Pretty in Pink - The New Wedding Gown Trend

MAY 2017 - 15 L.E., VOLUME 12, ISSUE 8 WWW.IDENTITY-MAG.COM

The ultimate WEDDING GUIDE from Planning to The Dance Songs SS’17 Wedding Dresses

Savvy Ways To Budget Your Wedding

Pretty in Pink

The New Wedding Gown Trend

Bridesmaids secret duties

TRENDIEST LOCATIONS TO TIE THE KNOT

Hot

Honeymoon Destinations SEE PAGE 30

BRIDAL BEAUTY COUNTDOWN

What to do and when to do it Mother of the Bride, It’s Your Day Too!

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W E CA N H E L P YO U I N D E S I G N I N G YO U R B AT H R O O M .

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IDENTITY May 2017

volume 12 issue 08

Founder & Managing Editor ROLA KAMEL Editor-in-Chief NAWAL ISMAIL Copy-Editor AMINA EL FAYOUMY

w

edding season is upon us once again. As every bride-to-be’s dream is the perfect wedding, we, here at Identity, try to simplify the process as much as possible. Your wedding is, indeed, one of the most difficult projects you will undertake in your whole entire life. But rest assured, we have your back.

We have it all figured out for you; from budgeting, venues, planners, photographers, hairstylists and make-up artists... down to the playlist and the song you will dance to with your emotional daddy.

Indulge in the secrets and invaluable tips behind each successful wedding.

Plan carefully and make your dream come true! It’s a once in a lifetime event.

Rola Kamel 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 Distribution by AL AHRAM Website Company: QPIX SOLUTIONS Printing House: INTERNATIONAL PRINTING HOUSE (IPH) Contact us at: 26A Montazah St., Zamalek, Cairo-Egypt. Tel: 0227361187 Mobile: 0122-9401071 email: sendus@identity-mag.com www.identity-mag.com

IDENTITYMAGEG

4 May 2017

Junior Editors FARAH KHEDRE HADIR SALHIN NOUR YOUNIS Freelance Writer AMINA ELGHANDOUR Relationship Expert MARWA RAKHA Fashion Expert NAHED KAZZIHA Senior Graphic Designer ALIA EL ABD Junior Graphic Designer SANDY SAIED Marketing & Advertising Manager RIHAM YEHIA Digital Marketing Executive YOUSSEF ALI Identity Magazine Distributor ASHRAF FOUAD

IDENTITYcontents

Wedding Gowns SS 2017

see page 20

WEDDING BELLS 6 Your Ultimate Wedding Checklist 8 Should I Marry Him? 10 Eight Brides Share Their Last Minute Catastrophes

STYLE

14 Skin and Hair Rituals to Follow Before Your Big Day 16 Make It Pink 18 The Bride Guide 28 The Perfect Guest 30 Honeymoon by the Sea

WEDDING SEASON

A WEDDING AND HONEYMOON ALL IN ONE PLACE.

54 Marriage: How Can the Blooms of a New Season Last?

56 Mother of the Bride: It’s Your Day to Shine Too

OUT & ABOUT 58 60 62 64

Advertorial Snaps Press Releases Horoscopes

Imagine a passionate wedding experience, which is all-encompassing to transform you forever. A sensation set deep into your conscious being that will last a life time. Unleash your personal style and let it shine through with elegance and sophistication, or chic distinctive wedding packages.

BRIDESMAID DUTIES YOU NEVER THOUGHT OF page 12

Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa offers an array of venues for every occasion.

With a variety of indoor and outdoor ceremony and reception locations, Hilton Luxor is the place to make your wedding day dreams come true.

THE WEDDING GUIDE

34 Budgeting and Financing Your Own Wedding 36 Trendiest Wedding Venues 40 Hair Salons & Makeup Artists For Your Big Day 42 Best Wedding Photographers & Planners 46 Your Guide to Picking the Best Wedding Cake and Caterers 48 Pick the Music that Fits the Wedding Theme

For reservation please call +2 (0)95 2399999 or email us on Reservation.Luxor@Hilton.com

HUNDRED THINGS YOU SHOULD DO BEFORE YOUR WEDDING page 50

P.O. Box 13 | Luxor | Egypt

6 May 2017 ©2014 Hilton Worldwide

YOUR ULTIMATE WEDDING CHECKLIST Calm Your Inner Bridezilla by making and following this list.

12 TO 9 MONTHS BEFORE

THREE MONTHS BEFORE

Finalize the menu and flowers Work out your budget Purchase your undergarments Pick your wedding venue Schedule your second dress Pick your wedding party theme fitting Start a wedding folder or binder Compile the guest list TWO MONTHS BEFORE Hire a planner, if desired Reserve your date and venues Meet with the photographer Research photographers, bands, Review the playlist with the florists and caterers band or DJ Throw an engagement party, if Send out the invitations you wish Enjoy a bachelorette party EIGHT MONTHS BEFORE ONE MONTH BEFORE Select and purchase invitations Visit the dressmaker for your Start planning a honeymoon last dress fitting Shop for bridesmaids’ dresses Confirm times for hair and Book a florist and confirm your makeup and all vendors wedding palette Get your hair cut and coloured, Start composing a day to day if desired timeline 4 TO 5 MONTHS BEFORE Check on the wedding invitations Select and order the cake Purchase wedding shoes and start dress fittings Schedule hair and makeup artists Choose your music

8 May 2017

WEEK OF THE WEDDING Reconfirm arrival times with vendors Delegate small wedding-day tasks Pick up your dress Check in one last time with the photographer Book a spa treatment Send the final guest list to the caterer and all venues hosting your wedding-related events Break in your shoes Pack for your honeymoon

IDENTITYadvice

Should I Marry Him?

by Marwa Rakha

Dear Marwa, My wedding is in one month, but now that it’s getting closer I’m starting to feel like I’m not going through with it for the right reasons. All my life, I’ve dreamt about being a bride and having the perfect wedding. I think I’m only marrying my future husband to finally achieve that. If you ask me if I would have the wedding without him, I would most definitely say yes! I don’t know what I want to do anymore. On one hand, I’m finally getting my dream wedding, on the other hand, I feel like I’m doing it fake anything when it comes to who you are? Do you for the wrong reasons. What do you think? What prefer the company of your friends to his company?

Do you try to change him? Do you feel that you are should I do? not respected? Do you feel disgusted or repulsed by the thought of being intimate with him?

Dear Bride, There are several ways to respond to your message; one would be to advise you to postpone the wedding and reconsider the whole marriage, two would be to ask you and your fiancée to visit a counsellor to assess your relationship and compatibility, and three would be to ask you to proceed with the marriage and hope for the best. I will opt for the third option! I will ask you to have your dream wedding after quickly thinking about these pointers.

On the other hand, if you have great karma and you’re lucky enough to have a perfect wedding and a stable marriage, you should feel radiant and glowing most of the time, feel at ease in his company, feel comfortable around his family, enjoy his silly stories, talk about having kids, agree on how to bring them up, agree on how to spend money, find at least five special things about him – which you did not find in any other man, see his flaws and accept him for who he is, be his best friend and he You might be getting married for the wrong reasons, should be yours, like holding his hand in public, feel that but this does not mean that you’re getting married to he is pushing you forward in whatever direction you choose, are sure that you can depend on him and that the wrong man for you. he will always be there, and you smile every time you There are many things that would make this man an see him or when he crosses your mind. ill-fitting husband, but these are the major things that would ruin your marriage. If the answer to these Successful marriages are about respect, communication questions is yes, then, as you proceed with the wedding and trust. If you have such a relationship with your man, arrangements, rest assured that you will get a divorce then I assure you that you can have your cake and eat it. You can have your dream wedding and enjoy a sooner than later. peaceful marriage.

Do you feel inhibited in his presence? Do you lie or 10 May 2017

IDENTITYweddingbells “I had to delay my beautiful outdoor wedding for four hours because of rain. Need I say more?”

“After setting up the dance floor, tables, chairs, decorations and so on, the hotel management decided to switch on the garden sprinkles. The end result was our dance floor floating in the pool in pieces.”

“The groom was late, so we ended up not taking as many pictures as we should have. I couldn’t believe that I was ready and set to go way before him… and I’m the BRIDE.” “I wasn’t feeling well before the wedding. My blood pressure was low, so family members and friends kept offering me sweets. Mid wedding, I felt nauseous and almost fainted. During dinner while everyone else was eating, I went to the bathroom to throw up, but thank God no one even noticed anything.”

