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Friday 24th of March 2023

Nairobi, Kenya

The Luxury Wedding Showcase Was Held At The Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi Upper Hill, In Collaboration With Samantha Bridal.

In collaboration with Samantha’s Bridal, the Radisson Blu Hotel in Nairobi Upper Hill presented the “Luxury Wedding Showcase,” a special event.
To taste the ultimate wedding experience, the event brought together prominent business figures in the luxury wedding industry, engaged couples, and the media.

This was the ideal chance to check out the hotel’s opulent ballrooms and reception areas and get to know the wedding planners, wedding stylists, and fashion designers whose ideas might inspire you to arrange an exceptional and memorable wedding.

Russel Storey, general manager of the hotel, stated this during the event: “The crew at Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi Upperhill, takes pride in ensuring every detail goes according to plan on your big day. We specialize in luxury weddings, whether you desire a small, private ceremony or a party with up to 350 guests.

Beyond just being stylish and lovely, our wedding specialists will walk you through our all-inclusive, custom packages created to make the wedding planning process simple while the guests make full use of our first-rate leisure facilities.

Because it will unite a small group of the region’s best wedding vendors and provide a venue for couples who share a passion for elegance and luxury, the partnership between the two brands will be memorable and one-of-a-kind.

Dr. Catherine Masitsa, managing director of Samantha’s Bridal, stated: “The best in cuisine, wine, design, lighting, and entertainment are all featured at a luxury wedding, which emphasizes intricacy and personal touches.
The food is thoughtfully designed and inspired, and the appropriate drinks are coupled with it. Most significantly, visitors depart with the impression that they won’t ever have an encounter just like this again. The dream of luxury weddings exists.”

You are invited to take part in the next Luxury Wedding Showcase at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi Upper Hill, and Samantha’s Bridal.

About Radisson Blu
The upper-upscale hotel brand Radisson Blu offers friendly, individualized service in chic settings. The Yes I Can! service attitude and attention to minute details distinguish Radisson Blu hotels, which are created to make a huge difference and inspire remarkable experiences each and every time.
Each visit to a Radisson Blu hotel becomes a genuinely meaningful and unforgettable experience thanks to personalized treatment and regional quirks.
There are Radisson Blu hotels in significant cities, significant airport gateways, and vacation spots.

By signing up for Radisson Points, a worldwide loyalty program that offers extraordinary advantages and rewards, visitors and business partners can improve their experience at the Radisson Blu.
Radisson Blu is a member of the Radisson family of brands, which also includes Radisson Collection, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Prizeotel.

These brands are all grouped under the commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels.

Contact:  info@africanelitegroup.com for further details.

Content courtesy of African Elite PR & NFH

Honey TV’s Wawu That’s My Dress Returns to Kenya for a Second Season

The popular format of the wedding show sees brides from all over the country descend on Nairobi to look for their perfect wedding dress. In the presence of their loved ones, they each have the chance to try on different dresses to determine which style suits them or not.

Kenyan Media Maven – Amina Abdi Rabar is back as the show’s host. Rabar is one of East Africa’s most popular celebrities with just over a million followers on Instagram alone. It brings spirit and a touch of modernity to the wedding fair. The Kenyan season is produced by Fareed Khimani’s Nusu-Nusu Productions.

The wow, that’s my dress The format has traveled across the African continent having started in Nigeria with a famous stylist – Dami Oke as host, Kenya with Amina Abdi Rabar, and more recently Zambia with musician Esther Chungu as host. The show has become a popular format for the channel as a continuation of their focus on weddings in the lifestyle television format.

The bride’s dress is the centerpiece of any wedding and can make or break her day.
A Kenyan boutique is a hot spot for a bride who is looking for the perfect dress for her big day. Hosted by Amina Abdi, Wawu, That’s My Dress: Kenya follows all the activity at this boutique as brides and their loved ones swing by to meet the in-house team that is ready to help them find the perfect wedding dress.

Catch Amina Abdi Rabar on Wawu, That’s My Dress: Kenya and other pan-African lifestyle show on DStv’s HONEY channel (173).

Content courtesy of Honey TV & NFH Digital Team

Africans Must Marry Dressed In Their Native African Attire – Says Reno Omokri

Reno Omokri espouses so much wisdom but sadly, the nuggets of acuity he propagates on his social media handles designed to change the mindset and lifestyle of Africans are yet to be assimilated.

