Wedding ETC, Author at Wedding ETC

In Weddings

Strangers catch bouquet and garter, marry years later

May 27, 2020 No Comments

Most couples meet each other by chance. A lucky encounter that leads to a forever relationship, like sitting next to each other in a university lecture theatre, through a friend, or at work. Some, however, have meet-cutes that are worthy of fairytale status.

Falling in love with a total stranger as you lock eyes across the room is a thing of dreams for many. US YouTuber Malibu Darby and her now husband Aramis Phillips had just that.

The pair were strangers when they attended the same wedding ceremony in 2015, and had never crossed paths before. Neither of them expected that this would be the day they met the love of their life. Of course, they attended the wedding with the intention of enjoying the festivities, celebrating the newly-weds and nothing more.

As luck would have it, both Darby and Phillips were keen to participate in the activities of the day. When the garter toss and bouquet throwing time came around, they both stood up to try their hand at catching the items.

We all know that tradition says if you catch these items, you’re the next in line to get married. Little did these strangers know…

Both Darby caught the bouquet and Phillips caught the garter, and that was it. A few months later they started dating and after three years Phillips popped the question.

5 years ago today some stranger caught the garter and I caught the bouquet. Now he’s my husbanddddd. 5/23/2015 pic.twitter.com/GlL1h9EJX5

— Youtube: MalibuDarby (@MalibuDarby) May 23, 2020

Chatting to Briefly, Darby said that they had a low-key engagement. Her now husband surprised her at work and asked her for her hand in marriage. According to her, the fact that it was at work made it all the more surprising.

“If it happened in a public place like a restaurant or park then I would have known he wanted to ask me to marry him,” she said in an old YouTube video.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjLtP0pht81/

The loved-up couple married on September 21, 2019 and had a blissful honeymoon in Jamiaca thereafter.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2SmbVBAdla/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B17Fmn8gmdJ/

Talk about a fairytale!

Image: Twitter / Youtube: MalibuDarby

In Fashion

A guide to Hindu bridal attire: Solah Shringar

May 26, 2020 No Comments

Bridal fashion is much more than a white wedding dress for many. Cultures and religions across the world have quite varying ideas of what brides should be dressed in, and about what it means to look “bridal”.

Hindu bridal attire is one category of wedding fashion which is particularly interesting. Included in this, is the Solah Shringar – 16 ornaments which are mandatory for the bride to wear. Each item is significant for a different reason:

1. Bindi

A bride is adorned with a bindi which sits between her eyebrows. A round bindi is a symbol of married life. It also has religious implications.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CApBUUug29L/

2. Sindoor

This is a red coloured powder which completes the look of a bride and is applied to the parting of the hair. The colour symbolises marriage and the well-being of the groom.

The groom uses his thumb to apply the powder to his wife’s hair parting towards the end of the ceremony.

According to tradition, the wife should reapply this every morning for the rest of her married life.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAos1V5lWwg/

3. Maang Tikka

The maang tikka is an ornament which is said to highlight the charm of a bride. Commonly made using gold and gems, it is worn on the head – on the central hair parting – and extends to the forehead. The item hangs over the “anja chakra”, which is the home of the body’s mind and intellect.

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

4. Kajal

Also known as Kohl, thid is applied on the edges of eyelids and is similar to eyeliner.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CApWh8jA7Z0/

5. Nath

An accessory worn on the nose, the nath is another symbol of marriage. In some regions, this item is meant only for married women, who should wear it daily.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8_oPwSldNy/

6. Haar

This necklace symbolises prosperity. At times, women replace a heavy piece of jewellery with a gift from her husband to be. This is called a Mangalsutra.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRqjr0BlvGb/

7. Karn Phool

These earrings are mandatory for the bride. They are often quite large and heavy and thus are supported using the brides hair.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-4wN7AHYIc/

8. Mendhi

Women apply mendhi or henna to their hands. The designs are symbolic of celebrations, and the colour (maroon) is believed to be auspicious and to signify a variety of things from the love between the pair getting married to wealth and fertility.

