Planning for your wedding is one of the most exciting journeys of your life, but it can also be one of the most stressful. When it comes to selecting (or designing) your suit, it should be a fun and educational process that captures your style and personality. Here are some tips from Australian custom, made-to-measure suiting brand InStitchu.

1. What sort of wedding is it?
It’s a simple question, but one that you’ve probably given a lot of thought. Is it a formal and old-fashioned affair? Best to keep it classic and opt for a tuxedo, the most formal option at your fingertips. Is it casual? If it’s by the water, lightweight linen might be the right call, or if it’s something more rural or rustic, mismatched chinos and a blazer could be the right call. Something in the middle? A classic navy lounge suit will be timeless and work with any theme or style. In the same way you reach for a different outfit depending on the type of party or workplace you’re headed to, the right level of formality is the first and most important thing to consider.

2. What are the practical things you need to think about?
If it’s the middle of an Australian summer, a thick suit won’t work – you’ll perspire through the wool before you even say ‘I do’. If it’s going to be cool, you might need something a little thicker, and if you really aren’t sure, something in the middle (like 100% Australian Merino wool) will cover both boxes. Colour is another important practical consideration – how will your suit (and your groomsmen’s suits) work within the overall colour scheme of the bridesmaids, flowers and decorations. Tip: neutral colours like navy, black and grey go with everything. And, if you’re planning on a particularly athletic first dance (think Dirty Dancing lifts) you need to make sure there’s enough give in your trousers to avoid any sudden splits. Think your day through and keep the practical demands in mind.

3. How can you make the suit your own?
After all, your wedding is a day that’s supposed to represent you. While that doesn’t mean you should overshadow your better half, there are an array of details that you can customise to reflect your personality and style. Custom lining, button selection, pocket style, and even monogramming can be used to craft suits that really capture your personality and make the day feel special. One of the best parts about using a made-to-measure custom suiting is you can tinker with every detail, making sure your once-in-a-lifetime day has a once-in-a-lifetime suit.

[Ed. note: we love that InStitchu Adelaide are right in the middle of town, have the friendliest and most helpful staff and offer amazing, affordable custom suits!]

The post Choosing The Right Wedding Suit: Three Questions To Ask Yourself appeared first on Love Cherish Adore.

Vendor Credits
Photography – Emma Faith Photo
Florals – Poppy Lane
Ceremony, Reception & Catering – Howard Vineyard
Celebrant – Natasha Winter
Cake – Erica’s Occasional Cakes
Videographer – Cinecraft
Favours – The Macaron Bar
Entertainment – Aurora String, Nick Gencarelli

The post Alexia & Shanes Initmate Adelaide Hills Winery Wedding appeared first on Love Cherish Adore.

When it comes to wedding paper-goods, there are two types of couples: there are those that would rather spend their money elsewhere, which is totally their prerogative…and there are those that really value beautiful graphic design. Of course, as a stationery, I am totally biased…I think stationery is incredibly important. And whilst I offer a range of packages to suit different budget levels, I do think a good bespoke-designed suite makes a huge impact.
So that this doesn’t turn into an essay about paper, I’ll keep this super short! Here are my top five reasons why quality stationery for your wedding is a meaningful investment.

1. Stationery is something you can both get involved with
   As with any wedding, there are decisions you make together, and there are decisions you make by yourself. However, stationery is one of the ways in which you can actually sit down together as a couple and make some really great decisions between the two of you. Of course, the nitty gritty secrets of your wedding don’t need to be exposed to each other…the dress, your gifts to each other, your speeches, etc…but you both know the time, date and location of your wedding, and what your colour scheme/styling vibe is, etc. So have some fun with it!
2. Design can showcase your couple style
   Do you like a good bottle of red? Or are you getting married where you had your first date? Whatever it is that’s super special to you both, why not include it? I’ve had requests to include horses for an equestrian-loving couple, family dogs, venues and churches, hops for a hop farming couple, native flowers, beach scenes, Chinese symbols nodding to a couples heritage…literally, the list is endless. Whatever it may be, remember that your invites will provide a window into your big day for your guests. Will your day be casual and fun, or elegant and chic, or perhaps formal and traditional? Intertwining your couple story with the general flavour of the day will help your guests make a whole host of decisions, from how to dress to how drunk they can get at the reception!

