Wedding ETC, Author at Wedding ETC

In Celebs

Somhale plans a third wedding in Italy

February 17, 2020 No Comments

Somizi is known for being extravagant and over the top, and his partner, Mohale, is just the same. Both their traditional African ceremony in 2019 and their white wedding in January of this year were testement to that. Now, the couple is planning a third wedding.

According to the Idols SA judge, the loved-up couple will have their third ceremony in Florence, Italy. He made the announcement last Friday, February 14, on Metro FM’s Breakfast show.

Answering a question about why there had been no honeymoon Somizi said, “We decided not to because we are investing in a new home. And then we’re honeymooning in April. We’re going to Dubai and Coachella. And then we’re planning our third wedding in July in Italy.”

Apparently they will be inviting anyone who has the means to attend the third wedding.

The couple visited Italy some time last year. It seems the country made quite an impression on the pair.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1LiqWPjmN1/

We can’t wait to see what the couple has in store for ceremony number three. It’s sure to be even bigger and better.

Image: Instagram / mohale_77

In Decor

Wedding tables: Round vs banquet

February 17, 2020 No Comments

Most people spend hours imagining what their wedding reception will look like, but few consider how difficult it is to decide on the type of table. It may seem trivial, but the round versus banquet table debate is long-standing and on-going.

The tables you choose affect your decor, your guests, and the overall vibe of your wedding. Neither is particularly better than the other, however, it is true that certain shapes go better with certain venues.

Nevertheless, no matter what, the choice is yours. If you’re still on the fence about the shape of your tables, you may want to keep some of these pros and cons in mind as you decide.

– Banquet Tables

These are usually better for narrow, long rooms.

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Pros:

Good for when you’re short on space

Since you can fit more people at a longer table, you’ll need fewer tables. This will save a lot of space and will ensure that the venue does not look overcrowded.

Could lower cost of decor and linen

As less tables are needed, less linen is needed too. The same goes for table decorations. If you’re decorating with florals, for example, you wouldn’t need as many.

Cons:

Guest conversation might die down

Longer tables means that guests are confined to conversations with the people in their immediate vicinity. A round table allows for a group conversation, whereas a longer, rectangular table usually only allows for guest to chat to those next to them and directly opposite them.

Moving around is more difficult

For those sitting towards the middle, getting up from the table may be an issue. If you’re having a buffet (where guests will have to get up for food) you’ll have a traffic jam on your hands too as there will be many people up at once.

– Round Tables

These are generally better for irregularly shaped rooms.

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Pros:

– Great for conversations

As mentioned above, a round table allows for a group conversation. This is much less pressure for the guests than the situation at a banquet table.

– Most venues offer more than one variation

Since it was quite popular in years gone by, most weddings have more than one option of round-style seating for you to choose from. Variety is always good!

Cons:

– Not as modern

Banquet tables offer a modern, sleek look that round tables don’t. Round tables also are less effective in photographs than banquet tables are.

– A centrepiece can complicate conversation

You’ll have to think a bit harder about your centrepieces because they may block guests views of one another!

– Best of both

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If you have more than enough space, and you really can’t decide on a table shape, you could always find a way to incorporate both!

Image: Unsplash

In News

Adele officiates friend’s wedding

February 17, 2020 No Comments

Best friend’s are there for each other through thick and thin. Having Adele as a best friend seems like it comes with all of that and more! The Grammy Award-winning singer officiated her bestie, Laura Dockrill’s, wedding this past Saturday (15 February) in London.

Dockrill, an author and illustrator, wedded musician Hugo White, a member of The Maccabees, at a pub called Mason’s Arms. After officiating for the happy couple, Adele provided some entertainment too. Imagine having Adele perform at your wedding! A dream come true, right?

She performed her breakout hit “Rolling in the Deep” and “Spice up your life” by the Spice Girls. Later, fellow singer Florence Welch also joined Adele on stage.

The songstress has known Dockrill for years, as they grew up together and have been friends since they were children. Adele even wrote a song for Dockrill titled “My Same”. The song can be found on her album 19.

Adele’s performance at this wedding was quite significant. She is a notoriously private person and in prefers not to be seen by the public during her day-to-day life. In fact, the singer has not performed at a big event since 2017 when she had a concert at Wembly Stadium.

Of course she knew guests would capture some video… she is Adele after all. So this must have meant a lot to her. What a great friend!

The couple looked happy as can be:

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Congrats to the happy couple!