Some say that the darker the mendhi the stronger the love is from the groom to the bride.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8ej2jGH13H/

9. Choodiyan

Bangles are also compulsory for the bride. They symbolise prosperity and a long life for the groom. Designs vary between communities, however they are most commonly red and made using gold, glass, or metal.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_8QDnkAFZT/

10. Baajuband

Worn on the upper arm, the armlet is made using gold or silver and may be decorated with pearls or gems. This item is believed to fight away evil spirits.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5XQjHtFAd1/

11. Aarsi and Haathphool

The aarsi is a thumb ring which has a mirror set on it. This allows the bride to get a glimpse of her soon-to-be husband, since tradition states that the bride should not see her groom before and for a large part of the ceremony.

Haathphool is a set of 8 rings which are worn on both hands.

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

12. Keshapasharachana

A hair accessory, consisting of gold ornaments and flowers, which is commonly used to decorate a braid or bun.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_FoId1l5aQ/

13. Kamarband

This item is a gold waistband which is used to highlight the shape of the brides silhouette and to assist with keeping the dress or sari in place.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B01TtX3AcEt/

14. Payal

Said to signify the Goddess Lakshmi, these anklets look beautiful and create a melodious sound. It is commonly a chain tied around the ankle which has little bells attached to it.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CApgIwkJeo0/

15. Itar

While not a physical item, the perfume complements the Solah Shringar.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3XRWS1J7Q6/

16. Shaadi ka Joda

The bridal dress is commonly a bright colour such as red, maroon, green, or gold and is embroidered from head to toe. The dress itself can be a sari, a lehnga, or salwaar kameez, depending on the region of India where the bride’s family is from.

Lehnga:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdxkeZEApT7/

Sari:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw9XmBsAoRS/

Salwaar Kameez:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9LK53clLzL/

Image: Pexels

In News

Couple forced to postpone wedding after getting date tattoo

May 26, 2020 No Comments

COVID-19 related wedding postponements have struck again as a Belfast couple have been forced to change their date. For this couple, however, the cancellation was more serious since they’d already tattooed their wedding date on their arms.

Francis Donald popped the big question to Fionnuala Kearney in December 2017. Immediately the pair began preparations for the big day.

With their planning, they decided on the wedding date to be October 16, 2020. To commemorate this decision, they had the special date tattooed on their arms in Roman numerals while on holiday in Turkey last year.

“We were in Turkey and had checked out of our hotel at 9am, but had to wait until the evening for our flight home – so we decided to go on a bar crawl. We strolled past a tattoo salon and we were tipsy, so thought it was a great idea to get matching tattoos,” explained the bride-to-be.

Unfortunately for the couple, the coronavirus pandemic took over and their wedding venue, Hugh McCanns hotel in Newcastle, informed them that they would have to postpone their wedding until 2021.

“When I was told we would have to postpone the wedding I was devastated, of course – but we only realised afterwards about our tattoos. If you don’t laugh, you’ll cry!” said Kearney to SNWS.

Of course, having to postpone your wedding is bad enough. However, since they already had the date tattooed on their arms, the couple were devastated.

They have now moved their wedding date to April 2021 and are considering how they can ensure the tatoos remain meaningful.

It seems they are lighthearted about their misfortune, as Kearney posted to her Facebook, “Would only be us to get our wedding date tattooed for it to be postponed ?”

Image: Facebook / Francy Donald

In Fashion

Shorts suits: For the summer groom

May 25, 2020 No Comments

In the summer time, the thought of wearing a full suit for an entire day will have you sweating before you’re even dressed. There is a solution however, if you’re brave!

A shorts suit will bring out your best boyish charm and keep you cool all at once. With a larger variety of colours than the average suit, you have more to work with too.

If you’re having a summer wedding, this is perfect as they often come in light fabrics such as linen. For a beach wedding you shouldn’t even have to think twice!

Musician and producer Pharell is well known for these types of suits, incase you were worried you may look “uncool”.

