It’s fun, it’s different and it’s great if you have fabulous legs! For brides looking for a touch of va-va-voom or something a bit less formal, the short dress can seal the deal. There are so many stunning little numbers out there that this trend has been welcomed with open hearts. Of course, the first step in choosing a wedding dress is knowing your figure and what looks best on you – and if a short dress is an option, we have inspiration aplenty. From spaghetti straps and cocktail-style frocks to a vintage or twenties touch (think layers of lace or flapper-style fun), short dresses can be teamed with killer heels that make a statement in their own right. There are also A-line, ballerina, ruched and Twiggy-straight options; you can even team a long-sleeved short dress with hot long boots for a dashing winter look. For those wanting the best of both worlds (who doesn’t?), start out in a full and formal skirt and whip that off when the dancing starts to reveal a sexy mini underneath. What fun!

Celebrity (and Wedding Inspirations’) favourite Elie Saab unveiled his Spring 2014 Couture Collection
recently and, as usual, we’re truly, madly, deeply smitten! The designer’s pastel-hued range was inspired
by a 19^th century painting (Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema’s “The Roses of Heliogabalus”) and boasts exquisite
floral elements and signature Saab sparkle. High necklines, sheer panels and long sleeves dominate, as do
floating silhouettes – Saab staples that are key bridal trends for 2014 as well. You’ll also spot several gorgeous, Grecian-style pleated designs and a handful of eye-catching ombré creations that will appeal to brides and bridesmaids with more contemporary tastes (note the models’ hairstyles too – middle partings are in!). Prepare to fall in love …

OMG! It’s not often that wedding dresses stop us in our tracks (literally), but these magnificent creations from Israeli designer Berta of Berta Bridal have done just that. Ever since we spotted them on this blog, we’ve been smitten and have returned to the images time and again to admire their awesome detail. What has us so hooked? The stunning, sleek silhouettes for starters, followed by the dramatic backs and elegant embellishment (love, love all the lace!). We also adore the focus on sleeves – one of our top bridal fashion trends for 2014! If you’re looking for a dress that’s the perfect combination of sophisticated and sexy, feast your eyes on these designs from her Winter 2014 Collection. Good luck trying to choose a favourite though – it’s tough!

Say hello our first ever white issue! On sale from TODAY, the latest edition of Wedding Inspirations magazine is full of fresh ways to celebrate white’s return to favour in the style stakes. And if you weren’t in love with the colour before, just wait! Highlights include amazing bridal fashion (love the on-trend tea-length dresses!) and sophisticated lingerie, plus striking beauty ideas for your big day (who knew white make-up could look so good?). As always the reception themes are not to be missed, so prepare to fall hard for our all-white party look with minimalist leanings and the lush partnership between white and Radiant Orchid, Pantone’s colour of the year (flower lovers, the latter one is for you!). We’ve also got exquisite bridal bouquets and cakes, fresh bunting ideas (DIY fans take note) and glorious honeymoon locations for all. Add to the mix information on the latest wedding trends, blunders real-life brides want you to avoid and the pros and cons of brides’ speeches and you have a fabulous read, cover to cover!
The Autumn edition, priced at R49.95, is available at Pick n Pay stores nationwide. You’ll also find copies at CNA, Exclusive Books, PNA and Dis-Chem, as well as selected SPAR supermarkets and independent retailers. Alternatively subscribe and never miss an issue. Details are at weddinginspirations.co.za.

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With white, white and more white currently trending on the wedding scene, there are a host of revolutionary reception possibilities that are fanning the flames of inspiration for us. Our sleek March/Autumn 2014 issue features eight splendid pages of ideas by Marius Barnard of Weddings by Marius to help turn your party into a setting spectacular. While playing with pristine shades of white-on-white, Marius treats us to calm, classy hints and tips. We love his combo of new glass and old china, the pretty parasols to shade guests from ceremony sun, white-on-white laser-cut stationery, paper buttonholes and the stunning simplicity of all-white Tiffany chairs. Scroll down for a wander through this white wonderland – the ideal colourway for a winter wedding – and then grab a copy of the latest issue to learn the dos and don’ts of choosing powerful focal points, using texture to add depth, keeping clutter-free, clean lines and combining old and new to great effect. Be inspired!

Photographs: Michelle van Staden

Sponsored post from MS Bridal

Dramatic back treatments reigned supreme at New York Bridal Fashion Week, a hard-to-ignore wedding dress trend… And for good reason! Adorned with sparkling Swarovski crystals, illusion backs, plunging open backs and sophisticated cutouts,  these statement wedding dresses  keep all eyes on the bride… from her first steps down the aisle, to her grand getaway. See some of our favorite Maggie Sottero gowns with these dramatic backs.  Drew, a satin sheath with a plunging neckline and  drape cowl with embroidered illusion lace. Or Kyama, a demure gown with a high, illusion tulle neckline and embroidered tulle back, offering modern coverage for a sophisticated bride.

