After searching for "truly South African" favours on google, I came across The Heartfelt Project and my face lit up after browsing their website with their incredible handmade items. I read the The Story of how heartfelt was started, and I couldn't help but have such respect for Martha Letsoalo who found hope when it seemed all was lost.

With 19 dedicated women, The Heartfelt Project has a long term goal that includes helpin thoushands of women by providing job opportunities and creating a unique brand which is instantly recognised throughout the country. There is no doubt in my mind that these women will make it happen, and I hope that all South Africans can support their worthy cause, even if it's simply by telling others about them.

This is the reason I got all excited:

Their range includes (but not limited to) beautiful fridge magnets and brooches,

Keyrings and bookmarks

They also have an entire range dedicated to our furry friends and animals, (which also includes the big 5)

They have a beautiful wedding favour range which also includes felt bouquets and bouttonniers, all of which can be viewed here

To all the ladies at The Heartfelt Project, Martha Letsoalo, Julie Hadley, Charlene Mphuloane, Grace Letswalo, Cecilia Mafunisa, Johanna Mmatsatsi, Lena Majatladi, Katlego Nkuna, Mina Maluleka, Francie Finn, Samantha Yeowart, Olga Tlhokamoni, Bogadi Katoane, Mananki Ringane, Mpho Molefe, Sinah Ringane, Rosemary Sehoole, Magdeline Dithole, and last but not least Lesego Maluleka, keep up the good work girls, you are a true insiration to all South Africans.  

To get in touch with the ladies at Heartfelt contact Charlene on charlene@theheartfeltproject.com or phone her on +27 0823482988

Breakfast weddings have become increasingly popular as many couples are scaling down their wedding expenses and the number of guests they invite. Two of my brides this year have opted to go this route and to me, it makes so much sense.

There are so many fabulous ideas that can be incorporated in to a breakfast wedding reception, making it a fun option for couples to go this route.

We’ve put together some nifty ideas to get your creative juices flowing, and for brides that love DIY, this type of reception really does lend itself to you getting creative and getting involved!

FOOD IDEAS

The cost of feeding 100 wedding guests is exorbitant these days, and contributes largely to couples choosing a breakfast brunch wedding. Save costs by create a food buffet where guests can get up and help themselves. Supply a good variety of dishes, each accompanied by a little card indicating what the dish is and what’s in it. - This will also make it easier to feed guests with special dietary requirements.

Also create a yoghurt station where plain or vanilla flavoured yoghurt can be served in elegant champagne glasses. Supply additional glasses with toppings that your guests can choose to put over the yoghurt. Toppings such as fruit, muesli and chocolate chips are popular choices.

Muffins, scones, crepes and even pan omelettes can be served as well.

DRINK IDEAS

Apart from serving the obvious tea, coffee and juice, create another “drinks” station. Here you can serve alcoholic as well as non-alcoholic drinks, and include smoothies and ice drinks too. Serve them in traditional champagne glasses or use lovely console jars with straws matching your décor.

DECOR IDEAS

Being a morning affair, no candlelight, fairylights or additional lighting would be needed (unless you really insist on it). If you wanted to use candles, you can always opt to use coffee scented candles as this will definitely set the mood.

Hang different sized lanterns adorned with flowers and paper lanterns around the garden. Create different stations with beautiful fabric clothes, and incorporate fruit in your table settings.

FAVOUR IDEAS

Although many couples choose to forego the tradition of giving favours to guests, there are really some inexpensive and fun ideas. Why not bake homemade bread and send your guests home with a few slices covered with natural paper and tied with a string in a little basket. Add a jar of homemade jam to complete the package.

Other ideas include homemade granola, cookies or rusks.

My absolute favourite idea is to make layers of yoghurt, muesli, fruits and nuts in a console jar. Decorate the lid and add a tag. It’s just gorgeous!

Michelle Mospens from www.mypersonalartist.com is a wedding colour extraordinaire and fine artist with over 12 years experience in creating unusual handcrafted invitations. Every year she takes on the daunting task of creating new wedding colour combinations and compiling them for brides all over the world to draw inspiration from.

This year is no different, with over 18 combinations to look forward to, we’re going to showcase these colour combo’s and inspire you to use them by with exciting colour mood boards and creative ideas for execution. So come back regularly to see which colour combinations are being showcased.

To view more of Michelle’s inspiration work, visit her blog (http://www.mypersonalartist.com/blog/)