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    Elie Saab’s son marries in an elaborate ceremony

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    Most brides would give their right and left arm to be able to wear an Elie Saab original on their wedding day. To be able to adorn four of his gowns in one wedding is unheard of unless you marry his son of course. The Lebanese fashion designer’s son Elie Saab Jr married Christina Mourad on July 19 in an elaborate weekend-long affair. The three-day celebration took place in Lebanon and his new daughter-in-law had the privilege of wearing four Elie Saab gowns. Two were custom made just for her special day and the other two were part of his Haute Couture collection.

    The pre-party celebrations had Mourad in a Haute Couture themed Fall-winter jumpsuit from the 2019/2020 collection.


    For the wedding ceremony she wore a one-of-a-kind Elie Saab gown. The dress was made from ivory silk and included 500,000 sequins. It featured a high neck bodice along with a 4.5-metre train.

    The special ceremony was held at Bkerké and the aisle was decorated with candles and lots of greenery. Neiman Azzi was the planner-extraordinaire behind the joyous occasion.


    The beautiful bride changed into a second Haute Couture gown for the reception. A heart-shaped corset featuring a full skirt. This train was only 3.5-metres long. It was adorned with 650,000 sequins and 150,000 Swarovski Strass pieces.

    The festivities were held in the mountain resort of Faqra in Lebanon and the guest list included Dita Von Teese, Sara Sampaio, and Lebanon’s Prime Minister Saad Hariri. The venue was transformed into a magical experience – table tops were covered with mirrors and the space included a massive moon sculpture.


    To end off their lavish wedding weekend, Christina wore a beautiful dress from the Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2019 collection. It included a coral-shaped brooch from her father-in-law.

    Their after wedding day party was held at Elie Saab’s home in Lebanon.

    Both dresses took almost 900 hours to make. It also took 200 hours to tailor, 150 hours of draping, 450 hours of embroidery and 80 hours for the embroidery design. They employed a total of six tailors, three pattern makers, twelve embroiders and ten petite mains to get the gowns ready in time.

    Picture: Instagram/Elie Saab Jr.

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    In News

    Catch the Wedding Expo in Durban

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    The Wedding Expo is making its way to Durban on August 3 and 4. The event will be held at Sibaya Sun Park in Durban North. The Expo has been providing advice and great ideas to engaged couples since 2002. Old Mutual has added their voice as a sponsor and will be providing financial advice to help couples achieve their lifetime goals.

    The event will showcase various ideas and inspirations for bridal couples. The best part is the amazing competitions and giveaways. A couple stand the chance of winning a wedding that includes a venue, honeymoon and photography. The wedding expo also provides opportunities to meet with various suppliers. Vendors include catering companies, dress designers, photographers and more. There will also be discounted rates so you and your partner can score a few great deals.

    The Wedding Expo will also have a cake tasting station where you can try various cake flavours. The highlight is always the fashion show displaying designer dresses and advice from the designers themselves.

    Pop in for a mini-makeover and take valuable notes for your big day. After all the wedding rush you may need a minute relax and grab a bite to eat, the expo offers plenty of food choices.

    Tickets are available on www.wedding-expo.co.za or on sale at door.

    Dates: August 3 and 4
    Venue: Sibaya Sun Park
    Tickets: R100 per adult and R 30 per child (2 -12 years)
    Time: 9am-5pm

    Picture: The Wedding Expo

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    Amanda Knox’s out of this world wedding

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    Amanda Knox, who was acquitted of  killing her roommate Meredith Kercher in 2007, is getting married. Knox and her fiancé Christopher Robinson are planning a space themed wedding and have even created a website to ask family and friends for funding in the hope of raising $10,000 (R140,000). On the website, people are requested to donate money to various sections including venue, decor, photography, etc.

    The couple received backlash for their crowdfunding exercise. People on social media questioned the need and real reason for it. Accusations allude to it being another publicity stunt. The couple have denied claims of wanting to crowdfund their wedding. In a tweet, Knox called out those hating on them saying the wedding will be barebones if it needs to be.