If you adore the drama of a white wedding but want a dash of daring – a pop of colour – as well, this exquisite reception look means you can have your cake and eat it too! Created by Heike le Cordeur of Fleur le Cordeur for our brand-new March/Autumn 2014 issue, the shoot was inspired by , Pantone’s colour of the year for 2014. Needless to say, masses of purple hydrangeas and strings of orchids create a setting that is sophisticated, opulent, chic and daring! (It’s no wonder that purple has been the royal colour for eons!) Take a peek at the pics below and then grab a copy of our new mag to learn more about working with close shades for a layered visual stimulus and creating sleek colour-flows with the tones of your choice. For those wanting more inspiration when it comes to pinks and purples, click here to see where we introduced this lush and lovely hue.

Photographs: Catherine Mac

We love black as an accent colour at weddings: it’s smart, sophisticated and striking – which is precisely why Nicolette and Gerhard Peschel chose it as part of their elegant colour scheme when they said “I do” at Isiphiwo Hotel & Spa in Pretoria recently. Take your cue from the lace details on the couple’s tables and wedding cake, and of course from their bridesmaids’ dresses (black can always be worn again!). Check out the floral bouquets too – so, so beautiful! Thank you to Alexander Smith for the images… (PS For more elegant wedding inspiration featuring black, click here and here.)

NICOLETTE REMEMBERS

How did your groom propose?

We were in Magoebaskloof near Tzaneen for a canopy tour across the gorge. Afterwards we went up to a viewing point to admire the beautiful (and quite romantic) scene and there, out of the blue, Gerhard went down on one knee, took out the ring and asked me to marry him. It was one of the best moments of my life! He later told me that he’d intended to propose while we were zip-lining from one tree/cliff to the next with only water beneath us, but the guide had advised against taking any valuables along (because if they fell they’d be lost forever) and Gerhard didn’t want to take risk losing the ring!

Tell us about the theme of your wedding.

We got married at the beautiful, five-star Isiphiwo Boutique Hotel just outside Pretoria. Isiphiwo means “God-given” and it sure is, especially the stunning chapel with six double wooden doors that open out onto beautiful landscaped gardens. The banquet hall has enough space for a dance floor (important to us as we love to dance) and there is accommodation for guests and even a spa. I wanted our theme to be “classic elegance” so chose a neutral colour scheme of cream, silver and black and included crystals, candles and fairy lights to achieve the look. I also brought in a vintage vibe with lace underplates, lace serviette rings and lace wraps around some of the flower posies. We placed ornate picture frames on the tables with the table names in them. I wanted guests to experience that “wow” feeling when they walked into the hall – with the help of Aunt Joey (who did the flowers and decor) I think we achieved it! To me, every detail was important and I enjoyed every bit of the preparation.

And the menu?

The food was outstanding! The starter was chicken parcels in a white wine sauce, while the main course was a buffet with dishes such as chicken casserole, rolled pork with a fruit glaze and horseradish-crusted roast beef and a variety of vegetables and salads. Dessert featured wedding cake, chocolate and cherry mouse and lavender-infused crème brûlée.

What was the highlight of the day?

It was certainly the walk down the aisle with my father (I felt like a princess!) and seeing my future husband – my soul mate – waiting there for me, knowing that this was the moment where our life journey finally began together as husband and wife. Also, having our closest family and friends with us to share in our special day.

Any advice for future brides-to-be?

You can NEVER start too early with the planning! Try to decide on as much as possible as soon as possible. We were engaged for eight months, so I had enough time to plan properly and I enjoyed using that time to gather ideas and to get an idea of the feeling of the wedding. Also, make a wedding file with all the ideas that you like: your perfect dress, your hair, decor, etc. It helps when you meet with suppliers for them to see and understand your vision of your perfect day. It is also a nice memento for the future. Finally, enjoy every second of the day because it only comes once in a lifetime!