Find your shorts suit inspiration here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_Z3TyHnfzi/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9F9SmVlmJS/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_Ydgw_HBj0/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzG3gJnBJpD/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5WlPYwndl3/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3oQ3GhjYVW/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B27JfiNJ97h/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B34WcLgDTCK/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzwNpRanZd5/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9kRl3pHFcd/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B26G1uPg2uo/

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAD7W4Ugkik/

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByWc95Cg9I5/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6NfrO4HJJr/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3vcNvKBK6r/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0Mkntpn_kn/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxZ7ChihAE5/

Image: Instagram / viranlly

In Engagements

Surprise proposal incorporates Hyatt hotel lights

May 22, 2020 No Comments

If you’ve ever felt like your love would light up the city, it looks like you’re not alone. A Seattle man made this literal by incorporating the lights of a hotel into his surprise proposal.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in closed doors for most businesses, especially those in the travel and hospitality industries. The Hyatt Regency Seattle is one of those businesses. They have been closed for operations for a while. Every night, however, they light up their windows in the shape of a heart – supposedly to life the spirits of all the people stuck in lockdown.

Mitesh and Apoorva are able to see the light show from their apartment. Since Mitesh was planning to propose, he thought he should use the lights on the hotel in his favour.

According to Fox 56, Mitesh approached the Hyatt to ask for their assistance, and they happily obliged.

“Hence, we can see the beautiful heart sign that the hotel shows with the use of lights in individual rooms,” Mitesh said. “It would probably be the best proposal that I could ever hope for!”

The Hyatt adjusted their lights to read “I (heart) you”, with Apoorva’s initials (AP) in the heart. How sweet!

Of course, she said yes!

Congrats to Mitesh and Apoorva!

Image: Facebook / Hyatt Regency Seattle

In Planning

Ten creative ways to exit your wedding

May 21, 2020 No Comments

The wedding exit photo is an important one! It symbolises you, as a newly-wed couple, taking your first steps out into the world as a unit. Many couples go all out for wedding exists, from leaving in a tractor to escaping in a helicopter.

If you want to keep it simple but still make it special there are tons of options too! There’s no need to stress about an over-the-top exist that, in the end, burns an unnecessary hole in your pocket.

Here are some simple but stunning ideas to inspire you:

Classic:

(Many people are now against confetti and instead use biodegradable versions like this couple who are using “Floralfetti”)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8R5MAjp_Dq/

Sparklers:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-O4IBjhNSE/

Bubbles:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_h1EmYHdDH/

Through your bridal party:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_Fj42jg7SD/

Ribbons:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_8qj8HjuLx/

Light Sabers:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_yI_2IFqoi/

Pom-poms:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAN8Szbj4NP/

Glow sticks:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_yJz2KJZwK/

Sports references:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_ZwWushf7Y/

Flower petals:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_UwIMXFG38/

Image: Instagram / heartandarroweddings

In Celebs

Sarah Jessica Parker posts throwback on 23rd wedding anniversary

May 21, 2020 No Comments

Sex and The City actress Sarah Jessica Parker and husband Matthew Broderick, famous for his role in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary on May 19. Parker celebrated their long-lasting love with a tribute in the form of a throwback.

The actress took to Instagram to share a black and white picture of the pair to mark the milestone they have reached together. Alongside the photo, Parker wrote: “May 19th, 2020 23 years. We’ve come a long way baby, X, SJ.”

Many congratulations poured in, including some from other celebrities such as Billy Eichner, Reese Witherspoon, and Adam Shankman who wrote an especially joyful message. “Oh my goooddd!! Congrats!!! I remember it all like it was yesterday, including midnight wedding dress covert ops….what a wonderful time it was! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️,” he exclaimed.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAYnxRZFQLb/?utm_source=ig_embed

Broadway was the beginning of both of their careers. In November 1991, Broderick directed a play for a theatre company which happened to be owned by Parker’s brothers.

At this time, Parker had just concluded a relationship with Robert Downey Jr. She was then introduced to Broderick by one of her brothers.

