Wedding ETC, Author at Wedding ETC

In News

Joburg man wants to gift wedding to couple in need

August 7, 2020 No Comments

Having to cancel your wedding is a sad feat. A Johannesburg man, however, is not letting it get the best of him. Rather, it has brought out the kinder side of him.

Matthew Boshoff from Johannesburg has unfortunately had to cancel his wedding due to unforeseen circumstances. After contacting his wedding venue to cancel his package, he found out they would not give him a refund.

Instead of letting this annoy him, he has decided to make the best of it through an act of kindness. Now, he hopes to find a couple in need to gift his wedding package to, according to Jacaranda FM.

Taking to Facebook to find a couple to spread the love to, Boshoff wrote, “Hello Facebook peeps, I need your help. Due to unforeseen circumstance, I have to cancel my wedding. The venue will not give me a refund but I have spoken to them about gifting my package away and they are ok with this. So, I am looking for a couple who is planning on getting married and maybe struggling a bit financially. I would like to help them with their special day by giving away my full package at no extra cost.”

The package, from Makiti Wedding Venue, includes several things like:

– 60 people

– The venue hire

– The catering (starter, main and dessert) the options can be changed to cater to your needs. (The cake will still be required on your side)

– Makiti’s beautiful outside chapel by the river

– Starter drinks for after the ceremony (these can be changed as well)

– Open bar afterwards

– A corkage fee has been paid for 16 wine bottles, this amount may change depending on your wine selection.

– All the decor already paid for; floral, vases, cutlery, cake stand etc. If you would like your own decor you can liaison with the decor lady and change as you please.

– A professional photographer

Boshoff said that this is essentially a full package, which excludes only the cake and a pastor. The chosen couple will have to pick a date that falls between a Monday and a Thursday, exclusive of public holidays.

“You are able to change any and all options as you please and any extra costs will have to be covered by you,” he added.

“Please share this far and wide so I can find an appropriate couple to give this away to,” he urged.

If you think you know of a couple deserving of this treat, or if you think that couple is you, email Matthew directly to [email protected].

Image: Unsplash

In News

Beirut explosion caught on camera as bride poses for wedding film

August 6, 2020 No Comments

The massive explosion that recently shattered the streets of Beirut, Lebanon, caught many off-guard. People were simply going about their days as the shockwave swept through the city. One bride was in the process of filming an outdoor photo session in her wedding gown just as the explosion took place.

Israa Seblani, a doctor who works in the United States arrived in Beirut three weeks ago for her wedding, according to The Guardian. Seblani, who is the bride in the video, was in the city’s Saifi Village with her wedding photographer, Mahmoud Nakib, recording a film of her in her wedding dress as the explosion took place.

Speaking to CNN, Nakib said they heard an explosion and thought it was far away, so they continued filming. As it turns out, that was only the first explosion. “In just one second, the sky turned black and we heard the second explosion,” he said.

The shockwave caused by the explosion created a massive gust through the city, which was caught by Nakib on his film.

“The area I was in – within matter of seconds – it went from beautiful place to ghost town filled with dust, shattered glass and people yelling [and] bleeding. It was like a nightmare scene,” he explained.

“What happened during the explosion here – there is no word to explain … I was shocked, I was wondering what happened, am I going to die? How am I going to die?” the bride said to Reuters.

Everyone who was out filming with them made their way inside, and they are all safe and unharmed.

“We are still in shock … I have never heard anything similar to the sound of this explosion,” said Seblani.

“There is a lot of damage, many people were killed and wounded. But also if I want to look at us, myself, my husband, the photographer – how we escaped unharmed, I thank God for protecting us.”

The footage has been obtained by Reuters, watch it here:

Image: Screenshot from video

In Celebs

New beginnings: Samira Wiley and Lauren Morelli’s love story

August 5, 2020 No Comments

A story filled with plot twists, self-discovery, and new beginnings, Samira Wiley and Lauren Morelli’s love story is one that is almost too magical to be real. Yet it is. The pair met in 2012, with a meet-cute that out-cutes them all. We take a look at their tale, from then until now.

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Wiley, an up and coming actress at the time, met her now-wife, Morelli, a screenwriter, in December 2012, on the set of Orange Is The New Black. Morelli wrote episode six of season one, which saw her visiting the set to meet the actors.