Little Black Book
Bridesmaids’ dresses: Isolde Paul 083 778 6708
Cake: Divine Delights 082 977 3747
Coordinator: Joey van der Merwe 082 453 5619
Decor and flowers: Joey van der Merwe 082 453 5619 and myself
Dress: Lady Marmalade Centurion, Carina on (083) 661 1282
Entertainment: Our family compiled a playlist of music for the reception
Food: Isiphiwo Boutique Hotel & Spa 012 808 2328
Groom’s outfit: Jean-Pierre Beaumont 083 500 8366
Groomsmen’s outfits: EuroSuit 012 998 0300
Hair: Equilibrium Hair 012 993 5330
Make-up: Make up by Madeleine Botha 084 206 5905
Photographer: Alexander Smith Photography 083 505 8891
Stationery: Ruby Sue Event Stationery 074 151 4641
Venue: Isiphiwo Boutique Hotel & Spa 012 808 2328
Videographer: JC Crafford 074 133 4755

Love was definitely in the air at The Wedding Expo® this past weekend as beaming brides and grooms caught up with the latest wedding trends and soaked up ideas and advice for their big day.

Held at the Coca-Cola Dome in Johannesburg, the two-day event attracted 300 exhibitors who represented every aspect of wedding planning, from dress design, jewellery and make-up to cakes, favours, food, flowers, photography, table decor, stationery and venues. We were there too, of course, showcasing our gorgeous new White Issue and offering couples the chance to snap up previous editions they might have missed.

Trendspotting was on our to-do list as well and if you didn’t make it to the show, blush wedding gowns and ombré designs are in (more so than ever before). Olivelli, Calegra Bridal House and Garnish Couture had the best, while White Lilly Bridal showcased stunning original designs in white and cream. Bridesmaids’ dresses were big too – we loved the new looks from Gelique! For grooms, F Wilson’s funky waistcoats caught our eye, as did the bespoke offerings from Alexander Suits, Berkshire & Black and Paul Gulatino.

As usual, we fed our stationery addiction by admiring creative paper works from the likes of Rude Design, Paper Planes and The Stinkwood, while our floral fantasies were filled by exhibitors like Bespoke Blooms (so beautiful!), My Eden and Café Fleur. Glam table settings definitely led the way (cue candelabra, crystal and silverware), though other exhibitors like Bella Fiore made an updated shabby-chic look irresistible. As for the cakes, there were so many delectable creations to try and lots of sophisticated and quirky designs to admire (Annica’s, Magnolia and Cakes by Pat were just a few of our favourites). For more details, visit wedding-expo.co.za. See you at the next show on September 6 and 7!

Symbolising purity, goodness and infinite potential, it’s no surprise that white gets the thumbs up as a wedding colour time and again. The colour itself intrigues and there are so many shades available – everything from whitewash, paper, alabaster, corn-silk and ice to antique white, ivory, chalk, milk, lily, smoke, seashell, old lace and linen. In our crisp new March/Autumn 2014 issue, you’ll find 16 pages of fabulous bridal fashion featuring – you’ve guessed it – white teamed with white for the ultimate dreamy look. There are all-white accessories too (think ribbons, bows, flowers, feathers, fur or even chunky beads) – the results ranging from sleekly elegant to downright funky! Look out for gorgeous designs from talents such as Arwen Garmentry, Renata Kuzak, Joss Bridal Wear, Suzaan Heyns and Biji, and well as ready-to wear dresses from the likes of Maggie Sottero, Pronovias and Enzoani.  Enjoy a leisurely browse through this sneak peak below and then grab our latest issue for more sensational ideas.

PS: We can’t reach all five of your senses through our pages, but there’s no reason why you can’t do it on your wedding day. Team white with scents such as vanilla, gardenia or coconut and enjoy the effect!

Photographs: Graeme Wyllie

You can always rely on Vera Wang to push the envelope (remember her red wedding gowns? Ditto the black and white duos)? The New York designer’s Spring 2015 Bridal Collection is no exception, though this time it’s the presentation that’s unique (cue models with a ghostly pale, grunge vibe!). While white mascara, lank hair and washed-out brows won’t be every bride’s idea of beauty, the dresses themselves are delicate and gorgeous (Vera says she was inspired by a “lightness of being”), but also edgy and modern with interesting embellishment and silhouettes. Look out for a fabulous V-neck column dress (ideal for minimalist brides) and a sleeveless crew-neck design that combines comfort and class. There are plenty of romantic elements too – like frothy skirts, lace bodices and sweetheart necklines – for the more traditional at heart. Lovely…

Pictures via verawang.com

For DIY decor that can only delight, opt for timeless bunting, which in times more modern has many quirky stories of its own to tell. Inexpensive and individualistic, bunting opens a whole new world to brides looking for signature decor touches. Our March/Autumn 2014 issue devotes six pages (thank you, In Good Company, for the fun ideas!) to this party-classic-gone-funky. Besides the selection below, you’ll find even more inspiration within our pages. For those wanting to kick-start their thinking, try using bunting to decorate glass jars (tea lights, edible favours), on stationery, in flower arrangements, on the cake, inside a tent or marquee, in posed wedding shots or on the getaway car. We love that it encourages totally personal choices – use handpicked papers and fabrics, mix and match colours and textures – and adds to the celebration something old and something new in one.

