Splendid Affairs

S PLEN DI D affairs

Sophisticated

February 2010 Issue 2

Stylishly Modern digital

WEDDING MAGAZINE

SHEPSTONE GARDENS Venue Exclusive

Elegant and Sassy

Gowns New Twist on

Alice in Wonderland Sweetheart Style or Rock’n Roll?

How to work

with y o u r photographer

inspirational IDEAS

41-&/%*% Affairs

Got a question? Email info@splendidaffairs.co.za For Advertising and Material Submission Enquiries Click Here

The

WoNDeR issue

O

Editor’s Letter ne of the best things about being a modern bride is that you can explore the possibility of creating a wedding that is offbeat, fun and totally personal!

We chose Alice in Wonderland as our theme for this issue, as it can provide a multitude of alternative, quirky, a n d f u n i d e a s , while still offering opportunities for a glamorous and stylish wedding.

Shepstone Gardens was the ideal venue for this setting, and provided us with ample opportunities to showcase amazing designs by Dimity and more classic fairy tale garments by Wedding Connexion.

Once again Sam Scaife, the owner of Lashline, made our models look spectacular with her talent, whilst Kat Forsyth captured the magical setting and exquisite wedding dresses on camera.

This month’s two real weddings feature brides who chose not to stick to a particular colour scheme or a theme and created amazing weddings.

Meetyour Team

Finally, don’t forget to log on to our blog at w w w. s p l e n d i d a f f a i r s . w o r d p r e s s . c o m for your weekly fix of all things bridal.

Katharine Forsyth

Professional Wedding Photographer

www.katforsythphotography.co.za

082 486 8492

Sam Scaife

Professional Make-Up Artist

www.lashline.co.za

082 576 3498

Splendid

Beauty

Gorgeous Labello Glamorous Gloss in Natural, Dark Sugar and Red Ruby

LA MER The Hydrating Facial This two-zoned mask delivers superior hydration through a luxurious sensorial spa-like experience to reawaken t h e appearance of youth

The new Regenerist Precision Regimen Range compring of Regenerist Anti-Ageing Lip, Refenerist 30 Second Wrinkle Filler, Regenerist Daily Thermal Skin Polisher, and Regenerist Daily 3 Point Treatment Cream - instantly reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles and expression lines for younger looking skin.

Brightening Lip Gloss Shade Extensions Available in Popsicle and Nectar shades

Bobbie Brown Cleansing Oil

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Beauty Find BOBBI BROWN MAKE UP SCHOOLS Back to beauty school with Bobbi Brown

Lessons will take place at the Bobbi Brown counters at Edgars in:

New year, new you, right? Makeup guru Bobbi Brown has launched a 10 step makeup school, so you can conquer the art of liquid eyeliner, polish the perfect red pout, and get insider tips and tricks from the pros.

16- 21 February Melrose Arch (011 214 5800) Eastgate (011 622 9982) Westville (031 265 2667) Claremont (021 683 5518)

Education is the key component of Bobbi Brown’s philosophy. The Bobbi Brown make up artists will teach you how to be your own skin care and make up expert. The Bobbi Brown make up lessons will take you through the 10 Steps to Beauty, work on your individual style, lifestyle and make up preferences and conclude with the creation of a personalised Face Chart to help you recreate your look at home.

A booking fee of R295 is redeemable on purchase on the day. Lessons will take place at Bobbi Brown counters at Edgars across the country.

24-28 February Melrose Arch (011 214 5800) Sandton (011 884 4818) Gateway (031 566 5662) V&A Waterfront (021 418 8188) 3-7 March

A gorgeous deal. Come on ladies, get your BFF’s together and have some gorgeous fun.

Menlyn (012 348 6470) Tygervalley (021 914 2072)

For bookings, please contact the counter at the Edgars where you’d like to have your lesson.

