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    After tying the knot, the reception usually follows, filled with celebration, fun and lots of dancing. However, planning a proper party requires a lot of thought. With all the details, make sure you don’t overlook your wedding playlist, because let’s face it, the music makes the party. Here’s how to plan your wedding playlist:

    DJ or band or DIY

    This one is pretty simple. Pick between hiring a DJ, a live band or creating your own playlist and just letting it play.

    Plan

    As with everything, planning is your best friend. Sorting out your playlist well in advance will not only put your mind at ease but also ensure that the end product is perfect.

    Theme

    Ask yourself: What is the vibe going to be like at your wedding? This will help determine what music and genres you should or shouldn’t play.

    The happy couple’s big day

    You and your partner should make a list of songs that you definitely want played at your reception. The ‘must-haves’, even if they only please you and your partner.

     

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    Tony & Cassandra —————————————— Fireworks & CloudFx @sparkfx.au Venue @miramaregardens | Photography @photographybynazau photographybynazau |cinematic @khachan.weddings | Entertainment @Zaid etlebnenentertainment | Mc @joe_dimento_mc | Floral @jewelphonflowers | Crystal Ribbons @chandelierstodiefor | Gown @personalisedweddingcouture | Tan @glowbybeca | Hair @hairbystefnapo | makeup @kyliepapamakeup | Cars @queenstcarhire @queenstcustoms | Weddings#sydneyweddingfirework#fireworksFx#sparkfx#cryofx#cloudfx#co2guns #bride #brideandgroom #groom #realwedding #weddingideas #weddingshoes #weddingfashion #weddingblog #vintagewedding #modernwedding #rusticwedding #weddingdetails #weddingpictures #sydneyweddings #wedding #weddingreception#sparkular#sparkulars#sparkularfx#dreamteam#therightchoice#creatingmememories

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    A time and a place

    Plan your playlist according to the happenings of your reception. For example, you wouldn’t play hype or dance music when the speeches are happening. Customise the playlist to your reception schedule.

     

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    Fog machines make weddings look so magical!! ?✨ Victoria + James choreographed the most beautiful first dance and I’m so grateful to have been the one to capture their special day!! . . . . . #engagementphotographer #elopementphotographer #miamiengagementphotographer #southfloridaphotographer #southfloridaphotographers #weddingphotographer #southfloridaweddingphotographer #southfloridawedding #miamiportraitphotographer #floridaweddingphotographer #miamiweddingphotographer #destinationweddingphotographer #pembrokepinesphotographer #bocaratonweddingphotographer #bocaratonphotographer #miamielopementphotographer #junebugweddings #loveandwildhearts #dirtybootsandmessyhair #theknot #californiaweddingphotographer #weddingdress #weddingreception #floridawedding #keywestweddingphotographer #firstdance #firstdanceashusbandandwife #fontainebleauwedding

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    Go with the flow

    This tip is similar to the above. Make sure your music flows. You don’t want your guests jamming on the dance floor, getting all pumped and then a sad, sappy song comes on.

     

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    It was a perfect wedding weekend! What a joy to host Stefani and Steven’s day. Thanks to the talented vendors who made it all happen! __ Photography @bonnieturnerphoto Planning @gracefullymadeweddings Video @winterstudiosco Flowers @affordablearrangements Catering @monksbbq Calligraphy @leahletters_ DJ @willgralley . . . . #loudouncounty #virginiawine #winecountry #virginiawineries #vineyard #winery #winelife #loveloudoun #historic #wino #weddingvenue #wineonwine #virginialiving #winetour #weddingplanning #winerywedding #engaged #weddingreception #winterwedding #redwine #leesburg #middleburg #weddingvenues #fireplaces #isaidyes #winetasting? #weddingvenue #aisleperfect #winetasting #rosewine #huffpostido

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    Mix it up 

    Even though it’s your big day, it’s important to cater for everyone. A great idea is to play something for everyone. Mix in some old and new school, as well as some classics.

    Special requests

    If you really want to make your guests happy, you can ask them to make suggestions beforehand then incorporate it into the playlist where appropriate.

    Review

    Listen to your hard work! As you listen to all your songs, picture your reception. Run through the order of the evening and imagine what it’s going to look and sound like.

