Allure 17 January 2016 by Vanguard Media Limited

January 17, 2016

Pix By Daniel Folay

g n i d d e W e h T Issue

Nnei & Ibrahim Clark -When Love Happens

17/01 Contents

e m a i l : a l l u r e fo r t h e wo rl d @ v a n g u a r d n g r. c o m

FASHION 4

20 Best Dressed Ladies of 2015

Signature Groom & Groomsmen Tuxedos

PEOPLE 15

• Etisalat-Sponsored Hear Word! Naija Women Talk True take Lagos by storm

Editor’s Note ‘’Choose wisely’’ were Nnei’s words when asked to advise prospective brides on organising a great wedding. But this can also be safely applied to when ‘choosing a groom’! Let’s face it, the right partner will make the wedding and subsequent marital experience pleasant but make a wrong choice and it’s Doom’s Day from Day 1! Yes, it’s the wedding edition in which we dedicate our pages to all things wedding. On our cover for this edition are newlywed Nnei and Ibrahim Clark. She, daughter of famed broadcaster, Ruth Benemasia and Eric Opia; he, son of elder statesman and Father of the Ijaws, Edwin Clark. So, you can imagine it was a grand wedding. While the couple traverse South America on their honeymoon, from Brazil to Argentina et al, we reached out to them in ‘when love happens’. Pamela Echemunor captured their words. See pp. 8-9. We deviate this week from our fashion pages. Rather than bridal trends, we have compiled our ‘20 Best Dressed Celebs in 2015’. Another deviation... We are making you the judge ‘choose the best dressed.’ All we ask is that you vote who you want us to give the ‘Best Dressed in 2015’.To vote, please go to our facebook, twitter and instagram page @vanguardallure and click your choice. The celeb with the highest vote takes the crown. Also don’t forget to follow and like us on our social media handle. Our wedding bouquet this week is a floret of ideas for anyone contending for a place on the ‘I do’ altar. Read, Learn and Enjoy! CHIBOK GIRLS: 500 days and counting.

Remmy Diagbare @ Vanguardallure1

COVER STORY

Nnei & Ibrahim Clark

Quotes... “It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something.”. - Franklin D. Roosevelt

“Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate”.

- John F. Kennedy

“When angry count to ten before you speak. If very angry, count to one hundred”. - Thomas Jefferson

TEAM JEMI EKUNKUNBOR

lookposh@yahoo.co.uk

PAMELA ECHEMUNOR

pamela.echemunor @gmail.com

YEMISI SULEIMAN

suleimanyemisi@gmail.com

FATIMA GARBA

fatigarba36@yahoo.com

EDITOR REMMY DIAGBARE DEPUTY EDITOR JEMI EKUNKUNBOR ASST. EDITOR YEMISI SULEIMAN STYLE REPORTER PAMELA ECHEMUNOR CONTRIBUTORS PRINCESS KATE EMIKO BAMIYO ISELEMA EMINA JEROME CODJO-YAOVI ONIPEDE

CONT. EDITOR LATASHA NGWUBE COPY EDITOR DODOIYI WILLIAM-WEST CORRESPONDENTS FATIMA GARBA DAVINA AYODELE LAYOUT / DESIGN GREGORY OBI OLAYIWOLA AJAGBE PHOTO OSCAR OCHIOGU (08034746487)

Printed and published by Vanguard Media Ltd Vanguard Avenue Kirikiri Canal; P.M.B 1007 Apapa, Lagos. For advertisement / enquiries, call DEBBIE: 08039675880, Office Auxiliary: EBERE OKOH

FA S H I ON

ALLUREâ€™S

WEEKLY FAB LIST ! By - Fatima Garba

Anna Sui fringe top

Looking for the latest trends to transition into? Hopefully our weekly fab list will help you decide the major trends to keep you looking fab all day and all week.

THE X NECKLINE TREND

Derek Lam fringe dress

Consider it a new riff on the off the shoulder top we saw last season.Spotted at Proenza Schouler and Givenchy,this silhouette was top among major designers.

FRINGE TREND Fringe has been trending for a few seasons now and after seeing it at Derek Lam and Anna Sui, it is clear the swingy trim is here to stay.A must have fashion piece in your wardrobe.

Maje mesh dress

David Koma X neckline dress

THE FLAT MULE Comfortable shoes are still trending thanks to brands such as Alexander Wang and Victoria Beckham.You can never go wrong with this trend as it is comfy and fashionable.