    They said the reason for donation is because they ‘don’t need anymore stuff’. Unlike a normal gift registry, where the couple request kitchen appliances, homeware items, their gift registry consists of wedding sections like venue, decor, special effects, live band, photography, dinner and open bar. Under each section is a ‘donate’ option. When clicking donate, it links to a PayPal page where you can pay. There is no option for your own desired amount, there are set prices for each section ranging from $25 (R350) to $2000 (R28,000).

     

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    Last car on the ferry face!

    A post shared by Amanda Knox (@amamaknox) on

    Knox was accused of murdering her flatmate Meredith Kercher when they were both exchange students and roommates living in Perugia, Italy. They shared a flat with Filomena Romanelli and Laura Mezzetti. On November 2, 2007 Meredith’s lifeless body was found on her bedroom floor covered with a duvet.

    Knox and her boyfriend at the time, Raffaele Sollecito, were tried and found guilty of murder. They were convicted and sentenced to prison in Italy. The couple spent almost four years in jail before her sentence was overturned by an appeals court in October 2011 – after it was found that there was not enough evidence against them.

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    Bindi Irwin gets engaged

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    Steve Irwin’s daughter, Bindi Irwin received a special birthday present when Chandler Powell proposed on her 21st birthday.

    The couple have been dating for almost six years and Chandler picked the perfect spot to pop the question, the zoo. He mentioned in his Instagram post, ‘proposing in her very favorite place in the zoo, surrounded by animals, seemed like the perfect way to embark on this incredible new chapter in our lives’.

    The love birds met at Australia Zoo, located in Queensland, the zoo is owned by Terri Irwin, the widow of Steve Irwin.

    Terri Irwin commented and said ‘Best day ever!’ She mentioned that she is happy for her daughter and Steve would be too.


    Steve Irwin tragically passed away on September 4 2006. He sustained a stingray injury to the heart and is survived by his wife Terri, Bindi and son Robert.


    Bindi seems very eager to be wed, as she added to her Instagram post ‘Now let’s get married already!’

    Picture: Facebook/Bindi Irwin

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    In Advice

    Please put an end to this wedding trend

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    As much as we love hashtags and Pinterest, it’s not always the best place to find unique ideas. If everyone is looking at Pinterest or searching hashtags, that means everyone is doing it and it’s not so special after all. Some wedding trends need the boot – they are overdone and border on being corny.

    We’ve put together a list of some wedding trends you should steer clear off:

    1. Monogram everything

    It’s cute to have the couples’ initials on various wedding items to add that personal special touch. But… when it’s on everything, it is a bit too much. Less is more. If you really want to go this route, select a few special items to mark.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Sometimes all you need is a chic monogram, a classic typeface, and some yummy food courses to make your menu card dreams come true. ?? Stay tuned to see how these beauties are styled this Sunday! ? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #laceandbelle #njweddinginvitations #weddingstationery #bespokeweddinginvitations #customweddinginvitations #customweddingstationery #ceremonyprograms #njwedding #newjerseywedding #njbride #newjerseybride #engaged? #njweddingvendors #hobokenbride #princetonbride #menucards #weddingmenu #weddingmenus #handlettered #moderncalligraphy #weddingcalligraphy #receptiondetails #2019weddings #2020weddings #sneakpeek #chaunceyweddingexpo #monogramwedding

    A post shared by Meghan Shaughnessy (@laceandbelle) on


    2. Naked Cakes and unusual flavours

    They are beautiful cakes but remember it’s not different when everyone is doing it. Let’s be honest, we’re all missing that extra icing that a naked cake lacks. Give the people what they want. It’s time to bring back cake stunners – with the icing please.

    Once you’ve discussed the amount of icing on your cake, keep the flavours simple. People really don’t want to be tasting ‘daring’ flavours. Chocolate, vanilla and red velvet are crowd pleasers. Keep the apple and pear naked cake for your birthday.