    Image: Unsplash

    All eyes don’t have to be on the bride only – the groom can turn a few heads too! But how do you bring that same ‘wow’ factor with something as simple as a suit and tie? Here’s how to ensure that you and your mates are looking dapper on the big day.

    Classic

    A classic black suit and tie paired with a crisp white shirt is a definite crowd-pleaser.

    Grey

    Grey is a great option as it’s available in many variations. Try and pick a shade of grey that will suit your venue and colour scheme. For example, if it’s a beach or rustic wedding you’d usually opt for a light shade of grey.

    Blue

    It’s a great colour that suits all skin tones. It’s simple enough to be timeless, but a bit more daring than the classic black and white.

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    What a dashing group of gentlemen ? #groomsmen #herecomesthegroom #groomsmenstyle #dashing

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    Tailor it!

    No matter which colour or option you choose, tailoring will be your best friend. A tailored suit is already a statement, no matter the colour scheme. It looks put together, well-fitted and smart.

     

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    2 years today. Peter and his groomsmen dressed head to toe in #AdrianJules ? #HappyAnniversary❤️

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    Casual

    Again, this depends on your venue and the vibe of your big day, but deciding on a causal outfit has never looked this good. An added bonus is the reusable factor – you can dress it up or down as much as you’d like, for any occasion.

     

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    We’re totally here for this jean jacket groomsmen style! And we have plenty of men’s fashion inspo where this came from! Stop on by the blog today for 17 easy-to-recreate groomsmen outfit ideas for every wedding style from ultra-classy ? to cool and casual ? Link in bio ? // ? @indiaearl ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ •⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ •⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ •⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ •⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ •⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #groom #groomsmen #mensfashion #jeanjackets #weddingfashion #weddinginspo #weddingideas #weddingplanning #weddingtips #junebugweddings #groomsmenstyle #groomstyle #floraltie #casualwedding #bohowedding

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    Statement ties

    Opt for a plain suit and a bold tie for that unexpected bit of detail.

     

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    The groomsmen looking good at @hotelsancristobal featured today on @greenweddingshoes suit by @paulsmithdesign swipe ??

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    A bit of matching

    Who doesn’t love a good match? While uniformity is great among you and your groomsmen, you (and your partner) are the star of the show. You don’t have to all wear the same outfit in order to have a bit of matching.

    Image: Unsplash

    Ellie Goulding and Caspar Jopling wed on August 31, 2019. The wedding took place at the York Minster Cathedral in England. Whether it was the star-studded wedding guest list or the hoards of fans that lined the streets, it’s no surprise that the lavish nuptials are being mistaken for a royal affair.

    Fans speculate that the couple met through their mutual friend, Princess Eugenie. The English singer-songwriter has been engaged to the art dealer since August 2018. Caspar announced the engagement on Instagram.

    Ellie opted for a gothic style wedding gown which was a custom-made Chloé piece. The dress was hand embroidered and featured glass beads, white roses and took a total of 640 hours to make. The bridesmaids all wore beautiful white gowns.

     

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    Thankful for everyone and everything, especially you

    A post shared by Caspar Jopling (@casparjopling) on

    The lavish wedding incorporated a lot of flowers – from the retro Volkswagen camper van to embellishing the cathedral door.

    After the ‘royal affair’, the flowers did not go to waste but was instead gifted to the fans who lined the streets.

    Wedding guests included Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, Ed Sheeran and Sienna Miller.

     

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    Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom led the stylish arrivals to York Minster Cathedral for Ellie Goulding and her longtime love Caspar Jopling’s nuptials on Saturday. Stars included: Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom, Sienna Miller, James Blunt, Princess Eugenie, Princess Beatrice, The Duchess of York and so much more. Congrats to the newlyweds ??? • • • #elliegoulding #ellie #elliegouldingfan #elliegouldingqueen #elliegouldingconcert #starryeyed #yoursong #married #justmarried #weddingday #casparjopling #caspar #ellieandcaspar #york #orlandobloom #orlando #katyperry #siennamiller #sienna #princesseugenie #princesseugenieofyork #princessbeatrice #thenikkidiaries #nikkisnews #nntv

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    Image: Facebook/Ellie Goulding

    Do you really need wedding insurance? Wedding insurance, simply put, is the insuring of your big day. It can be anything from the venue to any cancellations. You may be questioning the necessity of this but when you’re spending thousands and thousands on your nuptials it may be a good investment.