Image: Facebook / Adele

In News

Mya weds mystery man in an island wedding

February 14, 2020 No Comments

Apparently, congratulations are long over-due for Mya, who reportedly got married in secret in December 2019. The ‘Lady Marmalade’ singer had an island wedding in Seychelles.

This news comes as a shock to many, as the 40-year-old, singer, songwriter, producer, and actress has not publicly dated anyone in years. In fact, the identity of her new spouse remains a mystery.

In the past, Mya has been linked to NFL stars DeSean Jackson and Larry Johnson and rapper The Game. However, this was merely speculation.

TMZ released exclusive photos of Mya in her wedding gown. The gown features a floor-length tulle skirt and a plunging neckline.

She stands on her own, on the beach enjoying the perfect weather, looking absolutely radiant.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8ehZR_pL15/

The multitalented star has not commented on her nuptials, and – if we’re going off of her history of keeping her private life private – she is unlikely to do so. Mya is known for keeping her romantic life under wraps. The fact that we’re only finding out about her marriage status two months after the ceremony is a testament to this.

This was the star’s first marriage, and by the looks of it, she had it exactly how she wanted it…in private.

Congrats to Mya and her mystery man!

Image: Facebook / Miss Mya

In Emotional

Bride honours sister on her wedding gown

February 14, 2020 No Comments

Megan Dean, who got married in October 2019, recently told TODAY the heart wrenching story of how she used her wedding dress to honour her deceased sister Rylie. In a Facebook post, on January 3 – which would have been Rylie’s 19th birthday – Dean detailed her tribute further.

Dean was only 4-years-old when her little sister passed away due to a heart condition. Despite having only known her for 8 days and despite having three living sisters, the now 23-year old Dean could not let her special day go by without including Rylie in some way.

Her plan was to integrate her sister’s baby blanket into her wedding gown. For this she employed the help of her mother, Rebecca.

“Getting her blanket required my mom and I to open up a box filled with Rylie’s things that we hadn’t looked at for years”, Dean told TODAY.

“Getting to talk with my mom about her experience and the memories she had was something quite special”, she added.

The bride-to-be at the time had her tailor create a patch in the shape of a heart using the blanket which had her sisters name embroidered on it. The patch was then sewed to the inside of Deans wedding gown.

In her Facebook post dedicated to Rylie she wrote, “This is the blanket you were swaddled in the moment you left our mother’s womb. It is what wrapped around you as our mom and dad held you for the first time…This is the blanket you wore during my last memory of you, kissing your forehead for one final time and not wanting to leave your side. I could not fathom celebrating a new beginning without you right there alongside me.”

If this wasn’t enough to tug at your heart strings, Dean had another idea. She requested that an identical patch be made, also using the baby blanket as fabric. The second patch would be a gift from her to her father; he would wear it as a pocket square as he walked her down the aisle.

“I was so excited to show my dad our tribute to Rylie. When I showed him the heart, I remember him saying through tears, ‘It’s her blanket,’ and we both began sobbing”, she told TODAY.

Dean also surprised all her sisters with the tribute to Rylie. We’re sure this made the day extra special.

Images: Facebook / Megan Dean

In Weddings

Lucky wedding symbols around the world

February 12, 2020 No Comments

For those who are superstitious, wedding days call for traditions that bring good luck. Some people believe that there are certain items and occurrences that symbolise good luck too.

Whether you agree with them or not, it remains interesting to know and learn about. And lets be honest, a little extra good luck never hurt any body.

Here are some symbols of good luck (and items that bring good luck) from around the world:

– Rain

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Most people hope and pray for no rain on their wedding day. The rain is a huge inconvenience in terms of wedding photos and outdoor ceremonies. However, many cultures around the world believe that rain on the day of your wedding is a good omen. It is said that the rain beings fertility for the couple and washes away all the things they want to leave behind as they move into their new lives together.

– Sugar Cubes

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In Greek Culture, many believe that carrying a sugar cube means your marriages will be sweet as sugar. In the past, brides would carry the cube in one of their gloves. With the fading out of the bridal glove, some brides have begun popping the sugar cube in their bouquets.

– Fire crackers

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The Chinese believe that fire crackers ward off evil spirits and ensure that the newly weds and their marriage are protected. For this reason, post-ceremony firecrackers are a common occurrence for those who are superstitious.

– Spiders

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Many people are afraid of spiders, but in Britain they believe that finding one in your wedding dress is a sign of good luck for the bride.