At the time, Morelli was married to a man. Wiley admitted to Out Magazine, that she thought Morelli was gay and would constantly try to find ways to chat to her. In the same interview, Morelli said that she had started questioning her sexuality after being in the writers’ room for this show.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BBL9eHHo4AQ/

“On set it’s a bunch of women, so everyone’s hugging and touching. It’s a very affectionate place. I’d fallen into this alternate universe, but I thought I’d go home and it’d disappear. But Samira was still so present for me,” said Morelli.

“I found out she was married — I assumed to a woman. It was a little dagger in my heart. I remember this whirlwind of me falling in love in those four days. I was also bartending, and I told my coworkers. They said I was crazy. She went back to L.A., and I thought I’d forget about her, but that Christmas I found myself talking to my mother about it,” explained Wiley.

“I never talk to her about anything like this, but I was completely open about how lost I felt. That was the real indicator for me: me talking to my mother about Lauren. Because Lauren was finding out who she was, I became a confidant to her. We’d talk on the phone, me sharing my own coming-out story and her talking about things she was discovering.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpm1iuGFBHC/

After having Samira as her confidant, and going to couples therapy with her husband which turned out to be futile, Lauren separated from her husband and started dating Samira.

A year into their relationship, the pair took a trip to Thailand, and they both admit that it was a terrible failure. They bickered the entire time. However, they also say that the trip helped them learn about each other, and realise that no matter what, they still wanted to be together.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BH-IJcjDMNL/

Soon after, the pair took another trip, this time to Palm Springs. While packing for the trip, Lauren proposed.

“That day, I wanted to be good and get my packing done. She got home and was just not ready to go, and I was confused. She asked me to sit next to her. Then she got me up, and we started dancing together, and she pulled a ring from behind the couch. Lauren has been married before, so I wanted her to tell me she was ready, her to be the one to propose,” Wiley explains of the proposal.

“I didn’t know she was as ready as she was. I was completely shocked. I was crying uncontrollably and kept backing away from her. I asked her after, “Who knows about this?” and she said, “Oh, everyone. Your parents know.” We didn’t tell anyone else for a few days. That was really important to us — to have some time where it was just ours.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLJayyeDrw4/

The pair tied the know on March 25, 2017 in Palm Springs. According to Martha Stewart Weddings, the event began with an outdoor ceremony, officiated by Samira’s parents, and led to a grand entrance by the couple, at the reception with Justin Bieber’s “Baby” playing as they made their way in.

Both Samira and Lauren donned custom Christian Siriano ensembles, and guests were served dinner under colourful garlands and strands of lights.

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUufQ4MB8ON/

Image: Instagram / @lomorelli

In Decor

Spectacular spring-inspired wedding decor

August 5, 2020 No Comments

While planning your wedding decor, you can take inspiration from almost anything. But with spring coming up, why not keep with the times and incorporate some season-inspired decorations into your special day?

Spring is the perfect season to get inspiration for a wedding celebration. With the blossoming of flowers, and animals coming out of hibernation, it is symbolic of new beginnings, beauty, and rejuvenation.

Flowers, sunlight, bright colours and much more can be incorporated into your special day, by looking to spring for some inspiration. If you’re planning a spring wedding, here are some decor ideas:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwyBGX3Heuh/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_5QSkUFw2W/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9LtjkMFQKM/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B43DPY7BcOC/

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7-7TmrHRvM/

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9VqJc9JCij/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDff2DhprQW/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B97puP7p8Fe/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7oRKXEgvyB/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4YbRNED5Jk/

Image: Instagram/ Wewordy

In Weddings

Mass, mariachis and much more: Mexican wedding traditions

August 5, 2020 No Comments

Mexican weddings today are a fantastic mix of modernity and age-old cultural practices. Their weddings are treated as family events (and reunions) and are larger than life!

“Mexican weddings are very festive,” says Father Ryan Zamora Carnecer to Brides. “Many times there are mariachis that play during the mass, and the church is beautifully decorated with flowers and colorful decorations. At the same time, it’s very faith-based, and there’s a focus on God and our Blessed Mother, Mary, to guide the couple through this journey.”

