All posts by Samantha's Bridal Team

Wedding Ideas

Daddy’s Little Girl

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A father is a daughter’s first love.

From time immemorial, girls have been known to be fond of their fathers, cultivating a closeness that surpasses -if I may say- any other relationship. Fathers have been and still are the male figures of which their daughters look up to and from a young age learn from on how to relate with other men. Only reason why they say a girl marries a man who is just like her father.

Sarah and her father have always been close and this was evident on the day of her wedding. Her father had a hard time coming to terms with the fact that he was giving away his daughter. “Today you are going to be someone’s wife but you will always be my little girl” this is what Sarah’s dad told her on her wedding day as they drove to the church in which the ceremony was to take place.

As they walked down the aisle she asked him how he was feeling, he said to her “If it was not for the fact that this wedding had to happen, I would not give you away,” an emotional utterance of a father -who in his mind was giving away his daughter in all completeness. “He is happy but he is not happy because he has to give me away,” Sarah remarks.

A good father is one who raises his daughter to be strong, independent and one who makes good choices all the while being an example of how a man should treat a woman based on how he relates with her mother. Fathers set the standards on how a man should treat their daughters.

Most dads are not concerned with the flowers, centre pieces, linens or décor, their only concern is that the man they are walking their daughter down the aisle to is a good man who will treat their little girl like the queen she was raised to be.

Real Weddings

Rhoda and Tony

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What started as a chance meeting at a party through a mutual friend led to a lovely spectacle of an unyielding love being sealed before God and man alike.

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Their wedding theme was Live,Laugh, Love.”we wanted the wedding to be a fun way to start our wedded life so we wanted laughter with the people we love (our guests) to mark the beginning of our life” she says.

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“It took a very short time before we became an item. Less than a month; the chemistry was undeniable” Rodah narrates. It was a usual valentine’s getaway, or so she thought, until they were called up on stage to read their love note, one of many that were placed on every couple’s table, each one with a different message. As soon as Rodah finished reading the note, she turned around only to find Anthony on one knee holding out a ring.

As for the vows, Rhoda says, “what stood out was the thought of how binding this is, for better for worse; it made me feel good to be saying this to the man of my dreams.” When asked what she would do differently if given the chance… “Maybe have a longer day if possible (Laughs). It was too short!”

Venue:Consolata School

Words: Anne Nduku

Wedding Ideas

Marriage Expectations

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Don’t we all have expectations?

Realistic, imaginary, necessary, basic or deep…expectations are indeed one of the pivotal parts of a marriage. Many couples go into a marriage with certain ideas of what it is and expect only what they imagine it to be. Nothing can truly prepare you for a marriage and all that comes with it. Living with your partner has a way of unraveling their habits and mannerisms which are in most cases shocking, irritating and downright annoying.
It can be from the simplest of things such as untidiness, preferences in certain product brands to complex issues such as morals on which the children will be raised and spending habits.
The risk of divorce is highest earlier on in the marriage because this is the time when two people who have grown up accustomed to certain ways now start to realize how indifferent they are to each other’s customs and values. Premarital counseling is vital for couples planning to tie the knot. This process helps to partly prepare you for marriage and teaches you on communicating and compromise. Though you cannot be fully prepared for marriage, one main thing that can help immensely is communicating and discussing in depth the most vital issues, before getting into the lifelong commitment after which, a common ground is arrived at. These issues include:

  • Beliefs and values-which common values do you wish to accustom your family to?
  • Roles in marriage- bills, household chores and family duties.
  • Sex-intimacy and allocation of quality time.
  • Children and parenting-religion, rules and disciplining.
  • Family relationships-allocation of time and finances to both sides of the family and conflict resolution.
  • Decision making-checking with your partner before making any big decisions.
  • Conflict resolution-ways to go about disagreements and arguments and how to resolve them.
  • Time management-how much time will you put aside exclusively for your wife or husband and children?
  • Money-discuss investments, big purchase, savings etc

Discussing what either of you expect before and after the wedding enables you and your partner to better understand and support each other in the marriage. This process helps couples to develop realistic expectations, better communication and is important for establishing a positive attitude towards marriage.