1. Your stationery communicates vital information
   Whether you are getting married in a barn, a winery, your parents field or a chic city hotel, be sure to provide your guests with the information they need to make informed choices about your day. They’ll need to know where can they stay, how can they get home, whether the bar takes cash or just card, etc. Providing such details will help your guests manage their attendance, so be sure to include as much information as possible to help their day run smoothly. On the day itself, stationery acts as a signpost – a welcome sign welcomes your guests, a table plan lets them know where they are sitting, an order of the day lets them know when they can have a drink/chillout, and a menu lets them know what they are eating.
2. It’s something meaningful to keep
   After all is said and done, flowers will wilt, the food and cake will have been eaten and morning after the night before feeling will have subsided. Aside from your memories, your only physical reminders of your wedding day will be your photographs, your outfit (if you don’t choose to sell it) and your wedding invites. They are something tangible you can hold in your hand; something which you can lovingly store away and show your children and grandchildren one day.

1. It’s art
   Precisely that. Your wedding stationery is art. It is something which a designer has created especially for you; helping you to bind your love together through the medium of paper. It’s a memory, a keepsake.
   
   So there you go…five worthy reasons why wedding stationery is worth investing in! If you have any questions or would like to work with Jenna on your wedding invites and on the day stationery, please feel free to get in touch: jenna@wonderlandinvites.com | www.wonderlandinvites.com

The post 5 Reasons Wedding Stationery is Important appeared first on Love Cherish Adore.

Where will you put it?
The great thing about marquees is you can turn an unused space into the perfect reception location. But be aware of the logistics this might involve. “If you’re using your own property, think about the workload that may be required to get the surrounds tidy and looking ‘wedding ready’. You will also need to consider power and water access, and space for your caterers,” says Kym from Mid North Party Hire. On the flip side, if you’re putting up a marquee at an existing venue, you might not need to worry about these things, but will need to be clear on what’s included in your venue hire charge and what needs to be brought in.
Also think about the surface your marquee will be set up on. Kym says there are a few questions to ask yourself when considering the location of your marquee: “Will it be boggy if wet, or dusty if it’s dry? Is it flat? Would flooring be required? Is there fire danger in summer, or restricted access if it rains?”

Heart set on a clear marquee?
They’re absolutely stunning, but there are a few things to be aware of with these beauties. Kym says clear marquees are more susceptible to weather so in temps over 25 degrees you could be getting a hot-house not a wedding reception! “Your florals or greenery installations may need to be placed last minute, and we recommend having an area outside for your guests to enjoy canapes before moving to the marquee when the evening cools down.”

What will it cost?
Sure, you might be saving on venue hire, but a marquee is an investment in itself and you want to make sure you’re getting what you need so that guests are comfortable. Expect to pay from $5000 for a full set up. Make sure you’re clear with your supplier what’s included – custom lighting, flooring and weights if the marquee can’t be pegged into he ground may add to your costs.

Who is bringing what?
Generally when you’re setting up a your wedding reception in marquee, you’re starting from scratch, and will need to arrange lots of little bits and pieces so that your reception goes off without a hitch. Make sure to communicate with your hire company, caterer and other suppliers to ensure everything is covered. From heaters and linen to salt and pepper shakers and generators, there are a multitude of items that may need to be arranged. We know one couple who realised the night before their wedding they had no water jugs for their reception! The complexity of marquee set ups can sometimes be best left to a professional wedding planner.

Our final tips
1. Make sure you’re working with an experienced hire company with a reputation for clean, quality equipment, safety and excellent customer service
2. Ensure the marquee is comfortable for guests – don’t scrimp on the size to save money
3. Lighting can make or break your marquee set up. Speak with your hire company or an experienced lighting designer to make your marquee shine at night

With a bit of planning and attention to detail, and working with the right suppliers to bring your vision to life, your marquee wedding reception will be memorable for all the right reasons.

The post Everything you need to know about marquee weddings appeared first on Love Cherish Adore.

Florals:

• Chat to your florist about the most appropriate flower for the time of year you are going to get married. Succulents, lisianthus, zinnia, dahlias, chrysanthemums and orchids are all pretty robust.
• Make sure you have your flowers delivered on the day of the wedding! Your florist is able to keep them in a temperature controlled environment right up to the very last minute.
• Whenever possible let your bouquets have a drink of water throughout the day.
• Try to keep all flowers out of the direct sun wherever possible this is so harmful to your delicate bouquet.
• If you are having an outdoor wedding in a marquee, heat can be a huge issue for flowers (especially clear marquees).  Make the most of the onsite mobile cool rooms to keep the flowers fresh!
• Hugging can cause damage to buttonholes and other flower accessories such as corsages and hair flowers! Have everyone put on their flower accessories at the very last minute to keep them looking amazing all day.

