TM

Issue
7 9

IN THIS

4 Editors Note

Real Weddings: Disney Fairy Tale Weddings Fashion: A shoe to dye for

12 Bollywood Brides 13 Beauty: Brushing Up 15 Cakes: UKs Rosalind Miller Cakes 19 Flowers: Heirloom Bouquets that last forever 20 Inspiration Boards: Table seating allocation ideas 21 D.I.Y: Hanging PomPoms 22 Grooms Guide: Proposal Ideas
HAPPILY

13

15

20 21
31

Ever After
24
Top 10: Romantic things to do when living together

Recipes: Barbecued chicken with warm green bean salad

22

25

Home Decor: Give your bathroom a fashion inspired style makeover Finance: Tips for first-time homebuyers

26

29

31 Car Review: Range Rover 32 Travel: Beautiful Bora Bora 33 Crown Review: Octavias Spa
On the Cover:
Bride: Yarisha Rajcomar-Panday Make-up: Radiant Image Hair: Pravinas Hair & Beauty Mehendi: Xpressions by Shagufta Photographer: Tyrone Crossman Photography Concept, Graphics & Design: Imagination Unlimited Design Studio

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32

ver r, but I ne life foreve girls, Ive nge your at will cha s all other is a day th e on my life. Yes, a wept off my feet wedding s would hav re that a would be mour and heard befo e effect a wedding I was little. That I e glitz, gla ever after. I have of all th od th e time th , full ersto e, happily really und y magical day from fa iry tale wedding u were in a castl f when yo have a my prince t of m dreamt o , I often spend dream g a nd e with u in ss ce charm , I would liv ns to the story yo and actre io by my prin fter the celebration ow that I rsonality modificat some ntry. A all did I kn esmerradio pe pagea ast of may be SABC mpany. Le me. As a elf still m ality there Now in re e concept is the sa duction co at I would find mys ppened! When s and pro th job y what ha n extent th ok young but ime on my acting is is exactl e often simply bo to such a of my t ding bug er. But th most e wed o not e, that w was ov th big day om we d we can b b itten by viders wh n after my t how blind-folded would be ill s r those pro is one day that w dings, eve o ju ed ized by w wedding, I realised s have used before day w this y ilie ing your yway. No es es to mak planning m ers whom our fam d to book them an n hen it com ing it and sometim or vid te sw service pro uch about but we and down e man t realis m re of ups love to th parey withou even know e with its fa ir sha nding mon y to dedicate your your om often spe a c ad be, you leave This definitely want it to ce of the day. It is s with, a day that you e forever. ur live perfect as bout the essen ge your lif ir wedding as rest of yo day that will chan etting a with the spend the a even forg elp brides ist them u wish to hapter in your life, hom yo want to h tions, that will ass a. We ew c man w wo Afric in a n pira continue e and beg our brand to South s and wedding ins e will also elp ents hom ring s, tip r them. W fo that will h idea n to b e them to st service providers Happily ever after, all the new my reaso is roduc be nd will int ed about ion titled, h are the whom dreams a ecial sect am extremely excit now whic industry, et to k m in a sp truly g e wedding iller featured nding. I r to the to the ok e with in th osalind M iry-godmo t storybo municate s R playing fa d find their perfec t and com e uch as UK Johannesburg and d mee ny newlyw I have been able to wedding experts (s an n, a h om Durba Weddings ing iends whic tional award-winn roviders fr Disney Fa iry Tale ve confirmed fr service p terna ship with ud to ha best local include in at relation we are pro gic to South me of the 15), so rt of a gre tured on page 7), ma , on page e Disney ven the sta edding fea m Disney w wn, and e some of th l-life weddings fro bring real-life ud to Cape To ey are pro xcited to ture rea ons (Disn and are e e true. We d ularly fea Honeymo ith Disney brides. We will reg aking dreams com f our magazine an hip w and m a partners piration for our ntry spect o the cou fa iry tales worked on every a ins es across all about Africa as rue. We inbow brid team has ho knows r ra our sw m come t help all ou the expert d our concept and that drea to appily also make ow ready che ing and h . We are n have laun ding but to r love story, wedd catch rs y tale wed many yea ou Be sure to brand for ream their own fa ir rite to us about y zine and website. ly d so w itter. our maga to not on from our readers, ok and tw atured in ould be fe d join us on facebo earing love h r story c g be a ebsite an , and you ur plannin ever after terviews on our w e, may yo ber to enjoy next issu r in d remem Until our our vendo rience an gical expe ma of it. every bit