“The hairdresser was the highlight of my day; she didn’t get my hairdo right and told me that’s the best she can do. Well, I got too emotional during the wedding and started to cry. I almost screwed up my make-up and started panicking.”

8 Brides Share Their Last Minute Catastrophes

by Hadir Salhin

Nothing ever goes exactly as planned, not even in the most seemingly well organized weddings. It definitely won’t come as a surprise if brides let you in on the inside stories of planning their big days, only to discover that things can really go off track.

“We had a very intimate wedding in the garden of my family house. So when we invited our guests, we stressed on punctuality because we wanted to start at 2 pm and enjoy the sun. I had to wait till 6 pm until people actually started showing up. The decorations and the stage also weren’t ready until 4 pm. It was a mess until 6 pm, and I just tried to ignore everything happening around me.”

If you think you’re unlucky, here is one bride’s story that’ll sure change your mind!

“The night before my wedding, I had a 39 degree fever.

My husband got into a car crash on the day of the wedding. My dress was so big and uncomfortable, it turns out I couldn’t even sit down. I was on my feet for 8 hours straight and actually ended the wedding really early because of my dress. To top it all, my dad, who’s “We blew a pretty good chunk of our budget on a bit narrow-minded, had no idea that I was dating my fireworks. We have already arranged with a professional, husband before marrying him. He only realized it when and everything was good to go. On the wedding day, he he watched a video that my friends had prepared for called to tell us that the Mena House Hotel won’t allow our wedding, and it included pictures of my husband the use of fireworks inside its premises because of its and I from a long time ago. My dad, the pleasant man proximity to the Giza pyramids and that it’s prohibited he is, had a fight with me during the wedding because by law.” of the pictures.”

12 May 2017

IDENTITYweddingbells

Celebrating Easter with Global Vibes at Somabay

Bridesmaid Duties You Never Thought of

by Hadir Salhin

Being asked to be a bridesmaid is a great honour; it’s also a time to put your multitasking skills to the test. You will have to have all the patience in the world for this particular task. Here are seven things you never thought you’d be doing as a bridesmaid: 1- Emergency Kit This is the first must have. This emergency kit will include: band-aid, Panadol, pads, mini hair spray, gum and bobby pins.

2- Bathroom Duties Whatever your bride is wearing, it’s going to be lavish that’s for certain. She will need help when nature calls.

3- Have Numbers of All Vendors with you at all times. You may think you won’t be using The bride won’t have her phone on her that’s for sure; your phone much, but you will be surprised at the you have to have the numbers of all the vendors handy number of calls you will have to make and take. just in case.

7- Listening to Constant Complaints 4- Running Errands Your bride won’t be as easygoing as you might like her That probably never crossed your mind. You will be to be. She will be complaining, even if it’s about your helping your bride with getting her new house ready. hair. Yes, your hair! Be the unpaid therapist and endure You will be responsible for things like shopping for it all. furniture, unpacking her clothes, cleaning the house, supervising workers and the list of bizarre duties goes 8- Wedding Gift on.

Don’t just buy something off their registry. It has to be something sentimental.

5- Wearing a Color that Doesn’t Complement You A certain colour will be chosen by the bride for her 9- Calm Bridezilla in Time of Need bridesmaids’ dresses. It might not even be a colour you Emotional support is vital. There will be times when like to wear but you will have to anyway, so embrace it! the bride will flip because of some major problem or You must surrender. something she forgot. Damage control is required.

6- Power Bank A fully charged and functional power bank has to be 14 May 2017

Be the bridesmaid you yourself want to have. It will help put everything into a better perspective.

Organized by RMC, a three-day Easter extravaganza exemplary hospitality standards, whereby guests indulge kept Somabay dwellers on their feet swaying to in Somabay’s spa retreats, enjoy one of the best golf spectacular music by global-band concerts. courses there is in Egypt, as well as, relish the charming nature of the Red Sea, which is considered one of the Sponsored by both the Egyptian General Authority top tourist attractions in the country. of Tourism and the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism, the celebration began on a high note with a truly worldclass live performance by the ever-so-popular Gipsy Kings. A cheering and lively audience interacted greatly with their soul-stirring tunes and Spanish hits.

As promised, the Easter festivity involved all members of the family, even the young ones! Day 2 rolled in with the first-ever international beachside event for children to be held in Egypt. Having it all, kids enjoyed the free stay as well as the special performance by the Strawberry Swing.

The grand finale of the event was of course the wellawaited appearance of the legendary Dire Straits Experience on stage. The band performed their best hits and songs, sending the audience to an incredible live experience at Somabay’s Marina.

Hosting live performances featuring international bands is not new to Somabay. The growing trend has become so successful, that it has positively affected the tourism dynamics in Egypt, and Hurghada in particular.

Somabay completes the experience for guests with May 2017 15

IDENTITYbeauty

Skin AND Hair

RITUALS TO FOLLOW BEFORE YOUR BIG DAY

EXFOLIATE For your face, mix a tiny amount of baking soda to your daily moisturizer and using a soft sponge, exfoliate your face for 2 minutes then wash it off with cool water.

For your body, dampen your skin with lukewarm water, then mix some fine sugar with your shower gel and gently massage in a circular motion using your loofah for 2-3 minutes.

by Hadir Salhin

To avoid turning into Bridezilla, you have to take good care of your skin and hair before the big day. Here is an easy homemade guide to help keep you glowing before the wedding. Remember with any home remedy you try for the first time, try a patch on your hand first to test for any allergies.

Skin

GINGER AND HONEY Honey for moisture, and ginger for better blood circulation. Mix 1teaspoon of ginger extracts and add half a teaspoon of honey. Massage the mixture under the eyes for 10 minutes every day, leave it on for an hour then wash it off.

teaspoon of cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon of flour and 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, apply all over your face and leave for 1520 minutes. Wash your face with warm water and finish off by using your favourite moisturizer.

SESAME OIL ALMOND AND CASTOR OIL To help keep your skin looking young and wrinkle Apply castor oil on your lashes with a mascara free, massage a couple of drops of sesame oil to brush for faster growth and thickening. Almond your face with your fingertips. Preferably done oil works wonders for your dark circles and helps before going to bed to fully benefit from it. lighten up the skin. Repeat this ritual every night before going to bed.

ELBOWS AND KNEES SALT SCRUB For smoother and lighter elbows, mix 1 tablespoon of CHOCOLATE MASK olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and ½ cup of This hydrating rejuvenating mask will leave your table salt. Massage this mixture onto your elbows for skin glowing after just one use. You will need 1 10-15 minutes. Don’t forget to moisturize afterwards.

16 May 2017

LIP SCRUB To remove dead skin cells and discolouring, mix brown sugar with some honey and exfoliate your lips with a brush for one minute. Repeat twice a week.

Hair

MAGICAL MASK 1 cup yoghurt, 1 egg yolk, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, castor oil and honey Mix the above ingredients and apply them to the roots of your hair with a hair dye brush and let it sit in.

tablespoon of honey. Work the mixture into your hair from scalp to ends. Leave the mask on for 1520 minutes and wash out normally.

OLIVE OIL AND LEMON JUICE MASK This mask is for dry and flaky scalps. Mix 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice with 2 tablespoons HYDRATING BANANA HONEY MASK of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of water. Apply the Blend 2 bananas with 1 tablespoon of honey. Make mask onto your scalp with damp hair. Let the sure you blend the bananas thoroughly, so you don’t mixture sit for 20 minutes, then wash your hair end up with pieces of banana in your hair. Apply the regularly. mixture to your hair and leave it for 5 minutes, then rinse off with warm or cold water. Follow this mask APPLE CIDER VINEGAR TREATMENT once a week.

To get the celebrity hair glow you only see on TV, apple cider vinegar is the way to go. Dilute 1 COCONUT AND OLIVE OIL MASK tablespoon of vinegar with half a cup of water. Pour This one is mainly for dry and damaged hair. Add this solution over wet hair and comb through. Let the ingredients with a 2:1 ratio of coconut to olive it rest for five minutes before rinsing. Add some oil, depending on your hair length and need. Apply fragranced essential oils for a refreshing smell. the mixture to your hair and let it sit in a shower cap for as long as you want. Shampoo normally and LIFE MASK Combine 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with rinse properly. Use once a week.

