Nubian Bride Issue 8

C E L E B RAT I N G A F R I C A N B R I DA L B E AU TY

o 9

+

GOWNS TO INSPIRE

Breathtakingly

MAGICAL FOREST FASHION

BEAUTIFUL plus

9 772218 395001

www.nubianbride.co.za

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R32.45 EXCL. VAT (outside RSA) R37 (INCL VAT)

TOP TIPS FROM MAKE-UP ARTIST GINA MYERS THE ULTIMATE ISSUE 8 | 2014 WEDDING LOOKBOOK

Michelangelo Towers Mall bridal destination par excellence

Annica’s Deli 011 884 9445 Annica’s is in the heart of Sandton, but could be in another part of the world.

Annica’s Boutique Restaurant is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, featuring tastes from around the world.

Ounce of Gold 011 784 2370 Introducing to South africa for the first time a whole new concept of sophisticated elegance. Experience all new world of fashionable exclusive 18ct, 22ct

Christiaan Michael Shoes

Brice Exclusive Menswear

011 326 5245 CHRISTIAAN MICHAEL is proud to bring you Benjamin Adams London. Benjamin Adams collection was created in 2004 as a collection solely dedicated to the craft of luxury chic bridal footwear

011 883 7221 High quality fashion from France

Angelino 011 784 5757 Shop U04D www.angelino.co.za shion from France Stockist of exclusive formal wear

strutt Lingerie 011 884 3579 Strutt Lingerie is an upmarket specialist lingerie boutique .The Strutt Philosophy is about giving women the confidence to celebrate their curves and to bring out the Goddess in all women. It was opened in September 2012 by Dr Ndileka Shuenyane due to a special interest in women’s health and breast health in particular and a passion for providing all women of all sizes with beautiful romantic lingerie which further enhances their natural beauty. We stock exquisite brands imported from France, Germany, UK, and USA. We also specialise in Post mastectomy wear for women who’ve had a breast removed following breast cancer- these garments can be claimed back from most Medical Aids

pronovias 011 784 2000 We dress the dreams of stylish women around the world. Pronovias, Pronovias by Manuel Mota, Elie by Elie Saab.

Lou Lou Boutique 011 783 6131 Lou Lou Boutique stocks the latest in stylish garments for the sophisticated elegant woman. Only sourcing the best in quality from international designers, we pride ourselves in delivering outfits that align our clientele’s tastes, preferences and personalities. Elegance, exclusivity and modern style is what we aim to unite when we select out outfits

145 Maude St, Sandton, 2031 Open HOurs

9h30am to 18h30pm Monday to Friday 10h00am to 17h00pm Saturdays 10h00am to 15h00pm Sundays and Public Holidays

A lifetime of

YOU DESERVE THE BEST Pres Les is South Africa’s premier Direct Selling Company offering superior quality products, and up to a 20 year guarantee

INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE By joining Pres Les, thousands of people across South Africa have achieved their dreams

For more information: www.presles.co.za 0860 773 753 (share call) www.twitter.com/preslesdirect www.facebook.com/preslesdirect

Winelands

Dream wedding‌ Rhebokskloof is undeniably one of the most beautiful wine farms 40 kilometres from Cape Town.

Splendid vineyards, heritage Cape Dutch buildings, tranquil lakes, and a garden with willow and oak trees, will create the perfect backdrop to any couple’s most important day.

Chefs with magical culinary experience, complemented by delighted. Rhebokskloof offers a variety of versatile venue options, catering between 30 - 300 guests.

Tel: +27 (0)21 869 8386 | Fax: +27 (0)21 869 8504 | Web: www.rhebokskloof.co.za | E-mail: functions@rhebokskloof.co.za Rhebokskloof Wine Estate (PTY) Ltd, Wine Route Number 8, Windmeul, Agter Paarl,7623, Western Cape, SOUTH AFRICA

Wedding ONE-STOP

PLANNING

DESTINATION

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e invite you to discover a one stop bridal shopping experience like no other at the Oriental Plaza in Fordsburg, Johannesburg.

Our unique open air shopping centre is home to exclusive bridal stores and boutiques – everything you need in one place for that special day.

The Oriental Plaza has it all, from wedding gowns, men’s suits, bridesmaid dresses, jewellery, bridal accessories, gifts, fabrics, shoes, lingerie and more.

Visit the Oriental Plaza in Fordsburg for your different wedding needs. Elegant and unique stores are waiting to provide you with an exceptional service at a deal you won’t be able to resist.

Our quality and products will fit your budget, come and see for yourself!

Discover the Oriental Plaza today for a unique shopping experience.

Physical Address 38-60 Bree Street Fordsburg, Johannesburg 2092.

GPS Coordinates Latitude: -26.202455 Longitude:Â 28.023951

Contact

Tel: 011 838 6752 Fax: 011 836 4674 Email: orientalplazafordsburg@gmail.com Website: www.orientalplaza.co.za Facebook: www.facebook.com/ orientalplazafordsburg

Discover the difference!

MANAGING EDITOR Julia Mafcher | julia@ballyhoomedia.co.za

From the team

W

inter is upon us. The days get shorter and the nights longer.

But weddings are as beautiful as ever. The proof is in this jam-packed issue of Nubian Bride. From traditional gowns to African couture, and hair style and make-up tips for your special day, we really have thought about everything for brides.

Oh, and let’s not forget about the grooms – there’s fashion and accessory advice for men too.

So, let’s take a look at what you can find in this issue. Evegenia Poplett from Splendid Affairs put the Fairytales Come True planning feature together and gives us some in-depth ideas of how to plan the perfect autumn/ winter wedding. Inspiration to whet your appetite, yes please!

We have male and female fashion designers for you in this issue: Biji from Biji Couture and Paledi Segapo from PALSE tell us all about the latest bride and groom trends and what we can look forward to on the runway, or even at your own wedding.

To co-habit or not? That’s the Great Debate in this issue. You’ll read some interesting yay and nay opinions as well as a relationship expert’s advice on living together before marriage or not.

ART DIRECTOR Tumi Sibambo | tumi@ballyhoomedia.co.za DESIGNER Justine Kerr

Our main fashion feature will blow you away; it’s a forest fantasy of ethereal beauty, stunning dresses and jewels sparkly enough to jump off the page. Equally striking is our traditional fashion spread – shot on the top of one of Joburg city’s buildings, it’s the perfect blend of African tradition and modern African city.

We have even more real weddings for you, and they’re sure to spark ideas for your own wedding. In this issue we are introducing our new hair and beauty section with some great hairdos and accessories to finish off the perfect bridal look, as well as some must-have tips from make-up artist Gina Myers.

We end off with some good advice from top catering companies. Since food plays such an important part in a wedding ceremony, we thought this would be the ideal cherry on top.

So please enjoy this issue. We hope you’ll love it as much as we are proud of it. Thanks so much for your feedback on our website, Facebook page and Twitter. We value your input, so please keep it coming. Remember we have a digimag too, so take some time out during your lunch hour to browse through it. Keep warm and wedding happy.

The Team

JUNIOR FEATURES WRITER Nwabisa Ngumbela COPY EDITING Anita van der Merwe PUBLISHER Gina Borthwick | gina@ballyhoomedia.co.za MANAGING DIRECTOR Eric Bornman | eric@ballyhoomedia.co.za PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Dion Viljoen SALES TEAM Luc Kazaba | luc@ballyhoomedia.co.za Janine Borthwick | janine@ballyhoomedia.co.za Crosby Moruthane | crosby@ballyhoomedia.co.za FINANCIAL MANAGER Anup Govan CONTRIBUTORS Nick Boulton, Steve Marais, Eve Poplett, Melissa Maxted–Henderson, Dion Viljoen, Claudia Pillay, ER Lombard, Tereza Cervinkova, Mira Leibowitz COVER Photographer Tereza Cervinkova Produced and styled by Melissa Maxted–Henderson Hair and make-up Liezl Callaghan Model Dana from Ice Models Dress Pronovias Shot on location Galagos Country Estate DISTRIBUTION Mashudu Mufhadi On the Dot PUBLISHER Ballyhoo Media: a division of Ballyhoo Trading Company Reg No 2007/207595/23 14 Sixth Street, Parkhurst, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2193 PO Box 3125, Parklands, 2121 Tel: 086 111 4626 Fax: 086 670 6429 PRINTED BY LEITAM BUSINESS SOLUTIONS Nubian Bride is published biannually by Ballyhoo Media. Opinions expressed in Nubian Bride are not necessarily those of Ballyhoo Media. No responsibility can be accepted for errors, as all information is believed to be correct at the time of going to print. Copyright subsists in all work in this magazine. Any reproduction or adaptation, in whole or in part, without written permission from the publishers is strictly prohibited and is an act of copyright infringement that may, in certain circumstances, constitute a criminal offence.

Nubian Bride photographic staff proudly use Nikon products

Nubian Bride

DIGITAL EDITION

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For more visit www.nubianbride.co.za Like our Facebook page Nubian Bride

Your one stop wedding store Sandton Tel: (0027) (011) 025 3839 • Polokwane: (0027) (0)78 371 0909 Mobile: (0027) (0) 76 878 6878 • (0027) (0) 76 235 6608 E-mail: lcdeiconti@gmail.com • Website: www.lcdeiconti.co.za

CONTENTS

MAY – OCTOBER 2014

CONTENTS FEATURES 18 28 35 36 38 40 176

Perfect Planning: Fairytales Come True Designer Studio: PALSE and Biji Couture Wedding Etiquette: Conversations to have before tying the knot

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The Great Debate: To cohabit or not to cohabit?

Celeb Talk: Songstress LeAnne and her manager husband Sipho Dlamini Heritage: ‘I Do’… The Zulu Way Good Advice: Expert catering tips

www.nubianbride.co.za |

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CONTENTS

44

MAY – OCTOBER 2014

CONTENTS

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FASHION AND BEAUTY 44 56 66 71 72 74 77 81 147

Forest Fantasy: Contemporary bridal dreams brought to life Makoti: Cityscape meets African tradition in couture fashion Love Your Hair: Classic options for bridal tresses to impress Beautiful You: Top bridal beauty tips and trends For Her: Shopping for the bride For Him: Shopping for the groom For Bridesmaids: Shopping for the bridal party For Flower Girls: Shopping for the youngest, and cutest, of the bridal party The Gown Pages: Find your perfect wedding dress

BRIDAL INSPIRATION 83 99 109 121

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Real Weddings: Couples’ dream days come true Cakes and Flowers: A range of styles and colours to help you decide Décor Themes: Fabulous reception setting ideas Ideal Venues: Find your perfect big day spot

WEDDING DISTRICT DIRECTORY

128 130 132 134

Gauteng: Johannesburg, Muldersdrift and Pretoria KwaZulu-Natal: Durban, Drakensberg and the Midlands The Cape: Cape Town and the Winelands The Eastern Cape: East London, Port Elizabeth and the Garden Route

HONEYMOONS 138 143

International Destination: The glorious island of Zanzibar Honeymoon Adventures: Best beach, bush and ski spots www.nubianbride.co.za |

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Fairytales COME TRUE Little girls dream of one day finding a Prince Charming, dressing up in a gorgeous gown and dancing the night away into the happy future. So get ready to swoon.

This inspiring winter wedding shoot was created by Evegenia Poplett from Splendid Affairs

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PLANNING

W

hen it comes to planning your wedding, draw your inspirations from who you are and what you love.

The greatest thing about modern weddings is that it’s all about the couple. One of the most exciting parts is deciding what the event will look like. I’m not a fan of heavily themed weddings and prefer to use playful and unconventional details with more classic and traditional elements. You don’t want to date your wedding, or make it too whimsical and childish. Twenty years from now you want to look back at your wedding day and still have that warm and fuzzy feeling . Go for witty rather than whimsical. Wedding style should be determined by your personal style – the way you dress, decorate your space, and express yourself. Incorporate elements that you and your partner love.

Smaller and intimate weddings at your own home are on the rise and here you can really save your budget. It’s amazing how you can use your own furniture to create a dream wedding setting.

Décor and flowers

Winter is a wonderful time of the year to get married. You can choose from an exciting palette of deep reds and gold for opulent romance, dark blues for winter wonderland enchantment, or even delicate cool pastel tones for more ethereal winter coolness.

Winter weddings are rich in detail, texture, vibrant tones and beautiful details you can use to personalise your wedding.

Moody reds

This styled shoot was inspired by the change of season and as the air gets crisp and the leaves fall, we are feeling the awakening of our senses for rich textures, warm colours and intimate heartfelt gatherings. If you’re getting married in winter you are in for a treat with a wide range of beautiful blooms available to feast your eyes on. Bring them to your wedding table for incredible and breathtakingly beautiful centerpieces.

Creating a warm, inviting and charming atmosphere is easy in winter, all you need to do is layer complementing elements. We used opulent décor with gold undertones to create a table that is elegant yet www.nubianbride.co.za |

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Planning

emanates effortless glamour. Candles add a romantic and moody glow, so go wild. Mixing different sizes and colours of candles adds an interesting element to a table.

Royal blue

At Splendid Affairs we take styling seriously. Coming up with a fairytale table in dark blue tones was exciting and fun. This table setting is styled to look regal, elegant and sophisticated. Opulent silverware is paired with luxurious white roses and blue chunky candles. The mason chair added to the look.

For the Royal Blue look we created a book cover design for the menu and table number. This is a great way to personalise your wedding.

Hint 1: Chairs make a statement, so if you want your wedding reception to be stylish and memorable, designer chairs are a must.

Hint 2: Table linen is one sure way to create a breathtaking table. You do not have to match your tablecloth and napkins. Contrasting textures and layers add a luxurious feel to the overall styling.

Ethereal beings

For brides who desire something that is soft, ethereal and delicate why not opt for cool pastel shades that blend in with the colours of the crisp winter dusk?

Stationery

Stationery plays an important role in a wedding. Write your love story using beautiful fonts; play around with gorgeous finishings such as foiling, embossing or letterpress.

Styling of the bridal party

Princess gowns are back, but with a modern twist. The fabrics are delicate and layered with beautiful statement detail such as a belt or cape.

Our gowns were provided by Lady Marmalaide, and the 2014 Demetrios collection is beautiful. You simply have

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of the world’s diamonds c an c arr y the Forevermark inscription — a promise that each is beautif ul, rare and responsibly sourced .

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Discover Forevermark diamonds in exceptional bridal jewellery designs as well as elegant his and h e r s we d d i n g b a n d s fo r p e r fe c t h a r m o ny.

Planning

Sharing of the cake with one another symbolises your vows, which means to love, honour and respect

to visit their bridal boutique to feel like royalty.

They stock a wide range of gowns and beautiful wedding accessories.

Trend alert: A delicate cape instead of a veil is a sure way to set yourself apart. The soft lace adds intricate details and softens the contours, giving you an ethereal feel.

Trend alert: Non-wedding shoes. Splash out on a gorgeous pair of dark or nude heels. Winter is a perfect time to wear black shoes under your gown, it adds a sexy and naughty element – think Cinderella all grown up.

Hair and make-up

Erin worked her magic and our models looked like real princesses, with gorgeous up-styles and a beautiful tiara.

Wedding cake

One of the most awaited parts of the wedding is the cutting of the cake, which has always been a tradition. The bride cuts the first piece with feigned assistance from the groom. It has come to symbolise the first task in the couple's life together. Originally, guests would have a share of the cake, which was solely cut by the bride. As cakes became grander, the task became quite unnerving, particularly for the multi-tiered cakes where the icing had to be strong. After cutting the cake, the bride and groom feed each other the first slice, which symbolises the mutual commitment to share and provide for each other.

A wedding is a commitment to share whatever path life takes you on, with love and devotion, and the shared cutting of the first slice represents this commitment. Sharing the cake with one another symbolises your vows, which means to love, honour and respect.

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Hartbeespoort

Planning

Some important wedding cake tips: Dos • Timing: If you are holding a lunch or dinner reception, cut the cake after the meal and before desserts.

• Educate the MC: Make sure that the MC announces the event and have your best man make a toast for the couple.

• Listen to the photographer: The cake cutting is a highly photogenic moment and the photographer will ask the couple to cut a particular layer of the cake that will work best for photos.

• Pause for a while: Friends and family members want snapshots of the ceremonial first cut, and gracious couples will take their time to allow plenty.

• Use a serving set: Use a special silver cake knife, purchased for the occasion.

• Cut it together: In cutting the cake, the groom’s right hand will gently hold the bride’s right hand – and make sure to slice through the bottom layer.

• Feed each other first: The groom will feed the bride first and then the bride to the groom from the slice they cut.

• Offer slices to in-laws: Make sure you both serve each other's parents a piece of cake.

• Assign someone: Ask a friend or someone from the catering staff to cut and serve the cake to your guests.

Don'ts • Smash the cake: Don't make a mockery of this ceremony by smashing cake into one another's faces. This can ruin carefully applied make-up, well-made tuxedos, and expensive wedding gowns.

• Use your fingers: A delicate dessert fork is the appropriate utensil for feeding one another cake.

• Cut the top tier: Not only may the top tier be too unstable for a good first cut, but many couples choose to save the top tier of their wedding cake for their first anniversary or first baby christening.

Source: www.thecakefactory.net

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Planning

Winter wedding planning tips Choose your venue wisely. Pay close attention to the finishes, undertones and lighting aspects.

Make sure guests know where they're going. As easy as online map programmes are to use, sometimes the directions are wrong, or there's a quicker, less traffic prone route to take. Ask your ceremony and reception sites for printouts of recommended driving directions. Test out the routes yourself. Heed the weather – guests have been known to skip out early from improperly heated winter receptions.