ditors E

NOTE

PUBLISHER: Imagination Unlimited OFFICE: 031 811 0500 WEBSITE: www.myfairytalewedding.co.za ADVERTISING & MARKETING: Telephone: 031 8110500 Email: marketing@myfairytalewedding.co.za ENQUIRIES: info@myfairytalewedding.co.za DESIGN: Imagination Unlimited Design Studio DISTRIBUTION: My FairyTale Wedding magazine is distributed bi-monthly nationally to various shopping malls, airports, wedding venues, service provider outlets, hotels, restuarants & bridal fairs. Contact us if you would like to become a distribution point.
Disclaimer: Any unauthorised use, reproduction, transmission or adaptation of the aforementioned or any part thereof in any manner, form or medium are acts of copyright infringement & makes the doer liable for damages &/or prosecution. Whilst every care is taken in the preparation of this publication, the publishers cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information herein, or any consequence arising from it. The views & opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publication or the publisher. All images, illustrations & photographs have been referenced and credited accordingly. The proprietor & publisher of My FairyTale Wedding is Imagination Unlimited.

a xo...Yarish

4 myfairytalewedding.co.za

LAUNCH
My FairyTale Wedding (MFW) team have had an exciting and very busy last few months as they officially launched their wedding lifestyle brand in South Africa. A month long string of events took place, which was in partnership with Sony Pictures International. MFW had teamed up their launch with the premiere of the movie, The Vow, starring Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams, which took place in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban, as well as a mass vow renewal ceremony which had couples come out dressed in their best which even included their original wedding attire, all in the celebration of happy healthy marriages. This event was a great success and was proudly supported and sponsored by ABSA, DSTV, Sony Pictures International, Ster Kinekor, Independent Newspapers, The Zone@Rosebank, Golden Carriages (Cape Town and Johannesburg), Greenways Hotel and Spa (Cape Town), Ocean Basket, Palm Boulevard skin and laser clinic, Velocity Limousines, DUT, Creative Arts Council, Jays Studio, Hallmark and Golden Jewellers. This was also the launch of the concept of a mass vow renewal ceremony which was inspired by the Guiness World Record of 1088 couples renewing their wedding vows simultaneously. This event will be a yearly event produced by MFW, as part of their way of giving back and promoting happy healthy marriages in an effort of decreasing the divorce rate and number of broken homes in our country. This is a non-profit project that My FairyTale Wedding will include in their yearly planner.

My FairyTale Wedding is a WEDDING LIFESTYLE BRAND ...with a magical mix of SAs beautiful rainbow brides, traditions and cultures...making us proudly South African. International contributors ensure that we are always on par with current trends, fashions and ideas...with a local attachment that allows our brides to attain all that their heart desires for their story book wedding. Prince Charming will also benefit from content and guidelines that will make his dashing moment memorable and enjoyable. While we play

ABOUT THE BRAND...

FairyGodmother to our newlyweds-to-be and assist them with their fairy tale beginning...the story does not just end after the
I Dos are said. Our experts are dedicated to help couples in their marriage and provide them with all the asssistance which they may need so that they do live Happily Ever After...

myfairytalewedding.co.za 5

www.thezoneatrosebank.co.za

Inspiration from a magical wedding all the way from Disney.

Photograph Credit: Disney Fine Art Photography & Video

myfairytalewedding.co.za 7

REAL WEDDINGS

Boutique Concept Store

OPENING THIS OCTOBER AT GATEWAY

Show her how special she really is...