    3. Rose gold and vintage themes

    No doubt, it is a beautiful colour – but so overdone. Your wedding should be a timeless affair. It should be personal and planned to represent you and your partner. Go for something completely unusual, pick colours you don’t see often. If you really like the colour incorporate it as an accent.

    Let’s talk about vintage themed weddings. It’s pretty and simple. It seems different and maybe once a upon a time it was, but not anymore. Brown string tied to everything, beverages served in mason jars and doily like finishes, not sure if you’re getting the picture.


    4. The central table

    As traditional as it is, it’s time for this wedding trend to end. Go for more of an inclusive wedding. The point is to celebrate and enjoy the evening with your partner and guests. Don’t section yourself off from the crowd. The bridal couple should be on display but don’t need to be propped on a pedestal like ornaments on a shelf.


    5. Too much signage

    We get that you want to help your guests as much as possible but over signage is a thing. You don’t have to mark and explain every aspect of your wedding. People can figure most things out for themselves. A few signs are cute and creative but when they’re all over the place with hard to read fonts, they serve no purpose.


    6. Dance entrances

    In 2009 a video of a bride, groom and their wedding party busting a move while making their way down the aisle went viral on YouTube. This idea quickly grew into a trend. But, unless you were an extra in Step Up or Take the Lead, no one really wants to see your awkward dance entrance. It is fun and cool when done by the professionals but if you can’t dance, it becomes a little laughable.

    Source: Unsplash

    7. Useful wedding favours

    You want to thank your guests for joining you on your special day. Let’s be honest, no one wants to collect useless things. It would be better to gift your guests something practical rather than a dust collector. Think outside the box. Customise the gift based on your wedding. Depending on your guests, mini plants such as cacti or spekboom are practical. These plants don’t require a lot of maintenance which is great because you don’t want to create work for your guests. Mini alcohol bottles or chocolate is a lovely idea too, keep it simple.


    Picture: Unsplash

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    In Advice

    It’s your wedding, wear black if you want to

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    Your wedding is fast-approaching and you love wearing black. Why not opt for an unconventional wedding dress? It’s no secret that wearing black makes you feel confident.


    A survey carried out by Buytshirtsonline found that the colour black might have connotations of death and gloom, but it’s a powerful performer in the eyes of the public, who see it as a serious, reliable and solid player. One thousand people were asked how they felt about specific colours in various situations and black had a higher percentage for most of the ‘good’ traits, for example, intelligence, confidence and sexiness. People associated the dark colour with being reliable, trustworthy and serious.

    Is there some sort of psychology behind wearing the colour black?

    It has been suggested people who wear black may be trying to guard themselves from unwanted feelings. If they have issues with anxiety by choosing one ‘plain’ colour it generates a sense of togetherness and control.

    Benefits of wearing black:

    1. Black is seen as elegant, classy and stylish. It’s an easy go to option for anyone, especially if you’re trying to impress.

    2. The monochromatic colour can make you appear thinner. It gives the illusion of a slender figure, which is why many women choose black.

    3. Time saver. Black pretty much matches anything and everything.

    4. As mentioned above, by wearing black, you may exude confidence.

    5. It works with every skin tone and hair colour.

    For those who enjoy bending the rules a little, a black wedding dress is a powerful statement. It symbolises your refusal to follow the norm and societies traditional standards.

    Did you know?
    Before the Victorian era it was normal for brides to wear various colours. Wedding dresses were expensive and some brides opted to adorn the best dress in their cupboard. On 10 February 1840, Queen Victoria married Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in a white wedding dress. The affluent followed suit and began wearing white. The pure colour stood for innocence and virginity. After the Royal wedding brides still continued to wear what they could afford.

    Your wedding dress should be a reflection of your personality. If you prefer black, white, pink or green, the choice is yours. This is your big day, you should do what makes you happiest.