Topshop X neckline maxidress

THE HALF MOON BAG There is a new shape that is about to take the fashion world by storm.Designers such as Michael Kors have all their sights towards the half moon shape bag trend.

Beyonce in Cavalli orange dress

ORANGE TREND Orange in a variety of shades will be your go to hue this season.Designers this season highlighted it in their collections.

Oscar de la renta flat mule

Michael Kors half moon bag

Manolo Blahnik orange slippers

January 17, 2016 /

BEST DRESSED

FA S H I O N

FASH IO N

LADIES OF 2015

By - Yemisi Suleiman and Pamela Echemunor

Pics by - Oscar Ochiogu

The year 2015 may have come and gone, but memories of it continues to linger. From flawless faces to fierce and phenomenal red carpet ensembles, fashion evolved on the local and international red carpets. We sieved out stunning dresses that caught our eyes, but are leaving you to cast your votes for the final top ten. Here are our 20 contenders.

Nike Oshinowo

Omowunmi Akinnifesi

Fade Ogunro

yemi alade

Eku Edewor

Dakore Egbuson

Toke Makinwa

Eunice Efole

Betty Irabor

Nkeiru Anumudu

Mitchell Dede

Cast your votes for your TEN BEST DRESSED OF 2015 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Donâ€™t forget to follow and like our face book and instagram pages. @ Vanguardallure

@ Vanguardallure

@ Vanguardallure Genevieve Nnaji

Seyi Shay

/ January 17, 2016

Ene Lawani

Toni Tones

Bolanle Olukanni

Ndidi Obioha

Zainab Balogun

Rita Domimic

Mo Abudu

January 17, 2016 /

BEST DRESSED

FA S H I O N

FASH IO N

LADIES OF 2015

By - Yemisi Suleiman and Pamela Echemunor

Pics by - Oscar Ochiogu

Nike Oshinowo

Omowunmi Akinnifesi

Fade Ogunro

yemi alade

Eku Edewor

Dakore Egbuson

Toke Makinwa

Eunice Efole

Betty Irabor

Nkeiru Anumudu

Mitchell Dede

Cast your votes for your TEN BEST DRESSED OF 2015 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Donâ€™t forget to follow and like our face book and instagram pages. @ Vanguardallure

@ Vanguardallure

@ Vanguardallure Genevieve Nnaji

Seyi Shay

/ January 17, 2016

Ene Lawani

Toni Tones

Bolanle Olukanni

Ndidi Obioha

Zainab Balogun

Rita Domimic

Mo Abudu

January 17, 2016 /

SIGNATURE GROOM &

FA S H I O N

FASH IO N

GROOMSMEN TUXEDOS

The Englishman Double-Breasted Tux

For the classic Englishman look, opt for an archetypal tuxedo with four buttons, preferably in sky blue with black lapel. This look normally favours the groom and differentiates him from others. His groomsmen can do a darker shade of blue with white boutonniere.

By - Pamela Echemunor They say the wedding day belongs to the bride but who says the groom doesn’t deserve a chance under the spotlight too? As a groom, finding the perfect tuxedo isn’t as easy as it seems; there are a vast number of choices when looking for the right tux. Let’s not forget that his groomsmen also need to look as sharp too. Here is a list of signature tuxedos for grooms and groomsmen.

Double breasted Tuxedo

pants for double breasted tuxedo

Band Collar Shirt with Embellished Tux

Cutaway A.K.A Morning coat

Cutaway a.k.a. Morning Coat The cutaway is a long jacket, rounded off at the bottom and with no satin. Usually, this type of tux is worn for daytime weddings or daytime formal affairs. It is a favourite of a lot of celebrities, including the Duke of Cambridge, William.

Patterned Tux There’s something rich and distinct about patterns; from how they work their way round the wearer’s body to their bold look. Patterns come in various forms and detail. Here, polka dot works wonders, still doing the conventional black and white look but in a more stylish form. Opt for a polka dot tuxedo with white lapel and bow tie; spice up the look by adding a dash of colour with red boutonniere.

Patterend tux

Zegna brogues

/ January 17, 2016

3 The Classic Tux and Vest

IK Ogbonna

The band collar shirt is made without a collar. It is also called a Mandarin collar shirt. This shirt goes very well with a simple bow tie and comes either pleated or plain at the front. The band collar shirt paired with an embellished tux and finished with red boutonniere will make anyone look like a million bucks.