Alice’s

Splendid

Wedding File

WONDERLAND

Conceptualising and Styling: Evegenia Poplett and Kat Forsyth Photography: Kat Forsyth Purse by: Dimity

ROCK’N ROLL

ALICE

Conceptualising and Styling: Kat Forsyth Photography: Kat Forsyth Flowers: Evegenia Poplett, Splendid Affairs

Splendid

Wedding Cocktails WEDDING CAKE 2 1 3 1 1 1

Shots White Rum Shot Amaretto Shots Pineapple juice Shot Coconut cream Shot Milk Shot Double cream

Blend all the ingredients together with crushed ice and serve in a hurricane glass. Garnish with crumbled chocolate pieces or grated almonds

B L U S H I N G BRIDE 1 1

Shot Peach Schnapps Shot Grenadine Sparkling Wine

Pour the peach schnapps and grenadine into a Champagne flute. Top with Sparking Wine.

TuXedo 2 1 1/4 1/4 2 1

Shots of Dry Vermouth Shot of Gin tsp Maraschino Liqueur tsp Anis Liqueur Dashes Bitters Maraschino cherry

Pour all ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.

Hot Romance 2 2 2

shot of rum parts of cranberry juice parts orange juice

Pour all ingredients into a cocktail glass over ice. Stir and serve with an orange slice.

A signature wedding cocktail is a spectacular way to personalise your wedding, and even save cost.

Splendid

Wedding Details

Hang your favorite poems around the post-ceremony site for your guests to enjoy whilst they are sipping on cocktails.

Splendid

Wedding Venue

SHEPSTONE GARDENS www.shepstonegardens.co.za

If you are getting married and desire something original, different but elegant, stylish and upmarket, then Shepstone Gardens is the venue for you!

wedding at Shepstone Gardens you will have the privilege of saying your vows under the magnificent glass roof of the chapel. As the sun shines through the beautifully Shepstone Gardens is painted windows, and gently Johannesburg’s best kept secret. envelopes the guests with its glow, you will feel as though The eclectic mix of architec- the presence of the Holy Spirit tural styles juxtaposed against is blessing your union. the established Houghton gardens exudes an air of nostalgia, The post ceremony drinks are mystery and a very swanky served amongst the lush garNew York-style setting (partic- dens. Your guests will be able ularly reminiscent of the 1998 to relax and unwind, having movie version of Great Expec- a cocktail and a snack whilst tations). This exclusive venue you and your husband are takis a spectacular setting for a ing stunning wedding photowedding that is magical, beau- graphs. tiful and absolutely unique.

If it rains, the back up venue is Shepstone Gardens caters a colonial style library which for functions from 30-120 has a warm and inviting atmosphere. guests).

If you choose to host your

The photographs, which you will treasure forever, will be breathtaking and striking, as there are so many wonderful photographic opportunities at Shepstone Gardens, that the venue is often hired out for the magazine photo-shoots, and even to bridal couples who desire stunning wedding photos (without hosting their weddings at Shepstone).

chairs, everything has to be hired in. Therefore, there is a great opportunity to create an original and a fairy tale event. The possibilities here are endless!

My only suggestion is to hire a wedding planner who will be able to plan a wedding with you, whilst providing the necessary knowledge and expertise of organizing The Ball Room is simply a wedding at this venue. magnificent, boasting wood paneling, mirrors, columns Contact Details and arches. Subtle gold fin- Marielle 076 237 9043 ishes add a touch of opulence Ken 082 909 3669 www.shepstonegardens.co.za and glamour.

The newly built honeymoon Click here to download insuite provides a great way to formation pack and rates for 2010. end a splendid wedding.

The great thing about this venue is that you have the freedom to design your own wedding. Since the venue only provides tables and

Splendid

Wedding Fashion

Dress and birdcage veil by Dimity

Dress and accessories by Dimity

Dress by Dimity

Dress and accessory by Dimity

Dress and accessory by Dimity

Gown by Wedding Connexion

Gowns by Wedding Connexion

Gowns by Wedding Connexion

CREDITS

Kat Forsyth photographed in Shepstone Gardens for Splendid Affairs Digital Magazine Styled by Evegenia Poplett

Splendid Affairs Make-up /Hair by Sam Scaife Lashline www.lashline.co.za Gowns by Dimity www.dimity.co.za Wedding Connexion www.weddingconnexion.co.za Models Cat Coxon Zinre Pretorius

Splendid

Designer Spotlight My biggest achievement to date is... continuous running my passion as a successful business.

My evening wear ranges... from quirky cocktail frocks to bias-cut glamazon gowns.