    As much as you shouldn’t be negative about things, it’s also vital to take precautions. Would you purchase a phone or a car and not obtain insurance? So if you’re spending more than what you’d pay for a phone – and in some cases – a car then why wouldn’t you insure your big day?

    Wedding insurance can be tailored to suit any couples needs. Various companies also have different packages available that cover a few too many things.

    Consider a few things before making your final decision:
    – How much are you spending on your wedding?

    If you’re opting for a micro wedding then maybe you don’t need insurance since you’re not spending too much.

    – How far in advance are you planning?

    Insurance may be a good option if you’re planning a year in advance since it’s hard to know if anything may happen. Whereas situations are less likely to change in a month or two.

    – How long have you saved for your big day?

    If you’ve been saving for a long time you might want to invest in insurance. You wouldn’t want to lose your hard-earned money. If money isn’t an issue for you, then maybe not.

    – Anything can happen (unfortunately)

    Sadly no one knows what the future hold. There may be a death in the family or (touch wood) your partner. It’s not nice to talk about but it should be noted. Death aside, there may be damage done to your venue, a result of a guest who had a bit too much to drink or perhaps an innocent mistake.

    Keep the above-mentioned in mind. Remember to talk to your wedding planner and vendors as some of them may be covered. Even if so it’ll never be full coverage for the full wedding.

    Picture: Pexels

    Before you stress about your two left feet, it’s important to remember that wedding dance floor etiquette is not about knowing how to perfectly ace the waltz or foxtrot. Simply put, it’s about knowing when you can hit the floor to bust a move. Have a look at the order of dances at a wedding.

     

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    We’re over the moon? Classical first-dance under a hundred fireworks is definitely something out-of-dreams?

    A post shared by Fadi Fattouh (@fadifattouh) on

    Assuming it’s a traditional wedding with the ‘usual’ dance order here’s how it goes:

    Obviously the newly wed couple will take to the floor first. They will share their first dance together as a married couple. It is usually quite a sweet and romantic moment. They choose a special song that means something to them along with a dance.

    Next the bride will dance with her father. It can be quite emotional so get the tissues ready!

     

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    Daddy dance with me I want you to see the woman I’ve become. Daddy don’t let go I want you to know I’ll always need your love. Today I became his wife But I’ll be your baby girl for life. ~Krystal Keith There’s something about parent dances that make me teary-eyed. I just always love those intimate moments that you spend as a married person dancing with the person who has loved and supported you from the beginning. That’s my #weddingadvice for Thursday: make sure that you get to spend some time with the people who mean the most to you! Photo by: @jamieapratt #wedding #weddinginspo #advice #tip #tennesseewedding #tennessee #knoxville #knoxrocks #865life #tennesseeweddingplanner #southernwedding #southernbride #knoxvillewedding #outdoorwedding #parent #parents #parentdance #father #fatheranddaughter #fatherdaughterdance

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    Then the mother of the bride will dance with the groom followed by the brides parents, who will take to the floor for a spin or two.

    The groom will sway away with his own mother thereafter.

    His parents can then share a moment and then finally the guests can join in and shake a leg.

    It’s important to note that this order can be changed and does not have to be followed. Edit it how you want to suit you and your partners desires.

    If you’re a guest just remember not to step on the dance floor when it’s the couple’s first dance. Keep an eye out in case you recognise the above mentioned order and when you get the go ahead show them what your two left feet are made of!

     

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    #weddingdance #polishgirl #polishboy #married #wesele #hejwesele z @amaszorzeszki ? #annaisbridal #sukniaslubna #princessdress #summervibes

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    Picture: Pexels

    Who said garlands were just for the table? Take your decor to new heights with greenery installations – one of our favourite trends at the moment. Normally decor is focused on eye-level, but what about accessorising the higher spaces with lush greens as well. You can change the whole feel of the space with something as simple (and budget-friendly) as leaves and vines. Take a look:

     