Calvin Klein Gilford shoes

To be on the safe side, grooms and groomsmen can opt for this look - a classic white shirt, black bow tie, vest and suit. To add a bit of edge, a little gold pocket watch chain hanging out will go a long way.

Gbenro Ajibade

Classic Tux and vest

January 17, 2016 /

SIGNATURE GROOM &

FA S H I O N

FASH IO N

GROOMSMEN TUXEDOS

The Englishman Double-Breasted Tux

Double breasted Tuxedo

pants for double breasted tuxedo

Band Collar Shirt with Embellished Tux

Cutaway A.K.A Morning coat

Patterend tux

Zegna brogues

/ January 17, 2016

3 The Classic Tux and Vest

IK Ogbonna

Calvin Klein Gilford shoes

Gbenro Ajibade

Classic Tux and vest

January 17, 2016 /

REPORTAGE

Nnei & Ibrahim Clark

she was working! (Gosh I have big shoes to fill!!!) In three words, what does love mean to you? Nnei: Ah! Three words aren’t enough. Caring, Laughing…… I have to use my last word wisely Ibrahim: Do you want to hear mine? Nnei: Generousity!

Ibrahim: My first was caring, then sharing and honour (as in respect)

Nnei: No that’s important, respect is very important, so our three are caring, sharing and honour.

-When love happens By Pamela Echemunor

alling in love can happen at any time to anyone, in the case of these two lovebirds, it came in a very unexpected way. Last December Nnei and Ibrahim Clark said their “I dos”, in the presence of friends and family. Nnei who is the daughter of seasoned broadcaster Ruth Benamaisia- Opia looked flawless in her ruffled tail wedding dress by Mai Atafo. Like all great love stories, this couple share theirs with us, a day that came and will last forever.

Congratulations on getting married, how do you feel? Nnei: strangely enough it feels normal. But again, this is just the beginning. (gives Ibrahim a mischievous smile) Ibrahim: Mmmmmm! I think that what my wife really means is that once you‘ve been through the process of engagement, introduction, planning traditional and church wedding, your expectations have been set in such a way that you kind of have an idea of what to expect, but for me, being married to Nnei is great. (grins ear to ear) How did you guys meet? Nnei: I’d gone to my Aunty Joi’s (Nunieh-

/ January 17, 2016

Okunnu) she was having a 3 day prayer and thanksgiving in the chapel in her home. (She was the only survivor in a ghastly accident). While the guests went unto the terrace to mingle, I ended up being quizzed on a variety of topics including my relationship status. She asked if I had a boyfriend and within 30 minutes a young man was summoned to the Chapel!

Ibrahim: April 2014 and then the traditional and church weddings were in December 2015 Nnei: So, give or take, about a year and 8 months. What was the wedding process like for you?

How long did you date before tying the knot? Nnei: We started dating in April

Nnei: To be honest, I found it a bit difficult. I

Ibrahim: I thought I had been summoned for work. (Madam Joi was my Boss at the time) In her words she said, “ Ibrahim, meet your wife. Oya! You guys talk to each other. The rest as they say, is history.

am not one of those girls that had dreamt of her wedding dress and all of the little details. I wasn’t prepared for it and it actually set off a mini-panic because I had no idea of what dress or venue etc. I wanted. Thankfully, my mother is a take–charge kind of person. She planned the whole traditional wedding by herself and was instrumental in the white wedding whilst having other significant family commitments to handle at the same time. And

What challenges did you encounter during the planning process? Ibrahim: I think that during the planning process, I personally underestimated the amount of time it would take to plan such a wedding, having a December wedding when the introduction (engagement) was only in September. So I think I put us under undue pressure with the time constraint and with the geographical locations being different. Nnei: He lived in Abuja, I lived in Lagos Ibrahim: The fact that it was a December wedding also added to the challenge because of what I have come to know as “wedding season” (chuckles) and all the other events that happen in Lagos and people generally travel for Christmas so you compete with that as well. Tailors under pressure, sourcing various things, our international guests coming etc Nnei: It made it a bit more difficult making decisions over the phone, whatsapp, skype. We were lucky to have our wedding committee who did majority of the ground work (Laughs). The wedding committee sounds so formal. Our immediate family was amazing, my mother in-law, godmother Siene Allwell –Brown and her sister Aunty Taba, cousins Adesuwa Ladoja and Esosa Mohammed and Aunty Rebecca. Ibrahim: Although I don’t think I’d have changed it but I don’t think we would‘ve liked to have it drawn out over six or more months. Would you say marriage has changed

