{Aisle Say by Candice}: Wedding vows - Out with the old, In with the new?

These special words that you exchange on your wedding day are the promises you make to your spouse and create the foundation for your marriage. Your vows should be the compass that guides your partnership through a lifetime of love together. When the going gets tough, they will be the glue.

Photo credit: {barbaraweddings.wordpress.com}

Traditional:
Everyone is familiar with the traditional wedding vows. They have been repeated by men and women for decades. There is a certain value attached to tradition as it can offer one a feeling of reassurance; like a classic movie you’ve watched over and over again. This is the play-it-safe option. If you aren’t a confident public speaker then this is the better choice as the vows are usually recited for you.

You also need to consider and respect your religious standpoint as this will influence what sort of vows you can use. There are several adaptations to choose from. Take the time to understand the relevance of the words and not just merely repeat them.

Non-traditional:
More modern couples are choosing to steer clear of tradition and declare their commitment differently. Writing your own wedding vows can be a great way to personalize the ceremony. However, being original does require more planning. Here are some guidelines to assist you when writing your own vows:

Speak from your heart: an excellent way to express your personal feelings of love and commitment to your Fiancé. You can quote from a poem, share a special memory or use a song. However, your vows should still sound like you especially when you are making promises to your partner.

Short and sweet: both of you should agree on a word-maximum as this will ensure you aren’t going to make your guests sit through lengthy vows. Decide on a tone that suits your personalities, do you want to be romantic, humorous or sentimental?
Practise and memorise: the more you practice the more comfortable you will feel on the day. Be genuine and go with the flow of your emotions. Keep it real and meaningful and you won’t have a problem.

Remember that the vows are ultimately just for you and your partner. They are the most important part of your wedding ceremony. Whether you decide to go with traditional, non-traditional or even a combination of both, the origin of the words exchanged is grounded in a promise you make of a lasting bond.

Tip for the Bride-to-be: Print your vows and frame it with a wedding photo as a special reminder of the promises you made on your wedding day.

Contact Candice* at Live Love Dream and invest in a Pre-Marriage Course to ensure your Happily Ever After.

*With a Degree in Psychological Counselling, Candice Luck of Live Love Dream specialises in presenting fun, modern Pre-Marriage courses, that assists couples in building a marriage based on communication, transparency and connection

Burlap Inspiration

Burlap (or hessian) is a lovely touch to add to any shabby chic/ rustic/ country inspired wedding. It's inexpensive and can be used in a myriad of ways. Think table runners, serviette holders, photobooth backdrops, decorations around planters and candles or even on a cake! Here is our burlap inspiration board to get the ideas flowing freely!

Photo credits – clockwise from top: everylastdetailblog.comwww.mywedding.com/blogwww.newenglandfineliving.comblog.nouvellesoiree.cometsy.comeverylastdetailblog.com

Tuesday Shoesday!

We love deep red shoes with a white wedding dress! Just the perfect combo for that POP!


Photo credit: {pinterest.com}

{Aisle Say by Candice}: What about the bling?

When it comes to the ‘bling’, does size really matter?

Is your fiancé’s love judged according to how big a rock he places on your finger?

Photo credit: {barbaraweddings.wordpress.com}

Diamonds will always be a “girl’s best friend” and one of the keys to a woman’s heart. Unfortunately the original meaning of an engagement has lost its value. It used to be symbolic of a partner’s promise to make a commitment and love you forever, but in the 21st Century we all know that a big sparkly stone on your finger is no guarantee for eternity.

Look at the Hollywood celebrities flashing their ginormous ‘rocks’, having luxurious weddings and then getting divorced a few months later. One person ends up broke while the other is left heart-broken. It’s no wonder that in the Western world divorce rates are up to 47%.

Traditionally, a lot more time and money is spent on purchasing the Bride’s twinkly engagement ring than on the Groom’s wedding band. The Groom would have been informed about the important 4 C’s when purchasing his Bride’s ring: carat, clarity, colour and cut. As a modern Bride, you should use what I call the 3 D’s: Design, Durability and Distinct style, to assist you in choosing the right band for your man.

Photo Credit: {www.hatunotblog.com}

1. Design - think about the shape and width that will be comfortable for your Groom to wear. Remember he has to get used to wearing it every day. Get your Groom’s correct ring size at a jeweller before purchasing as with new metals (Titanium, Tungsten etc.) you cannot resize them.

2. Durability - there is a wide variety of metals to choose from these days: Gold, Platinum, Titanium, Silver and Tungsten. Consider your Fiancé’s type of work and/or sport activities as this will help determine if you should go with a more scratch resistant metal like Titanium which is 3 times stronger than steel.

3. Distinct style - choose a ring that will reflect his personality. If he’s a tall, loud guy then a thin traditional gold band probably won’t suit him. Perhaps a more modern design in Titanium with a pattern or two-tone combination is more suitable.

