Bontl Bride Magazine

bride

ISSUE2

BONTLE

5 STUNNING WEDDINGS SIMPLE CONFETTI DIY

YOUR WEDDING YOUR RULES! 1

www.bontlebride.com

contents IN THIS ISSUE Editors Letter

04

Ask Bontle

06

Real Weddings

36

41

FEATURES Behind The Scenes

04

African Styled Editorial

09

Super Simple Confetti DIY

68

Cover Photo :D’amor Photography

www.bontlebride.com

34 2

contact Editor: Ika Khoza hello@bontlebride.com Advertise In The Next Issue advertising@bontlebride.com

Disclamer

The information contained in this magazine is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by Bontle Bride. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability concerning the magazine or the information, products, and services contained on the magazine for any purpose.

Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this magazine.

We have no control over the availability of our advertisers. The inclusion of any ads does not necessarily imply a recommendation OR ENDORSE THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THEM. Every effort is made to make sure there are no typos or misprints. Therefore we accept no liability if any appear.Â

3

www.bontlebride.com

editor’s letter

T

he digital issue of Bontle Bride is finally here. Phew! It's been a long road to here. I won't bore you with the gory details of what happened behind the scenes however I'm taking a break from printing the magazine.

I still have plans to see it in stores, however, for now, you get to have the magazine at just a click of a button. And the best part, it is FREE. This digital issue is packed with wedding inspiration overload. You can draw inspiration from our African editorial shoot which, was a collaboration I did with awesome suppliers. There are five divine weddings and a DIY to give those of you who do not have a planner a head start. It is so simple to do even my four-year-old son can do it.

I hope you will be inspired to think outside the box and have the wedding of your dreams. You don't have to do anything you don't want to do at your wedding.

Remember, you only get married once and you want it to be memorable for you and your partner. There will be people and in most cases, elders who will advise you to do things in a certain way. I know they mean well however if you are not happy with something voice your opinion without being disrespectful. It's your wedding.

Do it your way and most importantly, have fun.

A big thank you to everyone who bought the first issue.

If you have it hold on to it. It is the only printed issue of Bontle Bride to date. Who knows in a couple of years it might be worth a pretty penny.

BEHIND

Thank you so much for reading and see you in the next digital issue.

Ika

THE

SCENES www.bontlebride.com

4

editor’s picks NDEBELE STYLE

Ndebele print is such a beautiful print to wear anywhere. Whether as a wedding guest or a bride, this art print is sure to have peoples heads turn. It is just that beautiful. I can see why more and more brides opt to have it even if they belong to another culture. If you are a lover of this print, here are a few pieces that I know you'll love. Oh and don't forget about the honeymoon, the swimsuit below is perfect.

5

www.bontlebride.com

ask bontle

“

photography:

I might be having a traditional Sotho wedding in about two or three months maybe four. I’m clueless. I have no idea what goes into a traditional wedding. Do I still say vows? Do we just eat? I don’t have much money but this will cost less than a white wedding right? Please advise”

www.bontlebride.com

6

D

ear Clueless, I’m sorry you find yourself in this situation. It’s no fun going through uncertainties. I hope these point based answers will give you a way forward and time to sit down and reflect on your plans.

3. Use The Community Around You If there’s one thing we Africans do well, it’s a wedding. In every street of every community, there are a group of aunties, uncles, and neighbours willing to help, so let them.

4. It’s All About Perspective At the end of the day, if you and your partner are married then everything went according to plan.

You don’t need much to have a legally binding marriage. All you need is a Pastor, two witnesses, and signatures, that’s it. The rest is just a bonus...

1. Set a realistic time frame You have to be clear about your plans. Two or three months, maybe four months is unclear.

Stop procrastinating and set a realistic date and time. If there are reasons such as finances standing in your way, please know that it is okay to wait. Don’t rush into anything. Take as much time as you need. Honestly, you don’t have to prove anything to anyone.

5. Do What Makes You Happy I don’t know why, when it comes to a wedding there is always that uncle/aunty who had no part in your upbringing who wants to control everything. Respecfully talk to your parents and let them know your hearts. They care for you and want what’s best for you.

2. Set a budget and Stick to it I often hear people say, setting a budget is only for celebrity weddings. This statement is simply not true. Whether you plan to spend 10grand or a million, you need to see where every cent is going. Allocate your budget for everything. Keep a spreadsheet and jot down your projections and the actual costs. This will make life easier and the planning journey a breeze.

To conclude, be careful with your spending.

