Pink and Teal make a fabulous colour combination and are easy colours to carry thoughout your wedding. Here are a few ideas for your pink and teal wedding!

Ways to Incorporate Pink &  Teal Into Your Wedding:

• Teal or Pink Bridesmaids Dresses – Look for teal or pink bridesmaids dresses or better yet like the first photograph above, use them both – they work so well together!
• Pink Flowers – Going with pink flowers might just be the best decision you will make for your wedding because of the variety to choose from and you can get whatever is in season saving on costs.
• Accessorize with Teal – Because it is such a striking colour a few hints of teal will go a long way to offset your colour scheme. Use teal vases, teal table clothes and even teal wine glasses.
• Teal Jewelry – There are some beautiful teal stones out there and they are not too pricy and will really stand out next to your white dress.

Beautiful floral inspiration – Wedding Bouquet featuring one of our favourite flowers, David Austin Roses  courtesy of Amour Amour

I had the privilege of visiting Florianópolis and the Island of Santa Catarina when I went to Brazil a few years ago and I was dumbstruck by it’s sheer beauty. With the Fifa World Cup heading Brazil’s way in 2014 tourism is flourishing and the rest of the world is being exposed more and more to Brazil’s magic. Taking inspiration from this Brazilian wedding below here are some ideas of incorporating Brazilian beauty into your wedding -

• Beach Culture – The Brazilians are famous for their beach culture and beautiful beaches. As you can see with this wedding the reception tables are right on the beach.
• Plenty of Flowers - I love the way they have used masses of flowers in this wedding to decorate the ceremony area. Flowers do not have to be expensive. Find out what is available locally and see if you can negotiate a special rate when you buying in mass. If you are in a tropical area – even better! Brazil boasts an amazing array of tropical flowers and foliage that you can incorporate into your wedding.
• Vibrant Colours – There is nothing subtle about this colour pallette. This wedding has vibrant colours, patterns and textures to make the reception tables come alive.

Wedding Venue – L’Ermitage | Photographer - Zara Zoo

Casa Toscana Special for Weddings in May, June & July

Casa Toscana Lodge is private and exclusive, yet open to anyone that appreciates Good Quality, Excellent Service and Elegant Surroundings. Set in Lynnwood Manor, Pretoria, Overlooking the Eastern Suburbs, this Tuscan Style Lodge stands as a proud Representative of the Hospitality Industry in that Service to our Patrons is still our number one priority.

At Casa Toscana our aim is to make your wedding day the most memorable day of your life.

For more information about Casa Toscana click here

Image 1 courtesy of Hannes Uys | Image 2 courtesy of Darrell Fraser

Pretoria is such a vibrant and cosmopolitan city and is far more than merely the administrative capital of the country. There are some amazing wedding venues in Pretoria. From splendid Tuscan inspired mansions, such as Castello di Monte, Chez Charlene and Casa Toscana , to quaint country retreats, there really is something for everyone.

Top 4 Reasons We Love Pretoria

History

Pretoria has a very rich history which dates all the way back to the 1600s. The old architecture around the city has been well maintained and preserved giving the city a unique charm. Sir Herbert Baker, who built the landmark Union Buildings in 1910, left his design legacy in Pretoria with his beautiful buildings to be found dotted throughout the city. If you are looking for a wedding venue in Pretoria with a rich history look no further than Rovos Rail - which really is one of the most special venues in the city.

The Views

Pretoria boasts some of the best views and vistas in Gauteng. Finding a wedding venue with great views of Pretoria is gold for those important wedding photographs. Weather you are looking for a city view or country view Pretoria will have what you are looking for.

The Jacarandas

Pretoria is world famous for its Jacaranda trees which bloom in October. Purple flowers carpet the roads of Pretoria giving the city a magical appearance that really has to be seen to be believed. It is no wonder that October also happens to be the most popular month to get married in Pretoria.

Irene

One of the best suburbs in Pretoria has to be the beautiful suburb of Irene. Irene has a real country atmosphere complete with quiet streets, green pastures and even a farmers market. In Irene you will find one of the most beautiful wedding venues in Pretoria, Irene Country Lodge.

Wedding Venues in Pretoria – The Venue, Irene Country Lodge, Chez Charlene, Rovos Rail, Morgenzon, The Collection, River Place, Leriba Hotel, Casa Toscana, Rosemary Hill,

Henry + Leigh ♥

I was surprised to get an entry in our ‘Most Romantic Proposal Competition’ from a guy as 99% of the people who enter our competition are ladies. It is clear that Henry is head over heals for his fiancé Leigh. His proposal was so romantic and sweat it brought a tear to my eye when I first read it. Thanks so much to Henry and Leigh for sharing their beautiful story with us and inspiring us all.

Here is Their Story…

My ouma had recently passed away, and her wish was that for me to acquire her ring when she passed and give it to the most special person I was to spend the rest of my life with. So the ring was in my possession and after my girlfriend Leigh had to return home we spent a few months apart. I then began drawing and designing my own setting and band for the engagement ring and then consulted a jeweller from the well acclaimed GERRARDS jewellers London , and we came up on a perfect self designed ring using the beautiful diamond from the ring I was left.

