Weddings Archives | Page 6 of 188

In Beauty

Modern Romance: Dreamy make-up trends that we love

May 4, 2022 No Comments

There’s something truly special about an unabashedly feminine look on your wedding day. Take a cue from these timeless hair and make-up trends for that quintessential dreamy look.

Twiggy Lashes

To create this doe-eyed look, focus on defining both top and bottom lash lines by loading your lashes with mascara. Fill in any gaps and add volume with individual lashes.

Red Velvet

There is a reason red is the colour of love, and when it comes to wearing it, it’s all about choosing the perfect texture. Not as shiny as creamy lipstick, but not as dry as a matte version, a velvet lip is a beautiful in-between texture that is extremely wearable with a decadent edge.

wedding make-up trends — Picture: Pinterest

Wing It

When it comes to wearing winged eyeliner, the most important thing to keep in mind is your eye shape and what suits you best. The win should lift your outer eye corner, creating a flattering feline shape.

Glass Skin

No obvious sparkly highlighter here, this is more of an overall ‘lit from within’ glow. Start with good skincare leading up to your big day, making exfoliation and hydration your focus.

Glitter Goddess

Glitter is one of the biggest trends in make-up right now, appearing everywhere from the runways to the red carpet. It adds that extra glamour to your look when dabbed over cream-textured shadow.

In Venues

5 Magical wedding venues in the heart of Gauteng

May 3, 2022 No Comments

We may have to suffer through load shedding and constantly increasing petrol prices on a regular basis, but one of the many things you can admire South Africa for is its natural beauty – a titbit that can be so important when shopping around for the perfect wedding venue.

From hosting a garden extravaganza to listening to the laughter of your guests against the backdrop of the wild African bush, there’s something for every bridal couple, especially in the province of Gauteng. Thankfully, there are a plethora of gorgeous wedding venues to choose from when saying “I do” in the rugged province of Gauteng. Here are a few of our favourites:

Oakfield Farm:

Location: Muldersdrift, Gauteng

With a splash of romance and a heap of old-fashioned hospitality, Oakfield Farm is an award-winning wedding venue that bridal couples can’t seem to get enough of – judging by the gorgeous backdrop – we understand why. The glass-clad wedding venue is nestled between towering trees within an English country garden, with visitors able to explore all that this area has to offer via the venue’s horse-drawn carriage – talk about going old school. Lush greenery provides the perfect opportunity for the perfect wedding pictures while tall glass walls and ceilings offer a great spot for couples to say “I do.”

Shepstone Gardens:

Location: Magaliesburg, Gauteng

Bring the outdoors in with this enchanting space and its glass ceiling, offering a chance to breathe in romance as you say your “I dos” while the sky turns various hues of orange – now that’s one way to enjoy a sunset. The wedding venue also offers a chapel and grand hall for those looking to enjoy a more rustic approach, while the space includes the perfect spots for jaw-dropping wedding pictures.

The Stone Cellar:

Location: Heidelberg, Gauteng

With the spine-tingling sounds of Mother Nature in the background, bridal couples have the opportunity to walk down the aisle of this space’s unique chapel, which was once a milking parlour. The chapel offers bridal couples a wonderful setting if you’re looking for simplicity at its finest – a minimalist’s dream, while the outdoor area offers a wooden frame and the grassy plains as its background – magical no matter which one you choose. The reception venue provides a beautiful combination between rustic and modern with glass, wood and screed finishes that stick to the minimalist theme. The space can seat 150!

Steynshoop Valley Lodge:

Location: Magaliesburg, Gauteng

Breathtaking. That’s one word used to describe this incredible venue. Begin the rest of your life together by walking into this venue’s sprawling thatched chapel and reception hall – perfect for seating 150 guests. There’s nothing wrong with being a hands-off bride and groom, allow the venue’s in-house specialists to handle all the nitty-gritty details of planning your big day – wedding cake and decor included!

The Kitchen L’antico Giardino

Location: Sandton, Gauteng

You can never beat good food and this incredible venue has plenty of it. Allow your guests to relax under a canopy of trees while serving them the most delicious canapes – yum! The space can seat around 120 guests and offers a relaxing atmosphere for your guests to enjoy. An added bonus? The space also includes a gorgeous backdrop with the rugged landscape of Africa – the perfect spot for incredible wedding pictures.

