• Author

    Wedding ETC

    Browsing
    Why this Valentine's Day is something to make a big deal out of
    In Advice

    Why this Valentine’s Day is something to make a big deal out of

    No Comments

    There are plenty of us who roll our eyes at the very idea of Valentine’s Day. The day of love has become so commercialised that many couples have opted out, and then there’s the argument that “every day should be Valentine’s Day”.

    But this year it’s all different. It’s been a difficult time for most since the onset of COVID-19. Many life partners have been tragically lost, and we’ve all generally had very little quality time with our significant others as we grapple with all the extra demands of living in a global pandemic.

    So if ever there was a Valentine’s Day to celebrate the love of your life, this is it! And here are some great ideas about how to make it special:

    Be day tourists in your city 

    This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday, making it easy for couples to spend the entire day together. You could use the time to do some safe sight-seeing in your own city. For those in Johannesburg, you could explore the historical sites before grabbing a bite to eat or something to drink in Maboneng.

    If Cape Town is your home, what about a day out enjoying some of a long list of pocket-friendly experiences compiled by Cape Town Tourism. All the details on how to enjoy Cape Town for under just R150 per person can be found here. Or if you’re into art and culture, pop into Zeitz MOCAA for some of the best art on the continent all in one place.

    Make this year the year of the splurge 

    If you’re seeking a really special Valentine’s Day break, then definitely consider booking into one of the world’s top new hotels – Kruger Shalati: The Train on the Bridge. Suspended over the Sabi River in the heart of the Kruger National Park, this hotel assures an exceptionally romantic getaway. Visitors enjoy a unique vantage point from above the river, soaking up unparalleled views of the Kruger National Park and the majestic Sabi River below.

    Do something different from the comfort of home

    Did you know that you can still enjoy a local jazz club’s cocktail hour, experience a cooking experience in France, take part in a dance class in Brazil, get involved in a fun scavenger hunt hosted by someone in the USA, or get your zen on in a meditation session with a Japanese monk – all from the safety of home? With Airbnb’s Online Experiences, you can explore the world from your sitting room, while also helping these Experience hosts continue to earn a living.

    Enjoy a stay-cation

    If you don’t want to venture too far from home, but you are keen to get away, then take a look at what hot deals your local hotels are offering for Valentine’s Day. Many hotels create special Valentine’s Day packages, like Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront in Cape Town, for example. Their special Valentine’s staycation includes a romantic picnic-style dinner in your room. You can enjoy it while watching the sunset over the ocean from your balcony – the perfect backdrop to a romantic getaway. If you’re not Cape Town-based, just get on to Google and check out the romantic escapes on offer in your own city.

    Have a dance party at home 

    If spending money isn’t on your agenda this Valentine’s Day, what about organising a fun, old-fashioned dance party at home?  Download YouTube music on to a device of your choosing and blast some of your favourite songs – or any songs significant to your relationship. Then take your significant other for a whirl around your living room dance floor! Love is free, after all.

    Picture/s: Supplied

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Emotional

    High school sweethearts reunite and marry after 70 years

    No Comments

    Fred Paul and Florence Harvey’s love story ignited 68 years ago when they were just teenagers in Wandsworth, a small town in Canada.

    They were inseparable, spending every moment they could wrapped up in each other’s company. Every night, Paul would flicker his porch light to say good night to Harvey, who lived across the bay.

    “She was my first love. My first girlfriend and my first true love,” Paul (84) told CNN.

    After a two year relationship, the pair separated and ended up marrying other people and started their own families. But fate has a way of intervening. In 2017, Harvey’s husband died of cancer and in 2019, Paul’s wife died. While grieving the loss of their loves, they rekindled their old flame.

    Upon hearing the news his wife had passed, Harvey reached out to Paul to comfort him. One phone call became two, which turned into daily calls that would last for hours.

    “I never thought it would go past that,” Harvey, 81, said. “But we went from talking once a week, to twice, to three times, to every day for hours. We had really reconnected even though we hadn’t seen each other in all those years. I knew this was it.”

    Months later, the pair reunited in person and within three days, had decided to get married. They exchanged vows on August 8, 2020 in front of close family and friends.