The former presidential spokesperson and lawyer have dropped another beautiful piece on his Twitter handle about the way we conduct weddings in Africa. In his estimation, Africans should drop the tie and suit for their native dresses during wedding ceremonies since white weddings only resonate with the white people and not Biblical.

He said on Twitter; “In 2021, Africans don’t need a suit and tie and a white dress for weddings. The entire structure of the White Wedding is fashioned after EUROPEAN culture NOT Christian culture. Today, even African Muslims now do it. Marry in your native African wears!”

Content courtesy of GH Gossip & Nairobi fashion hub 

Can You Wear Black To A Kenyan Wedding? (Yes, Black!) You Can Wear as a Wedding Guest

Expert Answers To Your Biggest Etiquette Questions

There are certain rules everyone who has ever attended a wedding knows  don’t wear white unless you’re the bride, for example. Others, are a little less obvious, say deciding if you can wear black to a wedding or whether you should buy a gift from the registry or go rogue with your own idea. Plus, in the modern era of nuptials, there are things like Instagram and social media to consider, which aren’t addressed by the traditional gospel of guest etiquette.

With wedding season on the horizon and the invitations pouring in, the concerns of what to do and what not to do as an attendee at someone’s big day are even more pressing and relevant (especially since you’re likely thinking about what dress to wear now). For the final word on all things wedding etiquette related, it’s best to turn to the pros. Enter: Anne Chertoff, the wedding etiquette expert at Beaumont Etiquette and co-founder of its renowned Plaza Finishing Program, which has revived the art of etiquette for a modern crowd, offering lessons in professional networking, digital communication, social graces, and other revamped matters of decorum and propriety.

Here, Chertoff lends her considerable know-how to answer all your questions about how to be a good wedding guest, from the proper way to RSVP (which is not to just text the couple a week before the big day, just FYI), and bringing a plus-one (don’t bring the guy you met randomly at a bar last weekend), to the gift (is it ever okay to not get one?), the dress code, and the dos and don’ts for the day of.

The RSVP & Plus-One

It’s best to RSVP in the format requested on the invitation  but no matter how you do it, always RSVP.

“A guest should RSVP in the format the couple requested, either via a reply card you drop in the mail or their wedding website, because it is probably the easiest way for the couple to keep their guest list and RSVPs organized. However, the most important thing is to let the couple know that you are or are not attending, so an email, phone call, text or in-person reply will do. Don’t assume that the couple will check their Linkedin, Facebook or Instagram messaging often enough to read your reply. Text, email, a call or in-person would be better.”

Don’t assume you get a plus-one, and don’t bring just anyone as your guest.

“A couple will indicate on the outer or inner envelope of their wedding invitation whether you’re invited with a plus one or not. The envelope would list both names of those invited or one name and “and Guest” on the envelope. A guest who is not sure if they’re invited with a plus one should ask the couple if they can bring someone with them. If you are invited to a wedding with a plus one you should bring significant other or someone close to you who you are sure to have a good time with.”

You can politely ask for a plus-one, but respect whatever answer you’re given.

“If a couple did not invite a guest to their wedding with a plus one, the guest may feel comfortable enough in their relationship with the couple to ask them if they may bring a plus one to the wedding. They should make the request in person, if possible, or over the phone. The couple may have made a list of guidelines as to how they determined which guests were invited with and without a plus one based on their wedding venue’s capacity and their budget. If the answer is that a guest cannot bring a plus one, then the guest should respect their answer and not show up at the wedding with a plus one.”

Only bring your children if they were explicitly invited.

“If you’re invited to a wedding with your children you can bring them if you want to. It is not appropriate to bring your children if they were not invited. Their names should be listed on the outer or inner envelope, but if you’re not sure if your children are invited ask the couple.”

It’s OK to decline being in the bridal party, even if you still plan to attend the wedding.

“It is okay to decline the invitation of being in someone’s wedding party. Some people may know or think they won’t have the time to give for pre-planning and pre-party events, and others may not be able to afford all of the pre-wedding activities. It’s better to decline the invitation than to accept and then not participate. But if you do decline, let the bride or groom know why you’re declining and make it clear that you’re looking forward to celebrating with them on the big day.”

The Dress Code

Yes, you can wear black! Just choose a style that’s suitable for the particular time and place.

“Black is perfectly acceptable to wear to a wedding. The style of the dress should reflect the time of year, time of day, and wedding’s location. For example, for a formal or black-tie wedding a woman may wear a black floor-length gown, but at a beach wedding she may wear a black dress that’s shorter and flowy, and at a rustic or vineyard wedding a black lace dress would be appropriate.”

