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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.

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

In Weddings

6 Gorgeous getting ready robes for your bridal party

February 21, 2022 No Comments

The behind-the-scenes of your big day is often the least prioritised but is something that deserves just as much attention. After all, it not only sets the tone for the rest of the day but the time you spend with your bridal party will be seared into your mind forever – no pressure. With a glass of bubbly in hand, it’s the perfect time to have a few laughs, shake off the nerves and connect with your bridal crew.

So, why not do it will donning a few silky robes. Getting robes for your bridal party may not be a requirement, but the addition can sprinkle a little magic onto your day and be an amazing little memento for them to keep close to them.

Here are a few photo-worthy robes to inspire you:

Dial it all the way to sexy

Zhuzh it up with some feathers

Who doesn’t love a good fringe?

A little jungle fever

Floral prints forever!

An elegant train that highlights your bridal beauty

Picture: Pinterest

In Engagements

Emerald Resort & Casino launches a premier wedding destination

February 15, 2022 No Comments

There’s a new wedding destination for Gauteng brides and grooms to add to their wedding venue list. Emerald Resort & Casino are upping the ante by ensuring that you have the perfect wedding venue and allowing you to bring your Big Day to life.

“Emerald is the ultimate destination where the vision of your dream wedding will be brought to life. We can customize your wedding with the traditions of your heritage and cater for a small intimate affair or create your fairy-tale wedding of up to1500 guests, all without leaving our complex. We are only 45 min from Johannesburg International Airport, on a private estate on the lush banks of the Vaal River”, says Tanuja Gangabishun, Marketing Executive at Emerald Resort and Casino.

A 3 000 square meter Arena at Emerald offers the bridal couples a unique opportunity to host large weddings using round tables, while Kilimanjaro has a warm ambience for groups of up to 160 guests.

The Game Park Lapa is captivating and offers a gorgeous outdoor option, weather permitting. The other enchanting venue for an outdoor wedding is the Outdoor Chapel which can be set up in many different ways, catering for small or large groups.

The venues are versatile and the setting offers beautiful locations for dramatic and spectacular photographs right there on complex. Booking this premiere wedding destination means that the wedding party can enjoy all the before and after events on one complex. There is no need to travel to enjoy a bachelor party of bridal shower, or entertain the guests. The complex offers a wide variety of venues and entertainment.

Complementing the selection of venues, Emerald offers several accommodation options to suit every taste and every budget, from 3-star, 4-star and 5-star offerings. There are a wide variety of activities available on the complex to keep everyone entertained while the bride is pampered and treated like the queen she is.

Enjoy game drives, visit the Aquadome with its heated pools, or take a relaxing river cruise. The bride can even plan a magical floating wedding on the Vaal River with Emerald Resort and Casino.

“Weddings can be very complex and stressful for the happy couple, which is why we have put together several packages with a specialist in the industry, Farzana Mayet rom Panache International. It is a rare opportunity to be able to work with a professional like Farzana,” says Tanuja Gangabishun, Marketing Executive at Emerald Resort and Casino.

Tailor-made packages are available which can include arrangements for the bridal shower and bachelor party at Emerald, Mehndi night function, and the wedding day with an array of Halaal food and catering, entertainment, photographer and videographer etc.

Optional extras such as a Mehndi artist, Qawali singer, and make-up artist and wedding cakes can also be included.

Allow the team to tailor a wedding experience to meet your requirements.

Contact Farzana on 072 174 0896 or email [email protected]

Picture/s: Emerald Resort & Casino

In Advice

7 Wedding nail ideas for brides and their big day

January 20, 2022 No Comments

When the wedding day rolls around, all eyes will be on you … and your hands. Between intimate shots of you and your handsome {new} husband, everyone fawning over your wedding ring, and the signing of your wedding certificate, your hands will be getting plenty of time in the spotlight.

And adding a fresh manicure to your wedding to-do list will ensure that your gorgeous nails get a chance to shine. Perhaps a simple French manicure is right up your alley, or moody and bold hues provide a little pop of colour. Here are a few wedding manicure ideas for you to think about:

Keep it neutral

The colour grey should never be underestimated! This colour provides a modern yet elegant twist for your wedding day and gives a pop of colour that isn’t too over the top.

Keep it simple, but not too simple

Adding a nude colour to your nails is a great way to ensure that you keep things simple, choosing to let your wedding gown do all the talking. However, a great way to utilise this trend while still being a little flashy is by incorporating a subtle design such as this gorgeous marble-esque nail design.

A touch of gold

Simple yet oh-so magical. Painted gold foiling is a subtle way to add a little je ne sais quois to your nails and your big day.

The single rhinestone

Who wouldn’t want to match their engagement ring or wedding band? This bridal manicure trend has been around for a while, so why mess with a classic? This is a wonderful way to include some glitz without the gold to your nails.