2 tablespoons of oil and 3 egg whites. Rub the mixture into your hair and keep it covered for half YOGURT AND HONEY This is a deep conditioning hair mask for frizzy hair. an hour using a shower cap, then shampoo and Combine 2 tablespoons of plain yogurt with 1 rinse. If you’re worried about the smell, add some peppermint oil drops to the mixture.

May 2017 17

IDENTITYstyle

MAKE IT

Pink

by Nahed Kazziha

Noor Fares

Pink- it’s everyone’s new obsession. The unapologetically feminine colour has officially made a come-back. Unabashedly girly and flirtatious, it is no wonder that cotton candy shades are making their way down the aisle.

A pinch of sugar and spice and everything nice, indulge in the palette dreams are made of to make your dream wedding a reality.

Bottega Veneta Amrapali Marchesa Notte

Maison Michel

Needle & Thread

Oscar De La Renta

L’Agent by Agent Provocateur Miu Miu Dolce & Gabbana

18 May 2017

Giambattista Valli

IDENTITYstyle

the Bride

Rosantica Van Cleef & Arpels

Guide

Blue Nile

THE FREE SPIRIT She is a woman that marches to her own beat, yet is always conscious and mindful. The free spirit is all soul and entirely unconfined by conventionality. Forget the perfectly coiffed hairdo, and substitute it for waves engulfed in flowers and garlands. Empire waist and off-the-shoulder lace tiered gowns will add to the ethereal mood.

by Nahed Kazziha

The bride game is riddled with endless possibilities and combinations. That is why it is imperative that every blushing gal look her best on her big day and, if at all possible, that she be comfortable. Discomfort has no place in matrimonial wardrobe. So, in a world of gowns, silks and yards of fabric, shouldn’t you just be yourself? That is, of course, with a little extra sartorial help from the fashion fairies!

Sophie Bille Brahe

Temperly

Chloe

THE FLIRTATIOUS Sensual and feminine, she is elegant and dainty. Never too emblazoned but dominates a still and gentle ladylike flirtation with just the right amount of fashion.

This bride is daring enough to don a short dress, but will be sure to balance it out in the softest chiffon and ruffles. She might even add a little old school charm to her look, blushing below a bashful wedding hat.

Van Cleef & Arpels

London

Ryan Roche

Castaner

Cartier Zara

Tiffany & Co

Tiffany & Co

Rosantica

THE MODERNIST Boss Women get married, too- eventually. They will give in to matrimony so long as it does not get in the way of their goals. Steadfast and headstrong, too much of a force that she does not need fancy frills. Structured A-Lines or even pants will be her choice getup, to keep you guessing all the way.

Givenchy Zed

Gianvito Rossi

Miu Miu

20 May 2017

Roland Mouret

J Crew

May 2017 21

IDENTITYweddinggowns

Wedding Gowns

Oscar de La Renta

SS 2017

Pronovias

22 May 2017

May 2017 23

IDENTITYweddinggowns

Maison Yeya

24 May 2017

May 2017 25

IDENTITYweddinggowns

Elie Saab

26 May 2017

May 2017 27

IDENTITYweddinggowns

Zuhair Murad

28 May 2017

May 2017 29

IDENTITYstyle BARELY THERE NUDE The trend that is unequivocally tailored to the avant-garde, namely the so-called naked dress, was pioneered by Maria Grazia Chiuri’s first Dior collection. Now, it is time you try on the translucent tulle layered creation for size.

THE PERFECT GUEST

by Nahed Kazziha

Eddie Borgo

It is a fine line between respecting your host and outshining them in wardrobe affairs. The hostess rule of thumb is to dress down, save for one occasion: the wedding. Your hostess is the belle of the ball and deserves to shine. How then do you pay homage to this important day without flying under the radar or outdressing the bride? ‘Tis a balancing act in the fine art of wedding guest dressing. Here are some wedding appropriate trends that will certainly tilt heads, without turning them away from the bridal party.

FURIOUSLY FUCHSIA The amped up cousin of the spring pink trend that swept across SS17 runways and streetstyle alike. Forget “think pink” and swap in the timid rose tint for a loud and proud fuchsia or magenta frock.

True Decadence

Maison Margiela

Jimmy Choo

Zara

Dsqaured2

Bella Hadid

NOT-SO-MELLOW YELLOW What do you get when you mix the sweetness of a lemon tart with the power of the sun? A burst of yellow that is striking and cheerful. Show off your own radiance and bring new meaning to carrying around a pocket full of sunshine.

The Row Melissa Joy Manning

Ioselliani

Edie Parker

30 May 2017

Saint Laurent

Yasmin Le Bon

Saint Laurent Michael Lo Sordo

Casadei

Co Vanessa Hudgens

May 2017 31

IDENTITYhoneymoonguide

3

Honeymoon by the Sea

by Nahed Kazziha, Nour Younis

Honeymoon packing can be an ordeal on its own. So before you get to the exotic holiday you have set for you and your beloved, make sure you give it the attention it deserves. The last thing you want to do is look disheveled in your honeymoon photographs- what on earth will you tell your grandchildren? So here is your infallible guide to packing those essentials to help you be a beach bum bride with class, from morning until night.

1

Missoni

Linda Farrow

Swim in the deep end It doesn’t matter if you are lazing on land or swimming into the depths of the ocean, just look good while doing it!

Yohji Yamamoto

Emilio Pucci

L’Agent

by Agent Provocateur

Leave your hat on Joe Cocker had a point; take off your coat and shoes and grab that fancy beach hat.

Sensi Studio

4

Missoni Aurelie Bidermann

2

Throw some shade Nobody’s going to kill your honeymoon vibe, so keep those shades on.

Rosantica

Run for cover For the love of tunics and coverups, the fringed varieties exude free spirit.

ST.VINCENT & THE GRENADINES ROVINJ, CROATIA

Lemlem

Paloma Blue

Croatia has been receiving a lot of hype lately, and quite honestly, we don’t see why not! It’s the getaway destination for those who dream of an Italian-like honeymoon while trying to stay on a budget. And the best part is, there is a lot to do with your hubby in Rovini, like taking a stroll by the seaside promenade along the harbor or enjoying their native trees.

Sam Edelman

Vanessa Seward

Zimmermann

Miu Miu

Chiara Ferragni

32 May 2017

La Perla

5

Because what on earth is better than thatched roof cottages that lay over turquoise waters?

Well, there actually is! Imagine tropical flowers, shimmering waves and mesmerizing coral reefs!

Can you picture it? Good, now pack up, book your cottage and spend your honeymoon tanning by the beach!

Slide away Slip into summer’s star sandal style to walk along the shoreline, then kick back and relax.

Talitha

Miu Miu Hammamas

May 2017 33

IDENTITYhoneymoonguide

9

Eugenia Kim

Stella McCartney

6

Bejewel and bedazzle Keep it colourful, light and tropical to feel like you are wearing the Bahamas!

Dress to impress Light and airy summer dresses will keep you fresh on those hot honeymoon nights.

Eugenia Kim

Gigi Burris Millinery

Fendi

Rosantica Isabel

Paolita Carine Gilson

Solid and Striped

7

Mara Hoffman

Bag it up The best way to keep your knick knacks and sun protection supplies in order.

SEYCHELLES

TSARABANJINA, MADAGASCAR

Picture this: white sand beaches, lush forests and waving palms trees. It’s like a dream come true, isn’t it? Well, we promised you the honeymoon destination of your dreams and that’s what we’re going to give you! Located just off the cost of East Africa, Seychelles’ 116 islands are home to some of the most pristine natural landscapes in the world making it the perfect getaway for any honeymooners who are looking for the perfect time abroad.

This destination is all about simplicity and perfection.

Its crystal clear water, powder soft stretches of beach and thriving marine life makes it one of the best spots for honeymooners. After all, Tsarabaanjina is a tiny island located off the northwestern coast of Madagascar. What more can anyone ask for?

Matthew Williamson

8

Sophie Anderson

Mercedes Castillio

34 May 2017

Dolce & Gabbana

Towel dry only When nature’s dryer, the sun, is not enough, tumble dry yourself with soft and colourful handcrafted options instead.

Dolce & Gabbana

Coco De Mer

10

Have a night cap A drink or two...who is counting when you are enrobed in the sexiest lingerie for after-hours.

Dolce & Gabbana Sophie Anderson

Sophia Webster

May 2017 35

IDENTITYtheweddingguide FIRST THINGS FIRST: WHO IS GOING TO PAY?

