is the theme of our wedding celebration.
To truly celebrate a union that transcends borders and the intertwining of our cultures, we encourage you to embrace the theme by dressing elegantly in black, with an added touch of black and white isiXhosa traditional beading to your attire for an added element of enchantment.
Whether it's a gracefully draped isiXhosa necklace, a dainty traditional bracelet, a beaded headpiece, or an isiXhosa head wrap (iqhiya), we invite you to embrace the enchanting world of isiXhosa tradition blended with Western attire.
Kindly note that Xhosa beading is worn as an accessory to combine both Western and Xhosa traditions. Let your imagination soar and dress as bold as you'd like :)
(side note: Girls,... please go ALL out! Have fun with your look)
We found a few links to help:
Zulu Beads
Website: https://zulubeads.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zulubeads_ada/
Chonkca
Alternatively, to have them custom made place an order with Mihlali
Email address: mihlaliruka@gmail.com
Contact number/iMessage: (+27)695640388
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chonkca
Please let us know if you would rather these be delivered to Likho once you have placed an order, she can keep them and hand them to you when you arrive in Cape Town.
In the heart of the Eastern Cape province of South Africa (where Likho is originally from), a vibrant culture thrives, woven with the timeless traditions of the Xhosa people (amaXhosa) who speak a language called isiXhosa. The Xhosa culture is a tapestry of resilience, harmony with nature.
At the core of Xhosa culture lies the principle of Ubuntu, an ethos that celebrates the interconnectedness of all beings. It emphasizes compassion, communal support, and the recognition that one's humanity is tied to the well-being of others. This spirit of Ubuntu is reflected in the warm greetings and genuine smiles that adorn the faces of the Xhosa people, creating an atmosphere of hospitality and togetherness.
Artistry and craftsmanship flourish within Xhosa culture, exemplified by the intricate beadwork and the vibrant colors adorning traditional garments. Each bead and pattern holds symbolic meaning, telling stories of heritage, and personal identity.
This one is a bit more sentimental...
When it came to choosing the colors for our wedding flower arrangements, we wanted more than just a beautiful palette; we wanted a story, a reflection of a thoughtful gesture that holds a special place in our hearts.
It all began with a simple conversation where I shared with Trey how much I love the autumn season. I went on about the way the leaves change into different warm, vibrant colors. Little did I know that this conversation would sow the seeds of a beautiful, sentimental gesture.
Where I live, we don't experience the full glory of autumn like he does in the US so Trey, always the romantic, took it upon himself to bring a piece of Autumn to me. He spent weeks collecting leaves in as many different colors as he could find.
When Trey returned to South Africa, he brought back a jar filled with reds, golden yellows, and rich browns and named it "Autumn in a Jar."
The autumn leaves became the inspiration for our flower color scheme as a reminder of the beautiful journey we've embarked on, filled with moments of love, surprise, and the simple joy of sharing our dreams.