Vintage – Still on trend in 2012, this popular ode to old-fashioned romance conjures up images of fine china, silver and lace, a delicate peaches-and-cream colour scheme, elegant fare and refined dancing under the moonlight.

Rustic – Want a folksy, farmyard feel? Then find a field with bales of hay and preferably a barn in the background. Add wooden tables and benches, fairy lights twinkling in the trees, wellies and watering cans and wheelbarrows full of flowers. Decorate tables with centrepieces of potted herbs or fruits, and serve barrels of cider and huge platters of unfussy fare…

Village fête – For a celebration that will appeal to all ages, decorate your venue with bunting and balloons, homemade fabric hearts and jars of just-picked blooms such as daisies and sunflowers. Create craft corners for the young, have candy floss and cake stalls, serve toffee apples and locally brewed beer. Ribbon rosettes and admission tickets for guests are another fun, festive touch. If you want to go all out, hire fun fair rides and turn your fête into a carnival.

Enchanted garden – The perfect combination of childhood fantasy (cue Alice in Wonderland) and adult luxury, this theme allows you to get creative with elements such as cupcakes, teapots, bunnies, ticking clocks, antique cake stands, crystal glassware and ornate wedding stationery. Choose a pretty garden setting and play with pink and aqua in various shades. Serve macaroons, finger sandwiches, tea, champagne… and a wonky wedding cake!

Watch this space for more fun themes and stylish celebrations!

JAYNE REMEMBERS

How did your groom propose?

I was living in London at the time and Johan was in South Africa. We spoke daily over Skype and one night we just decided to get married – it was a natural chat. Johan flew to the UK two months later for Christmas and officially proposed to me in a little B&B in the Lake District. It was simple, sincere and very true to us.

Tell us about the theme of your wedding.  

We wanted our wedding to be simple and relaxed, but most of all fun. Our decor was clean, simple and based on natural colours: a U-shaped table was set up with floor-length white tablecloths, linen overlays and low floral arrangements featuring hydrangeas (my favourite flower!), white roses and lisianthus. We also placed hydrangeas in baskets and vases around the venue and had a relaxed lounge area outside. To keep the mood light and fun, we gave each guest a pen with their name on it and placed brown paper on the table so that they could draw, doodle and write messages during the evening – all of which we’ve kept and put in an album. For seating cards, we used individual fun pictures of each guest with their table number on it, which they could then peg to their shirt or dress. The music was also really important – a mix of 80s, 90s and current songs that appealed to everyone and ensured the dance floor was full until after 2am! It was exactly what we wanted. No airs and graces, just a great night and party with our family and friends.

And the menu?

Guests were served canapés, cocktails and ice tea while we had our photos taken. We then had a cold pea and mascarpone soup starter, followed by a plated main of Parma ham-rolled fillet with root vegetables, herbed mash and a red wine and thyme jus. For dessert we filled a table with assorted cheeses, breads and preserves, and canapé desserts made up of mini tiramisu, berry cheesecakes, vanilla cupcakes filled with raspberry cream and chocolate and brandy truffles. Guests could visit the dessert table throughout the night and nibble as they pleased. Our cake was a homemade chocolate and pistachio cake decorated by family and friends.

The highlight?

To single out one part of the day is impossible. The ceremony was everything we hoped for – personal and honest. To exchange our vows and make our commitment was the most beautiful moment. Having our families and friends dance until 2am was a special treat. The whole day was relaxed and full of joy and laughter.

Any advice for brides planning their special day?

Stress before your wedding, but on the day let everything just be. If you and your husband are relaxed and have fun, so will your guests and the things that go wrong won’t matter – which means your day will be perfect.