Romantic reds

Attention bold brides! If you’re looking to make a statement when it comes to your nails, then this one is for you. Deep reds such as burgundy can be a wonderful way to add colour to your white gown while sprinkling some extra romance to your day.

Ombré Away

Trying out an ombré nail design for your wedding day can be a great way to spice things up without getting too crazy. Stick to neutrals or soft shades if you’re looking to keep it simple.

Metallic to rock your world

Add some extra sparkle to your wedding day with a metallic manicure. A great way to ensure that colours don’t clash is to make sure that your fresh manicure matches your engagement ring or wedding band.

Picture: @loreanjewellery

In News

PICS: 5th International Wedding Photography Awards provides some stunning images

December 13, 2021 No Comments

Your wedding day is a snapshot to the rest of your life. It goes by in a flash, so capturing the amazing little moments that make the big day is important. There are some incredible photographers that go above and beyond to ensure that they capture these moments as you go about celebrating your nuptials, between getting ready, the first dance, to everything in between.

The International Photography Awards encompasses this very idea. The competition, which is sponsored by Canon Australia, received over 1 500 submissions from eager wedding photographers looking to showcase those tear-jerking moments. However, Fabio Mirulla managed to snag the grand prize and take home the title of Wedding Photographer of the Year.

The winning image shows Fabio snapping a pic of the bride and a carefully placed lamp, providing a silhouette resembling a wedding gown. Talk about crafty!

In second place was photographer duo Andrew and Bec, who managed to snap a couple in formalwear as they crossed mountain peaks.

Here are a few of the other incredible entries that made the finals:

Ken Pak

Dane Tucker

Dylan Kovacevic

Christin Eid

Gaelle Meheut

Dan O’Day

Lucy Spartalis

Natalia Mikalaichyk

Steven Stemmler

Rodolfo Aguirre

In Weddings

Japan’s former princess chooses the heart over the crown

October 29, 2021 No Comments

Some will consider former Japanese Princess Mako and her ‘peasant’ husband Kei Komuro the stuff of fairy tales. Upper echelon circles have considered it dishonourable. Either way, for those who may have thought that the kind of love worth sacrificing everything for is dead, it’s a story worth knowing.

The daughter of the Japanese emperor’s kin has made headlines for breaking the shackles of royal tradition in the name of not only love but also her independence – being the first female Japanese royal to do so.

Four years ago, the former princess and her college sweetheart, a non-royal, brought a real-life fairy tale into the world’s gaze. Many swooned over the kind of love so powerful it would cause Mako to willingly take on the harsh consequences of marrying a commoner. As the BBC writes, their smiles won over a country.

But the consequences were brutal as those within Mako’s social class frowned upon the former Princess’s decision. It would mean losing her royal status, forfeiting millions, and facing intense scrutiny at the sacrifice of her mental health – for years.

But to Mako, Kei Komuro was the sun, famously mentioning that his smile was as warm as the burning star.

The couple had met at a meeting of students planning to go abroad in 2012 and had become close as university students over five years, even when studying in different countries. Mako’s university journey was also largely her first symbol of abandoning tradition as it marked her leaving the traditional institution of study for royal Japanese family members.

While it may have seemed as though Mako was taking all the heat for a story films will no doubt be made about, Komuro too had signed up for mass public scrutiny. As VICE reports, intense questioning regarding whether Kumuro would cause Mako to struggle financially in the future came about in the past after an alleged money dispute to do with the young lawyer’s mother and her former fiance.

However, despite it all, the young lovers have stood by each other through and through and tied the knot yesterday, October 26.

In a highly anticipated live TV appearance, the former princess defended her marriage decision expressing that:

“Kei is irreplaceable for me,” she said. “For us, marriage is a necessary choice to live while cherishing our hearts.”

Mr Komuro also made vows to his love, stating the words that will be quoted by hopeless romantics all over the world:

“I want to spend the only life I have with the one I love.”

Originally posted on Cape {town} Etc

Picture: EPA

In Weddings

PICTURES | Inside former Miss SA Tamaryn Green and hubby Ze’s stunning umembeso ceremony

October 15, 2021 No Comments

Former Miss South Africa Tamaryn Green and her fiancé Zesimdumise Nxumalo, better known as ‘Ze’, have shared snaps from their traditional Zulu ‘umembeso’ ceremony, which took place last weekend.

The ceremony came seven months after the couple got engaged in the Kruger National Park while on baecation in April, according to Times Live.

Umembeso is a Zulu traditional wedding ceremony in which the groom’s relatives bring gifts to the bride’s family. The ceremony occurs after the lobola negotiations but prior to the official Zulu traditional wedding.

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Originally Posted: African Insider