Photographs: Vanessa Lewis

Sponsored post from Enzoani

Enzoani has become one of the most renowned and prestigious brands on an international scale due to its focus on innovative style, exceptional quality and above all a fit and finish like no other.  Enzoani’s gowns are exquisitely hand crafted, inspired by cutting edge designs and rich detail yet traditional.

Enzoani supplies Retailers across Africa with four exclusive bridal collections and two special occasion collections.  The Bridal collections:

Enzoani:

Exclusive flagship collection.  Sophisticated elegance, European influence, signature detailing and product construction.

Blue by Enzoani:

This collection provides similar styling and attention to detail as the Enzoani collection however slightly more youthful and at a more accessible price point.

Beautiful:

Beautiful represents an affordable option while maintaining the highest in product quality. Embellishments on each gown are subtle and tasteful.

Badgely Mischka Bridal:

Features inspiration from the renowned Couture collection and offers the signature Badgely Mischka beading and embroidery details that have made the name famous.

The Special occasion collection:

Love by Enzoani:

Showcases refined silhouettes with a youthful twist blended into both cocktail and floor length gowns.  Collection defined by a large palette of colour options and classic silhouettes.  The design details are subtle yet innovative and vary in fabric, texture and style.

Badgely Mischka Bridesmaid:

The collection will continue to offer modern styling and quality construction details and fresh silhouettes for the 2015 season.

Brides can visit our website www.enzoani.com for Authorised Retailers near you.

To stock Enzoani in your store, contact Estie Roome.

Contact: Luzanne Meyer & Estie Roome

Number: +27 (012) 809 2785 or +27 (082) 946 3695

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It may take you back to school maths, but just as 1 + 1 = the 2 of you, so geometry’s in and looking hot! Couples are using this abstract theme to create blow-away settings – and the possibilities are infinite. Start with geometric detail on your dress and ring, then stretch it to almost everything else. Simple, striking and very effective, think chevrons or zigzags, stripes, squares, rectangles, cubes, circles or ovals in a colourway of your choice. The invite and menu often tend towards the geometric anyway, but what about checked bridesmaids dresses, chevron bowties or bouquets wrapped with striped ribbons? Transform table settings with striped cloths and napkins, and deck these with contrasting placemats, chargers and plates. Add square or rectangular candles, vases and focal points. The geometry needn’t end there either: consider confetti, favours and the cake. This is a theme that is easy to source and easy to achieve. Combine plain colours with a mix of patterns, and use stencils, paint, paper and ribbon to help with the budget. When it looks so good, who cares if you’re square!

Every bride wants to feel like a princess on her big day and Lebohang Magagula made sure she looked the part when she married Xolani Magagula at Zulu Nyala Country Manor in Fourways, Johannesburg. Her cathedral-length veil (don’t you just love the scalloped, lacy edge?) and stunning royal blue shoes complemented her classic dress perfectly. Add a lavish reception look of white and green and you have a celebration fit for a king and queen! Thank you to Rianka Conradie for the images.

LEBOHANG REMEMBERS

How did your groom propose?

I started watching Say yes to the dress over and over, especially when he was around, to drop some hints! He finally proposed a week before Valentine’s Day. I cried and had a moment without realising I hadn’t said yes! He asked, “Um, is that a yes?” so I jumped onto him and said “Of course I will marry you, Mr Xolani Magagula – about time!” The rest, we may say, is history.

Tell us about the theme of your wedding.

Our wedding theme was royal elegance with a touch of vintage. Everything, from the cathedral wedding veil and gown to royal blue shoes and the blues of a live band playing in the background during the reception, combined to make the perfect fairy-tale wedding I had always imagined. We chose the beautiful and tranquil Zulu Nyala Country Manor in Fourways for our reception. We were particularly captured by the romantic wedding chapel with tall windows overlooking a dam and just that touch of nature that completed our choice. Our reception was in the stunning Diamond Events Centre, with its sparkling crystal chandeliers – a perfect setting for a lavish celebration of our wedding.

And the menu?

I’m an aspiring chef and my motto is “its not complete until it has a touch of green”. Our menu starter was [a salad of] strawberry, watercress and Parmesan shavings drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar. Main course was a choice between beef stroganoff or chicken, served with savoury rice, mixed peppers, ratatouille and roast rosemary potato wedges. The meal was completed by a dessert choice of apricot-infused malva pudding or blueberry fridge cheesecake.