Broderick once implied that their first meeting was one-in-a-million, and unforgettable. “I do remember first meeting her,” Broderick told the YES Network. “I still remember very clearly seeing her walk down the street toward the movie theater…it’s very unique, because I wouldn’t remember most people the first time I saw them come down the street. [But] I remember it as clear as day.”

According to the New York Times, the pair had their first date around February 1, 1992 when Broderick finally had the guts to ask her out.

Broderick and Parker tied the knot on May 19, 1997, in Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Their ceremony was officiated by Broderick’s sister.

The happy couple have three children together, and their relationship has truly stood the test of time.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUSJDdLDDKM/?utm_source=ig_embed

Image: Instagram / Sarah Jessica Parker

In Planning

Romantic poetry to include in your vows

May 21, 2020 No Comments

Thomas Hardy, an English novelist and poet, is quoted by his second wife, Florence Hardy, saying that “Poetry is emotion put into measure”. If we consider it, poetry is one of the best means by which to express feelings. The flow of words which sound like a melody will be like music to your partners ears.

Including poetry into your wedding vows could be a great way to elevate them and make them more special. If you’re struggling to find the perfect words to say, this is also a good work-around. You could base your vows off of the perfect quote, or add in a quote to precisely and lyrically express the message you’d like to get across.

After all, poetry is known to cause swooning. Who better to look to for help with your vows, one of the most romantic things you should ever write, than the legendary wordsmiths themselves.

Here are some poetry quotes to add to your vows:

– Sonnet XVII by Pablo Neruda

“I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.
I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;
so I love you because I know no other way”

– Untitled by Lang Leav

“You were you,
and I was I;
we were two
before our time.

I was yours
before I knew,
and you have always
been mine too.”

– [i carry your heart with me(i carry it in] by e. e. cummings

“i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go, my dear;and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)”

– To Be One With Each Other by George Eliot

“What greater thing is there for two human souls
than to feel that they are joined together to strengthen
each other in all labor, to minister to each other in all sorrow,
to share with each other in all gladness,
to be one with each other in the
silent unspoken memories?”

– Our Souls are Mirrors by Rupi Kaur

“when i look in the mirror
i am looking at you
when you breathe
my own lungs fill with air
that we just met but we
have known each other our whole lives
if we were not made as one to begin with”

– Loves Philosophy by Percy Bysshe Shelly

“And the sunlight clasps the earth
And the moonbeams kiss the sea;
What is all this sweet work worth
If thou kiss not me?”

– In and Out of Time by Maya Angelou

“We see in the distance…
our long way home.
I was always yours to have.
You were always mine.
We have loved each other in and out of time”

– “La Reina” (“The Queen”) – Pablo Neruda

“And when you appear
All the rivers sound
In my body, bells
Shake the sky,
And a hymn fills the world.
Only you and I,
Only you and I, my love,
Listen to me.”

Feature image: Unsplash

In News

Home affairs may allow marriage registrations at Level 3

May 20, 2020 No Comments

Home Affairs are considering registration of marriages to be allowed under Level 3 of the national lockdown.

The department is currently dealing with a tremendous backlog in birth registrations which have accumulated during Level 5, according to News24. They restarted these registrations on May 1.

“The department had an estimated backlog of 81 650 [registrations] at the beginning of Level 4 lockdown,” its acting director-general, Jackie MacKay, told the committee.

“Of the aforementioned backlog, the department registered 46 541 births which represent 57% of the above, estimated backlog.”

MacKay added that 35 109 births are yet to be registered and that demand was high for re-issuing of birth certificates and temporary ID certificates.

Finally, MacKay noted that a growing demand for all services provided by the department has led to a discussion about the identification of areas which are to be relaxed as we move through the levels of the national lockdown.

As a result, Home Affairs proposed that the registration of marriages be allowed during Level 3. According to The Citizen, these registrations, if they should be allowed, will happen through appointments.

While we are still unsure of when lockdown Level 3 will be put in place, Ramaphosa has hinted at the chance of it coming before the end of the month.

