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    Binnelanders actor and Survivor SA winner of 2011, Hykie Berg has said ‘I do’ just before lockdown descended upon the nation.

    His now wife Gerridene, a lawyer, was radiant and the epitome of joy on their big day. The pair tied the knot on the Serengeti golf estate in Kempton Park.

    Hykie lovingly teases that he really does deserve to marry her by now, since he has proposed to her seven times! Every time, Gerridene found a reason to say no, including that he hasn’t asked her parents yet, he hadn’t bought a ring yet or the time simply wasn’t right. Hykie was adamant, however, and kept asking. In June of 2019, after being together for 10 months, she finally said yes!

    Gerridene wore a romantic beaded white dress with a train and thin shoulder straps.

    Take a look at the special day:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-MCP-ylUrR/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-Wnfoml-H4/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-KDVzzl30q/

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    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-B6NSoF_dK/?utm_source=ig_embed

    Image: Armadillo Media

    Julia Luckett and Nick Pierce wanted their best friend to be part of their special day. Zhivago (their dog) has been part of their little family for three years, and they weren’t about to get married without him.

    So they made him the photographer! “We knew we wanted to incorporate him into the wedding somehow, but he’s definitely a very adventurous and spirited dog,” Luckett told Insider.  “It just seemed like an amazing idea that’s really quirky.” They tied a GoPro to his collar, so all Zhivago had to do was be around them.

    “For the whole portion that has cocktail hour, he’s just running from person to person and getting snacks and treats from everyone,” Luckett added. “There’s 10 minutes of footage where he’s just hanging out with one person who’s feeding him cheese off of the appetizer table.”

    Watch the special event here:

    What a clever idea, especially if you’re getting married at home during lockdown and can’t get a photographer.

    Image: Jacquelyn Potter

     

    While we’re under lockdown, we’ve got nothing but time. So, if your wedding is coming up and you are (or want to be) a creative soul, why not make your own wedding jewellery? Depending on your style, you can make almost anything under the sun. It will be a special keepsake you can even pass on to future generations.

    Granted, traditional jewellery might be a little harder and need more time, but the challenge will make it that much more rewarding. Other styles like boho does not need as much detail, and can work out cheaper as you do not necessarily need jewels like diamonds or other precious stones.

    Here’s how to get crafty:

    1. The first thing you will  need is to gather ideas and decide what you want to wear. Earrings are simpler to make, but a necklace or arm band are just as doable. Head over to Pinterest for some ideas and settle on one. Remember that yours will not look exactly the same, but that’s the idea! We love these pieces:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-X2eTwHpDl/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-WsyweAwlz/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-Y0DAPHEAD/

    2. Get what you need. This step is a bit tricky seeing as arts and crafts stores will be closed, but some online delivery services might still deliver. You may even already have beads and jewels at home if you’ve done it before, or know someone who does. If not, make a list of what you need so you can go buy it as soon as it is safe to do so.

    Some basics you will need (but might vary depending on what you make) are pliers, soft gold or silver wire or chain, clasps or fastening rings and of course, the beads, jewels, stones or whatever your piece will consist of.

    3. Watch a tutorial (or three). If you’re new to this, better get some expert advice. There are loads of online videos with advice and instructions ranging for all levels of skill. Check out these ones we love:

    Image:  Pixabay

     

    We know, we know. It’s not exactly what you had in mind. But hey, sometimes doing things a little different can be tons of fun! So, if you were planning to host your own or someone else’s bachelorette party soon and you don’t feel like postponing, don’t worry. You can easily move it online. Here’s how:

    Choose your platform

    If you’re tech-savvy, you will be spoiled for choice. There are loads of different group communication platforms, including Skype, WhatsApp video call, Zoom, Google Hangouts and more. Choose the one you and your mates are most comfortable with and go for it.

