Wedding Belles

MAY 2016 - 15 L.E., VOLUME 11, ISSUE 8 WWW.IDENTITY-MAG.COM

BEFORE YOU BOOK

Best Honeymoon Packages and Wedding Venues

50+ WAYS TO WOW YOUR WEDDING

CRAZY CREATIVE PROPOSALS A BRIDEZILLA FREE WEDDING

WELCOME TO THE HASHTAG WEDDING ERA ESSENTIAL BRIDAL ACCOUNTS

to plan your dream wedding

learn to DANCE WEDDING TRADITIONS TO KEEP see page 54

WEDDING BELLES

TOP BRIDAL GOWNS AND RINGS

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letter from the editors DRESS BY: RAFIK ZAKI

P

art of the problem getting married in our day and age, is that it is so hard to make your wedding unique. It seems that no matter how much thought and effort you put into the process, there is always someone out there making a cuter, fancier, and trendier celebration.

With the availability of a million and a half ideas and examples on the internet, you could really drive yourself mad. The reality is that the wedding industry has made sure that we work ourselves up into a frenzy to get a so-called “better” wedding, whatever that means, and usually at the expense of a huge chunk of

sanity. All of that only to realise when it’s all said and done, it’s not that much different than the next.

Except that it’s yours.

It’s your love story being celebrated, your guests coming together to support you, your voice saying the vows, your hands cutting the cake, your feet moving to the first dance, and your smile lighting up the room.

The only thing that makes your wedding truly unique is that it’s yours, and that is something you should never forget. It’s the spirit of the celebration that makes a wedding special, so live in your moment and cherish it.

Identity Magazine was founded in 2005 by Rola Kamel to enhance every aspect of a woman’s life style, helping our female readers to discover and improve their own identities.

The subscription rate to Identity is 180 L.E. for one year (12 issues) by Al Ahram, Tel: 02-27703190 Contact us at: 26A Montazah St., Zamalek, Cairo-Egypt. Tel: 02-27361187 Mobile: 0122-9401071 email: sendus@identity-mag.com www.identity-mag.com

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M AY

VOLUME 11

ISSUE 8

IDENTITY-MAG.COM

Founder & Managing Editor ROLA KAMEL Editor-in-Chief NAWAL ISMAIL Senior Editor LIZA DUNHAM Senior Arabic Editor ADEL SALIB Copy-Editor AMINA EL FAYOUMY Staff Writers AMINA MOUSTAPHA, ALIA EL SAADY, MARIAM GABR Online Writers MIRANA TERA, PERY EL ETREBY Relationship Expert MARWA RAKHA Psychology Expert KATE KERPEZ Fashion Expert NAHED KAZZIHA Senior Graphic Designer ALIA EL-ABD Marketing & Advertising Manager RIHAM YEHIA Digital Marketing Manager STEVE NABEEL Digital Marketing Specialist MONICA NAGY Online Advertising Consultant MARWA KAMEL Identity Magazine Distributors ASHRAF FOUAD & ESSAM IBRAHIM Website Company QPIX SOLUTIONS Distribution Company AL AHRAM Printing House INTERNATIONAL PRINTING HOUSE (IPH)

8 Identity May 2016

contents

32

50

WELCOME TO THE HASHTAG WEDDING ERA

10 Identity May 2016

36

bridal photoshoot:

VIBRANT VOWS

SAVING THE DATE

10 MUST-HAVES FOR NEWLY WEDS 12 INSTA PERFECT PROPOSALS 14 THE WEDDING CHECKLIST FOR NON-PLANNERS 18 TOP BRIDAL ACCOUNTS YOU HAVE TO FOLLOW 20 TRENDING: THE AFTER PARTY 22 HOW TO NOT TURN INTO BRIDEZILLA

WALKING THE AISLE 28 WEDDING BELLES 30 BRIDAL FASHION THEN & NOW 32 TEN INSPIRATIONAL ACCESSORIES 34 SHOE BATTLE: FLATS VS HEELS

SAYING “I DO”

46 WEDDING VENUES 48 MODERN METALLICS 54 WEDDING TRADITIONS FOREVER TO KEEP

ADVICE COLUMNS 16 LEARN THE WEDDING DANCE 24 COMMUNICATE YOUR WAY INTO A RELATIONSHIP 26 FIVE MONTHS ARE LONG ENOUGH

BITS & PIECES

56 HOT HONEYMOON PLACES 60 SNAPS & PRESS RELEASES 64 HOROSCOPES

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12 Identity May 2016

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IDENTITY LOVES TULIPE - NEOFLAME-AENI CERAMIC COOKING POTS “Cooking a meal should be as fun as it is to eat. And since a lot of that has to do with the cookware, Tulipe offers durable pots so that the newlywed couple can steam and boil their way through their favourite recipes.”

14 Identity Identity May April2016 2016

ZARA HOME PORCELAIN SET “Ideal for everyday use, this great housewarming gift for newlyweds is on point with modern gift giving.”

ZARA HOME - SILVER COLOUR TERRACOTTA VASE “This sleek and modern vase will spread its magnificent charm anywhere it is placed.

Gift the newlyweds this lovely creation and they will praise your refined choice.”

SWAROVSKI – WATER LILY CANDLE HOLDER “This exquisite crystal candle holder will add a magical texture to the newlyweds’ home through its uniqueness and allure.”

THE GUESTBOOK “Add a magical element to your event and feel the glamour. This guest book redefines the concept of keeping memories, giving you a truly unique and memorable experience that lasts forever.”

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saving the date

INSTA-PERFECT PROPOSALS

by Amina Moustapha

Once upon a time marriage proposals were something altogether different from what we know nowadays. No longer restricted to an awkward meeting between the groom and the father in the sitting room, the sky is the limit for ways they can pop the question. If you and your significant other have always danced to the beat of a different drum, your proposal should be no different! Just make sure you bring along a photographer or videographer to record all the hard planning.

Below are some matchless proposal ideas that may help you:

FOR BOOK LOVERS

If you’ve got a book lover on your hands, try to reach out to one of her favourite authors to sign a book with “Will You Marry ____ (your name)” on the inside. It might require some nagging from your side, but it’s worth it. On top of her surprise, you’ll also have the signed book as a physical memory of the proposal forever.

OVER AN INTERCOM

This a favourite unique way to propose because it’s so simple and unexpected. If either of you regularly visit a place with a public address system, like a stadium, a mall, or a theater, arrange for your message to be THE FLASH MOB PROPOSAL played for the whole place to hear while you two are Flash mobs are a phenomenon where apparent together. As soon as she hears the message, that’s strangers suddenly assemble in a public place and the time for you to get on one knee. perform a pre-rehearsed dance sequence in order to surprise and delight passersby. Recently, with SPELL IT IN LIGHTS the help of musicians, dancers, friends and family, You’ll probably have to pull a few strings to get this hopeful grooms started to make use of it to organize one done (a few very good friends won’t hurt), but memorable proposals. It’s full of energy and emotions if you work in an office building or a company with due to the great audience. Make it as big or small as enough windows, you can go around and light some you want, and end the song with your proposal! windows to spell out your message. It seems like a

THROUGH A PUPPET SHOW

Does your girl admire the Muppets or Avenue Q? Stage a mock puppet show to surprise her, and have the plot mirror your own life; make it funny, make it romantic, but make sure at the end your puppet proposes to her. You get bonus points if you break character right at the end and propose to her yourself!

