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    Kirsten Jacobs

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    Valentine’s Day is drawing closer, and that means that you need to find the perfect present for your lover before time runs out.

    The past year has been tough, and it’s fair to say everyone deserves a bit of pampering. If you were planning a wedding or forced to postpone one during the madness of 2020, you are in even greater need of a special treat.

    This year, Valentine’s Day may look a little different since so many experiences and places are off the cards amid the pandemic. However, there are still some items that will stimulate and inspire intimacy in your relationship. For the most intensely intimate Valentine’s Day ever, choose from one of these amazing and affordable experiences.

    The sensual spa day

    You could easily book a couple’s massage, or you could opt for the more sensual, do-it-yourself approach. Run a bath with rose petals and light it up with candles to set the mood and get the relaxation going. Next up, pour some aromatic oils onto your partner and give them a massage from top to bottom. Not only will you be easing their strained muscles, but it will also bring you much closer, quite literally.

    A cooking class

    They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Regardless of gender, however, everyone loves a good meal. The satisfaction of knowing you made it yourself is even better. There are many cooking classes available in Cape Town, all you need to do is pick your favourite cuisine and roll up your sleeves. If you don’t have the cash right now, simply pop on your favourite Food Network show and recreate a dish at home. Learning a new skill together is a great bonding experience, and will encourage team-building skills as you work together.

    A photoshoot

    Selfies are great, but sometimes you need a professional to capture your true beauty. Hire a local photographer to take sweet images of you and your loved one. You could opt for an outdoor sunset shoot or a more intimate boudoir aesthetic, the style is completely up to you. In the years to come, you’ll look back at these images and reminisce on how in love you were (and hopefully still are!).

    Play the We’re Not Really Strangers card game

    We’re Not Really Strangers is a purpose-driven card game and movement all about empowering meaningful connections. There are three carefully crafted levels of questions and wildcards that allow you to deepen your existing relationships and create new ones. The original game offers questions suitable for friends, family and partners, while the relationship expansion pack delves deeper into being in love and what that means for you.

    Have a movie marathon

    We know, we know, you’ve probably spent all of 2020 watching movies in the comfort of your home. However, you can easily elevate the experience to make it more romantic. Build a fort, pop some popcorn and gather your favourite snacks, and find your cosiest blanket to cuddle under. Create a playlist of your favourite romantic films to get in the mood for love.

    Games night

    If you’re the competitive type, games may be right up your alley. From Scrabble to Trivia, it could be cute to challenge each other’s minds. Raise the stakes by making a bet: Whoever wins gets a romantic massage.

    Picture: Pexels

    Ever the drama queen, people may be surprised to hear that Paris Hilton is taking a more demure approach to her future wedding day.

    While she has always dreamed of a “fairytale” wedding, Paris says she is perfectly fine with a more intimate celebration in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

    “When I was a little girl, I had dreams of this big fairytale wedding. But with the pandemic, it’s a new world,” she told OK! magazine. “Instead, it’s maybe going to be more intimate – and with my family. It’s a day I’ve been dreaming about my whole life and now I’ve found my Prince Charming, I just can’t wait.”

     

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    Hilton and Reum, a businessman and family friend, have been dating since November 2019. They have known each other for 15 years, and have been together for over a year.

    “I’ve known him for 15 years. Then [Reum’s sister Halle Hammond] invited us to Thanksgiving and we just had this incredible chemistry. We had our first date and haven’t spent a night apart since. It’s pretty amazing,” she told People Magazine.

    “After my last breakup, I thought I was going to be alone forever,” she says. “I was like, I give up. I’ll just focus on myself. I don’t need anyone. So to have actually fallen in love, I just feel so grateful.”

    In a post on their one-year anniversary, Paris wrote: “I love that we celebrate our love every month! I can’t believe it’s only been a year. It feels like I’ve been with you a lifetime! Love you forever my twin flame, my best friend, my other half, my partner for life. And I can’t wait for our future and a lifetime of love and adventures.”

    Hilton was previously engaged to model Jason Shaw and Greek shipping heir Paris Latsis in the 2000s, and called off her engagement to actor Chris Zylka in 2018.

