Weddings Archives | Page 2 of 17

In Celebs

6 Celebrity beauty looks perfect for your wedding day!

July 13, 2022 No Comments

We may not all have our finger on the pulse of pop culture, but celebrity red carpet and wedding looks are a great form of inspiration. With your bridal glam look located on an already long list of to-dos, why not simplify things by allowing your favourite celebrity to be your muse.

We’ve rounded up 6 celebrities that have left us giddy with inspiration:

Dakota Johnson

The 50 shades of grey actress left us mesmerised with this romantic look. Keep things casual with a half-up, half-down hairstyle, while sporting a neutral makeup palette, rosy blush, a few subtle pink hues, and a beautiful bold lip.

Demi Lavato

You’re not looking for subtle, you’re looking for wow! If bold is what you’re after, then opt for darker tones to help you get that beautiful vintage look. Select a bold smokey eye or let your lips be the star of the show and grab a softer shade for your eyes. Pair this glam look with old Hollywood waves and you’ll have a look that’s gorgeous for brides planning a winter wedding.

Adele

Who doesn’t want their makeup to look as gorgeous as Adeles? The songstress is famous for her winged eyeliner, a winner for many brides these days, but blend and layer your eyeshadow for a more glamorous look. Darker brows add a pop of colour while false eyelashes will have your soon-to-be husband swooning.

Leslie Rose

The Game of Thrones star looked like an angel on her wedding day, opting for natural makeup that let her gorgeous face do all the talking. A flower crown for that extra bit of magic and shades of pink for her cheeks and lips were the perfect combination.

Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra may have had multiple outfit changes during her three-day wedding to Nick Jonas, but the actress looked absolutely stunning in this bold and beautiful outfit at her Mumbai wedding reception. She paired her dark red lip with neutral eyeshadow for a bit of sultry romance. She finished the look with her locks flowing over her shoulders, but this look can be paired with an up-do.

Meghan Markle

She may not be the future queen of England, but Meghan Markle looked like an absolute queen on her wedding day. The royal rocked a natural look with a low chignon which was parted down the middle. Rosy lips, dewy skin and a headband fit for… well, a royal.

Feature Image: Pinterest

In Venues

6 Wedding venues in Cape Town we can’t get enough of

July 7, 2022 No Comments

You’re on the hunt for the perfect wedding venue in Cape Town but don’t know where to start? With so many incredible venues to choose from in the Western Cape, it can be a tough choice to make. But don’t fret, we have you covered.

Here are six Cape Town wedding venues we can’t get enough of right now:

Nitida Wine Farm

Why we love it:

Nestled along the Durbanville Wine Route, this dreamy wedding venue provides an intimate setting for bridal couples looking for something quaint. Gorgeous views of the Cassia dam and the rolling vineyards aren’t too bad either for those all-important wedding pictures.

Location: Durbanville, Western Cape
Contact: 021 976 0640

Belair Pavillion

wedding venues cape town — Picture: Belair Pavillion / Instagram

Why we love it:

If you’re looking for that WOW factor, then look no further than this exquisite venue in the heart of Paarl. The award-winning venue offers incredible views of the surrounding landscape and a light and airy space with which to soak it all in.

Location: Suid-Agter-Paarl Road, Paarl
Contact: 083 987 2264

Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate

Why we love it:

Is there anything more romantic than a French-inspired wedding venue? Perhaps there is, but there’s nothing wrong with pretending you’re in the South of France. Grande Provence in Franschhoek offers bridal couples a beautiful blend of romance, elegance and lush greenery with a restaurant on-site to help you whip up something delicious for your guests.

Location: Main Road, Franschhoek
Contact: 021 876 8600

Blaauwklippen Wine Estate

Why we love it:

It’s not just the good food and wine Blaauwklippen is renowned for, it also offers a magical wedding venue for bridal couples looking for something their guests will never forget. The venue is a custom-designed glass structure – the perfect setting for dancing under the moonlight or watching the sun dip behind the Stellenbosch mountains.

Location: Strand Road, Route 44 Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch
Contact: 021 880 0133

Die Woud

Why we love it:

Die Woud is a “place where dreams are realised” with bridal couples saying “I do” under towering wattle trees and oak trees. The glass marquee is another gorgeous feature of this venue and is ideal for nature lovers as the natural elements form part of your wedding ceremony.