– Cranes

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In some parts of Asia, brides have cranes embroidered onto their dresses. Crane are said to symbolise fidelity and a long marriage.

– Lillies

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In Holland they believe that lillies of the valley are symbols of love. For this reason, the couple plants lillies close to or around their home.

– Swords

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Swords are a symbol of harmony and strength in Cambodia. Carrying a sword to the alter ensures that the marriage is blessed.

Image: Instagram / momentsphotograhyau

In Advice

Marrying a foreigner: What you need to know

February 12, 2020 No Comments

So you’ve found the partner of your dreams and you can’t wait to get married. But, there’s one little hiccup… You’re from two different parts of the world, and that can make the process a bit tedious.

Marrying a foreigner doesn’t have to be a tiresome task. You simply need to know what to expect.

Whether you are a foreigner marrying a South African citizen or a South African marrying a foreigner, there are obligatory procedures to follow. Here’s what you need to know:

– Can you get married in South Africa?

If you’re a minor, you cannot get married without written consent from a parent, guardian or the court.

People who suffer from severe mental disorders are unfortunately not allowed to get married under South African law. The reason for this is that the mental disorder may prevent them from understanding what marriage is and may cause them to make decisions which are not in their best interest.

Finally, if you are already married you are prohibited from getting married in South Africa. If you have previously been married, you need to present evidence that the marriage has legally ended.

Other than the above mentioned people, every body is allowed to get married in this country.

– The process

Both partners are required to make a trip to Home Affairs (Pro tip: try to ensure that you go to the Home Affairs Officers that your intended marriage Officer is registered at). Ensure that you take all required documents with you!

An official will verify the documents that you present. Thereafter, they will make an appointment with an immigration interviewing officer for you.

The purpose of the interview is to determine the legitimacy of the relationship – the government needs to take steps to ensure that a marriage of convenience (for citizenship) is not taking place. This is nothing to worry about! Questions will simply be about your relationship. You’ll be asked how long you’ve been together, if you’ve met each other’s family’s, or why you want to be together.

If your interview is successful you’ll receive a document confirming that you are legally allowed to marry in South Africa.

Once your marriage is documented, you should be issued a printed marriage certificate. This certificate is then used to apply for a visa.

– What documents do you need?

For the South African Citizen:

A certified copy of your ID
3 x ID photo’s
If you have been previously married, Home Affairs will require a copy of the decree of divorce/death certificate. If yours is an antenuptial agreement, they will need a copy of the cover letter from your lawyer.

For the non-South African Citizen:

A copy of the front page of your passport
A copy of the Visa Page in your passport – or the last entry stamp through customs found in your passport
3 x ID photo’s
If you have been previously married, Home Affairs will require a copy of the decree of divorce/death certificate.
A letter of non-impediment (certificate from your country of citizenship confirming freedom to marry)
You will be required to sign an Affidavit on the day of your wedding – This is a document supplied by Home Affairs. It is required to verify that you are using your international passport as a means of documentation since you do not have a South African ID number.

P.S it’s always safer to certify all your documents before you head to Home Affairs. You wouldn’t want to be turned away for something so minor!

Romantic things to do in Lapland

February 11, 2020 No Comments

With winter lasting about seven months long, and the temperature averaging from just a few degrees below zero to just above zero, you wouldn’t think Lapland is a great destination for a romantic getaway. But, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Lapland, Finland makes for an amazing romantic destination for couples. It boasts unmatched natural phenomena, blissful boarding options, and a variety of subarctic wilderness to marvel at.

The region also has a very small population, and isn’t packed with tourists. This means you won’t be in a crowd, and will have loads of private time with your significant other.

If this hasn’t sold you on Lapland, here are some romantic activities on offer that may win you over:

– Experience a night in a glass igloo village

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The Kakslauttanen Glass Igloo Village is one-in-a-million. You’ll spend a night in a luxurious glass igloo, gazing up at the stars in style. What could be more romantic?

Staying toasty warm while watching the snow fall around you is a unique experience you’ll never forget.

– Watch the Northern Lights

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One of the natural phenomena’s on many peoples bucket list is the Northern Lights. Not only is this phenomena incredible to marvel at, but it comes with its own folklore too. Some believe that the auroras have a favourable effect on fertility.

There are safari’s you can join which take you on a hunt for the auroras on snowmobiles, an adrenaline rush ending in a spectacular show from mother nature. It can’t get much better than that.