Budgeting and Financing Your Own

Wedding

We needn’t tell you how important this question is.

Traditionally, the father of the groom or the groom is the one assigned with the task of financing the wedding since the bride and her family are the party responsible for throwing the engagement party and furnishing the newlyweds’ home. That tradition, however, has changed during the past decade, thanks to the spike in wedding prices and the rise in what we would like to believe is feminism and equality between men and women.

Nowadays, the bride and groom equally share the responsibility of splitting the costs of their wedding party. Sounds only fair, right? Well, it is, but brace yourselves because you and your partner are in for a long ride.

SETTING THE BUDGET

by Nour Younis

The rising costs of weddings today has left most brides and grooms wondering how on earth they are expected to be able to finance their dream wedding, especially since the average cost of a wedding could reach an approximate of 200,000 LE. The answer to that question is not simple especially because there are a lot of factors that could contribute to how the bride and groom could go about their way in order to finance the fairytale wedding they have long dreamed of.

36 May 2017

Before you decide to finance your wedding, you must first be able to put in a full plan of how your wedding is going to be like. You could start by checking out the suppliers like the venues, florists, photographers and wedding planners. Calculate how much each is going to cost and begin working out your wedding budget.

It is also important that you factor in some extra unexpected finances that might come up along the way. After you get a rough idea of the approximate cost, all you have to do is deduct the wedding savings (if you have any) you both have from the total cost of the wedding and divide what’s left by the amount of money you will both be able to save each month.

This will result in you knowing exactly how much it is going to take in order for you lovebirds to pay for your dream wedding. Now, all you have to do is set the date!

It’s is important to note that doing the sums and creating the spreadsheet is the easiest part of the whole process, what is harder is sticking to them, but that is where your efforts and dedication are needed, so stick to them as much as you possibly can! And if you ever go wrong, then here are some tips to help you plan your wedding for less!

all, it’s your once in a lifetime day, so you might find yourself tempted to splurge on more details than you were ever planning to. When you find yourself doing that, then you must realize that prioritization is your best friend. Decorations, entertainment or the wedding cake are all crucial elements of any wedding but the real question is, which of them matters the most to you? Let’s say you are a party animal; that would require you to prioritize entertainment over decorations for sure. Maybe add more to the already planned budget of entertainment, and hire that DJ you’ve been wanting to hire so bad after all. Trust me, if it is that important to you, you won’t care if there are a few missing flowers in your wedding venue! You also need to consider which aspects are more prone to play a bigger role in you big day; what will you be doing the most? Will you be eating, or dancing your feet off? These are all questions that could help put you on the right track when you are deciding which aspect to prioritize and which to ignore.

DON’T BUY, DIY It’s true that there are some things you need to buy, such as your wedding dress, but there are also others that you don’t really have to and that will save you a lot of money. Take your wedding decorations for example, if you are not opting to hire a wedding planner, then do your own decorations and design your own invitations.

That way the setting is more flexible, creative and personal to you and your groom.

PICK A SMART DATE! Most people like to say their “I do’s” in the heat of the summer on a weekend, so how about you break the stereotype and opt for a different time instead? Go for a midweek ceremony or, even better, get married out of the peak wedding season! That will most likely help when it comes to venues which will be keen to fill the off season dates, leading them to be more likely to reduce their rates!

Finally, you have to remember that even if there is an ingrained truth in how weddings have to be super LEARN TO PRIORITIZE expensive, you could still have a perfect wedding without spending a fortune. Wedding planning on a One thing you should know is that temptation will budget is not only logical, but also do-able! always rise when you’re financing your wedding. After May 2017 37

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TRENDIEST WEDDING VENUES

The wedding venue is where all the magic happens.

And while pretty much every aspect in your wedding is optional, picking a wedding venue is the one thing you just can’t skip! That being said, we understand that it’s not an easy task so we decided to present you with the trendiest wedding venues nowadays, and let you decide for yourself!

by Nour Younis & Farah Khedre

DUSIT THANI LAKEVIEW CAIRO

FAIRMONT HELIOPOLIS & TOWERS

Thai artistry and great service are what Dusit Thani’s “Mayuree Grand Ballroom” venue is all about. That added to the fact that it’s a 1,536 sqm space that boasts a pre-function terrace and beautiful outdoor views. It’s truly a beautiful elegant venue that is perfectly suited for your special day, thanks to its ability to take up to 1000 guests which makes it the perfect venue for a big wedding.

For more info, call: +20 2 26140000

Their ballrooms are all about stunning ceilings and scattered LED lights that give you the twinkling effect of stars. And the best part is, they could accommodate up to 2,500 guests which is just the right guest capacity for your big day!

For more info call, + 20 22 267 7730

Cairo Marriott Hotel & Omar Khayyam Casino

MENA HOUSE OBEROI

In Town CAIRO MARRIOTT HOTEL & OMAR KHAYYAM CASINO You know how the saying goes “old is gold”, and quite frankly, there is nothing as gold as Cairo Marriot’s five royal venues to pick from.

We’ve all fantasized about Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding one day, didn’t we? Well, we don’t need to fantasize no more. The “Salon Royal” and “Eugenie Ballroom” are where royalty happens. With their beautiful chandeliers and marble floors, there is no telling what royal family you were born into. And if you’re looking for more intimate, yet, still, royal celebrations then “Verdi”, “Memphis” and “Thebes” halls are just the perfect venues for you!

The best part, however, is that Cairo Marriot Hotel has venues that suit every bride and groom’s preferences, thanks to the fact that they could take up from 200 to 1000 guest capacity.

For more info, call: +20 2 27283000

FOUR SEASONS HOTEL CAIRO AT NILE PLAZA

painted tableau. And for an intimate celebration, the Prince Ballroom is the ideal venue with a wide array of If you are looking for a wedding which is bound to packages to ensure your satisfaction. exceed everyone’s expectations, Four Seasons Hotel For more info, call + (202) 2264.1111 ext. 302 – 303 Cairo will provide you with a list of venues that you could pick and choose from. Whether you need a ROYAL MAXIM PALACE KEMPINSKI small wedding or a large wedding, you will find both in their Plaza and Nile Ballrooms.

They have one of the most elegant and spacious For more info call, +20 2 27917000 ballrooms in Egypt that could take up to 1000 guests.

Royal Palace Kempinski is all about elegance and luxury and for those of you who are looking for a smaller wedding, their spacious 3,042sq m ballroom could be Whether you are dreaming of a royal or intimate divided into three sections to accommodate smaller wedding celebration, Sonesta eases the worry of weddings. wedding planning. For a royal wedding, their Iris For more info, call: +20 2 23899000 Ballroom is magnificently decorated with French hand SONESTA

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The Mena House has always been and will always be one of the trendiest places to exchange your vows, especially for those of you who want to capture the moment with mystery, magic and beautiful history in the background.The hotel offers luxurious interiors that are adorned with exquisite antiques, but let’s face it, all that counts for nothing when compared to the mesmerizing view of the Giza pyramids in the background. With Mena House venues, outdoor weddings never felt like a better idea. The best part is, their garden venue accommodates up to 1000 guests.

For more info, call: +20 2 33 77 3222

HILTON CAIRO ZAMALEK RESIDENCES

JW MARRIOT HOTEL CAIRO It’s suited for every bride’s dream wedding. If you are looking for a small reception, their 43,486 square feet of wedding hall space could accommodate up to 200 guests, and if you are more into large weddings their Tutankhamun venue will serve your needs. Their wedding planners are referred to as the “Dream Team” because they will turn your dream into a mesmerizing reality.

For more info, call +20-2-24115588

Hilton Cairo Zamalek will ensure that your wedding day is a resounding success and guarantee that it is glitch-free. If an elegant open-air ceremony is what you’re looking for, contact them immediately. And if remarkable indoor classic is what you picture for your wedding day, also contact them immediately.

For more info, call 01001604031

And if you are not the type of person who would settle for a typical traditional wedding and don’t feel like limiting yourself to the ordinary, how about you check the out of town wedding venues we provided below? They’re not the kind of “wedding venues” you would find on google by searching those terms!

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IDENTITYtheweddingguide centers and beach spots –that accommodate weddingsand will make each and every one of your wedding photos look like it just came out of a catalogue.

