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| All Things Bride and Beautiful | Page 26

Critical Mistakes Brides made and what you can learn from them.

These days you can find a wealth of information to help you plan your wedding, from graphs, charts, timelines; budget guides, party planners, venue options and even apps. Then there are always ideas and ‘must do’s’ from family, friends and in-laws-to-be. It seems there are plenty of people who can tell you what to do. Perhaps the best advice that you can get is from recent brides who know firsthand what ultimately matters in making the day ‘just perfect.’

I am sure by now you have managed to watch our new show ‘My Dream Wedding’ with Samantha’s Bridal. On this show we basically ask the couples to reflect on their wedding day experiences. This show is packed with advice for a bride to be. Catch us every Wednesday at 8.00p.m on KTN!

Back to my discourse, I have surveyed many brides after their weddings. A common question I ask

them is:  “Having gone through the wedding process, what would you have done differently?”

Here’s what some of them said:

Maggie married to Dennis: “I wouldn’t have stressed about the guest list, and just invited everyone without going extremely overboard.”

(Surprising sometimes how many people cannot make the big day anyway!)

Maggie also suggested giving your photographers plenty of sample shots so they know what you would like to have taken. In hindsight she added:

“An extra video and photographer would have been an asset. Our videographer was involved in an accident and was hospitalized on the wedding day just after the ceremony. So we did not get any footage for the reception from our official photographer. Thank goodness the Samantha team was shooting this wedding so we shared the footage!”

Pauline married to Noel reminds all couples to pick up their marriage license. They almost forgot theirs!

Not wanting to leave out any good advice from grooms-to-be, I usually ask them for their input:

Antony said: “I would have had a professional videographer to capture everything about the day. When planning, the videographer got cut out of the wedding budget, so we used a friend and now we have raw footage that we have to pay to have it edited just as much as we would have paid to have a Professional videographer.”

Michael Munuhe who married Ann Shaad said:  “We would have gone an extra mile to know what’s on the market before committing to any payments after paying 250 per chair. We discovered the chiavari chairs go for 150.”

His advice: “Be an educated consumer, attend the wedding fair and know the price of things.”

And the one thing the grooms agree on is to allow the brides a great deal of leeway in planning the big day.

“Be there when asked, but be flexible, too. The brides know what they are doing.”

 

The past brides all agree on one thing too. RELAX and ENJOY the day.

Ann Shaad advises: “Everything will not be perfect and if you expect it to be, you are only going to stress yourself out and won’t be able to enjoy the day.”

Bethe said: “It is not worth it to stress over anything you think went wrong, because chances are nobody even noticed it but you!”

Ciku said: “Two weeks before my wedding everyone kept telling me to not worry about anything, that I will be the only one to know if something isn’t crossed off our to do list. I kept repeating that in my head whenever I felt my inner crazy person coming out. I would not change a thing about that day. It was absolutely amazing to be surrounded by all of our friends and family and celebrating. Hands down it was the best day of our lives.”

Here are more comments from past brides:

  • “8 months of planning was not enough…I felt rushed by most vendors to book now!”
  • “I was excited about DIY projects in the beginning; I made my invitations and centerpieces. I had so much time planning, but then I stressed because I waited until the last minute.”
  • “I did wait until a little late to order my dress because I thought that if I did it too early I would wish I got something else…I really waited too long for a lot of the pieces. I guess really you never have too much time. It could have gone smoother if I had made decisions early on.”
  • “I would have done the guest list FIRST. I procrastinated about it because I thought it would be such a pain—and it was—but it would have made everything so much easier.”
  • “I freaked out and realized at the end of the wedding that my photographer never took pictures of our grandmothers—and now we’ll never get that opportunity again. If we had a VERY specific list for him, maybe that could have been avoided.”
  • “I loved my wedding, but wished I could have been less rushed in the morning and calmer throughout the getting ready and picture part. By the time I calmed down the wedding was flying by.”

 

So now it’s your turn. Planning you Dream Wedding? What are your frustrations?

What questions do you have?  Ask away!  I will find the answers to your questions.

Email me!  editors@samanthasbridal.co.ke

 

 

Groomsmen Shoes: Converse

Groomsmen shoes are a great way of making a statement in a wedding, put your groomsmen in shoes that they are comfortable in and can also wear them again.

Converse shoes are a good example as they break the tradition of the formal outfit that has been the tradition over the years. Instead it gives the wedding a fun theme giving it a cool effect and allow the groomsmen to stand out as well.