Your photographer needs that gorgeous light at sunset to capture beautiful couple portraits, and the sun sets earlier in winter so your wedding needs to start earlier.

Give warm fleecy blankets for your guests to use during the reception and ask for the blankets to be left behind so you can donate them to a charity of your choice.

If you love someone’s work, don’t be afraid to contact them. They may seem expensive, but you might be surprised how accommodating suppliers can be, especially in winter.

The Dream Team Stylist Eve Poplett, Splendid Affairs Wedding Company | www.splendidaffairs.co.za Photography Rensche Mari Photography | www.renschemari.com Flowers and décor Splendid Affairs | www.splendidaffairs.co.za Wedding gowns and accessories Lady Marmalaide | www.ladymarmalaide.com Hair and make-up Erin Smyle Walsh | www.erinsmylie.co.za Stationery Canvas Stationery Boutique (on the blue table) | www.canvasboutique.co.za Chrystalace Stationery (white, letter-press ones) | www.chrystalace.com Cakes Es. by Seline (the white cake with delicate flowers) | www.esbyseline.co.za SugarSmith Cakes (the blue, red, gold cake) | www.sugarsmithcakes.co.za Venue Private Estate Models Ice Models | www.icemodels.co.za

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Visit www.nubrianbride.co.za for more pictures from our planning shoot

www.eurosuit.co.za

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Pictures: Kevin van Niekerk

DESIGNER STUDIO

An Elegant Statement The talented and incredibly creative Biji from Biji Couture creates bold, dramatic and ultra feminine dresses that set her designs apart. She’ll do anything to make a bride happy and believes the experience of buying a gown is as important to the bride as wearing one

www.nubianbride.co.za |

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Designer stuDio

From dressing up and designing clothes for her Barbie dolls, Biji knew she wanted to make women feel beautiful from a young age What made you want to get into fashion design? As a young child I was always impressed by the selection of Barbies and clothes available in toy stores. I would collect scraps of fabrics, felt and anything else that was interesting. I loved sewing just about anything. Some years later, we were given a group assignment for Life Skills. We were to imagine life in the year 2000, when the Earth’s ozone layer would be totally depleted. We were tasked to design a fully functioning and self-sustainable school for that future environment. This was such an exciting concept to me that I promptly hijacked most of the tasks for myself. I think that this was the catalyst that made me realise I resonated with the idea of becoming a fashion designer.

When did you start designing wedding gowns? After graduating with a diploma in fashion design at Leggats Academy of Design, I found work as a designer and seamstress and I also managed the sewing room for a small boutique. Afterwards I found employment as a junior designer, then head pattern-maker in a denim jeans factory.

Within months I ended up working for a newly established garment label as co-designer with the owner and designing collections to be supplied to high-end boutiques. By the age of 21 I had become impatient with employment and it’s restrictions, and with my dad’s help I started my own label, designing small collections that were also sold to independent boutiques. This proved to be a huge challenge and not at all lucrative. At some point, probably aged 23, I was approached by a relatively established bridal designer to design and make a couple of her clients’ bridesmaids’ dresses. And just like that, I got sucked into the bridal industry.

What do you love about wedding gown design? The challenge of taking a woman with all her complexities and designing a magnificent gown for her to wear on one of the most significant days of her life and making her feel like she is the most beautiful and important person on this planet. I want her to experience what it feels like to enter a room full of people, whether they’re family, friends or even strangers, who stop in mid-sentence and gasp in amazement and awe at just how magnificently radiant and beautiful she is.

How would you describe your design style? I love power dressing.

There will always be an element of drama in my work. Even the

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simplest of my designs will have something unique or unusual about the detailing or the cut. I like to believe that my sense of style is both bold and ultra-feminine at the same time. My design aesthetic is definitely more contemporary classic as opposed to traditional.

What are brides mainly looking for at the moment in terms of design? Many women are beginning to embrace their uniqueness, which is quite empowering and inspiring. The access to so many images and beautiful ideas on the internet and on many social media sites makes finding the perfect wedding gown both easier and more overwhelming at the same time. Brides are more prepared than before and are searching for a dress that best defines them and also sets them apart from every other bride who has been married before them. This is where our creativity comes to life and the creative juices are stretched. The references she supplies us with are seeds that need to be nurtured and taken care of. It is with our vision and care that we can breathe life into her dream.

What is the ultimate goal for every wedding gown you design, especially in terms of what it means to the bride? I love to design exquisite wedding gowns that make an elegant statement without saying a word. I want to create and design dresses that leave a lasting impression on the bride first, and then on her groom. The ultimate aim is to create her perfect dress for her. The perfect dress will make people notice the radiance of the woman before them before they begin to admire the detail of her gown. Her joyful and beautiful confidence that emerges from this vision of herself becomes tangible when she sees herself in the mirror, turns to me and says, "Biji, this has got to be the most beautiful wedding gown you have ever made!" A simple statement that speaks volumes.

Have you had any experience working with bridal divas, and how do you handle it? Many women hold down really demanding and stressful jobs. They don’t have the time to waste with people who don’t ‘get them'. It is usually a clash in personalities that arises, especially when there are many people to please. Time and time again we notice a general pattern which begins to emerge with friends and family getting really excited about the wedding plans and offering their free and unsolicited advice. Some designers who fall prey to this occasional lashing out very often react with an attitude of arrogance, which in my opinion is massively disempowering and breaks down the lines of communication altogether.

Are there any wedding gown trends that you’re currently enjoying? I am loving dresses that express an opulent use of luxurious fabrics such as Chantilly lace and silk chiffons that have beautiful movement and a life of their own. I also love interesting details and textures, low backs, sensual illusion necklines, hemlines, design lines, you name it. If it flatters the figure, I’m all over it.

Contact +27 11 784 8018

Country Venue Muldersdrift

Photography by: Patrick Furter

...and they danced by the light of the moon Tel: (011) 659 7030

082 251 8043

info@moonandsixpence.co.za

www.moonandsixpence.co.za

Pour Homme

Founder and creative director of PALSE, Paledi Segapo, has become a household name in men’s fashion and is now branching out with a new women’s range as well as a retail store. We chat to him about grooms, suits and what men will be wearing when they say ‘I do’ this autumn and winter

DESIGNER STUDIO

PALSE was established in 2010 and has been showcasing biannually at SA Fashion Week since 2011.

April was PALSE Homme’s fifth season at SAFW, previously walking the international runways in Switzerland, London, Kenya, Tanzania and Malawi.

With an emphasis on fine tailoring and bespoke designs, the brand diversified in 2013 to also cater for women, as PALSE Femme.

What interested you in fashion design – in particular men’s fashion? My career in the fashion industry began in 2007. In 2010 I completed my postgraduate degree, a Masters in Business Leadership (MBL), and my dissertation title was Growth Strategies for SA Fashion Enterprise in Gauteng. Subsequent to my graduation I left corporate and established PALSE Consultancy, followed by PALSE Homme. We don’t choose our career paths, careers choose us.

In terms of suits for grooms and groomsmen, what are the biggest trends at the moment? Grunge is autumn/winter 2014’s biggest trend at the moment. Leather has also been quite significant on international runways, making its presence felt on men’s rails too. I’ve also picked up that tweed has made a dramatic comeback for menswear.

Do you think grooms are becoming more involved when it comes to choosing their suits for their wedding? I think grooms feel an enormous amount of pressure to find a suit that’ll pick up or complement the bride’s gown. And because of this, most grooms I know are very involved when it comes to choosing the perfect fit, cut, colour and style for their big day.

Picture: Simon Deiner

What is your most popular groom suit shape/design? The tuxedo three-piece look. It’s essential for grooms to look ‘groomy’, and not like they’ve just stepped out of a board meeting and dashed to the wedding ceremony.

What would you say the ratio between smart suits and casual wear is in your collection? It‘s honestly cumbersome to try create a balance. However, I do like my collection to be fragmented and to comprise ready-to-wear and formal wear, including wedding style, in order to cater for the market from a 360-degree perspective.

How many pieces are in each collection and how many collections do you produce each year? I showcase biannually at SA Fashion Week. On average I produce a minimum of four collections because I also showcase outside the SAFW platform. My collections range from 17 to 25 pieces.

Talk us through the process, from the inspiration of each new collection to the fabric sourcing and the sample making. Music plays a pivotal role when I conceptualise and design a new collection.

I always endeavour to find music I’d like to complement my new collection. I then start researching and putting together a mind map (designer’s road map) and only then can I come up with a storyboard.

After that I can start collecting fabric swatches that correspond with my mood and storyboard. My team and I then finalise the sketches and execute the collection. This is never a static phase until model fittings have taken place. We’re talking on average a period of three to five months.

What are your favourite suit fabrics and why? One hundred percent woollen fabrics, classics such as hound’s-tooth, Prince of Wales cloth, Milton, and of course 100% velvet it is the ultimate. I’m allergic to synthetic wool or polyester fabrics.

Do you have a studio? Tell us about your working environment.

I do have a studio/production area. It’s my secret weapon and I never allow anyone, including clients, to set foot there. I’m launching my first flagship store, PALSE, in Johannesburg in May. The brand is growing pretty rapidly and we’ve diversified into our first women’s line, PALSE Femme.

“

It’s essential for grooms to look ‘groomy’, and not like they’ve just stepped out of a board meeting

“

What are the hottest menswear trends for autumn/winter 2014? Definitely grunge. Cropped blazers, particularly double-breast jackets and pants with pin tux detailing. Slim fit leather blazers have made a massive comeback too.

What’s your take on accessories when it comes to suits? What about cufflinks? Cufflinks have been around; they complete a shirt, and especially a blazer, with impeccable sleeves. An accessory that has shifted how we look at today’s man is a man’s clutch bag. They come in different sizes, with detailing such as spikes. This is not for a man intimidated by style.

Visit www.palse.co.za

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WEDDING ETIQUETTE

CONVERSATIONS TO HAVE BEFORE TYING THE KNOT Marriage is the ultimate expression of love; however, there are many things to consider before tying the knot. Nwabisa Ngumbela chatted to the experts

A

ccording to Anri van de Berg from Vita Nova Counselling Services, people have different ideas of what a marriage should be like. These different notions are likely to lead to conflict. Therefore couples need to discuss how they envision their ideal marriage, and understand that it takes a lot of hard work to make a marriage work, bearing in mind things like finances, religion, kids and sex.

Your sex life Going through certain body changes in life is inevitable, says sexologist Babalwa Funda. “These phases of change will not be the same as that of your partner’s, due to genetic make-up. Changes may include menopause and taking of medication.”

Olivia Tantsi, a mother of two from Kempton Park, says during these challenges she and her husband find that joking around helps. “Be playful and treat each other right.

When you do that it’s easier to feel more sexual towards each other. A nice holiday is also a big sex spice up.”

Babalwa suggests having conversations about how your emotional status will have an effect on your sex life. She also advises that each party in the relationship should have what she terms ‘self-love dates’ in which they examine their bodies so they may pick up any bodily changes.

Picture: Thinkstock

Starting a family and religion To have or not have children is a potential deal breaker, yet couples rarely discuss this matter. “They get married without bringing up the topic of having children, then there comes a time when one party feels it’s time to start a family, and the other partner objects.

Unfortunately there’ll be a person in the union who has to compromise in order to

save the relationship,” says Anri. Mother of two Genali Steenkamp agrees with this. “It’s crucial for couples to be upfront. Having different expectations makes things difficult and expecting it to change after marriage is wishful thinking.

“Apart from this, raising kids requires a lot of effort, patience and love. You must be clear about religious beliefs so as not to confuse the kids. This is critical, unless you’re both very liberal people.”

However, Pastor Khaya Masango has slightly different views. “I cannot highlight enough the importance of religion in a marriage; in fact, a God-, and not a religion-, authored marriage.” If a couple were to get married without having decided on a religion to follow, the marriage would have a disastrous outcome. “It’s crucial that the would-be couple should discuss this issue in light of what they want to enter into marriage for, and what they want out of it.”

Finances in relationships Relationships that succeed are built on trust. “If you can’t trust your partner with information about your finances, what can you trust them with? Different attitudes and approaches to money are the main reason

why relationships fail, so start as you mean to finish – with openness and honesty,” says Lara Warburton, managing director of Imara Asset Management.

Sit down and decide what will work best for you. A joint account for shared expenses? Lara reckons it’s important for each party to have their own bank account, for money they have direct control over.

The pro of having a joint account is that there’s transparency regarding costs of living. Each partner understands where the money goes. The con is that when funding the bank account, each partner must take earnings ability into consideration.

When the couple can’t agree on what the joint account will pay for, decisions regarding savings and mounting children’s expenses need to be shared. Even if accounts are separate, couples should still see each other’s bank statements so that they understand the financial position and financial priorities of the other party. Always remember to talk about your likes and dislikes in a positive manner to strengthen the foundation.

“Without it you might as well put on boxing gloves. If children sense division, they’ll play you up against one another,” says mother-oftwo Genali Steenkamp. www.nubianbride.co.za |

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Great The

Cohabitation Debate

Rei Farinha is the director of guest relations at the Travel Corporation. He’s been in a relationship for 14 years and has been happily living with his partner for seven of those.

Yes

My partner and I have no contract between us and no children. We’ve worked hard to cohabit well, enjoy and love each other without marriage, and neither of us can see any reason it would change anything for the time being.

We agree that if at any stage through our relationship any practical benefits of

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marriage may arise that suit us, perhaps we’d consider it. Furthermore, neither of us are traditional enough that we would get married simply because our parents, friends or their friends did.

One always has to consider and try to understand cultural and religious beliefs, and their influence over a couple living together, married or unmarried.

A work colleague of mine recently expressed his feelings on the impact that being married has on him. He suggested that getting married gave him a new sense of ‘being’ in his relationship, whereby he felt more committed to it.

I’ve never understood this and disagree

that ‘marriage’ and ‘commitment’ should have anything in common. I’m committed to my partner because I choose to be, and no marriage certificate will likely make me feel otherwise.

Nonetheless, what I suppose was revealing about this conversation was that people have varying opinions and apply different levels of importance to what marriage means to them.

I find it problematic that society, for either cultural or religious reasons, expects that one should be married before cohabiting, having sex, having children, etc.

Why should it matter so much to society, in any case?

Picture: Thinkstock

Is it alright to live with your partner before marriage? Or should you wait until you’ve tied the knot? We chat to people in relationships with different views, as well as a relationship expert

GREAT DEBATE

No

Noxolo Nelana is a content administrator. She believes that a couple should be married before they move in together.

For many centuries women were told that the ultimate achievement is marriage.

Even today, where women are educated, breadwinners and career driven, the question of marriage is always on our minds.

I’m a modern woman but I do draw from the teachings of the old school because I don’t share the common belief that partners should live together before being married. My opinion comes a little from experience and a little from observation.

My boyfriend and I were a young, brighteyed couple filled with all sorts of hopes and dreams. I got pregnant while we were still at university and in our dreamy state we

Expert

We asked Mochabo Moerane, a registered psychologist and social worker, and a lecturer at UNISA,

What are the pros and cons of moving in together before getting married?

Relationships in general are complex in nature. What may be a positive to one person moving in together before getting married could be a negative to another. I’d like to highlight the following positives: • It affords partners the opportunity of intimately knowing each other and developing a more trusting relationship, in the absence of the financial and emotional burdens.

• Communication can improve emanating from this trusting relationship.

• Evenly share and allocate tasks and living expenses.

• Give each other a sense of belongingness and assurances, the building blocks for future commitment.

decided that getting married was the obvious next step. The first few weeks were exciting, and then reality kicked in. The first problem was the expectations we had as two young people living together, then we had to deal with the expectations of our families, and we both had jobs that demanded our attention.

Suddenly, we were an instant married couple, and that wasn’t what we wanted. His family assumed I was getting a free ride and not contributing anything to the household.

This household I was part of, that I helped create, started feeling like a warzone.

He also hated being in this pressured environment. He, too, had to deal with my family’s wrath, for not protecting me enough from his family. After being together for over eight years, living together for two months destroyed our relationship.

Now, these challenges are faced by many couples who are married, but the difference

between them and us was that we didn’t have a legal right to anything; we couldn’t approach any elders in our family to help us resolve anything, because we weren’t a recognised entity. Our living arrangement was frowned upon.

The people of old weren’t as sophisticated as we deem ourselves today, but they knew one fundamental truth – that living with another being is complicated, especially if you aren’t from the same family. Therefore, the contract of marriage – whether it’s recognised by the courts or by the ancestors – protects us from our nature.

It also allows us the freedom of mind to know that our individual families need to respect the union, and therefore the household. Elders give advice to young couples on how they navigate the life ahead, something that every couple needs when they embark on a journey together.

The big negative of staying together without getting married other than religious or traditional norms, values and principles, is that the women are the most disadvantaged as men tend to delay getting married.

relationship? The basic principle in counselling is not to give advice to couples.

Instead it’s to help them make their own informed decisions. Their decision-making process will normally move along a continuum of either growing together or growing apart.

What are the pros and cons of not moving in together before getting married? Most religions encourage couples to stay together after getting married as a covenant or sacrament to their God. The positive role played by these religious groupings is that they view marriage as sacred, protected and a blessing. For non-believers the advantage of not staying together before getting married is primarily to exercise the function of procreation according to their cultural and traditional prescripts. The major disadvantage of not moving in together before getting married is not getting to fully know the other person.

What’s your advice to couples who are thinking of moving in together? How will this shift the dynamics of their

What should couples who don’t want to live together until after their wedding prepare for when they finally find themselves having to share space?

They must look forward to embracing the exciting times of getting to know the ‘blind’ spots of their partner. It will be important that they share the same life purpose and common interests.

