There’s nothing we love more than a fairytale proposal, and is there anything more romantic than running 90 kilometres to show just how much you want to be with “your person?”
While most people head to the Comrades to stretch their legs and show off the hard work they’ve put in over the last few months, Joseph Kagiso Ndlovu used the opportunity to propose to the lady in his life.
The 90km ultramarathon is a beast that attracts runners from all over the world with athletes using the event to raise funds for charity.
However, Joseph had something different in mind as he ran the entire 90km with a scroll of paper rolled up in his pocket with only one thing on his mind: to go down on his knee and ask the woman he loves to marry him.
Joseph made it to the finish line and finished the event at 8:40:05. Even more spectacular is the fact that he asked the love of his life to marry him on national TV – now, wouldn’t that make anyone blush?
So, who is the lucky lady? Prudence Phalatse-Mampe said “yes” with countless South African companies looking to aid the couple on their journey to saying “I do.”
A big congratulations to the newly engaged couple!
Feature image: Unsplash
More and more bridal couples are looking to cut their spending. Whether it’s purchasing affordable wedding dresses on SHEIN or throwing an intimate ceremony for friends and family,…
If you’re looking for a dreamy honeymoon destination, try taking a peek in your own backyard.
The glittering sands of the South of France, or the azure-blue waters of Mexico may hold a certain kind of magic for newlyweds, but the continent of Africa offers its own bit of adventurous magic just waiting to be explored.
Here are five unbelievable honeymoon destinations, right here in Africa, that will leave you mesmerised by the abundance of natural beauty:
Morocco
Relax on the white sandy beaches of Casablanca or meander through the bustling streets of Marrakech, the North African country of Morocco is bursting with incredible destinations to suit every honeymooner’s palette.
Kenya
Adventure awaits when choosing Kenya as your honeymoon destination. This African country has a little something for everyone, including the skyscrapers of Nairobi, the famous Masai Mara for a safari, and the dazzling beach of Mombasa. What’s better than enjoying a safari in the AM and a swim in the ocean in the PM.
Tanzania
Tanzania is another versatile honeymoon destination that newlyweds can’t seem to get enough of. Get your hearts pumping with a hike to the edge of the vast Ngorongoro Crater or explore the historic Stone Town.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe often gets a bad rep, but there’s endless beauty to be explored when visiting our neighbour. It’s considered a wildly romantic wilderness adventure for all, with bungee jumping at Victoria Falls, discovering the Big 5 at one of its many game reserves, and cruising the Zambezi River – magical!
Mauritius
You can’t really spell tropical island without honeymoon… well, you can, but the two go together like peanut butter and jam. Mauritius is a favourite for bridal couples looking to soak up the sun, spend the day snorkelling in warm waters, explore the island’s rugged terrain, and enjoy its unique culture. Make sure you take a peek at the 33-metre Mangal Mahadev statue on the island!
Feature Image: The Blonde Abroad
Having your ring engraved is an excellent way to personalise your engagement ring. It allows couples to write sweet messages of devotion to one another, and keep it…
Choosing the right wedding favours is more than just a token of appreciation, it’s a way to extend your love, personality, and gratitude to your guests. Here are some thoughtful, on‑trend wedding favour ideas for 2025 that balance style, practicality, and sentiment.
1. Mini Succulents & Live Plants
Giving guests a living favour, like tiny succulents or herb pots is both eco-friendly and meaningful. These mini plants symbolize growth and lasting love, and guests can take them home and continue nurturing them.
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Why it works: It’s sustainable, decorative, and long-lasting.
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Tip: Use small terracotta pots, concrete planters, or even custom-printed tags.
2. Local Honey Jars
Mini jars of honey, especially local varieties are a sweet and rustic favour that many couples love.
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Why it works: Edible, thoughtful, and represents “sweetness” in your union.
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Personalization: Add custom labels with your names, wedding date, or a fun message like “Meant to Bee.”
3. Infused Olive Oil
Infused olive oil (think rosemary, garlic, chili) makes a sophisticated and practical gift.
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Why it works: Culinary lovers will appreciate it; it’s useful and elegant.
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Presentation: Use mini glass bottles, and label them with flavor notes plus a “Drizzle with love” tagline.
4. Mini Recovery / “Morning-After” Kits
These kits are a playful yet practical favour, especially for weddings that end late or are very lively. Fill them with items like electrolyte sachets, mints, pain reliever, and maybe a sleep mask or sunglasses.
