for your perfect wedding
Wedding gift ideas Themed WEDDINGS
A Traditional
Muslim wedding
JUL/AUG 2014
A glimpse of Brett Florens’ photography
Gigibug Publishers Details: Vashti Derrick t/a Gigibug Publisher of Brides Essence magazine. Cape Town, South Africa PO BOX 39233, Capricorn 7948 Publisher: Vashti Derrick publisher@bridesessence.com Editor: Grant Derrick editor@bridesessence.com Design & Layout: GIGIBUG Internal Sales & Marketing: Taryn Gurr taryn@bridesessence.com e-Published 2012 © Bi-monthly Vashti Derrick t/a Gigibug. All rights reserved. Brides Essence is still registered by Cherry Berry Blue Publishing SA cc ISSN 2079 - 5815 While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information in this edition of Brides Essence, no responsibility can be accepted for quality of goods and services supplied by advertisers. The publisher accepts no responsibility for material submitted by any client for reproduction, in regard to all relevant laws and regulations. Concept, text, covers, images and title of Brides Essence is Copyright © and may not be reproduced by any process without the prior written permission of the publisher. The Publisher would like to thank all photographers, contributors, sponsors, advertisers and all parties involved for this remarkable 14th issue of Brides Essence Magazine.
Publisher and Editor’s message H
ello, Brides and Grooms to be and also to those who are already married. We look at some interesting articles by Grant in this issue. Some great wedding gift ideas, Awesome beaches that are close enough not to give you jet lag when travelling to them. We look at the stunning photography from Brett Florens, a South African photographer living abroad. A beautiful ceromony of a muslim couple and how different the ceremony is. Again we take a look at a few true life Brides and how their weddings turned out. If you would like to have your wedding pulbished please get in touch with us. we would love to publish it for you. If you are on on tight buget for your wedding you should look at gettting married in winter. Many wedding venues offer discounts for the venue and decor. We hope you stay warm and look forward to Summer.
Love Grant and Vash How fair is your love, My sister, my spouse! How much better than wine is your love, And the scent of your perfumes Than all spices! Song of Solomon 4:10 (NKJV)
This magazine is interactive. LOOK OUT FOR THIS
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Event & Logo Mats For all occasions or Businesses
Whether you wed at church, in a forest or field, why not have that red carpet feel? For all your event matting requirements in a stunning variety of colours. To add to your special memories, have you considered a custom made wedding mat or wall hanging. We can do full colour jet printed mats, flocked embossed insignia and names on a variety of carpeting and materials in a range of colours to suite your decor. Contact me to discover the kaleidoscope of options we have on offer. Contact Grant 082 702 4231 and be surprised at what we can add to your special day‌
matco-wp@telkomsa.net
Cover Picture Brett Florens
email: info@brettflorens.co.uk SA: +27 (0)82 454 4085 UK: +44 (0)7840 678535 NL: +31 (0)62 167 8409 http://www.brettflorens.com/ Facebook
Contents
Message from the Editor & Publisher Contributors Brett Florens Wedding gift ideas A traditional Muslim Wedding Themed weddings Marriage from a biblical perspective True Life Bride: Louise & Rob True Life Bride: Maryanne & André
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for your perfect wedding
Wedding GIFT IDEAS Themed WEDDINGS
A Traditional
Muslim wedding
JUL/AUG 2014
A glimpse of Brett Florens’ photography
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AND find out more about Breast Health Click here..
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Our Contributors Julia Janse van Vuuren Photography
Vashti Derrick (Vash) is the owner of Gigibug and publisher of Brides Essence. Vash is also the designer. She has been a designer for the last 16 years and really enjoys putting the magazine together. If you have anything you would like us to feature mail us on info@bridesessence.com, We would love to hear from you. Visit www.bridesessence.com
Vashti Derrrick
Grant Derrick
Grant Derrick is the editor of Brides Essence magazine. He also writes articles and book reviews for Brides Essence. Having almost 30 years experience in the electronics and IT industry (yes, he was there before Bill Gates). Grant’s current day job is in sales and marketing.
