If 2020 has proven anything, it’s that anything can happen, no matter how out of the ordinary it may seem. A 35-year-old Russian influencer has proven just that after she married her ex-husband’s 20-year-old son.

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Instagram influencer Marina Balmasheva announced her plans to marry Vladimir ‘Voya’ Shavyrin, the son of her ex-husband Alexey Shavyrin (40), earlier this year.

Balmasheva, who is from the western Russian region of Krasnodar Krai, resided with Alexey Shavyrin for more than a decade before they decided to go their separate ways. Their relationship ended in divorce.

Since she was with Alexey for so long, Balmasheva had a hand in raising her stepson Vladimir, and was in his life for around 13 years. Despite this, they have fallen in love.

Last week, the influencer shared a video on Instagram showing their low-key nuptials.

Translated from Russian, her caption says that the couple accepts well wishes and congratulations. She explained that they drove to the registry together, and she hadn’t even brushed her hair for the occasion. However, they ensured the wedding rings were in the car.

“There was a good mood and a little embarrassment,” she added.

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The couple’s relationship has caused an uproar, as they are also expecting a child together. They announced the pregnancy in June, and on July 11 said that the baby looks like a boy in the ultrasound.

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Many claim their relationship is immoral. The Mirror UK reported that it was a massive scandal in their homeland, and that ex-husband Alexey had caught wind of their affair while he was still married to Balmasheva.

There was uproar when Balmasheva posted a comparison photo, showing her standing next to a 7-year-old Voya next to another picture of the pair cuddled up as a couple.

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Balmasheva has gained thousands of followers after going public with her relationship with Voya. The pair remain adamant that the public are behind their relationship.

Image: Instagram / @marina_balmasheva

Everyone deserves a fairytale happy ending. A bride-to-be in Boise, Idaho, had the surprise of her life when she was given just that. She even had a story written about the turn of events.

Denise Amouzougan dresses up as Princess Tiana, the main character from fairytale The Princess and The Frog, as a role she plays for her party company. On July 9, she was working at a birthday party.

As she read a book to the children, she found a hand-written letter. “Every princess needs a prince – will you be mine forever?” it read.

She turns around to find her love, Blaze Montgomery, behind her, dressed up as Prince Charming. He got down on one knee and asked her for her hand in marriage. Montgomery had even perfectly timed the proposal to line up with the water fountain in the background, which comes on every hour.

As Michael Buble played in the background,  she said yes!

All of their family and friends were present to watch the fairytale unfold.

Amouzougan’s friend Celine Daily captured it all on camera and even wrote a little story to go with it, and she shared it all on Facebook. The pair share a close friendship, as can be seen from Amouzougan’s comment on her friends post.

“Omg!???CONGRATULATIONS SIS. WE DID IT!! WERE ENGAGED AND I COULDN’T BE HAPPIER FOR US. Your the absolute best adventure buddy. So glad I have an amazing friend like you to share all this with. I LOVE YOU DEARLY!!!????,:  said Amouzougan. 

See it happen, and read the story below:

Image: Unsplash

While many lockdown regulations were eased as we entered Level 3, there are many things that are still not allowed. Despite this, citizens seem to be losing patience and are breaking rules to participate in social gatherings, including weddings.

According to a report, 25 guests who attended a wedding in KwaZulu-Natal last weekend have now tested positive for COVID-19.

In a statement on Sunday [July 12], The Premier of KwaZulu Natal, Sihle Zikalala, said: “Over the last seven days, we have noted with concern the number of infections that have been reported after people have attended gatherings such as ceremonies and funerals. In most of these engagements, measures like social distancing and wearing of masks have been disregarded.”

“In the past week, we have been made aware that a sizeable group was reported to have attended a wedding last weekend. In the end, a number of people from the wedding fell sick, and 25 from the group who attended a wedding tested positive. Today, some of them are occupying COVID – 19 beds in the health care facilities.” he added.

According to the government’s Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster most gatherings are still not allowed under lockdown level 3.

“All gatherings are prohibited except for a gathering at faith-based institution, which is limited to 50 persons or less, depending on the size of the place of worship: provided that all health protocols and social distancing measures are being adhered to as provided for in directions that have been issued by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs,” they said in a statement.

This may have led to some confusion as a wedding may take place in a religious institution, and thus may technically be performed. However, some have completely disregarded the regulations and have celebrated weddings fully, with no thought towards safety precautions.

The premier reminded citizens that the virus spreads faster than gatherings. “No one is immune or can be a ‘starring’ or the invincible main actor, on COVID-19 as there is no cure,” he said.

He urged everyone to stick to the regulations, because staying safe now will result in a safer, and healthier future. “By being safe today, we can be safe and together tomorrow. Ubumnandi, or fun, never ends. It has always been there. It will be there in future, when COVID – 19 is no longer a problem. But, if we disregard precautions we may compromise our lives and those we love,” he said.

KwaZulu-Natal recorded 23 751 infections, 280 deaths and 6,021 recoveries on Saturday. The numbers are increasing rapidly by the day, and regulations must be adhered to for the safety of everyone.

Feature image: Unsplash

A man in Betul, a district in Madhya Pradesh, India got married to two women at the same time in the same ceremony on July 8. The nuptials were attended by villagers and family members, who witnessed what may be the first wedding ever with two brides marrying the same man.

Sandeep Uike, the groom in question, married two women, one from a district called Hoshangabad and the other from Koyalari village. He first met his Hoshangabad bride while he was in Bhopal for his studies. While he dated the woman, his family began plans for an arranged marriage between him and the woman from Koyalari village. Of course, all parties involved were unhappy, and the families of all three met to resolve the matter.

Together, they came to the conclusion that, should both women agree, Uike would marry both of them. It is apparent that they both agreed, and the wedding plans commenced.

Mishrilal Parate, vice-president of Janpad Panchayat Ghodadongri (a governmental organisation) told The Siasat Daily that none of the family members were opposed to the union.

The ceremony took place in a village called Keria, and the required rituals were performed. According to The Siasat Daily, this was the first occasion in history where a man made vows to two women at the same time.

Authorities in the district, however, are investigating the event and how it occurred since weddings are not yet allowed due to coronavirus restrictions. They said that permission is needed for weddings to take place, and none was given to these families.

Image: Unsplash