What’s your advice to couples about to get married, regardless of whether they cohabit or not? If one of them can’t fully accept the uniqueness of the other, they aren’t ready to marry them. They must love each other unconditionally and be there for one another in the ever-changing seasons and challenges of life, either in trouble or in joy. www.nubianbride.co.za |

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No Ordinary Love Song Singer/songwriter LeAnne Dlamini and her husband Sipho, who just happens to be her manager, have been making beautiful music together as colleagues and as a couple ever since they first met.

They have two daughters together, Zani-lee and Zaya Rose

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eAnne and Sipho met at church where LeAnne was a member of the choir. “He was managing local artist Loyiso at the time and the three of us got chatting about music. Sipho and Loyiso suggested I do some backing vocals on a song he was working on, and the rest, as they say, is history.”

However, it wasn’t love at first sight for the couple. “Sipho is 10 years older than I am and I was still in high school at the time of our meeting. So, it was more of a work relationship that grew into a romantic one much later.”

The couple began dating in 2002, and while holidaying in Paris, Sipho, proving the real romantic that he is, proposed to LeAnne at the top of the Eiffel Tower. “I didn’t expect it, but he’s very romantic like that.”

LeAnne says that both she and Sipho wanted to get married. “We wanted it to be forever and for it to be done right. We also went for pre-marital counseling and I think that’s very important as you learn so many lessons.” The couple has a very strong bond and they’re 100% supportive of each other. “Our marriage is a 100/100 partnership and giving up is never an option for us.”

They were married in 2006, and “it was just the perfect day,” says LeAnne. “We were surrounded by our family and friends, the weather was on our side, and, most importantly, I was marrying my best friend. You could really feel the love all around. We danced, laughed, and just had an incredible time.”

Celeb Talk

www.nubianbride.co.za |

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HERITAGE

Love and marriage

M

y husband is a typical Zulu man; he wasn’t on a bended knee, just a Ngifuna ukuya kini (I’m coming to your house), when he asked for my hand in marriage,” says Khethiwe. Like all Zulu men, she says that her beau nagged her to take him to her family home so he could ask her parents for her hand in marriage. Even though she knew she loved him dearly, she brushed

The pictures in this article of Khethiwe and Celani's traditional Zulu wedding depict the colourful, exuberant and happy celebrations in the culture.

him away, but Celani wouldn’t be deterred, until the object of his affection finally gave in, in 2012.

“I was too nervous to tell my parents about the prospect of their daughter getting married, as most Zulu girls are.

So, seeing that I was wasting time, Celani asked my aunt (my mother’s sister) to tell my mother about this, which she did. Once she’d told her my mother called me to confirm the news. She then told my father

and just like that a date was set.

“In December the Ilobolo day arrived.”

The ilobolo or dowry has today changed somewhat and not everything is done according to the traditional steps that used to be followed. In the past, ilobolo was the next step after courtship, but now people can live together for years and even start families before they consider paying it.

Whereas cows were used for dowry, now people bring cash as a form of exchange.

HERITAGE

“I Do...”

The Zulu Way

Pictures: Janeke Wissekerke

Khethiwe and Celani Jobe had a traditional Zulu wedding and there’s certainly a lot that went into it. They tell Julia Mafcher the ins and outs of the events leading up to their big day

With the migration from rural areas to the cities, where people have no space to keep cows, using money is the only reasonable way to conduct ilobolo. Whereas culture says that ilobolo cannot be paid in full, these days some parents demand every cent of the money they asked for.

“It was an early nerve wracking morning filled with family preparing food in the yard for our visitors,” Khethiwe continues. “They (Celani’s family) arrived in the morning sig-

nalled by praises coming from outside the gate – this is a sign of respect to the brideto-be’s family. They were kept outside until the men in my family were happy enough about their performance. Then the negotiating party were let in and the rest of the family stayed outside awaiting the news.

Hours later I heard singing and ululating, signalling that all had gone well.

“The next order of our wedding was the umembeso ceremony. This is held at

the bride’s family home where the groom presents the bride and her family with gifts. The bride receives a traditional outfit, headscarf and blanket, and the other family members are given blankets and other items they’ve asked for. After the gifts have been given, a huge party is thrown.”

Because of financial constraints, distance, and time, Khethiwe and Celani decided to bypass some of the traditional events (uMkhelo and uMbondo) and planned the main events; white wedding and uMabo (the Zulu traditional wedding that usually takes place after the white wedding). They managed to do this all in one day. uMkhehlo was a tradition observed by the bride before her wedding day.

She would visit her relatives with her bridesmaids and ask for gifts. She would go from family to family collecting things, such as appliances or cutlery, which she would need to start her own home. Families gave generously and were ready with gifts.

Nowadays brides are afraid to do this as they don’t want to be seen as demanding.

What now happens instead of uMkhehlo is a more modern bridal shower. uMbondo is one of the stages of the marriage procedure performed by the bride.

Accompanied by her friends and family, the bride brings along baskets filled with fruits and veggies, and a lot of other different types of food, to the groom’s family. This www.nubianbride.co.za |

41

heritage

includes rice, mielie meal, samp, cooking oil, sweet potatoes and pumpkins. These are the gifts for the mother-in-law that she shares between her family and neighbours.

“The night before the wedding abakhongi (ilobolo negotiators) came to collect me and my kist (suitcase) from home and took me and my maids to Celani’s home, where the bride’s cow is slaughtered,” explains Khethiwe.

“Then on our wedding day we changed into traditional outfits, me in is'dwaba (a traditional Zulu skirt) and is'cholo (head piece), and Celani in ibheshu (a male traditional Zulu skirt). The wedding started with my family and I singing and dancing outside Celani’s home in an attempt to impress and to be let into the yard.

Then, once we’d been let in, my family gifted his family with blankets, grass mats and pillows, which symbolises the warmth the bride will bring. I then presented my husband with our matrimonial bed and his blankets to show how I’d take care of him by putting him to sleep, while my maidens hit him with sticks as a symbol of how upset they were that he was taking their sister. The day is filled with song, dance and tears as I said goodbye to my old family and hello to my new one.

“The whole day was a highlight for me,” says Celani. Khethiwe adds that their wedding was just how she’s envisioned it to be. “It had been a long journey for us and I’d been wishing for this day for a long time.”

Will you be getting married the traditional way? For more stories on South African traditions, visit www.nubianbride.co.za

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The wedding started with my family and I singing and dancing outside Celani’s home in an attempt to impress and to be let into the yard

Photography: Jonathan Munnik 072 221 0165 • Hair & Make-up: Rae 079 189 8547 • Model: Shyline 083 292 6193

Asanda Madyibi

asandamadyibi.com • 083 259 2017

FASHION & BEAUTY

Forest

Fantasy Pair textured gowns with elegant jewels in a mysterious yet romantic setting that make contemporary dreams come alive

Enchanting duo

Flowing gowns with glittering headpieces and statement heels make for the perfectly dreamy wedding day.

Enno, Dress, Gracious House | Hairpiece, Maeve | Earrings, Jewel Africa Retha, Dress, Gracious House | Rings and earrings, Jewel Africa | Hairpiece, Maeve | Heels, Lilikoi Louis bench, Classic Revivals

www.nubianbride.co.za |

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Bridal princess

Playfully feminine dress paired with a classic fascinator, a statement necklace and diamond ring and earrings.

Dana, Dress, Joel Janse Van Vuuren | Ring, necklace and earrings, Jewel Africa | Fascinator, Maeve

FASHION & BEAUTY Forest fairy

This marvellous dusty pink dress with attached flowers and tulle bottom reflects the ambience magnificently.

Retha, Dress, Vesselina Pentcheva | Accessories, Maeve | Heels, Lilikoi

www.nubianbride.co.za |

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FASHION & BEAUTY

A magical trio

Soft touches of pink and white with hints of lace and sparkling jewellery.

Enno, Dress, Badgly Mishka at Vonve Bridal | Ring, Jewel Africa | Hairpiece and earrings, Maeve | Veil, The Bridal Room Retha, Dress, Badgly Mishka at Vonve Bridal | Ring, Jewel Africa | Hairpiece, bracelet and earrings, Maeve Dana, Dress, Vesselina Pentcheva | Rings, Jewel Africa | Hair net, Vesselina Pentcheva | Earrings, Maeve Louis XVI Chaise Lounge bench, Classic Revivals

www.nubianbride.co.za |

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Black swan

A flowing train of lace and ruffles with a classic flower hairpiece and standout necklace.

Dana, Dress, The Bridal Room | Ring and necklace, Jewel Africa | Flower headpiece, Vesselina Pentcheva

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FASHION & BEAUTY

Misted beauty

This heavenly dress with a detailed lace top and flowing skirt adds to the dream-like quality.

Enno, Dress, Pronovias | Accessories, Jewel Africa

Fashion & Beauty

Shining goddesses

An ocean of ethereal fabrics complement their glittering head pieces.

Enno, Dress, David Tlale | Ring and earrings, Jewel Africa | Necklace worn as headpiece, Maeve Retha, Dress, Pronovias by Pronovias | Tiara, Pronovias by Pronovias | Ring and earrings, Jewel Africa

www.nubianbride.co.za |

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Credits CREW

Photographer Steve Marais at Infidels Styling & production Melissa Maxted-Henderson Assistant stylist Mira Leibowitz Make–up Liezl Callaghan Hair Renate Willems at Red Hot Ops Props Klara van Wyngaarden Models Enno from Fabulousdotcom, Retha and Dana from Ice Models Furniture Classic Revivals Location Galagos Country Estate, +27 82 823 1812 | www.galagos.co.za

STOCKISTS

Classic Revivals +27 11 327 1099 David Tlale +27 11 614 7424 | www.davidtlale.com Diamond Love Bridal Couture +27 11 646 5744 Gracious House +27 83 404 7848 Jewel Africa +27 11 011 9107 Joel Janse van Vuuren info@joeljansevanvuuren.com Lilikoi +27 86 199 9936 Lunar +27 11 726 5558 Maeve +27 11 447 0504 Pronovias +27 11 784 2000 The Bridal Room +27 12 346 0955 Tinsel +27 11 447 2761 Vesselina Pentcheva +27 11 442 7501 | www.vesselina.co.za Vonve Bridal +27 86 669 3270

Nubian beauties

Tulle and satin dresses, wonderfully detailed veil and simply elegant headpiece – what a fantastical show of bridal beauty.

Retha, Dress, Lunar by Lunar | Ring, Jewel Africa | Earrings, Tinsel Dana, Dress and veil, Bridal Love Diamond | Ring, Jewel Africa | Necklace, Maeve

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www.delavida.co.za D E L A V I DA B R I D A L C O U T U R E

Makoti Cityscape meets African tradition in this couture fashion spread overlooking Joburg’s iconic skyline

City queen

This traditional head wrap and embellished, beaded neckpiece add drama to the soft tulle mesh Gatsby dress.

Dress, Lunar | Neckpiece, Piece | White head wrap, Sun Goddess

Sequinned beauty

A wow factor shimmering bronze dress and feather headpiece blend right in with standout gold nails sure to turn heads.

Dress, Stefania Morland | Headpiece, Vesselina Pentcheva at Talk Shop Press Ofice | Nails, stylist’s own | Shoes, Melina at Europa Art Shoes | Gold cuffs, Top Shop

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FASHION & BEAUTY

In bloom

The contrast of delicate white lace and blossoming beige skirt is topped off with a one-ofa-kind headpiece.

Dress, Kotton & Twille at Talk Shop Press Office| Neckpiece used as headpiece, Piece www.nubianbride.co.za |

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Stunning in silk

Big hair, a breathtaking flowing poncho and interesting sandals come together like magic.

Poncho, Joel Janse van Vuuren | Brass collar, Eric Loubser for Tinsel | Tied sandals, Galago at Talk Shop Press Office

Fashion & Beauty

www.nubianbride.co.za |

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Magnificent motion

Skipping along, she makes a statement in a billowing cotton dress, eye-catching headpiece and veil, and show-stopping shoes.

Dress, Lunar | Veil, Vesselina Pentcheva | Headpiece, Stefania Morland | Sandals, Galago at Talk Shop Press Office | Earrings, Pichulik at Talk Shop Press Office

FASHION & BEAUTY

Regal poise

A golden beauty wrapped in bronzes and browns with pops of sparkling jewellery – a majestic look.

Dress, Cutterier by Laz Yani | Necklace, Jet | Head wrap, 3 Tigers at The Oriental Plaza | Gold ring, Marchand for Tinsel | Sandals, Galago at Talk Shop Press Office

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Angelic dreamer

The gold embellished dress picks up the warm glow of the afternoon sun and her make-up stands out like a beacon of warmth and beauty.

Dress, Kl没k CGDT | Neckpiece, Piece

Credits CREW

Photographer ER Lombard Stylist Riaan Hulley Make-up Enrique Andre Fourie Model Carol from Boss Models Location Randlords +27 11 403 1833 www.randlords.co.za

STOCKISTS

Cloche +27 78 327 5121 | www.cloche.co.za Europa Art Shoes +27 11 455 0949 | www.europashoes.co.za Jet +27 11 685 7000 | www.jetonline.mobi Joel Janse van Vuuren +27 73 772 3059 | www.joeljansevanvuuren.com Kluk CGDT +27 83 377 7730 | www.klukcgdt.com Laz Yani +27 76 687 0811 | www.lazyani.com Lunar +27 726 5558 | www.lunarlife.co.za Oriental Plaza +27 838 6752 | www.orientalplaza.co.za Piece +27 11 447 5541 | www.piece.co.za Stefania Morland +27 11 440 7340 | www.stefaniamorland.com Sun Goddess +27 11 883 8890 | www.sungoddess.co.za Talk Shop Press Office +27 11 786 4789 | www.talkshop.com Tinsel +27 11 447 2761 | www.tinsel.co.za Top Shop +27 11 685 7070 | www.topshop.com Vesselina Pentcheva +27 11 442 7501 | www.vesselina.co.za

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isiting Diamond 4 brings back memories of vast open fields, the enchanting evening breeze and a colourful sunset. We present excellence in service with a complete freedom of choice and a variety of selection whether it be a wedding, year end function, concert or business presentations. With the relaxing sound of veld crickets, the wild vleiloerie and sprinkling fountains in the background, the setting is even more enhanced by dazzling light themes and glorious sunsets. Here at Diamond 4 we will make your dream a reality. We realize that ideas, planning and expense are just as important as the event itself making your dream come true in an effortless and hassle free manner. Diamond 4 will leave you, our client, feeling comfortable and relaxed, making your special day a memorable experience.

Contact details: Office: 082 660 2522 (Melanie van Wyk) E-mail: info@diamond4.co.za Website: www.diamond4.co.za Find us on Facebook at Diamond 4 Venue We are situated close the Cradle in Muldersdrift at 73 Bartlet Road, Honingklip

HAIR & BEAUTY

LoveYourHair You’ve got the perfect dress, amazing accessories and to-die-for shoes – so that means it’s time for the hair. We’ve simplified matters for you by giving you three effortless, chic styles that will save the day and have you looking picture perfect in no time. These classic options will leave any bride tressed to impress!

Go from bohemian side braid to elegant up-do in seconds...

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Step 1: Lightly comb all your hair backwards and then smooth a hair serum lightly over your locks to get rid of flyaway strands.

Gather all your hair at the nape of your neck and divide it into three even sections to make a simple plait.

Step 2: Attach a hairpiece, which should be the same colour as your natural hair, to the top at the fullest part of your own plait. The hairpiece provides volume and makes your

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hair look thicker and fuller. The hairpiece should be neatly plaited in the same style as your own hair.

Step 3: Using hair bands and hairpins, securely attach the extension to your plait.

Wind the hair band around as many times as possible in order to make sure the plait stays in place. It’s best to use pins and bands in the same shade as your hair. Use hairpins to further secure the extension in place – the hair extension must be seamlessly attached to your natural hair.

Step 4: You’re almost there with your ladylike and elegant boho-style side braid. You can

either leave the plait falling loose over your shoulder, which would work well for a rustic bride or someone who wants a farm-style wedding. Alternatively, up the style stakes with an elegant plaited chignon.

Step 5: For the up-style, simply take your plait to the side, and start to wrap it around the side of your head like a bun. You secure this style by using hairpins to hold it in place – pin as you wrap it tightly around in a circular motion. While you will need several pins to hold up the chignon, make sure the pins are well placed and not visible. The finished product is a classy, easy-to-handle style that will stay firmly in place for the whole night.

Pictures: Dion Viljoen

This versatile style embodies classical elegance and style. It looks great on long hair but even if your hair is short you can fake it until you make it, in these five easy steps:

HAIR & BEAUTY

A romantic mix of modern and vintage

This is one of the simplest but most popular wedding styles available.

It’s chic and provides the right amount of ‘vintage’ glamour. It’s also the perfect choice for a bride who wants to let her hair down, as you can dress this style up with beautiful accessories. This look is soft and romantic and is best suited to brides with longer hair.

Step 1: Start with brushing all the tangles out so your hair is smooth and knot free. Next, divide your hair into smaller, manageable sections for your curling tongs. It’s best to use one of the newer styled curling tongs without

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2

the iron barrel – rather use the ‘stick’ type tongs with a wider base and narrow tip.

Step 2: Wrap a small section of hair around the tong and wait for about 10 seconds – don’t hold for more than 30 seconds a section. When you remove the barrel you will be left with a glossy ringlet which you will tone down. When curling, remember that hot air is for straightening while cool air is for setting, so use the curler on a low to medium setting. Keep going like this around your whole head but work in small sections. Don’t be put off by the perfect ringlets as this is how you create the texture for the look.

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Step 3: Once you’ve finished curling, use a wide-tooth comb or hair brush to brush out the ringlets. The comb is great for keeping more of the curl and leaving it loose while the brush gives you a smoother look with less curl texture.