Out of Town

SANTORINI

What’s the attraction when it comes to out of town wedding destinations, you ask? Not only is it a special occasion made more special for the bride and groom, but it’s also a mini vacation for everyone involved and invited to the wedding. When you plan an out of town wedding, you are bound to make it more intimate and intimate weddings are the coziest and most memorable of all. Many people nowadays are ditching traditional local wedding venues and opting for more secluded and far away destinations. We present you with some of the hottest out of town wedding destinations that will guarantee that your wedding is THE wedding of the year!

From the breathtaking sunsets and romantic atmospheres to the mystic beauty and deep blue seas, there are several Santorini wedding packages that will accommodate every type of couple out there. There are even packages that will fit your budget and won’t make you spend your entire fortune just so you could have an exquisite wedding. A few of the places you should check out are Aegean Plaza Hotel, Aigialos Hotel, and Petit Palace Suites Hotel.

SOFITEL WINTER PALACE Originally a British Colonial era palace, Sofitel Winter Palace in Luxor is now a prestigious hotel that accommodates intimate wedding receptions as well as large lavish wedding ceremonies. The palace offers a spectacular view of the Valley of the Kings and is known for its famous lush gardens. You have your choice of an indoor wedding, which would be housed in the Royal Victorian Lounge, and of an outdoor big wedding, which would be housed in the garden outdoor setting.

HOTEL SOFITEL LEGEND OLD CATARACT Amr Youssef and Kinda Aloush got married in Old Cataract earlier this year, and the hype surrounding their wedding location was crazy. Some people may assume that the hype was because they are celebrities, but that’s only partially true. Hotel Sofitel Legend Old Cataract is a picturesque 5-star-luxury hotel in Aswan. If you want to feel like a true princess on your special day then the 19th century Victorian palace, which integrates French art de recevoir with Pharaonic treasures, is the place for you.

LA MAISON BLEUE As the name suggests, at La Maison Bleue in Gouna, blue waters will surround you at all times. At the luxurious mansion, even the slightest details are carefully chosen to whisk you and your guests away in a 10th century fairytale like fashion. If legendary is the word you wish to describe your wedding, look no more.

SOMA BAY Soma Bay across the Red Sea Coast is a secluded spot that is surrounded by the sea from all sides, which guarantees a nice view wherever you look. There are also a variety of venue options that you can choose from such as: Kempinski, La Residence des Cascades, The Breakers and Sheraton to name a few.

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MATARMA BAY Beach weddings are the stuff that dreams are made of, and even the most phenomenally decorated venues can never beat a cozy and idyllic beach setting! If you’re looking for something local but still counts as out of town, we highly recommend you throw your wedding bash at Matarma Bay. The area has several kite surfing

Your wedding day should be one of the happiest days of your life, if not the happiest. Don’t settle for second best and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t have your dream wedding wherever you are.

Whether you wish to have it in a castle, by the beach or indoors, you deserve to get what you wish for.

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Hair Salons & Makeup Artists For Your BIG DAY

by Nour Younis

A perfect wedding entails a gorgeous hairstyle and a beautiful face, which makes picking the right hair salon and make up artist two essential ingredients of any successful wedding. And to save you from the wedding hassle, we hereby present you with the best hairstylists/ make-up artists in Egypt!

AL SAGHEER SALONS We don’t really need to say much, But Al Sagheer Salon’s fine reputation already precedes them.

They are one of the most established beauty empires in Egypt, and brides have been choosing them since forever for what they call the most professional results on their wedding day.

KRISS BEAUTY SALONS It’s no secret that Kriss Beauty Salons are one of the most successful hair salons in Egypt, thanks to their insanely wide range of hairstyling and care services. So if you’re looking for a one of a kind hairstyle on your wedding day, you know where to go!

Make-up Artists SOHA KHOURY Soha is currently one of the top players in the Egyptian make-up industry and has worked with famous stars like Nelly Karim, Arwa Gouda and Ghada Adel.

FATMA BAHGAT One of the most predominant ladies in the make-up industry in Egypt today, Fatma Bahgat is especially known for her ability to work her magic on beautiful brides. Her make- up style is perfect for those brides who opt for a simple look.

KIKI ISMAIL Known for his amazing skills, Ahmed Ismail, aka Kiki Ismail, has worked with international celebrities like model Cara Delevingne and fashion designer Stella McCartney. This undoubtedly makes him the best candidate for your wedding night fiesta!

Hair Salons TOI BEAUTY SALON: Purity is in the heart of everything that Toi does.

So if you’re looking for an angelic bridal look, Toi Beauty Salon is the one for you!

SALLY RASHID Though, new to the field, Sally Rashid has already left her print in the make-up industry. With the right tools, she can turn any bride into a Hollywood star.

LA COUPE La Coupe Salons, who’ve been operating in Egypt for a while now, have been on top of their game when it comes to bridal services. They will offer you the flawless bridal look you’ve always dreamed of on your wedding day.

LAILA ADEL Being one of the most talented make-up artists, Laila Adel is known for her ability to keep up with the latests trends. She participates in many shows and makes it a point to follow up with top make-up artists around the world. So if you are looking for a trendy bride look, you know who to call.

Remember to book your appointments an ample amount of time ahead of your wedding day! You don’t want to miss out on the best make-up artists or hair salons just because you didn’t make a phone call a few months earlier.

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Best

Wedding

Photographers

3.

FADI MCKEAN

6.

GURU PHOTO HOUSE

& Planners

by Hadir Salhin

The day you’ve been dreaming of ever since you were just a little girl is finally here. Wearing the tablecloth as your veil and pretending to be the bride was probably your favourite game. The day has finally come and you’ve set a date, so it’s time to start digging for suppliers starting off with the photographer and wedding planner. What you will be left with after the wedding are the pictures and how long will people be talking about your fairy-tale wedding. To guide you through the hectic search for photographers, we have gathered up a list of the best wedding photographers and planners in town just for you.

4.

DANIEL SALIB

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS

1.

REMON ELMARKIZ

2.

HAMED KAMEL

5.

FADY NAGUIB

7.

MOKA STUDIOS

8.

MP STUDIOS

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WEDDING PLANNERS

1.

FLOWER POWER

3.

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NOHA KHALIL

2.

4.

5.

BORDURE

6.

STAND OUT

KATATNY

AWAN ELWARD

7.

ZEENA EVENTS

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Your Guide to Picking the Best Wedding and

Cake

Floral

Candy Corner Services BATTER HALF & CO.

Caterers

by Hadir Salhin

The type and quality of food you’ll be serving your guests is one of the most important decisions you need to make when planning for your wedding; the cake is always a bonus! A wide variety is always needed; it’s a reflection of who you really are and says a thing or two about your taste in life. When picking a caterer, you need to take so many aspects other than food into consideration. First and foremost, they need to be punctual and committed to your agreement together. To end your search and widen your scope, Identity has compiled for you a list of renowned caterers and cake providers. If you’re having your big day in a hotel, all you need is the cake!

Rustic

DUKES

Vintage NOLA

COPPERMELT

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DJ

The Music

by Nour Younis

Too often, we pay little attention to music when we are planning our wedding party, mainly because we like to focus on things that can be captured.

When we think of our wedding, we focus a lot on how we want our wedding photos to look like so we pay thousands of pounds on decorations. That, however, hardly seems fair because while we might not be able to capture the music, it has a way of capturing us. It’s the main theme of any wedding party. It’s the entertainment.

Music is your first dance with you husband. It’s tears streaming down your face while your daddy dances with you one last time before your husband takes over for the rest of the night, or sometimes even, for the rest of your life.

And since we couldn’t possibly send you off to your wedding without making sure that you have the best playlist out there, we hereby recommend to you some of the finest DJs in Egypt:

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Hady

definitely knows how to get the decks spinning. His music has a very different taste to anything you’ve ever heard before.

Bear in mind though, Hady’s music is mainly for those who are all about the life of the party, so if you’re not a disco diva, you might as well pass on this one.

Pick That Fits the Wedding Theme

DJ Ahmed Eid

Lyon Avakian

is an Armenian DJ who was born in Egypt in 1980. His 20 years of experience in the entertainment field makes him the perfect DJ candidate to play on your wedding, especially since he specializes in playing oldies, oldies remix, sexy and happy house music. Not to mention that he’s one of the most reputed A-class wedding DJs, and has DJ Fiko played along famous international If you’re looking for DJs such as Edward Maya a night full of dancing and and John Kelly. playing around on the dance floor, then DJ Fiko should be your top choice. There is just no one out there who could top off his spin when it comes to the latest pop, dance and house music.