Here are some brilliant ideas of converse shoes for your wedding.

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purple-converse-for-groomsmen-wedding pinterest

For a daring and outgoing bride, spice up the reception by joining the groom and donning in converse as well.

 

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Colour Block your Bridesmaids

Colour blocking in weddings is a fast rising trend in weddings. And we love it.

This look is mainly for those playful and confident brides who are fun and in love with bright colours. The pop of colour is also a reflection of the brides’ personality.

Weddings are colourful and there is no limitation of how much colour you can bring into the wedding.

Below are some brilliant colour blocking ideas for your fun themed wedding.

 

Pic Courtesy of BiHarusi
Pic Courtesy of BiHarusi

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It might rain on your wedding day If………

It is more likely to rain on your wedding day if your BIG DAY is slated for this October-November-December, the ‘Short Rains’ seasons according to Kenya Meteorological Service.

Their reports indicate that much of the country is likely to experience enhanced rainfall. This is as a result of the expected evolution of global sea surface temperatures that is favorable for the development of a weak El Nino during the season.

The areas likely to receive near – normal rainfall with a tendency to above – normal (slightly enhanced rainfall) include: The Western Counties (Kakamega, Busia, Bungoma, Vihiga; Nyanza Counties (Kisumu, Migori, Siaya, Nyamira, Kisii, Homa Bay.) Some Counties in Rift Valley Region (Kericho, Nandi, Bomet, Uasin Gishu, Laikipia, Trans Nzoia); Counties in Coast Region (Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Tana River, Lamu); Nairobi County; Central Counties (Kiambu, Nyeri, Murang’a, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga); some Counties in Eastern Region (Machakos, much of Kitui, Meru, Embu, eastern parts of Samburu, Isiolo and eastern parts of Marsabit) and North Eastern Counties (Mandera, Garissa, Wajir).

Will I Satisfy This Man?

SAMCOM2011DAY1-039What really troubles most brides after all the prepping is done and the sun is up illuminating the launch of the happily-ever-after is not the permanence of marriage-which is actually the best part of the deal, its not if the tail will hook onto some unseen crack on the church pews, its not if you will foxtrot properly on your first dance, its not aunt Keziah’s big deal with anything alcoholic; it’s the tingling question: will I satisfy this man, is marriage sex any different, will I meet his standards?
Cynthia Otieno, CEO of Lamead Woman and a marriage counselor explains that your fears and inhibitions are the only aspects that will wipe out any doubts on your honeymoon bed, ‘The most attractive lingerie a woman can adorn is her smile and confidence. Do not by any chance ask him to switch off the lights’ Says Cynthia, ‘Complimenting and affirming your man’s body is very essential to building up his self-trust, let him know that his body turns you on, and just looking at him makes you want him!’

While on it, celebrate your body too and appreciate the power that’s veiled deep within you. A woman’s sexuality should not come across as frightening but rather as a sacred gift instated by the gods for reasons of pure merriment and,
She goes on to explain that due to the drawing post wedding effects and the strangeness of the new setting, it is completely normal to feel uneasy. Do not blame yourself for not being the storybook perfect wife; there’s no expiry date to this night, all you need to do is relax and let the moment take over. Some couples wisely opt for a deep body massage oil with sensual oils that not only helps them relax but helps them break ice too in case of no prior experience.

Take advantage of all the Hollywood folklore in the surge of adrenaline a man experiences simply by undressing a woman! Allowing your husband to help you undress off the heavy layers of tulle and organza will not only save you the little energy left from your first night dance but will also boost your man’s ego; seeing unto the fact that he’s being helpful and his efforts are appreciated.

At this point, my mind goes back to this Indian tradition where during the Mendhi night or henna application ceremony, the prospective bride gets the first letter of her Fiancé’s name carefully drawn in the ebb of the intricate henna patterns. This paves way for the two to fool about as he tries to trace his initials all over her body. Before the shy maiden even realizes what they are on to, fore play will be happening!
Back to matters boudoir Cynthia also reveals another secret to overcoming the first night inhibitions presentation is key; clean up and clean shave for him. Be sure to make him want you before he even touches you, let him desire you. Take a look at the mirror and say all the nice things about yourself, this is not the time to notice that streak of intractable cellulite snuggly finding comfort on your inner thighs. Chances are, he won’t even notice!