LITTLE BLACK BOOK

Dress: Kristin Masters, Garnish Couture 082 684 1630; www.garnishcouture.co.za

Decor and event coordination: JEM Exclusive Catering and Events 079 255 1718 or 072 518 2213;
www.jemcatering.co.za

Flowers: JEM Exclusive Catering and Events. Khali Collins, The Wedding Specialist 082 445 9086;
www.theweddingspecialist.co.za

Food: JEM Exclusive Catering and Events

Groom: Khaliques, Cedar Square 011 465 1613; www.khaliques.co.za

Hair and make-up: Lyn Reece Professional

Make-up 011 465 9889; www.makeuppro.co.za.
Here & Hair 012 658 5287

Music: Fast Forward Entertainment; www.fast-foward.co.za

Photographer: John Snodgrass 083 261 7221

Venue: Featherbrooke Estate Clubhouse (open to residents only)

• Because red is such a strong colour, it can be overwhelming if used too much. For maximum style points, use it as an accent shade on your wedding day rather than the base colour – unless of course your intention is to create a dramatic, vampish look.
• Red pairs perfectly with pink, orange, blue, green, brown, purple, black and grey. Choose the colour combo that best appeals to you, then experiment with the various hues in each shade. Burnt orange-red and burgundy are ideal autumn hues, while cherry red pops in summer.
• Some of our favourite colour combinations include: red, aqua and white (a popular wedding palette right now); poppy red and pink (not as girly as you think); red, white and grey (for a contemporary, masculine edge) and red, pink and orange (for fun!).
• Incorporate red into your decor using items such as ribbon (checked, striped or spotted), linen, flowers, food and drink.
• Ideal red flowers include roses, gerberas, gladioli, carnations and tulips.
• Serve pomegranate or berry punch as a refreshing, red-hued welcome drink; strawberry daiquiris, Cosmopolitans, Bloody Marys and Singapore Slings at the cocktail bar; Sangria; and of course Glühwein in winter.
• Depending on the season, you could introduce red into your menu through dishes such as beetroot soup, tomato tartlets, Caprese salad, roasted bell peppers and red lentil curry. Fill your dessert table with items such as red macaroons, red velvet cupcakes, a berry-topped pavlova or cheesecake, red striped candy canes, red liquorice and so on.
• Wear red shoes and / or a red flower in your hair; and give your groom a red bloom or red ribbon in his buttonhole. Don’t forget that red nail polish and red lipstick also makes a stylish impact. Choose a hue that complements your skin tone and wear it with confidence!
• If you don’t want your bridesmaids swathed in red, dress them in the complementary colour you’ve chosen and add red accents through belts, bows, shoes, hair accessories, floral bouquets and make-up.

By Lisa van der Knaap

Where to start

Weddings can be a bit of a minefield, so chatting to someone who has been through it is ideal. “When trying to find a wedding photographer, your best bet is to get a referral from someone – that way, you can see their work and approach them if you like their style,” says Nic Huisman of Huisman Photography (www.huismanphoto.co.za). He also advises that you do your research before booking the photographer. “Expos only happen twice or three times a year, which can be a long time to wait, but wedding magazines are packed with information. If you find websites on the internet, looking at the photographer’s blog, as opposed to just their website, will give you more of their current work. I’d recommend booking photographers at least six to eight months in advance. If you go for someone who runs their own business then they are liable for their reputation,” he explains.

Amanda and Rodolfo Custodio, owners of Custo Photo (www.custophoto.com) think that the internet is a great place to start looking for a photographer – especially if you don’t know any brides who can recommend someone. “A photographer’s website says a lot about their style, professionalism and quality of work. Visiting venues is also a good idea (most have albums or business cards of photographers who have done work there and know the venue well). When you’ve shortlisted a few photographers, be sure to meet with all of them in person.”

Once you’ve met the photographer there is something more crucial than their portfolio which should determine whether you book them for the day. “It’s imperative that you like and get on with your photographer. If you’re uncomfortable in any way, it will come through in your pictures. A good photographer who you get on with will also help to relax you a little on the day,” explains André Badenhorst of Black Frame Photography (www.blackframephotography.co.za).

What to ask

When you’re meeting photographers for the first time, there are certain questions you need to ask that will help you make a decision. “It’s ironic, but most brides spend more time on their wedding day with their photographer than with their groom, so you need to ask yourself if you can get on with this person,” says Nic.