A bride’s perfect dress is... artfully tailored to fit her body and her personality. And then her groom falls in love all over again at the sight of her swanning down the aisle in a gown which celebrates her beauty and grace!

How do I get my wedding dress designed by Dimity?

Send Wendy an email or give her a call to set up a consultation. www.dimity.co.za wendy@dimity.co.za 083 334 0250

The happiest bride is... more excited about arriving at her reception as Mr and Mrs for life than the reception itself!

You probably won’t know this but...

each and every paper pattern piece is hand-made to the b r i d e s ’ m e a s u r e m e n t s b y We n d y using o l d house plans as a form of recycling.

I draw my inspiration from... fabrics, buttons and other odds ‘n This is just one of the many ways in ends, as well as silhouettes from which Dimity is various historical periods in fashion. striving to be more Oh, and old pill-box hats! environmentally conscious.

I’m best known for...

Corsetry and millinery, as well as for my attention to detail, and perfectly invisible lace hand-stitching.

About Dimity...

Dimity brand is owned and designed by Wendy Schultz. As a designer, Wendy first and foremost, is dedicated to creating individual and exclusive garments from creative idea through to completion.

Dimity accessories range is also available. Wendy Schultz has always been equally fascinated with millinery and jewellery making as she has fashion.

This range includes hairpieces for brides and cocktail functions, veils, garment The majority of her customers are accessories such as sashes and boleros, seeking a unique outfit, tailor-made bracelets, and purses. to their specifications and requirements. Be it for a formal occasion Keeping in touch with the current trend or simply as an addition to a functional for all things recycled and eco-friendly, wardrobe, Dimity clientele are guaran- silk fabric off-cuts from Dimity gowns teed a perfect fit to both their body and we make are often used for certain piectheir personality. es to reduce studio waste. Special commissions are also available Dimity Bride offers a harmonious blend a c c o r d i n g to your fabric and of classic cuts and modern details: from colour specifications. glamorous 30’s inspired bias-cut gowns to mod-squad tiers of polka dot Valenciennes net; fine hand-draped bodices scattered with beaded embroideries, and French Chantilly laces.

www.dimity.co.za

Splendid

Style

Wedding Dress

More and more brides are choosing romantic, flowing dresses in floor-length styles remain popular. However, knee-length lace wedding dresses with heavy details, gorgeous sashes and intricate beading have been noted.

Wedding Hair Style

There are no clear trends in hair styles, as it is now far more acceptable for the bride to have any style she wants. Therefore, wearing the hair in long romantic waves or loosely pulled back are starting to become popular choices for brides with long hair.

Brides today choose dresses with flowing, soft fabrics, ruffles, satin sashes (at the waist), and Hair ornaments such as hairpins, brooches, and delicate floral details. hair vines made with crystals, pearls, rhinestones, and/or silk flowers are hugely popular.

The A-line silhouette hugging gowns featuring crystal detailing are another popular choice.

Wedding Bouquet

Wedding Accessories

More brides are choosing more intricate trailing bouquets, and over the arm wedding

When it comes to veil two looks dominate the bouquets. scene - an intricate lace and floor length veil and a birdcage veil with beautiful crystal, feather, lace Yet the hand-tied version, where the flowers are detailing customised for the gown. gathered together and the stems are wrapped in wide satin ribbon are still popular. However, Pearls, rhinestones, and crystals remain the top unusual combination of flowers are prejewelry choice for necklaces and earrings. Ornate ferred to a structured rose bouquet. crystal brooches are also a popular accent for wearing on the dress, in the hair or on the bou- Brides wanting more glamorous bouquets quet handle. choose beads, brooches, jewel pins, pearls, crystal/rhinestone picks, and monogrammed ribbon to dress up plain ribbon-wrapped stems Wedding Make-up There can’t really be bridal trends for make up, and blooms. as bridal make-up should always be sophisticated and refines, and reflect the best possible version of you.

Having said that, the eyes are becoming the focal point and are defined, a bit dramatic and yet romantic.

Splendid

Real Wedding

Iza and Riekert 23 December 2009 Hawksmoor House

Our wedding had no specific theme. We wanted to keep it simple and relaxed with “FUN� being the centre point. We rather spent money on entertainment for our guests (drumming and an excellent live band) rather than tons of expensive flowers which will be thrown away afterwards. We invested in unforgettable memories and experiences.