Taryn-Zoë believes life and love should always be a celebration! What better way to celebrate than to assist people with the start of their life journey as a married couple. Although weddings have not been a part of her career, what started as a brides maid’s task has exploded into an unofficial portfolio of wedding co-ordination allowing Taryn to keep her finger firmly on the pulse of all things wedding. She is passionate about God and helping others around her. Taryn-Zoë is now part of the Brides Essence family. taryn@bridesessence.com Visit www.bridesessence.com
Supplied by Bronwyn Hendrikz
Bronwyn Hendrikz
Supplied by Lorraine Hirst
Lol’s Flowers specialises in extraordinarily beautiful wedding bouquets, floral arrangements and décor - and brings a uniquely personal touch to ensure that your day is extra special. This award-winning floral designer will work closely with you to ensure that whatever the brief or budget, your vision will come to life. Lol’s Flowers will add creative magic to your wedding, party, celebration or corporate event. So for stunning florals, draping, décor, bespoke hiring and loads of inspiration, give Lols a call on 082 875 3521 or email lorrainehirst@telkomsa.net. Visit www.lolsfunctions.co.za
Lorraine Hirst
Bronwyn Hendrikz is the owner/graphic designer behind HoniB Design (pronounced “honey-bee”). Wedding stationery from beginning to end, is a large part of what happily keeps her busy at work in addition to the other event stationery and design work that she does. Beautiful calligraphy, textures, paper, letter press printing…most things arty and pretty inspires her creative passion and this together with her trained expertise ensures an end result reflecting her goal: to delight and enchant both the bride and her guests. For your wedding stationery contact Bronwyn on bron@honib.co.za or call 083 2673 775. Visit www.honib.co.za Jul/Aug 2014 Brides Essence Magazine
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Brett Florens B
rett Florens, a South African photogrpher now living abroard, shares some of his stunning photographs with you. Brett still shoots in South Africa as well as overseas. Where did you grow up? A: I am a KZN boy, born and bananabred!! I grew up on the KZN South Coast, absolutely loving the innocent outdoor lifestyle. Most of my adult life has been spent in Durban North and for the past ten years, my wife, two sons and I have lived in Mount Edgecombe. Where are you based and what geographical area do you cover? A: My family and I recently moved to Amsterdam, but while my home base is there, I fly back to South Africa very regularly for weddings, workshops and for other commercial clients. Being a wedding photographer is a great career, however it is largely seasonal, so I spend my time following the wedding seasons. That means I spend most of the South African winter mainly in the UK or Amsterdam, but my weddings take me to other great European destinations such as Italy and Spain. I also fly to the USA and Dubai for work during the year. What made you choose photography as a profession? A: My introduction to photography was not conventional by any means. I was a policeman in the riot unit during the last years of apartheid. A need arose for a photographic unit within the riot unit and I volunteered to get out of
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the mundane task of patrolling the townships. One could say that I fell into the career! Did you study photography? A: I am a self-taught photographer. When the bug bit, I was a very poorly paid policeman and couldn’t afford formal training. I became obsessive about shooting and spent hours pouring over photographic manuals, books and magazines. I worked really hard to educate myself with all things photographic, asking any professional photographer as many questions as they would answer. I studied and deconstructed images that resonated with me and then tried to replicate the shots later in my own work. I learnt everything I could technically and started to shoot weddings for friends or family portraits once I felt I had enough technical know-how. When did your passion in photography first begin and what do you enjoy most about it? A: Once I took hold of that camera, it was like love at first sight. But it was when my first image was published in the local daily newspaper that I knew I wanted to make photography a fulltime career – I guess because it was the moment that my work and effort was validated by influential playmakers in the industry. So much about this industry is about confidence and how you feel about your own work. Sometimes you need that recognition from others to enable you to believe in yourself. After a couple of years I left the police force and started my own
Photographs © Brett Florens
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photographic company with a very small studio. Photography is both very technical and creative and to make a success of one’s career, you also have to have strong business savvy – it’s using both hemispheres of the brain! I love the fact that it is a constant challenge – I never stop learning and pushing myself to become better and I’m happy to say I’m just as passionate about photography as when I first started. How long have you been a wedding photographer? A: I started photographing weddings for colleagues and friends in 1994, so it’s going on 20 years now. I have shot over 750 weddings and I am still loving it. How many weddings do you photograph per year? A: I used to shoot around 50-60 weddings a year, however that kind of intensity does take its toll on family life and is really not sustainable. In 2005 I decided to elevate my brand to target the high-end of the market. Reducing the amount of weddings I shot, but providing a product and service that is world class. I now shoot not more than 20 weddings a year.