Amanda and Rodolfo believe that you also need to check that their style is what you want for your wedding – ask if their style is traditional, modern, purely photojournalistic or OTT. What makes them different from their competition? You also need to find out if the company consists of just the owner or if there are several photographers. In this case, who will be the photographer on your wedding day? Can you see their specific portfolio – and what will happen if that person is sick on the day?

“It’s also a good idea to view a full wedding album [from a previous client], not just a photographer’s portfolio,” adds photographer Christine Meintjes (www.christinemeintjes.co.za). “You also need
to know how a photographer works on
the day (this is important as it influences the couple’s day). Once the wedding is over, check if you will you get all of the photos on disk in high resolution and if they be edited.”

Trends

Trends are a good thing to look at when you’re planning for your wedding, but it’s more important to choose a style that suits the two of you. Nic says that with the advent of digital photography film has become almost obsolete, but the vintage feel of film is still very much sought after at weddings – luckily, this look can be achieved with a digital camera.

“The country/vintage trend is huge at the moment,” agrees André, “but we try to break away from that classic look a little bit. Using props is a great way to bring out the fun side of weddings.”

“Another big trend we’re seeing at the moment at weddings is photo booths – you can look on the internet for companies which do this. Photo booths are great because these pictures of the guests are usually taken during the couple shots, so it is a nice distraction for guests,” says Nic. “I create a photo booth feeling where I use a backdrop and studio lights. I prefer this because you can get many more people in the picture than in the traditional photo booth box.”

There is also another option which allows you to maximise time with your guests. “A big trend overseas is for the couple to have their photographs done before the ceremony. I’ve done a few weddings like that and I find that the couple is normally much more relaxed because it’s just the two of them – they don’t have 100 people waiting for them,” explains André. “There are some limitations with this though. I find that couples who do this normally have their weddings much later in the day so that they still have amazing light in the photographs. Once these pictures are done, it normally only takes about 20 minutes to get the family shots done and the couple can then relax and mingle with their guests,” he adds.

Costs and logistics

“Depending on whether you are getting a ‘weekend warrior’ (someone with a permanent job who wants to earn some extra money) or a professional photographer, you can expect to pay anywhere from R2 000 to R20 000,” says Nic. “Although photographers like to personalise things as much as possible for their clients, sometimes picking a package is a good idea – standardising things means that there is less room for error.”

After the wedding, most photographers will also put together a photo book, which is done using a photo editing programme. The pages are designed, printed on stiff paper and bound to represent a coffee-table book. This is a good option because it’s normally more of a “storybook” than a traditional photo album.

“Price doesn’t guarantee quality and creativity,” warn Amanda and Rodolfo, “but it usually says a lot about the skill, style and equipment the photographer uses. Although some photographers charge around R7 000, a package of about R20 000 will most probably mean you get good quality photographs and great service.”

Another thing you need to work out with your photographer includes how long they will stay on the day. This comes down to what kind of shots you want of your wedding – getting ready, the first dance, even your departure. Make sure you work this out beforehand so that there are no dramas on the day because of a misunderstanding. If a photographer has a set amount of hours they normally stay, they might be willing to charge by the hour for the extra time you want them there.

If you are having a destination wedding it makes sense to get a photographer from the area. If you really have your heart set on a certain photographer, see if you can work out the logistics. If the wedding is far away you might be expected to pay for transport and a night or two’s accommodation.

Get creative

There are some unconventional approaches to wedding photographs which add a touch of fun and quirkiness to your big day – either in addition to a professional photographer or instead of one, if you’re working with a limited budget.

• Use a Polaroid camera to take a picture of guests to go with their message in a photo guestbook. It will all be done by the end of the wedding and is a lovely memento to have in addition to the official photo book.
• Leaving a disposable camera on each table is a great way to have a really interactive wedding, as guests will then take pictures of each other. It’s also a good idea if you are having kids at your wedding as it will keep them entertained for ages.

Expert tips

When it comes to photography, remember that there’s nothing more important than light.