Iza recalls the:

“The unplanned tears throughout the day!�

Our wedding was planned around fun, and turned out to be quite emotional. Couples, guests, videographers, even the minister had tears.

Our minister surprised us with unrehearsed questions about each other that we had to answer facing each other. This unlocked a lot of emotion, but set a tone of realness for the rest of the day.

Iza and Riekert chose Grey & White with a splash of Red for their wedding. “Sunshine, summer wedding has to have a pop of colour, but still timeless so that in 10 years time it still is appropriate. And grey is my favourite colour!� says Iza.

Iza and Riekert’s wedding took only 4 months to plan. All the décor at the wedding Riekert and I made ourselves with lots of help from mother dearest. We literally used branches, painted them white and draped them with tons of fairy lights.

Instead of “favours” we decided to give our guests experiences. This included interactive African group drumming, release of helium “prayer balloons, 6 piece brass band.

Any advice for the bride planning her wed-

Because our wedding was 2 days before Christ- ding now? mas, all the trees served as modernized Christmas Enjoy it, stress is overrated! The week betrees giving a festive feeling. fore your wedding, forget about satisfying On our tables we had aloes in large glass dome vases, giving a simplistic look. My father brought them all the way from albertinia in his trailer. All of this was easy to set up, and now serves as great decoration in our new house. Each family member also now has a white “Christmas tree” as a memoir of our wedding.

your guests. Connect with your partner and start building your marriage and not only your wedding day.

Please advise your guests not to greet you at the end of the evening with long goodbyes and stories about the honeymoon. You spend about 3 hours of your night saying goodbye, Riekert is in love with all things sparkly. He had you would much rather spend that time al his mates help him and lit up the vineyards dancing the night away and waking up with around the property. It gave depth and colour to blisters on you feet! the dark night.

Iza’s Contact Book Hawksmoor house Picnic company Staff All Events Hire DO Re ME - Drumming Dee-Jays (Paarl) Photographer Videographer Minister Eagle Vlei Band Helium Decor

072 367 4788 Maike 071 604 2133 Tammy 083 8633 506 Claude 021 447 4302 082 738 2933 Duncan 021 872 5303 Theo 083 604 0107 Greg Lumley 083 5555 216 Gerrit Visser 083 701 123 DS Pieter Barnard 021 884 4713 Shaun 021 7822 838 Gary Deacon 073 612 6387 Jays 072 288 0654 Anli Wahl

Splendid

Real Wedding

Elizabeth & Leon 23 January 2010 Shepstone Gardens

Our Story...

We planned our wedding day for almost a year For both of us, when Elizabeth walked down the aisle and Leon was waiting at the other end was starting the day that we got engaged. so emotional and the part we will remember the most. Sounds corny but it’s true!

Family and especially children are important to us, so planned a space for the children and got Also, when the power went off the atmosphere crethem some activities to keep them busy. We also ated by the candles and the pianist was magical. ordered them their own menu and cutlery to eat with.

Any advice for the bride planning her wedding now?

Our wedding was bilingual so each invitation was sent in the language of the person receiving it and the menus were in both English and Afrikaans.

Also we were married in both languages and people spoke both languages in their speeches.

It was important to us to have both sides of our families feel comfortable.

There is so much advice to give a to-be bride! The best thing is to listen to people when they give advice.

They do actually know what they are talking about and it generally turns out that they are right. If you do your own wedding get someone to run your day and let them start at least a month before with taking over.

Oh and there really is not plenty of time left.

We brought home and refurbished an old yellow scooter just for the wedding photos. It was our special project to do together and it worked out wonderfully even though we couldn’t leave on it because it was raining.

There are so many different things we could have done for our wedding, starting with the venue, the dress, the flowers and pretty much anything else we had a choice in. Even so, our wedding was absolutely perfect and we would not have it any other way.

We didn’t go for a colour scheme but we wanted a relaxed setting that was also beautiful and elegant. We thought of bowls of yellow garden roses on crisp white linen with loads of candles giving off a gorgeous golden light, which is exactly what we did! The girls wore green and blue while the guys wore grey with yellow ties.