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    Feeling a little under the weather after spending last week up a slippery ladder hanging onto a tipi pole with rain pouring down my face, the immune system has taken a bit of a hit. Then @agnes.black sends me this beauty and suddenly everything seems more than OK! Just wow ? I’ll be back on emails tomorrow after some much needed R&R, thanks for your patience everyone! @fivefourstudios @hollyrussell_1 @innercityweddings @hipswinguk @pinkcocoa_sarah #hangingfoliage #hangingflowers #foliagewedding #hanginggreenery #floralinstallation #greenerywedding #suspendedgreenery #suspendedfoliage #coolbride #tablerunner #floraldecor #statementflowers #tablegreenery #underthefloralspell #flowerstyle #manchesterflorist #cheshireflorist #overheadfoliage #weddingflowers #modernbride #alternativeflowers #topteble #weddingreception #spanishmoss #weddingdecor #floralstyling #manchesterweddingflowers #cascadingflowers #floralart

    A post shared by S A S S F L O W E R (@sassflower) on

    One of the best things about incorporating greenery into your decor, is the affordability. It’s a budget-friendly ‘floral’ option and you can even do it yourself! You only need to purchase the greenery, wire or fixtures, and do some research on how to build it.

    You can buy wire, a floral hoop and a variety of greenery, and easily create a heavenly leafy green chandelier. It comes down to your entwining skills and a whole lot of securing. Alternatively, your florist will be able to make, or help you with, bigger projects. Think big! High ceilings + a big trellis = winner combo!

     

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    This magical setting is giving us ALL of the heart eyes! ? Beautiful work by @weddingconceptsusa @okasie @somethingdifferentza ?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ? @hewittwrightphotographer⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #weddinglighting #pendantlighting #industrialwedding #organicwedding #modernwedding #weddinginstallation #weddingstyling #weddingstylist #weddingtables #weddingreception #weddingreceptioninspiration #instawed #weddingflowers #hangingfoliage #hanginggreenery #hanginglights #weddingideas #weddingstylingideas #uniquewedding #weddingreceptionideas #diywedding #weddinginspo #gettingmarried #pinterestwedding

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    However, the option is yours. You can opt for a simplistic greenery style or a fuller look. How? Keep greenery limited to give a more delicate, fresh appearance or use larger volumes for that fairytale-like lush look.

    If you’d prefer not to make something from scratch, you can always embellish existing fixtures as well, or incorporate it into the rest of your flowers to add depth and fullness.

    This decor option is great if you love the idea and beauty of the outdoors, but prefer to not actually host your wedding outside. Either way, it’s a beautiful addition to just about any theme.

    Image: Wesley Vorster Photography

    The first dance is daunting, to say the least, especially if you and your partner aren’t big on the dance front. Instead of worrying about showing off your two left feet, we’ve rounded up some of Cape Town’s finest studios where you can fine-tune your best ballroom moves:

    1.Phoenix Dance Company

    Based in Belville, Cape Town, this dance studio offers a wide variety of dance classes including lessons on how to perfect your first dance. No previous dance experience is required. If you and your partner can’t decide on a song, they can also help you pick the perfect tune. They also offer classes for the father-daughter dance, bridal party and parents.

    2. The John Hamman School of Ballroom Dance

    Based in Newlands, Cape Town, here you’ll feel confident as they teach you all the right moves. They offer quick classes which means you won’t have to spend too much time learning your first dance.

    3. Enerchi Dance

    Based in Claremont, Cape Town. They offer a variety of packages to choose from, and can tailor each dance to suit every couple’s needs. Enerchi Dance also customises your dance according to the size of your dance floor.

    4. Paradiso Academy

    Based in Zonnebloem, Cape Town. Forget the stress and panic involved with wedding planning and have a little fun while learning your first dance or father-daughter dance. Again, no experience required!

    5. Jacques Carstens Dance Studio

    Based in Belville, Cape Town. This dance studio will be there to help you every (dance) step of the way, with a hefty side of fun.

    Image: Unsplash

     

    Most people know a ‘honeymoon’ as the trip you and your partner take after the wedding. Newlywed couples either set off directly after the reception or after a couple of days. Believe it or not, but the ‘honeymoon’ was not always known as the romantic getaway we know today. So how did it start?


    Merriam-Webster’s honeymoon definition is ‘a period of harmony immediately following marriage’, ‘a period of unusual harmony especially following the establishment of a new relationship’ and ‘a trip or vacation taken by a newly married couple’. Their first known use dates back all the way to 1546.