Feature Picture: @anandiphotography

In Planning

Sitting Pretty – A mini guide to planning the seating at your wedding

April 21, 2022 No Comments

If you’ve just made it past the potential minefield that is the guest list, here’s your next challenge: How are you going to seat everyone? Round tables? Long ones? One long banquet table? Goodness.

If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Get down and boogie:

While your nuptials are all about sharing the love, it’s the dance floor that will have your guests remember your big day. Having said that, this is an excellent starting point. The most popular – and effective – option is to plonk your dance floor in the centre of the room. Then you’ll position the band or DJ against the wall. Of course, there are a whole host of ideas that will have your guests dancing until their feet hurt, and if your venue doesn’t allow for this, you can place the dance floor at one end of the room, centred and backed up against a wall.

dance floor wedding — Picture: Pinterest

It’s all about the size:

Long or round – choose the shape and size of your tables, but beyond this, make sure that the two of you are in the central spot so that your guests can see you in all your glory. A great place to start is to figure out how many guests fit at each table, this will allow you to figure out how many tables you will need.

What’s the plan – the floor plan that is:

We may think that the dance floor is the most important aspect of the wedding celebration, nothing is possible without creating a floor plan that the two of you are happy with. Start with the two most important people – you and your partner as you need to have the best seats and view in the house. Arrange your tables as symmetrically as possible – in a U-shape around the centred dance floor or fill one end of the space (if the dance floor is on the one side).

Don’t forget the VIPs

Reserve the tables closest to the two of you for your immediate families, and set aside tables further from the band/DJ for the older guests. The less desirable seats should be saved for your friends. Keep people together who will enjoy the time together – perhaps there are family members who haven’t seen each other in a while?

The bar area

This will also be dependent on your venue, but as a rule of thumb, the bar should be away from the entrance to avoid possible congestion. If you have more than one bar (one bar with two bartenders for every 100 guests is a good point of measure), then position one close to the dance floor and another one on the other side of the room.

But, how will your guests know

It’s time to dab the sweat that’s been dripping from your forehead and let a little stress go because we have something else on the agenda. How will you let guests know where to sit on the day? Whether you have 150 or 20 guests, displaying their names in alphabetical order is the most convenient option, to eliminate confusion and unnecessary time spent hovering around the seating chart. To make it more exciting, give each guest a refreshing cocktail or glass of bubbly along with their table number – it really sets the tone for a festive reception! Why not go a step further and add a signature cocktail to your wedding reception – here are a few ideas.

Feature Image: Grace Charlotte

In Venues

Glasshouse wedding venues in South Africa

April 20, 2022 No Comments

Glasshouse wedding venues ensure that you get the best of the outdoors while you have the comforts of being indoors. South Africa has some incredible wedding venues, particularly those on vineyards. However, the country boasts some stunning glasshouse venues too.

Here are four of our favourites:

Die Woud

Where: Caledon, in the Overberg Western Cape. About 113kms east of Cape Town’s city centre.

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This venue makes you feel as though you’re one with nature. The glasshouse is nestled between oak trees and wattle forests. From inside the venue you’ll hear the calming sounds of birds chirping from the trees and water running through a stream nearby. A perfect location to ensure a relaxed and classy wedding day.

Accommodating 140 guests, and offering both indoor and outdoor facilities, there is not much more you could ask for of this venue.

Burkleigh House

Where: 327 Pine Ave, Ferndale, Randburg, 2194

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This venue is perfect for a smaller, more intimate wedding. The roofed glasshouse conservatory was completed in February of this year, which means the venue is brand new and hardly been used! So you’ll be one of the first to have your wedding there.

The lush gardens which surround the venue are renowned and make for the most tranquil backdrop you could ever imagine.

Belair Pavilion

Where: Suid-Agter-Paarl Rd, 7624

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The roof may not be glass, but the glass walls allow for more than enough light to enter the venue. Situated on a country estate, the venue gives you class, nature, culture and more.

Belair Pavilion is surrounded by several wine estates, providing you with an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Positioned in the exquisite garden, the venue is covered in evergreen star jasmine. The view of the mountains from the garden ensures that you have a stunning backdrop for your nuptials.

The Conservatory

Where: Klein Kastaiing, Happy Valley Road, Franschhoek, South Africa, Franschhoek, Cape Town, 7691

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This award-winning venue is set up between vineyards and oak trees and is on the bank of he Kastaiing River. The Conservatory floods with light and allows guests to enjoy the picturesque views of Franschhoek, as they sip their drinks and chat in the venue.