16 Identity May 2016

hard deal to pull it off but it’s actually feasible and wildly romantic.

UNDERWATER

Do you both love the water? Why not pop the question on the seafloor while scuba diving? It’s the perfect surprise; instead of her finding clown fish and coral underwater, she will find your diamond ring waiting for her.

saving the date

THE WEDDING CHECKLIST FOR NON PLANNERS

by Mariam Gabr

Some of us are just not planners by nature, which makes planning our big day feel more like planning doomsday instead. In order to survive it all and come out alive on the other side, you should break it down and focus on the deadlines for the big ticket items on your to-do list. Here are some deadlines that you shouldn’t miss; Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your wedding. If your engagement is less than a year, you can modify the months, just keep things in proper order.

12 months before: SET A BUDGET Setting the budget may be the most unromantic step you go through, but it’s the most crucial one. You cannot plan anything else until you have the budget planned and agreed on.

6 months before: CHOOSE YOUR FLOWERS Once the flowers are settled, you can finalise the rest of your decorations.

11 months before: CHOOSE YOUR WEDDING VENUE AND DATE These two go hand and hand, as the venue you want may have limited availability. Once you book your 5 months before: PICK YOUR WEDDING CAKE venue for the correct date, you can move forward This part of the planning should be the most fun, because you can go sampling with your future groom. with all other details.

10 months before: CHOOSE BRIDESMAIDS Your bridesmaids are your go to girls! Knowing who will be a part of your big day will help you plan themes, dresses, and pre-wedding events.

9 months before: HIRE THE PHOTOGRAPHER Since this is the individual who will preserve your memories for a lifetime, do not wait until the last minute to find whoever might be available. If you are planning on having a videographer or entertainment, this is when you should book them as well.

4 months before: FIND YOUR HAIR STYLISTS AND MAKE-UP ARTISTS Perhaps you want something specific that takes a few tests to get right, or even trying different stylists, so give yourself some extra time to perfect it.

3 months before: FINALISE PLAYLIST WITH ENTERTAINMENT This includes what songs you will make your big entrance to and have your first dance to.

2 months before: SEND THE INVITATIONS 8 months before: START ON YOUR GUEST LIST Most people will probably already know the general This project needs to be started well in advance; timeframe, but two months is the perfect time to you’ll need time for arguing who should come and inform people of all of the details. who shouldn’t.

1 month before: TREAT YOURSELF With all of this planning, you deserve to relax a little!

7 months before: BUY YOUR DRESS Especially if you’re customising your dress, start We suggest a trip to the spa to help calm your nerves early! This is a good time to order the bridesmaids’ before what is now, after all this productive planning, hopefully less of a doomsday. dresses as well.

18 Identity May 2016

advice gurus

LEARN THE WEDDING DANCE, LOVE THE WEDDING DAY

by Alia El Saady

It’s the day of your wedding, so far the day has gone gloriously well. And now, it’s time for your first dance as husband and wife. The song plays and you look into each others’ eyes, while all eyes are on both of you gracefully gliding across the dance floor with ease. This moment is everything you ever hoped it would be. Unless you’re not ready for it. This is why learning to dance for your wedding day is something you have to include in your planning. Here are the best places to prepare you for this momentous occasion: DANZONE STUDIO, HELIOPOLIS

Danzone offers first dance classes and special courses for weddings. They offer a variety of dance styles, including salsa, tango, hip-hop, dance fusion, and even tap dancing! The dance lessons are mainly private ensuring you get that hands on one-on-one time, so that you can perfect the dance for your momentous wedding night! The lessons start at 200 L.E. per hour and go up from there. But, for a lesson with Danzone’s team of expert instructors, it’s worth it! Danzone also offers group sessions in all the dance styles available at their studio.

Address: Casa Verde Compound, First Settlement, New Cairo Tel: 01005555137

DANSATION, MOHANDESSIN

Dansation offers dance styles ranging from salsa, chacha, and tango to jazz and hip hop. They have special wedding packages for those soon to be newlyweds, and promise that in 5-8 hours before the wedding Address: Villa 12, Beshir Naema Street, Behind El they’ll prepare the best choreographed steps to your Nozha Police Station, Heliopolis wedding song. Their prices start at 30 L.E per hour Tel: 01091063963 and can go up to 280 L.E per hour depending on the particular package and instructor. They offer private ADAM’S DANCE STUDIO, NEW CAIRO and group classes and are known for their wide Adam’s Dance Studio is a dance haven for all New variety of dance styles, so you have the liberty to pick Cairo dwellers! The styles taught at the studio are which style you’d prefer. salsa, hip hop, and contemporary. They offer group classes teaching these styles, but have been known Address: 6 El Gazaer Street, off Gameat El Dowal to give private dance lessons at their studio as well. Street, Mohandessin Their prices start at 100 L.E. per lesson, a 5 class pass Tel: 01000850153 at 400 L.E and a 10 class pass at 700 L.E. Purchasing a pass will make you save on classes while still receiving quality instruction!

20 Identity May 2016

saving the date

TOP BRIDAL ACCOUNTS YOU HAVE TO FOLLOW

by Mariam Gabr

Wedding planning is all about inspiration. There are so many new and hip ideas for wedding venues, themes, cakes, and of course, wedding dresses; you just have to go find them! We did half of the work already and gathered the top must-follow accounts and websites for all of you wedding planners out there.

WEDDING PLANNING

THE KNOT It’s hard to categorise what this website will help you with, because it ranges from planning, to registries, to invitations, to themes, and accessories. If you pick one site to use, this should be at the top of your list.

Website: www.theknot.com; Facebook: The Knot; Instagram: @the knot WEDDING WIRE If you’re stuck, Wedding Wire will give you hundreds of ideas. It has it all covered from A to Z; they even have suggestions for songs to play during cutting the cake.

Website: www,weddingwire.com; Facebook: WeddingWire; Instagram: @weddingwire LE REVE WEDDING AND EVENT PLANNER If you can’t think of any wedding venue setups and wedding themes, Le Reve will solve that problem for you!

Facebook: Le Reve Wedding Venue

WEDDING ADVICE

MARTHA STEWART WEDDINGS Not only does this website have endless articles on all the wedding related questions that might pop into your head, but it also has a daily useful wedding tip that you might never have thought of!

Website: www.marthastewartweddings.com Facebook: MarthaStewartWeddings; Instagram: @martha_weddings

22 Identity May 2016

STYLE ME PRETTY This website has all of the quick and easy tips you need before your big day. This includes help such as ‘Your Bridal Emergency Kit’ so you are prepared for any mishaps, in addition to other inspiration.