J
GATEWAY THEATRE OF SHOPPING : 031 566 5550 CHATSWORTH CENTRE : 031 403 0774 JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP : Golden Jewellers

DYE

for

The days when every bride wore ivory or white satin shoes are a thing of the past. Many brides are wearing a sparkly gold, silver, or bejeweled optionand plenty are going even bolder. Whether you matching your shoes to your bouquet, wedding accessories, wedding theme or reception decor, your pop of colour will definitely add to the creativity and beauty of your special day. While it is crucial that not only should your shoe fit and be comfortable but it should also be free from beading or jewels that could create a hazard for you when walking down the

aisle. So ensure that you practice walking in your shoes, with the dress on. While looking for the perfect shoe to accessorise the dress, one could find themself either in a shopping haven or in much stress if under time constraints. An easy and cost effective solution would be to purchase a white pair of shoes and simply dye it to your desired colour. Just make sure you take it to a professional dye company and take swatches or samples of what you want the colour to look like rather than simply asking them for a colour and not being specific on the shade...and ending up with a pair of heels which you prefer to leave behind without the intention of princecharming finding it and returning it to you.
myfairytalewedding.co.za 9

FASHION

a shoe to

www.moniquelhuillier.com

Bollywood Brides
hair make-up
12 myfairytalewedding.co.za

jewellery

With an entire team of make-up artists, hair stylsts, fashion designers, custom jewellery manufacturers and virtually anyone needed to make a bollywood bride sparkle on the big screen, it is no surprise that these beauties not only look good but also provide great inspiration to brides planning their bridal look. Whilst a bride does not have an entourage on speed dial, she does have various bollywood actresses photographs and stills from movies that can be used as a guide, when a bride is visiting bridal stores, dress designers or meeting with make-up artists and hair stylists for trials. If you are a bride who loves the glamour of Bollywood, then make sure that you cut out and keep the pictures of bridal looks which you like the most. You might like the blouse from one photograph, the necklace from another, maybe a smoky-eye look from one picture and the dupatta draping from another...whatever your heart desires...cut it and keep it in your bridal planning file. A picture is indeed worth a thousand words but more importantly it provides a clear and concise description to your team assisting you to get ready for your time in the spotlight. Now this will help you get the movie star look...but getting the movie star husband-to-be...is left all to you :)

skirt

BRUS HING
UP
TIPS TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR MAKE-UP BRUSHES
How your make-up looks depends largely on how good your tools are. And if youve gotten some good quality make-up brushes, youre halfway there. But you need to maintain your brushes this means proper cleaning and storage of the brushes. To clean your brushes, you will need a mild shampoo (baby shampoo is great for this) and a clean absorbent towel. STEP BY STEP: 1.Take a drop of the mild shampoo in the palm of your hand, wet the brush in water and swirl the bristles around until they are covered in soap. 2. Rinse the bristles thoroughly until all soapy residue is gone. DO NOT immerse the brush head in water, because the hair is glued to the base and immersing in water will cause even the best brushes to fall apart. 3.Squeeze out excess water with the towel and reshape the brush. TIPS: How often should you clean your brushes? Assuming that you use them everyday, you should preferably clean your make-up brushes once a month or at least once every 2 months. For quick cleaning in between washings, you can use a spray-on brush cleaner. Just spritz onto the bristles and swipe them back and forth on a tissue paper. The product residue should come right off.

You should also clean your make-up and other tools regularly as well. Use a slightly 4. Let it dry with the bristles hanging off the damp cotton swab (use water or mild asedge of a counter so the bristles would keep its tringent) to clean your tools and make-up shape.Do not dry brushes off a towel, as this palettes to keep them neat and clean. might lead to mildewed brushes.
myfairytalewedding.co.za 13

BEAUTY

Cake Couture

Rosalind Miller Cakes

A sprinkle of design know how, a spoonful of passion, a dusting of exceptional expertise and a bowlful of the finest ingredients, mixed together create the most stylish, elegant and contemporary wedding and celebration cakes. Get lost in her magical artistry... transport yourself into an imaginative sugar haven... and get inspirations for your big day.
Photograph Credit: rosalindmiller.com

myfairytalewedding.co.za 15

CAKES

Award-winning London based, Rosalind Miller Cakes is regularly featured in international wedding magazines, blogs and on television, and we are proud and honoured to bring her exceptional work to My FairyTale Wedding magazine.

