Your big day is filled with many things. Saying “I do” to the person you’ll spend the rest of your life with, delicious food, endless dancing, and to ensure that the day stays in your memories forever – the wedding photos.
While no one ever forgets when they walk down the aisle, one bride and groom will definitely not, and they have the photos to prove it!
The bridal couple – named Murat Zhurayev and Kamilla – had been posing for pictures when the groom decided he wanted to go the extra mile and strike a ‘dramatic and artsy’ pose. Unfortunately, things didn’t go according to plan as the groom slipped and both of them ended up lying in a muddy slime caused by a flash rainstorm in Almaty.
Picture: Askar Bumaga
Photographer Askar Bumaga was there to capture the entire moment, which has since garnered more than 41 000 likes on Instagram. The images show the bridal couple landing in the mud, turning Kamilla’s from a traditional white to a muddy brown. A pained expression can be seen sprawled across her face, but this soon gives way to laughter.
Looking on the bright side of things, at least the couple has some memorable photos!
Picture: Askar Bumaga
So, just why were they in the mud anyway?
“My main specialisation is the photography of lovers and weddings. I’ve been doing this for over 10 years.
“I planned this photo shoot as an experiment. Unfortunately, or fortunately, such failures, the mistakes of others and random situations attract more attention than standard photo sessions against the background of a beautiful sunset,” said photographer Bumaga.
Picture: Askar Bumaga
“The photo shoot itself took place in Almaty, Kazakhstan. No one was injured during the filming of this project.”
Get ready to say goodbye to your salary ladies and gentlemen because Fenty Beauty has finally arrived in South Africa.
Since the monumental announcement in early May, South African beauty lovers have been absolutely foaming at the mouth in anticipation of the launch, which was set to take place on 27 May.
Headed by international singer and sensation Rihanna, the brand has been making waves in the industry since its inception back in 2017. It’s been credited for filling a void in the market when it came to women of colour and matching foundations.
At its core, the brand is all about inclusivity with Rihanna stating that she started Fenty Beauty “so that women everywhere would be included.” It focused on a wide range of traditionally hard-to-match skin tones and now has branched out to include skincare products too.
The company is now worth $2.8 billion and caters to women and men all around the globe.
So, just what are some South Africans saying about the launch?
“Fenty Beauty, since its inception, has been an earthquake of positive disruption for the beauty community. Its arrival in SA is incredibly exciting because it’s not only one of the best-loved beauty brands in the world, but it will also hopefully inspire different looks for influencers honing in on inclusivity. And of course, we get to have a slice of Rihanna here in SA,” says beauty enthusiast Ashleigh Nefdt.
“The launch made me feel like a kid at a candy store. It’s Christmas and you’ve finally got that toy you’ve been throwing a tantrum over for the last few years,” describes beauty marketer Ruby Daniels.
Now that’s one way to splurge when it comes to your bridal beauty!
The iconic products can be purchased at Arc, which have various stores in the Western Cape and Gauteng.
The Wedding Expo, the ultimate showcase of South Africa’s best in the wedding industry which was scheduled to take place from the 6-7 August 2022, has been postponed to the 25-26 February 2023.
The new organisers of the event, Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, have taken this decision based on feedback from the industry.
“We are still extremely excited about the event and have been overwhelmed by the level of interest from the industry to exhibit and sponsor the expo. In just under 2 months, the team sold over 20% of floor space and we had already finalised a number of new and exciting features and competitions” Says Charlene Hefer, Portfolio Director at Specialised Exhibitions.
“After extensive engagements with the industry, however, it became clear that companies across the sector wanted more time to plan their participation and that the dates earlier in 2023 would work better for most. We pride ourselves on listening and taking constructive feedback from all stakeholders, within the sectors we operate, and felt that a postponement would not only be in the best interests of the event, but the industry as a whole” Says Hefer.
The organisers of the event are excited to announce that it is still planning on launching several new features and competitions including a Young Designer’s Competition, to help acknowledge and promote young up and coming local talent, a VIP campaign for visitors, a treasure hunt experience at the event and several other exciting activities.
This not to mention the ‘golden oldies’ such as the Win a Wedding competition, fashion shows, interactive workshops and talks, and a Table Inspiration area. The Wedding Expo has been running since 2002 and is recognised as the largest and most prestigious event, attracting over 3,000 brides and grooms annually.
“We are confident that after 2 years with no live events, and based on the level of interest from exhibitors, sponsors and visitors, the 2023 edition of the Wedding Expo will be one of the best yet” finishes Hefer.
For more information about the event or to contact the organisers for more information, you can visit The Wedding Expo website at www.wedding-expo.co.za/
After two years of travel bans and lockdown restrictions, it feels as though we have a new lease on life! Travel is back on the cards and wedding couples are taking full advantage. Bridal couples worldwide have spoken and they’re dishing the dirt on the best destinations to tie the knot in 2022.