Image: Pexels

In Engagements

Risky but romantic: Birthstone engagement rings

May 19, 2020 No Comments

As the traditional diamond engagement or wedding ring slowly loses popularity, various alternatives are being used in its place. One newbie on the scene, be it a bit uncommon, is the birthstone.

Elle reported that in 2019, Etsy named birthstone engagement rings as one of their breakout wedding trends. “On Etsy, we’ve seen 34K searches for ‘birthstone engagement rings’ in the last three months, and I predict the trend will continue to grow,” Etsy’s trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson explained at the time.

According to The Jewellery Editor, there are a few things to consider when opting for the birthstone engagement ring, which could mean that you’re walking down a path that comes with many more decisions. However, they claim that this option is becoming more and more popular.

Canadian jeweller Kat Florence, who launched her own brand of jewellery specialising in unusual gemstones and owns a store in London, told The Jewellery Editor that “a lot of people are going in that direction”, adding that “Everyone feels attracted to their birthstone, and jewellery represents who we are, so birthstones are the perfect point to begin.”

Of the things which need to be considered, one of the most important is the hardness of the stone. When selecting the birthstone as the gem for a ring, depending on your partner’s birth month, they may end up with a stone which is not durable. For example, it is not recommended that opal be used for a ring, as it is a fragile stone. We’re sure you want the ring to last a lifetime! So keep this in mind when making your final choice, and be sure to ask your jeweller about durability, hardness, and inclination to be damaged with scratches.

It is reported that any stone which ranks above 7.5 on the Moh’s Hardness scale, which measures how easily you can scratch a gem, is a good option. Those below 7.5, of course, can be used for a ring too. However, you’d have to be much more careful with your ring.

Regardless, birthstones are pretty, colourful, meaningful and trendy. If you love the idea of a ring that represents you and when you were brought into the world, then perhaps your mind is already made up.

Here is a guide to your options, including Moh’s Scale values from Gem Rock Auctions, for birthstone engagement rings:

January: Garnet (6.5 – 7.5 Mohs)

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

February: Amythyst (6.5 – 7.5 Mohs)

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

Also read: Stone of the Gods: Amazing amethyst rings

March: Aquamarine (7.5 – 8.0 Mohs)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9F78yWHAiC/

Also read: Amazing aquamarine engagement rings

April: Diamond (10 Mohs)

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

Also read: How to choose the right diamond for you

May: Emerald (7.5 – 8.0 Mohs)

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAWO_5AlVcq/

Also read: Enchanting emerald engagement rings

June: Pearl (2.5 Mohs)

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

Moonstone (7.5 – 8.0 Mohs)

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

Alexdandrite (7.5 – 8.0 Mohs)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3Hk0stFoqN/

July: Ruby (7.5 – 8.0 Mohs)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_8Ovp8lmGL/

Also read: The fiery king of gems: Romantic rubies

August: Peridot (7.5 – 8.0 Mohs)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0q58B7nAtB/

Sardonyx (7.0 Mohs)

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

Spinel (7.5 – 8.0 Mohs)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwtPGb4hJ99/

September: Sapphire (9.0 Mohs)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_0AYZWDvJO/

Also read:The royal touch: Sophisticated sapphire rings

October: Opal (5.5 – 6.5 Mohs)

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

Also read:The Queen of the gems: Opulent opals

Tourmaline (9.0 Mohs)

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAXqeKhqB35/

November: Citrine (7.0 Mohs)

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAKa5Kij-hy/

Topaz (8.0 Mohs)

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAWwS5YpEPL/?utm_source=ig_embed

December: Tanzanite (6.5 – 7.0 Mohs)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B76urEIhF8q/

Also read: Say ‘I do’ to tantalising Tanzanite

Blue zircon(7.5 Mohs)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_5p9RLHA8j/

Turqouise (5.0 – 6.0 Mohs)

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_bp8whgsId/

Blue Topaz (8.0 Mohs)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BA0-R_Tutgz/

Also read: Why we wear diamond engagement rings

Image: Instagram / Fauverie