16 myfairytalewedding.co.za

a couple want it. You can have a fairy tale wedding day with a

should be how you as

Your wedding day

it doesnt have to be a - Rosalind Miller huge affair...

small intimite wedding,

We will be bringing you some of her masterpieces in our issues...these will serve as great inspiration for your wedding cake. Wedding cakes have transformed over the years from the simple fruit cake to masterpieces of edible art and who better to be inspired by than the winner of the 2011 Best Decorated Cupcake of The Year award in the National Cupcake Championships and national winner of the 2012 Best Wedding Cake Designer in The Wedding Industry Awards overseas.
myfairytalewedding.co.za 17

LE BLOM
Telephone: 011 026 6690 Shop 157, The Mall of Rosebank

Le Blom offers the freshest & most fragrant flowers & bouquets to the public

BASS MECHANICS
EVENT TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS

SOUND, AUDIO VISUAL, STAGING & LIGHTING SPECIALIST Sushil Patidar: W: 011 852 8338 C: 082 940 7261 email: sushil@bassmechanics.co.za Nick Kissoon: C: 083 231 8780 email: nick@bassmechanics.co.za

All brides want to hold on to their wedding memories through photographs, but heres a way to keep the memory of your wedding day with you forever...heirloom bouquets. Now you can have your bouquet last just as long as your photographs, so much so that they can become a family heirloom. The trend towards these customised bouquets has become very popular. Brides are opting to go for unique material-style bouquets. These include bouquets made out of brooches, silk flowers, ribbons, beads, glittery accessories, recycled paper, vintage fabric, old buttons, or trinkets. These are ecofriendly, budget-friendly, and beautiful! So when fresh flowers are not available or are too expensive, why not use alternatives. These long-lasting bouquets can be designed to match your wedding dress and theme. Be creative and toss a bouquet that can be passed on from one bride to another.

myfairytalewedding.co.za 19

FLOWERS

HEIRLOOM BOUQUETS that last forever

INSPIRATION BOARDS
Table Seating Allocation Ideas
Some couples have decided to do away with the arduous seating plan and replace it with a simple sign that says: Today two families become one...choose a seat wherever you like. Now whilst this makes sense and is a simpler option amongst all the organisation on the day, your seating plan does not have to be a horrid planning job. This is often also a brewing fight between the families who normally insist precedence over their own family members and friends. So why not make it fun and nonoffensive by creating an interactive way for your guests to find a seat. The pictures included here will offer you fun and exciting options for your guests and will let them find their own seat. So go on and create a fun game, a photograph or symbol placing card that will have your guests enjoy taking to their seats...and they might not even realise where you placed them...shhh!

IDEAS

20 myfairytalewedding.co.za

Hanging PomPoms

Youll need tissue paper and 24-gauge white cloth-covered floral wire.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Stack eight 20-by-30-inch sheets of tissue paper. Make 1 1/2 inch wide accordion folds, creasing with each fold. 2. Fold an 18-inch piece of floral wire in half, and slip over center of folded tissue; twist. With scissors, trim ends of tissue into rounded or pointy shapes. 3. Separate layers, pulling away from center one at a time. 4. Tie a length of monofilament to floral wire for hanging.

INSTRUCTIONS:

myfairytalewedding.co.za 21

D.I.Y

GROOMS GUIDE

Proposal Ideas

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Make a rose petal trail from the front door to the bedroom. Create a heart shape with rose petals on the bed, and put the ring in the middle. Tell her to go see what is in your heart. Deliver one rose to her every hour for 11 hours. On the 12th hour show up to meet her and propose. If she is a thrill seeker, take her skydiving. After you land, tell her if you made it through this you can make it through anything. Pull out a ring from your pocket and propose. For a more tame air idea, arrange a sunset hot air balloon ride for her. As you watch the beautiful sky, tell her how much you love her and ask her to marry you. Go Bungee jumping. When she is at the top of the cliff, pull out a sign that says Will you marry me? at the bottom Bring her back to the spot where you went on your first date. Tell her that ever since then, the relationship has grown so much and you hope she feels the same way. Then ask her to marry you. Propose to her on Christmas. Put the ring in a box, and

hang it like an ornament on the tree. After all the presents have been opened, tell her there is one more special gift for her. Direct her to the ornament, and get down on your knees to propose. Put the ring in several layers of boxes so that each box fits inside another to create an illusion of a giant present. Have her unwrap it until she finally gets to the ring, and ask her to marry you. Write an advertisement slide, and ask the movie theater to show it as a preview before the movie. Get to the theater early, and let her watch the previews. When it gets to her slide, get down on one knee and propose. Take her on a surprise trip somewhere special. Blindfold her so she has no idea where she is going. When you get to the spot, take off the blindfold and ask her to marry you. Write a marriage proposal in the sand for her while you are at the beach. Then call her over and let her see what you wrote. Hire a plane to write your proposal in the sky. Tell her to look up and watch what the plane is writing