Location: N2, Myddleton, Caledon
Contact: 082 930 1688

Muratie Canvas

Why we love it:

Located on the gorgeous Muratie Wine Estate, the venue offers a 20×20 space, beautiful views of Cape Town and a sprawling grass area for your guests to mingle. It’s a great option for bridal couples looking for an intimate setting which immerses guests in nature.

Location: Knorhoek Rd, Koelenhof, Stellenbosch
Contact: 082 744 9144

Feature Image: Muratie Wine Estate

In Beauty

Bridal hair and make-up to inspire straight from the pros

May 23, 2022 No Comments

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.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by VVA Boutique HMU Bridal Agency (@veiledvanityartistry)

Page Beauty

Perfect for brides who have spent years scrolling through high fashion magazines such as Vogue. Emphasis on high fashion.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bridal Hair + Makeup by Page Beauty (@pagebeauty)

April Foster Bridal

Self-described as “sophisticated, classy and cool” – that’s exactly what you’ll get!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by April SF Hair & Makeup Artist (@aprilfosterbridal)

Fiore Beauty

It’s the perfect Instagram account for brides looking to add a feminine and classic touch to their big day.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fiore Beauty (@fiorebeauty)

The Queens Bees

We want bold, we want beautiful, we want chic! This Instagram account is all that and more.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @thequeensbees

Natalia Issa

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.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Natalia Issa (@nataliaissa)

Ana Matanovic

You want that je ne sais quois! That local flavour infused with an international aesthetic – Ana Matanovic has you covered.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ana Matanovic (@makeupflorence)

Shauna Elizabeth

Effortless and ready to take on the aisle!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ?????? ????????? (@shaunaelizabethhair)

Feature Image: Ana Matanovic

In Advice

Pinterest reveals the top wedding trends for 2022

May 6, 2022 No Comments

We love a good Pinterest search, especially when it comes to finding much-needed wedding inspiration.

Did we mention how stressful wedding planning can be?

Thankfully, this online moldboard has been with us every step of the way and has been a favourite amongst brides-to-be as they pin away and plan their weddings.

While we would like to think that we’re still in the age where millennials are getting hitched, the social media platform has swooped in to burst our bubble, revealing that Gen Zers are pinning away as they plan their impending nuptials.

A burst of fresh air is what this generation is looking for as they ditch stuffy traditions and do it their own way.

“This year, Pinners are planning for the big wedding celebrations after postponements. We are seeing larger weddings come back and a movement away from minimalism,” says Swasti Sarna, Senior Insights Manager at Pinterest.

“We are also seeing rising searches for Pinners wanting to connect back to their roots by celebrating their unique cultural traditions, with 45% of the top wedding trends related to different cultures.”

So, just what are bridal couples searching for? From Bridgerton themes to sustainable weddings, here are a few of the wedding trends for 2022, according to Pinterest.

The Dark Side of Life

Traditionally, brides have always worn white, but the latest trends from Pinterest reveal that brides-to-be are stepping away from this and opting for something completely different. “Black dress wedding party,” “black boho wedding dress” ( 4X), and “black wedding cakes” (+94%) are a few search terms that have been trending as “dark wedding ideas” becomes a popular search term on the platform.

Pearls are a girl’s best friend

Move over diamonds because there’s a new sheriff in town. From engagement rings to “pearl cake,” the rise of the pearl is something that Pinterest predicted back in December 2021. They were certainly right on the mark as bridal couples opt for the non-traditional. Search terms such as “pearl wedding dress,” “Pearl wedding” and “Pearlcore” are just a few trends that are here to stay in 2022.

Back into nature

More specifically, the forest. Brides and grooms are really looking to make their wedding day a fairy tale event with search terms like “woodland fairy wedding,” “enchanted forest wedding dress,” and “forest wedding ceremony” being big trends. This is no surprise as forest wedding venues can offer couples a magical setting. Throw in earthy tones for suits and bohemian style dresses and flowy veils, and you have a wedding ceremony fit for a Disney princess and prince.

The Bridgerton Effect

The Netflix has been making waves in more ways than one. The opulent Regency Era has grabbed almost every bridal couple’s attention with search terms such as “‘Bridgerton’ bridal shower ideas,” and “‘Bridgerton’ wedding” being the top terms that bride- and grooms-to-be are searching for.