Image: Instagram / Die Woud

In Advice

Wedding dress inspiration straight from Bridal Fashion Week 2022

April 14, 2022 No Comments

There are some brides that simply know what they want their wedding dress to look like. However, there are a few brides-to-be who need a little nudge towards inspiration, and there’s nothing more inspiring than the latest wedding gowns from Bridal Fashion Week.

The crème de la crème of the fashion world came together to grace us with the most fabulous and on-trend designs – the perfect way to find inspiration for your upcoming nuptials.

Here are a few of our favourite designs from Bridal Fashion Week’s Spring Collection:

Anne Barge

Mira Zwillinger

Zuhair Murad

Ines Di Santo

Reem Acra

Galia Lahav

Savannah Miller

Galvan Bridal

Halfpenny London

Elie Saab

Monique Lhuillier

Feature Image: Monique Lhuillier

In Decor

Go big or go home! Tall table centrepieces to add to your wedding decor

April 12, 2022 No Comments

“The devil is in the details,” and boy, can planning a wedding sometimes feel like taking a quick trip to hell if you don’t have the right support. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you how stressful planning your impending nuptials can be, but with so many details to think about, some things can slip through the cracks.

One detail that’s not always necessary, but that’s great to include if you’re looking to have your guests “ooh” and “ahh” is the centrepiece. An interesting fact is that a table centrepiece is often overlooked by brides and planners.

Who wants to talk over a ginormous centrepiece, right? But despite a few cons, a table centrepiece is a fantastic way to elevate your wedding theme, adding a little je ne sais quois to your already incredible event.

Go big or go home you say? If you’re looking to add a little drama to your wedding – with decor, that is – adding a tall centrepiece can be a great way to add that pop you’re looking for.

Take what resonates and toss what doesn’t! Here are a few tall centrepiece ideas that will steal your heart as they have mine:

A drama that’s subtle

A dramatic centrepiece that offers a subtle touch. Bridal couples looking to keep things simple when their guests sit down will certainly love this minimalist geometric design. Keep it elegant with gold and floral trimmings.

A reception by candlelight

There’s something cosy yet alluring about a candle and flame. After all, don’t all romances start after an intimate candlelit dinner? This amazing design keeps things simple, using levels to add a subtle drama that’s not too much while the addition of greenery and flowers beautifully tie things together.

A whimsical addition

I love the idea of bringing nature into the mix, and this tall centrepiece is certainly perfect for nature lovers looking to bring the outdoors inside. Wisteria can be a great addition for bridal couples looking to add more romance to an already romantic setting. The best part? Your guests will definitely be able to see and talk to each other.

Keep it traditional

Looking to make a statement but hoping to keep it traditional? This floral design, which is mixed with classic white blooms and pops of purple and pink will provide a striking arrangement while allowing you to stick to something more traditional.

Fancy grass

I have a confession to make. I’m a little obsessed with pampas grass. There’s something so subtly elegant and fancy about it… it must be the feather-like texture that this plant offers. Nonetheless, it can be a gorgeous addition to your guests’ table. Similar to this design, all you need is a tall stand and as many pampas grass as you can dream of. They’re also pretty affordable to purchase, so we’re winning!

There’s nothing wrong with simple

Sometimes it’s okay to let your gorgeous venue do all the talking. This simple table centrepiece adds a little light and romance and ensures that the decor does all the talking. While there’s nothing wrong with going big, this design proves that simplicity can often speak louder.

Feature Image: Elizabeth Wells Photography

In Advice

A ‘modern fairytale’ Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz tie the knot

April 11, 2022 No Comments

Classy, sophisticated, posh. All three of these words mean the exact same thing but somehow manage to individually encompass the essence of the always fabulous Beckhams.

In 1999, David and Victoria Beckham solidified their status as pop culture icons following their Robin Hood themed wedding. Fashionistas and brides-to-be around the world couldn’t get enough of Victoria’s tightly fitted corset by English corsetiere, Mr Pearl, a gorgeous piece that she wore under her ballgown.

Nearly two decades later and another Beckham appears to be inspiring future brides and grooms. In a lavish $3.5 million “modern fairytale” wedding, Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz said their “I dos” in front of family and friends in what many are describing as simply “magical.”

The ceremony was said to be a star-studded affair with Serena Williams and Eva Longoria making an appearance at the $103 million venue in Palm Beach, which happened to be billionaire Nelson Peltz’s (Nicola’s father) compound.