    Invite everyone and make sure they can access it

    Of course, you and everyone attending will need reliable and strong internet access. It might be smart to do a test run a few days before to make sure everyone can access it and that it will work well. If not, you might consider trying a different platform. Then, the fun part starts. Make some awesome e-vites and get everyone to pin down the date (they’ve got no excuse not to be there!).

    Go all out with the dress code

    The most important part of the event is (arguably) the theme. If you have a theme or a dress-code, don’t leave it behind! You will still be able to see each other, and you will feel all the vibes if you dress the part.

    Have plenty of games on hand

    No bachelorette is complete without a bunch of games. Granted, this might not be the wild night out you planned, but it doesn’t have to be any less fun. Games like Heads Up, charades and Never have I ever will have you crying with laughter!

    Don’t forget the drinks

    This is can be combined with the games for best results. You can even all make cocktails together during the party (assuming you have all the ingredients already, since no alcohol will be for sale during lockdown). If not, get that steaming cup of coffee or heavenly tea ready!

    Image: Pixabay

     

    Desperate times call for desperate measures. As the COVID-19 outbreak is wreaking havoc worldwide, even the rich and famous are not above the pandemic and some couples with upcoming weddings had to move out their dates.

    Emma Stone and Dave McCary

    Oscar-winning actress Emma Stone and partner Dave McCary, who were supposed to tie the knot this past weekend, have postponed their wedding. They have not announced a new date yet, according to Fox News.

    Also read: Emma Stone and Dave McCary’s sweet proposal story

    Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom

    Power couple Katy Perry and  Orlando Bloom, who are expecting their first child together, were also planning on getting hitched soon. The pair has now postponed their Japan wedding until it would be safe to reschedule, according to Metro UK. 

    Also read: Katy Perry shares never-before-seen engagement photos

    Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi

    Finally, in what seems like a wedding overshadowed by bad luck, Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi’s royal nuptials at Buckingham Palace have been called off,a ccoridng to Sky News. The wedding reception was supposed to take place on 29 May in the Buckingham Palace Gardens. A  Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said to Sky News that Beatrice and her fiancé are thinking about a private marriage. The pair are taking government advice into consideration before making a decision.

    Somizi Mhlongo and Mohale Motaung

    Our very own Somizi Mhlongo and Mohale Motaung had to postpone their third wedding which was meant to take place in Italy this year.

    On Instagram, the Idols judge wrote, “We have decided to cancel our wedding in Italy due to the Corona virus epidemic……. however we gonna look for another destination but the dress code will include @louisvuitton masks……just like the red bottoms were compulsory at our white wedding so is the LV mask”.

    Taraji P Henson and Kelvin Hayden 

    Award-winning actress Taraji P Henson and her fiancé, former NFL player, Kelvin Hayden postponed their April 4 nuptials on account of the social distancing encouraged by the World Health Organisation. The wedding will now take place in July this year.

    “It’s probably going to be more like July. We have to see what this will be like at the other end,” said Henson to Access Hollywood.

    Image: Twitter/WooPink

    The day you get married is one of the biggest events of your life. A lot of planning goes into your big day, and you might start to feel a little overwhelmed in the days leading up to your wedding. It’s important to give yourself time to wrap your head around all the changes being married will bring to your life, as well as prepare for the practical things that need to happen on the day.

    It might be a smart move to actively take steps to mentally prepare yourself for your wedding to make sure you are the calm, radiant bride you want to be on your dream day. Here are five ways to get yourself in the right frame of mind:

    Expect to feel emotional

    Unless you are the Ice Princess, you will experience strong emotions. You are taking a huge step! If you know to expect it, you will feel more in control. Remind yourself why you are doing this, how much you love your partner and how excited you are to get married. Other factors might come into play, like close family that can’t be there, which can also turn on the waterworks. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Emotions are healthy and as long as you know it’s normal, you can instead choose to be grateful for the joy and happiness coming your way.

