A Weekend Wedding in KZN

Close family weddings are always something to look forward to. They don't happen often, but when they do, it turns out to be a wondrous and unforgettable event. This weekend, I attended the wedding of my dearest cousin, (who is more like a brother to me), in sunny KZN. We were more than happy to leave the bitterly cold weather behind and travel across the country to the warm and welcoming coast.

The wheel of festivities starting spinning on Thursday, with an intimate luncheon for 60 people; and it didn't stop from there. We held function upon function, all remarkably organized by my Aunt Nas, who is an events co-ordinator extraordinaire. She could easily take over from Colin Cowie. On Thursday night, the guests were all surprised by a show and dance, led by the groomsmen. We were in stitches when they showed up in wigs, dresses, stockings and stilettos. I must admit they dance better in heels than I do. It ended with the usual fun tradition where everyone was caught in storm of talcum powder. 

Friday had us scurrying around, as we had two pre-wedding events to set up. A huge lunch and later that evening, a braai bash for 400. It took a small, dedicated army three hours to transform an empty hall into an exquisitely decorated venue. Amidst all the chaos, my cousin Ray and I still had to write the wedding speech. We used the Bed & Breakfast as a boardroom and with the help of a few family members, the speech was drafted into quite an epic one.

The anticipation finally culminated on Saturday at a grand wedding reception for a thousand people. We all love an excuse to get dressed up in custom made gowns and have our make-up and hair done. Although, my curls fell apart even before I reached the venue. I think the stylist used water spritzer as hairspray. The vintage styled decor came together elegantly with ivory lace over lavender tablecloths, antique gold frames and mirrors, crystal candelabras and pink and lilac roses. The bride was gorgeous in a fully beaded fishtail gown with lace veil, and the groom handsome in a black tux. The smitten couple were unfazed by the large crowd and constant flash photography.

In a short five hours the beautiful ceremony was over and our lives had to sadly go back to normal. In an attempt to extend the weekend, we decided to throw an 'after-party', which didn't work out according to plan, as we couldn't find a venue open after 12:30am. Eventually, the beachfront Elangeni Hotel lent the thirty of us their second floor lounge and room service menu. It took one and a half hours to get our order - toasted cheese and coffee has never tasted as good as it did at 3 in the morning.

With the whirlwind of a weekend over, we returned home and back to the cold yesterday. I woke up this morning with a massive hangover, aching feet, a terrible migraine and a bronchitis. But it was all worth it. I had a chance to bond with my awe-inspiring family, spend time with my adorable little cousins, pose for dozens of portraits, mint our own money, share tears after a heartfelt speech, laugh till our sides hurt, and create wonderful memories that we'll talk about when we're all old and grey. 

Photos from Spring Fling Show

Here are some photos from a local fashion show that I assisted on. The theme of the show was "Where the wild things are" and looks were pulled from three different boutiques in the area. I was super excited to be part of this since I had not done anything since living in LA.

This is the jewelry that was used to make the show shine. Its a great collection from Five and Two. The designer, and a co-worker of mine, Bri is so sweet and talented. I was so happy to help her out that day. Her jewelry is super cool and chic.

My favorite look was this white top with the floral shorts. I thought it would be something that I would wear.

Here are all the ladies during the finale and Holly Montag (The Hills) was the host of the event. She was really nice and looked great in her sparkly pink dress.

I had so much fun and Lindsey, the producer and stylist, was so great and I hope to work with her again.

Xoxo,

Candy

Photos by candyinteriano

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Wedding Season

Wedding Season...a time for dress-fittings, hair styling, gift buying, tantrum throwing, shop hopping, floral arranging, food tasting, table setting, crash dieting, disaster dodging and complete fits of mania. And that's just the guests. Can you imagine what the bride goes through? 



My weekends have been spent traveling around the country attending these fabulous little affairs. By little, I mean a 400-guest-event. A thousand people is usually considered a 'fair' amount. The most interesting element of beau monde weddings are the people. It's not the bride or groom; but the guests that really pull the whole show together. 



The venue, bridal couple and decor may be different at every wedding, but it's the guests' conduct that's always the same. As an observant wedding watcher, I am going to tell you a little about what goes on behind the traditional society wedding. 