Once you’re satisfied with the level of wave, you can attach your veil, fascinator or any hair comb. The overall effect is a dreamy look with texture and it’s great for a bride who wants to leave her hair down or frame her face. If this is too casual for the bride, it can work beautifully on the bridesmaids for a modern, vintage feel.

Pictures: Dion Viljoen

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Accessories Your crowning glory Pictures: Adoria, www.adoria.co.za | Helena’s Crown , 082 549 3213 | Pam Goldberg Customised Hats , www.customisedhats.co.za

Nothing says perfect, ‘look-at-me’ hair like the right hair accessories. These days there are plenty of options, from diamonds and crystals to pearls and flowers. You could also go old school with a traditional veil or crystalencrusted tiara to unleash your inner princess. Alternatively, add an air of mystery with a bridal bird-cage veil.

Top tips for choosing the right hair accessory Decide in advance what works best with your dress style as you could have your designer make a special bespoke piece that works well with your wedding gown.

Nothing will complete your princess fantasy better than a tiara but it can be hard to choose the right one. Firstly, make sure it fits properly – if it pinches or is too heavy, you’ll end up with a sore head. The tiara should draw attention to your face.

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Follow these simple rules and you won’t go wrong: Round face: Choose a bridal tiara with a delicate, high peak to make your face look more elongated.

Long face: Opt for one that has little or no height and extends over your head from one side to the other at an even height.

Oval face: Avoid peaked tiaras; rather go for symmetrical headpieces that have the most volume at the side of the head.

Crystal-encrusted bridal combs are a simple headpiece style that can be worn with almost any hairstyle. Some resemble tiaras and are worn similarly, while others are worn at the side of the head or in the back. These are great, easy-to-use pieces that add a beautiful sparkle to your hair.

HAIR & BeAuty

Beautifulyou Elizabeth Arden national makeup artist Gina Myers shares her top bridal beauty tips and trends

Skincare The thing you have to think about before we can even speak make-up is skincare. Your skin provides the canvas to paint a beautiful picture on your wedding day, so ensure you start a strict skincare regime months before your big day. Remember to never skip these four steps: cleanse, tone, treat and moisturise. Visit your beauty consultant to ensure you are using the correct skincare regime for your skin’s needs.

Foundation The trick to looking glowing on your wedding day is to look natural and effortless.

This is why I like to use a foundation that will give you just the coverage you need, without making you look overdone. You don’t want to feel like your foundation is too heavy on your wedding day. You want to feel comfortable and natural.

The Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Perfectly Nude Make Up (R345) is fantastic for this. It has great coverage properties while at the same time feeling as light as a feather on your skin. But my absolute favourite thing about this foundation is that it leaves a luminous, ‘dewy’ effect, leaving

“

Every bride I meet says one thing to me, ‘I want to look glowing on my special day’

your skin looking and feeling silky and moisturised with a naturally radiant finish.

The simpler you keep it, the less you have to worry about during the day.

Eyes My mantra is: keep it natural, but defined.

I love a shimmer on the lid. This adds definition and that extra ‘magical touch’.

To keep it natural, I lean towards using earthy, gold tones like the Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Colour Eye Shadow in Shimmering Copper (R210).

To add a bit of ‘va-va-voom’, I then mix this with a rich brown or charcoal tone and blend it in towards the outer eye to achieve the smokey eye effect. Try the Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Colour Eye Shadows in Chocolate or Truffle (R210 each).

The biggest trend I’m seeing at the moment is an elegant, but distinct liquid liner that lifts the eye and gives you the ‘cat eye’ effect. Don’t forget long luscious lashes. Use my favourite mascara of all time, the Beautiful Colour Lash Enhancing Mascara (R210.00), and give the bottom a coat of it to get the doll-eye effect. Finally, use a brow shaper to fill in the brows.

“

Cheeks The cheeks are where you get to play around to achieve that amazing glowing look. Use the Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Correcting & Highlighting Perfector (R245) around your key areas: around the eyes and by your cheekbones to boost the radiance on your protruding areas. Contour these areas with a bronzer and blend a small amount of soft pink blush on the cheeks to add a bit of colour. This way you will get that look of fresh, ‘happy’ cheeks.

Lips More than ever brides are opting for bold, colourful lips. This is a big trend and I’m really enjoying it. Pink is the new black.

Try the new beautiful colour lipstick in Pretty Pink (R210) and finish off with the Beautiful Colour Lip Gloss in Passion Fruit (R195). It smells like dessert and gives your lips 60 percent moisture with a high gloss impact. All in all, this will give you a sophisticated and eternally beautiful look.

Visit www.elizabetharden.com

www.nubianbride.co.za |

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FASHION & BEAUTY

For

Her

While it’s relatively easy to get lost in bridal fashion, it’s important to remember that real elegance lies in simplicity

Olivelli +27 11 782 1155

Diamond studs, Georgini +27 11 089 6000

Tag Heuer +27 11 669 0500

Chain, Georgini +27 11 089 6000

Our Pick

Ring, Arthur Kaplan Jewellers +27 11 669 5600

We love this stunning watch from Tag Heuer; it’s fit for a queen Clutch Bag, Bride and Co

+27 11 807 4000

Anella +27 76 306 5585

Bracelet, Forever New +27 11 555 2300 Marni, Luminance +27 11 325 4765

Nailene +27 21 507 8172

Essentials for her Instinct and creativity define Marni. The fragrance oozes a sense of dignity, calm and individuality.

For an easy French manicure, without compromising on beauty, Nailene So Natural range ensures the perfect bridal nails. www.nubianbride.co.za |

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FASHION & BEAUTY

For

Him

Even the slacks and flip flops man will want to look nothing short of handsome on his special day

Suit, Eurosuit

+27 11 807 4000

Belt, Polo +27 11 258 7600

Shirt, Eurosuit

+27 11 807 4000

Our Pick

For the fashion forward gentleman whos loves the finer things in life.

Watch, Ebel www.ebel.com

Shoe, Borgat +27 11 447 5418

Rings, Arthur Kaplan Jewellers +27 11 669 5600

Fragrances Aramis & Designer +27 11 516 3172

Azzaro Fragrance +27 11 325 1000

Cufflinks, Chris Winspear +27 11 262 3603

Fragrances for him Indonesian Oud (right) by Ermenegildo Zegna is an exclusive collection of five signature fragrances, each the ultimate expression of one raw material with its own unique provenance. Azzaro (far right) has a deep blend of amber, musk leather and sandalwood that exudes masculinity and energy.

www.nubianbride.co.za |

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FASHION & BEAUTY

For

Bridesmaids Bridesmaids play an important role in the wedding. All eyes are on them even before the bride walks in, so they need to look beautiful, stylish and classy, without showing up the bride

Dress, Bride and Co +27 11 807 4000

Earrings, Forever New +27 11 555 2300

Dresses, Forever New +27 11 555 2300

Necklace, Jenna Clifford - +27 11 523 6600

Ring, Forever New +27 11 555 2300

Nude lipstick, Elizabeth Arden +27 21 936 5939

Bracelet, Forever New +27 11 555 2300

Clutch bag, Forever New +27 11 555 2300

Our Pick

Viva La Juicy +27 21 936 5939

Shoes, Call It Spring +27 11 555 2312

This chic and stylish clutch bag goes with most outfits, so why not complement that special dress?

Red Door Aura +27 21 936 5939

Fragrances for bridesmaids Viva La Juicy is fresh and girly with subtle vanilla undertones. Red Door Aura; is a modern expression of the orignal Red Door with all the sensuality and elagance of the old one.

www.nubianbride.co.za |

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Driefontein Rd, Muldersdrift

011 668 3000

info@avianto.co.za www.avianto.co.za

BY WORD OF MOUTH INTRODUCES A NEW 400 SEATER VENUE AT THE INANDA CLUB The Polo Room is situated within the exclusive grounds of The Inanda Club. With its majestic view of Sandton and overlooking an internationally renowned polo field, The Polo Room is the perfect venue for any event - from the most romantic weddings, bespoke Birthday parties and other private functions - to larger corporate conferences and events. This exciting new venue offers a unique experience in Johannesburg, with the highest standards of cuisine, decor, floral design, event management and service.

Please direct all enquiries to Gizelle van der Merwe.

Email : Gizelle.vanderMerwe@bywordofmouth.co.za. Tel : 082 444 9441.

For more info visit www.bywordofmouth.co.za

FASHION & BEAUTY

For Flower Girls She’s the simplest to dress, as there is no make-up or many extras needed. A stunning dress and gorgeous shoes will go a long way

Our Pick

Bracelet, Pandora +27 11 706 2377

Fit for a little princess, these accessories will match her ensemble

Shoes, Dior +27 11 325 4765

Picture: Supplied

Necklace, Georgini +27 11 089 6000

Dress, Luminance +27 11 325 4765 Dress, La Collezione Dei Conti +27 76 878 6878

Alice band & handbag set, Woolworths nationwide www.nubianbride.co.za |

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Fatherland estate is the ideal venue to host your wedding or any other required function. It is perfectly situated in the beloved Bushveld, with a magnificent view over Blaauwbankdam.

The venue offers a thatched chapel and a function hall for 250 guests.

A celebration on the open deck, surrounded with water, is sheer bliss and calls for a cocktail from the outside bar. A small private party in the boma will be an unique experience.

Hidden between the indigenous trees of the veld, is a luxurious honeymoon suite with a private deck where the newlyweds can relax in the serenity of the Bushveld The reception hall with magnificent roof and earthy atmosphere, is the perfect compliment to the perfect wedding day.

Mouthwatering menus are created to suit every intended bridal pairs unique exclusive needs

Contact details: Nicky Rabe fatherlandestate@myconnection.co.za www.fatherlandestate.co.za Cell 0832793640 GPS S25˚37’58” en E27˚46´59”

True

Inspirations These couples have had their special day, with dream-like pictures to show for it. Enjoy these magnificent real weddings to help you get ready for your big day

www.nubianbride.co.za |

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&

Marcia Jermaine

real WeddIngs Where and how did you meet?

Jermaine and I met at a happy hour function. Towards the end of the evening, he asked me to dance and before I left we exchanged business cards. After that evening we became inseparable and six years later we decided to get married.

How did he propose? Over the years we took a very slow practical approach towards discussing marriage. One day after our church cookout he asked me if I would get married again and I in turn asked him the same question.

The answer was ‘yes’. One weekend we selected the diamond, designed the ring and placed the order. When the ring arrived – we were so excited to see the final product – he opened the box and put the ring on my finger.

If you could change one thing about your wedding day, what would it be?

Wedding Concepts took care of everything for us. The day was perfect.

What was the highlight of your day? We were able to get a sneak peek of the venue before our guests and that moment was a feeling we’ll never forget. The design of the wine cellar with the brick walls, wood doors and arching pillars was absolutely beautiful yet simple. Also, the combination of the chandeliers, dimmed lighting, and detailed rose carpet created the intimate feeling we were looking for.

Photography Gavin Casey Photography Contact www.gavincasey.co.za Wedding management and design Wedding Concepts Contact +27 21 426 5783 | www.weddingconcepts.co.za Wedding coordinator Megan Kenny from Wedding Concepts Venue Grande Provence Contact www.grandeprovence.co.za Wedding gown Tadashi Shoji Contact www.tadashishoji.com Flowers Fleur Le Cordeur Contact www.fleurlecordeur.co.za Cake Roxanne Floquet Contact www.roxannefloquet.com Stationery Lara from Lara’s Designs Contact www.larasdesigns.co.za www.nubianbride.co.za |

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Felicia Chris

real WeddinGs Where and how did you meet? We met at work. Felicia was studying Industrial & Organisational Psychology and she needed assistance with accounting. We started studying together and ended up spending more and more time together, the rest is history.

Give us a short description of your wedding day. We had an intimate wedding with only 100 guests. We were both calm and relaxed – we’d promised each other to overcome the nerves and just have an amazing time and we achieved that. We enjoyed every moment.

What were your highlights of the day?

Getting ready at the venue. Oakfield Farm is like the Garden of Eden with its green trees and well-kept gardens. Our first kiss was amazing, as was our first dance to our favourite song ‘All of me’ by John Legend.

Photography Christiaan David Photography Contact +27 84 504 7721 | www.christiaandavid.com Wedding design and coordination Gladys from Oakfield Farm Contact +27 11 933 3464 | www.oakfield.co.za Venue Oakfield Farm Contact Cynthia +27 82 606 6000 | www.oakfield.co.za Event designer and florist Erna Swart from Magnifique Floral Art Contact +27 79 413 7180 | www.magnifiquefloralart.co.za Cake Belles Patisserie Contact +27 11 440 4474 | www.bellespatisserie.co.za Candy bar Radishes & Roses Contact +27 82 301 7834 | www.radishesandroses.co.za Wedding gown Olivelli Houghton Contact +27 83 602 0822 | olivellihoughton@yahoo.com Bridesmaids’ dresses YDE Sandton Contact www.yde.co.za Hair and make-up Melissa Melilli Contact +27 73 424 5228 | book@melissamelilli.com Groom’s suit Bagozza Contact www.bagozza.com www.nubianbride.co.za |

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Limia Ahmed

real Weddings

How did he propose? We went for a hike up Lion’s Head in Cape Town early one Sunday morning. When we reached the top, we enjoyed a picnic basket and Ahmed proposed then and there.

Tell us about your wedding day?

I woke up to a beautiful bouquet of red roses and a heartfelt card from my soonto-be husband. I spent the morning with my gorgeous mom and bridesmaids having our hair and make-up done. We all got dressed, had our pictures taken and made our way to Lourensford Wine Estate.

After the nikah ceremony, I walked down the aisle with my dad and Ahmed and I exchanged rings. At sunset we entered our venue as husband and wife and enjoyed our special wedding reception that was even more beautiful than we could have ever imagined. After the wedding festivities we were chauffer driven to the Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town where our honeymoon officially commenced.

What were your wedding day highlights?

Seeing our venue for the first time, having our family and friends share in our special day, our nikah ceremony, walking down the aisle with my dad, exchanging rings, and leaving the venue as husband and wife.

Photography Vivid Blue Contact www.vividblue.co.za Wedding management and design Wedding Concepts Contact +21 426 5783 | www.weddingconcepts.co.za Wedding coordinator Kim Werner from Wedding Concepts Venue Lourensford Wine Estate Contact www.lourensford.co.za Flowers Okasie Flowers Contact www.okasie.co.za Cake and cookie favours Roxanne Floquet Cake Design Contact www.roxannefloquet.com Wedding gown Maggie Sottero Bride’s shoes Salvatore Ferragamo Bridesmaids’ dresses Bride & Co Contact www.brideandco.co.za Hair and make-up Yolande du Toit Contact www.yolande.co.za www.nubianbride.co.za |

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&

Palesa Thembani

real Weddings

Where and how did you meet?

Palesa: My friends and I had heard about the new News Café in Woodmead and decided we’d go check it out. As we arrived, Thembani and his friend walked past.

Thembani said, “Hi ladies, you all look beautiful tonight, especially you in white.”

And that was me! He only approached me again much later and he was so certain of our future.

Thembani: My colleagues and I went to News Café on a Friday after work. We were walking towards the entrance when we saw Palesa and her friends. I thought to myself, ‘Wow, what a beautiful girl’, and said the first thing that came to mind. It was only afterwards that I started doubting my impact. I clearly had made one, because she remembered me.

What was the highlight of your day?

Palesa: The ceremony.

Thembani: It was seeing Palesa walk down the aisle.

Where did you go on honeymoon? We stayed in the Western Cape for three weeks after the wedding: a week in Stellenbosch and the remaining two in Cape Town.

Photography Vivid Blue Contact www.vividblue.co.za Wedding management and design Wedding Concepts Contact +27 21 426 5783 | www.weddingconcepts.co.za Venue Lourensford Contact www.lourensford.co.za Cake Wades Cakes Contact www.wadescakes.co.za Wedding gown Pronovias Contact +27 11 784 2000 Bridesmaids’ dresses Maphale Motuba Contact motuba.maphale@gmail.com Hair and make-up Shanaaz Alexander Contact www.shanaazalexander.com Groom’s and groomsmens’ suits Wedding and Suit Contact +27 11 781 4448 Flowers Lush Flowers Contact www.lushworld.info Stationery Secret Diary Designs Contact www.secretdiary.co.za www.nubianbride.co.za |

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Kachi Agbon

real WeddinGs

Give us a brief description of your wedding day. Our wedding had an art deco theme with a very modern twist. The wedding colours were black, white and gold. We love laser cut patterns so it was also used as a running theme throughout the wedding, from the wedding invites to my wedding shoes and the wedding cake. At the church ceremony, The Soweto Gospel Choir wowed every single guest. My wedding dress was everything I ever wanted in a dress. I added a black embellished Vera Wang sash with a mesh insert for contrast and a bit of drama. My veil was by Peter Langner and was called ‘Vita’. My shoes were ‘Belinda’ by Charlotte Olympia, in silver.

What was your highlight of the day?

Our first dance. We felt like we were the only ones in the room. For that moment we were in our own world.

How did it feel to finally stand next to each other as husband and wife?

It felt natural. It felt like it was destined to be and we both felt so lucky.