TOP 20 FATHERDAUGHTER SONGS 1. Flicka “My Little Girl” 2. Bob Marley “Three Little Birds”

Ramy Djunkie is all about

music, not genres, which makes him your top choice if you’re the kind of person who likes to mix and match between music and not stick to a certain genre.

If you’re into classic hits, you should totally go for him. He knows exactly how to take your wedding night and turn it into a musical journey that features all the best classic hits. And for those of you who choose to throw a beach wedding, well, let’s just say that Ahmed Eid has the biggest collection of laid back house tunes. You can’t possibly opt for anyone who will be able to pump out sexy sun DJ Armen drenched house music as is an established good as him.

Armenian/Egyptian DJ who is especially known among the wedding events circle since he has been a pioneer in the wedding party business since the year 2008. He also performs in many DJ Nader other countries such as Sadek really knows how Greece, Armenia and to spice up any wedding. He Argentina. has been entertaining people since the year 1999. With more than 10 years of experience in the wedding industr y alone, DJ Nader is known for his ability to make even the oldest parents in the wedding hall dance their feet off.

Remember, the most precious thing about your wedding night is the fact that you get to share it with the people you love. So don’t stress, book your DJ and enjoy the night dancing and celebrating while you’re surrounded by your most favourite people in the whole wide world!

3. Heartland “I Loved Her First” 4. Rascal Flatts “My Wish” 5. Frank Sinatra “I Wish You Love” 6. Billy Joel “Just the Way You Are” 7. Beyonce “Daddy” 8. Edwin McCain “Walk with You” 9. Michael Buble “Daddy’s Little Girl” 10. Martina McBride “In My Daughter’s Eyes” 11. Tim McGraw “My Little Girl’ 12. Stevie Wonder “Isn’t She Lovely” 13. Stealing Cinderella “Chuch Wicks” 14. The Beatles “In my Life” 15. Stevie Wonder “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” 16. Bobby McFerrin “Don’t worry, Be Happy” 17. Wilco “My Darling” 18. Ben Folds “Gracie” 19. Carole King “Child of Mine” 20. Talking Heads “And She Was”

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10. Spend time with your partner’s friends 11. Make sure that both of you call up your exes and make peace. Maybe even, find closure 12. Ask your friends to tell you their honest opinion about your partner and if they see the relationship working on the long run 13. Talk goals with your partner. Understand what his priorities are and what he wants to achieve in life 14. Go on a holiday with your partner. It will let you understand your relationship better 15. Discuss kids names if you ever plan on having any

100 THINGS

YOU SHOULD DO BEFORE YOUR WEDDING

by Nour Younis

Right now, you might be consumed with all the wedding night madness, but it’s important that you make some time for yourself to enjoy the single life, cross some things off your pre-marriage “bucket list”and discuss crucial topics with your future hubby while you still can. After all, we don’t want you to look back in 10 or 20 years, when you’re hopefully happily married and with dozens of kids by your side, and feel nostalgic for things you didn’t even do! If you’re wondering what to do before you get hitched, here are a few tips or a 100! Pick your choice.

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THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR FUTURE HUBBY 1 Sit down with your future hubby, and figure out your priorities. Do you want kids? When?

2. Plan your wedding smartly. You don’t have to go into debt for your so called dream wedding 3. Accept that loving someone is the easy bit 4. Call up your married friends, and ask them what to expect 5. Make honesty your number one policy 6. Have at least one big fight with your future husband. It’s important to know what you’re getting into 7. Own a pet with your future hubby 8. Make sure you have at least one thrilling travel story to share with your future kids 9. Talk about dream travel destinations together

16. Meet the parents, and really get to know them 17. Find out what your partner hates, and if you’re going to be able to avoid doing it 18. Find out your other half ’s stance on divorce 19. Figure out what turns you on. Educate yourself!

There is no shame in it 20. Figure out the rules that you and your partner are going to live by

30. Talk about traditions and celebrations that are absolutely important to you 31. Make a list of cheap dates you and your partner could go on in the future 32. Discuss politics with your partner. It’s important.

You’ll be discussing it with him for the rest of your lives 33. Find out how you both handle laundry 34. Find out what dishes your partner likes or hates.

Can you really live without Sushi in the house?

35. Talk with your partner about religion and values, what you would like to be passed down to your kids 36. Workout your couple issues before you get married. Better safe than sorry 37. Cry your ugliest cry before your future husband!

Let him know what he is getting into 38. Go grocery shopping together 39. Read a book about marriage together 40. And finally, embrace whatever comes next in life!

21. Talk intimacy issues with your future hubby 22. Learn if your partner is going to stand by you when it comes to family issues 23. Learn about your partner’s health and if they have any genetic problems 24. Discuss household responsibilities with your partner 25. Schedule regular money talks that aren’t ridiculously boring or judgmental 26. Indulge in your secret habit with your hubby, whatever that is. No judgments 27. Talk honeymoon destinations, and what activities you would want to pursue 28. Talk about life with your partner. Bring out one or two existential questions 29. Make sure you trust your partner fully and completely. Can you picture yourself hanging by his hand on top of Mount Everest?

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68. Learn a new language 69. Stand up for yourself every once in a while. Has your boss been treating you badly?

THINGS TO DO FOR YOURSELF

70. Take some time off your partner and figure out which do you enjoy more, spending time with him or alone?

71. Start saving money for the big missteps you could face in life

41. Live alone, even if it’s for one month or a few weeks

72. Make sure you’re getting married for the “RIGHT” reason

42. Learn to cook meals that you like, but don’t do it so that you can cook for your hubby, do it for yourself

73. Stop keeping score between you and your partner. Whatever happened in the past is in the past

43. Spend your money on an investment piece, even if it’s that ridiculously expensive car or gold pair of earrings you’ve been dreaming of since forever 44. Pursue a new hobby, who knows maybe you’ll finally discover the artist within you 45. Learn to say no without giving out explanations.

Say no just because you don’t feel like it!

46. But also learn how to say yes. Get out of your comfort zone every once in a while. It’s healthy 47. Figure out how to enjoy your own company.

Take a solo trip or two 48. Spend time with your parents, maybe take a few days off work and travel somewhere 49. Spend as much time as you can with your friends. Take some road trips. Go out dancing, or even better, stay in and sing your lungs out 50. Face down one of your fears. Are you afraid of heights? Time to trek Mount Saint Catherine?

51. Quit your boring ordinary job and start chasing your dream job, even if it feels absolutely unattainable 52. Donate your time. Volunteering is one of the most self altering experiences in life, and there is no better time to do it except when you’re single 53. Get your finances in order 54. Break someone’s heart or even worse, get your heart broken 54 May 2017

88. Get a pet alone, and take care of it. Love it with all your heart 89. Learn to love your body, before you ask him to 90. Answer all the questions that pop up when someone asks you why marry “HIM”?

91. Finish college, because your education matters 92. Have a talk with your parents about your future husband, and see if they can raise any red flags 93. Learn to do your laundry 94. Read Jane Eyre 95. Buy all the gadgets and things you need. You never know if your future husband will give you the luxury to do it after you’re married

55. Stay fit. Join the gym or take up a yoga class

74. Learn not to put your dirty laundry out for everyone to see

56. Work on yourself. What are your worst traits?

How are you going to change them?

75. Learn when to be silent, and when to withdraw from an argument

96. Binge watch all the TV series you always said you would watch. You might never get the time after marriage!

57. Keep a diary, and write down every single detail about your life, even if it’s silly

76. Embrace your individuality

97. Boycott technology for a week

77. Take yourself out to dinner or to the movies alone

98. Have as many sleepovers with your girl friends as you possibly can

78. Learn how to fix things. Even if it’s as simple as changing the tire

99. Take up a defense class. Learn martial arts, maybe even kickboxing

79. Stay single for at least one year

100. Meet a tourist through a travel app and show him around your country

58. Take as many pictures with your family, friends and partner as you can 59. Experiment a little bit. How about a wardrobe makeover?

60. Dye your hair blue or any strange colour 61. Read a book 62. Get inked!

63. Ride a motorcycle! The social stigma is overrated anyway!

64. Talk to a stranger 65. Complete any course that you dream of. Take up photography or social media classes! Whatever you want!