    “You were the first young man to walk me home in my teens,” Harvey told Paul during the ceremony. “I guess you’ll be the last man to walk me home.”

    The couple now plan to relive their first chapters of love by visiting their childhood town where it all began.

    Picture: Toronta Post

    by
    Continue Reading
    Kimye divorce rumours send Twitterverse into a tizzy
    In Weddings

    Kimye divorce rumours sends Twitter into a tizzy

    No Comments

    While divorce is no laughing matter, Twitter users have seized the Kim and Kanye West divorce rumours as an opportunity to make light of the unconfirmed situation.

    E!News, who aired Keeping up with the Kardashians for its entirety, said that while the couple haven’t filed for divorce, they are officially separating while they figure things out.

    E! News said that a source close to the couple explained that they are “trying to work through things” in marriage counseling. “Divorce has been discussed, but Kim wants more than anything for their relationship to work.”

    Twitter users are doing what they are known to do and are making a joke of it all:

    Image: Instagram/ Kim Kardashian West

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Celebs

    Sipho ‘Psyfo’ Ngwenya and Amirah Mirah tie the knot

    No Comments

    TV host/ musician Sipho ‘Psyfo’ Ngwenya and his girlfriend Aamirah Mirah tied the knot in an intimate wedding ceremony this past weekend, attended by family only.

    The pair met in 2017, dated for two years, and got engaged on August 9, 2019.

    Sipho and Aamirah shared pictures of their intimate wedding where everyone was wearing white. They had their beautiful ceremony on top of a hill at Aamirah’s hometown.

    Sipho posted: ‘Officially Mr and Mrs! I could not have wanted a better partner to do this with. I love you very much Mrs Ngwenya’.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by SIDWELL (@sidwell_n)

    Aamirah went full-on with beautiful pictures and a heartwarming caption.

    “Good people ? This past Saturday (21/11/2020), was the most beautiful day of my life. I got married to my best friend on top of a mountain, in my home province and I don’t have all the words to express how happy and in love I am with this man who has been so committed and loyal to me.

    She added: “I have many interesting and funny stories to share about our special day. Overall, I can’t believe we did it mate.”

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by اميرة (@mirah_aamirah)

    The brid,e who wore unconventional black and white pants suits and sneakers, also posted pictures of the family and the setting of the wedding.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by اميرة (@mirah_aamirah)

    Picture: Instagram

    by
    Continue Reading
    Say 'I do' to Monate Game Lodge
    In Venues

    Say ‘I do’ to Monate Game Lodge

    No Comments

    Monate Game Lodge is a haven of peace and tranquility just waiting to be discovered. Nestled in manicured natural gardens on approximately 3000-hectare private game reserve in the Limpopo Province within 2 hours reach of Pretoria and Johannesburg – 30 minutes from Kranskop Tollgate, Modimolle/Nylstroom – it is the perfect place for corporate conferencing, weddings or just a weekend getaway.

    Monate Game Lodge offers luxurious accommodation in 38 modern double rooms and two luxury villas situated at the Main Lodge. The exclusive Shingwedzi and Skukuza Lodges are deluxe two bedroom lodges situated within walking distance from the Main Lodge offering a high level of privacy.

    Monate Game Lodge caters to every couple’s wedding whims and desires. Big, medium or small – they host them all in a way that you will treasure forever.

    Whether you wish to declare your eternal love beneath their breath-taking Rock Fig, promise to always be true under a majestic Marula tree, echo your “I do’s” in a natural cave or celebrate your union in a traditional chapel – Monate is the venue where love falls in love again.

    Unique dining experiences in a variety of locations are available such as our natural cave, or the Bush Boma.  Exclusive use of the lodge ensures your guests can relax and enjoy the occasion while the couple can focus on their special day, knowing their guests are cared for and looked after.

    Monate Game Lodge has many breath-taking photo opportunities for bridal parties. Whether you are looking for something in the middle of the wild or prefer their magnificent sunset backdrops, their list to choose from is endless. Spring, summer, autumn or winter, they have the perfect setting for you.

    Monate Game Lodge offers a wide variety of activities for you to enjoy. They promise a peaceful time in nature filled with interesting facts from their Rangers on either a day or night game drive. Soak off your stress in the Jacuzzi leaving you relaxed and refreshed.