Don’t wear white (obviously), but also try not to wear the same color as the bridesmaids.

“Unless the couple is planning a white wedding dress code, guests should avoid wearing white, ivory or a similar shade to a wedding. If a guest knows what color the bridesmaids are wearing they should avoid wearing the same color dress.”

Avoid anything too casual or too sexy.

“If the wedding ceremony is being held in a house of worship, it would be appropriate for a guest to choose something that isn’t too sexy, or at least wear something to cover their shoulders if the church or synagogue requires a more modest look in their chapel or sanctuary. In general, guests should also avoid flip-flops, athleisure wear, denim and shorts which are most likely too casual for a wedding’s setting.”

Always pay attention to the dress code  and when in doubt, ask.

“It’s important for guests to look to the time and location of the wedding as well as a style of dress listed on the invitation or on an insert card, such as black tie or formal attire, and follow the directions listed. If the couple asked everyone to wear black tie it would be in appropriate for a guest to arrive in a sundress, suit without a tie or shorts. And it’s okay to ask the couple, a parent of the couple or a member of the wedding party for clarification if a guest is not sure what they should wear.”

The Gifts

You don’t have to select your gift from the registry.

“A couple will create a wedding registry to help their friends and family find a gift for them. The registry is comprised of what they want or need. But a guest does not have to shop for a wedding gift off the registry. A guest should find a gift that they think the couple will enjoy and that is within their budget.”

You should always get a gift, but how much you spend is entirely up to you.

“It is customary for a guest to send a wedding gift to the couple, however it is at the guest’s discretion to decide how much he or she wants to spend on the wedding gift. If you do not attend the wedding it is not expected that you send a wedding gift.”

If costs are adding up, consider going in on a gift with others for pre-wedding events like the bridal shower or engagement party.

“It is expected that a guest at an engagement party and bridal shower bring a gift with them to the party. It is up to the guest to determine what they want to bring item and budget-wise. A guest does not have to bring a gift to a bachelorette party. It’s not uncommon for a group of guests to chip in and give the couple a group gift at these types of events too.”

It’s convenient to send your gift directly to the couple’s address, especially if it’s a destination wedding.

“It’s entirely up to the guest if they want to bring the gift with them or have it delivered to the couple’s home their address would be included in their wedding registry. A couple will expect that some guests will bring gifts to the wedding and they will have made arrangements on how they are to be collected and brought home or to someone’s home if they won’t be heading home after the wedding. If the wedding is a destination wedding it is advisable not to bring the wedding with you because it will be more difficult for the couple to ship their wedding gifts home from their wedding destination, especially an international destination.”

The Ceremony & Reception

Don’t skip the ceremony, even if you’re running late.

“It’s always better to show up to at least part of the ceremony even if you’re running late. If you are late, you should enter the ceremony venue quietly as to not disrupt the ceremony if it’s already begun. If you know that you won’t make the ceremony at all, you may want to call and let someone know so if the couple asks for you they can tell them that you’re running late.”

Absent specific direction, you can sit on whatever “side” you want at the ceremony.

“Seating at the ceremony, if not directed by an usher, is up to the guests’ personal preference. A guest can determine where to sit based on how close to the aisle or altar he or she wants to be. That may be determined when he or she arrives and which seats have already been filled. Also, a guest may determine where to sit based on where other friends or relatives are already sitting so they can all sit together if they desire to do so.”

It is never appropriate to switch table assignments at the reception.

“It is not appropriate for a guest to reconfigure the seating chart that the couple worked so hard to put together. After the meal, it is okay for guests to mingle with other guests at the different tables.”

Social Media

Posting to Instagram is usually OK  just stay out of the way of the photographer.

“Some couples encourage guests to use their phones to take photos and videos and post them on social media. Others will request a phone-free wedding. A couple can ask someone, such as their officiant, to make an announcement before the ceremony or post a sign that they don’t want guests using their phones. Or they may encourage guests to use a custom hashtag when they post so they can see all the fun pictures their guests took at the wedding.

Above all, if you are going to use your phone, try to not get in front of the couple’s professional photographer when he or she is trying to capture special moments, such as standing in the aisle as the couple walks down the aisle.”