    Picture: Unsplash

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    Celebrities say yes

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    Love is definitely in the air! These celebs recently got engaged. You may have missed them because some big names prefer to keep things on the down low. Have a look at who popped the question.

    1. Riverdale’s Vanessa Morgan shared a beautiful picture on her Instagram, with fiancé, Michael Kopech. The two got engaged on July 4, 2019.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Happy 4th Everyone! ♥️

    A post shared by Vanessa Morgan (@vanessamorgan) on


    2. Joker actor, Joaquin Phoenix, and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo actress, Rooney Mara are officially engaged. The couple started dating in 2016. They have starred together in Her (2013), Mary Magdalene (2018), and Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot (2018).


    3. Rob Schneider’s daughter Elle King received the best birthday present. Her boyfriend, who goes by the name Jim proposed.

     

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    Happy birthday to me! I said YES!

    A post shared by Elle King (@elleking) on

    4. Scarlet Johansson’s publicist confirmed that the Black Widow star and SNL writer, Colin Jost are engaged. The couple have been dating since December 2017.

    5. Lizzie McGuire’s Hilary Duff and Matthew Koma have also tied the knot. The love birds welcomed their daughter in October 2018 and she shared a picture of her beautiful engagement ring on June 4, 2019.

     

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    Cheesy IM GETTING MARRIED As of one month ago post!

    A post shared by Hilary Duff (@hilaryduff) on

    6. On April 22 2019, Elizabeth Henstridge posted a cute snap  announcing her engagement to fiancé
    Zachary Burr Abel. The English actress is known for her work in Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

    7. Good Luck Charlie star, Bridgit Mendler got engaged to Griffin Cleverly. She shared a picture on Instagram of her and future hubby on April 21 2019. The two posed for a selfie on a beach while showing off the new shiny ring.

    8. Survivor: Worlds Apart alumni, Joe Anglim got down on one knee, and popped the question to fellow contestant Sierra Dawn Thomas. She shared a beautiful picture of her new addition.

     

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    Forever and ever, amen. ❤️

    A post shared by Sierra Dawn Thomas (@sierra_dawn_) on

    Picture: Pixabay

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    In Accessories

    Behind the veil

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    By Amy-Lee Steenkamp

    There are very few hard and fast rules when it comes to planning a wedding but there might be a very important one that cannot be overlooked – wait until you buy or finalise your wedding dress before you decide on your veil.

    Deciding on a veil to pair your dream dress with plays a major role in creating your overall wedding look. Traditionally they are passed down through generations, in which case you might not have a choice but it is pretty special to adorn your mother’s or grandmother’s veil.

    The veil has the ability to highlight your appearance and enhance the detail on your dress.

    There are tons of veil styles to choose from and the most common material used is tulle. Always consider which you would be most comfortable wearing. Comfort is key.

    For a vintage inspired feel, a birdcage veil with trench netting that covers your eyes and stops right above your chin is for you. This can be enhanced with an off white or ivory coloured veil.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz2_ib3hDyx/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BzoUo0nAbcW/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BxpDgynBj71/

    The most common is the blusher veil which covers the face and usually stops on the shoulders. It can be worn alone or with a longer veil underneath.

    Veils come in different lengths too. There are shoulder length ones, elbow length and fingertip length ones to choose from.

    Blusher veils:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BxxDK4_iJNT/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BsU3jbOBerW/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzv9-h4DTuN/

    Others styles include the Waltz veil – which is long but does not touch the floor. The chapel veil on the other hand does touch the floor. The most dramatic is the cathedral veil with a super long train ready to make a statement.

    Waltz Veil:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxna07HF5Qv/

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

    Chapel Veils:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz-oC6-orFo/

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

    Cathedral Veils:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Byc1KHFj9wt/

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

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BxjfuWKjw4L/

    A Mantilla veil ensures a soft and dainty feel to the wedding look as it is pinned to the brides hair with a comb and wrapped alongside her shoulders.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz5DAaBASzc/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BzfNUTxgG2D/

    Get creative with your veil by attaching it to a hat and just having it flow backwards. Alternatively, you can attached the veil to the new trendy pearl slide clips for a modern feel. Consider your hairstyle first as this is key for the placement of the veil.