Website: www.stylemepretty.com; Facebook: Style Me Pretty; Instagram: @smpweddings

DRESSES

YASMINE YEYA Yasmine is an Egyptian-French bridal designer who never ceases to wow us with her gorgeous work. If you’re looking for a dress that will take your guests’ breath away, she’s the one to go to.

Facebook: Yasmine Yeya Couture; Instagram: @maisonyeya

SHOES

NINA SHOES Yes, most of the time the bridal dress is covering the shoes, but wearing a nice pair of shoes is just good for the soul! Not only do they sell glamorous bridal shoes that will make you feel like a princess, but they also offer to design your very own bridal shoes.

Instagram: @NinaShoes; Pinterest: Nina_Shoes

FLOWERS

BRIDESIGN Your floral heaven! From your bridal and bridesmaid bouquets, to centerpieces and napkin holders, when you’re thinking floral-think bridesign!

Website: blog.bridesign.com; Facebook: Bridesign Wedding Flowers

saving the date

TRENDING: THE AFTER PARTY

by Mariam Gabr

The wedding celebrations are no longer restricted to the ceremony and reception, more and more newlyweds are going out to party after the party. You can call it an opportunity to enjoy the big day to the fullest or maybe call it a chance to get wild after the older generation goes home; however you want to think of it, here are some tips on how to pull off the perfect after party.

1.

Be sure to have a change of clothes

2.

Plan ahead who you want to come

3.

Send out invitations

7.

Know who will pay for what

4.

Delegate the details to the wedding party

8.

Then go crazy!

We’re sure your big white dress is beautiful, but it’s impractical to party in, especially after a long day. The newlyweds should definitely have a second outfit ready with a pair of comfier shoes.

5.

Choose a fun venue but a practical one

The party is usually thrown at a nightclub or pub in the same hotel the wedding was held in. If not, then it’s only logical to go to a nearby nightclub; you don’t want to waste a lot of time commuting or arranging transportation.

6.

The after party is all about exclusivity! It’s a See if you can get discounts If the after party is in a nightclub at the same chance to go out with your good friends and party animals, without the huge guest list your mother hotel or wedding venue, the hotel may give the bride and groom a discount on the tickets. guilted you into inviting.

This can be done by a private Facebook event It would be a nice offer for the bride and groom or with a Whatsapp group; just be sure that if you to cover the entrance fees, but if they are unable to, don’t want your friends to invite others or share the just be clear while inviting the guests that they will be plans, tell them so! responsible for their own costs.

The bridesmaids and men of honour are the What happens at the after party stays at the ones who should handle the specifics of the party after party! The whole point is to party without all planning, since the bride and groom are already the fuss of the wedding spotlight, so go ahead and crammed with things to do. have fun!

24 Identity May 2016

saving the date 1. REMEMBER WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT

Don’t lose sight of the fact that this occasion is not merely the wedding day; it’s a ceremony that brings a generous serving of excitement and joy to the table.

From the thrill of hunting for the right dress with your friends and family, to the fun of thinking up the bridesmaids’ entrance, these moments are priceless.

2. DON’T ENSLAVE YOUR BRIDESMAIDS

Don’t make your friends regret saying “yes” to becoming your bridesmaids. Keep an eye for that fine line between keeping them busy enough that they feel helpful and you being overbearing. Don’t boss them around or overload them with tasks. They will secretly count the days for this hell of a wedding day to be over, since your tantrum had sucked out all the enthusiasm from their souls.

3. USE THEM FOR THEIR BEST ADVANTAGES

Use your friends’ skills to get the job done, meaning that you should assign them something they are good at. A wedding is supposed to be joyous and fun, make sure it doesn’t quickly become a chore for them.

4. ASSIGN SOMEONE TO WARN YOU WHENEVER YOU START GETTING OUT OF HAND

how to NOT turn into “Bridezilla”

by Amina Moustapha

As anyone who has been through it can attest, wedding planning is one of the most stressful endeavours known to womankind. We know it’s your special big day, but in no case do you have a free pass to turn into that intolerably demanding bridal condition known as “bridezilla.” Here’s how to avoid becoming one of those brides who throws temper tantrums around the clock: 26 Identity May 2016

We are not always in control of our behaviour, that’s what friends are there for. Pick someone whom you trust to give you a wake-up call whenever you step over the line. If the stress makes you lose it because the table decorations aren’t the exact shade of pink you wanted, that’s when you need that one friend to raise the red flag.

5. DON’T TURN INTO A DICTATOR

Being assertive is one thing, but being downright nasty is quite another. Everyone around you is only trying to help. Regardless if you like their opinions or ideas, listen to what they have to say. It’s okay if you don’t agree; however, make sure you stand your ground about what you want and don’t want. Just be careful what you say and how you say it.

6. YOUR WEDDING IS NOT A CONTEST

Other weddings should only inspire you with ideas and visualizations to your own wedding; you are in no competition on which venue is plusher or whose dress is pricier. The bridezilla, if not contained, can make you too competitive. Forget about outdoing other weddings or impressing people; your wedding’s ultimate purpose is to make you happy, so bear this in mind before walking down the aisle.

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psychological insights

COMMUNICATE YOUR WAY INTO A RELATIONSHIP

by Kate Kerpez

How do you tell your partner that you have to move to a different city for a new job? How do you tell your partner that they have bad breath without hurting their feelings? The way you communicate can make all the difference when it comes to making your partner feel respected and respecting your own feelings at the same time.

For starters, there are some forms of communication that should be avoided to maintain a peaceful relationship. Communication methods that do not let the other person be heard or focus on personal insults instead of the deeper issue, can lead to dysfunctional relationships. Making general statements like “you always do this wrong!” or invalidating statements like “you’re overreacting,” or “those problems don’t matter,” can make the person you are communicating with feel hurt or resentful. So can using personal insults to get at a deeper issue, such as saying “you’re lazy” instead of telling your partner that you want them to clean up the dirty dishes in the sink. While we want to avoid these issues when communicating, non-communication is not the best alternative either.

If you ignore the dishes in the sink and do not talk to your partner about the issue, you may be the one who ends up feeling resentful. Replacing these general statements with statements that are more constructive and honest will go a long way, such as “I get very frustrated when you make this mistake,” or “please help me understand why this is bothering you.”

Even simple body language cues can make a person feel that they are heard and understood, all while improving communication. Maintain eye contact and respond to what they are saying by nodding, smiling, or offering other cues to let them know that you are paying attention. Allow the person to finish what they are saying without interrupting, and if you are not sure what they mean, ask questions or paraphrase what was said to see if you are getting the right idea.

Sometimes we may interpret a statement as malicious 28 Identity May 2016

when we simply misunderstood. By giving the person the benefit of the doubt and respectfully asking what was meant, we can avoid relationship conflict. It is also important to say what you really mean. Avoiding the issue by subtly implying what you are trying to say or dropping hints will make it difficult for your partner to understand your point and increases the chance that you will be misunderstood.