Elizabeth’s Contact Book Venue:

Shepstone Gardens www.shepstonegardens.co.za

Weeding The Attic Special Events Coordinator www.the-attic.co.za Photographer

Dress:

Quintin Mills www.millsphotography.co.za

Catering:

Ginger Grape www.gingergrape.co.za

Bar:

Liquid Chefs www.liquidchefs.co.za

Music:

Hannes Pienaar Piano

Edward Chambers www.mredwards.co.za

Abigail Betz www.abigailbetz.co.za

Cake: Decorated Cake The Cake Man

Franco Lambiase

011 8852511

Cake for eating.

Catering and Associates Taryn Jakobi

www.cateringandassociates.co.za

Decor and Flowers: It’s Flower Time!

Mandy Lutz

0824729159 Bouquets:

Franz Grabe Flower Couture Coenie Hattingh www.franzgrabe.co.za

Lounge Furniture:

Lounge Society Joshua Shifren www.loungesociety.co.za

Splendid

Professional Advice COMMUNICATION This is probably the most important part of your wedding photography. And if done correctly, the photography part of your wedding day will be a cinch.

A prime example would be to walk into the venue and proceeded to start your first dance together as husband and wife without informing the photographer.

Unless your photographer knows I am talking about making sure you about it before hand, important photo transfer your ideas and requirements opportunities could be missed in this from a photographic point of view to way. your photographer. This will result in any potential logistical issues being I have a system where I prepare a wedhighlighted and sorted out when plan- ding info sheet that contains all the ning the photography for the day and details of the day as well as a guide ensuring the session is not rushed and to timings which I provide to wedyou actually have a good time during the ding couples well in advance of the couple shots. Remember, chances are your wedding day. That way we can make photographer has been to more weddings sure everything is catered for and there than you have and has seen it all before. is enough time to do everything the couple would like on the day.

If there is something special you plan to do on the day, let the photographer P.S. Trust your photographer. You have know about it or we might miss the fact chosen them because of the quality of that your fiancĂŠ is skydiving in just their work, their personality and before the ceremony. professionalism; tell them what you want and let them put their spin on it When it comes to the reception, notify and shoot some wonderful images on the photographer a few minutes before the day. the first dance, garter throw etc in case there are things like lighting that need to Author: Quintin Mills be set up beforehand. www.blog.quintinmills.co.za

Splendid

Advice

Why flowers cost so much?

Can you image a bride walking down the aisle without a bouquet? Close your eyes and image a hall, filled with tables and chairs, the guests are being served a great meal, the music is playing but there are no flowers. Would you not confuse this scene with another function? Would this wedding scene not be complete? Would it not miss that crucial wedding element – the flowers? Flowers play an im- I encourage my clients to pay attention to the portant role in setting the scene, the ambiance, price tags on the flowers at their local grocery store, visit any local florist or pick a bunch at and create a wedding atmosphere. any Woolies store, and remember to price a Allow me tell you how wedding flowers end simple bunch of flowers, not arranged in any up costing a small fortune, and what factors intricate way. influence the price tag.

It is important to remember that one does not We all know that fresh flowers are expensive often buy 10+ intricate arrangements, and – yet such is the nature of the live elements. bridal flowers all in one purchase. It is underWedding flowers are even more expensive standable that a bride would get overwhelmed since they require greater handling, condition- by the price involved in wedding flowers. ing, optimization and careful arranging to satMy husband made a brilliant observation once isfy bride’s specific requirements. when he pointing out that women do not genWhen purchasing flowers, you are paying for erally buy themselves flowers and thus do not so many things – the grower’s cut (planting, know how truly expensive those pretty blooms growing, watering, feeding, harvesting), the can get. packaging and shipping of them in a manner that they will not wilt or die on the way to Flowers are expensive, thus hiring a profesyour location, and then the florist’s fees (de- sional and experienced wedding florist is imsign, watering, prepping them with special perative to make sure you get high quality concoctions that prolong their lifespan, ar- product for your money.

ranging, delivering, etc).

Author: Evegenia Poplett

Splendid Affairs

Hiring your team...

When it comes to choosing your service providers for your wedding, I have only one advice– have a face to face meeting and as soon as possible!

There is no formula to a successful wedding, and the successful outcome depends solely on the team of professionals you will hire.