Ibrahim: The wedding process was an education. It is very different as the protagonist rather than a mere spectator. For those of us who have spent so much time abroad, it was an eye opener in terms of the things that are good about Nigeria: our emphasis on family, our sense of culture and last but not the least, our ability to celebrate a momentous step in one’s life. the couple with the grooms men and bridal train

anything between you both? Nnei: We are even sillier with each other than we were before. (Laughs) Which I love… Ibrahim: One aspect I did not anticipate is the increase in the openness between us. I always thought that we were a very open couple, but having got married, it seems as if the openness has increased even more- it is a bit like looking at everything under a microscope. It has meant that our relationship has got even stronger. You start to realize that you are in this relationship for the long haul so you don’t sweat the small stuff. Also, your intentions change, your goals change- you now have shared goals and a shared vision. Our priorities are now totally shared ones whereas before, I had my priorities and Nnei had hers. Will you settle in Nigeria or do you plan on settling down finally abroad? Nnei: Well as we, and both our parents before us, spent time abroad schooling and traveling, we‘ve seen the benefits of having a world view. It’s always good to have global perspective and you can’t have that without the full spectrum. That being said, my husband carries the weight of that answer. Ibrahim: My view is that we will settle where best makes sense for the family. Nigeria is a place where there are fantastic opportunities for us and it is our intention to be based here. Most of our family and friends are here. But, never say never! If a compelling opportunity comes along outside our home country, it would be fool hardy not to consider it. Where is the honeymoon taking place and what influenced the location? Nnei: I didn’t know anything about it. My husband planned it as a surprise Ibrahim: It’s in several cities in Brazil and a weekend in Buenos Aires (Argentina). I chose a place that neither of us have been to, but admire the culture and has good weather. Nigeria has subtle links with the Portuguese and Brazil so it was bound to be an interesting one. What advice would you give a couple planning a wedding as big as yours? Nnei: Prepare yourself mentally, because planning a wedding can be very stressful. Praying together helps a lot. You cannot be upset and pray. Ibrahim: Be open to advice but consider it before taking it. I was blessed to have marriage counselling running parallel to wedding prep, one of our pastors and family friend Aunty Iyabo had just married off her daughter so, they were able to give us insight and encouragement. Nnei: It’s also best (easier) to work with people who are pros in their industry and diligent in their work. Aunty Funmi Ajila-Ladipo, did some of my outfits. I just dropped off the material and she designed the outfit, no fittings! Same for Mai Atafo, the morning of my wedding he took time out to make sure I was well put together (outfit wise). Chef Tolu Eros through his generosity ensured that our guests enjoyed cupcakes. The vendors you use can make the process an easy one or a hard one. Choose wisely. Ibrahim: Get yourself a good wedding planner! And don’t get married in December! (Laughs) January 17, 2016 /

REPORTAGE

Nnei & Ibrahim Clark

Ibrahim: My first was caring, then sharing and honour (as in respect)

Nnei: No that’s important, respect is very important, so our three are caring, sharing and honour.

-When love happens By Pamela Echemunor

/ January 17, 2016

Ibrahim: April 2014 and then the traditional and church weddings were in December 2015 Nnei: So, give or take, about a year and 8 months. What was the wedding process like for you?

How long did you date before tying the knot? Nnei: We started dating in April

Nnei: To be honest, I found it a bit difficult. I

INTERNATI

NEWS

NAL

By Pamela Echemunor

Celebrities stun on the red carpet at the Golden Globe Awards Celebrating the best in film and American television, the 73rd edition of the Golden Globe Awards brought out the brightest and best in the movie-making business on January 10, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California, United States of America. This year’s show was hosted by Ricky Gravis, who has hosted it four times consecutively. The films and television series that took away top honours of the night included ‘The Revenant’, ‘The Martian’, which featured Matt Damon, ‘Creed’ with Sylvester Stallone, ‘Empire’ and ‘Mad Men’ among others. Lady Gaga got a win for her role in ‘American Horror Story’ as Best Actress in a Miniseries. Here are some red carpet looks of the evening.