When it comes to fashion, every woman will plan on what to wear for months prior to the function. Something that was just 'lying' in her cupboard simply won't do. She can't buy a dress off the rack; imagine the horror if someone else pitches up in the exact same outfit. So the next best thing is to fly over to Dubai and buy a gorgeous gown that she knows no one else in South Africa will have. If that's not possible, she will buy R3000-a-metre fabric and have one of SA's leading designers make her a customized gown. And it doesn't end there. There are matching shoes to be bought, clutch bags and jewellery. There are also all the pre-wedding parties to dress up for. Once the outfits are organized, hair appointments and make-up trials are set up for the week. One really has to look their best at someone else's wedding. It's like an episode of 'The Real Housewives of Elite South Africa'.



The wedding reception is a place to celebrate the blissful union with family and friends, and also to dissect every little thing in between. And I mean every thing. The wedding-guest-turned-critic will break down and analyze every tiny component of the reception - the serviette holders, the colour of the tablecloths, the welcome drinks, the height of the centerpiece and the future mother-in-law. Then there's the food. Every guest somehow turns into a judge from MasterChef, fastidiously tasting and reviewing each dish with their newly 'evolved' palette. It's a rare occasion when all parties are entirely satisfied with the meal.



Weddings are also the perfect hunting ground where doting mums search for prospective daughters-in-law (without their son's knowledge or permission). Having a creamy complexion, green eyes and brown hair will put you on top of the eligible bachelorette list. When approached, the first thing these young single ladies will ask, "Is he cute? What car does he drive?". Weddings *sigh*...the site upon which solid and sincere relationships are built.



Finally, there's the dreaded but amusing chitchat. It's funny how the exact same conversation loom arounds every wedding I attend. Gossip is the actual centerpiece of each table; shadowing it with an equal amount of flattering and disparaging remarks. There are standard questions and comments that spread through the voluble (female) crowd. 



If you don't speak wedding talk, this is what you can expect to hear:



^Did you see what she's wearing? It's lovely/hideous.

^Who designed her gown?

^The bride looks like such a sweet/sulky/ person.

^They make such a nice pair or 

^She's far too nice for him. Probably just married for the money.

^The food is so bland/delicious.

^Don't they have anything else to drink?

^What's for dessert? (Usually said right after a hearty 5 course meal)

^Have you seen any nice patterns?

^The decor is so old fashioned. Have they not heard of stretch draping?

Said to young pretty lasses:

^Are you single? Can I hook you up with my nephew/cousin/son/grandson?

^You're taken? When are you getting married?

^You're married? When do you plan on having kids? 



That's just the word exchange within the first fifteen minutes. I suggest you take some Aspirin along, you may need it after the 4-hour-affair. I have five more weddings to attend this season. Wish me luck!

Wakkerstroom Arts Festival 2011

Wakkerstroom is the Jewel of Mpumalanga, known for it's calm countryside fare. This tiny town, which is 3 hours from Johannesburg, is a world renowned bird watching destination, retirement village and a peaceful place that city folk visit to get away from it all. This long weekend bird watchers, music lovers and art enthusiasts from all over the country flocked to this little dorp to attend the Wakkerstroom Arts Festival. I was lured there by an advertisement I had seen in a magazine. I arrived on Saturday and was surprised to see that this (usually) sleepy town had magically sprung to life. The streets and restaurants were crowded with local and international tourists, jazz filled the air and amazing artworks were on display everywhere.

Beautiful pictures, antique furniture and luxurious home decor can be found at House of Baxburg, which used to be the old bank. The Health Shop stocks all natural beauty products and organic ingredients. A fountain outside the Bistro, where food and art combined to occupy the afternoon. At Bits 'n Pieces, you will find historic home ware, antique tea sets, old books and one-of-a-kind heirlooms.

Mooi is a treasure chest of vintage finds as well as modern home decor pieces. The Birdsong offers whimsical clothes, bags and beadwork.