From the historical ruins of Europe to the rugged landscapes of Africa, here’s where bridal couples are saying “I do”:
1. Zimbabwe
There are multiple venue options for planning a wedding in Zimbabwe. If it’s a safari wedding that you’re after, you cannot beat Chengeta Safari Lodge located just outside of Harare. This stunning venue gives you the chance to say ‘I do’ surrounded by the raw beauty Zimbabwe offers, all while zebra graze nearby on the 13,000-hectare private game reserve, allowing you endless photogenic landscapes to choose from.
If it’s a waterside you’re imagining, try Lake Kariba Houseboats which delivers unforgettable scenery thanks to the vast man-made lake that will feature in every photo.
Picture: Pinterest
2. Italy
The European nation has been in pop culture news recently after the oldest Kardashian said ‘I do.’ It’s not difficult to see why this nation, bursting with culture and good food is the perfect destination for wedding couples. A stunning villa with views of the rolling hills of Tuscany to the breathtaking architecture of Rome, Italy oozes romance from every angle.
For those with a luxury wedding in mind, Palazzo Gori Pannilini is the perfect place to get married. It is a five-star hotel just outside of Florence that is full of Italian charm and history which will be perfect for the big day.
Picture: Rocky Weddings
3. South Africa
South Africa offers a huge range of locations and settings where couples can tie the knot. Cape Town is the perfect location for the cosmopolitan types with The Bay Hotel being one of the most highly commended wedding venues in the city. The luxury venue has a rotunda for those who want a lavish, classy and whimsical day or couples can opt for their exclusive private beach club with views of Camps Bay for a more relaxed setting.
Picture: Pinterest
4. Portugal
Thanks to warm weather and being surrounded by the clear blue seas of the Meditteranean, Portugal has become a popular wedding destination offering a whole host of luxury venues. For smaller ceremonies, there are multiple world-class golf clubhouses in Algarve that are sure to be an idyllic setting.
But for those who want more room for a bigger wedding, you cannot beat Gremio Palace in the heart of Lisbon; it’s a small secret garden hidden behind the doors of a beautiful pink palace in the historic district that offers all the charm and romance of the city.
Picture: Pinterest
5. Kenya
Kenya’s tranquil setting surrounded by the sounds of the bush is so romantic that even Prince Williams chose it as the location to propose to the now Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton. If it’s a safari wedding that you’re after, Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp is the venue for you! It is et on a private concession to ensure your big day is still intimate and it boasts abundant iconic wildlife and panoramic Masai Mara views, for a sophisticated and contemporary safari feel.
Picture: Jonas Peterson
6. Thailand
It is hard to imagine a more beautiful setting than the many gorgeous beaches in Thailand. In Koh Samui, couples can book out the 5-star The Tongsai Bay Hotel which has been dubbed the ultimate romantic hideaway, as it gives access to the large freeform pool overlooking ocean views, you can marry on the beach beneath a floral canopy, including a traditional Thai water blessing to create everlasting memories.
Or if you want a truly unforgettable venue, how about the limestone caves surrounding Rayavadee in Krabi? They overlook the turquoise waters of Phranang beach meaning your wedding photos will be exceptionally beautiful.
Picture: Pinterest
7. Jamaica
To be on an island surrounded by the irresistible Caribbean spirit is such an iconic way to start married life with your partner. It’s not just stunning beaches with Insta-worthy sunsets though, you can also opt for ceremonies in the verdant mountains or around the glittering waterfalls. Couples can get married at Ocho Rios waterfalls to embrace being amidst the tropical rainforest with a perfect waterfall as the backdrop. To continue to celebrations, you can host the reception at the Sandals Ochi Luxury Resort.
Picture: Pinterest
8. Morocco
Fete in the foothills of the Atlas mountains at the Marrakech retreat, The Capaldi, which has a rooftop terrace with expansive views of the surrounding olive groves – perfect for a spectacular wedding day! Despite being contemporary and stylish, it still has traditional Moroccan touches with rich textiles and opulent antiques that create an atmosphere of understated luxury.
Picture: Pinterest
9. Brazil
Fancy a private peninsula for your special day? The Ponta dos Ganchos Exclusive Resort is the place for you. You and your guests will be surrounded by Brazilian bungalows on the edge of a sparkling emerald sea and you can host your wedding reception in the gazebo at the end of the wooden bridge where you can have the most romantic wedding breakfast ever.
But if you want a setting more inland, take a look at Botanique Hotel and Spa in São Paulo. It is surrounded by a unique natural environment that is authentic Brazilian culture making for a more peaceful setting.