What sets you apart from other photographers? A:I would say that my particular brand sets me apart. When teaching other photographers, this is something I urge them to find for themselves, their own brand. Personality is key and they need to work on their own strengths to create a brand that resonates with them and one with which they are comfortable. In this way we will all have our own signature style that becomes instantly recognizable. My style is editorially inspired. I target fashion conscience clients that are confident and want to participate in the process of creating memorable images that would not be out of place in high-end magazines such as Vogue or Vanity Fair. Are you planning on doing something different in this years wedding season? A: My style does evolve over the years and, as mentioned, it has a strong fashion element. However, clients book me because they like what I do, so altering that radically can be dangerous. I tend to introduce new things a few images at a time, wedding by wedding. In that way my photography evolves and stays fresh and trendy.
Photographs © Brett Florens
Brett Florens email: info@brettflorens.co.uk SA: +27 (0)82 454 4085| UK: +44 (0)7840 678535 | NL: +31 (0)62 167 8409 http://www.brettflorens.com/ | Facebook 8
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What are the latest photographic trends and have you implemented any of them? A:There is a move towards low light or night photography and I am enjoying the options available to photographers now with the technological advancements in camera and lighting equipment. It is making this genre an exciting one to explore for me, adding so much diversity to my finished product and enabling me to express myself creatively. Do you have any advice for Brides on how to choose the right photographer? A: Well, that is a whole article in itself, but here goes – Choosing your photographer is one of the most important aspects of your wedding planning. You will be relying on him or her to capture the entire atmosphere and all the many details of your wedding – a day which can never be repeated. Reputation - Ask friends and family, particularly newly-weds for recommendations. A photographer’s reputation for delivery is usually a good indication of ability. Instinct - Contact the photographer and set up a meeting or chat on the phone. You will be spending a lot of time with him or her on your wedding day and you will need to feel confident in their abilities, as well as feeling relaxed with their personalities. Are you able to match a bride’s budget? A: If she has a big budget of course! I’m not one to negotiate with my prices actually, so unfortunately if she has a very low budget, she will have to find someone else. Do you have a favourite pose for Brides? A: I enjoy feminine lines and creating images that reinforce that. The classic
Photographs © Brett Florens Jul/Aug 2014 Brides Essence Magazine
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“S” shape pose is my go-to pose and has become part of my signature style. What is your preferred equipment brand? A: I am privileged to work with the best equipment available to photographers today. My primary body is the Nikon D4s flagship together with the retro Df. The Nikon lenses are super sharp and the skin tone capturing capabilities are perfect. What is your favourite photography accessory, other than your camera? A: I am playing with a prism at the moment, it creates unpredictable and exciting results. If you had to choose one lens which one would it be and why? A:Nikon 70-200 f2.8 for wedding and Nikon 85 f1.4 for fashion. The versatility that the 70-200 offers is very useful for weddings, but the 1.4 of the 85mm is fantastic for creating the shallow depth of field and great bokeh. (google this word for more information!) What lighting equipment do you take on a shoot? A: I use the Elinchrom Quadra off camera strobes, Manfrotto LED and the Ice Light by Wescott How important is Photoshop in your final images? A: Post-production is an essential element to creating a great product for my clients. I have a full time team dedicated to great post-production. I believe in specialists handling each part of the process, that being I am the specialist photographer and my designers are specialists in the postproduction process. We never overdo the Photoshop on the images, they stay as true to life as possible. Do you use a Mac or PC? Which do you prefer? A: Mac – I have used mac my whole career, the platform is very well suited to imagery and the integration of the products and devices is very clever. 10
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Photographs © Brett Florens
Photographs Š Riekert Cloete
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Photographs Š Brett Florens
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Brides Essence.com - Issue 14
Photographs Š Brett Florens
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Brett Florens email: info@brettflorens.co.uk SA: +27 (0)82 454 4085| UK: +44 (0)7840 678535 | NL: +31 (0)62 167 8409 http://www.brettflorens.com/ | Facebook 14
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Photographs Š Brett Florens
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Walkersons Country Hotel and Spa, a two and a half hour drive from Johannesburg, is nestled in the rolling hills of the Mpumalanga Highlands. It boasts magnificent surroundings and the scenic beauty is matched only by Walkersons fine dining which is a carefully crafted journey of the senses. Few occasions rival the romance of a country wedding, and the hosts at Walkersons revel in the opportunity to match your highest expectations. The stunning surrounds create picturesque backdrops allowing you to capture life long memories. TheAmani Spa is a timeless place of peace and tranquillity embraced by nature which is the ultimate escape for pure self indulgence. The harmonious, romantic and luxurious suites warmed by log fires, feature an array of facilities designed to ensure a peaceful nights rest. We are able to offer a variety of tailored packages based on your preferences and requirements. Let our professional team treat you and your wedding guests to an incredible experience. Contact us reservations@walkersons.co.za T: +27 13 253 7000 F: +27 13 253 7230 PO Box 185 Dullstroom, 1110 South Africa W: http://www.walkersons.co.za/
Call André on +2782 337 3165 andre@colouroflight.co.za www.colouroflight.co.za www.behance.net/colouroflight Member of PPSA
Professional Wedding Photography
At SILVERZONE IMAGES you will get two things. – “Good photos of your wedding day and good value for your money. With more than 25 years of experience in photography we pride ourselves in giving you the best service available for quality, style, and capturing those unforgettable moments in time. We are based in Ballito but will travel to any part of KwaZulu-Natal, or the rest of the country.