Photography:

• The light in the middle of the day is high in the sky, and casts some pretty nasty bright light and harsh shadows on faces and couples. It’s really difficult to get beautiful soft flattering light that helps with creating amazing images. Avoid those middle of the day hours for photography if you can!
• Instead of one big session, that may go on for 1-2 hours consider breaking it up into smaller time slots. Get amongst a great location and smash out some amazing shots, keep it brief and keep everyone happy
• Maybe your next location is indoors now! Cafe, bars and restaurants offer such amazing light, texture and styles to work with. Hunt out your fave spot and hit them up for a little arvo session – drinks, nibbles and photos.
• Don’t be afraid of cutting things short – its damn hot remember (and we’ve gone for quality shots, not quantity now!) and you’ll need to freshen up, the next phase, the reception is a long party!
• Finally, you just cant beat that last half hour of light.  The heat is out of the day, the light is softer so why not head out for an intimate session with just the two of you and make the most of that last light.
• If you just must shoot in the heat and bright light, try to embrace it. Get your photographer out hunting (before the day) for shade, back lit light spots, like carparks, bars, cafes and similar cool spots, jump fences or lean on any contacts to get great shots.

Hair & Makeup:

• Before you even begin to apply any foundation or eye make up, correct preparation is always the key with long lasting hair and make up. Beginning with a fresh clean face to help beat the heat we would recommend a great Oil free skin moisturiser like The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors. Mattifying Primer and Eye Primer help to provide longevity and help prevent make up sliding off. We use Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer and Two Faced Shadow Insurance.
• Blotting papers are perfect to blot away any sweat and a light spray of face mist such as Mac Fix +, if your skin is starting to look a little dry and cakey.
• Less is more. These days highlighting is still very much on trend #thatglow. Everyone loves that fresh dewy skin look. However on extreme heat days tone down the highlighting to avoid looking too shiny.
• Use a light weight and long wearing foundation. Top foundation brands are Mac Studio Fix, Make Up Forever Water Blend Foundation and current fave Kryolan TV Paint Stick because you can use it as a light or heavy coverage.
• A waterproof mascara is a must. Try Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes.
• When it comes to your hair, a great “day before” wash and blowdry is not only a fantastic way to prep your hair before styling on your wedding day, but also a great excuse to treat yourself to a little extra pampering before the big day.
• Be sure to ask your stylist not to use too much product with your blowdry so it won’t affect anything needed for the following day.
• On the day using anti-frizz sprays such as Moroccan Oil Glimmer & Shine or GHD Straight & Smooth Spray, will help to calm hair fluffiness caused by humidity. Try Moroccan Oil’s Luminous Hairspray to finish off any hairstyle with its protective anti-frizz veil.
• The go-to hairstyle for a hot summer’s day wedding is a loose textured upstyle. Keeping it light, soft and personalised to work with your face shape and vibe.

Looking after your guests:

• If you’re outside, try and kick things off as late as possible, the sun can be brutal in the middle of the day! A 4pm ceremony still gives you plenty of time for photos and mingling with your guests. Or ask your reception venue if they have an inside (air-conditioned!) space that would be suitable for the ceremony.
• As the day approaches, keep in touch with guests and let them know of any changes to planned locations or times. This is a good job for a family member to oversee – just make sure they have everyone’s details #delegate.
• Make sure there is PLENTY of water available, even if you’re inside. We know of a wedding where the venue provided 40 bottles of room temperature water on a 35 degree day – for 100 guests! An old wheelbarrow full of ice and bottled water will suit a rustic theme and keep everyone cool, or ask you caterers to provide eskys, ice and water for the ceremony.
• Shade umbrellas and misting fans make great additions to an outdoor ceremony, and you could even organise personal fans as a cute gift for your guests.
• An expert tip from our stylists is to set the ceremony chairs a little further apart than usual, so your guests have a bit more room on a super-hot day – they will thank you for it.
• Finally, don’t keep your guests waiting out in the heat – this is not the day to be fashionably late!

Keeping yourselves cool:

• For the guys – wear a singlet! It’s a bit old-school, but your granddad was onto something. Have a couple on hand and you can switch when things get sweaty, and they will keep you cool and your shirt dry! Keep your jacket off until the last moment and stay in the shade or air conditioning as long as possible.
• It goes without saying to drink plenty of water, but make sure you take small sips throughout the day rather than guzzling! Have something light to eat so you’re not likely to faint, and pat down with a cool towel just before heading to the ceremony.