Cynthia also advises couples to discuss sex before their fast night. ‘Forget what your folks told you about sex being dirty, you are now in the zone.’ Discuss your anxiety and reservations, this clears the air on what will/can be done and what are the no-go zones. Remember too that different people have different views on sex; for instance, if there are inhibitions on oral sex or anything experimental, do not insist as you might end up spoiling the moment. Both of you will grow into the role.
All said and done, remember men are said to be visual creatures, but a good sensual scent will last past the honeymoon memories. For marriage insights, Cynthia advises couples to come up with a love menu that encompass all their passionate desires, this will easily guide you in exploring your fantasies as you get used to each other, way long after the honeymoon.

In Love With Pilates

Move Better, Breath Deeper

PilatesThis is the new albeit 20th Century regime that will allow you to get your sexy back without huffing and puffing a bucket of sweat or bending over beastly apparatus!

THE ORIGIN OF PILATES.

When German Physical-culturist Joseph Pilates developed this exercise regime back in the 20th Century, his main intent was to strengthen the human mind and body. Pilates believed that mental and physical health is interrelated. This regime is designed around six principles thus; concentration, control, center, flow, precision, and breathing.

1. Concentration

You have to concentrate on what you’re doing all the time. And you must concentrate on your entire body for smooth movements. This is not easy, but in Pilates the way that exercises are done is more important than the exercises themselves. Apart from the physical fitness, this principle develops a pattern of focus and attention; very-elemental traits in the wedding preps.

2. Control

This is based on the idea of muscle control

All exercises are done with control with the muscles working to lift against gravity and the resistance of the springs and thereby control the movement of the body and the apparatus. The Pilates Method teaches you to be in control of your body and not at its mercy. Which subconsciously translates to self-control; from food to finance…say from your waistline to your pockets.

3. Centering

The center is the focal point of the Pilates Method. Many Pilate’s teachers refer to the group of muscles in the center of the body—encompassing the abdomen, lower and upper back, hips, buttocks, and inner thighs—as the “powerhouse”. All movement in Pilates should begin from the powerhouse and flow outward to the limbs.

4. Flow or efficiency of movement

Pilates aims for elegant sufficiency of movement, creating flow through the use of appropriate transitions. Once precision has been achieved, the exercises are intended to flow within and into each other in order to build strength and stamina. In other words, the Pilates technique asserts that physical energy exerted from the center should coordinate movements of the extremities: Pilates is flowing movement outward from a strong core

5. Precision

The focus is on doing one precise and perfect movement, rather than many halfhearted ones. Pilates reflects upon common physical culture wisdom: “You will gain more strength from a few energetic, concentrated efforts than from a thousand listless, sluggish movements”. The goal is for this precision to eventually become second nature, and carry over into everyday life as graceful as can be!

6.Breathing

It’s literally the breath of life; there is considerable value in increasing the intake of oxygen and the circulation of this oxygenated blood to every part of the body. This cleansing and invigorating process is acquired from practicing exhalation as the key to full inhalation.

To adapt this as a way of life, one is advised to squeeze out the lungs, as they would wring a wet towel dry. Good blood circulation will not only keep you energetic, but also helps in retaining that freshly-ground look and glow on your face

In a few weeks….

  1. You can do your moves in the comfort of your sitting room… what with all the vendors waiting on your wedding checklist!
  2. You will gain that graceful posture to balance your gait down the aisle…
  3.  You can still hold your ‘blush’ in the studios! There are no huffy-puffy sweaty moments…just you and your deep breath!
  4. Pilates will not abandon you at the altar; it’s designed to walk with you through your baby bump and even after your first born knocks in!

Delmonte Sponsors The Samantha’s Bridal Wedding Expo July – 2014

SAMANTHA AND DEL MONTE

delmonteDel Monte recognizes the growth of the wedding industry and the emerging trends associated with this once in a lifetime event. A bride wants the very best at her wedding. She wants it to be an unique and memorable experience that remains with her and her guests for a lifetime.

We at Del Monte want to be a part of making this unique experience come alive. The Wedding Fair therefore provides the right platform to engage with our consumers. We want to make our brand a consideration on YOUR big day. Our long standing association with quality will make us a worthy beverage to be served up at a discerning bride’s special day.

Over and above this, we are introducing our new and convenient service, Dial a Del Monte that will allow customers to purchase juice at a subsidized rate and have it delivered directly to YOUR doorstep. Through this service, our customers will be able to purchase any of our juices at 13 per cent off our retail price. It is just another way that we are showing that we recognize that we can offer all our customers more. Customers can place their orders through the number 0725 600 117.

