Of all the choices that you will make during wedding planning, no other choice will have a longer lasting implication than that of a photographer. David Macharia, who is known for being the only photographer during former US president Obama’s last Kenyan visit, has shot many weddings and has spent millions investing in his business and training young photographers in the wedding industry. He shares with Samantha’s bridal on the mistakes couples make when choosing a photographer:

1. Look for a professional: Ensure that you have thoroughly researched on the work that they have done before signing them up to shoot your big day. David gives us a few guidelines on what to look for in a good photographer:

• Professionalism: Under these, David advises brides to check out whether the photographers can deliver on time. Are they responding to texts, phone calls or emails on time?

1. Have a list of guests that you want to invite in the wedding. This is significant as it assists in knowing the different kind of shots that you will have.
2. Allow your photographer to his/her job despite the fact that you may have many ideas running through your head.
3. Ensure that you choose advice as not every one who gives it to you understands your big day or means well.
4. When choosing an album for your wedding photos, understand that not all of them will fit in one album.

Under albums also, David advises brides to check their quality and choose an album that will last for generations to come.

1. Always have a pre -wedding shoot to get acquainted with your photographer and to know which shots you will do on your big day.
2. As for wedding planners, David’s advice is that they should have a list of photographers who can handle various wedding themes. Each photographer is unique with a special skill for handling specific wedding themes.

Visit his stand at the Samantha’s Bridal Fair where he will give you more advice on photography and you never know..maybe a discount!

In the past, flowers were just limited bouquets and centerpieces and were being infused in floral elements into their ranges. However, presently designers are employing them and many brides who are into originality are ordering for them. Whether its appliqués, beads or embroidery, flowers create beautiful romantic textures that will wow your audience on your big day. Whether you opt to go all out with head-to-toe floral or play it safe with a few rose petals, it is certain that the design will give you a look that every guest will remember!

To find out more on 3D floral appliqué wedding gowns and how you can have one perfectly made to suit your body, why don’t you meet her at the Samantha’s bridal Fair from 3rd -5th March? She promises to surprise you with the latest trends as well as give you advice on gowns and what will work for you.

Photos by Ogake bridal

Most brides are caught up in the search of a decadent dress, sigh-worthy shoes and forget that they are not the only thing that needs to look magnificent. The decor is important as it  sets the wedding theme as well as sets the pace on what is to be expected on your big day. Decors gives great backdrops not just for your wedding photos but also for your portraits and should be able to blend well with your wedding theme and color. Catherine Nambisia, a highly sought out wedding planner who has been in the wedding industry for 20 years, shares her insight on what couples should consider before choosing the right decor for their wedding:

1. Know what you want: She advices couples to understanding the theme of their wedding as it will assist them determine the type of décor that will compliment their wedding.
2. Budget: Catherine feels that couples ought to align their dream to their wedding budget. She believes that the extent of their wedding décor will largely be influenced by what they can afford.

3. The right wedding décor supplier: Before choosing one, Mrs. Nambisia advices brides on what to look for in a décor person.

• Know their signature style: Nambisia advices that couples should be conversant with their décor vendor’s signature style. Every person in the décor industry has his or her own niche. Some are great in rustic, opulence or even vintage so choose one who is able to match your wedding theme.
• Reference: Research and find out what the décor person has done not just through the Internet. Attend a function where they have organized and see their work. Catherine warns couples not to take chances with their décor vendors.

4. Discuss your color scheme with your wedding planner or décor person in good time. According to Catherine, it is vital that couples understand the indoor and outdoor colors before visiting their décor vendor. She advises that they should opt for silver grey if they are really stuck, as it can work against any backdrop. In addition, colors should be used sparingly and couples ought to understand how they move in space to bring out a desirable outcome.

Throughout history, celebrities have been known to shape and influence fashion trends especially in the wedding industry. For instance, Princess Diana’s ivory silk taffeta and antique lace wedding dress that had a 25-foot (7.62 m) train became one of the most famous dresses in the world. The £9000 gown also managed to influence the wedding fashion as people began to order for large puffed sleeves, a full skirt and “soft touch fabrics”.