Photography Ryan Graham Contact www.ryangrahamphotography.com Wedding planner Wedding Concepts Contact www.weddingconcepts.co.za Videographer Studio Memoir Contact www.studiomemoir.co.za Reception venue Urban Tree Contact www.urbantree.co.za Event designer Stefan Norval Contact www.afreshevent.co.za Cake Sugar ‘n’ Ice Contact www.sugar-n-ice.co.za Wedding dress salon Browns Bridal Contact www.brownsfashion.com Groom’s tux Dolce & Gabbana Contact www.dolcegabbana.com Make-up Algria Ferreira

Stationery Secret Diary Contact www.secretdiary.co.za www.nubianbride.co.za |

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Shumarai Muvirimi

&

real WeDDings

How did he propose? I had just arrived home from a long trip when he told me that I had ten minutes to get dressed for a surprise dinner. He wouldn’t tell me where we were going or answer any of my questions. When we finally arrived, it was a private game lodge. The room was filled with candles and the floor was covered with rose petals. We had the whole place to ourselves. The meal consisted of my favourite things from starters to dessert.

He asked me to fetch something across the room. He followed me and said, “I’ve been meaning to ask you something,” and he got down on his knee.

Describe your wedding day? It began at 3pm when guests arrived to a jazz band playing. The weather was perfect in Franschhoek. Our ceremony was followed by a party in the vineyards where post-ceremony cocktails were served accompanied by canapés. It was a special celebration of family and love.

What were the highlights of your day?

Shimurai: Walking down the aisle, I looked up to Mu. He had tears in his eyes. He’s not a big crier so that moment was so special.

Muvirimi: My favourite moment was when we flung open the reception hall doors and welcomed our guests in while forming a dance tunnel to Bruno Mars’s Marry You. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.

Photography Inecke Photography Contact +27 84 679 5953 | www.ineckephotography.co.za Videography Visualeye Contact www.visualeye.co.za Wedding coordination Debbie and Bernise from Lovely Events Venue Molenvliet Wine Estate Contact www.molenvliet.co.za Catering Annelize Buchanan Flowers Heike from Fleur Le Cordeur Contact www.fleurlecordeur.co.za Shoes Jimmy Choo Contact www.jimmychoo.com Make-up Renee de Wit from gorgeous2go Contact www.gorgeous2go.co.za Minister Evan Mawarire www.nubianbride.co.za |

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Sizo Ntokozo

&

real Weddings

What did you enjoy most about your wedding day, and the run up to it?

We really enjoyed the personal touch of saying ‘I do’ at home, and seeing the garden transform over time leading up to the day was so special.

What was your favourite moment of the day? Sizo: Seeing Ntokozo for the first time walking down the aisle with her dad, dancing to Ray Charles singing I got a woman and our alone time in the car as Mr and Mrs Sizo Jali.

Ntokozo: Arriving for dinner and seeing the full set-up and all our guests for the first time, the speeches, especially the groom’s, and dancing under the stars until 4am.

How did it feel to finally stand side-byside as husband and wife? The best word to describe it is ‘surreal.’ It was real but it hadn’t really sunk in yet.

Photography Devon Krige Photography Contact +27 72 262 5824 | www.devonkrige.co.za Wedding planning Splendid Affairs Wedding Company Contact +27 11 463 8306 | www.splendidaffairs.co.za Wedding design, décor and flowers Splendid Affairs Wedding Company Contact +27 11 463 8306 | www.splendidaffairs.co.za Venue The groom’s family home in Bryanston Catering Miya’s Fusion Catering Contact +27 11 760 3634 | www.miyas-catering.co.za Cake Sugar ’n Ice Contact +27 11 788 1202/3038 | www.sugar-n-ice.co.za Wedding gown Vintage Groom’s suit Tuxedo, Hawes & Curtis; dinner shirt, Rixon Shirts Contact Rixon Shirts +27 11 268 6260 | www.rixonshirts.com Videography Hauke Digital Production Contact +27 12 460 7798 | www.hauke.co.za Stationery Canvas Stationery Boutique Contact +27 82 393 7070 | www.canvasboutique.co.za www.nubianbride.co.za |

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Situated in one of South Africa’s top tourist destinations, surrounded with a backdrop of Table Mountain, The Clock Tower Centre in Cape Town focuses on a “custom made wedding experience” that combines a beautiful and flexible facility and service excellence.

info@theclocktower.co.za | +27 021 419 7661| www.thepavilion.co.za

De La Paix is situated in the hamlet of Klapmuts, Cape Town, next door to Butterfly World on the R44, on the way to Stellenbosch. With magnificent views and efficient and friendly service, this venue is ideal for weddings.

delapaix.venue@gmail.com | +27 021 875 5472 | www.delapaix.co.za

CAKES & FLOWERS

Let Them EAT CAKE

They’re said to be a good luck charm for the couple, but whatever they symbolise for you, here are some cake themes to draw inspiration from

Lady Lucy’s Kitchen +27 73 659 8718 www.nubianbride.co.za |

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1

Pink White

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Over the years the craftsmanship of wedding cakes has evolved from classic plain white to modern textured whites with a pop of colour

2

1. Le Delice +27 44 870 7150 2. So Whipped +27 83 716 3706 3. So Whipped +27 83 716 3706 4. Wicked Creations +27 11 794 4036

3

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4

CAKES & FLOWERS

1

Crafty Treats

Add your personal touch to traditional wedding cakes. If you decide to go the quirky route, make sure the cakes suite your personality. Here are some fun and fabulous creations

2

1. Mrs Jones Cakes +27 83 2637497 2. Mokgalaka Creations +27 82 551 4094 3. House of Bakes +27 84 679 7874 4. So Whipped +27 83 716 3706

3

4

www.nubianbride.co.za |

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CAKES & FLOWERS

1

Pops & Cupcakes

Pops and cupcakes have become a trendy treat in the wedding scene. If you’re going the cupcake route, play around with different colours to match your theme

2

1. Lady Lucy’s Kitchen +27 73 659 8718 2. So Whipped +27 83 716 3706 3. Pop Cakes +27 83 326 5986 4. Lady Lucy’s Kitchen +27 73 659 8718

3

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4

www.grahambeckwines.com

Bridal Bouquets Bouquets play an important part of the wedding ceremony and its meaning differs from culture to culture. The Romans believed that the bride would have luck in conceiving. Whatever your belief is, we say they must look incredible when you walk down the aisle. Draw inspiration from these

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1. Creative Collective +27 84 329 3553 | samantha.mcgregor@gmail.com

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DÉCOR & CATERING

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Wedding Concepts +27 21 426 5783 Casa Rose +27 41 581 38 39 | www.peflorist.co.za Rhubarb +27 44 874 5108 | www.rhubarbflorist.co.za Rhubarb +27 44 874 5108 | www.rhubarbflorist.co.za The Wedding Specialist +27 82 445 9086 | www.theweddingspecialist.co.za Merav +27 82 822 2683 | www.merav.co.za Ecozest +27 82 745 7445 | ecozest@telkomsa.net Oopsie Dasiy +27 11 028 0809 | www.oopsiedaisyflowers.co.za

www.nubianbride.co.za |

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DÉCOR & CATERING

Floral Centrepieces Centrepieces complete the overall wedding theme. Since they are a focal point of your reception, it’s important to choose the best of the best

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Nineteen Eighty Five +27 82 366 8008 Fleur Le Cordeur www.fleurlecordeur.co.za Creative Collective +27 84 329 3553 | samantha.mcgregor@gmail.com Weddings by Marius +27 82 921 3337 Events Inspiration +27 11 668 3113 | www.eventsinpirations.co.za The Wedding Specialist +27 82 445 9086 | www.theweddingspecialist.co.za Conny Malatjie +27 76 021 1374 | elnissibusiness@gmail.com Lush Flowers www.lushworld.info

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DÉCOR

A Decorative

Feast

Settings are elegant yet playful, vintage with romantic touches. Rustic elements, colourful ribbons and glass jars are the order of the day

www.nubianbride.co.za |

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Vintage ROMANCE Pastel colours, copper centrepieces and an abundance of flowers make for the perfect old-world chic occasion

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dÉcor

Décor, flowers & design Creative Collective Contact +27 84 329 3553 | samantha.mcgregor@gmail.com Venue The Estuary Country Hotel Contact +27 39 311 3474 | www.estuaryhotel.co.za Photography Fiona Clair Photography Contact +27 79 865 2464 | www.fionaclair.com www.nubianbride.co.za |

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Bohemian Bliss Rustic wooden furniture and quirky table settings ensure a one-of-a-kind day you’ll remember for eternity

dÉcor

Décor, flowers & design Nineteen Eighty Five Contact +27 82 366 8008 amy@nineteeneightyfive.co.za Venue Katy’s Palace Photography Melanie Wessels Photography Contact +27 82 877 9218 www.nubianbride.co.za |

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Eclectic countryside Charming hand-made runners in various floral and paisley prints match the place settings, and a mix of tin and mason jar vases filled with sweet floral arrangements perfectly finish this beautiful arrangement

dÉcor

DĂŠcor and design Wedding Concepts Contact +27 21 426 5783 | www.weddingconcepts.co.za Coordinator Kim Werner from Wedding Concepts Photography welovepictures Contact +27 82 826 4265 | www.welovepictures.co.za Venue Rockhaven Contact +27 21 849 8664 | www.rockhavenfarm.co.za www.nubianbride.co.za |

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Palette Palace Simple wooden furniture made gorgeous with extraordinary centre-pieces, and beautifully styled food. A simple yet effortlessly sophisticated design

dÉcor

Wedding coordinator | Décor design Weddings by Marius Contact +27 82 921 3337 marius@weddingsbymarius.co.za Venue Private residence in Plettenberg Bay Photography Liza Wigley Photography Contact +27 84 302 1120 Stationery Lara’s Designs Contact +27 82 681 4500 www.nubianbride.co.za |

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Clean LINES

Cosy and comfortable but not cluttered, earthy but not shabby, urban rather than countrified.

Vibrant purple tulip accents contrasted with nude vanda orchids and open garden roses make for the perfect late, sunshiney afternoon

dÉcor

DĂŠcor and design Wedding Concepts Contact +27 21 426 5783 | www.weddingconcepts.co.za Coordinator Wedding Concepts Photography Jules Morgan Contact +27 73 804 4059 | www.julesmorganweddings.com Venue The Conservatory Contact +27 71 365 9612 | www.theconservatory.co.za Flowers Okasie Contact +27 21 887 9904 | www.okasie.co.za www.nubianbride.co.za |

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Venues Whether you plan on making your wedding day big and lavish or small and intimate, where you host the ceremony plays a huge part in making your day special

For intimate weddings

Surval Boutique Olive Estate

Oudtshoorn, Western Cape In the Klein Karoo lies the Surval Boutique Olive Estate at the foot of the Swartberg Mountain range, which is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Offers: A bridal preparation room, in-house catering, marquees, overnight accommodation, flower and dĂŠcor services.

Menu: Banqueting options paired with wines from the estate’s well-stocked cellar.

Perfect for: Family-oriented weddings with a great playing ground for children.

Contact +27 44 272 8472 | www.surval.co.za www.nubianbride.co.za |

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VENUES For larger weddings

Rhebokskloof Wine Estate

Cape Town, Western Cape The venue, situated in the magnificent Paarl valley, 40 kilometres from Cape Town, is nestled between the granite hills of the Paarl Rock Mountains. The Rhebokskloof wines won 34 medals in 2013.

Offers: A Cape Dutch venue that hosts up to 100 guests and a Bedouin tent under a permanent roof structure that hosts up to 300 guests,

catering, beautiful photography opportunities and décor.

Menu: Tailor-made packages accompanied by complimentary fresh farm bread. The venue also offers a wide array of drink options and canapés throughout the day, and mouth-watering menu options.

Perfect for: The vineyards, willow and oak trees make for a quintessential postcard perfect outdoor wedding.

Contact +27 21 869 8386 | www.rhebokskloof.co.za

De La Paix

Cape Town, Western Cape Located in Klapmuts between the N1 Highway and Butterfly World, De La Paix has a dam on the property with a grass embankment suitable for all events.

Offers: Accommodation in nearby hotels, décor, musicians, transfers and equipment.

Menu: Contemporary with a South African twist. They have signature dishes such as pork belly and butter chicken curry.

Perfect for: An outdoor wedding.

Contact: +27 21 419 7661 | www.thepavilion.co.za

For modern romance

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www.nomadiktents.co.za The stretch tent Delivery Nationwide CONTACT DETAILS specialists nationwide Variety of tents & colours Gauteng – 087 940 7999

• • • Manufacture & Sales • Rental & Sales options • Business opportunities

www.facebook.com/NomadikStretchTents

Durban – 031 264 1715 Cape Town –021 705 2424

twitter.com/Nomadik_Tents

VENUES

For a country farm experience

Oakfield Farm

Roodepoort, Gauteng One of Johannesburg’s most popular wedding venues has hosted TV shows that include Isidingo, 7de Laan and the Mr Bones movie. It accommodates big wedding parties, and has wedding experts to help with the planning.

Offers: A specialist to assist with videography, décor, cakes, gifts,

Diamond 4 Estate

Krugersdorp, Gauteng The venue has vast open fields that are brought to life by the fountains. The estate hosts from as few as 80 to up to 1,000 guests.

Offers: Wedding coordination, cake making, décor and photography.

Menu: Eight different menus, from traditional Indian cuisine to Kosher and vegetarian.

Perfect for: A sunset wedding.

Contact: +27 82 660 2522 | www.diamond4.co.za

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bridal couture, hair and make-up. You can bring your own snacks for a culturally themed menu. Corkage is R75 per bottle.

Menu: Caters for all four seasons and includes a variety of desserts.

Perfect for: Its close proximity to Johannesburg and Pretoria makes it great for city dwellers.

Contact +27 82 606 6000 | www.oakfield.co.za

For traditional setting

..

s

s

s

The most important day of your life‌

Exchange your vows and celebrate the beginning of your lives together in the perfect setting at Hoyohoyo Chartwell Lodge. We strive to ensure that the most important day of your life is also the most memorable. Elegant ceremonies and grand reception – we can cater up to 500 guests in the Grand Glass Marque. Comfort, style and incomparable scenery, this is a memorable venue for your special day. Our team is committed to helping you with your planning and ensuring a wonderful day. We create special memories of a day to last your lifetime Our blissful Wisani Spa with its full range of treatments is not to be missed. Wedding guests enjoy the preferred accommodation rates at the hotel. There is really no other city centre venue that can offer your celebration the unique setting that Hoyohoyo Chartwell Lodge has to offer.

130 Romney Avenue, Chartwell, Fourways, Johannesburg, 2055 PO Box | 2647, Lonehill, Johannesburg, 2062 | T: +27 11 024 2612 | C: 082 990 6881 | 082 495 0288 | Fax: 086 274 8443 | E: info@hoyohoyoleisure.co.za | W: www.hoyohoyoleisure.co.za

YOUR BIG FOUR WEDDING DIRECTORY

Picture: Ryan Graham

We put you in contact with all the top service providers in four of the country’s provinces. You’ll find the best of the best cake makers, musicians and wedding planners, to mention but a few

WEDDING DIRECTORY

Getting Married in the Highveld:

Johannesburg, Muldersdrift and Pretoria

Picture: Andre M Photography

The Gauteng province has some of the best wedding venues South Africa has to offer, from Bergvallei Estates to Woodlands Game Lodge

BAR SERVICES Behind Barz (Jhb) +27 11 884 2441 Flair Mobile Bar Services (Jhb) +27 82 920 9523 KWS Bartending (Jhb) +27 11 023 2200 Liquid Sensations (Jhb) +27 71 443 8944 Moonbean (Jhb) +27 11 452 6072 Thirst Bar Services (Jhb) +27 11 444 9401/2

CAKES African Cakes (Jhb) +27 11 938 4037 Aphrodite Bespoke Cakes (Jhb) +27 11 672 8372 Artisticakes (Jhb) +27 82 551 4094 Baked with Love (Jhb) +27 72 755 2103 Cake Diva (Jhb) +27 82 412 9953 Divine Delights (Jhb) +27 82 977 3747 Emma’s Cakes (Jhb) +27 72 128 9529 Fairytale Nuptials (Jhb) +27 11 916 9900 Inspirationz (Pta) +27 12 804 9237 Pop Cakes (Jhb) +27 83 326 5986 Sugar Smith (Pta) +27 71 675 3904

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Tiers of Delights for Traditional Design Wedding Warehouse (Pta) +27 12 348 7218 Wicked Creations (Jhb) +27 11 794 4036

Wedding Delite (Jhb) +27 72 598 8820 Wedding Emporium (Jhb) +27 11 883 0012 Wedding Warehouse (Pta) +27 12 348 7218

CATERING

FLOWERS

By Choice Catering (Pta) +27 12 661 3338

By Word of Mouth (Jhb) +27 11 553 7600 Catercom (Pta) +27 12 819 1169 Catering Companion (Pta) +27 12 808 0955 Made to Order (Jhb) +27 11 803 0598 Mulberry Catering (Jhb) +27 11 719 6407 Prep’d by Sasha (Jhb) +27 71 509 3131

Blooming Beautiful (Pta) +27 83 278 3969 Cafe Fleur (Jhb) +27 82 336 6866 Cor De Rosa (Jhb) +27 82 681 1862 Ecozet (Jhb) +27 82 745 7445 La Fleur de l’Homme Emporium (Jhb) +27 11 447 8803 Merav (Jhb) +27 82 822 2683 Monique Flower Creations (Pta) +27 82 301 1533 Novello Designs (Jhb) +27 82 303 0436 The Wedding Specialist (Jhb) +27 82 445 9086

DÉCOR African Circle (Jhb) +27 11 023 0755 Dibs Décor Design (Jhb) +27 76 383 5277 Enchanted Elegance (Centurion) +27 82 802 6248 Flower Bugz (Jhb) +27 82 771 8880 Matlou Exclusive Décor (Jhb) +27 83 667 4259 Ruby Rain (Jhb) +27 82 853 2023 The Dash (Jhb) +27 83 298 6833