Happily Ever After

We all know how much time and effort it takes to plan a wedding but the planning does not just end after the I Dos are said. A wedding is the start of a marriage...a new bond that will take a couple into a whole new chapter in their love story. My FairyTale Wedding magazine is here to help you start the first chapter of your happily ever after...this section of our magazine is dedicated in helping you prepare for your life together. Whether you are about to get married, a newlywed or a couple married for a few years, Happily Ever After is aimed at being your guide and will assist you with all that you need. Share your Happily Ever After with us: Your photograph could be featured on this page, send us a fun and interesting photograph of your happily ever after life...whether its youll painting a room or having a braai with your children...maybe even a pillow fight or just cooking in the kitchen...be creative :) Email editor@myfairytalewedding.co.za and include your contact details and the names of everyone in the photograph.

Photograph Credit: Lauren Larsen Photographs (laurenlarsenblog.com)

myfairytalewedding.co.za 23

RECIPES

BARBECUED CHICKEN WITH WARM GREEN BEAN SALAD

COOKING CORNER
INGREDIENTS:
2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, leaves picked sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil zest and juice of 1 lemon 4 chicken breasts, preferably higher welfare, skin removed 1 teaspoon wholegrain mustard olive oil 24 cherry tomatoes on the vine 400g green beans, topped with the curly end still on
A delicious feast thats quick and easy to make.

METHOD:
Preheat the oven to 100C. Pound the rosemary leaves with a pinch of salt in a pestle and mortar or flavour shaker. Mix with the olive oil and half the lemon juice and zest. Lay the chicken on a chopping board. Slice one of the breasts horizontally, as if you were going to cut it in half. Cut it 80 per cent of the way through, then open it up like a book. Flatten it out with the heel of your hand and repeat with the other three. Pour the rosemary marinade over the chicken and put to one side to marinate for a few minutes. Make the dressing by mixing the mustard with the rest of the lemon juice and twice as much olive oil. To roast your tomatoes, place on a tray, season and roast for 20 minutes. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the beans for 5 minutes. Drain and toss them in the mustard dressing, then add the roasted tomatoes.

Be sure to catch our next issue which will feature SAs Masterchef Deena Naidoo

Preheat a griddle pan or barbecue. Grill the chicken breasts for 2 minutes on each side. Check theyre cooked through and serve with the warm beans and tomatoes. Tip: The longer you leave the chicken in the marinade, the better itll taste!

24 myfairytalewedding.co.za

2. MAKE HER FEEL SEXY WITH SOME LINGERIE Lingerie is win-win. Your girl feels sexy and attractive wearing it, and the benefits for you go without saying. So buy her some nice lingerie and lay it out on the bed for her to find. Dont buy the sluttiest one you can find, because the point is to make her feel good about herself. Think about what she likes, what shell feel good in, then combine that with your own tastes 3. SHOW HER FEET A LITTLE TLC Bad day or not, if shes been running around, her feet are probably sore. Prepare a foot bath for her and follow it up with a short foot massage. Then, if it feels right, paint her toenails. It might be best to make that last part spontaneous. If, for example, shes planning to do it herself, you can offer your services. Youll be surprised at how romantic -- even erotic -- it can be. 4. PACK HER LUNCH FOR WORK Surprise her by making a lunch for her to take to work. Its an opportunity to be both thoughtful and romantic, since you can also slip in a love note or a flower. Furthermore, you can buy an individual slice of cake or pie from the grocery store, or some other dessert you know she likes. 5. START A FIRE In the winter, get a fire going in the fireplace (if you have one, obviously). Then, set up some pillows and blankets, and uncork a bottle of wine. If you want to take things to the next level, have a romantic dinner sitting in front of that otherwise uneventful fireplace. 6. ORDER IN Order in for dinner and have it waiting for her when she gets home. Create a romantic setting by recreating a restaurant feel on the dining room table (or in front of a fire, on the patio or wherever else you think might work), complete with plates, silverware and cloth napkins. For an extra romantic touch, add candles and a small vase with some flowers. Learn how to set a formal table and surprise her with your impeccable taste. Remember: the little details matter most. 7. WRITE HER ROMANTIC NOTES The love letter or love note is an amazing thing; little effort is required to write her one, and yet you can express so much. So write her a few creative, unique love notes and leave them in unexpected places around the house. For example, in the morning, tape one to the bathroom mirror or to the coffee machine. 8. BRING HER BREAKFAST IN BED A classic gesture, breakfast in bed is the proverbial oldie but goodie. Get up early on a Saturday or Sunday morning and prepare breakfast just the way she likes it, with toast, fresh fruit, cinnamon buns, whatever. Then surprise her by serving it to her in bed. Another great way for her to start the day... little gestures that will make her gush to her friends about how sweet and thoughtful you are... 9. GIVE HER A MASSAGE She comes home from a horrendous day at work; shes exhausted and even a little bad-tempered. So what do you do? Offer to give her a massage. Using aromatherapy oils, focus on her neck and back, the areas that tend to tense up under stress and cause aches and pains. You can create a mood by dimming the lights and lighting candles; it creates a more relaxing and romantic environment. 10. HAND HER A HOT TOWEL While shes in the shower or taking a bath, throw her towel in the dryer for a few minutes. When she gets out, present her with the toasty towel. Its sweet and thoughtful; shell love you for it. myfairytalewedding.co.za 25