– Relax on a Reindeer Safari

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Sit in a traditional sleigh and get drawn across the snow-covered landscape by a caravan of reindeer. Snuggle up, have some snacks, and share a special moment with your partner as you experience a once in a life time ride.

– Go ice swimming

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Take the plunge! It’ll be a shock to your body like you’ve never felt before. What makes a romantic getaway more memorable than some new and exhilarating experiences?

– Visit a national park

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Have some quiet relaxating time out in nature. There are guided hikes available; this is the perfect way to take in the fresh air and experience the wilderness that Lapland offers.

– Go cloudberry picking

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Enjoy a nice stroll while you pick some berries to snack on! This is one of the sweeter activities offered in Lapland. You may have to do some scavenging, but it will be worth it.

Image: Unsplash

In Venues

Strange places people have tied the knot

February 10, 2020 No Comments

Your wedding day should be exactly what you want it to be. Whether its artsy or “uptight”, if it makes you happy then that’s all that matters! Some couples really take this advice to heart, having their weddings in all sorts of strange locations.

There are always some unusual weddings happening somewhere in the world. Here are some of our favourite strange places where people have tied the knot:

– Abandoned train station

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On October 13, 2012 this couple got married at an abandoned train station in Michigan, USA. Robert Nixon and wife Myla, according to their Instagram page @deadsledbrand, are “a couple of hearse loving weirdos”.

It seems that the pair have a love for all things creepy, so their abandoned train station wedding must have been a mirror of their personalities.

– Whole Foods

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfzNzeID1oz/

Jacqueline Aronson and her husband, Ross had their wedding at Whole Foods, an American supermarket which caters to healthy eaters by selling products free of hydrogenated fats, artificial colours and flavours, and preservatives.

It’s possible that the reason behind their supermarket wedding can be found in their engagement story… the big question (‘will you marry me?’) was asked in the flower aisle of a Whole Foods.

– Taco Bell

https://www.instagram.com/p/BV73dhSAnRl/

Dan Ryckert and his bride, Bianca, said “I do” in a Taco Bell in Las Vegas. The Mexican food chain is very popular in the US and this couple is probably one of thousands of couples who dreamed of tying the knot with tacos to follow.

We hope their love is as spicy as the food they enjoy!

– Gas station

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You’ve heard of public proposals, but we bet you’ve never seen a public wedding. There must have been tons of unknown onlookers, who perhaps hoped to fill their tanks, at these gas station nuptials.

A gas station wedding may not be for everyone, but these wedding-goers seem to be having a great time.

– The Apple Store

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For some people, phones are very important in their lives. Your entire life is on that phone…right? This couple took their passion for their iPhones to the next level by getting hitched at an Apple Store. There is not much information about the couple online, despite their apparent love for technology.

Image: Instagram / Digital Spark Weddings

In Beauty

What goes into a makeup trial?

February 10, 2020 No Comments

We’re willing to bet you’d do a lot to ensure that your face looks perfect on your wedding day. Of course you can do some pre-wedding bridal skin care to ensure that your skin is spotless, but what about your makeup?

That’s what makeup trials are for! It’s the best way to ensure that you’ll have the exact look you’re dreaming of on your special day. Here’s what you should prepare for:

– Knowing your look

Explaining your daily look will most likely be a requirement.

Make-up artists will want to know what your “go-to” look is, in general. They’ll try to find out what you look like on a day-to-day basis, what you look like at work, and what you look like when you’re out having fun. The reason for this is that, ultimately, your wedding makeup should have you looking like the best version of yourself, instead of completely different.

– Hair comes before makeup

Your MUA needs to know what your hair will look like. There are two reasons for this.

On your wedding day, your hair should be done before your makeup. This means that if you’re planning on using hair accessories or wearing your hair down, your makeup artist will need to plan ahead as to how they will (practically) apply your makeup.

Your makeup style also needs to match your hair style. For this reason, you need to have an idea of your hair look for your makeup trials too.

– Come with ideas

Pictures help the MUA to understand the look you’re dreaming of. Fill up that Pinterest board and have them scroll through it. They’ll appreciate the guidance!

– It will take time

You may want to test a few different styles. This means the appointment will be quite long. Ensure that you’re ready for it.

If the trial doesn’t go well, you may want to book another or try a different MUA. You need to be prepared for this to happen, so book your makeup trial well before your wedding day.

– Discussing money

You’ll have to be prepared to talk pricing during your makeup trial. Let the MUA know where they’ll need to be, how many bridesmaids you have, and any other important information. This will all affect the final cost.

Image: Unsplash