What happens if neither of you like the ring that your Fiancé(e) has chosen for you?

On your wedding day you make a vow to stay together “for better or for worse”, so either you speak up and deal with the consequences OR put on a brave smile and bear it. You could also create a new tradition where you upgrade or update your rings every 5 years. I think that is reasonable considering the fast-paced world we live in. We change phones, cars, clothes and jobs constantly so why not change our bling too?

Tip for the Bride-to-be: Engrave your wedding date on the inside of your Groom’s ring so that he has no excuse to ever forget your Anniversary

Contact Candice* at Live Love Dream and invest in a Pre-Marriage Course to ensure your Happily Ever After.... ?

*With a Degree in Psychological Counselling, Candice Luck of Live Love Dream specialises in presenting fun, modern Pre-Marriage courses, that assists couples in building a marriage based on communication, transparency and connection.

DIY: Cupcake Wrappers Made from Doilies

A major trend which can be seen is that of cup cake wrappers. Some can be quite pricey, but give a very polished look to a cupcake – and let’s face it: when it comes to weddings, cupcakes are all the rage! We found this very cute DIY project which transforms ordinary doilies into cupcake wrappers on intimiteweddings.com. It’s simple and easy to do.


You will need:

large paper doilies
pencil
scissors
Pritt
cupcake wrapper template (available here)

Place doilie on a flat surface.
Cut out cupcake wrappers from the template. Place the cut out wrappers on the doilie.
Trace along the inside curve and at the ends. Do not trace the outside curve. Cut out the cupcake wrapper.
Using the Pritt, add glue to one of the edges of the wrapper. Wrap around cupcake and adhere. Voila!

Photo & tutorial credit: {intimiteweddings.com}

Money Box/ Gift Card Inspiration

With the gift of money being welcomed more and more at weddings nowadays, a lovely wedding gift card box / holder is a nice touch and can be a focal point for your gift table. Here are a few cute ideas on how to incorporate something into your look and feel for the day. Ranging from the practical to the whimsical, there is something for everyone .... think hatboxes, suitcases, birdcages or even postboxes!


Photo credits – clockwise from top:
{imageshack.us}{www.moidecor.co.za} {bridalmusings.com}{www.etsy.com}{theknot.ninemsn.com.au}{moi-decor.blogspot.com}

{Aisle Say by Candice}: The Bachelor vs The Bachelorette

I’m talking about the P-A-R-T-Y!! The epic last night of “freedom” before you become a responsible married adult… Yeah right!

The purpose for both parties is to say goodbye to the single years, but that’s where the similarity stops. For guys it can feel like a curse, for ladies it’s one of the most fun nights out. Whether it is good, bad or nasty, you’ll have memories that you cannot erase.

Photo credits: {reasonstobreathe.tumblr.com}

Ladies first… Brides Rule
Part one: The kitchen tea party. This has come a long way from exchanging appliances and recipes and now has a spicier focus on the bedroom scene. Modern women prefer to shower the Bride with gifts of lingerie and pampering goodies to make her feel like an adored Goddess. Out with the recipes and in with the intimacy tips!

Part two: The wild night out.
Bridesmaids will bully the Bride into rampant displays of exhibitionism. This may include an ensemble of fish-net stockings, a micro-mini, 15-inch heels and playboy bunny ears. And, let’s not forget the heavily painted face which must include smokey eyes and thick red lips. This is seen as the Bride’s last bit of wildness before she seals the deal.
Mission accomplished.

Photo credit: {bridalmusings.com}

Gents next… Grooms Drool
It’s common knowledge that men are ‘wired’ differently to women. The groomsmen plot all sorts of shenanigans to make the Groom made to feel embarrassed, humiliated and helpless. They have even been known to put a Groom on public display at a robot intersection wearing nothing but a tutu and a pink wig (drive through Fourways on a Saturday morning and you’ll see what we mean). It seems they are intent on punishing him for turning his back on bachelorhood.

The ‘unspoken oath’ at all bachelor parties is to only give the gift of alcohol so that the Groom feesl as rough as possible the morning after. Of course another unspoken rule is “No Cameras allowed.“

This is how the ‘doomed Groom’ is sent on his way towards marriage.

T’s and C’s that should apply
1. Do not let a night of stupidity ruin a lifetime of bliss. Make sure you agree on the boundaries for your last party of singledom. Be upfront about what is allowed.

2. Safety is important, plan in advance to have ‘safe cabs’ or designated drivers for the evening. Have accommodation organised too.

3. There are generally copious amounts of drinking involved. At least 2 weeks before the party take a daily supplement that will prepare your liver for the onslaught of alcohol.

Tip for the Bride-to-be: Have your hangover “fixes” ready for the morning after.

Contact Candice* at Live Love Dream and invest in a Pre-Marriage Course to ensure your Happily Ever After....