 

BRAND INFORMATION

Del Monte Kenya

Del Monte is one of the world’s leading producers, marketers and distributors of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables. Our aim is to delight our customers by producing safe, high-quality products that fully meet the agreed customer requirements. Our processes are validated by international standards in quality, food safety and social accountability and comply with the applicable laws of Kenya. Del Monte has been expertly made to create an exciting taste experience. We carry all-time favorites in so many refreshing and delicious flavors, you cannot resist to choose the taste you love. Del Monte’s range of flavors is the most diverse in the market. We offer Mango, Tropical, Apple, Passion Fruit, Mixed berry, Pineapple (Blend & Pure), Orange (Pure), Litchi, Orange Blend, Peach, Pine/Mango, Tomato Juice, Pine/Orange, Pine/Passion and Pink Guava Juice Blend

Del Monte also has other products in addition to beverages such as baked beans, spaghetti, pasta, canned pineapples and canned juices which are all locally available in key supermarkets.

Our commitment to quality ensures that only the freshest fruit is used in preparation of our beverages. We are committed to delivering only the most healthful, wholesome and nutritious beverages made from the juiciest sun ripen fruits, expertly made from 100% pure juice capturing the distinct natural bursting flavour that is as good as the day the fruit was picked. Our juices come in 1 litre packs, good for whole family consumption and 200 ml for a single portion consumption. Our juices can be enjoyed on the go or at home with family and friends.

 

 

Delmonte specially made mocktails
Delmonte specially made mocktails

 

 

 

Fashion Show Line-up Revealed

#SAMANTHASWEDDINGEXPOJULY

Fashion Show Line-up Revealed

Taking place during 2014 wedding expo at Sarit Centre Nairobi Kenya the bridal fashion Shows will unveil some of the finest 2014 bridal collections to brides and an influential worldwide press. The glamour of each show will be preceded by some bubbly treats and a bit of gossip at the welcoming reception in the “Kissing Room”/ hospitality room hosted by our sponsors Delmonte.

International Designer: Enzoani

For the first time in Kenya, Enzoani the internationally acclaimed bridal brand will be showcasing the finest in bridal and formal wear from its 2014 collection.  Enzoani’s will be showcasing their 2014 collection which is much tailored, featuring sleek clean lines, with a classic, timeless feel.  There is an attention to pristine details like fine beading and hints of vintage in the clean cuts of embroidered lace.  These light and delicate lace patterns along with Chantilly lace, silk, satin, chiffon and tulle create a dreamy soft look.

The Enzoani bridal brand emerged in 2005, and quickly rose to compete with the top in the industry by merging traditional and modern European styles into exquisitely hand crafted gowns. From its initial launch, the Enzoani bridal collection has become one of the most renowned brands across multiple countries due to its focus on innovative style, exceptional quality and above all a fit and finish like no other. The designer boasts of exquisite brands including Blue by Enzoani, Love by Enzoani, budget conscious Beautiful & finally the exclusive Black Label. Enzoani is a young, vibrant company that focuses on cutting edge design and has proven very quickly to have a full understanding of high fashion with rich detail.

LOCAL DESIGNERS

Wambui Mukenyi

While retaining her signature aesthetic of classic elegance, Wambui Mukenyi is giving the collection a lighter, fresher, more feminine edge. Using only the best quality fabrics, the new collection upholds the standards of quality and design integrity for which Wambui Mukenyi is renowned

Wambui Mukenyi will be showcasing a collection of Exquisite bridal gowns and brides maids dresses. Each gown has been designed to make every bride feel and look amazing on her special day. You can expect to see delicate lace, flowing chiffons and feminine embellishments, all making this collection both stylish and trendy for the fashion conscious bride.

Niku singh

Niku Sigh effortlessly steals the show anywhere he showcases! This first half of the year has been a booming success having put together the most talked about and covered artistic bridal dress accessories adorned by Ambassador Orie Rogo’s daughter Liz Rogo on her wedding.

Despite his childhood dream to become an architect or pilot, Niku studied interior design whilst helping to run the family’s engineering business and is now full time into Jewelry & Fashion Design.

