Wedding ETC, Author at Wedding ETC

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/B76pEP2h0Fd/

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8Osw1wlmov/

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8XoNC-h6w5/

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8c3vgbhzGV/

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtBP8SvjIS3/

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

– Lillies

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw79UwChZjk/

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8dTlVljLC1/

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/BEfNjsJPa-_/

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/B74zZXlJgIE/

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw-D_skA8s9/

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8W3bkdFOlv/

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4IYPBaFkYK/

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0rDq3RBfdB/

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwsYcURFIa9/

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/7kgbfrQOlZ/

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/s5NPoyny8-/

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

In Advice

Should grooms wear custom-made suits?

February 7, 2020 No Comments

Wedding dresses are gushed over and are often made the centre of attention on the big day. This may leave you, as the groom, feeling as though your suit is not of much importance. Well, that’s definitely not true! You surely want to look your best on your special day.

For some, a custom-made suit is the best way to achieve that. Others, however, may be on the fence about whether a bespoke suit is worth it.

Here are some pros and cons of custom-made suits to help you decide:

Pros:

– Fit

Nothing looks better than a suit that fits you perfectly. This is particularly worthy of noting for those who don’t have a “typical” body. Off the rack suits are catered almost exclusively to the “average” body type.

– Look

Material, design, patterns, and style can all be tailored to your exact needs and wants. The look of the suit will be nothing short of what you imagined. You won’t have to settle for the generic offerings of stores.

– Attention to detail

Since your suit is being made by a tailor, you’ll get a final product that has been paid careful attention to from start to finish. As a result of this attention to detail, you’ll get the best possible quality.

Cons:

– Cost

Since you’re paying for higher quality material as well as the time and labour it takes to create the suit, you’ll be paying quite a bit more than you would for a suit off the racks. You’ll have to consider whether your budget allows for this.

– Time consuming

Bespoke suits are usually made by hand, with minimal machines involved. On top of that, you’ll have to go for a few fittings in order to ensure the suit fits you perfectly. This will take much more time than simply purchasing a suit at a store.

– May not get your money’s worth

Custom-made suits are great, and it’s always good to have one in your closest for special occasions. However, if you’re a guy who doesn’t wear suits very often, splurging on an expensive suit may not be worth your while. If it’s just going to collect dust in your closet, consider a store bought suit instead.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Do you really need a wedding theme?

February 7, 2020 No Comments

Some couples go all out with wedding themes, like this pair who had a Harry Potter themed wedding. Others prefer to keep the themes mellow and low-key, opting for ideas such as “rustic” or “vintage”.

Wedding themes were, in the past, one of the most important decisions to make about your wedding. These days, its really more of a personal preference; whether you have a theme is neither here nor there.

The draw towards a themed wedding, in general, is the idea of personalising an event that is quite common. For this reason, some may consider a wedding theme imperative. But, in the end, it’s not necessary.

In fact, choosing to forgo a wedding theme completely may make your life a whole lot easier. A theme limits your options with regards to food, drinks and decor. Having no theme means you can have whatever you want without worrying if it fits with the theme. This connects to the next reason why themed weddings complicate your life.

Having a theme also means you have to connect all aspects of your wedding to this theme. More often than not, this will take much more time and planning than a regular wedding and can end up costing much more money.

Guests, usually, have trouble with a themed wedding. Their outfits need more planning and they may have to purchase entirely new items just for your event. For many, this puts them off from attending the wedding at all.

Instead of going for a full on wedding theme, you could opt to centre your wedding – including food, decor and drinks – around two or three colours. This is much easier and always looks classy.

Here are some ideas:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BP52ryxBkJV/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzyCnU6prmP/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8D437Zl5cY/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8OWa4YJKM8/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8OVUxkhHeQ/

If you already have your heart set on a themed wedding. That’s okay too, it’s your special day and you should do as you please! Just be sure you’re ready for some extra planning. Here are some themed weddings to help you gather some inspiration:

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByDjaZQH9Xn/

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRiKEt8hvv7/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7i9yMwh4lR/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B62Pf7xBEJX/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8Hxptno4RO/

Image: Instagram/Halloweddings

In Advice

How weddings have changed over the years

February 6, 2020 No Comments

Weddings come with tons of customs and traditions, the history of which is always quite interesting. Many couples are eager to incorporate age-old practices into their weddings. Over the years, however, the practices have changed and transformed.

For those who want tradition and modernity, or who would prefer to customise their wedding to be more original, perhaps insight into how wedding traditions have changed over the years will help to find a middle ground.

– Asking for permission

In years gone by, it was often considered respectful to ask a woman’s father for her hand in marriage. Today, women have much more agency and are no longer considered to be “passed on” to their husbands. Many still follow this custom as a sign of respect. However, others have completely done away with the tradition.

– Veils

Originally, the wedding veil was a way to protect the bride from evil spirits on her wedding day. In 1849, however, Queen Victoria donned a veil as fashion for the first time ever. Since then, many brides have decided to go without a veil or have replaced it with other accessories such as flower crowns.

– Not seeing each other before the ceremony

In the past, it was considered to be very bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding. This tradition started at a time when arranged marriages were more common, and was a way to ensure that a groom did not have a change of heart before the ceremony.

Today, many couples have “first look” shoots. They have a private moment together before their nuptials to capture the first moment they see each other in their wedding attire.

– Receptions

Today, we have large receptions that take months of preparation and planning. We offer full meals and often have a constant flow of food and drink for our guests. Previously, a wedding reception was merely some cake and tea at the home of the brides parents.

– The classic vows

The classic wedding vows, which can be traced back to 1549, say that the bride promises to “love, honour, keep, obey, and serve” her husband to be. The last two words are often dropped, these days.

– Rice throwing

Traditionally, newly-weds were sent off from their weddings by having rice tossed at them. Today, bubbles, eco-friendly glitter, or sparklers, amongst other things are often used instead.

Image: Unsplash