*With a Degree in Psychological Counselling, Candice Luck of Live Love Dream specialises in presenting fun, modern Pre-Marriage courses, that assists couples in building a marriage based on communication, transparency and connection.

Vintage E-session in Pretoria

This adorable vintage inspired e-session was shot by talented Pretoria based photographer, Iz Photography. This creative couple decided to have their photos taken at the very quaint Duncan Yard and Die Sinkhuisie antique store. In addition, they also opted for forestry surrounds and the end result is super fabulous! For more on this shoot, click here.









Photo credits: {iz-photography.com}

Tuesday Shoesday!

Happy Shoesday all! We thought we'd spoil you with some pink prettiness today...



Photo credit: {pinterest.com}

Confetti Ideas

There are so many different confetti options nowadays – gone are the days when all you were subjected to was rice or typical "punched out paper" confetti circles. This is one way you can showcase your DIY skills or your personality as a couple and have some fun with it!

Cute confetti idea include:
Bubbles
Mini paper planes
Lavender bits
Potpourri (either in a vintage suitcase or tucked in pretty paper cones)
Ribbon wands
Punched out paper from old books or even Dulux colour swatches (you can do stars, hearts, circles or whatever tickles your fancy – choose your punch at an Arts and Crafts stores such as Herbert Evans Craft Store in Rosebank or Fourways or Craft Routes in Woodlands Mall, Pretoria)

Photo credits – clockwise from top:
{thebridesguide.marthastewartweddings.com}{moi-decor.blogspot.com}{www.stylemepretty.com}{welovepictures.blogspot.com}{tie-the-bow.blogspot.com}{flyawaybride.com}{greenweddingshoes.com}{www.rockmywedding.co.uk}

{Aisle Say by Candice}: Here comes the Groom…

Give your groom a helping hand

It’s only fair that we shift the spotlight (just briefly) from the glowing Bride and shine some light on the ‘other half’, the man who makes this memorable day complete.


Most Grooms are pretty clueless as to what’s really required in planning a wedding. Remember, men are ‘wired’ differently. As a Bride, you’ve been dreaming and planning this day in your head for nearly 2 decades. He hasn’t given it a thought at all. However, this isn’t an excuse for him to take a back-seat... but rather time to get clued-up!


Your Groom has an opinion and should have a say, but he is treading in unfamiliar territory. It’s best to include him right from the beginning and get him involved in appropriate tasks that he’ll enjoy, such as the music, food and drinks. Men want to remain macho during all this wedding ‘stuff’, so obviously your Fiancé is not going to be interested in the flowers and frills.


Photo credits:{barbaraweddings.wordpress.com}

An important duty on your Groom’s to-do-list is choosing and taking charge of his Groomsmen. You will definitely need to give him some guidelines here. Men are sport-driven and think in terms of ‘teams’ but for your special day you want quality not quantity. When allocating responsibilities, suggest that he does so according to their personalities, i.e. do not give the rings to the forgetful, happy-go-lucky friend who is always losing his car keys.

The speech is another ‘biggy’ on the Groom’s list. Often, he is a lot more anxious about this than is necessary. Reassure him that he is talking among all your family and friends who care and a little fumble during the speech is okay. An alcoholic beverage will also help to settle nerves, something which his Best Man should always have at the ready. Do make it clear that moderation is key, as you don’t want a slurring Groom or Best Man.

Nowdays, the average Groom is getting more involved in the wedding plans. As much as you (the Bride) get stressed out, you must consider your Groom’s needs because the last thing you want is to have a Groomzilla on your hands. Remember: he’s trying to cope with a planning princess and extra financial pressure all whilst still grasping onto all his ‘maleness’. Try to enjoy the chaotic spotlight together and remember it too shall pass.

Tip for the Bride-to-be:Be more patient and understanding with your Fiancé during your wedding frenzy, he may feel more bewildered and pressurised than even you.

Contact Candice* at Live Love Dream and invest in a Pre-Marriage Course to ensure your Happily Ever After....

*With a Degree in Psychological Counselling, Candice Luck of Live Love Dream specialises in presenting fun, modern Pre-Marriage courses, that assists couples in building a marriage based on communication, transparency and connection.

Lovely Summer wedding in Pretoria...

Winter is officially here, so we thought it a good idea to spoil you with some Summer Lovin'. This lovely DIY wedding shot by one of our fav photographers Rensche Mari showcases Clara & Leon’s perfect summer wedding in Gauteng. We love all the detail here: her birdcage veil, her bouquet and the embroidering on her dress (which was organised at the last minute due to misfortune with the original dress, but you would never say so right?), the volksie buggie and the bow, and most of all: the periwinkle hydrangeas! The reception for this wedding was at Afrikaans Meisies Hoër in Pretoria. We love Pretoria in Summer! Everything is so lush and green, you would be forgiven for thinking you’re somewhere in KZN! For more on this lovely wedding, click here.















Photo credits: {renschemari.com}