Do not be discouraged by the fact that most service providers in South Africa in the wedding industry work from home. In the 21st century offices became redundant and unnecessary in this line of work. After all, the main event takes place at the venue of your choice, and backstage efforts become irrelevant.

Bear in mind that having the best and most expensive ingredients does not necessarily translate into a delicious gourmet meal. This is the same with the wedding, having ‘the best’ I know having a face to face meeting often wedding service providers will not necessar- intimidates brides, and they feel that they may feel the pressure to commit themselves to a ily translate into the best wedding for you. particular supplier. This is not the case. A true Your personality, vision and budget will play professional will respect a bride’s decision to explore other options. However, it is most ima vital role in the selection process. portant to give people you are contacting via When contacting the providers for a general the email an opportunity to present themselves enquiry be as specific as possible. State the and their work in person. date of the wedding and your venue.

Be critical and selective. Very often, what you see on the website may not be the true representation of the particular service provider.

The best florist in town may not even have a website and work purely through referrals, whereas a starting company may use stock images to entice you into hiring them. Always ask to see images of the whole event. Wedding planners should have images of a set up as well as their professional portfolio photographs.

I would suggest meeting with 2-3 service providers per category. The meeting will allow you to view the provider’s portfolio, ask questions, and feel the vibe. This is the person who will be working with you to create a most memorable day in your life after all.

Do not leave your decision making too long.

Great professionals get booked up quickly and well in advance.

Good luck, and happy planning!

Author: Evegenia Poplett Splendid Affairs

Splendid

Wedding Stationery Save The Date Magnets are a must for the So, what should you include on your Save modern bride!

The Date cards? It’s best to keep it simple, giving just the basics, the name of the bride Save The Dates are fairly new to South Af- and groom, the date of your wedding, and a rica and are often overlooked. While they can note informing the guest that an invitation seem like just an added expense they are quite will follow. If you are having an out of town useful. as they can set the tone for your wed- wedding or are living in the UK and having ding very early on. your wedding in South Africa it’s best to include the venue on the card too!

They can also greatly increase your number of RSVPs and allow guests to make the neces- Tips: sary travel arrangements- and with the busy Make sure that all the people you send Save lives we lead these days make sure that your the Date cards will receive invitations, there guests save your date to join you in celebrat- would be nothing more embarrassing than ing your marriage! asking someone to join you and then not sending them an invitation to the event Save The Dates can come in many forms, itself! either as cards, emails or magnets, all have theirs pros and cons.

Don’t over-order- you will only need one Cards: Your printer can arrange them to match Save the Date per couple! your invitations, but will probably end up in a drawer somewhere.

There is no need to specifically address the Save the Dates; the envelope with the name of Email: In the age of technology emails are the the guest is more than enough! quickest way to relay information, but we all know that our grannies are not so computer Save The Dates should not be limited to savvy and for the rest of us they will probably weddings, but are great for Bridal Showers, get lost in an inbox. special birthdays and the magnets can be used as Thank You favors at the wedding!

Save The Date Magnets: The size of business cards and easy to post or deliver by hand, they are the pricier option but will Author: Mandy Preston more than likely take centre stage on your www.savethedate.co.za guest’s fridge, a constant reminder of your special day!

Remember: It’s recommended that you send your Save The Dates anywhere from 6-12 months in advance!

Splendid

DIY Project

Look how easy it is to make this flower box which can either be used as a center piece or even a ring cushion!

Splendid

Web Inspirations

Yellow Motifs

For floral inspirations, look no further than www.thebridescafe.com

Designer Wedding Bouquets Have you heard about Splendid Affairs Designer Our designer wedding bouquets range from Wedding Bouquets? simple, elegantly wired bridal bouquets to traditional and contemporary hand-tied bridal flower At Splendid Affairs, we believe that your bridal arrangements. party flowers are more important than your reception centerpieces. After all, the bride’s bouquet To find out more simply call Eve on 072 221 5882 will be photographed just about the same number or send an e-mail to evegenia@worldonline.co.za of times as the bride!

COMING UP in the next issue....

Hollywood Glamour Dresses Hair Make-Up

BIG MOVIE ISSUE - great stationery ideas!

Planning Tips Details MORE Flowers You loved our magazine

Write to us IF:

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