Julianne Moore in Tom Ford

Jennifer Lawrence in Christian Dior

Lady Gaga in Atelier Versace

Taraji P Henson in Stella McCartney

Katy Perry in Prada Emilia Clarke in caped Valentino

Natalie Dormer in J. Mendel

JAne Fonda in Yves Saint Laurent

Jennifer Lopez in Giambattista Valli Couture

Pop Culture Icon, David Bowie Dies of Cancer at 69 Musical pop icon, actor and songwriter, David Robert Jones better known as “David Bowie”, lost his eighteenmonth battle with liver cancer on 10th January, 2016, just two days after releasing his “Black Star” album. The award-winning musical artiste had a successful career spanning over six decades. David Bowie, who was born in Brixton, England, was known for his passionate interpretation of the arts; from his musical work to his theatrical interpretations as well as his physical appearance. Some of Bowie’s revolutionary hits included ‘Young David Bowie Americans’, ‘Heroes’ and ‘Station to Station’. His earlier musical influences included rock icon Elvis Presley and Mick Jagger. David Bowie was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1997 and recently, ardent Bowie lovers have been seen dropping flowers on his star. Celebrities, who recognize Bowie as their musical influence, like Madonna, Lady Gaga and other Hollywood celebrities have expressed their profound sadness at his passing. His friend and American record producer, Tony Visconti, wrote: “He always did what he wanted to do. And he wanted to do it his way and he wanted to do it the best way. His death was no different from his life – a work of Art. He made ‘Blackstar’ for us, his parting gift. I knew for a year this was the way it would be. I wasn’t, however, prepared for it. He was an extraordinary man, full of love and life. He will always be with us. For now, it is appropriate to cry”. Until his death, Bowie was married to Somali-American model, Iman, and they have a daughter together, Alexandria “Lexi” Zahra Jones.

/ January 17, 2016

lady gaga

Lady Gaga scares Leonardo Dicaprio at Golden Globes Apparently, Lady Gaga’s epic portrayal of ‘The Countess’ in ‘American Horror Story’ clearly scared actor Leonardo Dicaprio and he clearly expressed it as the actress and musician grazed his arm unconsciously without flinching as she made her way to the stage to receive her award.

BEFORE YOU SAY

“I Do” By - Pamela Echemunor

Every girl dreams of what her wedding and being married would feel like. In preparation for that day, one needs to make certain plans and arrangements. And, as the saying goes, ‘something borrowed, something new, something borrowed, something blue’. The saying is a mythical tradition that ensures a hitch-free union between bride and groom; once that is covered, real fun begins. Call this a bucket list if you will, here are some things a bride-to-be should take into consideration before taking that big step down the aisle. Get your finances in order There’s nothing worse than money issues in marriage and unless your husband-to-be has it covered, every woman should be able to hold her own. There are a lot of things to put in order before getting married, especially in the financial aspect. One needs to plan and invest to make the future smooth for the next generation to come; otherwise, it will create a big hole in the marriage. Invest in something small and grow from there. Also, one needs to learn to live within one’s means. Say bye to extravagant living.

Spend time with your parents and children Parents are the first taste we have of marriage when growing up because they teach us the need-to-know of marriage; raising children, resolving issues, etc. So spend some time with the folks, discussing life and other issues. Also, spend some time with children because, some day, you’ll have some of your own.

Learn to say “I’m sorry” The words, “I’m sorry”, have more effect than one may be aware of. My mother, God rest her soul, could shove off the most vile of offences just by hearing those words. A sincere apology can change a lot in a relationship. We all make mistakes but our ability to show remorse makes us good people and everything remains fine. And, because marriage isn’t 50/50 but 100/100, one needs to have a clean slate from the start; from the meeting stage until one is standing face to face with one’s soul mate ready to say, “I do”.

Learn to cook Most guys tend to complain that girls are too lazy when it comes to kitchen duties. The fact is, everyone should learn to cook for health reasons. Eating out isn’t the ideal. The most ideal lifestyle and health wise, is to cook your own food. So grab a cook book. Read foodie page in Allure or go online and source quick and easy to cook recipes, because you don’t want your significant other chasing another woman’s pot, literally.