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Why it works: It shows you care about your guests even after the party ends.
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Design idea: Use small pouches or kraft bags, and attach a fun tag like “Dance now, recover later.”
5. Handmade Soaps & Scented Candles
Artisanal soap bars or scented candles are classic and elegant gifts that guests can actually use.
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Why it works: They’re luxurious, personal, and can be customized to your wedding scent or color palette.
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Custom touch: Personalize the labels with your wedding date or a message like “May this light your way.”
6. Seed Packets / Botanical Favours
Packets of flower, herb, or wildflower seeds are a beautiful way to symbolize growth and hope.
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Why it works: Guests can plant them later, creating a lasting memory from your day.
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How to make it special: Include planting instructions or a note that says, “Watch our love grow.”
7. Personalized Keepsakes & Trinkets
Tiny keepsakes, like custom keychains, bottle stoppers, bookmarks, or magnets are practical and memorable.
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Why it works: These items are useful in everyday life, so guests are more likely to keep them.
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Ideas: Engrave initials, wedding date, or a small symbol that’s meaningful to you.
8. Miniature Alcohol Bottles or Drinkables
Small bottles of wine, champagne, or a custom cocktail make for charming and celebratory favours.
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Why it works: It’s a festive touch, especially for a destination wedding or a couple that loves wine.
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Tip: Add a custom tag or label with a pun or thank-you message.
9. Tea Bags or Loose Leaf Tea
Tea is a comforting, versatile gift. Consider packaging tea leaves in vials or test tubes, or giving tea bags with a decorative tag.
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Why it works: Guests can enjoy a relaxing brew at home and remember your day.
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Twist: Pair with a heart-shaped tea infuser or a personalized spoon.
10. Personalized Bookmarks or Luggage Tags
These are particularly great if your wedding has a travel or literary theme.
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Why it works: Useful, light to transport, and easy to personalize.
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Design idea: Have your names, date, or even a short quote printed or engraved.
Pro Tips for Choosing & Presenting Wedding Favours
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Match to your theme: Let your favours reflect your wedding style, rustic, modern, botanical, cultural, etc.
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Keep it functional: Guests appreciate items they can actually use, not just pretty decorations.
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Add a personal touch: A tag, note, or custom label makes even simple favours feel intentional.
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Mind your budget: Focus on what matters. Some practical items (like seeds or tea) can be budget-friendly and very meaningful.
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Eco-conscious choices: Opt for reusable, plantable, or consumable favours to reduce waste and make a positive environmental statement.
Examples of Popular Favour Products
Here are a few actual products to inspire or use for your wedding favours:
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Shiny Sphere Lip Balm: A cute, practical favour in a rose-gold sphere, perfect for a pastel or glam wedding.
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Wedding Wish Message‑in‑a‑Bottle: Tiny glass bottles with a note or charm make sweet keepsakes.
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Wedding Favour Petit Fours: Edible, elegant, and perfect for guests with a sweet tooth.
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Bulk “Cheers to Love” Shot Glass Favors: Fun, reusable shot glasses for a lively celebration.
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Boho Macrame Keychain Set: Practical keepsake-style favour with boho charm.
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Custom Tea Bags (Handmade): Personalize the tea flavour and packaging to your wedding style.
Wedding favours don’t have to be afterthoughts, they can be beautiful, meaningful, and genuinely appreciated by your guests. Whether you go eco-friendly with succulents, share the sweetness of local honey, or offer practical keepsakes, your choices can reflect your story and style. Choose favour ideas that feel authentic to you, and add a personal touch that makes your guests feel truly thanked.
Featured Image: Canva
Your Perfect Wedding Soundtrack: Curated Playlists for Every Moment Music is the heartbeat of a wedding. It underscores the emotion, uplifts the spirits, and creates memories that linger…
South Africa is a land of breathtaking beauty and diversity, making it a truly magical place to say “I do.” Whether you’re dreaming of a vineyard sunset, a forest ceremony, an elegant ballroom, or a wild safari, South Africa has a wedding venue to match your vision. Here are some of the most enchanting wedding venues around the country, each offering its own unique charm and character.
Vineyard Romance in the Cape Winelands
The Cape Winelands is synonymous with romance, and its wine estates are among the most sought-after wedding venues in South Africa.