How can we level our expectations?

1. Communication
Openly talk about your expectations to your spouse and encourage them to do the same to ensure that both of you are on the same page.
2. Be realistic
Don’t have outrageous expectations that are likely not to be met by your spouse. It is normal to expect, but don’t be vulnerable to disappointment because of unrealistic expectations.
3. Remember, you fail too
Your partner has expectations too, some of which you may not be willing or able to fulfill. So cut them some slack simply because you are only human too.

There is no manual for a marriage. You will learn as you go. Just keep an open mind and a calm spirit.

Real Weddings

Tina and Robert

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“This man, my miracle, he found me, he fought for me with the wrath of a God when not even I thought that I was enough… the warmth of his heart gives me a sense of salvation… this is such a happy ever after.” These are the moving words of a poem that Tina composed and recited for her husband Robert.

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Tina & Robert

 

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HOW THEY MET
Their story began in the year 2010 when Tina was seeking an internship at the firm in which Robert was a member of staff. “I was walking out… I was going for a site visit in Naivasha and I was like damn, who is that girl at the reception? I had to go back and ask the receptionist who the girl was” narrates Robert. They say a man knows within the first five minutes of seeing or meeting a lady whether she will be his wife or not and that was evident in this case. The receptionist told Robert that she was there to inquire if there was an opening for an internship position and upon learning that, Robert was insistent to make sure the receptionist ensures that their boss offers her a position and indeed, she got it.
Robert worked up the courage to introduce himself and soon after, he asked her out on a date with no fruition. Tina was reluctant for some time, but eventually she gave in. They officially began dating in May of 2011 “22nd to be precise” Robert interrupts Tina.
THE ENGAGEMENT
Tina does not like surprises and she took it as far as wanting her husband to tell her when he would propose. “I decided to pop the question on a random day.” The groom and his friends came up with the idea of making a decoy birthday party for one of them in which Tina would be a guest. Then the surprise came when they begun ripping off their t shirts to reveal the question -will you marry me?-
THE WEDDING
“I would have never chosen anyone else to get married to. He was and still is my ideal” says an emotional Tina. Despite being up by 5 am in the morning, the bridal party was in fact late to the ceremony. Tina opted to have her cousins as bridesmaids and her best friend as the maid of honour so as to avoid having a hard time choosing her bridesmaids. The wedding setting was exquisitely breathtaking, tucked under a canopy, the white chairs complimented by the bold red flowers strung all around in a decorative pattern; it was a little heaven. The groom’s breath literally taken away to the point of tears was the icing on the cake.

The poem rang through the air and when he realized it was Tina’s voice he was listening to, the tears began to fill up his eyes blinding him. “It got to a point where I couldn’t see her because my eyes were filled with tears, so I had to make the call, it’s either I drain the tears or I don’t see my bride coming down the aisle [laughs]” says Robert. A unique twist is that Tina walked down the aisle to her own rendition of Adore You by Miley Cyrus.
The bride looked stunning in her drop waist ball gown, walking down the aisle all the while whispering -kick and pose- to help her walk gracefully in her gorgeous gown. Her bridesmaids were in little fitted ivory dresses with a sash draped on their left sides all making for a lovely ceremony.

THE RECEPTION
“We danced a lot at the entrance of the reception” Robert says. Robert and his groom’s men surprised Tina yet again with a silly, funny and adorable dance that got everyone glued and swaying to, eager to join in.
The couple agreed on 300 guests comprising only of close friends and close relatives and it was as intended. Everyone danced and made merry to the unrelenting love in the air and celebrated the couple and their new married status.
The centerpiece that completed the beautiful theme was their cake which was modeled into a construction site to represent their passion, seeing as both are civil engineers.

They were now one in soul, in spirit, in body and in mind.