“I truly believe that couples don’t spend enough time on details. They think about obvious things like the flowers and dress, but don’t think about other things such as lighting. Some couples often leave things up to the venue, but then the photographer arrives to find that the room hasn’t been draped, for example, which has an impact on the pictures,” explains Nic.

“A good way to avoid this is to ask your photographer to visit the venue if he doesn’t already know it,” continues André. “It just helps to know beforehand details like what the lighting is like in a certain room.”

“Remember that photos are created with light and if you choose a very dark venue or church, this will have a big effect on your photos,” adds Christine. “Make sure you consult your photographer about your timetable for the day, to make sure you choose the best time for photos. After that, just relax and be yourself.”

Videographer

Photographers are not exempt from the adage, “Jack of all trades, master of none”. If you choose to have a photographer, it’s important to get a separate videographer (most photographers can refer you to a good videographer).

This is an extra cost – packages normally start from R2 000 upwards, depending on what portions of the wedding you want shot – but as with most weddings, the day whizzes past in a complete blur and a video will allow you to relive the entire experience. Obviously, photographs and a wedding video go hand in hand, but a video captures the live elements that you might have missed out on the day. It will give you and your groom fond memories to share with your children and grandchildren one day.

Photo checklist

Before the ceremony

•    Wedding dress (hanging up)
•     Bride’s bouquet
•    Bride’s shoes
•     Bride having her hair and make-up done
•     Bride in her wedding dress
•     Bride getting into the car
•    Groom getting ready

At the ceremony

•     Flowers decorating the venue
•     Guests outside the venue
•     Bride arriving
•     Groom and best men at the altar
•     Bride and father walking down the aisle
•     Bride and groom exchanging vows
•     Ring ceremony
•     Signing of the register
•     Bride and groom walking up the aisle
•     Bride and groom covered in confetti

Formal group shots

•     Bride and groom
•     Bride and groom with her parents, then his parents, then all together
•     Bride and groom with siblings
•     Bride and groom with close family
•     Bride and groom with bridesmaids, then best men, then flower girls and page boys
•    Bride with her mother, then her   father, then all together
•     Bride with both sets of parents
•     Groom with his mother, then his father, then all together
•     Groom with both sets of parents
•     Bride with best men
•    Groom with bridesmaids

At the reception

•     Laid tables
•     Details of the table
•     Cake table
•     Bride and groom arriving
•     Guests with champagne
•     Bride and groom entering for dinner
•     Speeches
•     Bride and groom cutting the cake
•     Bride and groom’s first dance
•     Bride and father dancing
•    Groom and mother dancing
•     Bride throwing the bouquet
•     Bride and groom in car

Photos supplied by Black Frame Photography – www.blackframephotography.co.za/blog.

More photo fun

Engagement shoots

Engagement shoots have become a popular way for some couples to capture the moment in a setting completely different to the one they know they’ll marry in. For others, they’re a way of experimenting with a possible theme and location for their wedding… and of testing the photographer’s skills and approach in advance. Engagement shoots are typically cheaper than actual wedding photography, but they’re not essential, so feel free to forego one if it means sacrificing other desired elements on your big day.

Trash the dress

If you’re not too concerned about getting your wedding gown dirty – or worse – “trash the dress” photo shoots are fabulous fun! A popular style of wedding photography abroad, they basically involve shooting a bride and groom in less elegant (and less wedding-like) surrounds: think city streets, rooftops, garbage dumps, fields, abandoned buildings… The idea behind the shoot is to create a dramatic contrast and to capture the couple feeling free and relaxed in their wedding outfits. Depending on the wedding location, it can either be done on your big day or at a later date when the dress has served its purpose and there’s no time pressure to get done.

In case you’re wondering, yes, some brides literally do trash their wedding gowns rather than storing them away! Search the internet and you’ll find examples of brides being splattered by paintballs, catching their dresses on rocky outcrops or even setting their gowns alight. If that’s your aim, just remember not to tell the dress designer…

CHRISSI REMEMBERS

How did your groom propose?