Boschendal Estate
Steeped in history, Boschendal combines pastoral elegance with grand architecture. Their event spaces allow for both intimate gatherings and large celebrations, while guests can stay in on-site cottages surrounded by mountain views.
Webersburg Wine Estate
With its restored Cape Dutch homestead, rolling lawns, vineyards, and a peaceful dam, Webersburg provides a classic Winelands backdrop for your ceremony.
Klein Welmoed Estate
A more intimate option, Klein Welmoed offers a beautifully restored “barn” space in landscaped gardens, framed by the Helderberg Mountains and olive groves.
Johannesdal 1207
For a modern yet serene venue, Johannesdal 1207 blends architectural finesse with sweeping mountain vistas, ideal for a refined, design-forward celebration.
Domaine Brahms (Paarl)
A fairy-tale venue in Paarl with charming gardens and elegant spaces, perfect for couples wanting a quintessential country-chic celebration.
Luxurious Cape Town Settings
If you’d like a wedding close to or within Cape Town, the city and its outskirts offer an array of glamorous venues.
Babylonstoren
A working wine farm that feels like stepping into a garden dream, with its beautifully designed gardens, historic Cape Dutch architecture, and farm-to-table dining.
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
Tintswalo Atlantic
Laurent at Lourensford Wine Estate
This glass and marble venue set at the foot of the Helderberg Mountains offers a modern, sophisticated setting with a panoramic natural backdrop.
Bosjes Chapel
For couples drawn to bold architecture, Bosjes offers a glass-and-steel chapel framed by vineyards and mountains, a ceremony space that feels like a work of art.
Charming City & Heritage Venues
Urban settings and heritage buildings bring elegance and character for couples who want city sophistication.
Morrells Boutique Estate (Johannesburg)
With manicured gardens and French Provencal-inspired architecture, this estate is a romantic gem in Johannesburg.
Shepstone Gardens (Johannesburg)
Villa d’Este (Johannesburg)
A heritage villa styled like an Italian villa, complete with formal gardens, statues, and fountains. Its old-world charm makes it a luxurious choice for a city wedding.
Safari & Wild Settings
If your heart is set on adventure and nature, Africa’s wilderness offers breathtaking wedding backdrops.
Private Game Lodges
Many luxury safari lodges across South Africa (especially in the Kruger or private reserves) provide all-inclusive wedding packages, combining the beauty of the bush with high-end comforts.
While not always publicly advertised, safari weddings can create deeply personal, memorable experiences under the African sky, exchanging vows surrounded by wildlife and natural landscapes.
Garden & Public Spaces
Arderne Gardens, Cape Town
For couples who want a lush, botanical setting without the farm or estate feel, Arderne Gardens in Claremont is a hidden gem. Its giant Norfolk Pine, koi ponds, and expansive lawns make for serene photo moments.
Why South Africa Is a Dream Wedding Destination
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Stunning Variety: From vineyards and mountains to ocean cliffs and safari plains, South Africa offers an extraordinary range of landscapes in one country.
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World-Class Hospitality: Whether you’re in a boutique wine estate or a luxury lodge, service tends to be top-notch , deeply personal and warm.
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Accessibility: Major wedding hubs like Cape Town and Johannesburg have international airports, making it easy for destination guests to attend.
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Value for Luxury: Compared to some global wedding destinations, South Africa can offer more affordable luxury, especially at boutique estates and lodges.
Tips for Choosing the Right Venue
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Visit In Person: Nothing replaces seeing the venue yourself (or via virtual tours) — this way you can feel the space, light, and layout.
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Book Early: Popular wine estates and safari lodges can be booked more than a year in advance, especially for peak wedding seasons.
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Consider Guest Accommodation: Venues like Boschendal or Tintswalo Atlantic offer on-site stays, which is great for destination weddings.
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Work With a Planner: Especially for remote or high-end venues, a local wedding planner can make all the difference in navigating logistics.
With such a wealth of breathtaking venues, planning your South African wedding can feel like curating your own love story across landscapes. Whether you envision rustic elegance, modern luxury, or wild romance, there’s a venue in this beautiful country that’s sure to match your dream.
Featured Image: Discover Paarl
Why Couples Choose To Say “I Still Do” Marriage isn’t a straight line—it’s a winding journey filled with highs, lows, and countless “we’ll figure it out” moments. Over…
Renewing your wedding vows is one of the most heartfelt ways to celebrate love — whether you’ve been married for one year or fifty. It’s not about redoing your wedding day; it’s about reflecting on how far you’ve come, the life you’ve built, and the promises that still hold you together.