Kate Middleton wowed the world when she tied the knot to the love of her life, Prince William in a Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen gown. The style featured an ivory lace bodice with long sleeves and a satin skirt that indeed set the stage for bridal as designers tried to offer a similar styles similar to Kate’s. In recent times, Melania Trump, America’s new first lady settled for a white, off-the-shoulder gown designed by Hervé Pierre for the Inaugural Ball. The gown featured a thin red cord at the waist, subtle ruffle detail and thigh-high slit.

Nazira Dalla, a wedding fashion expert who once predicted accurately on what Kate Middleton would wear, foresees that the off-shoulder design, which was worn in the 80’s, will become the latest trend in the wedding industry. According to her, off-the-shoulder gowns are timeless, sensual and stylish. They are suitable for a bride who is looking for a sexy yet demure style. It offers a more conservative wedding-day look, and is flattering to a variety of body types.

To find out more about gowns and the latest trends visit her stand at the Samantha’s bridal Fair from 3^rd to 5^th March.

Did you know that other than the bride, the food and the decor, the wedding cake is the other vital centerpiece? The task of choosing a wedding cake that will leave your guests in admiration is a great task, but far too commonly, many brides make the mistakes while choosing one.

Beatrice, the director of sweet inspiration has seen many brides make mistakes while choosing their wedding cakes and having been in business for ten years, she shares with Samantha’s bridal on the pitfalls brides should avoid:

1. Most brides look at the cake as the last item during wedding planning. The wedding cake is deemed as the centerpiece of your reception hence just as any other item; a lot of care should be taken when choosing a baker or the cake design.
2. Not paying proper attention to colors: In this case, as Beatrice puts it, the bride is not always right! In case you have two strong colors, it is wise to settle for white as the backdrop like green and burgundy.

• Beatrice advises too that the bride can settle to play around with different shades of color and allow the baker to be creative.

3. Fresh flowers do not belong on cakes: Most cake decorators are ecstatic when a client actually asks for sugar flowers. As a cake decorator, Beatrice advises that fresh flowers are toxic and contain poisonous flowers that can seep from the flowers and into the cake. Symptoms of ingesting poisonous flowers are not pleasant. They include pain in the mouth, upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, and possibly even a trip to the hospital.
4. Having one flavor: It is vital to include your guest’s taste buds when instead of settling for one common option. Beatrice advises that brides should consider the dietary needs of their guests; there those who can’t take sugar or those who are from the older generation who prefer to take fruit cake than other flavors.

• Again, caution should be taken not to have too many flavors will stretch your budget, overwhelm your guests, and make serving a headache. If you’re looking to offer up options, consider cupcakes or a serve-yourself dessert bar instead of a large tiered cake.
• Also, a weird combo can ruin your wedding hence be careful to choose flavors that go together.

5. Having a friend or relative bake your wedding cake: Always use an experienced baker to bake your cake. Beatrice says that a bride should be informed on the kind of cake she wants and know that every baker has his or her own specialty. There are those who can bake but can’t design and vice versa. Brides should ensure that they call two or three friends and find out what the baker they have picked on have done and also visit their place of work and see them in action.

• Beatrice does not discourage brides who have friends or family members who are experienced in baking cakes. She just wants them to beware of those who claim to know what they are doing and in the end really don’t.
• Contract: Most brides forget to communicate their desires in the contract or some don’t sign at all. Beatrice advice that the contract ought to be a win win affair between the bride and the baker and the contract ought to stipulate their expectations. If possible have a photo on the cake design agreed on and have those in charge of your wedding understand the agreement to follow up.
• Cake tasting: Make sure you taste your cake to avoid surprises on your big day. Always have someone who is an expert in cakes to check out the freshness and whether it’s the agreed flavor.
• The set-up: Always ensure that your baker works with the florist or your decor supplier to compliment the general design.
• Beatrice Kagondu of Sweet Inspirations will be there at the Samantha’s Bridal Fair answering all your questions concerning cake so plan to attend from 3rd to 5th March!! See you there!