He surprised me on my birthday with a present with a beautiful card on it and a ring attached with a ribbon.  When I turned the card around it said, “Will you marry me?…  Oh, and happy birthday.” It was very unexpected and intimate. It felt perfect.

Tell us about the theme of your wedding.

We didn’t really have a theme to start off with. I looked at things I liked in magazines and (ended up with) a combination of romantic and vintage. We decided to have our wedding in Johannesburg, as it was so much easier for everyone, and the city has so many beautiful places. We found out about Turbine Hall at The Wedding Expo® and we both loved it as soon as we saw it. The design and layout was very different, like nothing we had experienced before. Having grown up in the city, I also love the vibe in Newtown – it has so much character and history behind it. I guess it also matches both of our quirky personalities and taste. Our ceremony was held at the Pandanasa Greek Church in Rosebank.

And the menu?

Food forms a big part of most Greek people’s lives so it was important that we got it right! We went for dishes that we felt would be sufficiently filling and tasty, and appeal to most people’s tastes. Before the meal we served canapés such as roasted chicken phyllo with sage mayonnaise and sweetcorn fritters with guacamole and cherry tomatoes. The starter was prawn Waldorf salad, the main was braised fillet of beef bourguignon with horseradish dauphinoise, and dessert was vanilla and lavender crème brûlée. The wedding cake was created by a very special pastry chef named Bastian Eversmann who we discovered at the Hyatt Hotel. It was beautifully made up of white chocolate cups that were decorated with strawberries, roses and nougat on the outside and filled with the most decadent and delicious chocolate parfait.

The highlight of the day?

There were many: my father walking me down the aisle; our kiss after the priest announced us husband and wife; the guests congratulating us after the ceremony; my sister’s speech at the reception… The biggest highlight of the day though was when Panos got up to do the zembekiko towards the end of the evening. It’s a Greek improvisational dance that requires both balance and creativity!

Any advice for brides planning their special day?

Do your research, plan ahead, create a list of items that you need and keep track of your budget. But most importantly, enjoy the process, follow your instinct and appreciate the people working with you.

LITTLE BLACK BOOK

Bridesmaids and groomsmen:  Our maid of honour, best man and bridesmaids wore their own outfits. Greek weddings don’t require matching outfits so we decided to keep it colourful.

Cake: Bastian Eversmann at the Hyatt Hotel 011 280 1234

Caterer: The Forum Company at Turbine Hall 011 575 3888; www.theforum.co.za

Dress: The Wedding Box, Hyde Park 011 880 2838; www.theweddingbox.co.za

Flowers and decor: Rudie Stoop 082 880 9369 or rudiestoop@gmail.com. Bouquet and hairclip: Flower Emporium in Illovo 011 268 5855

Groom’s outfit: Lagerfeld from Belmont 69, Sandton 011 883 1476

Music: Nick Bailanis (both English and Greek music) 083 778 7397

Photographer and videographer:  Adrian Shields Photography 083 635 9765; www.adrianshields.co.za

Venue: The Forum Company at Turbine Hall 011 575 3888; www.theforum.co.za

Featuring newly-weds Jason and Tasha Young, the appropriately named Drown the Gown shoot took place recently in a suburban swimming pool in Kloof, KZN. The couple – who are both scuba divers – wanted to do something fun and informal to round off their wedding celebrations, so Brett – who photographed their January nuptials at Netherwood – suggested an underwater shoot.

The results speak for themselves, though chat to groom Jason and it’s clear that such awe-inspiring creativity is not for the faint-hearted! “We had to expel all of the air out of our lungs before going under water so that we’d sink to the bottom of the pool and not have puffy cheeks for the photographs,” he explains. “It was more demanding on Tasha – she was completely amazing. I at least had a weight belt to help keep me down. But we’re essentially drowning slowly in these pictures… That being said, it was great fun and I’d still recommend it to everyone!”

Fortunately for Tasha’s dressmaker, her wedding gown wasn’t trashed at all. “If anything, we cleaned it,” laughs Brett!

Click on this link to see more … http://vimeo.com/35883216

Amazing, isn’t it!?