 

Photography: Ben Kiruthi

Venue:Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club

Words: Anne Nduku

Wedding Fair

THE 2015 SAMANTHA’S BRIDAL WEDDING FAIR CAKE CHALLENGE

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The Samantha’s Bridal Wedding Fair Cake Challenge which was one of the highlights of the wedding fair was a fantastic success. The competition attracted cake makers whose entries were displayed in a special area at the show for visitors to admire and sample out. Being a first time competition, the expectations for the Cake Challenge were very high and they were met by the array of exquisite cakes that contested for the big price.
It was an excellent showcase of the combination of high quality products and high levels of creativity of the participants. The wedding cakes were both beautiful to look at and delicious.

“The Samantha’s Bridal Wedding Fair Cake Challenge was the most fabulous demonstration of baking and cake design talent. The sheer variety of cakes and the quality of entries was excellent. This competition was interesting and exciting to judge as there were several beautiful cakes on display. We were impressed by the creativity, techniques and flavor combinations presented and I definitely see this competition becoming a sought-after event on the wedding cake maker’s calendar” says Doreen Mbaya, marketing director at KTN who was one of the judges of the competition.

The best designer and best tasting by Cake Affair
The best designer and best tasting by Cake Affair

Winner of Best Overall and Best Tasting categories, Mercy Munywoki from Cake Affair says she is “over the moon with this win and still floating on cloud nine”. Her goal for 2016 is to stay on top and unshaken. “Winning this award was completely unexpected. The cakes were spectacular and the competition was tough. Thank you to the Samantha’s Wedding Fair team for helping push cake decorating in Kenya to the next level and for giving us an outlet to push the boundaries and showcase our work.”

The best design by Cake Affair
The best design by Cake City

Winner of the Best Design Cake category Mr. Zahir Nazir Cake City was also delighted with the recognition he received for his finely crafted cake. “We are thrilled that the judges appreciated the workmanship that went into our cake and awarded this accolade to us. The standard was definitely high and we look forward to more cake designers participating in this competition in future,” he adds.

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The runners up for the Best cake Design by Cake Couture

The runners up award for the Best cake Design was awarded to Phylis from Cake Couture.

 

To enter the competition, cake makers were required to submit a dummy wedding cake and a piece of real cake for tasting, together with a description of their cake and details on what motivated their design. All cakes were submitted to a blind judging. The panel of judges featured Beatrice from Sweet Inspirations, international chef Solomon Obano from S&J Caterers, Doreen Mbaya, marketing director at KTN and Anne Nduku from Samantha’s Bridal.
Samantha’s Bridal is proud to be associated with a competition that attracts baking of such high standards.

There is no denying that these days; brides-to-be want wedding cakes that are anything but ordinary. And meeting the challenge head-on, entrants for the wedding cake challenge bakers have elevated baking to an art form that defies the boundaries of tradition, construction and flavor. The next competition will take place at The Samantha’s Bridal Wedding Fair 2016, and we are eager to see what innovative creations will be showcased at East Africa’s ultimate bridal event. An event like this gives bakers and fans alike the opportunity to experience first-hand the quality and versatility of cake bakers. Cake Bakers will be invited to interpret a set theme for the competition. The overriding requirement will be for bakers to innovate and break tradition. They will need to showcase their talent in such a way as to truly wow the judges, who will comprise of several highly-respected representatives in the baking, culinary and media worlds. The 2016 competition will not just be about appearances cakes will have to taste as good as they look. We look forward to many more exhilarating and equally successful cake challenges.

 

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Cake by Cake City
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Cake by Pastry Pleasures
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Cake by Cake n More Kenya
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Cake by Hope Cakes

 

Vendors

Vendors List – Hotel Wedding Venues

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Windsor Golf Hotel & Country Club

WindsorGolfResort

Phone: 356550 / 8647000
Email: caroldona@windsor.co.ke / jmuthoni@windsor.co.ke
Website: http://www.windsorgolfresort.com/
Contact Person: Jane / Caroldona

 Prideinn Hotels& Conferencing

Pride Inn

Phone: 020-8000415/6
Email: sales@prideinn.co.ke
Website: http://www.prideinn.co.ke/
Contact Person: Mubeen Shah

