and being hopeless romantic herself is bound to capture your special day in its true, intimate essence.

How would you describe yourself and your work?

Dearheart is an extension of my creative side. It’s an opportunity for me to follow a love I have, to capture the love of others and to have as much fun as possible while doing it.

What do you think separates you from other wedding photographers?

There are so many great photographers in Cape Town alone, and I think it really is a matter of personal preference and who will relay your story best.

What do you shoot in? (film, digital/both?)

Digital

What keeps you inspired?

I always love looking at the work of other artists, not just wedding photographers but fashion, documentary photographers and even films and illustration. Above that, life is inspiring – a beautiful view, a heartfelt moment and a passionate kiss.

What do you enjoy about living and working in the Western Cape?

Cape Town is so varied in its landscape and beauty, I’m always amazed how a location two hours away can have a completely different feel to the last.

Where’s your dream place to shoot?

It’s a toss up between New York and Iceland. I love cityscapes and street buzz but the landscapes of Iceland are breathtaking.

A tip for couples who are looking for their perfect wedding photographer?

Look at a few weddings that the photographer has done, not just one, and get a feel for their style. Also, arrange to meet with the photographer/s. Make sure they are the kind of people you want with you on your wedding day. Besides your groom, they really are the person you spend the most time with, so make sure you like them.

What advice can you give couples for their wedding day?

Keep perspective, relax and enjoy! Remember what the main focus is – you’re getting married! So as long as your partner is there, everything is perfect. At the end of the day your life will be forever changed, and whether your flowers/hair/music was perfect or not won’t take away from that.

How has being a wedding photographer made you a stronger photographer over all?

Being a wedding photographer keeps you on your toes constantly, always looking for a beautiful moment to snap. It teaches you to be quick with your decision making, lighting ideas and how to communicate well with the people you are photographing.

How has witnessing so many weddings impacted your life/work?

I love witnessing two people at their happiest, enjoying the best day of their lives. Every time I finish shooting a wedding I cant wait to get home to my husband and tell him how much I flipping love him.

What are you looking forward to most right now?

Every wedding is exciting. I love meeting new couples and hearing their stories. I’m a sucker for romance.

Contact Lindsay on [email protected] or call 084 657 8938. To see more of her work visit dearheartphotos.com.