When relationship problems arise, it can be hard to react calmly. Sometimes it is difficult to control our emotions, even when we know what we need to do to resolve the situation in a reasonable way. Start from a place of respect for others and respect for yourself, and both you and your partner can resolve your issues and increase your positive emotions.

Sources: Psychology Today, Four Major Relationship Communication Mistakes that Ruin Love Pyschology Today, Simple Keys to Effective Communication Bufferapp Blog, Three Psychological Theories for Communication Insight

advice gurus address, and propose showing the peel that led him to their house.

Her family would immediately accept destiny’s choice for their daughter and start preparing themselves for parting with her; she is to go wherever the man came from, or the man could choose to stay wherever she is. In all cases, there is no stalling or hurdling; there is only gratitude and acceptance.

5 MONTHS ARE

LONG ENOUGH!

by Marwa Rakha

Dear Marwa, My younger sister was just proposed to by her very sweet and loving boyfriend. My whole family loves him, but I am a bit worried because they have only been dating for five months and it sounds like they will be getting married quite quickly. I want to tell her to wait and have a longer engagement so they can know each other better, but I don’t want to discourage her. Can you help?

Sincerely, A Concerned Sister Dear Concerned Sister, Let me share with you the story of the Chinese Mandarin!

In the old days, Chinese girls who wanted to get married would pick up a mandarin, peel it neatly, eat it, write their name and address on the inside of the peel, and then place it in the river and let the peel float downstream.

Men who wanted to get married would sit by the river waiting for their chosen wife-to-be to arrive in a floating mandarin peel. The man would happily pick up the peel, learn the name of his bride, go to the 30 Identity May 2016

The woman who wants to get married knows and understands the hardships of starting her own family and accepts it by eating the bittersweet mandarin.

The man who proposes knows and understands that this woman whose name is in the peel is his destiny and that he has to willingly and submissively obey the call of fate. For him, she is a good wife because she ate the mandarin and for her, he is a good husband because he accepts fate.

When I first read this story, I was flabbergasted!

Here we are today, hundreds of years away from the Chinese mandarin, and struggling with our relationships! We have collectively ruined our genuine nature by over-analyzing, over-doubting, over-doing, over-bearing, over-thinking, over-complicating, and over-estimating!

THE BEST ADVICE YOU NEED TO GIVE YOUR SISTER IS SIMPLY THIS: 1) Marriage is a journey into the unknown, have faith and strength.

2) Make having a child a conscious decision, not a course of nature.

Give her a mandarin or a grapefruit, have her eat it, accept it, and enjoy it. Her role as a wife will be to eat grapefruits; she will endure the bitterness and enjoy the benefits.

Give her fiancée the peel with your sister’s name and address written on it. Tell him that your sister has accepted the responsibility and hardships of marriage, and that now he has to accept his fate, respect his word, and honour this commitment.

Back from the fairy tale dreaminess, there is nothing more your sister will know about this guy. In five months, she has seen most of what there is to see.

What’s left to learn about one another will only be uncovered once they share the same house.

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walking the aisle

Wedding Belles

by Nahed Kazziha

The sacrament of matrimony may be as old as time, but an ancient nuptial celebration does not need to be an outdated affair, especially when it comes to your wedding style. From that rock on your finger to that dress hugging your figure, there is a world of whites (and colors, even!) to choose from.

Tiffany & Co. 32 Identity May 2016

Harry Winston

Bvlgari

Houghton Bridal Fall 2016

Badgeley Mischka Bridal Fall 2016

Marchesa Bridal Fall 2016

Delicately Embellished

Double Sided

Cartier

Cartier

Chopard

J Mendel Bridal Fall 2016

Monique Lhuillier Bridal Fall 2016

Pretty Princess Short & Sweet Double Sided

Nights in Satin

May 2016 Identity 33

Lela Rose Bridal Fall 2016

Oscar de la Renta Bridal Fall 2016

Inbal Dror Bridal Fall 2016

walking the aisle

BRIDAL FASHION Amal Alamuddin

Solange Knowles 34 Identity May 2016

THEN & NOW

by Nahed Kazziha

Sofia Vergara

Keira Knightley

Kim Kardashian

May 2016 Identity 35

walking the aisle i vsk aro Sw

10

INSPIRATIONAL ACCESSORIES You’ve got the dress all lined up and now all that’s left are the finishing touches: a little sparkle here, a bit of glamour here, a bit of glamour there. Dazzle the crowd with statement pieces that will put you right where you belong: the centre of attention.

by Nahed Kazziha

i

vsk Swaro

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Tiffany & Co

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walking the aisle Rene Caovilla

Sergio Rossi

Roger Vivier

Manolo Blahnik

Charlotte Olympia

SHOE BATTLE:

HEELS vs FLATS

Jimmy Choo

by Nahed Kazziha

HEELS

If you wish you could be a little bit taller, feel a little bit slimmer and look a little more regal on your big day, heels are for you. Open toed, platform, stiletto, caged or embroidered, there are infinite styles to choose from. Say goodbye to boring washed silk pumps and embrace some of the hottest footwear that can double as bridal appropriate.

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Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo

Tabitha simmons

Betsey Johnson

Aquazzura

Polyvore

Bella Belle

FLATS

Dancing barefoot into the moonlight may sound romantic, but we all know what horrors can end up on the dancefloor as the night winds down. So, keep your tender tootsies protected and stay comfortable in a pair of flats. Not only can you bounce around all night long, but you will also be able to customize some kicks.

Etro

Tod’s

Converse

Keds

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VIBRANT VOWS Photography: LOBNA DERBALA Styling: GEHAD ABDALLA Art Direction: IKON CHIBA Make-up: SOHA KHOURY Hair: KRISS BEAUTY SALON Jewellery: MONA ABU EL ELA Location: MENA HOUSE Model: MIRAN ABDEL WARITH Production: C-TOWN MANAGEMENT 40 Identity May 2016

DRESS BY: KOJAK April May 2016 Identity 41

vibrant vows

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DRESS BY: KOJAK April May 2016 Identity 43

vibrant vows Dress by: HISHAM ABU EL ELA 44 Identity May 2016

Dress by: YASMIN YEYA April May 2016 Identity 45

vibrant vows Crop top by: KOJAK 46 Identity May 2016

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Dress by: YASMIN YEYA

vibrant vows

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Dress by: YASMIN YEYA

saying “I do” THE NILE RITZ-CARLTON, DOWNTOWN, CAIRO At The Nile Ritz-Carlton, their wedding planning experts are committed to creating the wedding day of which you have always dreamed.

Al Qahira Ballroom The largest ballroom in Downtown Cairo, the magnificent Al Qahira spans 1,700 square meters and can comfortably accommodate more than 1,200 guests.

Alf Leila Wa Leila Ballroom The sumptuous Alf Leila Wa Leila ballroom is famous for having hosted many of Cairo’s highest profile weddings. With 924 square meters of flexible space, available in a variety of configurations, it offers the perfect setting for most types of gathering.