If you take care of yourselves and your guests, and take our experts’ advice, your hot wedding day will be one to remember, for all the right reasons! Thanks to What Pete Shot, Barossa Style Bar and Blush Wedding & Event Florist for their contributions to this article.

The post Hot Wedding Day Survival Guide appeared first on Love Cherish Adore.

The post Saz’s Hens Day appeared first on Love Cherish Adore.

Western River Cove, Kangaroo Island

Kangaroo Island boasts some of the world’s most pristine beaches but perhaps one of the Island’s best kept secrets is Western River Cove. Nestled in a beautiful valley with its surrounding rolling hills, the fine white sands of the beach reflect the vibrant colour of the water in its sheltered cove. Did someone say destination wedding?!

Long Beach, Limestone Coast

If 12 kilometres of un-spoilt beach is your idea of heaven, look no further than Long Beach near Robe on the Limestone Coast. Take your pick of locations, just take extra care as Long Beach is accessible by vehicle. This might increase your options for transport to your ceremony though…

Henley Beach, Adelaide

If you’re not keen to travel, pop on over to Henley for a seaside ceremony that is sure to delight. Close to lots of excellent reception options, we love Henley for its relaxed vibe, great foreshore and revamped jetty for some cute photo options.

Horseshoe Bay, Fleurieu Peninsula

Ohhh Port Elliot. Home of stunning Horseshoe Bay, breathtaking sea views and some of the best doughnuts known to man (you know where we’re talking about). Friends and family will love the chance to get away for the weekend to this laid-back coastal region, and we think your photos will come up a treat.

Port Willunga, Fleurieu Peninsula

Possibly our favourite left till last, Port Willunga is a classic beach ceremony location for a reason! Several, actually. The rustic remnants of the old jetty as a backdrop, so close to Adelaide and at the gateway to a region full of beautiful South Australian food and wine, Port Willunga is everything we love about a beachside ceremony and more.

All images courtesy SATC

The post Our fave SA beaches appeared first on Love Cherish Adore.

With every wedding season that goes by, we’re seeing more and more couples becoming budget conscious. And with good reason since a wedding with all the trimmings can cost over $40k+.

As weekday weddings double in popularity, couples are discovering significant benefits to their overall budget without having to skimp on style.   If getting married on a Saturday is a tradition then why not be a rule-breaker?!

Key Benefits to a mid-week wedding

You can have your chosen venue and often at a mid-week rate rather than a weekend rate
You’re more likely to be able to book your preferred choice of vendor
You can often have extra time to style your venue
Your guests will love spending more time with you over the coming weekend
You’re not competing with a line up of other couples for your popular date
Your venue may not have a minimum guest requirement for a midweek wedding

THIngs to consider

If you are considering a midweek wedding, it’s best to give your guests extra lead time to plan their work leave, flights and travel etc. Apart from that, we can’t see any disadvantage at all to having a midweek wedding.

Kathy

Little Vintage Bar & Van

The post The hidden benefits of a Midweek Wedding appeared first on Love Cherish Adore.

Local Adelaide wedding photographer Lucinda May Phototography guides you through choosing the right person to capture your wedding.

______________________________________________________________________________

Choosing a wedding photographer can be overwhelming. There are so many out there and you can easily start second guessing yourself as to who is the right person for you. Do I need all the bells and whistles and how many hours coverage do we need?

Weddings can be expensive so having it captured properly is vitally important. Through your photos, you’ll remember all those details you have been planning for months maybe even years and most importantly your love for one another. I have been where you are now, I know it is a very exciting time and once the day is done, your photos will be treasured.

There are many horror stories out there about photographers not delivering on their promises so I have created a few pointers to choosing the perfect photographer for you. Please don’t take this as a “book with me, I am awesome” post, it’s not. It’s just me sharing my own personal experience as both a past bride and as a photographer myself.

Make sure you get along with them

Wedding days are long days and most likely you will be spending 8 or so hours of your special day with your photographer. They will be there for all the moments of your day, almost like an honorary bridal party member so you’ll want to get along. Meet with them before you book if you can. They will most likely insist on this anyways but it gives you a chance to get to know each other. Feeling at ease with your photographer leads to the best photos, having the trust in them to do their job well allows you to relax and soak in those moments for them to capture.

Do you connect with their style?