Romantic Things To Do When Living Together

TOP 10:

TOP 10

1. DRAW HER A BATH The bathtub is one of the most romantic household locales. Ensure that it is clean, then draw her a hot bath and add bath beads or bubble bath. If all goes well, shell invite you to join her. All these romantic gestures will make your woman happy. If you get rewarded in the process, so much the better, but making those rewards your sole motivation can only lead to disappointment. Just try to do it for her, and see what happens; it will probably come back to you.

26 myfairytalewedding.co.za

Photograph Credit: Kohler.com

A FASHION-INSPIRED STYLE MAKEOVER

Bathroom
GIVE YOUR

Each room in your house has some potential to showcase your personal style, and your bathroom is no exception. The bathroom is one of the rooms in your home, that people may often use as a personal space or oasis. Although others may use it, there is some sort of a feeling of a personal space or the concept of a retreat that is attached to it. To many homeowners and builders, the bathroom is the new frontier for design. In urban apartments, and even at large secluded estates, special consideration is given to the this room. Old design rules are being broken, as space and materials are used in very dramatic ways, and the original concept of the bathroom is re-invented. Bathrooms are no longer intended or used for utilitarian purposes, these rooms were previously considered as one of the most functional of rooms of the home, but lately they are evolving into the most fanciful and sumptuous of the living spaces. Today, this room can be used to combine some function with style, and it can incorporate different materials, surfaces, and textures, that were previously confined for use in other areas of your home. Additionally, there are many other functional elements that may be installed in your bathroom, including fixtures, fittings, cabinets, and of course ventilation systems. The current style of modern bathrooms, do not only exemplify what luxury can be, but they can redefine it. Whether it is the luxury of providing relaxation, or through the use of exclusive or rare materials, bathrooms are now essential elements in many fabulous homes.

It is interesting to note that trends in the design of the room is not guided by popular architectural style, but rather by personal preferences, which are often dictated by our fashion influences and tastes. The space has easily become an expression of style and taste, but perhaps, most of the worth and meaning, comes from the ability to influence occupants to spend time there. Today, the bathroom is multi-functional. It still fulfils a utilitarian purpose, but it can also become the star attraction in any home. Look into your closet and select your favourite fashion pieces as inspiration when deciding on the decor for your bathroom. From colour schemes, to textures and even shapes, your fashion style can be a great source for your design ideas. Living styles are changing, and the places in which we live are also changing along with them. The design of the bathroom has evolved to include new colours and materials. So have a look at your personal style when giving your bathroom a makeover and feel free to include damask patterns inspired from your favourite coat, chandelier lighting modelled after your stunning earrings and even towelling and robes that matches your designer dress.
myfairytalewedding.co.za 27

HOME DECOR

The Mattress King, Cnr Edwin Swales Dr & Flower Rd, Bluff, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa Tel: +27 31 465 3235/68/33 www.mattressking.co.za