Garden City The lavish garden of The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo is the city’s prime location for VIP social events, and is the only outdoor event space in Cairo to boast the iconic Egyptian Museum as its dramatic backdrop.

OUR FAVOURITE ENGAGEMENT AND WEDDING VENUES

by Amina Moustapha

If you’re looking to tie the knot, then you’re spoiled for choices. Since the venue you select is one of the most crucial parts of your nuptial puzzle, we can’t leave you going round in circles.

New is always better in this case, so here are the brand new engagement and wedding venues that will help make your big day an arresting one: 50 Identity May 2016

ROYAL MAXIM PALACE KEMPINSKI, FIRST SETTLEMENT, CAIRO Live your royal dream wedding at Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski with the largest ballroom in Egypt.

The Excelsior Ballroom allows our guests to live the luxurious European lifestyle.

Excelsior is 3,042 sq m (32,743.8 sq ft) and named after the largest diamond known in the world. It carries up to 3,000 guests and is divisible into three sections for smaller weddings.

If you are seeking a majestic outdoor dream wedding, we offer The Terrace, inspired by Austrian palatial courtyards surrounded in elegance. The Terrace can hold up to 300 guests.

Kempinski has one of the most experienced professional event and banquet teams.

Royal Maxim Palace Kempinski offers the best catering in town. Our French Executive Chef Eric Pellen comes from a French and international food background.

HILTON ALEXANDRIA KING’S RANCH If you are looking for an open air venue for your weddings, Hilton Alexandria King’s Ranch offers you the perfect open-air spot for your dream fairy tale with most spacious open air garden in town ” Also we offer for weddings and social events Spa complimentary services for the bride and groom.

Each couple can enjoy their stay at the unique spa suite offering them outstanding spa treatments especial for honeymooners.

Layali Ballroom Choose Layali ballroom for weddings and banqueting events. It designed to ensure your event is personalised and stylish.

Whether organising a business event, wedding or cocktail reception, benefit fromnstate-of-theart audiovisual technology, on-site catering and the dedicated attention of our professional Team Members.

Whatever the occasion, we have the expertise and range of venues to bring your event to life.

One of the many fascinating features of Dusit Thani LakeView is the Grand Ballroom with its magnificent 1,674 square meters with beautiful outdoor scenery and its pre-function terrace to deliver an unmatched catering service par excellence. Additionally, the Dusit Ballroom offers a 615 square meters pillar-less space; presenting a panoramic view of the greenery and scenery below.

CONRAD CAIRO Located in the heart of Cairo alongside the magical River Nile, Conrad Cairo provides an unrivalled setting for unique wedding ceremonies.

Conrad Ballroom: Sweep down the dramatic staircase to the Conrad Ballroom’s private foyer. With its opulent crystal chandeliers and majestic ceilings, SONESTA HOTEL, TOWER & CASINO - CAIRO hosting up to 700 guests the Conrad Ballroom reflects Whether you are dreaming of a royal or intimate the grandeur and luxury of your fairytale celebration. wedding celebration, we ease the worry of wedding Nile Ballroom: Step down the spiral lobby staircase planning. At Sonesta Hotel, Tower & Casino Cairo, to the privacy of the Nile Ballroom foyer. Create an we have the passion to make your dream come exclusive wedding playing on the elegant décor, rich true. If you are looking for the ideal location for an wood furniture, mirrors and silky wall coverings. impressive wedding celebration we proudly offer you Hosting up to 200 - 180 guests, the Nile Ballroom the brand new Iris Ballroom, Which is magnificently offers exclusivity and sophistication. decorated with French hand painted tableau as well as beautifully decorated ceilings. The new Iris THE CAIRO MARRIOTT AND OMAR KHAYYAM Ballroom is the perfect place for your event. With CASINO 6,760 square feet of function space that can be easily The historical grandeur of the palace adds magic to tailored according to your request. For a smaller your special day creating a balance between royal event, the Prince Ballroom is the ideal venue with chic and classy modern trends. a seating capacity of 150 persons & a wide array of Fancy Venues Versatile Concepts packages to ensure your satisfaction and indulgence. Finding the right place of your wedding can be a long frustrating process. The Cairo Marriott boasts SHERATON MIRAMAR not one or two but five marvelous royal venues to If you’re planning a different kind of cold weather choose from. The Salon Royal and Eugenie Ballroom wedding, we guarantee you don’t want to miss this will make even Prince William and Kate hearts flutter; roundup of seasonally-inspired goodness. with beautiful chandeliers, marble floors and a royal Your dream wedding begins here with us, where we staircase. Both venues connected accommodate up offer an enchanted setting and exemplary service to 300 guests. Regal weddings can take place at Salon for creating memories that will last a lifetime. Our Vert for a spectacular reception or gala complete with wedding couples and their families are our most lavish marble floors and décor. For more intimate, yet special guests, and helping you to mark the beginning royal celebrations, salons “Verdi”, “Memphis” and of your life together is an absolute honor. Envision “Thebes” create the perfect setting. the wedding of your dreams, and we will make it a A New Definition For Alfresco Weddings reality in a most unforgettable way.

A one-of-a-kind, fresh and young wedding festivity is our guarantee at Almaz. It is at the rooftop of the DUSIT THANI LAKEVIEW palace that your guests will enjoy a mesmerizing It brings you a glimpse of beauty celebrating love panoramic view of the Nile. A dinner or cocktail and marriage in the most elegant manner. Delivering reception, whether by day or by night, Almaz is set to unmatched service, starts from the simplicity of fascinate your dear ones with a mix of unparalleled smooth ceremony to the extravagance of a wedding scenery and beautiful decorations. reception, complete with glamour and elegance.

Say YES to #MarryMeAtCairoMarriott

saying “I do”

MODERN METALLICS

by Alia El Saady

Make a statement your guests won’t forget with these edgy wedding themes for 2016.

C

RYSTAL LEAR

These ghost chairs are a reinvention of the classic Louis XIV style and will accent the lighting with its crystalline and evanescent appearance.

Transparent wedding invitations will captivate your guests with their clarity and uniqueness.

Repurposing these light bulbs as hangings puts a new twist on old items.

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E

CLECTICALLY DGY

Add contemporary aesthetics to the dining table with these geometric ceiling hangings.

The faceted glass containers will liven up any center piece. You can also add it to the cake and get that look.

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cover story

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WELCOME to the HASHTAG WEDDING ERA The phenomenon of the Wedding Social Media Strategist and why you should consider hiring one

W

hen you were a little girl, with dimples, curls, and big dreams of being a princess, you may have fantasised about your perfect fairy-tale wedding in which you would marry your Prince Charming and ride away on a white horse to your castle in the sky. Every detail was carefully considered for when it would finally be your turn to be the blushing bride, from the big white dress, to the colour of the flowers, to even the flavour of the cake. One detail you probably didn’t consider when you were a young little dreamer was which filter and hashtag would go perfectly with your dress.