66. Own up to your mistakes. We’ve all done pretty nasty things in life, and sometimes it’s good to just sit down and have an honest conversation with ourselves 67. Learn to dance. Any kind of dance. Tango, Salsa or belly dancing! You name it

80. Dump someone. We must learn how to let go of someone, before we let someone in 81. Go on an unplanned road trip by yourself and see where the wind takes you 82. Find a great circle of friends, that you can truly confide in 83. Get lost metaphorically and literally 84. Spend time with kids and little children. Believe it or not, they could teach you a lot about life 85. Have a few wild nights. Maybe party out all night, even if you are not much of a party girl 86. Find something that you are really good at, and do it for free 87. Learn how to poach an egg

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IDENTITYweddingseason the problems in their marriages. This can vary from pouring their attention solely onto their children, harbouring an overactive social life or even getting involved in affairs.

Marriage

How Can the Blooms of a New Season Last?

How Can We Fight ‘Adaptation’ in Long Term Relationships?

The only way to fight this passive form of adaptation is to encourage unification. If there is true intimacy and closeness, couples will be more able to communicate and resolve issues.

Occasional retreats for couples and quality time together are highly recommended ways to reach a level of unity.

by Amina El Ghandour

In spring, everything blossoms with the trees of the new season. At that time of the year, nature blooms and we are reminded that a new cycle of life has begun. Influenced by our surroundings, spring is a popular time for the celebration of new beginnings, so weddings usually take place at that time of the year. But for the celebration to last beyond a season, we need knowledge of ourselves first and foremost, and of others with whom we embark on lifetime journeys.

Let’s hear from the experts and attempt to make our springs last.

MG is a holistic coach and NLP practitioner among So What Happens to the Love? other qualifications in human development. Check his Facebook page ‘Life Coaching with MG’.

To answer this question, we need to explain love.

Love is unconditional in its essence, and its only true Why are Marital Relationships so Challenging? manifestation in our universe, is divine love. Divine love flows through us all regardless of our deeds or We have been conditioned since the day we were behaviour. A sinner still finds the air to breathe and born. What we project to the world is our personas, or the lung capacity to inhale it. Our world is fraught social construes that are shaped by many aspects from with resources, available to all, undiscriminating in its our world such as family dynamics, relationship with abundance - humans discriminate while the Divine parents, belief systems, culture, perception of genders gives unequivocally. In divine love, we are endlessly and collective consciousness. We each bring this given. Love is a giving energy. Once conditions arise and baggage of values and beliefs to our relationships. Our there is an asking for a return, it is no longer love. personas dictate both our behaviour and expectations.

And in a relationship, two different personas are For humans, conditions are inevitable. We must expected to merge and synchronize, hence it is only understand that we are not able to extinguish our needs natural for conflicts to arise in the process. and expectations entirely and love unconditionally.

What humans experience is ‘conditional love’ –and Why do Things Seem Smooth Only at the Beginning there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, we need to of Relationships? fully comprehend our expectations, nurture our selfawareness and emotional intelligence before we At the beginning, we feel love and love is an exhilarating become emotionally involved with another. We need emotion. When we tap into the energy of love, we are to nurture within us the values we want and expect in uplifted. It is a high charge energy that offsets lower the other, in order to find it in a partner– and that is a energies like fear and insecurity. universal law.

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Tatou is a certified Life Coach, Reiki Master and NLP and Neuro-conditioning expert.

Check her Facebook page, ‘Tatou Life Coaching & Energy Healing’.

What Would You Say is the Most Important Aspect of a Relationship?

Yasmine Faltas is a family and marriage counsellor with 10 years of experience in the marriage awareness field. Find her on Facebook ‘Blooming Vines: Family and Marriage Counselor’.

With 10 Years of Experience in Counseling, What Would You Say is the Most Recurring Problem?

‘Adaptation’ -this is the habit that counselling is fiercely trying to fight. Couples realize the need for life to carry on, and hence ‘adapt’ to situations which otherwise aggravate them. They are silent about their concerns and negligent to their feelings of anger and frustration so an emotionally charged situation would pass conflict free. ‘Adaptation’ is very different from compromise, because it is not reached through an intellectual and emotional exchange in which a couple share their feelings and thoughts then consciously decide to take the other’s position into consideration. ‘Adaptation’ in that case arises from a passive desire to let the situation pass in order to avoid conflict, and a lack of willingness to put real effort towards resolutions.

When it comes to relationships, I would focus on selflove. This has nothing to do with selfishness; self-love is a healthy form of valuing and appreciating one’s self and is an imperative factor to finding love and maintaining a healthy relationship. The outer world defines for us what is ‘good’, ‘beautiful’ and ‘right’ and in our efforts to be up to social values, we tend to be critical of ourselves. We get angry with our bodies, frustrated with our achievements and ashamed of our passions. When we embark on relationships, we bring our insecurities and frustrations along. We expect our partners to fill the gaps for us, to make us feel better about what we cannot feel good about. We constantly seek assurance from the other that we are adequate and worthy of love. But how can we expect another to love us if we cannot love ourselves?

Love comes from within, first and foremost. Only when you have accepted your flaws and loved yourself despite your shortcomings that you can attract love – love that would only reflect your own self-love.

Marriage can be a beautiful beginning of a life, like Why do People Refer to ‘Adapt’ Rather than Face and the blooms of the new season; embarking on it with Resolve? knowledge and awareness can make it a longer blooming journey of growth and joy shared with It is easier for couples to find a way out - distractions to another.

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Mother of the Bride

IT’S YOUR DAY TO SHINE TOO

by Nahla Hunter Professor of Dermatology - Cosmetic Dermatology Laser Therapy -Cairo University

T

he marriage of one’s child is a life milestone and a cause for celebration; mothers of the bride or groom take pride in their appearance on that particular day.

The undeniable effort the mother of the bride/groom exerts in planning each and every detail of the big day should also include herself. In this heavily photo documented day, it is important and a little intimidating to achieve a picture perfect look. The glamorous dress and the professional make-up artist cannot do the job alone if your face is full of signs of tiredness and ageing.

58 May 2017

requires two weeks to give its full effect, so consider this while scheduling your Botox appointment.

Luckily, nowadays, there is a wide array of facial rejuvenation options which can give you a more refreshed and youthful look for the big day. This, however, requires careful planning and good choice of a qualified aesthetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon to achieve what you want.

The strict use of anti aging creams and serums is beneficial to preserve the texture of the skin but for women aged forty and above, it will require more than just creams to reverse the telltale signs of ageing.

There are a lot of cosmetic interventions varying from noninvasive procedures as lasers and injectables to facelifts. A credible and qualified physician can direct you to the most suitable procedure according to what you need, what suits you aesthetically and time available till the wedding. The downtime and recovery time required for each procedure should be considered in your plan to look your best on that day.

Among the non invasive procedures, injectables are the most sought after. These include filling in lines and wrinkles as the nasolabial folds or marionette lines (lines running from the corner of the nose to corners of the mouth) using dermal hyaluronic acid fillers. HA fillers are safe and were proved to stimulate collagen and improve texture and hydration of the skin.

They could also be used to fill cheek hollows, improve facial contours and to reshape and rejuvenate the lips. It’s a simple safe procedure with no downtime, provided you go for an experienced injector.

Fillers should preferably be done minimum 2 weeks before the event so as to give time to swelling or bruising if any to resolve.

Another popular option to treat wrinkles is the use of neuromodulators or neurotoxins which weaken the muscles in which they are placed. Botox ease facial expressions such as frowns, horizontal lines of forehead and smile lines. Botox starts to work after 3 days and

When it comes to sagging necks and jowls, unfortunately, injectables cannot do the job alone.

You have to opt for other options like deep plane and vertical face and neck lifts.

Another option would be the energy based devices such as radio frequency or high frequency ultrasound (ulthera) which can be an alternative to those who can’t, won”t or simply do not want to undergo a surgical invasive procedure. Energy based devices tighten skin and create a subtle lifting effect with no downtime and no risks.

If you have sun damaged skin, acne scarring, blotches, blemishes or fine wrinkles, you will need skin resurfacing.

Resurfacing procedures include lasers, chemical peels or microdermabrasion. According to your skin problem, your cosmetic dermatologist will determine the procedure for you, the extent and depth of resurfacing and hence the downtime.

Dear mother of the bride or groom, it is crucial to be fully aware of the downtime of each procedure so as to be able to plan your time properly giving yourself at least three weeks before the wedding day with no work done.