    Picture: Instagram / Paris Hilton

    Your engagement ring doesn’t need to be the only thing sparkling on your big day. If you subscribe to the ‘more is more’ belief, then your wedding is the perfect day to show that off.

    From glitter to beadwork, Swarovski crystals to diamanté, you have so many ways to elevate your wedding dress. The key with this trend is to opt for a simpler silhouette so that you don’t overwhelm your look. Some well-placed applique goes a long way in taking you from drab to fab.

    Here are some shining, shimmering, splendid bridal looks we are loving:

     

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    It’s probably a little early for jokes about the old ball-and-chain (note: it’s always too early), but if you’re going to be stuck in prison together, you want it to be The Old Jail in the town of Willowmore.

    Built in the 1880’s, this prison-turned-boutique-guest-house north-east of Knysna oozes old-school charm. The Old Gaol, as it was then called, comprised a hospital cell, hard labour cells, awaiting trial cells, a female cell and kitchen cell.

    After closing down as a prison in 1960, the property passed through many hands, and was uninhabited for almost 12 years, until the current owners took over and slowly turned the rustic grounds into a guest house, while still keeping many of the gorgeous Victorian features of the building. The cells and exercise areas have been converted into elegant rooms, each with its own private courtyard.

    The Old Jail has three rooms in total, each air conditioned with modern amenities, high quality period finishes and private courtyards.

    All three rooms are en-suite with original features, quality bedlinen and private entrance. They are easily accessible from the large safe parking area.

    Farmers Suite 1  and Farmers Suite 2 have fully equipped kitchens and are two-roomed suites. Farmers Suite 1 has a sleeper couch for two sharing children 10 years and younger. Farmers Suite 2 has one extra bed for a child. This room has inter-leading doors with The Donkey Room for larger families.

    The Donkey Room has an open plan bathroom with two single beds and is a sleep and go unit with an under counter fridge.

    Full of history, the Karoo town of Willowmore has functioned as a farming and trading town since its discovery in 1819. There is an abundance of greenery and stunning hiking trails to explore, as well as many farmlands around. Take a trip to the Willowmore Town Hall, or visit one of the many museums around to explore and uncover the past.

    If you choose to leave your room (after all, you aren’t actually in prison), Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area nearby offers several hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails.

    Picture/s: The Old Jail

    Honeymoons. That period of bliss after all the wedding chaos, when you and your new partner get to relax and enjoy each other’s company in an exotic location before settling into your new life together. But what if that new life includes kids?

    Perhaps you had children before tying the knot. Maybe this is your second marriage and one or both of you have kids. Rather than go on a honeymoon alone, some couples with kids are opting to go on familymoons instead.

    A familymoon is a family holiday straight after the wedding. Taking your kids on your honeymoon might seem a bit unusual, but it could be a wonderful experience for the entire family.

    Remember, planning your wedding can also be stressful for your kids. Taking a familymoon will let them have some fun after all the excitement. Familymoons are also great bonding opportunities, something that is vital when integrating a family. You will also enjoy your vacation more, knowing that those you love most are enjoying themselves with you.

    Some agents have capitalised on the trend and are offering many great packages that your whole family could enjoy. From beach getaways and cruises to city tours and outdoor adventures, there are plenty of options for a familymoon. Booking a family-friendly holiday means that there will definitely be activities the kids can do by themselves while you and your partner enjoy some alone time.

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    An engaged couple was lucky enough to say their I do’s in hospital, moments before the groom needed to be sedated and put on a ventilator.

    Elizabeth Kerr, 31, and Simon O’Brien, 36, were both admitted to Milton Keynes University Hospital with breathing difficulties on January 9 after contracting COVID-19.

    The pair were kept in separate wards, and a kind nurse offered Kerr the opportunity to marry in the hospital as it may be their last chance, reports the BBC

    They began putting plans together but needed to fast track the wedding as the groom’s condition deteriorated further. On January 12, it was so severe that he needed to be put on a ventilator in the intensive care unit.

    The wedding ceremony was held in the ward moments before they intubated O’Brien. The ceremony was filmed for family and friends, and the hospital’s catering staff even provided a cake.