    Try your hand at putt-putt, watch the sports in the bar on the big screen, or quietly disappear with a nice read in the serenity of the lounge, visit their archaeological heritage Stone Age sites or try your hand at clay pigeon shooting.

    Monate address:

    Portion 1, Farm Witkoppies,

    Tuinplaas

    Modimolle

    0510

    Picture/s: supplied

    by
    Continue Reading
    Gabourey Sidibe and Brandon Frankel are engaged
    In Celebs

    Gabourey Sidibe and Brandon Frankel are engaged

    No Comments

    Golden Globe and Academy Award nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe has announced that she isengaged to her branding and marketing expert boyfriend Brandon Frankel.

    Sidibe, famous for her role in the acclaimed film Precious, took to Instagram to show her followers her beautiful ring.

    She captioned her post: “It’s weird that people think we’re already married but I guess our hearts and intentions for each other are just that clear to see, My BFF proposed and now I get to hold him forever. The funniest man I’ve ever met. The sweetest human to exist. @brandontour made up a song for when i put my bonnet on at night. The second I look a bit stressed and overwhelmed, he jumps into action to take over what he can for me. Every moment with him is a joy.”

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Gabby Sidibe ?? (@gabby3shabby)

    Brandon posted his own pictures showing their engagement, he also showed a glimpse of how he proposed.

    He put a ‘Will you marry my daddy’ around their cat Ronald’s neck.

    “I asked my best friend to marry me, and she said “YES”! So excited to spend the rest of my life with the most amazing, hilarious, beautiful, and inspiring woman I’ve ever known. I couldn’t imagine a life without you. We make the best team, and we make everything fun and memorable. I liked it, so I put a ? on it. Love you to the moon and back,” he wrote.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by BRANDON FRANKEL (@brandontour)

    The beautiful ring has a round centre diamond on a delicate white gold, pavé band. According to Brilliant Earth’s SVP of Merchandising and Retail Expansion, Kathryn Money, it appears to be a 1.5-to-2-carat diamond. It is estimated to cost between approximately $15,000 to $40,000. ( R 227 606,25 – R 607 306,00). 

    The two started dating around May of 2019, and have been inseparable ever since. They have been quarantining together since the pandemic forced a shutdown this year.

    Picture: Instagram

    by
    Continue Reading
    Man arrives at wedding with six pregnant women in his arms
    In Weddings

    Man arrives at wedding with six pregnant women in his arms

    No Comments

    Nightclub owner from Nigeria Mike Eze-Nwalie Nwogu, also known as ‘Pretty Mike’, attended a friend’s wedding and he turned his plus one to a plus six by rocking up to the ceremony with six pregnant women on his arm, claiming he’s the father of all the kids.

    Mike shared a video on Instagram of them all together in their wedding attire and shows off their baby bumps, one following the other.

    He captioned: ‘PM and his six Baby Mothers to be… no film trick, we are just living our best life. #ABetterTime #HappyHome #Familyiseverything #babybum.’

    After Mike shocked everyone with his appearance, he posted another video on Instagram with four of his women. He asked people to suggest a name for his lifestyle.

    ‘This is a short Preview to my next post, a vibe on a different level,a Happy vibe,Suspense vibe,Scary vibe and a Thrilling lifestyle…….. Plus there will be a 100k giveaway to the person that comes up with the perfect name to this my lifestyle, and the only way to win, is to have the most likes and comments underneath the name u suggest #LagosZaddy #HusbandMaterial #PabloCubanaReLoading #AbetterTime. 

    Picture: Instagram

    by
    Continue Reading
    Colours to avoid wearing as a wedding guest
    In Do's And Don'ts

    Colours to avoid wearing as a wedding guest

    No Comments

    As you look through your closet trying to find the perfect dress to wear to a wedding, there are some things that you need to be mindful of.

    Never mind the style of your outfit, it is basic etiquette to avoid certain colours.

    If you are not sure what those are, here are five colours you should avoid wearing.

    White

    80% of brides wear white to their wedding, and it’s important that a bride stands out on her special day. You do not want to look like you’re trying to upstage her. Only wear white when the bride has specifically asked guest to.