    The term was used to describe the first month of marriage. Honey meaning sweet and great, and moon relating to the period of time (a month), not Earth’s natural satellite. So essentially, the honeymoon referred to the first month of marriage while it’s blissful and lovely and you’re oh-so-inlove.

     

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    Porque o amor e a felicidade andam de mãos dadas! Alberobello – Puglia – Itália ? @claudiaraia

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    In the 19th century, however, couples from Great Britain would go on a bridal tour of sorts, which entailed the newlywed couple visiting family and friends that weren’t able to make it to their wedding.

    Nowadays, couples go on honeymoon for a little holiday after the wedding. It’s time away from the ‘real’ world where they can focus on each other, relax and just enjoy themselves.

    Image: Pexels

    Be careful of what you put out on social media – it’s forever. Videos that grab people’s attention for various reasons often end up going viral. A recent video of a Nigerian bride went viral when it showed her walking away from her own wedding.

    The woman can be seen making her way down the aisle with her father by her side. She then stops and you can see her shaking her head. The father seems to be attempting to comfort her. The (almost) bride-to-be kneels down says something to her father, gets up and leaves. The next angle shows her flipping the veil over her face with bouquet in hand.

    Images: Unsplash

    The Jewish religion has been around for over 3 000 years and there are an estimated 70 000 people living in South Africa that practice the Judaism. Various traditions and rituals are performed during the union of a couple, but what exactly happens at a traditional Jewish wedding?

    Pre wedding

    Kabbalat Panim

    – This is when the soon-to-be wed couple refrain from seeing each other for one whole week before the wedding. By doing so excitement is created between the couple and they are overjoyed once they lay their eyes on each other again.

    Fasting

    – The happy couple will fast on their big day. It is viewed as being similar to the fast on Yom Kippur. After the ceremony the couple will share their first meal together and break their fast.

    Bedeken

    – The groom makes sure the woman he is about to marry is his partner. Once he sets eyes upon her, he proceeds to remove the veil over her face. The veil is a sign of modesty and symbolises that their love is not based on physical appearance but on what’s on inside. This tradition stems back to biblical times when Jacob was tricked into marrying his partner’s sister. The trickery took place because she wore a veil.

    Ketubah

    – This document details the grooms responsibilities to his partner. It’s a promise of their love and what’s to come. The love birds will sit side by side and overlook their unifying document. It is then signed by both of them. Two people should be present to witness this promise and commitment.

    Wedding

    Chuppah

    – As the union begins the groom will make his way down the aisle with both parents at his side. The bride then follows with her parents. The couple make their way to the Chuppah which is basically like a canopy. The Chuppah needs to have four corners and be covered by a roof. The Chuppah is a symbol of the new home the married couple will build together.

    Circle

    – This tradition requires the bride to circle her partner seven times. The custom began because it was believed to create a protection for the partner.

    Sheva B’rachot

    – This means seven blessings. It’s derived from ancient teachings and can be recited in Hebrew or English. The blessings translate to celebration, power of love and the joy of this union. It will usually be recited over a cup of wine and then the couple will sip from a cup to seal the blessing.

    Breaking the glass

    – The nuptials are then concluded with the man standing on a glass in a cloth bag. It stands for the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Basically meaning that even in most joyous occasions you must not forget all the pain in the world. Everyone then shouts Mazel Tov! Which means congratulations or good luck.

     

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    Lindsay & Cory’s magical wedding was featured on the @smashingtheglass wedding blog today and we’re super happy to see such a stunning event getting the attention it deserves! It was a pleasure working with this all-star team of vendors to make beautiful things happen. ____ Posted @withrepost • @smashingtheglass ?? @lindsayrgross⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ?? @Cgmoney ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ? @malomanstudios⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ? @erichiresweddings⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ? @ketubahdotcom #STGVendor⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ? @karmag.events⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ? @vizcaya_museum⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ? @verawanggang⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ? @manoloblahnikhq⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ? @juliarohdedesigns ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ? @tropics.entertainment ? @thierryisambert ? @celebrationsbykathy ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

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    Post ceremony

    Yichud

    – This tradition sees the newly wed couple reflect on their recent marriage. They will go to a secluded spot and spend a few minutes alone together. They are able to bond and share this special time together without any disturbances to focus on each other. Their attention is completely on each other.

     

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    These two really brought the sunshine. Smiles from start to finish and we ? it

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    Image: Wesley Vorster Photography