Just because it’s a traditional wedding, it doesn’t always come with a cheap price tag. Many traditional wedding suppliers work hard and know their worth. Good Luck!

“What’s the legal procedure for Pedi lo-

bola? Is there a legal contract? Please reply with more information regarding damages and lobola for Pedi culture. I have tried to search on google but no luck.”

As far as I know(and I stand to be corrected), there isn’t a legally binding contract when lobola is paid. Lobola is a traditional celebration between a couple and their families and in some culture, it is seen as a marriage. In order to make a marriage legally binding you have to be married by an ordained minister/pastor or go to the

home affairs and sign. With regards to damages, normally the family of the girl will send a letter to the family of the man who impregnated her and explains their regret and intentions. After that, they’ll explain their demands and what they expect in compensation. That is all the info I can give you.

7

www.bontlebride.com

www.bontlebride.com

8

the a rican

f

editorial 9

www.bontlebride.com

your wedding your rules!

WEAR WHATEVER YOU FANCY

www.bontlebride.com

10

11

www.bontlebride.com

www.bontlebride.com

12

13

www.bontlebride.com

The Greenhouse Cafe (venue) FB: @thegreenhousecafesa IG: @thegreenhousecafesa D'amor Photography FB: @damorphoto IG: @damorphoto

www.bontlebride.com

14

Myrtle Floral Design & Styling (flowers) FB: @myrtleeventsandstyling IG: @myrtlefloraldesign

Creative Rentals (decor) FB: @CreativeRentals1 IG: @creative_rentals1 Elli-Nicole shoes (bridal shoes) FB: @ellinicoleshoesofficial IG: @ellinicoleshoes Mmm Macarons (cake) FB: @mmmmacarons1 IG: @mmmmacarons1 WEEF (groom's accessories) FB: @weefwear IG: @weefwear P&H Boutique (black dress only & gold accessories) FB: @phboutique IG: @ph_boutique Mzansi Beads (bride's accessories) FB @MzanziBeaders IG @mzanzibeaders Bontle Bride FB: @bontlebride IG: @bontlebride Creative Heroes (stationery) FB: @CreativeHeroes1 IG: @creative.heroes Creative Heroes Professional Make-up FB: @CreativeHeroesProMU IG: @creativeheroes.makeup

15

www.bontlebride.com

Phindi & Themba Phindi and Themba had an intimate wedding of just sixty-five guests.

"The planning process was overwhelming towards the end, even though we had a small wedding but dealing with unreliable suppliers was frustrating," says Phindi. It is such a shame when a couple has to deal with added unnecessary stress on their day. Planning a wedding is hard enough and we can only say sorry to Phindi and Themba.

www.bontlebride.com

16

17

www.bontlebride.com

www.bontlebride.com

18

19

www.bontlebride.com

“Life has changed for the better. The Bible is true when it says two is

better than one in the same breath, with every blessing comes new responsibilities and challenges so the important thing is to marry someone who will fully support your dreams, has strong values to serve and lead. Above all have realistic expectations for each other.�

www.bontlebride.com

20

21

www.bontlebride.com

Phindi’s Top Wedding Tip

“Couples should be financially savvy and think of how they are going to survive after the wedding. There is life after the nuptial.”

www.bontlebride.com

22

We Honeymooned at a resort called Sea Cliff in Zanzibar. It was truly breathtaking and I didn’t know the destination of our honeymoon until we got to check-in at the Airport on the day of departure.

Couples can expect a beautiful place with exceptional service from the staff to relax and have delicious food served throughout the day.

The staff is warm and they are even more welcoming when you are making an effort to speak a bit of Swahili.

They are generally warm people.

These are some of the activities we got up to: •Sailing boat in the sea •Sightseeing at Stone Town •Visiting Spice farm •Taking the ferry to Tanzania •Attending Live Bands every evening

23

www.bontlebride.com

www.bontlebride.com

24

“

I’ve fallen in love many times…always with you.” – Unknown 25 www.bontlebride.com

Thuli & Sibusiso Sibusiso and Thuli were our models for the African editorial shoot.

They've been married just over a year and are expecting their first child. Although this was not a wedding, they were such naturals in front of the camera. The point of the shoot was to show brides to be that you don't have to follow trends and you can still have a luxurious wedding just by incorporating your style at your wedding. You don't have to wear a white dress(although there's nothing wrong with it) you can go ahead, be BOLD and style your day as you wish.

We first met at church, for me (Sibusiso) it was love at first sight. I approached her but there was no luck at that time. Six years later, we met again.