    Glitter (gold or anything metallic) 

    If not white, the bride I most likely to wear a champagne-coloured dress, which you won’t know until you see her.

    To stay on the safe side, avoid ensembles that are predominantly gold or champagne-colored.

    The color the bridesmaids wear

    If you can, ask the bride for a heads-up on what color the bridesmaids’ dresses are so you won’t look like the one that wasn’t included.

    If you don’t know the bride or any of the bridesmaids, use the wedding invitation as a clue—usually, an invite is designed to match a wedding’s colour palette.

    Overly bright colours

    Again, this could mean that you want the spotlight to be on you. Imagine rocking up wearing a neon dress. When choosing a bright colour, consider the season and where the wedding is going to be held.

    Denim

    This colour (fabric) comes across as too casual for a wedding. You can get away with wearing denim if it is a denim jacket as a coverup for a cold-weather event.

    Picture: Unsplash

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Emotional

    Couple’s wedding rings found by rescuers after boat capsizes

    No Comments

    Algerian couple Ahmed and Doudou made a lucky escape after being rescued by fishermen after 48 hours at sea due to their boat capsizing. The boat contained 20 people of which five died, reports the Italian arm of Doctors Without Borders (MSF).

    When the incident happened, Ahmed and Doudou lost their rings and believed they were gone forever. A few weeks after the disaster, however, rescuers from the maritime rescue NGO Open Arms came across their half-sunken boat adrift in the Mediterranean on November 9. They found a red backpack that contained just a few items in it: a couple of shirts, a spare pair of shoes, a phone charger, and two wedding rings inscribed with the names Ahmed and Doudou.

    “In the first moments, we thought that it probably belonged to someone that was dead or lost in the trip,” Riccardo Gatti, the president of Open Arms Italy, told CNN. “The significance and the meaning of what this was like ‘Wow … here’s something that really belonged to someone and we do not know where they are or if they still are’.”

    Open Arms then shared photos of the backpack and its contents, including the rings, on social media. 

    Gatti reached out to the Italian MSF to help find the owners.

    “When (Open Arms) contacted us, I told them it was impossible to find the owners,” said Ahmad Al Rousan, a cultural mediator for MSF. “But they tried anyway, passing the photos of the backpack to some of the people who were on the same boat as Ahmed and Doudou. “And then they called us and said the backpack belonged to Ahmed.”

    “I spoke with Ahmed directly and he started to explain to me what’s inside because the photo I sent was just of the backpack and some of the things on the deck,” Gatti said.

    Ahmed had told him about the rings, explaining they were in the backpack because the couple was hoping to have them fixed after arriving to Europe.

    Gatti added: “He told me he was really happy to see the photo and he was very emotional about the rings, but he’s still in shock and said ‘I keep thinking about the five people who lost their lives in front of us.”

    Picture: Facebook / Open Arms Italia

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Announcements

    Amber Riley and Desean Black announce their engagement

    No Comments

    Glee star Amber Riley and her boyfriend Desean Black are newly engaged! The pair took to Instagram to announce the big news, which is extra special as the couple met through the social networking app.

    In a video posted to her page, Amber showed off sparkling engagement ring. She captioned it, “There was a time when I thought I didn’t want or deserve this kind of love.I’m looking at a man who changed my mind. My time by myself, loving on myself, getting comfortable with myself, prepared me for you, and prepared me for this.”

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by RILEY (@msamberpriley)

    Desean also went on Instagram and wrote a beautiful caption with a picture of the duo.

    “Fellas, when a woman looks at you like this, it’s a clear indication that you’re doing the right thing, Now, when she delivers unconditional love that you’ve never experienced, it’s another clear indication that you’ve found the one.”

    “”Only a fool would let someone as special as this slip away. So I did what any wise man would do and put a ring on it. I love you to pieces @msamberpriley, or should I say the future Mrs. Black,” he continued.

    The pair met through Instagram DMs and the Glee star was the one that approached Desean. She inboxed him asking how he was.

    While the couple have never been public about their personal life and romance,  Amber went public with their relationship on October 12 by posting the ‘how it started vs how it’s going’ challenge.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by RILEY (@msamberpriley)

    Picture: Instagram

    by
    Continue Reading