Along with the who’s who of the celebrity world, British Vogue had a front-row seat to the couple’s nuptials, sharing a plethora of snaps and noting: ‘It’s the stuff that modern fairytales are made of: a beautiful blonde film star meets a handsome young scion of one of Britain’s most famous – and fashionable – families, sparks fly, and a truly 21st-century romance unfolds.’

While there are many elements that make a wedding magical, all eyes were undoubtedly on Nicola’s custom-made Valentino wedding gown – a culmination of a years’ worth of conversations between the bride, Peltz’s stylist and the creative team at Valentino.

The result has been the blushing bride’s “dream dress” with countless snaps showcasing the sheer elegance of this masterpiece.

A cute little inclusion featured the bride’s dress is adorned with an evil eye symbol and included a message from her mother which the Valentino team stitched with blue thread – for that something blue.

The world was treated to new images of the newlyweds which came after Brooklyn uploaded the first shot from their wedding on Sunday, a black and white image of the pair that he captioned: ‘Mr. & Mrs Peltz Beckham.’

The images are breathtaking and ooze old Hollywood. However, Peltz appears to have taken some inspiration from the 90s with Vogue noting that the bride’s hair was styled as “an ode to Claudia Schiffer in the ‘90s.”

“It was all about keeping her hair beautiful, soft and smooth. ”Think luxe, polished texture, but with fullness and movement to it,” said Adir Abergel, Nicola’s hairstylist.

A natural look was chosen for the day and offered a fresh, natural look that was barely there but provided a few details that ensured her features would pop under the veil.

The result? A gorgeous bride, a magical day and a happy groom. Is there anything more perfect than that?

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Picture: British Vogue

In Weddings

A testament to love: Ukrainian couple gets married in building destroyed by war

April 7, 2022 No Comments

What’s that epic phrase from Interstellar?

“Love is the one thing we’re capable of perceiving that transcends dimensions of time and space.”

One incredible couple is giving a new meaning to this quote, proving that not even war can stop love.

Anastasia and Anton Sokolov from Ukraine got married in a country that is currently under attack due to the invasion of Russia.

The video of the couple getting married tugs at the heartstrings and really puts a few things in perspective. The newlyweds said their “I dos” in a subway against a historical building that appears to have been destroyed by the war.

Anton and Anastasia have no plans to go on a honeymoon anytime soon. One day, they want to go somewhere with a beach and palm trees. Before that happens, there is a war to win, and brutal days ahead. But yesterday, there was hope, and beauty, and love inside the ugliness. pic.twitter.com/4WNT42KfiE

— Maria Avdeeva (@maria_avdv) April 4, 2022

Also read: A roaring proposal! A lion joined this Cape Town couple’s engagement

The couple shared this magical moment with civilians and journalists who managed to join in and capture this unusual moment.

No wedding cake, no A-line fitted wedding dress, and no wedding band – just a simple affair that celebrates love, especially during a time that is filled with so much sadness and destruction.

The bride wore a cream-like silk dress with a layer of tulle fabric that ensured she looked like a bride – not forgetting the veil! Her beaming face was framed with a gorgeous flower crown that paired perfectly with the bouquet of tulips in her hand.

The groom looked handsome yet casual. He wore a loose-fitting white shirt and a black jacket and trousers.

While it may not be the ideal setting or time, this incredible moment showcases that love has no reason, no boundaries and no distance.

In Destination

Botswana’s Tuli Game Reserve – Say ‘I do’ in the heart of nature

March 17, 2022 No Comments

There’s something magical about saying “I do“ under a canopy of indigenous fauna and flora, the burnt-orange sun setting in the background and an endless array of wildlife as bystanders.

And there’s certainly nothing more magical than Botswana.

Home to the best wilderness and wildlife spots on the African continent, Botswana is a dream for wedding couples looking to tie the knot and immerse themselves in nature.

While the Okavango Delta may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of nature and Southern Africa, it’s the unsurpassed natural beauty of Tuli Private Game Reserve that will truly steal your heart.

The destination – Tuli Game Reserve

Featuring 72 000 hectares of unadulterated beauty, this privately-owned land in the north-eastern sector of Botswana’s Tuli Block offers a timeless African experience.

But this wild stretch of land goes beyond offering picturesque views of rugged landscapes, flowing rivers and a region teeming with wildlife, it also provides one of its shiniest gems – the Africa Experience.