Stay single for, at least, a bit Getting married is a big commitment, A large number of people don’t understand the concept of marriage and that leads to failed marriages. During an interview, actress Elvina Ibru made a statement that stuck: “Marriage isn’t for everybody. If you find your soul mate and it works, making it official, sometimes, doesn’t help the relationship. It might destroy something really good.” She isn’t saying that marriage is bad; all she is saying here is that one has to be really prepared for it. So, if you have lived with your spouse for up to a year, this means you know enough. The next thing is to take a test-run, stay single for a while. During this time, purge out every ex and distraction; this allows for some room to let the relationship really blossom. As they say, distance makes the heart grow fonder.

Fall in love with yourself - Take a spa day Falling in love with oneself is the first rule to follow when looking for real love. If you can’t fall in love with yourself, how will someone else feel anything for you? Take a spa day, pamper yourself and make sure that after this, you always love yourself because marriage could be psychologically scary, sometimes.

January 17, 2016 /

B EAU T Y

1 Begin With The Skin

“We do a skin consultation before the event, just so that we do not get any surprises on the wedding day. The bride and her make-up artist should be in tune. “I give products to correct any skin problems before the big day so there won’t be any form of blemish on the skin,” says Banke Meshida-Lawal of BM PRO.

Wedding Beauty By - Yemisi Suleiman

You have everything sorted out for your wedding. Now, it’s time to think about wedding beauty. We have put together these basic bridal make-up tips, with a little help from an expert, to make sure that you look flawless on your big day. So, get gorgeous for your wedding with these make-up tips by our celebrity make-up guru, Banke MeshidaLawal, Head Make-up Artist, BM PRO Studios. 12

/ January 17, 2016

Book A Make-Up Trial Session

Treat Excess Hair Growth

Ensure Your Make-Up Stays Fresh All Day

“We suggest bridal looks to the bride from our archives and as well do a full face make-up trial,” says Banke. “This helps the bride to analyze the make-up and correct anything she does not like. Again, I am also able to familiarize myself with her features and character before the big day.”

“We also treat moles and excess hair growth, sunburn, hyper-pigmentation at the BM PRO SPA. “The groom is not left out. Ingrown hairs, dryskin, menipedis (manicures and pedicures) to help correct any concerns - all professionally done in a relaxed/almost medical environment.”

“Basically, we use everything BM PRO. We have researched and created the best performance products at BM PRO. “Our make-up line has the best primers for humid weather, colour correcting powders, foundations and lipsticks that won’t smear or smudge or crack easily to help the bride look and stay fresh all day.”

5 Get The Bridal Glow, Not Shine

Banke believes that every bride also needs make-up that photographs very well. “Shine should be kept at bay; the bride needs well moisturized skin that won’t turn grey or start to flake,” You need eye-liners that don’t run or irritate the eyes. For teary eyes, waterproof mascara and waterproof eyeliners are the way to go. “Our make-up stays on and we are famed for creating make-up that can be worn for 48 hours and more and will still not irritate the skin,”

6 Everything In Moderation

Everything should be in moderation, “yet, the bride must still look stunningly beautiful to captivate and create lasting, beautiful memories on her wedding day”.

FEATU RES

FLORAL BASKET Floral baskets are flower arrangements usually done in a basket, sometimes they may consist of flower petals given to a flower girl or little bride to throw during the wedding. Floral baskets vary based on the depths of the basket the flowers are placed in. The floral basket can also be used as a gift on special occasions such as mother’s day, Christmas, Easter etc. Depending on the taste of the recipient, this floral arrangement varies. On the wedding day, the best floral basket arrangement used for centre pieces include roses and tulips.

ISLE FLOWERS Flowers make for great interior design, attaching an arrangement of Marguerite wild flowers to chairs on the isle, will bring out that summer bloom in your wedding day.

Floral Arrangements for A Tasteful Wedding By - Pamela Echemunor FLORAL BOUQUETS Floral bouquets are the small arranged flowers carried by the bride and her train. They are simple and easier to assemble than a formal flower arrangement. Bouquets made of roses are the most popular, while some other designs come with gerbera daisies, carnations and chrysanthemums.

ARCH FLOWER The arch is one of the most significant decorations at a wedding; it is also one of the biggest. Some archs are built mainly with wood and decorated with a small amount of flowers, while some are made mostly of flowers which might include clusters of succulent peonies, protea, rice, and blush Grevillea flowers.

Flowers are one of nature’s most precious gifts to us. They illuminate their surroundings and bring joy to whomever comes in contact with them. Various flowers have specific significant meanings. For instance, the white rose also known as the bridal rose, is a traditional wedding flower which signifies Purity, Innocence and Spirituality. The red rose represents true love. Mastering the art of floral arrangements goes a long way, and when it comes to floral arrangements for a wedding, that is another world entirely. Here are a few tasteful floral arrangements to choose from.