     

    Picture: Pixabay

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    An 83-year-old flower girl? Why not!

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    Age ain’t nothing but a number. An American bride proved this theory true when she asked her 83-year-old grandmother to be the flower girl at her wedding. Grandma delightfully accepted and immediately started her research to be the best flower girl possible.


    The bride is a registered nurse in an intensive care unit and when she heard one of her patients was a flower girl in her granddaughter’s wedding she decided to ask her grandmother.

    Growing up close to her gran, she always admired her grandparents relationship. She stated that their marriage is filled with happiness, trust and love. The elderly couple have been married for 63 years. The love birds enjoyed dancing together, sadly they can’t anymore but the grandfather still watches his girl from the sidelines.

     

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    Hooray for the holiday weekend!

    A post shared by Nicole Wagner (@custombynicole) on


    After her grandfather got sick, his wife stuck by his side. The bride believes it was her grandmother’s positive attitude that uplifts him constantly.

    After the picture of her grandmother went viral, she was reminded that people don’t need to stick to traditional rules. The wedding photographer shared the image to encourage others to reach out to those who matter to them.


    As the gorgeous granny walked down the aisle, family and friends cheered her on. As more petals were thrown, the cheers got louder.

    It’s safe to say that the 83-year-old grandmother stole the show!

    Picture: Pexels

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    In Advice

    Post wedding ceremony activities for your guests

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    So you’ve just tied the knot! Before you head to the wedding reception, you and your partner need to capture some memories. Perhaps the venue itself offers a great scenic background and is the perfect spot for your pictures, or you and your loved one are going somewhere that requires some traveling. While you’re off snapping some pics, your guests are either waiting at the ceremony venue or traveling to the reception venue to wait there. However, they don’t have to feel like they’re waiting around – here are some ways you can keep the party going while you and your spouse are temporarily gone.

    1.Picture Time!

    While you’re taking your pictures, your guests can too! Set up a photo booth and let them have some fun. Make sure there’s music playing, so it’s not awkward. You could also hire a photo booth so your guests can get their pictures on the spot to take home. You and your partner can join in on the fun when you’re done taking your romantic couple pics

    2.Happy Hour.

    Provide cocktails for your guests. Allow them to mingle over drinks and snacks. Go a step further and organise a mini alcohol-tasting section, whether it’s gin, wine, whiskey, rum, or bubbly. You can even have your family and friends make their own cocktails, or hire a bartender for a few hours.

    3.Games and activities.

    Let your guests play around! Set up various games and activities to get everyone in a silly mood. Karaoke, a How Well Do You Know The Couple quiz, old-fashioned lawn games or even some board games could prove to be a whole lot of fun. You can customise the games based on the venue, the number of guests and what you think they’d prefer.

     

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    Anyone for Jenga?

    A post shared by Scrivelsby Walled Garden (@scrivelsbywalledgarden) on

    4.Professional entertainment.

    Hire someone to keep your guests preoccupied and having a good time. A comedian, band, and caricaturists are all great options.

     

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    Check out this great caricaturist I saw a recent wedding! Really amazing work!⠀

    A post shared by Damon Bilger (@damonbilgerweddings) on

    5.Record the moments.

    Have someone film your guests giving you and your partner a lovely message.

    6.Advice section.

    Have a something set up on a table where your family and friends can leave you some words of wisdom, whether it’s a book or pieces of paper to write on place in a jar. You can even have them sign something! It’s something cute and truly special to look back on.

    It’s very important to inform your guests of the wedding schedule. There’s nothing worse than people being left lost and wondering, or worse still, bored to tears. Attach the schedule to the invitation, send an email, even have it posted somewhere at the ceremony and reception venues.

    Picture: Unsplash

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