Picture: Pinterest
10. Mexico
If you want to get married in a place where many A-listers have tied the knot, then Mexico is a good place to start. Michael Phelps and Nicole Johnson chose to get wed in Cabo (formally known as Los Cabos) because it beautifully captures both the panoramic desert landscapes and turquoise waters.
The Cape is a truly magical hotel option if you want to recreate a similar wedding day, it is immersed in the natural beauty of the Los Cabos and will work for a romantic sunset wedding or even a formal celebration, The Cape can be transformed into the vision you have for your big day.
It’s 2022, and if there’s one thing dominating the world of trends, it’s the desire to be unique, ignite our inner child and have fun again. Who could blame us? After being kept indoors for as long as we were thanks to the pandemic, the want to make our comeback fun-filled speaks greatly to the overall reminder that life is too precious to be boring.
Cue the fun couple – you may know them or identify as part of the trope (at least that’s what your friends and inner dialogue suggest). Ordinary was never on the cards for this kind of couple. Regular dinner dates? Nope, a spontaneous adventure always made more sense. Staying in to watch a movie? Sure, if candy and homemade forts are involved. Just one drink after work? The fun couple laughs at your naivety.
Translating the desire for a fun-loving wedding from paper to the aisle isn’t always easy, and can sometimes border on messy. As much fun as it is to add uniqueness, laughter and the joy associated with parties in our younger days can be, there’s a fine line between “fun done right” and fun that unravels like a bad comedy. However, with a little planning and a touch of organisation, guests will be waiting for you to renew your vows sooner than you can say “I do!”
With this in mind, here are some suggestions to turn your wedding from typical to fun-loving fantastic:
Wedding photographer Jake Molina says that “this could either turn out well or a little too well”. Whether it help guests ease the nerves of not knowing many people, or simply the idea that makes them chuckle, it’s a great shot at making any ceremony a little more entertaining.
Let’s face it, little ones are cute and all, but a flower granny certainly adds that golden touch of surprise and fun for the older guests at your wedding. This is another suggestion from Molina, who says that it’s a “fun way to incorporate family in your big day.”
Posing for wedding photographers is one thing, but the excitement of a travelling polaroid camera just adds that extra snap that takes away from rigidity. Let guests take their photos, then glue them into a big guest book. It’ll be a great reminder for you of who all was there, and a laugh at the nature of single-take photos.
Tiny cakes and cupcakes are ruling the roost in 2022’s wedding cake trends, and for good reason. 1.Everyone can have their cake (and eat it too) without waiting too long, and small-sized treats allow for personalisation. Also, treats in smaller form are categorically more exciting for reasons most humans feel but can’t explain.
If you really want to marry your relationship’s child-like energy with aesthetics, then renting a bouncy house is a sure way to keep both your free-spirited and younger guests happy. Adding balloon bouquet arrangements makes for the perfect non-traditional wedding aesthetic, and we bet your wedding will be all the talk on Instagram and TikTok.
Whether it’s a taco bar, a doughnut station, noodles or a dessert bar, having an awesome foodie station adds the kick of thoughtfulness and creativity to your menu.
Who doesn’t love a fun fact, especially when it’s about the couple? Creating fun facts is one of the most creative ways to spill some tea to your guests, and let them get to know you and your partner as a couple, better.
Before your beau went done on one knee and decided to pop the question, you always had a clear idea of how you would look on your wedding day.
Mermaid dress, dewy makeup, and hair tied back. But sometimes reality is far more chaotic than fantasy, and you may now find yourself frustrated at the fact that the dress, make-up and hairstyle you’ve always wanted isn’t exactly what you want now.
A great thing about planning your wedding in today’s social media-obsessed world is that inspiration is simply a click away. Don’t believe us? Check out these inspiring Instagram accounts for the perfect bridal hair and make-up straight from the pros:
Veiled Vanity Artistry
Simple, elegant and perfect for brides looking to achieve a look that’s effortless.
Who doesn’t want to feel like a princess on their wedding day? Beautiful and bold inspiration is exactly what you’ll get when checking out this Instagram account.
Who said a bride can’t look sexy on her wedding day? One of the most important aspects of choosing a wedding dress is making sure that you feel good because the worst thing you can do is look back on your big day and regret one of the most important aspects of the day – your wedding dress.
If you’ve been browsing wedding boutiques and you’ve finally found your killer bridal style, but you’re looking to add a sprinkle or dollop of sexy, your in luck. From subtly sexy to raunchy, we’ve found a variety of wedding dresses that may just inspire you to step into the more bold, sexy and tantalising bride that you are:
With the constant evolution of wedding themes, trends and styles, picking an appropriate and stylish wedding outfit can seem like a challenging task. But with more modern traditions coming into place, there are plenty of options for the perfect wedding guest attire.
Before you pull an outfit out of your closet, there are a few key things to consider.