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Gerhard de Bruin C: 082 778 9936 F: 032 943 1719 www.silverzoneimages.co.za | silverzone@telkomsa.net
Wedding Gift ideas
by Grant Derrick
So you have been invited to the wedding. What do you buy for the couple that will remind them of you and also be a blessing for many years to come? Many couples choose a gift-registry service with a chain store or the like but what if you would like to give them something different or if there is no wedding registry? It can be difficult to select the perfect item for so many reasons. Selecting a gift from a predetermined list can also be sucky as it lacks that personal touch and requires very little thought and imagination. I suppose it mainly hinges on your budget too. Do bear in mind that “cheap� gifts are a big NO and will be a thorn rather than a blessing.
Here are some ideas that will never fail :
Crockery, Cutlery and Glassware : The kitchen is one of the most frequented rooms in most homes. A unique but functional item of crockery such as a designer salt and pepper cellar, salad bowl or platter or even a set will be something that a couple will cherish for a long time. They will remember you fondly whenever they use it. Think heirloom (something they can pass on to their children) and you will not go wrong. Things such as cake lifters, salad spoons, a cheese board set or a classy cutlery set are definitely in this category. Lead crystal glassware makes for a stylish gift. Another wonderful idea Jul/Aug 2014 Brides Essence Magazine
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of this ilk is a picnic basket set, but make sure that it can cater for more than 2 and it will be a blessing even when the kids come along.
Books :
A wonderful gift that will be used and cherished is something for the coffee table or a classic cookbook. Do some research with friends and relatives of the couple and find out what their interests are and then find a good book that they could enjoy. You must remember to write some words of wisdom and encouragement in the cover to remind the couple why you have given them this specific gift. Some words of encouragement every time the book is opened can have a lifelong effect.
Linen :
Nothing says “Have a wonderful life” like a cashmere blanket or some Egyptian cotton sheets. You could even have the couple’s initials embroidered on the item to make it even more personal. How about personalised bath towels or bathrobes? A good quality set of monogrammed napkins are handy too. Do try and stick to neutral colours lest your gift find itself buried at the bottom of some mouldy mothy drawer because it is too hideous for people to look at. Good linen can last years and there is never enough good linen in any given house (of regular people that is).
Art :
A Good painting will last a lifetime. This can be a tricky gift if you don’t know the couple well as you may like a work and they may find it repulsive or vice versa. Good art always appreciates in value, and even anonymous works that are done well have a place in most homes. Again you can do some research and find out what the couple’s tastes are. Art does not have to be new either as most art that is valuable is second hand. If you have the ways or 18
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the means, a portrait of the bridal couple will be an invaluable and most unique gift. If unsure, best avoid this one and find some less risky gift like a silver picture frame or a set of antique frames.
Luggage :
Cheap luggage won’t do so don’t buy something at the local flea market for this category. If you have the budget, then this is a gift that will keep on giving for years to some and will be appreciated and cherished. Bear in mind though that by the time the wedding arrives, the couple may already have purchased new luggage for the honeymoon trip so it is advisable to make inquiries prior to splurging on those Samsonite, Delsey, Cellini, or Polo items.