I approached with the hope that she will give me a chance and fortunately she agreed to date me. I immediately received a conviction that she is the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I introduced her to my family after four months. Ten months later, I felt ready to marry her, but I was nervous because I did not know how she would respond. During that week’s conversations, I tried to find out if she saw her future with me and if she was ready for marriage. She did not give it away but at least she mentioned that she did not see her future with any other man. That was a positive response that gave me hope. On the 6th of February 2016, I took her out for dinner and, I told her I want to pay lobola before the end of the year. She was nervous and excited at the same time but she tried to remain calm. She said yes!!!

www.bontlebride.com

26

27

www.bontlebride.com

“

this style shoot was a collaboration between creatives who wanted to show African style from a different perspective�

www.bontlebride.com

28

29

www.bontlebride.com

www.bontlebride.com

30

31

www.bontlebride.com

www.bontlebride.com

32

BONTLE

The Greenhouse Cafe (venue) FB: @thegreenhousecafesa IG: @thegreenhousecafesa D’amor Photography FB: @damorphoto IG: @damorphoto Myrtle Floral Design & Styling (flowers) FB: @myrtleeventsandstyling IG: @myrtlefloraldesign Creative Rentals (decor) FB: @CreativeRentals1 IG: @creative_rentals1 Elli-Nicole shoes (bridal shoes) FB: @ellinicoleshoesofficial IG: @ellinicoleshoes Mmm Macarons (cake) FB: @mmmmacarons1 IG: @mmmmacarons1 WEEF (groom’s accessories) FB: @weefwear IG: @weefwear www.bontlebride.com

Product description: WEEF Cognac Tan Handmade Leather Bow Tie and WEEF Cognac Tan Handmade Leather Pocket Square with custom beading.

P&H Boutique (black dress only & gold accessories) FB: @phboutique IG: @ph_boutique Mzansi Beads (bride’s accessories) FB @MzanziBeaders IG @mzanzibeaders Bontle Bride FB: @bontlebride IG: @bontlebride Creative Heroes (stationery) FB: @CreativeHeroes1 IG: @creative.heroes Creative Heroes Professional Make-up FB: @CreativeHeroesProMU IG: @creativeheroes.makeup 34

“I went to sleep last night with a smile because I knew I’d be dreaming of you… but I woke up this morning with a smile because you weren’t a dream.” – Unknown

35

www.bontlebride.com

www.bontlebride.com

36

Val & Jon Val and John met at a conference in Singapore. After dating for nearly two years, Jon popped the question in one of the most romantic ways EVER. "Jon proposed on the morning of my 30th Birthday in Mykonos. He wrote the proposal with white pebbles on the grass outside our hotel room overlooking the Mediterranean ocean, it was a dream."

37

www.bontlebride.com

www.bontlebride.com

38

39

www.bontlebride.com

www.bontlebride.com

40

41

www.bontlebride.com

www.bontlebride.com

42

“Our planner, Leana from JustJack did all the planning. We

had our wedding in Capetown but we are based in London so we entrusted with everything.�

43

www.bontlebride.com

Val’s Wedding Tips

It is important to discuss marriage and get pre-marital counseling.

Find out what is important to your partner to ensure that the day is special for them too.

Hire a good planner & pay them in advance.

Record all meetings about your wedding, trust me you will need to refer back.

www.bontlebride.com

44

USE THEIR SUPPLIERS Photography: Kilig Photography Planner:Just Jack Weddings and Events Venue: Molenvliet Hair & MU: Big Pout Shanaaz Alexander DJ: More2xplore Catering: Two Chefs shake and serve Decor & Flowers: N concepts and designs Dress: TN COLLECTIV

. "What greater thing is there for two human souls, than to feel that they are joined for life—to strengthen each other in all labor, to rest on each other in all sorrow, to minister to each other in silent unspeakable memories at the moment of the last parting?". —George Eliot

45

www.bontlebride.com

Koketso & Collen We were in the same prayer group at the university. The group was like a family and led us closer to each other. After university, we kept in touch and would meet once in a while during church events. One day out of the blue on the phone he said; you are going to be my wife. I don’t even remember the exact words because it was soo unexpected. I knew then, he was the ONE.

www.bontlebride.com

46

47

www.bontlebride.com

www.bontlebride.com

48

49

www.bontlebride.com

The planning process was overwhelming at times. I don’t think I would have made it without the help of my family and friends. I think I underestimated the time we had to plan which was only four months.

www.bontlebride.com

50

DID HE PAY LOBOLA, IF SO CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE WHOLE PROCESS? He paid Lobola in 2018. My family was quite difficult. They dragged the process for three months, postponing dates and so on but his family was persistent. Apart from that, the whole thing went smooth when they met. My family is not too traditional so the process happened in a few meetings over lunch.