With family, religion, culture, and modern trends all in the mix, Mexican weddings are quite interesting. Here are some Mexican wedding traditions you may see at their ceremonies:

Las arras matrimoniales – Wedding Coins

The arras, 13 gold coins, are placed inside a gold box and are given as a gift from the los padrinos y madrinas, or a special group of people, similar to godparents, who are chosen by the couple. During the ceremony, the pastor blesses these coins and give them to the bride.

The tradition signifies the groom’s commitment to the bride, and is a representation of Jesus and his 12 apostles.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BW26qz8lCkH/

Mass

Mexican weddings take place within a mass, similar to a Sunday mass. However, this mass also has marriage rituals, including exchange of vows and the marriage blessing.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDXCN9eDIEK/

Mariachis

Often, the couple will have mariachi bands present to sing hymns during mass and at the reception.

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

El lazo – Wedding Lasso

This tradition symbolises unity and everlasting love between the couple. A string of flowers and rosary beads (the lasso) is placed on the shoulders of the couple; first the bride and then the groom. This happens after the vows are completed. The lasso is placed on their shoulders in a figure 8, while the priest blesses the marriage.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDero0spvCU/

La Callejoneada – Wedding parade

Taking place after the wedding ceremony, the mariachis lead a parade. Walking, dancing, and celebrating in the streets, the parade escorts the guests from the ceremony to the reception.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTxaafvjPY6/

Image: Unsplash

In Engagements

Man accidentally sets flat on fire during proposal

August 5, 2020 No Comments

When somebody plans out their proposal idea, they usually consider all things that could go wrong. Will it be interrupted? Will there be distractions? However, one would never envision their romantic proposal going up in flames; and we don’t mean that metaphorically.

A man from Sheffield, South Yorkshire, planned to propose to his girlfriend on Tuesday, August 3. He filled a room in his flat with hundreds of tea lights, balloons, and a nice bottle of wine.

After setting up his romantic gesture, he went to pick up his girlfriend to bring her to the flat. As they returned, their flat was on fire. According to the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, the cause of the fire was the tea lights.

The Fire and Rescue Department posted a series of Tweets, talking about the incident.

THREAD: Look closely. What do you see? That’s right, hundreds of tea light candles! ?️

Want to know what happened here? We thought you did. It involves a romantic proposal that didn’t quite go to plan, and includes an important lesson around candle use.

Lets go! ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/p8aU6pQAUF

— South Yorkshire Fire (@SYFR) August 4, 2020

“Last night three crews were mobilised to a flat fire in Sheffield. They dealt with it quickly, as ever, before trying to establish what caused it,” they said.

“So, a quick chat with the occupant revealed that this room had been filled with 100s of tea lights,” they said, adding “This was going to be the scene of a romantic proposal and the occupant, a chap who we shall not name, had really gone to town!”

After noting what was in the apartment and what had gone wrong, they said that the firefighters dealt with the fire quickly and nobody was injured.

Not to worry though, it’s not all doom and gloom! There is a silver lining.

“As a bonus, she said YES!” Fire and Rescue said.

However, the department noted that despite being sweet and romantic, candles can be quite dangerous. They urged that if people decide to make use of candles that they must ensure they are extinguished properly after, they are not placed near flammable items, and that they are most definitely not to be left unattended in an empty flat as you leave to fetch your girlfriend.

Image: Twitter / South Yorkshire Fire (@SYFR)

In News

Couple sneak wedding into iconic church, guests infected with COVID-19

August 4, 2020 No Comments

It seems that many still don’t think that breaking the rules has consequences. Not only can you get in legal trouble from breaking lockdown regulations, you also put your family and friends in danger, especially when having large gatherings.

A couple in San Francisco tried to sneakily have a wedding ceremony in the city’s iconic Saints Peter and Paul Church. Dozens of their loved ones including friends and family were present at the event. Now, several of those who were members of the wedding party have been infected with COVID-19.

Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the couple had intentions to marry early this year. However, when the outbreak and the resulting movement restrictions came into play, they rescheduled their wedding to July, according to The Denver Channel.

With the replanned, illegally held wedding, guests were instructed to make use of the church’s underground parking. The Chronicle reported that the bride’s father emailed guests three days before the wedding to explain safety guidelines they had put in place.

However, officials from the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office caught wind of the ongoings, and tried to stop the wedding. According to Business Insider, the officials told the couple and their guests that the wedding had to be held outside, as the city currently allows up to 12 people to gather in open spaces, without food or drink.