The Africa Experience features excellent wilderness retreats, specialised private African safaris, interactive research participation, and now, a wedding venue. Nestled between the lush greenery of the Tuli and perched on the banks of the Limpopo River, lovebirds have the opportunity to plan a wedding ceremony that they will never forget.

Accommodation options come in the form of Koro River Camp, beautifully appointed tented master suites that offer fantastic views, and Koro Island Camp, four simple yet elegant tented en-suites. It’s the perfect spot for newlyweds looking to stay and enjoy the beauty of the region a little longer.

The Wedding Experience

The bridal couple and guests will be treated to a three-day wedding extravagant, in the heart of the bush. Doesn’t get much better than this, right? Wrong!

Africa Experience offers couples the chance to spend some quality time with loved ones with a fully inclusive three-night stay for a maximum of 30 pax.

Breakfast, pre-wedding dinner, a spa day for the ladies and a morning walk for the guys are just a few amazing activities you’ll get to indulge in with your guests. The ceremony and reception will take place at the gorgeous River Camp, perfect for those eager to enjoy the sweet sounds of Mother Nature and incredible views over the river. Fall asleep to the wonders of the universe as you top this experience off with an incredible sleep out under the stars!

Depart with your heart full and stomach full as you enjoy breakfast at the camp.

Newlyweds eager to spend a little extra time enjoying this part of the world can stay on for their honeymoon.

For the ecologically conscious bride and groom, the Africa Experience prides itself in being at the forefront of conservation tourism and this ethos is at the heart of their operations, having established the foundation, TIMBO AFRIKA.

This incredible foundation funds and supports numerous conservation and community projects, including an accredited PhD level field study, which focuses on the ecology of leopards and hyenas of the Tuli.

What’s more, bridal couples staying at the camps have the opportunity to get their hands dirty by joining in with monitoring activities and field observations – if that’s not an incredible way to spend your honeymoon, then we don’t know what is!

With conservation and community at the heart of everything they do, there’s no better place to say “I do” than at this incredible wedding destination.

To find out more, head to their website.

In Planning

Say ‘YES’ to The Wedding Expo 2022!

March 17, 2022 No Comments

The ultimate showcase of South Africa’s best in the wedding industry is back as a live event.

The Wedding Expo will be taking place from 6&& August 2022 at the Heartfelt Arena in Centurion, the perfect setting to welcome back the thousands of brides and grooms who want to connect in-person with leading wedding industry professionals.

Amanda Cunningham, founder of The Wedding Expo, is proud to announce that Specialised Exhibitions – a division of world-renowned Montgomery Group, will head up this event which promises an exciting and innovative two days.

Specialised Exhibitions is a company with over 50 years’ experience and a reputation synonymous with innovation, integrity and professionalism.

“We engaged, we proposed and we said ‘Yes’ to The Wedding Expo,” says a smiling Charlene Hefer, portfolio director at Specialised Exhibitions. “It’s an exciting opportunity for all of us. With our diverse, dynamic and experienced team, our forward-thinking approach and the integration of latest technologies, we will bring a vibrant energy to the expo in full support of the well-known and successful brand.”

“We are really excited about the changes and innovations that will be in place for the expo,” says Hefer. “There will be lots of new features, competitions and promotions in addition to the many informative talks and workshops. An experience shared with loved ones, it will be a super fun two days of fashion, buying and bubbly.”

“Globally we are seeing the exhibition and events industry successfully re-open after almost two years of restrictions,” Hefer continues. “Face-to-face interactions have been greatly missed, as they facilitate the building of relationships and trust, enable the engagement of all five senses – to see, hear, taste, touch and smell the products, and also satisfy the gregarious and social nature of people.

For the many brides, grooms, families and friends who want to meet a host of suppliers to help plan the big day, the wedding expo is the place to be.”

Cunningham agrees, “Exhibitors are only too pleased to assist with wedding planning such as giving great advice on venues, catering requirements, flowers and decor, dresses, invitations, honeymoons, legal requirements, and much more! I am constantly astounded at the incredible talent showcased in the South African Bridal Industry.

This is an entrepreneur driven industry and the service providers are right up there with the best of the best on the international platform. I have loved working with and promoting these incredibly talented individuals and businesses.”

Whether you are an entrepreneur in the wedding industry looking for brand exposure, sales leads and the opportunity to network and collaborate with other wedding professionals, or if you are a bride or groom ready to plan your special day, then save the date for The Wedding Expo, 6 & 7 August 2022.

Pictures: Supplied / Abbi Cooley Photography