Tips for first-time home buyers

The property pricing and steady interest rates in todays market have given first-time homebuyers more options than they have had in the past. Adrian Goslett, chief executive officer of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, says this may have many of them wondering whether they should purchase a starter home or opt for their dream home straight away. The answer to that question is determined by a number of aspects, such as affordability and the buyers individual needs. While all buyers would probably prefer to buy their dream home straight away, many may not be in a financial position to do so and there are advantages to starting out small and building up. Buying a smaller starter home could allow them to build up equity in that home, which will help them to upgrade to larger property in the future, he says. Another aspect to consider is that while purchasing property should be viewed as a long-term decision, the buyer may not need an extra bedroom or large garden and could save money by compromising on unnecessary features that severely impact on the price of a home. The lower bond repayment and less expensive upkeep will allow the buyer to save money for their future dream home at a later stage. Goslett notes that many first-time buyers are young couples and executives who are in the early stages of their careers, so buying a starter home may give them a chance to build up their income and affordability ratios to be able to afford a higher bond repayment and bigger property when their current home no longer meets their requirements. Living in a starter home will also give the buyer a chance to assess what features they want in their dream home and what they dont, as well as get a handle on the different responsibilities and expenses that accompany homeownership, he says. Very often, as a homeowner enters different stages of their lives, the features that they once thought they could not live without might become less important. This is why first-time buyers should not shy away from starting with a modest home or apartment that serves both their current needs and budget. The smaller bond repayments and equity built will make it easier for the buyer to move to a bigger, more accommodating property as their life stage dictates it. Advice for first-time buyers who want to fast-track their dream home purchase: HAVE A DEPOSIT Buyers should start saving for a deposit before house hunting. The greater percentage of the deal that the buyer finances themselves, the better the chances of getting bond approval and a good finance deal. START SMALL AND BUILD UP The first property bought may not be your dream home, but its a foot in the door. HAVE EXTRA MONEY SAVED FOR EXPENSES As a rule of thumb, buyers should have around 5 percent of the value of the home saved for other expenses, such as maintenance or renovations. REDUCE THE BOND TERM BY PAYING EXTRA An additional payment of just R300 on a buyers monthly bond repayment, can reduce a 20 year bond of R500 000 by almost four years.This will also reduce the amount of interest paid over the term of the bond. BE PREPARED FOR THE UNEXPECTED Prepare financially for possible future scenarios such as an interest rate increase or any other scenario that could financially threaten future plans. There is no doubt that the current market conditions make this the ideal time to venture into ownership, however, a buyer can still enjoy the benefits of owning their own home and having their foot in the door without overcommitting themselves financially and compromising their financial well-being in the future, adds Goslett.
myfairytalewedding.co.za 29

Source: www.property24.com

FINANCE

4 Kruger Place Phoenix Industrial Park 4068 South Africa

Tel: +27 31 507 2456 Fax: +27 31 507 2457 Email: enquiries@afsan.co.za

The Range Rover stands alone, above all others as the flagship, as the ultimate, as the supreme luxury four-wheel drive vehicle. It stands acclaimed for the worlds finest interior, its capability and performance. It stands enhanced, further extending its leadership with upgrades to the famous exterior for a sharper, more purposeful look. It is peerless. The most advanced, most powerful, most complete luxury four-wheel drive vehicle is the Range Rover. The Range Rover Vogue SE takes premium luxury and capability to a new level. The superb all-V8 line-up includes the 4.4 litre LR-TDV8 Diesel engine and LRV8 Supercharged Petrol Engine. The LR-TDV8 features an eight-speed transmission incorporating Drive Select and Paddle Shift that delivers exquisite power and economy. The patented Terrain Response system is upgraded with new Hill Start Assist and Gradient Acceleration Control. There is also a wide variety of colours to choose from. Inside, features include perforated semi-aniline leather with heated/cooled front seats and heated rear seats, a Rear Screen Entertainment Pack for DVDs and gaming as well as the added luxury of 14-piece real wood veneer trim and brushed tread plates. The Vogue SEs exterior is iconic Range Rover design in its most contemporary form with stylish touches including 20 inch Style 11 alloy wheels. There are also Adaptive Xenon headlamps with directional lighting. From exterior styling to performance and lifestyle accessories, the 2012 Range Rover can be personalised to your exacting tastes. A unique range of accessories adds individual style to The Range Rover while improving practicality and capability. visit www.landrover.com to explore all that Range Rover has on offer or to book a test drive

Source: www.landrover.com

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CAR REVIEW

TRAVEL

The center of the universe for romance. The best all inclusive honeymoons. There is no better place to celebrate your new life together or to celebrate a milestone of your relationship.