Sustainable Weddings

It’s cool to care for the environment and eco-conscious couples are taking a stand with their sustainable wedding. Paying special attention to how we affect the environment has slowly become a top priority for many people, so it comes as no surprise that sustainable weddings are on the rise. From food to decorations, “eco-friendly wedding ideas,” “thrifted wedding decor” and “reuse wedding dress ideas” are some of the top search terms.

Feature image: Pinterest

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 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 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

In Weddings

Stepping away from tradition: Wedding ceremony rituals that symbolise unity

March 16, 2022 No Comments

While saying “I do” is a magical experience that inherently symbolises love, sometimes bridal couples are looking to step away from tradition and personalise their wedding experience… spice things up, even.

If you’re looking to put a unique spin on your upcoming wedding ceremony, why not incorporate various rituals from around the world that embody the very meaning of marriage: unity.

Here are a few traditional and modern rituals that encompass this very word, and provide a foundation for couples looking to incorporate something a bit more unique when it comes to their nuptials.

Take what resonates and toss what doesn’t, here are six creative wedding rituals that are well about two partners in love:

Jump the broom

Jumping the broom has its roots in African American culture, but the meaning behind this ritual is universal. The ritual originated in the early 19th century when slaves were not formally allowed to get married.

Instead, couples looking to get married would place a broom on the ground and hop over it together. The tradition has now come to mean a “brushing away” of the parts and starting things on a clean slate.

Releasing butterflies

contemporary and traditional wedding rituals — Pinterest

Is there anything more romantic than rose petals and butterflies? Butterflies often represent change, hope, life and transformation, and there’s nothing more transformational than getting married.

Releasing butterflies at your wedding ceremony is meant to encompass all of these elements as you start your journey as newlyweds.

Light a candle

This tradition is often associated with the Judeo-Christian faith and is a common practice that’s associated with “two becoming one.”

During the ceremony, the bride and groom each light a candle and combine their flame to ignite a third and larger one.

Handfasting

This is a beautiful ritual that stems from an ancient Celtic tradition of the same name. Basically, it sees the bride and groom hold opposite hands, ensuring that their arms are tied together lie a figure eight before it is tied together with a ribbon – ultimately symbolising union.

The fabric is also great to keep and pass down to your children.

Plant a tree

Watching something grow can be a beautiful experience. Similar to the love that is shared between two partners, the physical symbol of a tree growing from a sapling into a strong tree can represent growth and strength between partners.

A great way to include this ritual into your ceremony is by having the bridal couple scoop a handful of soil and add it to their planted tree.

Create a time capsule

Time capsules are not just for keeping kids entertained. Add a bunch of meaningful items into a box – items that are specific to you and your spouse – and nail it shut together.

This new and different ritual is all about doing something together. You can open this in the next 10 years or on your one year anniversary.

Picture: Laurken Kendall

In Accessories

7 Gorgeous summer wedding bouquet ideas

March 3, 2022 No Comments

There’s something magical about summer weddings! The good weather and bounty of fresh flowers may have something to do with it.

Summertime offers plenty of delectable fresh blooms to choose from, no matter your ideal bouquet – classic or over-the-top – the season offers a variety of colours and textures that are perfect for your wedding ceremony.

Here are 7 of our favourite summer wedding bouquets.

Weddings

Dakota Johnson

Demi Lavato

Adele

Leslie Rose

Priyanka Chopra

Meghan Markle

Why we love it:

Why we love it:

Why we love it:

Why we love it:

Why we love it:

Why we love it:

Veiled Vanity Artistry

Page Beauty

April Foster Bridal

Fiore Beauty

The Queens Bees

Natalia Issa

Ana Matanovic

Shauna Elizabeth

The Dark Side of Life

Pearls are a girl’s best friend

Back into nature

The Bridgerton Effect

Sustainable Weddings

Get down and boogie:

It’s all about the size:

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

Don’t forget the VIPs

The bar area

But, how will your guests know

Jump the broom

Releasing butterflies

Light a candle

Handfasting

Plant a tree

Create a time capsule

Vibrant peonies

Keep it classic with white roses

Step outside the box with bougainvillea

A pop of colour

Match with white

An array of colourful wildflowers

The King of the Protea