GIFTS AND FAVOURS Bodhania Wholesalers (Jhb) +27 11 834 6696 Simply Favours (Countrywide) +27 82 863 0233 / +27 79 522 0330 Promobites (Jhb) +27 82 801 4801

Wedding Gift List (Countrywide) +27 21 851 1501

Gowns Absolute Dress & Tux (Jhb) +27 11 465 3848 / +27 82 337 9056 Adnos Outfitters (Jhb) +27 11 740 9123 Asanda Madyibi (Jhb) +27 83 259 2017 Bella Su’lize Bridal Boutique (Pta) +27 76 888 9970 Biji Couture (Jhb) +27 11 784 8018 Blush Couture (Jhb) +27 82 803 3515 Bridal & Tuxedo (Jhb) +27 11 467 3906 Bridal Boutique (Jhb) +27 11 478 0667 Bridal Room (Pta) +27 12 346 0955 Eurobride (Pta) +27 12 997 3421 Garnish Couture (Jhb) +27 82 684 1630 Gelique (Pta) +27 82 304 7734 Gert Johan Coetzee (Jhb) +27 11 024 4677 GF Bridal Couture (Jhb) +27 11 705 3073 Gracious House (Jhb) +27 83 404 7848 JSGA Fashion (Jhb) +27 72 279 3705 Joss Bridal Wear (Jhb) +27 73 264 1611 Lady Marmalaide Collection (Jhb) +27 11 467 7457 L’ affaire (Pta) +27 83 336 4903 Sun Goddess (Jhb) +27 11 883 8890 Wedding Company (Jhb) +27 78 114 1148 Wedding Dress Company (Jhb) +27 78 114 1148 Wedding Glamour (Jhb) +27 82 789 5633

Hair and Make-up Bontle Buhle Hair Salon (Jhb) +27 11 792 9861 Elsie Cronje (Jhb) +27 83 993 8338 Glamoureezmakeup (Countrywide) +27 76 474 2764 Hair Extravaganza (Jhb) +27 11 648 4103 Karos (Jhb) +27 11 447 8565 The Hair Muse (Pta) +27 12 991 8943 The Hair Whisperer (JHB) +27 74 1444 247 Urembo Concepts of Rosebank (Jhb) +27 11 327 7575 Zwartkop Country Club (Pta) +27 12 654 1144

Music and entertainMent Blast Music Specialists (Jhb) +27 83 272 4315 Dancemore (Jhb) +27 82 520 1581 Harpgigs (Jhb) +27 83 263 0443 Pipe Fantasies (Pta) +27 82 923 3315 Saxophone-for-Functions (Pta) +27 82 807 4333 Starry Night (Jhb) +27 82 461 8702 Thatch Music (Jhb) +27 11 786 9123 The Sticky Triggers (Jhb) +27 11 786 9123 Wedding Crashers (Jhb) +27 84 588 2178

Wedding Dance (JHB) +27 82 557 4473 Xitshonga Band (Jhb) +27 78 319 3806 Zoo Sound (Jhb) +27 78 053 1550

Supreme Limos (Jhb) +27 11 682 1184 Wedding Cars (Jhb) +27 83 265 2410

paper Goods

Bergvallei Estates (Muldersdrift) +27 82 806 1260 Budmarsh Country Lodge (Muldersdrift) +27 11 728 1800 De Hoek Country House (Muldersdrift) +27 14 577 9600 Diep in die Berg (Pta) +27 12 807 4630 Ekudeni (Muldersdrift) +27 11 021 2186 Fatherland Estates (Pta) +27 83 279 3640 Glenburn Lodge Country Estate (Muldersdrift) +27 11 668 1600 Hoyohoyo (Jhb) +27 11 024 2612 Irene Country Lodge (Pta) +27 12 667 6464 Lavandou (Pta) +27 83 447 9996 Mangwa Valley Lodge (Pta) +27 12 711 4348/9 Misty Hills Country Hotel (Muldersdrift) +27 11 679 2994 Oxbow Estate (Pta) +27 13 932 8000 Shepstone Gardens (Jhb) +27 11 728 6738 The Moon & Sixpence (Muldersdrift) +27 79 399 4574 Tres Jolie (Jhb) +27 11 794 2473 Waterfall Cove (Muldersdrift) +27 76 753 2754 Woodlands Game Lodge (Pta) +27 12 808 2146

Chrystalace Wedding Stationery (Pta) +27 12 998 9801 Creative Heroes (Jhb) +27 79 492 2532 Fralenco Wedding Stationery (Jhb) +27 11 764 3893 House of Functions (Jhb) +27 11 477 3079 Invite Me (Jhb) +27 11 452 0513 Minit Print (Pta) +27 12 362 2807 Paper Shaper (Jhb) +27 84 430 5225 Pink Soda (Jhb) +27 71 506 0855 Ruby Grey Creative (Jhb) +27 11 453 5220 The Paper Rose (Jhb) +27 11 664 7575 The Wedding Workshop (Jhb) +27 72 252 2999

pHotoGrapHy and VideoGrapHy Andre M Photography (Jhb) +27 72 426 3736 Beyond Photography (Jhb) +27 82 851 4085 Carolien & Ben Photography (Jhb) +27 82 554 8906 Christiaan David Photography (Pta) +27 84 504 7721 Eulalie Photography (Jhb) +27 82 898 6604 Gordon Harris Photographic (Pta) +27 86 146 7366 Goshia Dulz Photography (Jhb) +27 79 693 8238 Hema Nana (Jhb) +27 79 663 2448 Janeke Wissekerke Photography (Jhb) +27 79 040 3000 Johan van der Walt Photography (Pta) +27 82 550 6337 Kelly M Photography (Jhb) +27 72 875 8727 Kerry G Photography (Jhb) +27 82 332 6122 Kim Welsford Photography (Pta) +27 83 212 8955 Laura Jane Photography (Jhb) +27 76 046 6188 Melanie Mare (Jhb) +27 82 928 0179 Michael Tree Photography (Jhb) +27 83 411 5863 SamT Photography (Jhb) +27 71 929 6173 Tree Photography (Jhb) +27 83 411 5863 Velvet Photography (Countrywide) +27 76 372 9382 Welovepictures (Pta) +27 12 343 9341

transport Horse and Carriage (Jhb) +27 11 835 2923 Limousine Hire (Jhb) +27 11 781 0380 SLV Luxury-Car Rental (Jhb) +27 11 708 1385 Status Luxury Vehicles (Jhb) +27 11 468 3910

Venues

weddinG planners A Piece of Cake (Jhb) +27 11 298 5757 Dizzy Designs (Jhb) +27 11 469 4654 Element of Style (Jhb) +27 73 162 3999 Happily Ever After (Jhb) +27 79 914 3404 House of Functions (Jhb) +27 11 477 3079 Imicimbi (Jhb) +27 82 292 3199 Kegola Events (Jhb) +27 11 938 3521 La Promesse (Jhb) +27 82 769 5344 Meletlo Celebrations (Jhb) +27 84 600 0118 Perfect Planners Wedding and Event Coordinators (Jhb) +27 83 230 6611 Wedding Emporium (Jhb) +27 11 883 0012

Tips for getting married in this area

• Summer temperatures range between 17 and 28 degrees Celsius while winter months average between 5 and 19 degrees Celsius.

• Gauteng offers great entertainment, arts and culture, and nature.

• Enjoy some post-nuptial adventure by visiting Gauteng’s best kept secret: Sedibeng, located in the south of the province.

www.nubianbride.co.za |

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Wedding directory

getting Married in the KwaZulu-natal: Durban, Drakensberg and the Midlands

Picture: Janeke Wissekerke

KZN is hailed as South Africa’s playground. It’s the perfect destination for a beach wedding as the weather is always balmy, making it easy to plan

Bar ServiceS Cocktail and Caviar (Durban) +27 31 266 6751 LV Occasions (Durban) +27 83 775 4194 The Oyster Box (Umhlanga Rocks) +27 31 514 5000 Thirst Mobile Bar Service (Durban) +27 86 184 4778 Thistle Bar Services (Pietermaritzburg) +27 33 386 0801

cakeS Arriba Chocolate (Durban) +27 31 312 4059 Cakes Unlimited (Pietermaritzburg) +27 76 602 5999 Cupcake D’lights (Durban) +27 31 266 1979 / +27 82 096 4267 Cupcake Indulgence (Durban) +27 83 256 3662 Sharyn’s Cakes (Midlands) +27 82 772 7633 Spectacular Events (Durban) +27 82 876 7447

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Sugar & Spice (Durban) +27 31 584 6477 / +27 72 407 7477 The Cake Specialist (Durban) +27 82 921 0676 The Wedding Cake by Lena (Durban) +27 76 970 2610

catering CHC Catering (Pietermaritzburg) +27 33 394 3924 Engweni Caterers (Pietermaritzburg) +27 33 398 0515 Gourmet Basket (Durban) +27 31 502 2578 / +27 72 190 2401 Hamblin’s Catering (Durban) +27 33 345 2009 Lettuce and Lime (Drakensburg) +27 76 570 6590 Olive Twist (Durban) +27 84 298 3799 Rita’s Country Kitchens (Midlands) +27 33 343 4224

Décor Décor Boutique (Pietermaritzburg) +27 33 342 1267 Designer Décor (Durban) +27 31 764 1898 Etc Events (Durban) +27 83 653 7900 Fantasy Décor (Durban) +27 32 533 8365 Labola (Durban) +27 82 654 0692 Lemontree Concepts (Durban) +27 84 661 1997 / +27 31 569 5563 Michelle da Silva Draping & Party Décor (Durban) +27 31 261 4358 Midlands Style Events (Midlands) +27 33 234 4266 / +27 82 651 0831 Nature’s Design (Durban) +27 83 496 7770 Ntokazi Events & Tents (Durban) +27 83 793 4919 Occasions Floral (Durban) +27 31 767 1024 Planned to Perfection (Durban) +27 31 764 2416 / +27 83 463 7704 Settings Function Hire (Durban) +27 31 701 6391

Speciality Functions and Draping (Durban) +27 84 263 1740

Flowers Blooms Florist (Durban) +27 31 467 0114 Mokka Blooms (Midlands) +27 32 946 2029 Occasions (Durban) +27 82 468 3121 Perfect Petals (Midlands) +27 33 266 6454 Petal Mania (Midlands) +27 76 872 7734 Peters Florist (Durban) +27 31 309 3541 Sweet P (Durban) +27 31 669 8123 Talloula Celebrations (Durban) +27 31 205 0706

GiFts and Favours Divine Weddings (Underberg) +27 76 141 4614/ +27 84 951 4114 Gifts Inc (Port Shepstone) +27 72 154 2435 I Do Invitations (Durban) +27 82 494 4373

Gowns Bridal Boutique (Durban) +27 31 208 5906 Bridal Elegance (Pietermaritzburg) +27 84 688 8356 Bridal Mall Couture (Durban) +27 73 090 3999 Maryke Designs (Midlands) +27 83 542 0824 Shona’s Wedding Collection (Durban) +27 31 709 0712 Sposabella (Durban) +27 31 312 0321 The Bridal Shop (Durban) +27 83 799 5537

Hair and Make-up Accentuate (Durban) +27 79 541 2551 B Scene Hair Design (Durban) +27 31 201 7700 Casa Nova Hair Studio (Durban) +27 31 566 5540 Chilli Peppers Executive Hair Salon (Pietermaritzburg) +27 33 342 0911 Colour ‘n Kohl (Durban) +27 72 939 0205 Emile’s House of Hair (Pietermaritzburg) +27 33 342 3863 Gayle Davies (Midlands) +27 33 262 2156 Glitz and Glam (Pietermaritzburg) +27 33 387 8081 Hair & Beauty Emporium (Durban) +27 31 402 0496 Hair Flava (Midlands) +27 33 330 6860 Janice (Durban) +27 83 677 0990 Lize Hair (Durban) +27 83 382 7945 Lip Service – Freelance Make-up Artistry (Pietermaritzburg) +27 74 121 7387 Logique de Beauty (Durban) +27 31 208 0160 Make Up Your Mind (Durban) +27 31 312 2019 Miss V Makeup (Durban) +27 79 890 7756 R & D Hair Co (Durban) +27 31 572 5873 Rag Hair and Beauty (Durban) +27 83 799 9529

Sabath Salon and Makeup Artist (Drakensberg) +27 74 111 9428 Salon Sareeta (Durban) +27 31 765 9638

Music and entertainMent Beat-Route Swing JZ Quarter (Durban) +27 82 622 6902 DJ Mixmaster (Durban) +27 83 994 6389 DJ Worx (Pietermaritzburg) +27 72 557 5339 Durban DJs (Durban) +27 31 209 1584 Entertainment Today (Durban) +27 31 462 0499 / +27 82 442 8346 Executive DJs (Durban) +27 72 140 1616 Mooi River Dance Group Zulu Dancers (Midlands) +27 78 054 2561 Sound Unique (Durban) +27 82 924 5837 The Wedding DJ (Durban) +27 82 874 0352

paper Goods and stationery

By Invitation (Durban) +27 82 875 5551 Cassandra Kidson Design (Durban) +27 82 978 8875 / +27 33 396 5568 Crystal Print (Durban) +27 31 205 7284 / +27 82 417 4668 Delicious Design (Durban) +27 72 449 0248 I Do (Durban) +27 82 494 4373 Inviting Cards (Durban) +27 82 737 9969 Paper Trail (Pietermaritzburg) +27 83 556 8665 Save the Date (Durban) +27 79 469 4282 Very Inviting (Durban) +27 31 312 7582

pHotoGrapHy and videoGrapHy Brett Florens (Durban) +27 31 563 0489 Filmco Video Photographers (Durban) +27 32 537 6449 Heather Fitchet (Durban) +27 84 583 2957 Ivor Hamilton Photographer (Durban) +27 83 272 0726 Jacki Bruniquel Photography (Midlands) +27 82 642 8547 Justin Erasmus Photography (Durban) +27 31 763 4375 Kelly Daniels (Durban) +27 84 511 9991 Oliver Twist Productions (Durban) +27 83 235 6421 Pieter Clarke Photography (Pietermaritzburg) +27 76 196 4166 Saysha Baker Photography (Pietermaritzburg) +27 82 678 9804 Spectrum Photography (Durban) +27 72 431 3006 Studio Elle Wedding Films (Newcastle) +27 82 449 6870 Tink Photography (Midlands) +27 82 333 7937

transport Coastal Limo Hire (Durban) +27 32 945 3475 First Car Rental (Durban) +27 86 117 8227 Mount Edgecombe Limo Service (Durban) +27 31 502 1971 Weddings Etc – Vintage Car Hire (Kloof) +27 74 111 9433

venues Beverly Hills (Umhlanga) +27 31 561 2211 Coastlands on The Ridge Boutique Hotel (Durban) +27 31 271 8200 Collisheen Estate (Durban) +27 32 947 0198 Durban Country Club (Durban) +27 31 313 1777 Grand Manor Garden (Tongaat) +27 32 945 4671 Netherwood (Midlands) +27 33 266 7132 Riverside Hotel (Durban) +27 31 563 0600 Sica’s Guest House, Berea (Durban) +27 31 261 2768 Talloula (Durban) +27 31 777 1586 The Quarters Hotel (Durban) +27 31 303 5246 The Royal Hotel (Durban) +27 31 333 6000 Upton Hall (Durban) +27 31 303 7987 Verbara Forest Lodge (Durban) +27 32 947 9010

weddinG planners Delyse Wade Coordinator (Durban) +27 82 877 4111 Emily Lockhart (Midlands) +27 84 468 9890 Etc Events (Durban) +27 83 653 7900 EventCo (Durban) +27 84 511 6834 Functions for Africa (Durban) +27 31 205 2211 Just Jade (Durban) +27 83 262 2200 Margie Stott Weddings (Pietermaritzburg) +27 33 396 3336 Serene Bride Wedding (Durban) +27 83 635 8149 Talloula (Durban) +27 31 205 0706 The Perfection (Durban) +27 76 466 3232 Timeless Wedding (Durban) +27 82 560 8653

Tips for getting married in this area • Extend the wedding celebrations by heading over to The Elephant Coast, well known for its sea life, including whales and turtles.