NKHENSANI REMEMBERS

How did your groom propose?

We had been chatting about marriage for some time, but it wasn’t until Kulani took me to meet his family that I knew he was serious. A couple of months later our families met to engage in the lobola process. We followed the traditional route as we are both Shangaan and wanted to honour our culture. It was a process filled with celebrations.

Tell us about the theme of your wedding.

It was [inspired by the words] “celebration” and “love”. Our brief to our wedding coordinator, Johnny Hamman, creative director of The Aleit Group, was to keep it plain and simple, but also modern and elegant. He created an all-white venue with white flooring and white walls draped in bull denim. We had 410 guests seated on Louis ghost chairs at five long tables of twenty-five meters each – it looked very glamorous! I loved the soft white fringing hanging from the wrought-iron chandeliers, but my favourite aspect was the floral arrangements – they were simple, striking and different, some low and some tall. Unfortunately it rained on the day, so we had to move the ceremony from the garden to the inside hall, but it was still stunning. There were lots of special touches that made the day: my two brothers handing me my bouquet; Kulani’s cousins and brothers using golf clubs to create a guard of honour for him; the oversized napkins printed in gold with words we love and cherish which guests got to take home; the ribbon menus; the fun photo booth…

And the menu?

We served an alternating plated starter of ostrich salad for the men and smoked salmon with avocado gateaux for the women. The main meal was a buffet, filled with hearty comfort food such as fillet and roasted vegetables, while dessert was an array of sweet treats which guests could choose for themselves.

The highlight of the day?

[Kulani] Waiting for my lovely wife to arrive at the ceremony, seeing her beautiful smile, and of course seeing the dress! [Nkhensani] Being pronounced husband and wife in front of our family and friends.

Any advice for brides planning their special day?

Plan, plan, plan; allow plenty of time; and if possible, use a wedding coordinator – it was the best decision we made. We definitely could not have organised our celebration without Johnny in particular. He made life a lot easier and the wedding a breeze – from planning to execution. We loved the experience!

LITTLE BLACK BOOK

Cake: Natalie Koch, So Dé-Lovely Cakes 082 393 8923; www.lovelycakes.co.za

Decor and event coordination: The Aleit Group 021 887 4448; www.aleit.co.za

Dresses (bride and bridesmaids): Gert van de Merwe 082 450 0873; www.gertvandemerwe.com

Entertainment: The Sticky Triggers 011 786 9123; www.thatchmusic.com. DJ Sucka V (Victor Ledwaba) 073 383 5975; email vicledwaba@yahoo.com

Flowers: The Flower Art Company 083 237 5920; email annelineschoon@gmail.com

Food: Velmore Estate 012 370 7000; www.velmore.co.za

Groom and groomsmen: Olé Ledimo from the House of Olé 082 298 9169

Hair: Lydia, Urembo Concepts Hair Salon 011 327 7575

Make-up: Le Look 021 554 4848; www.lelook.co.za

Lighting, sound and staging: Something Different 0861 266 2378; www.something-different.co.za

Photographer: Stefan Steenkamp, ZaraZoo 021 910 1196; www.zara-zoo.com

Stationery: Elsje Designs 021 976 7111; www.elsje.co.za

Venue: Velmore Estate 012 370 7000; www.velmore.co.za

Videographer: Hauke Digital 012 998 1835; www.hauke.co.za

This year, decor specialists are going all out to ensure that chairs get the attention they’re due at wedding receptions. While fabric covers and sashes still feature prominently, interesting details such as flowers, ribbons and crystals are coming to the fore, allowing for fresh ideas and inspiration. All it takes is a little creativity and effort, says Johannesburg-based wedding decorator Sandra Bloch of The Petal Box.

“If your venue has lovely wooden or wrought-iron chairs that don’t need to be covered, try twisting ivy through the back of the chair or tie four or five thin pieces of ribbon to the back and let them hang to the floor. Use Prestik to attach some good quality silk flowers (roses or daisies) across the back of the chair or hang a tassel or large drop crystal from a piece of ribbon for an elegant look. Another option is to hang pretty wooden or metal hearts from the side of each chair or, if budgets are tight, to make your own heart shapes from good quality patterned paper and tie them with a long satin ribbon bow.”