Sarova Hotels

Sarova Hotels

Phone: +254202767000 / +25470111000
Email: Shanna-mahihu@sarovahtels.com
Website: http://www.sarovahotels.com/
Contact Person: Shanna

Sun N Sand Beach Resort

SunnSand

Phone: 0202057950/1/2/3  / 0722204333 
Email: admin@sunnsand.co.ke
Website: http://sunnsand.info/
Contact Person: Daudi

Nyali International Beach Hotel & Spa

Nyali2

Phone: 0734469842
Email: aftab@nyali-international.com
Website: http://www.nyali-international.com/
Contact Person: Aftab Rupshi

Safari park hotel

Safari Park

Phone: 0203633000
Email:
Website: http://www.safaripark-hotel.com/
Contact Person: Mercy / Ruth

Swahili Beach Resort

Swahili Beach

Phone: 0707730753
Email: shyamollae@swahilibeach.com
Website: http://www.swahilibeach.com/
Contact Person: Shyamollae

Fairmont Hotel

Fairmont

Phone:  + 254 (0) 20 2265555
Email: kenya.reservations@fairmont.com
Website: http://www.fairmont.com/
Contact Person:

Diani Reef Beach Resort &Spa

Diani Reef

Phone: 0722509998
Email: Judith.mtsonga@dianireef.com
Website: http://www.dianireef.com/
Contact Person: Diani

 

 

Wedding Fair

10 Reasons why not to miss Kenya’s Biggest Wedding Fair

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Here are the top 10 highlights which make the Samantha’s Bridal Fair the biggest wedding fair an essential day out for brides and grooms together with family and friends.

 

  1. All under one roof: Buy and hire everything for your big day under one roof! Whether you are recently engaged or your big day is just around the corner, Samantha’s Wedding fair is the ultimate destination for wedding planning perfection! You can do everything from trying on dresses, shoes and accessories to sampling cakes, buying beauty essentials to booking your perfect honeymoon, all in a day’s work!
  1. Meet the experts: Meet over 100 experts specializing in everything from beautiful bridal wear and suave menswear to magical photography and exciting entertainment.
  1. Find your dream dress: The Bridal ready-to-wear boutiques and designers will be on hand to help you findthe dress of your dreams. Browse through collections from Kenya’s finest bridal designers like Wambui Mukenyi, Monica Kanari and Ogake just to name a few.DSC_2685
  2. Unmissable feature areas: Immerse yourself in inspiration heaven at the show’s unmissable feature areas which include the breath-taking Catwalk Show, Big Day Top 10 Tips at the Wedding Trends Theatre and the Cake Gallery where you can vote and win a wedding cake.
  1. The catwalk show: The breath-taking Catwalk Show brings the latest wedding themes and bridal trends to life on the runway, showcasing collections from the hottest designers, retailers and boutiques.
  1. The Big Day Top 10 Tips: The Big Day Top 10 Tips provide you with valuable advice on hair, beauty, styling and planning. Featuring experts including leading wedding planner Marion Obura and bridal stylist and makeup artist guru Corrine Nyumoo. Each session will reveal 10 essential tips and tricks in a live and interactive countdown.
  1. Reception Essentials: Discover all the fabulous essentials for your reception from mouth-watering cakes to striking stationery. Whether you’re dreaming of a fairy tale wedding or a modern chic wedding, there are stylish solutions for all themes.
  1. Dazzling Décor: If you need help transforming your venue into a magical haven, seek inspiration from exhibiting wedding planners and décor specialists. Dazzling lighting, stylish tableware, stunning colour schemes and beautiful blooms from the finest florists will be featured to help you create your perfect setting.
  1. Relax and unwind: Round off an exciting day in the lounge Room, where you can relax and unwind with a cup of tea, or head to The Champagne Bar in the lounge room and toast to future happiness with a glass of bubbly champagne.CMR WEDDING SHOTCGC002133
  1. Enjoy the show in star style: Bag yourself VIP tickets. This exclusive experience includes fast track entrance, reserved seating at the Catwalk Show, a complimentary glass of bubbly and an exclusive luxury goody bag filled with beauty products to pamper yourself in the build up to your big day.For those looking for an extra-special day out with the girls, this glitzy VIP ticket package is the ultimate purchase. Your big day will go off in style, why shouldn’t the planning too?