• Some might prefer The Zulu Kingdom’s North Coast, also known as the Dolphin Coast. This is the playground of bottlenose dolphins that frolic in the waters close to shore, and they are visible all year round. www.nubianbride.co.za |

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getting Married in the cape: Cape Town and the Winelands

Picture: Melanie Mare Photography

Cape Town apart from its alluring beauty has the added bonus of being the new seventh wonder. It has some of the most amazing beaches, perfect for saying ‘I do’ near the shore

Bar ServiceS Barcode Mobile (Mobile) +27 82 568 6969 Bar Motion Mobile Bars (Mobile) +27 86 193 7625 Blend Eventlife (Mobile) +27 21 706 0642

cakeS Cake Couture (Cape Town) +27 72 358 0623 Cake Town (Winelands) +27 82 847 3022 Lady Lucy’s Kitchen (Cape Town) +27 73 659 8718 Mrs Jones Cakes (Welgemoed) +27 83 263 7497 Rozanne’s Cakes (Stellenbosch) +27 72 259 4790 The Secret Ingredient (Cape Town) +27 83 711 9218 Wades Cakes (Cape Town) +27 21 685 5041

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Wendy McLeod Cake Design (Cape Town) +27 82 927 7261

catering Forest44 (Cape Town) +27 21 880 0293 Dial-a-Picnic (Cape Town) +27 82 789 5478 Salt & Pepper Catering (Cape Town) +27 21 982 3727 Stir Food (Stellenbosch) +27 76 028 1041 Stir Food (Cape Town) +27 79 396 4049 / +27 82 414 3180 The Gourmet Chef (Cape Town) +27 21 712 8639 / +27 82 495 4148 Verve Caterers and Event (Cape Town) +27 21 801 8378

Décor A Vintage Affair (Somerset West)

+27 83 551 9115 Blooming Wonderful (Somerset West) +27 82 332 8588 Classy Hire (Cape Town) +27 21 872 4922 Confetti Hire (Cape Town) +27 82 777 6279 Décor Hire (Cape Town) +27 21 863 3635 / +27 21 516 0547 Dine Décor and Flowers (Worcester) +27 23 347 4923 In and Out Events (Cape Town) +27 21 870 1606 La Maison House of Parties (Cape Town) +27 21 981 9040 Leengoed (Cape Town) +27 83 625 0275 That Little Shop (Countrywide) +27 21 555 0917 Top Table (Cape Town) +27 21 447 4000

Flowers Flamboijant (Bonnievale) +27 84 799 1773 Flowers in the Foyer (Cape Town) +27 21 887 8138 Foci Function Concepts (Cape Town) +27 21 946 4700 Jenny B (Cape Town) +27 21 686 3182 Lol’s (Cape Town) +27 82 875 3521 Oh So Divine Flowers (Cape Town) +27 21 592 4632 / +27 21 887 9904 Special Events (Stellenbosch) +27 82 578 5080 The Flower Cottage (Cape Town) +27 21 886 5296

GiFts and Favours Charmed Simplicity (Stellenbosch) +27 83 455 0774 Presles (Cape Town) +27 21 672 3142 Sugarbird Wedding Favours (Cape Town) +27 21 786 1236

Gowns Didi Couture (Cape Town) +27 82 772 2033 Garnish Couture (Cape Town) +27 82 684 1630 Gert Van De Merwe (Cape Town) +27 82 450 0873 La Fashion Bridal Boutique (Cape Town) +27 21 872 6864 Lady Marmalade (Cape Town) +27 72 252 7349 MaryK Designs (Cape Town) +27 72 143 4921 Renate Bosch (Cape Town) +27 84 613 0646 Rene H Couture (Cape Town) +27 82 908 3994 Special Occasions (Cape Town) +27 21 948 0870

Hair and Make-up All Made Up (Cape Town) +27 21 715 6096 Be Premiere (Stellenbosch) +27 21 876 4944 Beauty by Erane (Cape Town) +27 84 524 5741 Carla Abrahams (Cape Town) +27 21 671 5611 Donna Hay (Cape Town) +27 21 557 1480 Exquisite Look (Cape Town) +27 79 509 2036 Jenro Beauty (Cape Town) +27 76 546 9075 Le Hair Lounge (Stellenbosch) +27 21 883 8323 Mariaan Enslin (Cape Town) +27 72 341 5650 Marli Basson Professional Hair and Make-up (Winelands) +27 79 515 1304 Merlene Joy (Somerset West) + 27 83 384 8198 Powder Puff Hair & Make-up (Cape Town)

+27 82 466 2429 Robyn Leigh Elford (Cape Town) +27 21 712 4016 Sanmarie (Stellenbosch) +27 83 749 3118 Yulia Shimmer (Cape Town) +27 76 085 8667

Music and entertainMent Deejays Music (Paarl) +27 21 872 1110 K and Double B (Cape Town) +27 21 438 9177 Silk Music (Cape Town) +27 73 257 7612 Trilogy Music (Cape Town) +27 21 671 0403 Triste (Cape Town) +27 21 712 7765 Your DJ (Cape Town) +27 82 853 3528

paper Goods and stationery Lily Young Couture Wedding Stationary (Cape Town) +27 12 348 1311 Little Works Design Studio (Cape Town) +27 21 701 6113 Secret Diary Designs (Cape Town) +27 21 914 7224 Susan Brand (Winelands) +27 84 240 3319 Wedding Poetry (Cape Town) +27 21 975 6561

pHotoGrapHy and videoGrapHy Alice Swan Photography (Cape Town) +27 79 571 5076 Annemari Ruthven Photography (Cape Town) +27 82 822 7197 BMG Wedding Cinema (Cape Town) +27 21 851 6388 Jean-Pierre Uys Photography (Cape Town) +27 81 288 1242 Jilda G Photography (Cape Town) +27 21 914 4311 Just Judy Photography (Paarl) +27 83 535 0033 Missing Piece Films (Cape Town) +27 21 461 2704 Nikolai P Photography (Cape Town) +27 72 223 3805

transport Cape Town Carriage Company (Cape Town) +27 21 704 6907/8 Limousine Hire (Cape Town) +27 86 111 4683 Motor Classic Rentals (Cape Town) +27 21 461 7368 Status Luxury Vehicle Hire (Cape Town) +27 21 510 0108 Wine Valley Horse Trails (Paarl) +27 21 869 8687

venues Delvera (Stellenbosch) +27 21 884 4352 Dornier Wine (Stellenbosch) +27 21 880 0557 Dutch Manor (Cape Town) + 27 21 422 4767 Holden Manz Wine Estate (Franschhoek) +27 21 876 2738 Kleinevalleij Wedding and Conference Centre (Paarl) +27 21 873 0075 Lagoon Beach Hotel (Cape Town) +27 21 528 2000 Landtscap (Stellenbosch) +27 21 865 2736 Langkloof Roses (Wellington) +27 21 864 1014 Le Manoir de Brendel (Franschhoek) +27 21 876 4525 MolenVliet Wine and Guest Estate (Stellenbosch) +27 21 885 1597 Rhebokskloof Wine Estate ( Cape Town) +27 21 869 8386 Val de Vie Estate (Paarl) +27 21 863 6120 Weberburg Guest House (Cape Town) +27 21 881 3636

weddinG planners Blank Canvas (Winelands) +27 79 508 0916 Event and Design (Paarl) +27 21 872 4946 I Do Weddings and Events (Cape Town) +27 84 405 7449 La Promesse Wedding Planners (Cape Town) +27 82 769 5344 Simply Perfect (Cape Town) +27 21 851 0780 Someday Soon (Cape Town) +27 82 708 8437 Wedding and Design (Cape Town) +27 21 872 4946

Tips for getting married in this area

• The Cape has a Mediterranean climate.

Winters are cool and wet and the summers are dry and hot. Summer weather varies between 20 and 26 degrees Celsius. Average winter temperature is a high temperature of 17 degrees and a minimum temperature of 8 degrees Celsius.

• Rainy season: Winter • While in the Cape, enjoy being a stone’s throw away from the merger of two oceans, the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

• Cape Town is a sophisticated city with a lot of heritage. An example is the Green Point lighthouse in Mouille Point – the oldest active lighthouse in South Africa and a great photographic opportunity. www.nubianbride.co.za |

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WEDDING DIRECTORY

Getting Married in the Eastern Cape:

Port Elizabeth, East London and the Garden Route

Picture: janeke wissekerke

Choosing to say your vows is in the Eastern Cape is one of the best things you can ever do. The province is home to the romantic Wild Coast and has some of the most idyllic beaches in South Africa

BAR SERVICES

The Tin House Café (Knysna) +27 44 382 2761

Shake and Strain Liquid Catering (Port Elizabeth) +27 73 787 9933 Shaker Events (Mobile) +27 21 422 1574

CATERING

CAKES Amazing Cakes (Port Elizabeth) +27 41 360 6943 House of Bakes (Port Elizabeth) +27 84 679 7874 Le Dèlice at Tramonto (George) +27 44 870 7150 Sugar.com (East London) +27 43 735 1155 Sweet Somethings (Port Elizabeth) +27 83 763 8179 The Baking Shop (Port Elizabeth) +27 41 581 0509 The Cake Lady (Port Elizabeth) +27 82 371 7235 The Cake Studio (Port Elizabeth) +27 82 464 3442

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Angie’s Cuisine (Port Elizabeth) +27 41 583 1456 Cassie’s Catering (Port Elizabeth) +27 81 444 3827 Chef Leesha Potts at Tramonto (Knysna) +27 44 870 7150 Good Fellas (Port Elizabeth) +27 86 143 3552 Imagination Food Design (Port Elizabeth) +27 41 581 3812 Kei Catering Services CC (East London) +27 43 726 9172 Roots to Branches (Port Elizabeth) +27 41 364 3272 Shake and Strain Liquid Catering (Port Elizabeth) +27 73 787 9933 Werner’s Spitbraais (Port Elizabeth) +27 41 360 7803

DÉCOR Angelic Wonders (Port Elizabeth) +27 41 379 5331 Designer Decor Rental (Port Elizabeth) +27 41 365 2052 Draping Creations (Port Elizabeth) +27 41 966 1251 Ecozest (Knysna) +27 44 382 1801 Madiba Bay Events (Port Elizabeth) +27 76 035 1882 Roots to Branches (Port Elizabeth) +27 41 364 3272

FLOWERS Abfab Function and Floral Stylists (Knysna) +27 82 569 8974 Casa Rose (Port Elizabeth) +27 41 581 3839 Nina Roses (George) +27 44 874 5598 / 9 Pollen (Port Elizabeth) +27 41 581 8284

Wedding directory

Rhubarb Flower Company (George) +27 44 874 5108 Stephanie & Janine’s Florist (Port Elizabeth) +27 41 373 8841 The Flower Shop (Plettenberg Bay) +27 44 533 3492

L Designs (Port Elizabeth) +27 82 424 0527 LMB Blushing Bride Designs CC (Port Elizabeth) +27 82 377 5111 Lorette Designs (Port Elizabeth) +27 41 581 5775

Gifts and favours

Hair and Make-up

Beautiful Beginnings (Mobile) +27 82 447 2414 Fotoh!Food (Knysna ) +27 44 384 0030 Sugarbird Wedding Favours (Mobile) +27 21 786 1236

Hair by Elaine of London (Knysna) +27 44 382 4191 Iris Gomez Make-up Artist (Port Elizabeth) +27 79 702 2379 Ivana Bertoni (Port Elizabeth) +27 41 379 3011 Mandy’s Hair Studio (East London) +27 43 731 1085 MC Make up Artist & Image Stylist (Port Elizabeth) +27 82 829 8983 Michelle Marx Make-up (Port Elizabeth) +27 83 380 5101 Nine on Gray (Knysna) +27 44 382 1919 Samuel Beck Hairdressing (Jeffrey’s Bay) +27 42 293 3103 Spraytan (Countrywide)

Gowns Besters Bridal Boutique (Knysna) +27 82 268 1354 Brides and More (Port Elizabeth) +27 41 585 0517 Carelina (George) +27 44 874 3452 Janine Oates (East London) +27 43 740 4493 Janine Oates Couture (East London) +27 43 721 1217

+27 21 557 5279 Strands of Joy (George) +27 44 874 6671 Theano (Port Elizabeth) +27 72 281 5269 The Art of Make-up (George) +27 82 584 2819 Wilna Allpass Professional Make-up Artist (George) +27 44 873 5107

Music and entertainMent Davey Mac (Knysna) +27 44 343 2825 Elite Entertainment (Mobile) +27 82 678 7999 Imagine Mobile (Mobile) +27 71 277 5700 Jazz Quartet (Mobile) +27 72 996 5828

paper Goods B-Unique +27 84 456 0187 Lacush (Grahamstown) +27 82 454 8242

Paper Shaper (Garden Route) +27 84 430 5225

pHotoGrapHers Charmaine Rowe Photography (Port Elizabeth) +27 83 452 4758 Creative Film Productions (George) +27 44 873 3947 / +27 72 158 5166 Debbie Louw Photography (Port Elizabeth) +27 84 271 0885 Digby Owen Photography and Video (Port Elizabeth) +27 83 406 3126 Full Circle Photography (Port Elizabeth) +27 83 886 9429 Ingrid Marais Photography (Port Elizabeth) +27 84 554 3034 Judith Doubell Photography (Grahamstown) +27 71 554 0258 Lauren Claire Photography (Port Elizabeth) +27 79 359 9273 Liza Wigley Photography (Knysna) +27 44 877 0869 Michael Sheehan (Port Elizabeth) +27 82 550 4800

olivelli

excellent exclusive elegant

www.olivelli.co.za

Northcliff Head Office: +27 82 852 6285 info@olivelli.co.za Bloemfontein: +27 83 704 0868 annette@olivelli.co.za Cape Town: +27 84 683 0222 info@olivellicapetown.co.za Centurion: +27 79 491 1716 wilmari@olivelli.co.za Durban: +27 71 509 3223 tracey@olivelli.co.za George: +27 72 609 1353 george@olivelli.co.za Houghton: +27 83 602 0822 chantal@olivelli.co.za Namibia: +264 81 288 7777 namibia@olivelli.co.za Port Elizabeth:+27 82 964 1681 shelley@olivelli.co.za

Wedding directory Michelle Photography & Videography (George) +27 84 600 6048 Pixelume Photography (Port Elizabeth) +27 82 839 4959 Shannon Bradfield (East London) +27 83 650 3548 Studio 68 (Port Elizabeth) +27 72 560 2245

TransporT Garden Route Vintage Cars (Garden Route) +27 73 512 8160 Humewood Wedding Cars (Port Elizabeth) +27 41 585 9781 Terence Car Hire (Mobile) +27 82 085 4047

Venues African Sky (Port Elizabeth) +27 41 379 5002 Conrad Pezula and Spa (Knysna) +27 44 302 3333 Crawford Beach Lodge (Port Elizabeth) +27 43 738 5000 Die Waenhuis Guest House (George) +27 44 874 0034 / +27 83 461 9302

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Fairview Homestead (Knysna) +27 82 226 9406 Fancourt (George) +27 44 804 0432 Hacklewood Hill Country House (Port Elizabeth) +27 41 581 1300 Lake De La Vie Country Estate (Port Elizabeth) +27 41 379 3115 Le Domaine (Port Elizabeth) +27 41 379 2800 Morgan Bay Hotel (Port Elizabeth) +27 43 841 1062 Nikalandershoek Guest Farm (Port Elizabeth) +27 42 283 0906 Quarry Lake Inn (East London) +27 43 707 5400 / +27 83 273 8805 Shanel’s Country Estate (East London) +27 43 730 7498 Slipperfields (Port Elizabeth) +27 71 856 5787 The Boma (Port Elizabeth) +27 41 366 1591 The Garden Café (Port Elizabeth) +27 82 553 0091 The Plantation (Port Elizabeth) +27 41 366 1591

Thornycroft Lodge (East London) +27 43 730 7300 Tramonto Function Venue (George) +27 44 870 7150 / 7798

Wedding planners Confetti Events (Port Elizabeth) +27 84 513 3599 Jupiter Afrika (Port Elizabeth)

+27 84 512 0155 Weddings by Marius (Knysna) +27 44 382 3579 Wedding Ideas Eastern Cape (Port Elizabeth) +27 72 937 5003 Wedding Wizz (Knysna) +27 82 787 1427 Wilma Fourie at Tramonto (George)+27 44 870 7150

Tips for getting married in this area

• Summer in the Eastern Cape starts in November. Summer temperatures range from 17 to 28 degrees Celsius. It seldom gets very hot in the region. In winter the temperatures range between 7 and 20 degrees Celsius.

• Port Elizabeth and East London both get summer rain.

The Garden Route shares a similar winter climate to Cape Town but has much less wind in summer and with rainfall throughout the year.

• After the formal wedding fun, spread your wings with the Featherbed experience. Featherbed is a pristine piece of paradise situated on the Western Head of Knysna and is accessible by ferry only.

• Newlyweds who are nature junkies might enjoy the exquisite forests of The Tsitsikamma Mountain Trail. This southern Cape hiking paradise journeys through lush indigenous afromontane forest and mountain fynbos.

HONEYMOONS

Worldwide

Wonderment From the sparkling turquoise waters of Zanzibar and luxurious bush lodges around Africa, all the way to the highest peaks in Italy, we have plenty destinations to whet your appetite when it comes to choosing your honeymoon spot

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HONEYMOONS

ENCHANTING

ZANZIBAR

Additional words: Lerato Mogoatlhe, Additional pictures: Africa Stay and Thompsons

It’s one of the most beautiful coastal getaways in Africa. Powder soft beach sand, warm azure waters and the Swahili culture make this island an enchanting destination. Words and photographs Channay Harvey

B

eing in Zanzibar on any given occasion is amazing – the island has earned its place among the world’s most popular destinations with pristine beaches, centuries’ old heritage and the classic look and feel of an earthly paradise. Narrow streets curve at awkward corners and a chorus of “Karibu!” – the Swahili word for welcome – follow travellers around the island.

Being here on honeymoon is romantic. The resorts in the northern and eastern parts of Zanzibar are secluded and private, which makes for an intimate stay on the island. You get to be adventurous, to relax on the beach with a cocktail, to be on the back of a scooter sightseeing, or to indulge in massages and sunset cruises.

Welcome to paradise At sunset in Stone Town, the area around the jetty bursts into a hive of activity with rows of tables set up for the nightly feast – dinner at Forodhani Gardens. The smells of fresh seafood being grilled, the melodic sounds of Swahili, and the odd “Sawubona” the guides shout when they discover South Africans, is part of what makes Zanzibar such an alluring destination. It’s watching the sun sink into the ocean that makes being here feel like paradise. We find our fantasy travel experience at Hideaway of Nungwi Resort & Spa. The Hideaway features expansive rooms, each with a private balcony, and tropical garden with ocean views. The fact that Nungwi is considered to be one the most beautiful beaches on Zanzibar, with no tide, adds to the excitement of being here. The place is made for pleasure, with leisure options that include long beach walks, re-energising and relaxing body treatments at the spa, steam baths and sundowners of the island’s signature cocktail, dawa.