Other great ideas include floral sprays, single-stem lilies and proteas, sprigs of lavender, paper wreaths, name tags tied with ribbon, helium balloons and items such as sea shells or autumn leaves – providing they relate to the overall theme. Just remember to affix the decoration firmly so that it doesn’t fall off when the chair moves – and to check that it won’t create discomfort for guests.P

Sandra Bloch, The Petal Box. Call 011 025 0184 or 083 724 1413; visit www.thepetalbox.co.za.

Actual leap year falls on February 29 but if you can’t get down on bended knee that day don’t worry. The pleasure of taking charge in this regard can last all year (and beyond) if you want it to! Just make sure you propose with some sort of jewellery. Research has shown that men appreciate pre-wedding bling too and are happy to be marked as “taken”. Crooner Michael Bublé sported a “man-gagement ring”, while UK jewellery company H.Samuel has unveiled a collection of engagement rings aimed specifically at the gruffer sex. Locally, jeweller Geraldine Fenn admits the trend is slow to get off the ground in South Africa, but has made engagement rings for men – including for her own husband, Eric Loubser. “He’s also a jeweller and reckoned it was unfair that I got to have one and he didn’t!” She recommends signet rings as a good option for guys as these can easily be customised with an engraved crest or monogram.

When choosing the ring, remember to take into account your man’s personal style and day job (if he’s heavy on his hands, opt for a more durable metal like titanium); keep in mind also that you don’t need to splurge two months’ salary – buy what you can afford in a style and precious metal colour you know he’ll love.

Here are a few masculine rings that caught our eye…

EMMA REMEMBERS

How did your groom propose?

We were in Venice for a weekend during the Redentore Festival (one of the city’s most popular annual events). Sasha proposed under a bridge, on a canal, beneath an evening sky filled with fireworks. It was pure magic.

Tell us about the theme of your wedding.

We were fortunate to have two celebrations: a Christian wedding and a Hindu wedding, honouring both our cultures and upbringings. Both events were held at Summer Place, two days apart. The Christian ceremony was classic in feel: top hats and tails for the men, an elegant white dress for me (a gorgeous handmade couture dress made of taffeta silk and hand-stitched lace). It was an event attended by only our nearest and dearest and the joy was overwhelming.

The Hindu wedding was a fusion wedding, but it was important for me to honour Sasha’s culture so I wore an outfit in traditional wedding colours of red and gold, completely encrusted in Swarovski crystals and weighing around 10kg! The wedding decor incorporated these colours as well, with red roses and subtle gold touches that added warmth and richness to the event.

And the menu?

The menu featured traditional Indian wedding food, including amazing curries and sojee (a semolina-based dessert). Our wedding cake had a marble replica of the Taj Mahal, a really special symbol of love, on top.

The highlight?

The first time we saw each other before we walked down the aisle – it was a tender moment. Also, seeing all of our friends and family having the time of their lives taking part in the Bhangra dancing – it was a sea of the most vibrant, beautiful colours.

Any advice for brides planning their special day?

Remember why you are having a wedding: it’s a celebration of love, happiness and togetherness – so have the time of your life, as it is all about you!

LITTLE BLACK BOOK

Bridesmaids and groomsmen: Outfits from India

Dress: Paaneri, Mumbai, India

Groom: Paaneri, Mumbai in India

Hair: Bernadette from Natural Hair Effects 011 804 6402/3

Food: By Word of Mouth 011 544 1600; www.bywordofmouth.co.za

Flowers and decor: Leave It To Me 083 325 1422

Photographer: Jean-Pierre Uys 084 577 4686; www.jeanpierrephotography.co.za

Venue: Summer Place, Johannesburg 011 447 9744; www.summerplacesa.com

Videographer: Freeman Productions 011 885 1516;
www.freemanproductions.co.za