Merry Christmas to you!

We would like to wish you, our reader, a very merry Christmas! Be safe :) x0x0

Photo credit: oliveaux.blogspot.com

Tuesday Shoesday!

Pretty, sophisticated shoes with chiffon detail at the back...

Photo credit: {stylemepretty.com}

Colourfully quaint wedding at Duncan Yard

With the plethora of venues in and around Joburg and Pretoria nowadays, it's quite novel to find one that isn’t too well known as a wedding venue, but delivers as one. It has been said that one of the big trends for 2012 is that brides are going to favour alternative locations as ceremony and reception venues. And one such venue that we predict will be pretty popular is shopper’s paradise Duncan Yard. Nestled in the heart of bustling Pretoria in the Hatfield/Brooklyn region, this little boutique lifestyle centre is quite unique and more recently its flagship restaurant, Pappas, has been host to a few weddings this year. A while ago we posted a wedding held at this very venue. What makes this venue a winner is its quaintness and authenticity and the fact that the whole of Duncan Yard serves as a photographer dream. Duncan Yard will also be hosting its first ever bridal showcase in March 2012, and this is set to establish the venue permanently on the wedding map, as it is host to a myriad of suppliers relevant to the wedding industry: hair, makeup, decor, beauty etc. For more info, visit duncanyard.co.za

This colourful wedding was shot by Yolande Marx and she captured the fun, whimsical elements and ambiance of the day. We’re loving the candy bar, the coloured lanterns and the plain yet rustic looking centrepieces. Even Duncan Yard's resident chicken, Herklaas, was part of the festivities... For more on this wedding, click here. We hope you enjoy!








Photo credits: {yolandemarx.co.za}

Breathtaking wedding at Oakfield Farm by Stella Uys Photography

We see a lot of weddings here at Teapots, so it’s very rare to see one that truly takes your breath away. This wedding, held at Oakfield Farm and shot by Stella Uys is absolutely magnificent. The detail, the colour palette, the venue, the flowers...they all just came together so beautifully and Stella got some amazing shots of the detailed ruffles, lace, roses... and more! Click here to view the full post on Stella’s site.
















Photo credits: {stellauys.com}

Wedding Trends for 2012

Hey Hey it's Friday! No it's not...but it sure feels like it. With this week being the last working week for most in 2011 (not for a sad few, like moi, who is not vacationing this festive season), I decided to do a post on the wedding trends we can see in 2012. From the cake to the dress to the decor, we give you the heads up on what is going to be the big ticket items for 2012:

The Dress

Ok boob tube dresses, your time is up! Lace sleeves are back, as are illusion necklines. It’s so nice to see OTHER kinds of necklines coming to the fore...

Photo credit: {marthastewartweddings.com}

As for colour, Blush is making a comeback and is a pretty acceptable alternative to white.

Photo credit: {greenweddingshoes.com}

Vera Wang went a bit OTT with this one and featured tea-coloured dresses with lace detail on her runway...but we must say, we're liking this trend.

Photo credit: {paperblog.com}

Photography
Engagement Shoots (e-sessions) have become increasingly popular, as it not only helps you get to know your photographer. The other benefit is that it also helps you become comfortable having your photos taken together and you learn how to pose for a flattering shot. By the time your wedding day rolls around, you will feel like a professional model. But remember, this is not a HAVE TO HAVE...it's totally optional. View some e-sessions featured on this blog!

Cake & Food
Cupcakes were a big trend last year, but in 2012 the prediction is taller, sleeker minimalist cakes, with red velvet is a big flavour favourite. Say goodbye to ornate flower detail as well and hello to romantic icing ruffles.

Photo credit: {www.weddingbells.ca}

Dessert tables are also HUGE and this particular food station will include your wedding cake on a pretty, porcelain cake stand, surrounded by a myriad of cookies, macaroons and mini cheesecakes.

Photo credit: {greenweddingshoes.com}

Food stations, as mentioned above, are becoming a permanent fixture at weddings and is more interesting that a standard buffet. Think hot dog and hamburger stations or even just for your canapés as opposed to having them "waitered" around. We love this pie station idea in the pic below:

Photo credit: {greenweddingshoes.com}

Decor
Full-blown themes are in, not just colour schemes. So it's no longer "pink and peach", but "Alice in Wonderland", "Circus Circus" or "The Great Gatsby".

Photo credit: {disneyweddingsblog.com}

Non-floral accents in the form of feathers, fabrics, and metals being incorporated into the wedding decor. Jewelled accents never seem to go out of style!
Photo credit: {www.frankie.com.au}

Personalisation. This isn't necessarily DIY, but aspects like monogrammed invitations, tables named after your favourite movies, songs or books. The sky is the limit with this!
Photo credit: {boards.weddingbee.com}

Venue & reception
2012 will see smaller, more intimate weddings, with a preference for an outdoor ceremony. Venues that can cater for this (such as Toadbury and Hazeldene Hall) are usually also quite nostalgic in architecture, which just adds to the intimate nature of smaller weddings. Long tables are also making a comeback and are perfect for smaller weddings and not only look great, but are ideal for creating a personal and fun atmosphere. Banquet tables are a treat to decorate too as you can use all different centrepieces at certain points on the table such as pillar candles, flowers, tea lights, vases, lanterns etc...