Embrace the season
Whether it’s spring, summer, winter or autumn, match your outfit to the season. Florals are beautiful for spring, while bright colours are better suited to summer, and darker shades for winter. Of course, you’ll want to layer up and wear thicker fabrics if attending a winter wedding, whereas light, flowy fabrics are ideal for a hot summer event.
Location, location, location:
Stiletto heels are not ideal for a beach wedding and a casual summer dress will seem out of place at a grand hotel. The location of the wedding will let you know the type of vibe you can go for. Remember, a chilled backyard party is very different from a glamorous estate so choose wisely.
Follow the dress code:
The easiest way to know what to wear to a wedding is to follow the dress code. From casual or semi-formal to black tie, this stipulation will give you clear guidelines on the type of outfit you may choose. It’s important to follow the bridal couple’s wishes, so make sure to stick to their plan to fit into the environment.
Prioritise comfort:
There’s nothing worse than finding blisters all over your feet at the end of the evening from your uncomfortable shoes, or constantly having to rearrange your dress so that it doesn’t slip down/up/off! Before you decide on an outfit, make sure you can walk, dance, sit and be comfortable in your outfit.
Do not wear white:
White is reserved for the bride on her big day. Unless it’s been stipulated in the wedding invitation that the dress code is white, this colour is out of bounds for anyone not tying the knot. Close shades like cream are also frowned upon.
I’m sure we’ve all had a moment where we’ve sniggered at the fact that our friend got a matching tattoo with their significant other. Opinions on getting matching couple tattoos have the ability to divide a room, but no matter you’re thoughts, these inked memories have gained notoriety in recent years thanks to celebrities such as Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner.
Along with popularity, getting matching tattoos can be a great way to creatively express a lifetime commitment. So, before you say “I do”, here are a few matching tattoos to get – all in the name of love.
Coordinates
Coordinates all the way to your heart, maybe? In this case, you and your SO could get matching coordinates that lead all the way to where you first met. It’s a beautiful sentiment that you’ll never get tired of looking at.
Not everyone will be keen on getting their bride or groom’s face inked on their body but for those brave enough, it can be a great way to skip the cheesy quotes. Sticking to a minimalist design may help you to feel a bit braver, especially with this line tattoo.
The great thing about matching tattoos is the fact that they don’t actually have to be matching. Grab a design that complements each other, similar to this spaceship and solar system tattoos.
“Always” is a word you’ve probably uttered as you’ve gazed into your significant other’s eyes. There’s nothing simpler than a scripted tattoo, and it’s less painful too – bonus!
Is there anything more romantic than a handwritten love note? Take it a step further and get your SO’s tattooed onto your skin, it can be a wonderful message that carries a deeper meaning.
You’ll probably never forget the day that you tied the knot, but to commemorate the occasion, why not add the date so that you know neither of you will ever forget.
To those on the outside, a German wedding looks quite similar to a “normal” Western “white wedding”. However, the country has several wedding traditions that we bet would surprise you.
From dancing under the bride’s veil and sawing through a log to smashing pottery, the Germans truly make their weddings a day they’ll never forget.
Here are some of the quirky wedding traditions practiced in Germany:
Junggesellenabschied
Similar to a bachelor or bachelorette party, the Junggesellenabschied sees the couple partaking in all sorts of debauchery before the wedding. Often, those soon to be wed are required to sell all sorts of odd (and sometimes suggestive) things to random people on the street. Items they sell often include shots or condoms.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CDHkHt_JywM/
Polterabend
The night before the wedding, couples gather their loved ones for a rehearsal dinner, after which polterabend occurs. The tradition calls on the couple and their loved ones to smash pottery and porcelain items. The more shards of broken items, the more luck for the couple during their married life.
After everything is broken, the couple clean up the mess together. This is symbolic of their ability to work together, through large tasks.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3BzcKtoH8b/
Baumstamm sägen
This custom sees the couple saw a log together. Again showing their ability to work together, and in addition, showing their collective strength, the couple each hold a side of a saw and cut through a log in tandem.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B_7jkVWoZ-5/
Schleiertanz
Schleiertanz or the veil dance is a sweet tradition where the newlywed couple dances beneath the bride’s veil. After this, women who are in attendance try to rip off pieces of it. The one with the biggest piece is said to be the next one who will get married.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2-XI3KIySx/
Bride Shoes
One of the traditions quickly fading is the one centering around the bride’s shoes. In the past, the tradition was that a bride would buy her shoes using her own money, and only using one-cent coins. This was said to be symbolic of her ability to be thrifty.
On the day of the wedding, her shoes would go on auction. Guests would put money in the shoes, and the groom puts the last bid in and gives the shoes back to his new wife.
It is said that this tradition stopped as couples do not like putting the financial burden on their guests.