DID YOU LEARN ANY LESSONS THROUGH YOUR WEDDING JOURNEY? IF SO CAN YOU TELL US OF THREE LESSONS YOU’VE TAKEN AWAY BASED ON YOUR EXPERIENCE...

I learned a lot but if I were to share just 3 lessons it would be.

A. Everyone has an opinion and at some point, you have to put your foot down and go for what you love.

B. The value of family and friends. I do not take it lightly now.

Appreciate, make time, be there and show love whenever you get a chance.

C. My partner is my best friend. Have each other’s back at all times. From family, friends etc always have his best interest at heart.

MARRIAGE IS SUCH A BIG DEAL, AT WHAT POINT DID YOU KNOW YOU WERE READY? I’m not even going to lie. I don’t think there was a point where I felt I was ever ready for this journey but one thing I knew for sure is that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with this person. We had known each other for almost six years and in all those years not once did I ever doubt that he was a good man. He had almost all the qualities I prayed to God for.

WOULD YOU DO IT AGAIN? The planning and all the money spending, I don’t think I want to do again. But I definitely would want to relive that glorious day again and again.

51

www.bontlebride.com

“

Things are better when done in unity I realized. I don’t know how to explain it but life makes more sense now that we are married. We now get to conquer challenges and build our dreams together and that is priceless.”

www.bontlebride.com

52

KOKETSO’S WEDDING TIPS To couples planning their wedding, I’d say PLAN PLAN PLAN...don’t take anything lightly. Financial planning is very important, go to expos, talk to people, compare prices, make checklists and never sacrifice on what you love, if it meets your budget, go for it, after all, you only get married once. And most importantly, when you plan, do not forget that there is life after that big celebration.

53

www.bontlebride.com

Use Their Suppliers Decor: Sunnette @Laquilat Suits: Sfiso @Sfignificent Dress: @Bmashilodesign.

Photography: @AndreMphoto.

Makeup : @ofancy_de_fancy_dresser.

www.bontlebride.com

54

"If you live to be 100, I hope I live to be 100 minus one day, so I never have to live without you.". —Ernest H. Shepard 55 www.bontlebride.com

YEBO PHOTOGRAPHY INSTAGRAM: @YEBOPHOTOGRAPHY

PAUSING LIFE’S SPECIAL MOMENTS!!!

www.bontlebride.com

56

57

www.bontlebride.com

www.bontlebride.com

58

mbali & joshua Mbali and Josh first laid eyes on each other in 2011 when she was visiting the UP-Adventist Student Church for the first time. However they did not speak immediately as they did not know each other. As time went by Mbali started attending the church regularly and the two finally had a conversation from which Josh thought Mbali was yet another first year that joined the church (which she wasn’t), but Mbali saw him as the busy guy at church that talked too much.

Mbali and Josh began to share mutual friends and started hanging out more together but at this point, the two had not even exchanged numbers and had never had a one-on-one conversation before. It was one evening when as a group of friends went ice skating that Mbali slipped and the impact of the fall resulted in her needing to get stitches at a nearby hospital in Pretoria. So Josh volunteered to take her and spent an hour in the waiting room waiting for Mbali to come out and then drove her home. From that day onward, their friendship grew into something they both did not expect.

As they started spending time together, they realized the true nature of their relationship. With prayerful hearts and counsel, they began dating on the 2nd of July 2012 and both are truly grateful that they were friends first before pursuing a relationship. Mbali says that she could not have asked for a better backbone, and Josh says Mbali is the spark he was waiting for to ignite his life.

59

www.bontlebride.com

www.bontlebride.com

60

THE PROPOSAL I remember this day vividly. I can’t remember what I was mad at him about, but I was mad at him. Some of his family from the UK was around and he lied to me and told me that we are going to have dinner with them. I agreed, because well I love me some free food, but I was still mad at him. On the way to the restaurant, he told me that we must pass by his brother’s house in Bryanston to get some wine for the family. When we got to the house he told me he needed assistance, because it was a box of wines. When I went into the guest bedroom the lights were dim and petals were all over the floor. There was a light shining on the ring on the floor and I was just like OMG what is happening? I even forgot I was mad at him. He went down on two knees and asked me to marry him, obviously, I said yes!