Here is a video presentation i come across online, that real inspired me on how to wear black to a Kenyan wedding

Content courtesy of The Zoe Report , Bella Naija Wedding, Polka Dot Paper Shop, Coco weddings Venues ,Kenya Weddings & Nairobi fashion hub 

Converse Launched A Wedding Shoe Collection For Brides Who Hate High Heels

early all women will agree that wearing high heels is exceedingly painful, especially at a wedding. Weddings are not exactly known for their short duration and much of the day is spent on your feet followed up by a long night of dancing. Having to stand in heels for five minutes is tormenting, let alone an entire day.

You no longer have to subject yourself to such pain thanks to the Converse Wedding Sneakers Collection. You can dance late into your wedding night comfortably and in style with the timeless design of Converse.

Wedding Converse

Constructed with the latest and most innovative shoe technologies, Converse are built for all-day wear, so you can dance late into your wedding night in complete comfort. Say “I do” in style and pick the silhouette that is best suited for your big day with low and high top styles or get some added height with our women’s platform silhouette.

From white wedding sneakers to sneakers that shine and shimmer, choose from a great selection to dress everyone from the bride and groom to bridesmaids and groomsmen. Want something uniquely your own? Customize a pair of custom wedding sneakers with Converse by You.

More collections available here wedding converse

Are you willing to sacrifice traditional uncomfortable heels for these cute Chuck Taylor’s on your wedding day?

Wearing sneakers sounds much more comfortable to me. Converse seems to be an increasingly popular choice over the dreaded high heels.

Content courtesy of Converse Wedding collection & Nairobi fashion hub

Pomp and Colour as African most Beautiful Wedding went down in Ghana

Esinam and Wendells‘s #Welit19 union was a true display of the beauty of the Ghanaian culture.  From their traditional ceremony to the church wedding and then the reception that followed later, it was lit.

We chanced upon each other 2009 on the staircase in his hostel while I was visiting a mutual friend and were introduced by that mutual friend. We met again during the matriculation ceremony and then exchanged numbers. We started talking about a year after. Finding out we had a mutual interest for fine dining, fashion and movies, we started going on dates. A year after in 2011 we started a relationship and then graduated together. Eight years down the line we finally say I do.

 

When it came to the party groove, the entire bridal squad truly came prepared and even the wedding guests were not left behind. Look out for when they had the sensational violin performance for their first dance and also when the bride and her girls did a dance performance.

Content courtesy of Bella Naija , Fnb Weddings & Nairobi fashion hub

How to look phenomenal as a wedding guest

 

Name: Maverick Kagesha

Age: 28

Profession: Farmer who does modeling as a side gig.

What he told us about his style.

“I’m not trying to be arrogant or anything, but I feel like God has blessed me in the looks department. Well, at least that’s what some ladies say. So much so, that I’ve never really felt the need to put too much effort into the style department. That being said, I have noticed that heads do turn a whole lot more when I dress up as opposed to when I don’t. I suppose there is no shortcut to good things in this life.”

Before – The guy confused as to whether this is a formal or casual event.

After – The smooth gentleman who has it all.

 

Don’t Settle. You are worth so much more.

Believe it or not, a lot of Kenyan men actually attend weddings they have been invited to as the man on the left when they could just as easily attend as the man on the right. Mind-boggling, I know. By putting him in this brilliant King Sidney statement jacket and co-ordinating the rest of his look around it, we helped him understand that making a huge impression is a bit like being pregnant, there is no halfway about it. When you strut into that wedding reception, either you move them to their core, or you don’t.

Content courtesy of King Sidney & Nairobi Fashion Hub 

Ihsani Culture House Ltd

Kenyan based design company Ihsani has curated the brand Bridal Culture for the discerning bride that seeks a beautiful bridal gown and a memorable experience.

Ihsani Culture House Ltd is a Kenyan fashion design agency, widely acclaimed in today’s marketplace for offering trend conscious women their perfect fit. We have established a reputation for constantly exceeding customers’ expectations both with the products and the services provided.

Ihsani Culture House Ltd is a Kenyan fashion design agency, widely acclaimed in today’s marketplace for offering trend conscious women their perfect fit. We have established a reputation for constantly exceeding customers’ expectations both with the products and the services provided.

The atelier is a boutique style studio  based in Nairobi offering brides an exclusive service to bridesHand-crafted in the designer’s Nairobi’s atelier, the bridal gowns are made from designer Nkatha Karauri’s picks of exquisite fabrics.

