A trip to Cape Town

 

Through a lovely group of friends, I met Roz. Well, when I say friends I mean brides. I was fortunate to do makeup for Jessica back in 2011. I then did Cathy’s makeup (Jessica’s sister-in-law) the following August. As well as Carryn’s bridal makeup, Cathy’s best friends. Amongst all the bridesmaids, friends, weddings and makeup. This is how Roz came to meet and ask me to do her makeup. Her wedding is in March this year, in Simons Town. Man, what an awesome location for a wedding!

Roz stays in Simons Town and unlike all my Jozi based brides we have been corresponding via ‘Whatsapp’ and email. Luckily for us considering our busy schedules, our planning has been good fun. Though I thought to myself, “How can I get to know Roz?” So I asked her for a story. Not just any story but the story of how she and Calvin met. Better yet, I am going to share their story with you! I know we all love a good love story!

 

 As a newly qualified Occupational Therapist, I relocated from Johannesburg to Cape Town in 2008. Starting a new circle of friends in a new city is somewhat challenging but I was blessed to have found work with a close-knit company. Little did I know that amongst my colleagues was a match-maker!

The friendships bloomed over glasses of champers, giggles and Friday work lunches overlooking the beautiful mountain ranges and vineyards as it is seemingly done in Cape Town! Colleagues soon became confidantes. In amongst the girlie chats, Mignon would often mention Calvin, her friend and farrier who stabled his horses at the same stable yard as she stabled hers. Mignon was convinced that Calvin and I would be a perfect match.

Calvin is a born and bred Capetonian. He grew up on the Southern Peninsula and has dedicated most of his life, including his career, to horses. He has two of his own horses stabled at the beautiful Glencairn Stables at the foot of the mountains. I can truly say we grew up worlds apart!

After much chatting and coaxing, Mignon arranged a picnic at the stables so that Calvin and I could meet. In the meantime, we had endless chats on BBM (the joys of modern technologyJ). We were both somewhat apprehensive of a blind date so to speak and we decided to meet for dinner beforehand in attempt to relieve any unnecessary awkwardness.

Looking back on our “first date”, it was anything but awkward!! Calvin and I simply continued all our chats in person and have never looked back! We soon became an official item and after 18 months of dating, he proposed on New Year’s Eve 2011/2012 © It has been a fairy tale romance… I can literally say I found my prince on horseback!

An Adventurous Rose

 

Lauren was a Batey and then she became a Rose! A rose is the perfect description for Lauren, she has a natural beauty and a loving nature. And one cannot help but love her new surname, Lauren Rose! Lauren and I managed to book her wedding via email as Lauren was living in the UK prior to her wedding. When I was finally able to meet her and her family, I was welcomed with warmth and I enjoyed every moment doing the makeup and spray tans!

 

Her wedding was held at Askari Lodge and was absolutely breath taking. Her ceremony was in the forest and I really loved how the soft pink bridesmaid’s dresses complemented the green surroundings.

 

 

 

I would never have thought to have an elephant in my photos! (If you happen to have one around!)One can only admire how beautiful our country is! Well, I leave you on this beautiful sunny Sunday. I believe Lauren and her hubbie have been in the exciting and colourful Thailand. Then they are off to start another adventure in Australia. Super cool!! Until next time..



My Sister's Hen Party

 

On the 27^th October this year my mom and myself hosted my Sisters Hen Party! It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining and we had a week of rain and chill so we were very fortunate for the weather. However it did rain in the early evening. Though what I say, “Rather rain for the hen party and sunshine for the Wedding Day!” A bargain we had to make. Now I must tell you, it felt like I was hosting “The Party” of the year. I must have started saving in January for the event as I only wanted the best for my sister’s Hen Party. I even went as far as hiring a photographer for the event so that my mom and I would not have to run around taking pictures. Instead we were able to entertain and enjoy ourselves. I highly recommend hiring a photographer. I was fortunate enough it get Linzelle, who had shot my makeup workshop in July. She had captured moments that I would not have been able to. She had also taken beautiful pictures of the food, decorations and of our guests.

 

I must thank my mom for the extra special touches she had done. She had made flags to hang in the garden and she had used quality quilting fabric with backing to improve the quality. I had searched The Pretty Blog for the free printables. I found flags for our carrot cake, labels for the treats and cards of “advice” for each quest to fill in for Chani to keep. We served Tranquil Blush from Pierre Jordan and Ginger Beers from Woolies. Maccaroons, layers of cheese, figs and fresh breads. We did a mosaic “welcome” for my Sister’s home as the activity, which all the ladies enjoyed doing!My mom played such an important role, she sure is amazing!

 

 

 

On the 8th Dec, this Saturday my sister will marry her soulmate John. I am sure we are all going to have a beautiful day. I have quite a weekend ahead of me. I am so excited to share t.such an amazing day with my family! I will keep you posted!

 

 

The Zahir

 

According to the writer Jorge Luis Borges, the idea of the Zahir comes from the Islamic tradition and is thought to have arisen at some point in the eighteenth century. Zahir, in Arabic means visible, present, incapable of going unnoticed. It is someone or something which, once we have come into contact with them or it, gradually occupies our every thought. Until we can think of nothing else. This can be considered either a state of holiness or of madness. 

 

 

Paulo Coelho is one of my favourite writers. When he writes or speaks, he is able to create a world that I am absolutely fascinated by. A world of love, adventure, mystery and sacrifice. When I started my blog post of Denise, I looked at the first picture of her. She has an amazing beauty however there is something mysterious about Denise.. I immediately thought of The Zahir, by Paulo Coelho.  

 

I can imagine that we all have our own Zahir, hopefully one that will always point us in the right direction.. Anyway, keep warm on this chilly Thursday morning. Time to start looking forward to December holidays.

 

Olivia

 

 

Whenever I look at pictures of Olivia I cannot help but feel envious of her beautiful skin. Olivia has amazing skin and she looks after it. In the pictures her complexion is radiant and her natural beauty shines through. She must be one of the most beautiful brides I have ever done makeup on.

 

 

It was a spring wedding, if I remember correctly. It was an early start and it was raining. Luckily the weather cleared and Olivia had a lovely day. The wedding was held outside and her colour theme was different shades of pink. The wedding suited her bright, outgoing and positive personality. You cannot help but look when Olivia talks or enters the room, she is a gifted women.