But times have changed and now what your wedding will look like on social media is an actual concern for any of us with a significant online presence. Whether

we like to admit it or not, we have fallen into the habit of keeping a sort of public diary of all of our happy moments and achievements, and in terms of “life event” updates, getting married is one of the big ones. This overlap of social media and saying “I do” has even created another job in the wedding business to handle it for you: the wedding social media strategist. Now along with the photographer, florist, and make-up artist, you can hire someone to plan, post, and monitor what your guests and those who couldn’t make it to the event will see on their screens. This service has started popping up with companies and hotels, especially in New York; and even though the wedding social media strategist is not mainstream in Egypt yet, given Egyptians internet and social media obsession, we can only imagine that it is on its way.

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cover story

At first glance, it may seem like an incredibly ridiculous addition to your wedding team; but given a second chance, it may actually be worth the investment. Unless you are not on social media, you most likely want your wedding to be posted and shared with your friends. And taking the pressure and responsibility of creating picture-perfect pictures off of you and your guests could help you enjoy the big day more, because he or she would take the stress away of snapping, filtering, posting, and captioning. The wedding would essentially already be online without you having to do any of the work and you can run away to the honeymoon knowing it is already done. But perhaps the mere existence of this job position should open up a conversation on how critical social media is to our life and if it should be a part of these big moments at all.

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Just like it can take away enjoyment from a vacation or a beautiful sunset, the pressure of creating a perfect image and appearance can take away enjoyment from your wedding.

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This job that had no reason to exist even ten years ago has a flexible description depending on what you want, but mainly consists of dictating the image your wedding has on social media. The wedding social media strategist can essentially brand your wedding, starting with creating a unique hashtag. Then the strategist uses that hashtag on all platforms and can approve or disapprove other posts, so only the good ones are actually posted. The details depend on what you want, but some options include live tweeting the ceremony and reception, updating your relationship status, SnapChatting your vows, Instagramming cutting the cake, and taking all of those pictures with friends you don’t want to hassle the hired photographer with.

They can, and here’s how. A recent study by Joseph Grenny and David Maxfield titled “Society’s New Addiction: Getting a Like over having a ‘Life’” found that more and more social media users admitted less enjoyment and distraction from their real lives, and even changed behavior for the sake of social media posts. Some of the noteworthy statistics included that nearly three out of four individuals admit to being rude or disconnected from others because they’re more focused on their phone than the other person. Ninety-one percent of respondents have seen a tourist miss enjoyment trying to get it on t should be no surprise that too much social social media, and many acknowledge doing the same media is bad for us. All it takes is a simple Google themselves. Seventy-nine percent have seen a parent search about social media obsession to find out undermine their own experience in a child’s life in an that it has implications for stunting real social lives effort to capture the perfect post. and creating a false image of reality. But we all know that and most likely continue to post, like, and share You may already relate to some of these. They’ve anyway, interacting with our online community and been seen countless times over the dinner table, building a persona of ourselves that we probably while we are more obsessed with capturing the actually like. Even if we know it’s not all real, it is perfect #foodporn post rather than enjoying the still normal to want to share the happiness and food and company. They’ve been seen in so many excitement of big life events such as weddings with selfies at landmarks and cultural attractions, when our friends online. We did put all the work into it we walk up to “record” our experience after which after all, and everyone likes happy posts much more we immediately walk away. They’ve been seen than sad and depressing ones. But did it ever cross while stressing to get a good shot of a child’s school our minds that maybe posting about such a happy event, rather than soaking in the moment. We know event actually makes us less happy? the thrill of sharing our excitement and showing off

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changes how we live our lives to an extent, but did we think about what that means for our big day?

the guests simply there to enjoy themselves. It may sound tempting after all the fear of genuinely missing out on your own wedding, but for some of us we have to think if it is really practical or not.

Just like it can take away enjoyment from a vacation or a beautiful sunset, the pressure of creating a perfect image and appearance can take away enjoyment If social media is a big, or even a normal part of your from your wedding. Let’s apply these statistics into life, then cutting it completely out of your wedding wedding terms. could be awkward and perhaps unsuccessful. It could be difficult to control your impulses to not post irst of all, spending time comparing how your and share, and even more difficult to convince your wedding stacks up against others can make you guests to do the same. Both extreme ends of the forget the whole point of your ceremony. We spectrum look unappealing; going completely cold can tell ourselves as much as we want that Pinterest turkey seems challenging and doing business as usual and Instagram are not accurate reflections of real life could take away the magic from your big day. So what and they give us impossible standards to chase after, does a bride getting married in the #wedding era do but we can’t help but feel disappointed when our to avoid this dilemma? Just go for it and budget for wedding doesn’t look exactly like we “pinned” them someone to do it for you. to be. We can know this, but that doesn’t mean it will stop us from trying to create an image of our wedding That’s right, go ahead and hire that wedding social that does! This takes precious time and energy that media strategist. Let them have the pressure of should be spent elsewhere rather than worrying how sharing your wedding with your internet community high school friends you don’t even talk to anymore so you don’t have to. The important thing is that are going to “like” and be jealous of your glamorous whoever you hire is on the same page as you. Just like big day. you would sit down with the photographer before the wedding and discuss what shots you would like, you On top of that, can you imagine all the important should sit down with your social media strategist. The people in your life coming together to celebrate whole point is that they are taking on the stress of your wedding and missing out on all the moments uploading and posting for you, so they should know because they were too busy on their phones? It what you have in mind. may be well-intentioned distraction as they try to share the excitement with the internet world, but Before the wedding events, sit down with your good by trying so hard to capture the beauty of the venue friends and go crazy on all the possible shots and and the smile, they actually miss the genuinity of the gimmicks you could possibly want: behind the scenes moment. Can you imagine your big entrance into getting your hair done, posts of the bridesmaids’ the crowd not being welcomed by smiling faces, but shoes, cute moments with your mother or anything rather by phones held up trying to get the #nofilter else you saw on Pinterest that caught your eye. Then shot of your dress? Can you imagine your guests not list everything else you want them to tweet or record enjoying your other guests’ company because they and on which accounts, such as the first dances and were too busy tweeting and seeing how many likes throwing of the bouquet, so this way you can be rest their “on point for the wedding” posts received? Can assured they will capture your moments the way you imagine your own mother missing out on her you would… If you could. You can even go so far as daughter’s vows because she was trying so hard to to choose your favourite filters with them. Having it stream them live for your out-of-town family? all listed out and planned ahead of time will help you focus on what’s important.

It sounds awful. It sounds awful to the point that some brides and grooms make the decision to have Even if you think it is bizarre, having someone else an offline wedding. They require a “phone check” behind the keyboard will go a long way at keeping you when guests check in their coats or receive their at the front of your wedding, so you should consider seating arrangement from the ushers. This leaves it. Don’t miss out on your own wedding by trying too all the coverage strictly to the professionals and hard to share it with everyone else.