Photo credit: {weddingsonline.ie}

That's it for our trends for 2012! Happy planning xxx

Tuesday Shoesday

I've never been a fan of rubber shoes, but these Vivienne Westwood Melissa shoes are changing my mind. I first saw them at a store in Morningside Shopping Centre (can't remember the name - it's a little clothing shop on the same side as Exclusive Books on the upper level). They're apparently very comfy and come in a myriad of colours...and I must say they're growing on me quite nicely. I wouldn't mind a pair!



Have a look at heavenwoman.co.uk for more info!

Photo credit: {heavenwoman.co.uk}

A Contemporary Jozi Wedding, The Forum @ The Campus

The talented photographers at Tyme Photography captured this beautiful ceremony at the stunning boutique hotel La Chatelat in Sandton, and the wedding reception at The Forum, Bryanston in October. Surrounded by offices, this venue isn’t always an obvious choice when it comes to a wedding, but the contemporary space worked well with the magnificent outside tent and then the beautiful purple-blue lighting inside the venue. So much so, that it transformed the whole space! The bride clearly has good taste - we love her veil, her dress, the flowers and her cake... And her groom is pretty handsome too! For more on this lovely shoot, click here.










Photo credit: {blog.tyme.co.za}

Tuesday Shoesday!

Happy shoesday folks ;) Loving these Ed Hardy Haute Heels, which you can order on styldeaddiction.com. The are soo rock chic, what's not to love?



Photo credit: {styleaddiction.com}

A Holly Jolly Christmas Inspiration Board

There is nothing more festive than a Christmas Inspired wedding board! Even though our Christmases are filled with sunshine, swimming pools and braais, you can still go to town with this red and white wedding palette we have put together for you. There is so much you can do with a Christmas wedding: Candy Cane wedding cake, DIY Christmas baubles as favours, a Nutcracker inspired candy bar, poinsettia bouquets and don’t forget the Christmas lights!




Photo credits: {chattybrides.com}
{www.bride.net}{www.goodhousekeeping.com}{www.omgimgettingmarried.com}
{pinterest.com}{www.bystephanielynn.com}{pinterest.com} {www.stylemepretty.com}
{www.shelterrific.com}

Tuesday Shoesday: DIY Glitter Heels

We were so inspired by yesterdays post and in such a "glitter-me" mood that we decided to showcase a great DIY project for the honeys who want glitter shoes. You know, if finding your perfect glitter heels proves difficult! Read the full DIY process here.




Photo credits: {teresadoesit.com}

Inspiration: All that glitters...

Nothing ads sparkle like some glitter. It has the potential to be girly and chic, sophisticated yet glamorous, at the same time. We do love us some glitter, and thought this was the perfect eye candy to start your week :)



Photo credits: {metmuseum.org} {marthastewart.com via pinterest.com} {pinterest.com} {pinterest.com} {sittinginatreeevents.com} {theglitterguide.tumblr.com} {pecklife.com}

The Three Big Dresses of 2011

2011 saw the weddings of some our most iconic couples – with one capturing the hearts and imagination of billions, another just inciting confusion and furore and then another creating a cult-like following. What we are interested in, however, is... which dress was your favourite?

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton)
Kate chose a classic, timeless lace wedding gown by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen. Elegant and sophisticated, we loved her teardrop earrings and simple but feminine hairstyle. Inspired by Grace Kelly’s wedding dress, many A-listers have chosen this kind of look with the lace detail around the bust/necline, including Ivanka Trump. We loved the detail and Kate's dress!

Photo credit: {people.com}



Kim Kardashian
This dress just had to be mentioned. Firstly, because its Vera Wang and secondly it has to be the most publicised quicky marriage in history. But enough bout Kimmie’s failure to commit, we are talking about the dress. Personally, we felt it could have been more fitting around the bustline, and we weren’t a fan of the headdress, but overall it epitomises the fairy princess bride if that's the look you are going for...a bit 80s of you ask us...

Photo credit: {dailymail.co.uk}



Bella Swan Cullen
Ok, so love it or hate it, but Twilight is big. And so is Bella’s dress, designed for the movie by Carolina Herrera, but reproduced for the wedding market by Alfredo Angelo. This dress has a vintage, romantic appeal with its long sleeves, and soft Chantilly-inspired lace appliqué on the back. This is a very pretty dress and we love the idea of it for a winter wedding.

Photo credit: {thehollywoodgossip.com}



Which dress was your favourite?

And the bride wore black...

It's not very often that I get to see a stylish bride NOT dressed in white...but this bride hit the nail on the head. After doing research into the tradition of white wedding dresses, bride Michelle found that the concept of a white dress is a fairly recent trend, dating back only to when Queen Victoria married Albert. Prior to that, brides wore all sorts of colours. And because she wanted to look her best (in black - not white), she chose black and looked amazing! With this wedding held at Shepstone Gardens and shot by Alana Meyer Photography, it was a day where all aspects worked well together, with vintage being the theme of the day. We're particulary loving the choice in vintage decor, supplied by Moi Decor. Fore more pics of this beautiful wedding, click here.









Photo credits: {alanameyer.co.za}

DIY Lace votives

This is such an awesome DIY from Family Chic! Spruce up some plain ol' votives with pretty lace ribbon, which you can get at a haberdashery or even a craft store in your area. Just cut off a strip of the lace that covers the perimeter of your votive candle and sew the overlapped edges together so it stays in place. And Voila! Cute little votives...





Photo credits: {family chic}