Seven things to do in Zanzibar Explore Stone Town: The heart of the Swahili coast is a mix of culture and cosmopolitan influences. Get lost in narrow alleys, bargain hunt at the Darajani market for a slice of local shopping experience, gawk at the famous centuries’ old Zanzibar doors, visit museums that used www.nubianbride.co.za |

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to be Sultans’ palaces, and dine in true Zanzibar style at the Forodhani Gardens night market. Stone Town is also a cultural hub with the Sauti za Busara music festival in February and the Zanzibar International Film Festival in July.

Snorkel at Mnemba Island: Zanzibar offers some of the best snorkelling locations in East Africa. Mnemba Island, an hour’s boat ride away from Stone Town, is considered the best spot for exploring reefs with thousands of exotic creatures, including blue ribbon-tail rays, green turtles, firefish and clownfish.

Swim with the dolphins: Kizimakazi, in the north, is where people go for the truly unique experience of swimming with dolphins. The population is big enough to make spotting bottlenose and humpback dolphins easy.

Spice tours: Zanzibar is also known as the Spice Island for the many plantations where almost every herb and spice you can think of is grown, including vanilla and saffron. Tours last three hours, and feature trips to farms and a spicy lunch served on a banana leaf.

Kendwa Rocks: It’s not the Ibiza of Africa as locals insist, still Kendwa, a place so beautiful that being here feels surreal, knows how to party. The full moon parties are epic.

Dhow safari: Go on a full-day excursion to Prison Island to see the remains of the prison built to condemn Zanzibari citizens to isolation. Watch the giant tortoises shuffle through the trees, then set sail to the Pange sandbank for a picnic.

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Honeymoons

Highlights • Silk Route Restaurant hits the spot when it comes to Indian food. The ambiance is calming with soft lights highlighting some beautiful décor, while the service is attentive without being overbearing.

• Visit Dunga Ruins, the remains of the palace that was built in 1845 by King Mohammed bin Ahmed el Alawi. This amazing palace is a two-storey structure that’s set around a central courtyard.

It contains a mosque, bathrooms and houses for retainers.

• Flying around Zanzibar is no doubt one of the best ways to absorb a great deal of the island in a very short span of time.

You can fly in a micro-light aircraft over some areas, including Stone Town and parts of the ocean that are known for their whale and dolphin populations.

Getting there Visa: 50 USD payable only in dollars. You won’t be allowed in without a signed yellow fever card.

Flights: SAA and Mango offer direct flights from Johannesburg to Zanzibar.

Great deals Africa Stay: Contact +27 11 880 3079 | www.africastay.com Thompsons: Contact +27 11 770 7700 | www.thompsons.co.za

www.nubianbride.co.za |

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Photography: Jonathan Munnik 072 221 0165 • Hair & Make-up: Rae 079 189 8547 • Model: Shyline 083 292 6193

Asanda Madyibi

asandamadyibi.com • 083 259 2017

BEST BUSH SPOTS

Royal Chundu Luxury Zambezi Lodges

Zambia The first Relais & Châteaux property in Zambia, Royal Chundu is a haven of beauty. Two luxurious lodges are situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, upstream from the magnificent Victoria Falls.

Rooms: There are four magnificent villas at Island Lodge. Each villa has a spectacular deck, a large open-air bath, a glass-walled double

shower as well as air-conditioning, a fan, mosquito net and a kingsize bed. There’s an intimate boma area for outdoor evening meals, two lounges, a dining room, private dining decks and an infinity pool.

The experience: Island Lodge is the more private of the two lodges.

It’s surrounded by gentle river channels, dotted with baobabs and 2,000-year-old jackalberry trees.

Contact +27 13 751 1038 | www.royalchundu.com

Tswalu Kalahari Private Game Reserve

Northern Cape A gateway to the Kalahari and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, it’s situated in the upper reaches of the Northern Cape province near Kuruman, some 300km north-west of Kimberley. Rooms: The motse (‘village’ in Tswana) consists of eight spacious and secluded legae (another Tswana word, for ‘little house’) or suites.

Each comprises a spacious bedroom with an open fire, an en-suite bathroom with both indoor and outdoor shower, and a dressing and study area. Your private sundeck overlooks a waterhole. The experience: Owned by the Oppenheimer family, it’s South Africa’s largest private game reserve, covering over 100,000 hectares and featuring exotic animal species such as the desert black rhino. And seeing that the Kalahari is the ancestral home of the San people (Bushman), some of their ancient rock engravings are found here.

Contact +27 53 781 9331 | www.tswalu.com

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Sundibe Okavango Safari Lodge

Botswana Situated on the south-eastern border of the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, this venue is well known for its waterways, rich wildlife and water species.

Rooms: The venue has eight thatched cottages built under the wild palms and figs; you can watch wandering animals from the comfort of your room. There are en-suite bathrooms and outdoor showers as well as a dressing area. Hot water bottles are provided on cold nights. The experience: Game drives are accompanied by an armed guide and tracker. Guests can track the Big Five and other animals like the sitatunga antelope. Or learn about how the elephant is vital to the survival of the fan palm.

Contact +27 21 749 9050 | www.south-african-lodges.com

HONEYMOONS

BEST SKI SPOTS

Club Med

France, Italy & Switzerland Experience Club Med’s contemporary resorts set in the spectacular Alps. Ski in some of the largest domains of the world and enjoy magnificent views of snow-capped mountains. The experience: We recommend the Val d’Isere Club Med hotel on the border between France and Italy. This Savoyard ski resort, situated at an altitude of over 1,850m, has long been the haunt of champions and boasts a vast terrace overlooking the Espace Killy. Rooms: Ordinary rooms are tiny, so upgrade to the 5 Trident Luxury Space if you have the money. And in this Club Med you don’t have to get involved with the evening shows if you don’t want to. It has a huge stage with theatrestyle seating and the bar is at the top, so you can just hang out there.

Contact +27 11 840 2600 | www.clubmed.co.za

St Regis Aspen Resort

Aspen A contemporary version of a mountainside manor that provides an exceptional base for lovers of fine food and wine and adventure seekers. Located just steps from Aspen’s signature slopes, and featuring premier amenities. The experience: With plenty outdoor adventures, Aspen is arguably North America’s top skiing destination. The town’s cosmopolitan ambience is a result of world-class restaurants, chic boutiques and cultured performances. Rooms: Emulating a guest suite in a historic late 19th century mountain manor, each room is fitted with custom furnishings, including a leather bed and desk designed by Ralph Lauren. Exquisite marble bathrooms offer separate showers and tubs, and there are fireplaces and balconies in select rooms.

Contact +01 (970) 920 3300 | www.stregisaspen.com

Los Cauquenes Resort & Spa

Argentina Situated at Tierra del Fuego (an archipelago off the southernmost tip of the South American mainland, across the Strait of Magellan), you can sail along the mythical Beagle Channel, appreciate sunset at Bahía Cauquén, explore the national park and enjoy typical Patagonian cuisine. Oh yes!

And you can ski almost the entire year round. The experience: The hotel is situated in Ushuaia, close to Cerro Castor (Mount Castor), a medium-sized resort with great views, excellent snow conditions, modern chair lifts and lots of après ski dining. It has much more reliable snow than Las Lenas and Baraloche. Rooms: The Senior Suites are the most comfortable rooms, with a view on the channel, and they contain every kind of equipment and amenity, including a separate living room, private deck-terrace and big hydromassage in a separate area.

Contact +54 11 4735 2648 | www.loscauquenes.com www.nubianbride.co.za |

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dream comes true.

Where every bride’s

4 Schoeman Street, Polokwane, Limpopo Tel: 015 291 4042 | Fax: 015 291 3153 | Email: reservations@fusionhotel.co.za www.fusionboutiquehotel.co.za

CREW

Photographer Nick Boulton Photographer assistants Divan Eloff and Channay Harvey Production Mira Leibowitz Fashion assistant Erin-Lee Blumberg Make-up Renate Willems and Liezl Callaghan Hair Jawad Maphoto and Alek Daray Models Jite, Adera and Julia, Ice Models

Gowns Find the wedding dress you’ve always dreamed of –whether elaborate, elegant, classic or traditional – from some of the most coveted designers and bridal boutiques

Opening page Pronovias +27 11 784 2000 This page Bride & Co +27 11 807 4000

GOWNS Pronovias +27 11 784 2000

www.nubianbride.co.za |

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La Collezzioni dei Conti +27 11 025 3839

GOWNS La Collezzioni dei Conti +27 11 025 3839

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Pronovias +27 11 784 2000

GOWNS

Oliveli +27 11 782 1155

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Oliveli +27 11 782 1155

GOWNS

JSGA +27 72 279 3705

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GOWNS

Pronovias +27 11 784 2000

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The Bridal Room +27 12 346 0955

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Your Wedding... Our Privilege Address: Pelindaba Road, Broederstroom, Hartbeespoort Dam Phone: 012 205 8600 Email: info@amanzingwe.co.za Website: www.amanzingwe.co.za Facebook: www.facebook.com/AmanzingweLodge

GOWNS

Sun Goddess +27 11 883 8890 www.nubianbride.co.za |

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Bride & Co +27 11 807 4000

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GOWNS

Bride & Co +27 11 807 4000

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25 - 26 October 2014

To book a stand contact Babongile on 031 902 8202 or babongile@primelife.co.za

3

3

DESIGNER WOOL TOUCH SUITS FOR

WEDDING SUITS FOR

R3499

R2000 www.thedesignerwarehouse.co.za SANDTON: 2 Lees Street, Wynberg, Sandton | tel. 011 024 0992 PRETORIA (OUTLET): Shop 4, 187 Van Der Valt Street | tel. 012 323 5564 thedesignerwarehouse@yahoo.com

GOWNS

Gracious House +27 83 404 7848

www.nubianbride.co.za |

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www.marcoadamo.co.za

KILLARNEY MALL, Shop 110 Riviera Road, Killarney Tel: 011 486 2679 26° 09’ 5” S and 28° 03’11”E

ROSEBANK 20A Regents Place Mutual Gardens (Opp Clicks) Tel: 011 880 9985 26° 08’ 39”S and 28° 02’37”E

SANDTON, Shop L06 Michaelangelo Towers Tel: 011 884 2137 26° 07’08”S and 28° 03’12”E

PO Box 2599 Saxonwold, 2132 | E-mail: mwadamo@mweb.co.za

GOWNS

Pronovias +27 11 784 2000

www.nubianbride.co.za |

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Gracious House of Coordination is a growing fashion company, which is aimed at dressing men and women of all age, especially women who loves glamour.

The ladies designs are classic, sophisticated attering and perfect cut with trimmings that are glamourous and fashionable.

We also make glamourous wedding gowns for women who love to look like princesses on that special day. We are also inspired by day to day women.

Sew Africa Building, 136 Pritchard Street, Studio 206, 2nd Floor, Johannesburg Contact: 0735074982 | 0829446575 | 0834047848 | 0723779634 Fax: 0862449115 | Email: gralestine@hotmail.com | katlegoles@hotmail.com

The

fashion

name

in

Blankets

edding w Aranda, the fashion name in blankets ^

Contact Club Aranda for customised bridal packs.

Tel:011 412 3326 www.aranda.co.za

Stockists of blankets, shawls, throws, as well as traditional blankets. “Visit our new website www.clubaranda.co.za to purchase blankets directly online from anywhere in SA.�

Catering, Events Management, Draping, Decor & Cleaning Services • Parties • Weddings • Full Draping • Theme Dècor • Hiring of all catering equipment • Dècor Linen • Chair covers • Tables & chairs • Table clothes, etc Contact: Ntokazi: 083 793 4919 • Masa: 079 071 9808 Sthembile: 076 787 9345 11 Bauhinia Drive, Glen Anil, 4051 Tel: 031 569 4919 • Fax: 086 614 1727 ntokazi@ntokazievents.co.za

Wedding Gown Cleaning Specialist

Lovely bride for the day Memorial honeymoon for 7 days but luxurious bed linen for days, weeks, months, years.

Your friend hooked you up with your husband Florist...................flowers Attorney.............antenuptial Makeup artist beautified you Photographer captured your memories, And the DJ rocked the party.

BUT...

Who will clean your precious gown?

Free throw with every package

Come to Bodhania ‘s for your dream bedlinen,specialist supplier for gifts, dowries, lobola, wedding trousseaus, imported Spanish Mora blanket, Egyptian cotton percale sheets, goose down duvet, luxury, luxury towels & much more.

Luxury bridal package

1xRome soft touch blanket | 1xFine fibre duvet | 2x Standard fine fibre pillows | 5 pieces 300 thread count Egyptian cotton | Duvet & sheet set R 3 590 *

Super Luxury linen Package 1x Spanish mora blanket | 1x 90% Goose down duvet | 2 x Standard 90% Goose down duvet | 5 Pieces 600 thread count Egyptian cotton | Duvet & sheet set R 7950*

Queen size package subject to availability, terms & conditions apply*.

23 High Road, Fordsburg 2092 • P O Box 42554, Fordsburg 2033 t: +27 11 834 6696/7 • f: +27 11 838 2605 e: nazir@bodhania.co.za • w: www. bodhania.co.za

WWW.LEGACI.CO.ZA @legacidry

Wedding Gown Cleaning Specialist

17 Kambathi Street | N4 Gateway Industrial Park | Corner Solomon Mahlangu & Bronkorstspruit Road | Pretoria East

C: 082 377 5088 | t: 012 803 0404 | f: 086 666 9732 | e: dudu@legaci.co.za

Weddings Conferences & Functions

Tel: 012 808 2146 • Cell: 082 892 3386 info@woodlandslodge.co.za • www.woodlandslodge.co.za

North-east of Pretoria/Tshwane, 24 km. from Sefako Makgatho drive (Zambezi –drive)

BRICE EXCLUSIVE WEAR Shop U07, Michelangelo Towers Mall, Maude Street, Sandton, South Africa +27 78 709 4951 | +27 11 883 7221 www.briceexclusivewear.com

To adverTise in NubiaN bride conTacT Luc Kazaba 086 111 4600 | luc@ballyhoomedia.co.za New branch just opened in Stellenbosch

The widest range of quality, bespoke linen and bunting for all events nationwide

SASSY DRESSES FOR SALE Tel (011) 740-9123 • Fax (011) 740-0386 email adnofIn@icon.co.za

Stellenbosch Tel: +27 21 883 8726 info.stell@tableclothhiring.co.za Cape Town Tel: +27 21 510 3000 info@tableclothhiring.co.za Johannesburg Tel: +27 11 262 0048 info.jhb@tableclothhiring.co.za

P.O.Box 311, Brakpan • 554 Voortreker Road

www.tableclothhiring.co.za

LAST WORD

Good Advice Food makes an event, making the perfect menu all the more important on your wedding day. Karen Short of By Word of Mouth, Ntokazi Nkosi from Ntokazi Events & Catering and Alan Venketramen from Alan’s Creations, tell you how to plan a menu, which questions to ask a caterer, and share other important pointers to make catering for your wedding a pleasure

Getting started The first thing to consider when you are catering for a wedding – which Ntokazi says can be as expensive as it can be memorable – is your budget.

Karen: Your budget determines everything,

from your venue to what to serve and when to serve it. This should be the first step of planning your wedding, yet many brides start with everything but money; choosing their wedding theme, venue, guests and what to wear before they even know how much money they can afford to spend, including on catering.

My advice is that you must choose a date, book a venue and then draw a budget for everything related to your wedding, including catering.

Alan: Catering is also influenced by your

Good food on a budget

Karen: You can serve a beautiful breakfast or have a cocktail party. Plated menus are often cheaper than buffets because the portions are controlled. Generally, the cheapest weddings are going to take place in winter because you can negotiate with suppliers in winter. Use seasonal ingredients.

Checklist: your caterer

What to plate

Karen: There is a difference between

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Delightful wedding flavours from Alan’s Creations.

Ntokazi: If you have a tight budget, consider a morning ceremony that could be followed by tea, cake and champagne. People eat and drink less during the day and lunches or brunches can consist of less expensive foods such as finger foods and salads.

choice of venue and what’s included in the deal, like chairs, linen, cutlery etc. So start with your venue, and then let that help you determine how you are going to cater for your wedding.

Ntokazi: Choose a menu that is familiar to your guests so they can enjoy the food you are serving on your wedding day. Some foods are crowd pleasers, loved by everyone.

It’s important for you to also remember that presentation is crucial: warm food should be served warm, cold food should be cold.

Karen: Your food must reflect you as a person. Some key pointers to consider are having a simpler menu for a big wedding, 176

and incorporating the wedding cake into the menu to be served with tea or coffee after the meal. Another consideration is serving a late-night snack for weddings that go on until late at night.

someone who can cook for 12 people and someone who can cater at a wedding. Make sure the person or company you choose has experience – go to their websites to see what they have to offer and what work they have done. Go inspect their facilities, ask if they have basic equipment like a truck fridge, and make sure their basic health standards are in check. It’s also very important to taste the menu before the day: this way you will know what your guests will be eating.

Almost too good to eat – melt in your mouth food from

By Word of Mouth.

Yummy cupcakes from Ntokazi Events & Catering.

Your dream wedding all in one village.

No matter what time of the year it is, Villa Tuscana Wedding Village at Midrand Conference Centre allows you to do everything in one place. There are 5 beautiful indoor and garden chapels, 5 differently styled reception halls, magical gardens offer the perfect setting for your photographs plus there are seven 4-star guest houses that include bridal day rooms and honeymoon suites.

We will customize a package to suit your taste and your pocket and we will allocate an experienced wedding co-ordinator to take some of the stress out of the planning, making things easier for you on the day.

Look no further and contact us today for a site visit. www.midrandconferencecentre.co.za info@midrandconferencecentre.co.za Tel: +27 11 315 8326 Fax: +27 11 805 6758