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saying “I do”

WEDDING TRADITIONS FOREVER TO KEEP

by Amina Moustapha

First things first, your wedding day should be your own and you should break as many traditions as you want in order to make it so. This is your day to shine and you should shine as bright as you want, because they will be your memories to cherish! There is, however, something magical about certain wedding rituals that makes it hard to abandon tradition and go completely modern. Perhaps it’s the meaning and purpose hidden behind them, such as wearing something blue, or it’s the idea that you are doing something that your sisters, mother, and grandmothers did when they were in your shoes.

Whatever it is, keeping these traditions can add a special and endearing charm to your memories.

Here are some timeless traditions that you should consider including in your wedding celebrations.

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THE GROOM SHOULDN’T SEE THE BRIDE’S GOWN

GIVING AWAY THE BRIDE

Many brides have admitted that though walking down Traditionally, brides have been thought to be the aisle is an exciting moment, it is also incredibly particularly vulnerable to evil spirits, and many of the nerve-racking. Every eye will be on you. So who better customs and traditions associated with weddings are to be by your side than your father? Nothing beats meant to provide protection. The oldest in the book the moment when a father gives away his daughter is that it’s forbidden for the groom to see the bride in on her wedding day; it’s a special way to include him her dress before the wedding day. Of course, the evil in your ceremony. Whether it’s an overjoyed father spirit belief is quite outdated, though nowadays it’s or one who might not be quite ready to let go, this just fun to pretend that it’s bad luck. Even if you are moment radiates with a father’s love for his daughter. not superstitious, why would you want to miss the thrill of seeing that look on your groom’s face when your eyes meet his from down the aisle and he can MAKING A RECORD see how fabulous you look? Some couples opt for practicality over charm so they can take their pictures Wedding videography may not be a historic tradition, before the ceremony and get them done, but it just but it started out during the time of our parents’ isn’t the same. That’s one of those moments that weddings and unfortunately lately it’s started to fade comes once in a lifetime. It builds excitement and out. Couples are skipping videography altogether due anticipation for the whole ceremony. to many videographers going overboard with lights, multiple cameras, and an insistence on always being in the guests’ faces. But videography doesn’t have SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING to make everyone uncomfortable and be annoying, NEW, SOMETHING BORROWED, AND these days videographers can actually shoot without SOMETHING BLUE being seen or heard; they just magically capture the moments unnoticed. When your wedding is long Often recited as the four “somethings” you need over, seeing it all over again in motion is much more to get married, this is a tradition that has stood the touching than just looking at the photos. test of time for centuries. These four objects that the bride adds to her wedding outfit or carries with her on the big day are simply good luck charms but TOSSING THE BOUQUET incredibly whimsical. Something old represents continuity; something new offers optimism for the Gathering all the single ladies together to make them future; something borrowed symbolizes borrowed rush after a piece of wedding paraphernalia seems happiness; and something blue stands for purity, old fashioned and unnecessary, but it never fails to love, and fidelity. be hilariously fun. Nowadays brides tend to add a modern aspect to this tradition meant to pass on her good fortune, like by setting the bouquet to ‘explode’ CHOOSING AN ENTOURAGE (no fireworks needed!). The bouquet is designed with an easy to cut or removal band. When the bride A custom once existed where bridesmaids would tosses it, the flowers will ‘explode’ all apart and many dress similarly to the bride and accompany her as of her single friends will get one! Or if they want her protectors on her way to the groom’s village. At to keep it in one piece, some throw it to their best present, they still have a major key role to play in your friend and some even gift it to their grandmothers. wedding. Having bridesmaids is an opportunity to It’s a cheerful moment that can’t be left out. include those people whom you feel are the closest to you and distinguish them from the rest of the guests.

They are the perfect people to turn to when you are stressed or frazzled from the details of planning.

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honeymoon hideaways

HOT HONEYMOON PACKAGES

Nassau, Bahamas 7 days/6 nights Rate starting from EGP 28300 per couple (Excluding airline taxes, approximately EGP 10500 per couple) Package Includes: 6 nights accommodation in Nassau on bed and breakfast basis.

Round trip economy class airline ticket on Delta Airways, not daily departure.

For more information, visit travelchoiceegypt.com

Seychelles

Africa Holidays 7 Days / 6 Nights Starting from: 14500 EGP For more information, visit travcoholidays.travel 60 Identity May 2016

Valencia & MSC Preziosa

10 days/9 nights Rate starting from EGP 11100 per person (Excluding airline taxes, approximately EGP 2000 per person) Package Includes: 2 nights accommodation in Valencia.

7 nights accommodation on board MSC Preziosa Cruise in an ocean view cabin Bella category on full board basis.

The cruise starts from Valencia, Marseille, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Palermo, Valletta, Palma de Mallorca, and ends in Valencia.

Round-trip economy class airline ticket on Alitalia.

For more information, visit travelchoiceegypt.com

Zanzibar/Tanzania

Africa Holidays 7 Days / 6 Nights Starting from: 9950 EGP For more information, visit travcoholidays.travel

7 Days / 6 Nights Hotels: 3 Stars: EGP 10,999 (Anari Hotel & Spa or similar) 4 Stars: EGP 12,750 (Laguna Beach Hotel & Spa or Similar) Package Exclusions: Flight ticket taxes; around EGP 3,750 ** Mauritius does not require prior entry visa for Egyptians

Mauritius

For more information, visit kimidartours.com May 2016 Identity 61

editorial

Hilton Worldwide Unveils Brand New Hotel In Egypt Hilton Alexandria King’s Ranch Further Cements Hilton’s Position as The Leading International Hotel Company in Egypt Hilton Hotels & Resorts announced the official opening of Hilton Alexandria King’s Ranch. The hotel marks Hilton Worldwide’s (NYSE: HLT) 18th in Egypt, showcasing the company’s commitment to expanding its operations and further strengthening its presence in the country.

Hilton Alexandria King’s Ranch is located just outside the city of Alexandria and only 12 kilometers from Borg Al Arab International Airport. The hotel offers 199 modern rooms, including 20 suites and 21 executive rooms, all designed with comfort and convenience in mind to provide a place to relax and unwind or to catch up on work.

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8

ways Mountain View’s Healthy Market made Cairo healthier!

Last March, the Healthy Market at Mountain View brought together over a thousand people to show just how cool healthy lifestyles really are. Here are 8 ways Mountain View’s Healthy Market inspired healthiness: 1. Spread the healthy love with amazing invitations What better way to inspire healthiness than with free healthy treats? Mountain View sent out tasty gift baskets to their invitees, setting the tone for the big event.

2. Got record attendance!

Turns out even Mountain View was pleasantly surprised with how many people showed up to the Healthy Market.

Only 1.2K said they were going on Facebook, but 1.4K came to the event!

4. Gave helpful cooking tips with live cooking shows Mountain View knows that sometimes we just need some inspiration to start throwing together healthy recipes in our own kitchens, so they gave it to us!

5. Hosted a farmers’ market Mountain View incorporated a farmers’ market so that Cairenes could bring home healthy and organic ingredients, it also helped us see what’s available!