BOUTONNIERES Boutonnieres don’t always qualify for floral arrangement because most of them are single blossoms. But for a boutonniere with more than one, a three boutonniere floral design is always catchy.

January 17, 2016 /

FEATURE

FOOD E

luxury

wines spirits With Pamela Echemunor

SIGNATURE COCKTAILS FOR CLASSY WEDDINGS When it comes to choosing drinks for weddings, cocktails stand out and are the safest bet. Especially because one has control of the amount of alcohol going to be used to make the drinks. There are various kinds of cocktail drinks but the most popular categories, are alcoholic and non alcoholic. Cocktails are tasty, classy and affordable, and although they are mostly of Caribbean origins, they fit into any event. Here are a few delightful signature cocktail drinks that will make your wedding surpass the rest.

Sour Cherry Old-Fashioned

Lavender Champagne A chilled glass of champagne garnished with a pedicel of lavender flower. Each sip of this aromatic drink will make you drift beyond the borders of South France.

Red Apple Sangria The word Sangria is of Spanish origin, and gets its name from the word sangre meaning “blood”. The wedding Sangria is slightly less gothic, but just as delicious as the original.

Pomegranate Caipiroska In a class above others, this cocktail exudes flamboyance with a sprinkle of juicy seeds from the pomegranate fruit which adds bright flavour to vodka, lime, seltzer, and sugar.

Pear Melba Martini With a blend of fresh autumn pears, raspberries and a splash of Vodka, this carroty hued drink, inspired by a classic dessert, makes a great addition to your cocktail menu.

/ January 17, 2016

This will give one the Bond essence as it surpasses its happy hour counterparts the Cosmo, Sidcar and iced gin.

Grapefruit and Mint Mojito The refreshing flavours of Mint Mojito topped with a dash of grapefruit to the mix for a truly sweet and sour delightfulness.

Rasmopolitan Say hello to the Rasmopolitan, a fruity cocktail with the traditional flavours of a cosmopolitan. This bright reddish pink cocktail with a modern twist will have guests asking for more.

Starlight Royale A Pretty soft pink cocktail made with a combination of gin, lime juice, and Champagne incited with a splash of grenadine for a feisty pink glow.

By Pamela Echemunor

Luxurious Wedding Cake Frostings

One of the things people look forward to when attending weddings is to see and taste the cake. Most times, the taste of the cake and fondant might not measure up to its outward appearance and some frostings are better suited for the occasion than others. Here are a few scrumptious recipes that we love. BUTTER CREAM FROSTING Ingredients • 1 1/3 cups of unsalted butter • 1/3 cup water • 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of icing sugar • 1 tablespoon of corn syrup or 1/8 teaspoon of cream of tartar • 3 egg whites • 2 tablespoon of icing sugar • 1 teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract to taste • Optional: pinch of salt Method: Soften butter in a mixer until smooth, mix water and sugar in a pot and bring to boil for about 8 minutes, from time to time, use a pastry brush to remove the sugar from the edges of the pot to avoid it forming crystals. While the sugar syrup is boiling, beat egg whites until frothy. Gradually add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the egg whites and beat fast until mixed properly. Pour in the hot syrup and mix until it will be the consistency of marshmallow. Allow to cool and then add butter, corn syrup and vanilla or almond extract to taste. It will seem to not mix very well at first but it will come together and be very smooth and creamy in the end. Store in the fridge well covered or use immediately when cool. FONDANT Ingredients • 7 cups of icing sugar sifted • 1 1/2 tbs glycerine • 1/2 cup glucose syrup • 1 tbs gelatine powder • 1/4 cup cold water • 1 tsp vanilla essence Method: Place the sifted icing sugar into a large non-metal bowl and then make a hole in the centre. Place a small saucepan on the burner at medium heat, add water and gelatin, (do not let it boil). Remove saucepan from the heat and add the glycerine and glucose syrup. Stir until combined well, then add vanilla essence. Pour the mixture into the hole in the icing sugar and mix until all of the icing sugar is combined with the concoction. Knead the icing until it is well combined and smooth.

Email: pamela.echemunor@gmail.com, Instagram: @nanya2207, Twitter @nanya2207.

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January 17, 2016 /