The Arts Festival took place over three days at various venues. The entire town was abuzz with activity, each event taking place at a different time and specified venue. There were arts and crafts exhibitions, showcasing the remarkable talent of local artists. The Glass Art Studio of Wakkerstroom had a stall selling their decorative handmade glassware. They also offer classes on the subject. The Mucky Duck screened classic movies at their quaint tavern. The Wetlands Country House was the venue for 'Jazz in the Garden' concerts each afternoon. Guests were entertained by internationally and nationally renowned musicians such as the Pam Mortimer Jazz Trio, Gaabho Motho Tenors, Bena Opera Quartet, The Northern KZN Youth Choir, harpists, pianists, violinists and many more. 

Purchase stunning crystal chandeliers & other ornamentation at Country Home. Wakkerstroom is the second oldest town in the (old) Transvaal, and the church building (pictured above) in the town square is a historical monument. The Brie Street Deli is a charming coffee shop where you will also find a wide range of cheeses, chocolate, home-made preserves and spices from around the world. Local artists showcased their spectacular paintings (bottom right).

Festival Round-up:



Best place to shop...Mooi for their delightful vintage trinkets.

Best place to eat out...Wakkerstroom Country Inn for the delicious freshly baked scones with strawberry jam, whipped cream and seasonal berries. Yum.

Biggest Mistake...Not pre-booking for the concerts. They were all sold out by the time we got there.

Best experience...The lively atmosphere on the main street, where dozens of tourists of all ages from all over South Africa enjoyed a serene afternoon in this small town. 

Verdict...I had a wonderful time at the festival. Wakkerstroom is an enchanting and placid place, filled with friendly people, beautiful boutiques, lovely restaurants, B&B's and old-fashioned charm. It will leave you with a feeling of tranquility. I will definitely be returning very soon.

Party in Small Town, SA

7 days, 70 guests, 2 birthdays, 1 party. This weekend proved that it is possible to plan a party in just one week. In Small Town, SA, we have no event planners or decor hire, nowhere to buy party clothes or birthday gifts and no available venues. When two of my close friends decided to throw a combined 21st/18th birthday party, no one thought it could be done within the time limit. We couldn't find a venue that was not falling apart, booked out or overpriced in such a short time. After much searching, pleading and negotiating, we managed to book a venue that included a roof, tables and some chairs. Everything else had to be done ourselves. 





In a whirlwind of a week, we organized everything from invitations, decor, music, menu, food, drinks and all the little trimmings that take an event from drab to fab. There were many nerve-racking are-we-going-to-get-this-done-on-time moments but, with the help of friends and family, all the party plans finally fell into place. We transformed the dreary venue with dazzling decor in black and red. Buffet tables were deliciously lined with braai favourites, delightful drinks, mouth-watering desserts, cookies and cakes. After far too much good food, the band of bewildered DJ's set up their decks (aka a Hi-Fi and computer) and tried to get the crowd to liven up a bit. This was actually more of a mission than planning the entire party, as no one likes to stand out in a crowd. Luckily, the Birthday Girls stepped in and set a spark to the dancefloor, and others slowly started to ease up and join in. The rest just turned their seats towards us, hoping to catch some free entertainment in the modern-day Small Town version of Saturday Night Fever. As they say, if you can't beat them, join them. If you can't join them, pull up a chair and stare.





Party Round-Up:





Theme song of the night: Only Girl In The World by Rihanna

Best dressed: The Birthday Girls of course!

Most delicious: Creamy coffee marble cheesecake

Most surprising: Seeing people you'd never expect busting their moves on the floor.

Most awkward moment: A bar-style brawl breaking out over some mindless miscommunication and attention seeking.

Most annoying: The unpaid paparazzi capturing our every move on film.

Worst decision: Wearing high heels. Our feet were aching after just 10 minutes in.

Best decision: Kicking off the high heels and walking barefoot.

Worst revelation: Realizing that walking barefoot was not such a good idea, as the carpet was covered in all sorts of unidentifiable gross and sticky things. My galpal Ms Mocha advised us to wash our feet with Dettol & Domestos when we got home, to prevent any infection.

Best line of the night: Don't talk to me, talk to my Blackberry.





I am happy to report that the party was a huge success. The night was lit up with some much needed excitement, fun & laughter with the presence of great company. I would like to say that we partied until the sun came up...but we only had the venue until midnight. A minute after that, and any Small Town Cinderella may turn into a pumpkin ;) Oh yeah, and the security guard would've had to chase us out.