 

The combination of both an engineering and artistic background, and his great attention to detail, makes Niku the ideal person to create and manufacture a variety of beautiful handmade aluminum and brass beads for the Kenyan company Kitengela Glass and London based Fashion brand & company “Made”, where he currently has his own exclusive collection of jewelry. Niku’s creations have been inspired by his passion for anything & everything artistic. His designs are originally Kenyan designed and produced locally with an exceptional merge of costume Brass & Aluminum with semi-precious stone jewelry, which gives him his Exclusive signature style of “Elegance & Glamorous”

Niku’s made his debut at the London Fashion week 2009 by London based brand “Made”, where he had his collection showcased-displayed. He has since inception, this luxurious and high end brand has showcased in fashion conventions world-world, from THE South African Wedding Expo to The Carribea Show and The Wonderland Fashion Show internationally not to mention our very own Samantha’s Bridal Wedding Expo and a list of local fashion shows

Salvatore Di Fransisca

Trading under the local trademark Fairmove group, this Italian Master Tailors will change the way you look at a gentleman in a suits!

Exclusively working to make your dream man both suave in presentation and impeccable in style, Fairmove Group boasts of a proprietary method of conducting a fitting that utilizes a combination of body measurements, finished measurements, and the use of fit samples with an end result that speaks for itself. This is an “Italian Art” where the master tailors interpret the numbers and notes and build a pattern and a suit as unique as the client’s body.

The value of fine Italian menswear is intrinsically linked to its top design firms & the top Millers in the Region. Centuries after the cultured men of Rome hung up their robes after their last toga party, Italian menswear has boldly marched into the modern clothing forum. Thanks to a heritage that dates back to the mid-1800s, the savvy Nairobian man is able to enjoy the sartorial splendor of Italian menswear design without leaving his city.

Our Stockists

Brides can browse collections from the ready to wear stockists and try on unlimited styles in spacious changing rooms with no appointment necessary. Tag along your best girls and your Mother of the Bride/Groom to a pool of gorgeous wedding goodies! Style-savvy brides will be rejoicing throughout the four days marked by electric fashion shows from top-stockists such as Marina Bridal, Inspiration Boutique, Under-the-veil bridal shop and The Maji Boutique.

Our grooms are not left behind; we have In Seasons Styles, and Big Boss Designs on standby to make sure the groom matches the bride’s grace! With a highly personalized, customer-centric approach and gracious culture dating back to foundation, you can be sure to leave the fashion show feeling gorgeous, inspired, stunning, amazing, happy and fulfilled.

Sahebjaan Creations, all the way from India will be catering to our Indian Brides. Spotting the finest of silks, intricate embroideries, royal gold touches and soft flowing colors designed to add glitz and glamor to the Indian bride’s saree and leghas

With an enduring passion for stocking only the best of world-renown bridal couture, you’ll discover just how amazing a dress-trial assisted by the experts can be!

Date: 3rd– 6th

Venue: Sarit Center

Time 9.00am-6.00 pm

Fashion Show: Every 1pm-6pm, 5pm-6pm

HERE COMES THE SAMANTHA BRIDAL JULY -2014 EXPO!

#SamanthasBridalExpo
#SamanthasBridalExpo

By Lillian Gaitho

What could be more exciting to every bride-to-be than a day out at the largest bridal fair event? Imagine you have not one, not two but four days with your best girls and favorite men to discover gorgeous wedding goodies! Cross the dates for Samantha’s Bridal Expo this 3rd-6th July at the Sarit Center and explore everything from the brilliant world of bridal.

A convention of top notch, crème-de-la crème industry players showcasing and directing brides-in-the-making on their countdown time plans and bridal accoutrements; the Samantha Bridal Wedding Expo has the answers to all your bridal questions; catering to all brides, whether you are just starting after your engagement or are all planned and ready to go but just need those last-minute favors to dazzle your guests.

LOOKING FOR THE ONE

Of course you have the right man, and this requires you to get the perfect dress for your perfect celebration. You will be inspired by the magical catwalk, a fabulous showcase of bridal gowns featuring every style and cut. We have loads of inspiration for your party too; gorgeous looks for your flower girls, stunning gowns for your bridesmaids and sharp suits for the great men in your life.

Brides-to-be will have a pamper sessions with top makeup artists and you can even take a pose for our top photographers! All you have to do is sign up with our ladies at the reception. Whether you want advice on the right lip shade, the color hue to go with your ivory dress or it’s your Mum looking for the right head wrap, our all-round designers will be on stand-by for your wish.

If you want inspiration for the color scheme, or are yet to be decided on the blooms to loom in your nuptials, you can be sure to fall in love with the tones of sweet-smelling bouquets on display.

And what better way to pamper your groom than allow him some soccer in our lounge? Rest assured he will not be somewhere in a corner checking his wrist watch! Bring the man along, BESPOKE Italian Designers www.Salvatoredifransisa.com –will be showcasing their high-end made to measure suits under Fairview Group.

 

All Things Bride and Beautiful