Wine :
A case of wine from the year of the wedding is a great way for couples to remember their day. Request that the couple opens 1 bottle a year on their anniversary. Most will crack open a bottle and remember the good times, sadly a few couples will each crack open a few bottles to try to forget some disasters of their day – either way your gift will be appreciated and cherished (do your homework on this as some wines may turn to vinegar in the 12 years it will take to finish the case). Another option in this category would be a subscription to a wine club for a year where the couple receives wine bi-monthly or quarterly – a gift that keeps on giving. Jul/Aug 2014 Brides Essence Magazine
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Appliances : This can be a minefield of bad choices, but if you know what you are doing and have the budget for it then nothing says “Happy Wedding” like a great good quality kitchen appliance. You should avoid this category if you have a limited budget as cheap appliances break quickly or don’t work well and end up being tossed or never used. Every kitchen needs a sturdy all round mixer / liquidiser / food processor. Even if the couple has an existing appliance of this sort, they will stow it away for a time when their existing machine conks in. A good quality coffee machine is also a great idea but try not get one of those that only uses propriety capsules as this may cause the appliance to fall into disuse. No kitchen should be without a sturdy kitchen scale either. Avoid the nonsensical gimmickry that telemarketers try to pawn off as “what every household needs”.
Cash: I have never in my life met anyone who could not use more cash. Although this category is often frowned upon as lacking thought, I have never had the slightest hint of a person’s lack of though when I have received cash as a gift, how about you? After the wedding, most couples will be a little tight when it comes to dosh. Even a gift voucher from an upmarket grocery store or home ware store can be a blessing to any couple. Some things to remember, if I have not already hammered the nail home are : •Don’t go cheap or cut corners • Don’t go with your personal likes or dislikes unless you are an expert •Don’t make assumptions • Do make inquiries and ask friends and family members • Do your homework and research – Google is free • Do try and visit the couples intended home where possible to get ideas • Make sure the couple knows that the gift is from you if it is important to you • Do get warranties with any item that may require it and include such with the gift. 20
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Function co-ordination, Floral design, DĂŠcor and Draping
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A traditional Muslim wedding
When the couple decides to get married, the groom-to-be asks his father / guardian (wali) to approach his prospective father in law. If they (the father-in-law and bride to be) agree to the man’s hand in marriage, they are now officially engaged. At the second meeting, a date and time is agreed upon for the wedding ceremony to take place. Muslim weddings are conducted as per Islamic traditions.
The Mahr or Dowrie
The couple would discuss the “Mahr”. The Mahr must be agreed upon by the marrying partners themselves and not by their parents. The Mahr is the Brides right, to which her husband remains indebted. Importantly, it is a free gift and not her price. The Mahr may be cash, kind or non-material (such as training or teaching ). It can be paid up front or can be in the form of a promise to pay upon demand; decided prior to the solemnization of marriage. However, it is much recommended to pay it before or at the time of Nikah itself. The “Mahr” / dowrie is only given to the bride on the wedding day. It is handed to her by the Imam or by her father.
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Once the bride-to-be has accepted the offer of marriage, she then meets with the Imam of the mosque, whichever one she decides upon, and asks his permission to perform the Nikah and permission to use the mosque facilities. The actual ceremony is called the “Nikah”. It is usually a simple ceremony and includes reciting a verse or verses from the Holy Quraan. The bride is presented by her father or appointed guardian or another male member of her family. The Imam, who is authorized to officiate the ceremony, will deliver a short sermon. According to Shariah (Islamic canonical law based on the teachings of the Quraan ), the wife-to-be says, ‘An Kah’tunafsakaa’ lalmah’rilma’loom’, “I have given away myself in Nikah to you, on the agreed Mahr.” Immediately the groom replies, ‘QabiltunNikaha’, “I have accepted the Nikah.” If the marrying partners are not able to recite the formula in Arabic then the appointed Imam will officiate this. With these pronouncements, they become husband and wife. The ceremony ends off with a Duah which is a prayer of blessing. Jul/Aug 2014 Brides Essence Magazine
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Once the ceremony is complete the bridegroom now sees his bride for the first time as a bridal couple and the guests are there to congratulate the couple.