When Leigh came back to London it was full plan mode!! We had briefly discussed engagement and she did not want a public engagement and believed it should be personal and intimate! Leigh and I have known each other for about 20years and when we met in London fell in love!! What a romantic fairytale we have lived! We officaily started our relationship at 00:33am 14/02/2010, so on the night of the 13/02/2012 we both got dressed up to go out for dinner cocktails and a genuinely nice night out!, ring in the pocket of my jacket we made our way out! We had a amazing dinner and some awesome drinks but mainly in love, together and did I mention IN LOVE!

We took a walk in the ice cold clear night, sky filled with stars and nothing went wrong so far! We got home and I waited till exactly 00:33 on 14/02/2012 to say how much I loved her how much she is to me and how much she always will be to me, and with Leigh thinking I could not currently afford the ring she deserved I just said “I am sorry angel, I could just not afford not to do this”, reached into my coat pocket and took out the ring box! Closed I began shaking, but not as much as when I asked Leigh’s parents for their blessing!! Leigh could not contain all emotion and neither could I when I was down on one knee beside her!! I asked her to marry me and Leigh said YES!! So we phoned family in Cape Town at 0245am to wake up Leigh’s family to announce our engagement and had champagne and I early morning celebration while we stared at the shining perfect ring on her finger!! Two weeks down and planning our day!!

Can’t wait to marry the girl of my dreams!

AWWW…

It is hard to put into words how romantic the African Bush is. The bush has to be one of the most peaceful places in the world and without doubt one of the most romantic. My idea of a perfect bush wedding is an intimate occasion, an outside ceremony in the middle of the bush with the African wildlife there to witness you exchange vows, a breathtaking African sunset that paints the sky pink, red and purple, plenty of candles, and excellent food.

1. Garonga Safari Camp | 2. South African bush wedding | 3. Andrew Schoeman Photography| 4. Ruan Redelinghuys wedding at Gondwana | 5. Bridesmaids Dresses on Etsy | 6. Romantic Outdoor Bush Dinners | 7. Vintage Wedding Dress on Etsy | 8. Thornybush Wedding Reception Dinner | 9. Singita Wedding

Lythwood Lodge Wedding Special

Lythwood Lodge nestles in the hills of the mystical Natal Midlands and is situated on a 275-acre estate, bordered by the Lion’s River and Natural Forest in the form of an Amphitheatre. Lythwood is located within a 4½- hours drive from Johannesburg and only 1¼-hours drive from Durban.

Lythwood Lodge understands that every Bride wants her wedding to be unique. We strive to provide a level of service that will be remembered by you and your friends for a very long time. Our Wedding Liaison Officer, and her experienced “hands on” team will assist you in every possible way to make your dream come true.

Contact Lythwood Lodge Now

On a recent trip to Australia I was talking with a friend who visited a few winefarms in Stellenbosch on a trip to South Africa. He said that the winelands in Australia were nice but in no way compared to South Africa. There is no wonder that the winelands are so popular with brides looking for wedding venues. Wine production in South Africa dates back all the way to the 1600’s and the first winefarm was established in the Constantia Valley in Cape Town. The Cape Winelands is divided into six main wine regions, each offering its own unique wine route – Constantia, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, Robertson and Wellington.

Top 5 Reasons we Love the Cape Winelands

The Location

The Cape Winelands are in close proximity to the Mother City Cape Town – voted the best city in the world by Tripadvisor in 2012. The winelands are easily accessible from Cape Town International Airport and there is plenty of accommodation on offer for every budget.

The Scenery

The South African Cape Winelands has breathtaking scenery and around every corner is a photo opportunity. Picture awe-inspiring mountains, green vineyards that turn every shade of red and orange in autumn and historical mansions at the bottom of tree line roads. There are quaint towns dotted around the winelands with plenty of great restaurants to visit. One of the most beautiful towns in the Cape Winelands is Franschhoek. Franschhoek valley wine region is set against the backdrop of the Franschhoek and Drakenstein mountains. Franschhoek is home to many fabulous wedding venues whose scenery is second to none.

The Architecture

The Cape Dutch style architecture is unique to the Cape Winelands. The prominent feature of the Cape Dutch architecture are the ornate and grand rounded gables reminiscent of the old townhouses found in Amsterdam. The beautiful white washed buildings blend perfectly with the stark green landscape they are set amongst. Some homesteads date back to the 1600 featuring high ceilings and antique wooden floors.

The Wine

South Africa is recognized world wide as one of the top wine producing countries. Many of the wedding venues in the winelands produce their own wines which you will be able to enjoy on your wedding day straight from the cellar.

The Food

The Cape Winelands is home to the top restaurants in the country. There is a plethora of fresh seasonal ingredients and the forward thinking chefs in the Cape Winelands offer the best in South African cuisine. Excellent fresh produce, meats, cheeses and baked goods can be found throughout the winelands and most Wine Estates have a restaurant that offers great lunches and dinners.