    Things will go wrong

    Without trying to sound like doomsday prophets, we can almost certainly guarantee some things will go wrong. It’s Murphy’s Law, and no one is above it. However, that doesn’t mean your day is ruined. There is always a plan to be made! Trust your bridesmaids to get creative, and try not to worry too much over things you can’t change, like the weather.

    Your partner is nervous too

    Believe it or not, your partner probably feels just as nervous as you. Try to be encouraging and supportive. After all, you’re in this together! A sweet note before the ceremony or a tight hug when you see them at the altar will help reaffirm them. Focusing on your loved one will also help to forget your own nerves.

    Double check the arrangements 

    To help put your mind at ease, try to double check all the arrangements at least two or three days before the wedding. If you have a wedding planner, check in with them, and then leave the rest up to them. If you planned the wedding yourself, go over everything with your maid of honour/mother/mother-in-law so you have someone else’s input and guidance and to make sure they know what needs to fall in place. This is not the time to “play it by ear”.

    Your bridesmaids are only doing their best

    The last important thing to keep in mind is that everyone is there to help you make your dream come true. They are all doing the best they can and they are only human. Turning into ‘Bridezilla’ will just make them nervous too and will keep everyone from enjoying the special event. Rather let them know how much you appreciate all their hard work, support and help!

    Also read: How to keep calm on your wedding day

    Image: Pixabay

    A great reception will make for lasting memories, but will take some careful planning. Here are some top tips to ensure your wedding party will be the celebration of the century.

    Have a lounge area

    Not everyone can keep dancing for hours on end, even if you can. Why not have a lounge area where those with tired feet can sit back and recharge? Have a corner with two or three couches. It’s more comfortable than dining chairs, and dance-weary legs and feet can have a break.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5IsGo1niLM/

    Child-care area

    If there are kiddies at your wedding, they’ll soon get bored and tired at the reception. Hire a professional child-minder and set up a separate area where they can play and rest. They’ll be happy and entertained, and their parents can rest assured that the children are safe and looked after while they dance the night away.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B9mSLf4JIsD/

    Build-a-bouquet

    If you have a little leeway in your budget, a fun idea to entertain guests and beautify the venue at the same time is to have a table with pots of different flowers in where guests can pick their own and create unique bouquets. They can either put it on their tables, gift them to each other or take them home as a reminder of the special day.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh7BX95nRSr/

    Create-a-cocktail station

    Nothing says “good times” like a drinks station. Cater for every taste with an array of different ingredients for making DIY cocktails. You can have a section for this at the bar so everyone can pay for their own cocktails, or have a separate station and let the guests go wild. Remember the nitty-gritty essentials like easy recipes, tot measures, enough ice and stirrers.

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    Image: Pexels

    Lighting plays a big role in the atmosphere at your wedding. In an era where load shedding is real, alternative light sources are becoming more popular and we’re not complaining. Why not get on board with the latest trend? Lanterns are not new but can be used in a variety of different ways and are perfect for late afternoon and evening weddings. Take a look at these uber romantic lantern ideas.

    Remember to play it safe by not releasing lanterns into the air that could cause fires.

    Combine fairy lights and candles

    A touch of Middle Eastern madness

    Mix it up with paper lanterns and flowers 

    Splash out with whimsical water features

    Go big or go home

    Riveting red from the far East

    Old-fashioned is the way to go

    Get beachy with bamboo

    Image: Instagram/flaggshiprentals

     

     

    Living in South Africa, it might not be a bad idea to stock up on candles for the scheduled (and not-so-scheduled) load shedding. Lucky for us, candles are a perfect touch to any wedding and will have you prepared should a blackout hit. (We strongly advise trying to find out if there will be load shedding on your wedding day and checking with the venue and caterers whether they have generators).

    Regardless of electricity, though, candles are beautiful, smell great and create a romantic atmosphere. Here’s how to make sure you have a lit wedding and incorporate these little lights into your decor:

     






    Image: Pexels