The Wedding Attire
On the wedding day the bride wears a “Medora” or head-dress so that her hair is covered, a beautiful wedding gown and has the best make up available. She sees her guests after the ceremony in her first wedding dress. Usually in Islamic weddings the bride has two wedding dresses, one for the ceremony and another for the reception. The wedding dresses are more westernised these days but it is compulsory for the bride’s body to be covered. 26
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The Reception After the ceremony the bride changes into her second wedding dress and prepares for the groom’s reception which is usually a lunch for his relatives. Photos are then taken to record the couples special day and once done, the bridal group gets ready for the second reception which is a supper given by the bride’s family. As the evening comes to a close, the bride is taken to her new home by her in laws or “khujadi’s”/ Hadjjis which are elderly ladies from the groom’s family which have completed their pilgrimage, known as Haj. This however is a tradition and is not compulsory.
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PROMENADE ENSEMBLE MUSIC FOR ALL SPECIAL OCCASIONS Based in Johannesburg & established in 1984 this group of fulltime professional musicians has developed an extensive repertoire of Classics, Evergreen, Pop & Rock, South American, Viennese, French Café & many more. Our arrangements are of the highest quality. Mainly a string quartet, Promenade can perform as well as a solo violin, duo or trio. Highly acclaimed & recommended by the hundreds of clients we have performed for. Special requests are taken into consideration whenever possible. Special packages with professional photography. A sound system is provided for larger functions.
Call Maria on +2782 4528538 manuela@mweb.co.za www.promenade-ensemble.co.za
As one of Cape Town’s leading wedding photographers, Jan Theron’s unique style compliments his clients’ personalities. Weddings should be relaxed and stress-free. Jan’s work is precise and is balanced by a well-developed sense of fun. He is dedicated to capturing the actual moments, ambience, happiness, essence and sense of hope and fun for tomorrow’s memories and generations to come. Jan received his degree in Arts and Photography from Stellenbosch University and has crafted a reputation for reliability, creativity and flexibility as one of the top award winning photographers in the industry. Jan has covered over 1000 weddings in South Africa, United Kingdom and Greece.
Tel: 021 976 4695 l Cell: 083 230 4797 jan@jantheron.co.za l www.jantheron.co.za
Where ever, when ever, what ever,
I’ll be there with the solution for your hair. 28
Stories. That’s what I love! I believe that documenting one’s legacy is an honor and privilege. I will tell the story of your wedding day to your children with these photographs. Documenting social interaction between those close to you and helping to create a family history will be my privilege. Contact Riekert on 082 556 7427 www.riekertcloete.com | info@riekertcloete.com
Travelling hairstylist for special occasions. Specialising in: • Bridal • Day/Evening events • Matric balls • School Dances • Fashion Shows • Special occasions
Contact Lana Joubert 076 868 6292 lana@kznhairsolutions.co.za www.kznhairsolutions.co.za
Themed Weddings
by Grant Derrick
M
any young couples are looking to wed in a non-traditional way. Something different to make the wedding memorable is the order of some. Not all weddings have to be white gowns and penguin suits and lots of old people dressed like its your funeral. A wedding can be tailored or planned to suit your individual characters and this can make your day a fun filled party rather than a starch stuffed formality. You can have any wedding you desire if you allow your imagination to soar and it will certainly be one that nobody forgets. Here are some ideas that may be right up your ally Fairy-tale wedding: this epitomises every little girl’s idea of the perfect wedding. Large puffy ballroom dresses, elbow length gloves, and hats that look like they belonged to your great grandmother. Prince charming rides up on his trusty steed and kneels as he accepts his new bride before the courts of royals. Your guests all arrayed in their regal outfits, tapestries and banners drape the walls to create the perfect backdrop. You may even be fortunate to have a horse drawn carriage at your disposal. Set a kingly feast before your guests in true luxurious style. There are Jul/Aug 2014 Brides Essence Magazine
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few limits to one’s imagination with this wedding idea. Sci-fi wedding: there is a large following of the sci-fi genre, just pick your favourite and I’m sure your friends will love it. Ever thought of having your wedding vows written in Klingon? Serve your guests the finest Romulan ale and cocktails that push the boundaries of imagination. You can invent your own decor, styles, menus and activities. Almost anything goes with this style of wedding as there are no real traditions or boundaries to limit what you can or cannot do. It does not have to cost you a kidney either. I’m sure that once you start designing your wedding along this theme that you will be overwhelmed with ideas. Get together with your fellow trekkies and bounce some ideas around.
sure they don’t fit too well. High trouser hems for men are a must and socks are not permitted. Don’t forget the braces and straw hats boys. Dresses that require tape and safety pins are the order for the bride. It is important for guests to have a stick of grass to chew on during the ceremony (a spike of wheat is more traditional though, if it is in season). Bales of hay make good seats and just about anything flat makes a good table. Anything on a spit will satisfy your catering requirements, preferably roadkill but please do adhere to the local laws in your area concerning poaching and hunting. Many a butcher will happily supply something a little wild for your wedding. A band must be accompanied by a banjo in order for your shindig to be a success. Square dancing is great fun for all too.