There is nothing as the one-size-fits-all-approach in aesthetic medicine, what suits your friend does not necessarily suit you and there is no one single procedure which corrects all.

Choice of an experienced qualified aesthetic surgeon or dermatologist is mandatory to help you get the look you aim for on this special occasion.

And remember in cosmetic practice less is more so always aim for a natural subtle look, not an overly done look. We hope you shine in each and every moment and photograph on that day.

May 2017 59

IDENTITYout&about

A Happy Ever After by The Nile Ritz- Carlton Sony Mobile launches the Xperia XZ Premium at an exclusive regional media event in Dubai • Over 180 media & influencers from Middle East & Africa could shoot their first Super slow motion video during #Xperia960 event.

• Xperia XZ Premium will be available across the region at the end of May. Sony Mobile Communications MEA showcased its latest award-winning smartphone, Xperia XZ Premium, for more than 180 select media and influencers from the Middle East and Africa region at its exclusive #Xperia960 event in Dubai. The largest event of its kind, #Xperia960 brought to life the world’s 1st Super slow motion video capture via a smartphone at 960 fps (frames per second). This is four times slower than can be shot on any other smartphone. Super slow motion captures details that the human eye can’t see.

60 May 2017

Weddings are fairy tales brought to life, a day that requires nothing but perfection - from the reception to the ballroom decorations, including welcome drinks and the lighting. To ensure perfection on this special day, what better partner to have than The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo. Known for their bespoke wedding experiences, wedding planners with extensive knowledge, to the famous Alf Leila wa Leila ballroom, and unique wedding packages tailored send off the bride and her groom in comfort and style.

bride and groom on their wedding night. The package also includes an extravagant three layered wedding cake, decoration package as well as entertainment that covers DJ, videography, photography and Zaffa.

Every perfect wedding requires a strategic wedding planner to ensure all the finest details are planned with precision.. At the Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo, their wedding experts will assist in designing every aspect of the celebration, from the ballroom decorations down to menu choices. In addition, to providing the newlyweds with the best wedding experts for planning and execution, The Nile Ritz-Carlton have also put together a summer wedding package tailored to enhance the bride and groom’s memorable wedding experience.

This alluring summer package includes a lavish buffet with select beverages, accommodation for the bride and groom in a luxurious suite, day-use for the groom on the wedding day, and a romantic in-room dinner for the

The Nile Ritz-Carlton also offers an exclusive bridal spa package to pamper the bride, which will begin with an indulgent Moroccan bath, followed by a full hour relaxing massage, before a 45-minute cleansing facial to leave the skin radiant and healthy for all the wedding photography sessions. The special pre-wedding pamper package is also extended to around three to seven of the bride’s bridesmaids, family members or close friends. The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo has also put together a special bridal party that includes a welcome glass of bubbles on arrival, access to a luxurious private cabana; full day access to swimming pool, 40-minute relaxing massage and finally the bride is pampered with our compliments.

The summer wedding package at Alf Leila wa Leila ballroom is valid through the months of July and August 2017 with the package price starting at 80,000 Egyptian pounds inclusive of all service charge and applicable taxes for a minimum of 100 guests.

May 2017 61

IDENTITYout&about

Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers transports guests to an English style wonderland!

There isn’t anything more peaceful than a heavenly afternoon tea with someone special.

Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers had the pleasure of inviting the city’s key media figures to a fabulous afternoon tea experience at Le Marche including “drink me” tea with 6 unique different infused tea flavors for everyone and a delectable selection of delicate pastries and delicious cakes and scones magically created by the hotel’s highly skilled pastry chefs.

A Mother’s day feast at Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers It would take a lifetime to express your love and appreciation to our mothers, that’s why Fairmont Heliopolis and towers made a special effort to show them how much they are appreciated and how thankful we are to have them in our lives.

With spring vibes in the air, Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers celebrated Mother’s day by a one out of the ordinary treats. The hotel invited top social influencers and key media figures to a spectacular hassle- free Mother’s day brunch where chef Jean-Claude created some of his delectable signature dishes in addition to a delightful selection of salads, appetizers, fasting items & desserts.

62 May 2017

IDENTITYout&about

Egyptian jewellery designer Riham Zaghloul featured five of her latest collections at New York Fashion Week AW’17 (NYFW).

Radisson Blu Helopolis “Orphan Day” Celebration and Gathering In an atmosphere filled with warmth, Radisson blu heliopolis Team celeberated the ”orphans Day” by invting 3 Orphan houses, sharing the Joys with the Children and their caregivers.

Ahmed Seleit, Executive Assistant Manager at Safir Hotel Cairo

TAO cooking classes

Unbox your phone A new standard is about to be set in the smartphone world; featuring superior craftsmanship, ultimate security and innovative design as portrayed in the revolutionary Infinity Display.

The new Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ defy the boundaries of engineering with innovative features and sophisticated hardware. Prepare to be astonished by every edge, surface and detail.

Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo had the pleasure of hosting famous Egyptian Actress, Dalia El Behery. at one of its all new authentic series of cooking classes giving the chance for cooking enthusiasts to learn from our Chefs some of the authentic dishes of their home town Chef Sherwin, Head Chef of the Japanese kitchen, personally lead the class and has high hopes for Dalia, looks like she is on the journey to becoming a Japanese master chef!

Hussein Shoukry, Area General Manager Safir Hotels Egypt has recently announced the promotion of Ahmed Seleit as Executive Assistant Manager in addition to his duties as Head of Sales and Marketing. As a recognition of his outstanding efforts, steadfast loyalty and commitment to our hotel’s success.

Nouveaux Café La Madeleine Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah has recently celebrated the reopening of La Madeleine Café with its new menu, through holding a top-notch cocktail reception for its guests, media The Ladies and Gentlemen of and team members. This event is the Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo considered as an opportunity for Lead a Clean up Day at the highlighting the new menu after adding new French pastry items.

Egyptian Museum

Egyptian Museum receives an extensive clean-up as part of the hotel’s community outreach program ZAGH Jewellery Takes New One hundred ladies and gentlemen York Fashion Week by Storm from The Nile Ritz-Carlton, Cairo, Egyptian entrepreneur Riham lead a clean-up day at one of the Zaghloul is successfully opening Conrad Cairo Celebrates Earth world’s great treasure houses new markets for her designs around Hour 2017 with a “Dine in The the world Dark” activity 64 May 2017

IDENTITYsigns

TAURUS

Now that your love life is stable, it’s important to know that the sooner you identify your work goals, the easier it will be for you to reach them.

GEMINI

If you’re finding it hard to communicate with your friends, don’t get your feathers ruffled. Communication blockages do happen. Don’t stress, it will pass.

CANCER

Your career might be going downhill now, but it’s important to you know that it’s because of small errors which can simply be avoided by being more careful.

LEO

Your sensitivity will serve you in romantic situations this month! Keep an eye; you’ll soon be meeting a very special somebody.

VIRGO

April 20 - May 20

You need to concentrate more on your needs, not the needs of others. Don’t get too wrapped up with your work that you forget about your love life.

Strengths Patient, reliable, loving, determined

LIBRA

TAURUS

Weaknesses Jealous, possessive, greedy Most Compatible with Scorpio, Virgo and Cancer Love: This month, you’ll be receiving a magnificent reward in terms of your love life. You’ll start noticing different changes and you will finally commit to someone who knows you for the real person you are and whom you can count on to be there for you through thick and thin.

Career: You will be rewarded with wonderful earnings. Wealth will come to you in the form of a creative idea that is capable of making you make the jump you have been seeking in your career, so watch out for those creative ideas of yours, they will take you places!

ARIES

You need to start thinking hard about what you want and how you can get it. You won’t be able to balance between love and career this month, so you better choose.

SCORPIO

Romance has never been this simple before. So enjoy the love you will be giving and receiving this month.

SAGITTARIUS

Work issues will take up a lot of brain space this month, and work will be the furthest thing from your mind.

CAPRICORN

You need to step back from your work for a while and look at the bigger picture. Being too close can sometimes hinder your growth process when it comes to work.

AQUARIUS

This is your month! Make sure you check in with yourself.You won’t help but notice all this wonderfulness you will be facing in your love and career life.

Your “I don’t have time for this now” attitude towards romance is going to change this month, but it will PISCES Romance is bound to distract you from work this definitely be for the better. month, but that’s healthy, every once in a while.

66 May 2017

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The elegantly designed CLA Shooting Brake is at your nearest authorized dealership.

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