It was reported that thereafter, the couple took their ceremony to a nearby basketball court and had several guests tune in from a live stream. The bride, groom, and at least eight members of the wedding party later tested positive for COVID-19.

This was not the first time this church had broken rules. In June, the San Francisco city attorney’s office issued a cease-and-desist letter to several churches, including Saints Peter and Paul Church, after they held indoor masses.

Infectious disease expert John Swartzberg at UC Berkeley told The Chronicle that instances like this “infuriated” him.

“This is the perfect example of why public health officials have been trying to convince people of the problems with getting together in crowds,” he said. “And I would be shocked if we didn’t see this consequence. This should be the poster child in why people should take responsibility.”

Image: Facebook / Saints Peter and Paul Church San Fransisco (Alexey Speranksy)

In uncategorized

Lovely lace wedding cakes for your big day

August 3, 2020 No Comments

Lace items are known for their elegance. Why not add some lace-inspired designs to your wedding cake, to bring an extra splash of intricate decor to your wedding day?

More than just being stunning and stylish, a lace-inspired wedding cake can be made sentimental too. If you have a special heirloom like the doilies your grandmother passed down to you, or the lace decoration on your mother’s wedding dress, the lace pattern on your cake can be made to reflect those patterns. This means you can add an extra special personal touch to your wedding cake!

Looking chic and sophisticated on your dessert table, a lace wedding cake can fit most wedding themes.

Here are some lavish lace cakes to inspire you:

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https://www.instagram.com/p/BssU5EDgCbh/

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

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

Image: Pexels

In Weddings

Crazily creative cosplay weddings

August 3, 2020 No Comments

Fans of anime, Star Wars, Game of Thrones, and any other massively followed franchises are often quite enthusiastic. At times, they find ways to incorporate their love for these stories into their lives.

A tribute or two can be made at a wedding without it being an all-out theme. However, if you’d you like to make your day all about your (second) most loved passion, then maybe a cosplay wedding is for you.

You could make it for the entire day, or just for the photoshoot portion of your day if you’d like.

How ever you decide to incorporate your love for the story into you wedding day, we’re sure it’ll be fantastic! Here are some ideas to inspire you:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B50tqLYDllp/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8GvygOn_0z/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CApq4v3lZzd/

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https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvt7QH8HUmh/

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https://www.instagram.com/p/CCnz6SqDj6o/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBzm3gwj0HS/

Image: Pexels

In News

Lebanese beauty queen holds wedding amid lockdown

August 3, 2020 No Comments

Across the world, bans on social gatherings are still in place to curb the spread of coronavirus. However, recently many have broken rules for their own pleasure. A Lebanese beauty queen did the same and hosted her wedding on August 1.

The beauty queen and actress, Valerie Abou Charca, who happens to be Miss Lebanon 2015, married Lebanese businessman, Ziyad Ammar, in an open-space wedding venue in Bkerke. After the wedding ceremony, a wedding gala was held for family and friends of the newlyweds.

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This occurred despite the government-imposed lockdown, with strict regulations by the health and interior ministries.

Some Lebanese citizens took to social media to express how irresponsible Charca was for allowing her wedding plans to continue despite the upsurge in coronavirus cases and the strict lockdown in the country. They criticised the couple and said that they were socially irresponsible.

Others, however, sang her praise and said that her wedding was beautiful.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDY4I7Vl5Zj/

Following the criticism, several ministries made statements about how some rescheduled weddings were allowed to go ahead with regulations in place, according to Arab News.

Health Minister Dr. Hamad Hassan, in a televised interview, said that he had made exceptions for seven specific weddings to continue despite the lockdown. However, if they had not followed procedural rules then the wedding would be reconsidered by the Interior Ministry.

“We have to adapt and live the joys and sorrows, but with certain procedures,” he said.

There has been no confirmation that Charca’s nuptials were one of the seven functions that were allowed. However, an official told Arab News that “Part of the regulations were that the party be held outdoors, social distancing be respected and the number of invitees must be limited in accordance to the venue’s seating and accommodation”.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDZ0nC2FfsS/

According to a member of Lebanese media, Yomna Sherry, the wedding was stopped by officials, however this has not been confirmed by any official or Charca herself.

Image: Instagram / Valerie Abou Chacra Magazine