Every photographer is different and will have a different style, what one photographer sees through their lens will be totally different to another. That is why style is very important and you need to love it. Check out their blog if they have one and the weddings they have photographed, that will give you a good idea on their style of photography and their creative eye. If you can look through a strangers wedding photographs, fall in love with the photos and feel the emotion of their day there is a good chance you will fall in love with your wedding photos even more.

Ask to view a full wedding collection

If you view any photographers facebook page or website most likely they are showing you their ‘glory’ images. Maybe one or two images from each wedding that are amazing but are all their images up to scratch? The best way to get a feel for what type of images you will receive from your photographer is to view an entire wedding collection. You want to make sure if you hire them that they will provide you with good quality images throughout the day.

 

Don’t make your decision purely on price

I know you probably have seen this point and thought to yourself ‘not this again’ but I really do need to put this in here. I have had so many couples come to me after the wedding or just before the wedding telling me they wish they had hired the photographer they loved but instead they hired on price. I know it is a big factor when planning a wedding everything is so expensive and don’t get me wrong I am not telling you to go and hire the $5000 + photographer just because they are more expensive so they must be better. You want to love your wedding photographs so if you do value your photos please do your research. It is sad when I hear horror stories as I can only imagine the disappointment the couple must feel. There are no re do’s when it comes to your wedding. If you are trying to stick to a budget I always suggest to my clients to first get the coverage you want for the day, products like albums and prints can be purchased at a later date. Chat to them about the number of hours you need as well, you may think you need a full day wedding coverage but in reality, you probably don’t and every photographer works differently with their timelines.

I hope this helps in some way for anybody who needs it, maybe it brought a different aspect to your decision process when choosing the photographer for you.

The post How to choose the right wedding photographer appeared first on Love Cherish Adore.

As a former makeup artist, I know how important it is for you to want to look and feel your absolute best. As a nutritionist, I can tell you that glowing skin is about how you look after your skin not what you put on it. During the lead up to the main event stress can get the better of you and next minute you find yourself devouring a family sized block of Cadbury Milk Chocolate after having a panic attack that you will get a massive pimple rear it’s ugly head the night before p.s Windex doesn’t work!

Reduce stress

Yeah right! I know what you are thinking but just hear me out for a minute. Even just taking 20 minutes out of your day to breathe deeply and relax will help with this one. Why not jump in the bath tonight, add some magnesium salts, light some candles and put your favourite chill playlist on?

Increase your water intake and decrease your intake of all those other liquids including alcohol  – sorry!  Water really is essential for glowing skin, helping to flush out toxins built up in the liver and help with that all important digestive process. Drinking alcohol can raise homocysteine levels in the blood and can aggravate certain skin conditions. Though a glass or two of red wine per week is good for the soul, try to steer clear of the vino for a little while and aim for a minimum of 2 litres of water each day.

Get more sleep

This one really should be up the top. Look, I’ll admit this one isn’t one I stick to either. Trying to figure out where to fit those 8 hours of rest when you’re working, planning a wedding, and trying to live a normal life is not an easy feat. But did you know that aside from improving those bags under your eyes, sleep is also super important for cell repair and a healthy immune system. In other words, we all could do with a little more shuteye.

Reduce sugar

I know you knew this one was coming. I’m sorry. You can’t be besties with sugar anymore. This one is tough to swallow but sugar can raise insulin levels and cause havoc with your hormones, resulting in breakouts. RIP sugar.

Get your antioxidants

The easiest way to do this is to add berries to your diet. These little powerhouses are packed full of antioxidants, which help to protect against free radicals. Free what? Really tiny chemical particles that speed up the ageing process. As well as this, berries are amazing for helping with liver detoxification.

Increase fibre

You know how I said earlier how water helps with digestion? So does fibre. And it’s the lower digestive system I’m referring to. Adding fibre doesn’t have to be difficult. Increase your intake of fibre rich foods such as zucchini, avocado, lentils and berries. Not so hard after all (pun intended).

Eat more seafood

Seafood is so good for you! I grew up with parents in the seafood industry so this one is a given for me. Not only is it delish when it is local and cooked properly but it provides you with essential fatty acids, which help to reduce oxidative stress in the body which can lead to wrinkles.

Give your skin a break

This one is not going to be easy. I know just how difficult it can be to not wear as much makeup and go easy on the product usage. But, even if you can give your skin a breather twice a week it is going to do it the world of good. Your skin can’t heal and be happy if it is covered in foundation.

Written by Tessa Wright, a reformed makeup junkie, nutritionist and skin therapist, and owner of Feed Your Face.

The post Feed Your Face appeared first on Love Cherish Adore.