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Wedding Fair

Bridal Fair – What to expect

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Preparations for the Samantha’s Bridal Wedding Fair are well under way. We have been busy beavering away to create a truly unique event showcasing the best vendors in the wedding business will be some amazing wedding suppliers.

Over the next few days, read about individual exhibitors and learn about the different talks and demonstrations lined up for the fair. Also a brief introduction to the music acts who will be entertaining you throughout the fair. For now, take a look at what to expect.

You can read more about the upcoming fair here — Samanthas Bridal Fair – 2015

Date: February 27-March 1, 2015

Location: The Sarit Centre

Time: 9am – 6pm

Fee: Ksh 400 per person for adults. Free entry for children below 10

Wedding Fair

Samanthas Bridal Fair 2016

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With just 4 months, the countdown to The Samantha’s Wedding Fair has begun. Taking place on February 26 to  28th 2016 from 9am to 6pm daily, the fair is the ultimate place to be to make planning for your dream wedding run as smoothly as it possibly can. There will be more than 100 local exhibitors all on hand to offer advice and suggestions on every area of wedding planning.

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The highlight of the weekend is the two-times-a-day catwalk show, which is acknowledged as the best in the business and is well worth every cent.The choreographed shows with presentations   of the latest in bridal gowns, bridesmaids’ dresses, menswear and mother-of-the-bride outfits are guaranteed to have the audience in awe and excited about the perfect weaving together of great music, fashion, raffle competitions and amazing fashion.

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This is the ultimate haven for wedding planning: The Samantha’s Bridal Fair, will  have car rental / limousine services, wedding cake sampling from amazing cake houses, floral design displays from the best florists, plenty photographers and videographers and of course, wedding planners at hand to discuss ideas and help bring your vision to life. 

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Hotels like the prestigious Windsor Golf Hotel and Country Club, Safari Park Hotel, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, Sarova Hotels, Swahili Beach Resort, Diani Reef Beach Resort and Spa, Fuchsia Gardens at Eldo Farm, face gardens among others will be exhibiting. So whether you are looking for a wedding destination, a first-night location or a honeymoon destination, Samantha’s Bridal Fair is the one place to find a suitable option.

Guests will take part in fun and exciting competitions and prize draws each day and will stand a chance to win a honeymoon package, a wedding cake and many more prizes. There will be workshops to engage those in attendance; entertainment, refreshments and a champagne bar for a truly exhilarating experience.

 

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Date: February 26- February 28, 2016

Location: The Sarit Centre

Time: 9am – 6pm

Fee: Ksh 400 per person for adults. Free entry for children below 10

Contacts For Booking :0722480068

 

 

Giveaways & Competitions

WIN A DINNER FOR TWO THIS VALENTINE!

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Romance is easy when one is dating. Once married, financial pressures, kids, busy schedules, among other things tend to squeeze out the romance. This week we explore ways in which we can keep the flame of romance ablaze long after the wedding.

You can participate by telling us how you have managed to keep the romance alive. If we like your idea, you stand a chance of winning a Romantic dinner for two at Sarova Panafric.

Guidelines

While we will review all of your posts to be considered for the dinner prize, also kindly submit your suggestions on how to keep the flame alive accompanied by a photo of you and your spouse on your wedding day.

To post on twitter: Use the hashtag #KeepingRomanceAlive And mention @SamanthasBridal

To post on Facebook: Post on our page Samantha Bridal

Awarding of prizes

We will announce the winner on Friday 13, 2015 . The winner will be chosen based on the practicality and originality of their idea and how much social media engagement their post receives. i.e. re-tweets/likes

 

Kindly email us at info@samanthasbridal.co.ke or contact us on twitter: @SamanthasBridal or on facebook: Samantha Bridal