6. Got live coverage by El Akeel How did this make Cairo healthier? Because El Akeel is cool and now the association helps us see healthy lifestyles as cool (which we already knew, but we need all the encouragement we can get).

7. Got the kids involved Because we have to make sure the future generation has a strong foundation, the Healthy Market teamed up with LEAP for fun “edutainment.” Way to go, Mountain View!

3. Brought all health conscious brands under one roof Mountain View brought the delicious flavours of healthy vendors together, proving to Cairo that healthy eating does taste good! What more encouragement could you need than tasting Freshies, Granny’s, GoodCal’s, and more?

8. Reminded us what’s special about healthy living The already inspiring event was just made even more amazing with incredible overcast weather, making participants feel like they were walking through a market in Monaco or something. Overall, Mountain View did a top notch job at showing us that a healthy lifestyle is something we want to have!

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bits & pieces

ABRAJ MISR URBAN DEVELOPMENT CONTRACTS WITH SIAC AS “THE GATE” PROJECT MAIN CONTRACTOR With 1 billion and EGP 100 million worth of investments

ACCOR HOTELS ANNOUNCES THE SIGNATURE OF THE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH INTERNATIONAL TRADE CO. In the honorable presence of His Excellency Yehia Rashed, Minister of Tourism, Accor Hotels signs an agreement with international trade co., one of Al-Yassin Holding for Financial Investments subsidiaries to operate an upper midscale hotel under the Novotel brand to be developed in Nasr City.

DORITOS, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH WARNER BROS, CELEBRATES BATMAN V SUPERMAN PREMIERE AMID MASSIVE TURNOUT& SURPRISES! As the most anticipated Blockbuster for 2016

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MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL INVITES THE WORLD TO DISCOVER THE REGION WITH #MARRIOTTTRAVELS Travel company launched unprecedented offer to travelers from over 20 countries with free nights and dining discounts at a range of brands across 12 countries.

With summer fast approaching, Marriott International is inviting travelers the world over to discover the Middle East and Africa with the launch of #MarriottTravels.

HILTON ALEXANDRIA KING’S RANCH HOSTS MISS ECO UNIVERSE 2016 Hilton Alexandria King’s Ranch hosted 55 beauty queens from all over the world. Beautiful environmental ambassadors toke a tour to unfold the mysteries of Egypt, a nation full of history, colors and culture. They visited the pyramids, Alexandria, Gouna Hurghada, Luxor and vibrant exciting Cairo.

TOLIP EL NARGES RESORT & SPA, A LUXURIOUS RESORT IN THE HEART OF NEW CAIRO It announced the opening of its fifth address in Cairo and the second in New Cairo with the TOLIP.

IKEA EGYPT CELEBRATES ORPHAN’S DAY AND REVAMPS In cooperation with Marwa Fayed’s Toy Run NGO, IKEA Egypt hosted the children of Qafelat Al Kheir orphanage for a fun-filled day with Muppet show animations, magic tricks, balloons and face paintings.

Metawee Group launches two projects in CityScape Egypt exhibition and conference; Blue Blue in Ain Al Sokhna, and La Vida compound, with investments of over one billion Egyptian pounds

WADI DEGLA DEVELOPMENT CELEBRATES A BOLD STRATEGY IN BUILDING HOMES Wadi Degla Developments celebrated the success of a decade long strategy bringing Expertise as Part of it mission to build affordable homes for Egyptians.

During a press conference, held at Al Gezira Tower, Wadi Degla Developments outlined the successful implementation of their decade long business strategy to build homes that the middle class can afford.

“DORA THE EXPLORER” AT DUSIT THANI LAKEVIEW CAIRO Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo was chosen to host the renowned Latina educational animated TV series characters “Dora the Explorer” and her crew; during their first live show in Egypt from April 13th – April 18th.

Dora explored the treasures at the hotel and had an amazing experience while playing around the pool and trying some of Dusit’s delicious Easter chocolate bunnies and cookies offered at Dusit Gourmet.

MAGRABI LAUNCHES ITS INAUGURAL EYE CARE CENTER IN ALEXANDRIA, EGYPT The leading optical retailer in the MENA region launched its first Eye Care Center in Semouha, giving patients access to a one-stopshop for eye care, where they can receive a comprehensive eye test and purchase eye wear in one location. The MAGRABi Eye Care Center brings the highest international industry standards to Egypt offering a bespoke eye care service in the country.

LA REINA: RESHAPING THE BRIDAL EXPERIENCE La Reina is Egypt’s first online, high-end platform for wedding dresses. The website gives the country’s brides access to the world’s most-sought designers.

Being an upcoming bride herself, founder of La Reina understood the agony even before launching the website.

Parisian Night at Sofitel El Gezirah In an elegant contemporary Parisian Style, Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah held its second themed General Manager’s cocktails reception, in the famous Opera ballroom terrace with the magnificent view of the River Nile.

The event was a Night into Paris, the Opera Terrace was transformed into a Parisian high-end neighborhood.

Their mission of multicultural promotion, ethnic diversity, and positive image was strongly exhibited through the Sofitel Values “What we believe in, shared by the brand and its customers”.

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your star

TAURUS

April 20 – May 20

Strengths: Reliable, patient, practical, devoted, responsible Weaknesses: Stubborn, possessive, uncompromising Most Compatible with: Cancer, Virgo, Capricorn, Pisces How to Attract Taurus: Taurus must think of you as a good, realistic, sensible, and honest person. If that comes natural to you, Taurus will try to win you over!

Horoscopes ARIES

You may feel impatient this month, but understanding is needed in every relationship. So calm down and don’t exaggerate your problems, solve them with patience!

TAURUS

This period marks a time of understanding between you and your lover; you should be able to see things clearer than before and solve all pending problems.

GEMINI

Expect to feel a bit clingy during May, but be sure to give your partner some personal space and let him make up his own mind about his decisions.

CANCER

This month marks some chances you’ll get with your partner to have more fun, take those chances and make some memories you can keep forever.

LIBRA

As your job and personal life might be a little demanding, this month will mark some balance between them both, which you and your partner will appreciate.

SCORPIO

If your love life is on the rocks, take the time to fix some old friendships. This month is perfect timing for you to get back to the people you love!

SAGITTARIUS

You’re facing an emotional time and you’ll meet people with the same interests as you, so be careful and know your feelings well!

CAPRICORN

You’re missing someone right now, pick up the phone and give them a call as you know your life will be better with them around.

AQUARIUS

You’ve been scared to get into something new, but it’s time to let go and let things happen naturally.

LEO You might be having some troubles now in your love Open up and see how things will go this time. life, but don’t worry, you’ll find stability in a while and everything will be just fine.

Share your dreams and imagination with your VIRGO partner and live together in your own little world for You’re going through a life changing situation and it is a while. It will help your relationship grow stronger okay to miss the people who left. Stick to those you than before! love most, they’ll be all you need right now!

PISCES

68 Identity May 2016