What was the highlight of the day?

That moment when the pastor said, “Turn around, bride and groom. Family, friends and colleagues: introducing Mr and Mrs Magagula!” The joy in our parents’ and friends’ faces was heart-warming – a “can’t hurry love” moment…

Any special advice for future brides-to-be?

First and foremost, book a good photographer and videographer – it’s worth every penny! Second, stop stressing. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times, it’s part of the journey, so delegate some items to your bridesmaids and siblings. When you look back at all the “challenges” after the wedding you will realise how frivolous your concerns were. I wish I had had a camcorder throughout this time, it would make for a great sitcom… Just have fun!

Little Black Book

Bridesmaids’ dresses: Truworths 0861 878 967
Cake: Pam of Cake Sensation 083 655 5979
Coordinator: Derek Herrer of Zulu Nyala Country Manor 084 638 4191/079 464 6892
Decor: Derek Herrer of Zulu Nyala Country Manor 084 638 4191/079 464 6892
Dress: Pronovias (Sandton) 011 784 2000
Entertainment: Xolani Magagula (groom) 073 466 8037
Flowers: Derek Herrer of Zulu Nyala Country Manor 084 638 4191/079 464 6892
Food: Zulu Nyala Country Manor 011 702 9300
Groom’s outfit: Edgar Kibongui Creations 082 211 1515
Groomsmen’s outfits: Edgar Kibongui Creations 082 211 1515
Hair and make-up: Philile Mahlaku of Bemdzabu Creations 083 7789136
Photographer: Rianka Conradie of Rianka’s Weddings 082 721 9905
Shoes: Benjamin Adams at Christiaan Michael 011 326 5245
Stationery: Did it myself
Venue: Zulu Nyala Country Manor 011 702 9300
Videographer: Andre Mostert of Motion Craft Films 082 319 3605

Sponsored post from Forever New.

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A two-piece wedding dress may make you do a double-take at first – but that’s probably the effect you’d like to achieve. There are a handful of reasons for choosing a two-piece and they all get the thumbs up from us. First off, for girls with washboard waistlines who can show a little midriff and still look stunning, it’s the ultimate opportunity. For practical brides who want to wear their wedding outfit again, it’s a perfect choice too – you’re more likely to reuse the outfit as separates. Then there are those breathtaking combinations of one part old (perhaps from mum) and one part new that have huge sentimental value. We love the layered look that a two-piece wedding outfit offers too – picture an under-dress in an accent colour that can easily be worn on other occasions, teamed with a white over-dress that highlights the wedding feel. And for brides who don’t want a traditional gown at all, there’s the option of teaming pants and shorts with a romantic top – or having a detachable skirt, so you can party too. It’s about colours, textures and imagination…

It’s fun, it’s different and it’s great if you have fabulous legs! For brides looking for a touch of va-va-voom or something a bit less formal, the short dress can seal the deal. There are so many stunning little numbers out there that this trend has been welcomed with open hearts. Of course, the first step in choosing a wedding dress is knowing your figure and what looks best on you – and if a short dress is an option, we have inspiration aplenty. From spaghetti straps and cocktail-style frocks to a vintage or twenties touch (think layers of lace or flapper-style fun), short dresses can be teamed with killer heels that make a statement in their own right. There are also A-line, ballerina, ruched and Twiggy-straight options; you can even team a long-sleeved short dress with hot long boots for a dashing winter look. For those wanting the best of both worlds (who doesn’t?), start out in a full and formal skirt and whip that off when the dancing starts to reveal a sexy mini underneath. What fun!

It’s warm, quiet, classic and making a bang of a comeback. Copper is here, not just on the wedding scene, but in decor and clothing too. Great for autumn and winter settings, it’s a colour that warms with its own subtlety and hints just as much at summer tans as cosy evenings around a fireplace. It’s a wonderful addition to decor and dress possibilities for brides-to-be, from sophisticated copper foil stationery to copper pots on raw wood with white flowers. Try copper wire bows, industrial copper piping turned into candelabra, copper lanterns as centrepieces, copper pots with seedlings as wedding favours, upcycled picture frames in wood and copper, copper-sprayed mason jars for flowers or favours and coppery autumn leaves in brown paper as confetti. We love the fact that copper combines so easily with other colours – rose gold and silver are very big, also teal and ivory, as well as greens and whites with a pale pink or plum. For clothing, try a rose gold or copper dress, or copper/gold-sprayed flowers, autumn leaves, tiara and yes, spray-painted shoes (they’re so easy to do and they work a dream). It’s also a divine shade for eyes, lips, cheeks and nails! Here is some of our favourite inspiration …