BEAUTIFUL

The natural beauty of Bora Bora is surreal and its resorts have fine tuned their own blend of unique romantic experiences for couples to enjoy. Each of the many islands of Tahiti, Bora Bora is a tiny paradise. Some isles are crowned with jagged peaks soaring magically out of the ocean in an explosion of green velvet while others appear as if gracefully tossed upon the ocean barely floating above the breaking waves. What makes Tahiti & Her Islands such a unique honeymoon destination? SECLUSION Intimate resorts, small peaceful villages, and miles of quiet pristine beaches explain why Tahiti is ranked #1 in the world for alone time. OVERWATER BUNGALOWS The worlds most perfect hotel room! Sleep above the turquoise lagoon waters in your thatched-roof hideaway with all the amenities and service of a first class hotel room. POLYNESIAN SPAS Experience true relaxation and rejuvenation at one of the many luxurious Polynesian spas while nurtured by the tropical ambience. HONEYMOON CRUISES The worlds most romantic voyages depart every week for Tahitis most beautiful isles. Voyage within the legendary South Pacific aboard luxurious cruise ships, super yachts, or freighter passenger that travel between Tahitis most beautiful islands. ACTIVITIES Enjoy the perfect place to do everything or nothing at all. Jump in the lagoons by diving, snorkeling, or boating or explore the islands by safaris, hiking, or shopping. PEOPLE Embrace and share in the warmth and welcome of your Tahitian hosts whose love for their islands is seen through music, dance, and flowers. Everything about this tropical island paradise will heighten your senses and increase your appreciation of each other.

ORA ORA

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SPA: Octavias Spa (Peermont Doreale Grande Hotel, Emperors Palace)

The entrance hall was decked with royal Roman splendour, my host graciously welcomed me and directed me to my ladies in waiting. I was then sent to my chamber to dress into my silk robes and then taken to my treatment...and snap...one could easily be re-directed into a fantasy dream world upon entering the grandeur Octavias Spa at Emperors Palace and for me it was just the royal treatment which I was looking for. It is not hard to imagine what a day at the spa would entail, but trust me, they do differ from one spa to the next. A spa should symbolise relaxation upon your arrival at the premises...and for Octavias Spa, the walk-through surroundings were just palace-like. The most stunning heated relaxation pool with artwork that would make you travel back into the time of ancient royalties was a great sense of knowing that I had arrived at my destination of pampering. A quick tour of the facilites, a change and completion of the spa client form was done and my treatment awaited. A warm cosy room set waiting for my arrival. An immediate note of satisfaction as the temperature of a spa room is just as important as the degree of pressure of the massage...which some spas tend to be oblivious to but not Octavias. Professionalism was displayed through each and every staff member at the spa, from the welcoming ladies right to my therapist. Something that I definitely was impressed by was a simple comfort tissue left for me by the therapist which showed that she understood how a clients body can react during a treatment and that she was in readiness to provide me with an unforgettable experience. Now when it comes to a full body treatment, it is very interesting to observe how the massage differs from one spa to the next. I was given the Universal Ceremony spa massage which is a signature massage created using various international touches and techniques for the massage connoisseur who enjoys pure massage and touch therapy. The ninety minute massage was well scheduled to send even the most stressed or tired bride into a relaxation haven...all while feeling and being treated like a Roman Goddess. A good massage for me is leaving the room relaxed but a great massage is one which actually makes me fall asleep and a feeling of relaxation and rejuvenation oozes out of my being...and such it was for this treatment. From the ambience, to the setting and the actual treatment, Octavias Spa has most definitely proven that worth and value are on par at their palace of beauty.

RATING: 8/10 Crowns

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Bespoke Planning Services

Let our fairies plan your Fairy Tale wedding & provide you with SAs best service providers Contact our MFW consultants to help make your dreams come true... Telephone: 031 811 0500/082 578 8578 Email: info@myfairytalewedding.co.za

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