Hick wedding: Pick up an old wedding dress and suit at a charity shop, but make
Back to school: If you still have your old school uniform, it will be perfect for this
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theme of wedding. The formalities can be performed by a teacher figure dressed in a graduation gown. This sort of wedding is very easy to organise as many schools will gladly hire out the hall for such an event. It may seem a little pasty but we are looking at alternative wedding themes. How cool it will be to marry your high school sweetheart, at school? With this theme, there are many different options; from jocks and cheerleaders to chess clubs and debaters. Pick a character wedding : There are so many wonderful characters that we have come to love in our lives. From fairy
tales to nursery rhymes, we can all think of a handful of characters from stories that would make great wedding themes. The likes of Sinbad, Shrek and Hook leap to mind. It does not end there. We have been surrounded with fictional characters since the dawn of time. All tend to get our imaginations rolling and that, in a nutshell, is all it takes. Medieval wedding : This is a real fun wedding idea. When one thinks medieval, one thinks of wooden tables and benches, huge trays of meaty dishes, less formalities and more festivities. Play some medieval games as guest entertainment. Set up a
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may pole for the girls and apple bobbing for the lads. Perhaps the younger men could engage in fencing (with swords, not stolen goods). Large open-pit fires with huge logs, loads of ivy for decoration and generally any low cost idea was the order of the celebrations of the time. Less is more with this style of wedding, remembering that it is more about the people and less about the stuff, as times were tough and money was tight. Ambassador wedding : Fancy dress can be really fun. Appoint a nation to each of your guests and they must dress accordingly as representatives from that nation. Hold a formal ambassadorial celebration where guests are received and announced as they enter. Serve champagne and caviar as your guests enter the reception and usher them into the banquet in true style. Have a ball and serve foods from
different cultures and nations in a buffet style. A string quartet would be ideal , if your pocket cannot afford a full orchestra. This may very well be an all out and no expenses barred event, but it will certainly be the event of the year. Military wedding : Although it may not be easy to gain access to military dress, there are always ways to make a plan. There are many military surplus stores and many charity shops and second hand dealers who will have some old military relics about. Perhaps there is an elderly ex-drill sergeant who would gladly be your MC. He might even have some interesting ideas that will help plan the gala wedding. A brass (Oompah) band will fit well with this style of wedding. As they say, there is no more an handsome man than one in uniform. To this end, it could be any uniformed theme that is within reason and range.
Marriage from a
biblical perspective W
by Grant Derrick
here did marriage originate? Many will claim one thing or the other but the institution of marriage was designed by God with a particular purpose in mind. It all began with Adam. Adam was created perfect. He was created in the image and likeness of God. This means that He had God’s good looks and also God’s nature. All of creation was created by the spoken word of God. There was only one creature that was created differently, that is man. Genesis 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.(NKJ). God made mankind differently by forming him out of the dust of the earth. Perhaps God made a clay model of Adam? Then God did something completely different to all the other created things and creatures, He breathed life into the model that He made of Adam. This makes human beings the only creatures that God created with His hands and that He breathed His life into. Jul/Aug 2014 Brides Essence Magazine
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God created man to have fellowship with Him. We know that God visited Adam and possibly walked through the garden with him chatting about all manner of things. In Genesis we see the entrance of the “other half”. Genesis 2:18 And the LORD God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.”(NKJ). God noticed that Adam was lonely and decided to do something about it. We see another anomaly in the creation process. God caused Adam to fall into a deep sleep and then, as the bible says, took one of his ribs and used it to create a woman. So Eve, or woman was created from part of Adam and not from the dust of the earth. Immediately after presenting Eve to Adam, God says in Genesis 2:24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.(NKJ). I would guess that the part of Adam that was used to create Eve, the rib, gets reunited with Adam at marriage and the two parts together become one whole, or one flesh. So in the eyes of God, as is declared at every church wedding, the two become one flesh. Adam represents men and Eve