In South Africa, more couples are embracing vow renewals as a way to reconnect after challenges, mark milestone anniversaries, or simply reaffirm the commitment that first brought them together. Whether it’s an intimate sunset ceremony on Clifton Beach or a family gathering in your backyard, it’s your love story — rewritten in your own way.
Why Couples Choose to Renew Their Vows
Every couple’s reason for renewing their vows is different — and that’s the beauty of it. Some do it to mark a milestone, like a 10th or 25th anniversary. Others plan a second celebration after years of marriage because their first wedding was small, rushed, or financially constrained.
For some, it’s deeply emotional — a way to celebrate overcoming illness, personal loss, or infidelity. For others, it’s romantic — a chance to reignite the spark and say “I still choose you” in front of loved ones. There have even been touching moments where couples renew vows in hospital rooms or retirement homes, surrounded by family and memories.
Many couples have shared that the experience brought a sense of closure, gratitude, and excitement for the next chapter. It’s not about perfection this time — it’s about authenticity.
When Is the Best Time to Renew Your Vows?
There’s no official rule. Some couples prefer milestone anniversaries, while others do it whenever they feel the moment is right. The right time might come after overcoming a shared struggle, reaching a family milestone, or simply wanting to celebrate the calm after life’s storms.
What matters most is that it feels genuine. If you’re both in a place of reflection and gratitude, that’s your cue.
Do You Need a License or Officiant?
Unlike your wedding day, a vow renewal isn’t a legal ceremony. You don’t need a marriage license, witnesses, or even an officiant. That means total freedom — no red tape, just heart.
You can hold your ceremony anywhere: in a chapel, at a beach picnic, or even in your own living room. A friend, family member, or even one of your children can lead the renewal. Some couples create a “vow renewal certificate” as a keepsake, just for fun.
It’s a celebration, not a legal procedure — and that’s what makes it beautifully personal.
How to Plan a Meaningful Vow Renewal
The best part of planning a vow renewal is that it’s entirely on your terms. Here’s how to make it memorable:
1.Decide on the Type of Celebration
Think about what feels right — a small, candlelit ceremony or a full-on destination celebration. Some couples prefer quiet garden ceremonies, while others throw elegant soirées at local venues or wine estates.
2.Create Your Guest List
It could just be the two of you, or a full family affair with children, grandchildren, and close friends. Keep in mind: gifts aren’t expected, but you can exchange new or upgraded rings as symbols of continued love.
3.Choose Your Date and Location
Pick a spot that means something to you — maybe where you first met, your honeymoon destination, or a scenic escape you’ve always dreamed of visiting together. Once you have your date, send out simple but thoughtful invitations that reflect the tone of your event.
4.Capture the Moment
Even if it’s just a small gathering, consider hiring a photographer. You’ll want to look back on these photos as a visual story of your shared journey.
5.Dress for the Moment
Forget the rules. You don’t need a gown or tux — unless you want to. Many couples opt for elegant yet relaxed outfits that match the mood of their renewal. Think linen suits, silk dresses, or coordinating colours that photograph beautifully.
Writing Your Renewal Vows
This is where emotion takes centre stage. Unlike your original wedding vows, these should reflect the years of experience, lessons, and laughter you’ve shared. Speak from the heart — acknowledge how you’ve grown and what you still promise for the future.
Some couples revisit their original vows and update them, while others write something completely new. Keep it honest and personal — your story is what makes it special.
Example inspiration:
“I still choose you — through every laugh, every challenge, and every dream we’ve chased together. You are my home, my heart, and my favourite adventure.”
Making It Your Own
Whether you celebrate privately or throw a full-blown family affair, your vow renewal should feel like an authentic reflection of your journey. Add a soundtrack that tells your story, serve your favourite food, or recreate a special photo from your wedding day.
As one couple shared online after their 20-year renewal: “We didn’t just say ‘I do’ again — we said ‘we still do.’ And that’s what made it magic.”
In the end, a vow renewal isn’t about the dress, the décor, or the number of guests — it’s about the two people who kept showing up for each other, every single day.
Because real love isn’t found in the first ‘I do.’ It’s in all the ones that come after.
Featured Image Source: Pinterest