Our mission is give exclusive attention to the Ihsani Bride from traditional engagement to white wedding and beyond when she becomes a CEO, business owner or  mother with excellent service and quality. Our values are excellence, trust, honesty and a lasting relationship with both our clients and the community. We believe our clients need to be treated with utmost care and deserve only the best quality service.

Custom Made & Tailored

Creating each bridal gown and complimentary accessories is done with great attention to detail using only the finest elements by a talented team in pattern making and tailoring  under the designers close supervision.

Book An Appointment

We take appointments only at our Atelier where our brides can meet and consult with the designer, view our range of lace, fabric samples and collection pieces. Here, the designer sketches and  helps refine the final bridal vision based on your shape and unique style

Real Brides

Visit our gallery to see some of our real  brides and the wide range of bridal gowns we have made.  We enjoyed  meeting our brides in person, helping to choose the gown of their dreams. Let us help you make your dream happen!

Content courtesy of Ihsani Culture House Ltd & Nairobi fashion hub

Slay Queen Getting Married

The big day is around the corner. 

Haters never believed that this day would come but you always knew. Other upcoming slayers tried stealing him from you but you know how to play the game better. 

It’s time to claim your territory.

I mean you gave his female besties old invitations with the wrong venue. An honest mistake that could have happened to anyone.

However, you’d chosen Safari Park Hotel earlier before you decided that Marula Manor felt more exclusive and like old money. They dropped veiled comments about how he almost chose them but he saw the light when he met you. Frankly, you don’t care since it’s all water under the bridge. 

First of all, a wedding planner is a necessity. I mean why risk having bald hair days, broken nails & possibly an acne breakout. Stay away from the idea that the close family members & friends will create an executive committee to oversee it all.

Of course, your frenemies can’t receive texts expecting them to chip in 5k towards your wedding. I know they can afford it but can you. So hold your head high.

I can’t stand the idea of a wobbly strawberry jelly as a dessert. Or a dense and sugary wedding cake usually found on a shelf instead of light, airy & melting in your mouth with a hint of citrus. Also, let’s not talk about horrendous colour schemes like orange, green & pink. Slay queens don’t hand out fashion heart attacks like that.  

I need to pick my dress and without my mother-in-law dictating anything. Indeed, I mean she already had her moment so now it’s my turn. So two options a) buy it or b) or get it custom-made.

Depending on the time you have, this will help you decide between both. Getting one made is an amazing idea. It’ll be unique and a favourite. With a designer that loves taking risks then they’ll embrace a low-lying back or high thigh slit at the front. Alternatively, you can visit high-end shops, here or abroad.

Only choose photogenic bridesmaids that’ll help boost your aesthetics and social media presence. I know it sounds harsh but pictures turn into memories, instantly. Hire a kick-ass make-up artist to make sure that everyone is on point. Give classy wigs to ladies that are failing in the natural hair movement or have awkward hairstyles.

Give him minimal duties. Let’s’ be honest wedding days are usually about the women.  

Don’t invite exes to the wedding. It doesn’t matter if they dated decades ago. It’ll minimize the risk of drama. You never know when someone might decide to drink themselves silly & make a scene because your fiance promised to love her forever and ever, at some point. 

Ignore your future mother-in-law if she’s giving you a hard time & stick to your guns. Grow a tough skin and do what needs to be done. It’s not easy standing for your what you believe in.

If anyone brings up anything to do with a prenuptial agreement. Kill that vibe. You came to see and conquer.

Don’t forget to approve anything before it’s posted online. I mean, you have a brand to protect.

Moët and Chandon Wedding Experience

International wine maker Moet and Chandon launched an offer on Thursday for Kenyan couples who wish to hold their weddings with their champagne brands. The event held at Hemingways was graced by a host of celebrities and media personalities who included Lucia Musau, Anita Nderu, and Amina Abdi among others.

“Every wedding couple desires their wedding to be the most memorable for themselves and their guests. From the classic and intimate weddings, to glittery and full of grandeur, Moët & Chandon makes the perfect toast. It is the champagne of Kings and Queens, braced as the quintessential champagne of choice by the glamourous and charismatic, turning every occasion into a celebration graced with style,” the East African based marketing manager said.
The brand aims to elevate the wedding experience from proposals to wedding dinners, offering account managers, wedding essentials and consultants.

From Left Lucia Musau, Neomi Nganga, Kobi Kihara, Anita Nderu, Amina Abdi

Content Courtesy Of Nairobi Fashion Hub , Moët & Chandon

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