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represents women and when they wed they become one flesh, or a complete being or entity. We know that mathematically one plus one equals two. Therefore for the equation to work it must be a half plus a half makes one. Marriage is the completion or creation of one whole entity. What is the purpose of all this one might ask? It was to multiply, procreate, have lots of kiddies in order to subdue and replenish the earth. So then the original purpose of marriage was that the two halves that were separated at creation be reunited into one whole in order to reproduce more halves. The union of marriage not only fulfils our created destinies but also is there to perpetuate the human race. If, by marriage, the two become one flesh, then it is important to take note of how destructive divorce is. It is almost like a lamination process. If you have ever tried to separate 2 materials that have been laminated you will find that there is no clean way to do it without creating a huge amount of damage to both of the original materials. This is how marriage intertwines both husband and wife and knits them together. We know that there has been a role reversal in households in the last few
decades but this was not the original intention. The roles of husband and wife are not interchangeable. If you simply look at it from a hormonal aspect, the man has a different set and ratio of hormones to the woman. Testosterone makes the man bold, tough and hard while oestrogen makes the woman caring, soft and tender. It is difficult, near impossible for a man to fulfil the role of a mother and in the same way it is naturally difficult for a woman to fulfil the role as a father. This is simply by design. I believe that a healthy family has both roles fulfilled and kids grow up with a balance. Not to disrespect single parents who have a huge task of fulfilling both roles, this I find remarkable and worthy of mention. Divorce is not part of the original plan. I am sure, if you remember your wedding vows, or covenant, there is a clause which states “till death do us part�. The original plan was for marriage to last until one of the partners dies. This meant having to continually work at keeping the marriage alive and ticking. The reason for such high divorce rates today is that we have lost sight of this important fact and place less importance on the sanctity of marriage. The world around us also has a huge impact on this by continually trying to make us discontent with what we have by pretending to offer something better. Men look to younger, healthier, more
attractive women. Ladies sometimes look to a better provider or someone who is more appealing or maybe even physically stronger. It is wise to marry with intent. If you consider a marriage simply as a contract that can be annulled or cancelled on a whim if things don’t work out the way you would like then why get married in the first place? I am not negating divorce where abusive relationships harm people and children, or where infidelity is rife. I am stating that in light of the high divorce rate, marriage has lost a lot of its purpose. So with this in mind, it is time to take stock of your intended union. Do you want to end up another statistic, or do you want to grow old with your spouse, and die with him or her at your side. These are pertinent questions and it would be a sober approach to the decision to get married. Lastly, if you believe that God invented, ordained and blessed marriage, then know that your marriage will be blessed. As the sparks go upward, and the seasons remain, so will your marriage be blessed. Sometimes in order to find gold one has to sift through tons of gravel and muck, so the real treasure of marriage is sometimes disguised as ordinary rock and mud. You just have to find the gems that are hidden along the way and recognise them for what they are. Live long and prosper. Jul/Aug 2014 Brides Essence Magazine
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Š Louise Meyer Photography
15 December 2013 36
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Š Photographs by Zeke du Plessis
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Date of Wedding: 22-02-2014 Bride and Groom names: Maryanne Wellard & Andre’ Robert Dyson Venue: Monchique (The Barn) Hout Bay Dress: The Wedding Boutique Shoes: Queue Shoes in Gardens Centre Hair: Lee @ Tandem (Bergvliet) Make up: Rechelle Tredoux Music: Clueless Entertainment Wedding stationery: Paper Paradise (Dawie) Flowers: Pick ‘n Pay Constantia Village Photographer: Zeke du Plessis Wedding Cake: Claire Thwaits Honeymoon Destination: Mhlanga What was your memorable moment on your special day? Having my close friends with me as my bridesmaids – they stay in the UK so it was special friendship catching up time. Seeing my dad all dressed up was amazing and giving my speech at the Reception . What advice do you have for other brides getting married? Personalise your wedding. The more of you and your partner put into the décor and the flow of the day makes it feel special and not “just another wedding”. Do necessary and not extravagant – these extras don’t even get noticed on the day. Have a wedding for you and your close guests – don’t have a wedding to “show off” or be the best wedding of the century. Have someone who you can rely on and trust who is not part of the wedding party to be there on the day to help with the final setup touches. Make the wedding FUN – I had a popcorn and chocolate fountain for dessert – it was a hit – it creates atmosphere and helps the guests engage if they do not know eachother.
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