THE PLANNING PROCESS The planning process was daunting at first, but once we realized that we had each other it took the load off a bit. The first thing we did was try to secure a venue because we knew that that was the most important and what would set the theme for the wedding. We googled for venues and that's how we found Oakfield Farm. After we found the venue we knew we were halfway there. We didn’t have a planner, Josh and I planned everything together. We have family members we bounced ideas with and we made sure they knew everything so that on the day they would help execute the idea well. My husband was the one that pushed me, he had all the spreadsheets and he would update them.

Once we found the rest of the suppliers it all just fell into place. It helps to plan well ahead of time.

61

FAVOURITE MOMENTS We both enjoyed the photoshoot, both with us alone and the bridal team. We also enjoyed seeing everyone on the dancefloor. There were also games for the ladies and gentlemen to get the bouquet and garter, that was absolutely dope. The ladies had to play musical chairs to get the bouquet and the guys had to give the best pick up line to the lady who won the bouquet.

THE DRESS I went dress fitting twice, just to figure out what suited me and what I liked. This was before we went to the wedding expo. When I went to the expo I met Estelle and her designs blew me away. So I set up a meeting with her and we brainstormed. She was the one that came up with beautiful details of my dress. All I knew was that I wanted a mermaid fitting dress with a poofy bottom and silk material (which I feel is timeless). I felt that the lace thing had been overdone and all the lace dresses I tried did not suit me. The first time I had the fitting before it was even complete I died like 3000 deaths lol. I loved it and still do because of its original and one of a kind.

LOOKING FORWARD TO Really just spending time with my husband, getting to travel with him, plan life and just enjoy the time we have together. More especially waking up next to him.

www.bontlebride.com

www.bontlebride.com

62

MBALI’S WEDDING TIPS Make sure you plan well ahead of time. Book all the major suppliers well in advance. If you do not have a planner like we didn’t, make sure you assign your family or whoever will be helping you out on the day, with key tasks. Inform them of every single detail so that on the day you are not running around yourself. Go and practice the proceedings of the day at the actual wedding venue, especially your step.

Make sure to go with your whole team more than once, at least two times. Also, make sure to go with your suppliers there during the planning phase. We made sure that the family members assisting had the program so nothing ran behind time, also we discussed it with the venue liaison. Start your make up four hours before the actual event so you aren’t late. If the make up artist has to do make up for more than four people ask her to bring an assistant. It takes an hour per bridesmaid and 1.5 hours for the bride. Set aside plenty of time to get ready.

63

www.bontlebride.com

www.bontlebride.com

64

65

www.bontlebride.com

Use Their Suppliers Flowers: CafĂŠ Fleur Photographer: Thabang. R Photography Bride:Estelle Bridal Couture Cake: Luxia Confections.

Hair: Kudatot Makeup: Deogracious

www.bontlebride.com

66

I am absolutely, definitely, positively, unquestionably, beyond any doubt, in love with you.

67

www.bontlebride.com

simple confetti

DIY What You’ll Need 1. Scissors 2. Tissue Paper First, unfold the tissue paper and cut about 1/4 of the tissue paper. Fold and start cutting. You should have something that looks like a fringe. Cut across it and that’s it. You should have your confetti.

Now you’ll need something to hold your confetti.

For The Cones 1. A Stapler 2. Glitter paper or any kind of paper ( we used an old gift bag) Cut your paper in a triangle shape then simply fold and staple.

That’s it, now you can leave the cones at the entrance of the ceremony space with a sign to encourage guests to pick up a cone and sprinkle the bridal entourage as you exit the church. Your photos will look amazing.

You can get all of these suppliers in most stationery shops...

www.bontlebride.com

68

1

2

3 4 5

6

69

www.bontlebride.com

0044 7469 194157

Jenni Dezigns jennidezigns@gmail.com www.jennidezigns.clothing

Claudies Florist +27 82 308 1250

baby BONTLE

www.claudiesflorist.webly.com

and family blogs coming soon!!!

www.bontlebride.com

70

ADVERTISE IN THE NEXT ISSUE OUT advertising@bontlebride.com

DEC 1st 71

www.bontlebride.com

“

Don’t ever think I fell for you,

OR FELL OVER YOU. I didn’t fall in love,

I ROSE IN IT.” – TONI MORRISON

REST IN PERFECT PEACE MRS. TONI MORRISON, YOUR WRITINGS WILL FOREVER BE IN OUR HEARTS.

www.bontlebride.com

72