    “With lots of teamwork… we were able to give them a wedding, not necessarily the wedding that they would have initially intended, but certainly something positive, remarkable and memorable for them to really hold on to,” nurse Hannah Cannon told the BBC.

    Both are now recovering in hospital, and have been reunited in a recovery ward where they were able to kiss for the first time as a married couple.

    This wedding was a special moment for Kerr, one she is eternally grateful for.

    “If we hadn’t had each other and we hadn’t been given that opportunity to get married, I don’t think both of us would be here now,” she said.

    Picture: Pexels

    Not one for wedding cake? There are so many unique alternatives that will please your sweet tooth. Among them is the macaron tower, a luxurious treat that stands proud.

    The beauty of macarons, like cake, is that it comes in so many delicious flavours. Match your tower to your wedding colours for synchronicity. While macaron towers are perfect on their own, but those wanting an extra special touch can add florals to elevate it.

    Macarons don’t come cheap, neither do wedding cakes. This may be a more affordable alternative for those lacking a big budget,

    Here are some terrific towers to inspire your own.

     

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    Natural light is great, but it’s not always necessary. However, if you and your partner have opted for an indoor wedding, this adds another challenge for your photographer to capture all your special moments.

    If you are concerned about the lack of sunlight and unexpected shadows, fear not. All you need is an expert photographer and a sharp eye. Here are some tips for you to follow to ensure your day is picture-perfect.

    Voice your opinion

    Don’t be afraid to speak out. If you want a specific photo, mention it to your photographer. It is also a good idea to take your photographer around the venue and give them a shot list before the big day, so they can prepare accordingly. Remember that things can be moved and rearranged to better capture the space, so don’t be afraid to change things up.

    Focus on the guests 

    Candid moments of your guests are important to have because they serve as a memory and show the personality of your special occasion. Ideally, you have a key light source in the dining and reception area, and since your guests will already be gathered together the lighting should be mostly uniform.

    Embrace indoor lighting

    Indoor lighting creates a stunning moody vibe. Get your photographer to take a few shots of the venue before everyone arrives. Windows also create a stunning silhouette and the burst of natural light adds a unique moodiness to the images.

    Stand out from the darkness

    As a bride, you can use the darkness to your advantage. Indoor photos allow you the opportunity of having details, like your bouquet or train as the star of the photo, without the background or scenery stealing the show. Make sure to focus on detail shots of the getting ready process.

    Go for black and white photography

    A black and white image can turn a simple moment into a wow-worthy image. With this finish, you won’t have to worry as much about how lighting affects colours.

    Picture: Pexels

    There’s a lot to be said about the sheer look, especially when it comes to a wedding. Translucent materials, both the fabric and the paper kind, can easily accentuate the elegance of the occasion.

    We’ve rounded up five ways in which sheer fabric and stationery can be effectively incorporated into your wedding, be it as part of your ensemble, or on every placemat at the reception.

    The dress

    Wearing a wedding dress made from sheer fabric is a great means to look radiant and daring while walking down the aisle. The delicacy of the material will give you an angelic, almost ethereal look, which is suitable for such a romantic occasion.

    This look will be enhanced if you are wearing several layers of the fabric. Also, given that sheer materials are so lightweight, you won’t have many hassles donning them on your wedding day.

    The veil

     

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    You might not be that keen on an outfit that’s got too much sheer. But there’s nothing wrong with a touch of it. That’s where the veil comes in. It’s not compulsory to wear one, but it’s a lovely embellishment to an outfit, and will almost certainly be made of sheer fabric.

    And if you’re dress is a bit simple, then your veil can add a bit of energy to the ensemble. For example, a veil that’s longer than most, or one that features an intricate detail will definitely turn heads.

    The décor

     

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    There are plenty of ways in which sheer materials can be used to decorate your wedding venue or reception area. Tie it around the back of the chairs or at the end of every pew; cover the tables in it; or hang it from the ceiling.

    What’s particularly satisfying about using see-through fabrics as décor is their subtlety. If you were to use a heavier fabric, the venues might begin to feel stuffy and claustrophobic after a while.

    The invitations

     

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    Stationery plays a bigger part than you might realise when it comes to planning a wedding. After all, the whole thing starts with an invitation. And this is where we start talking about vellum, or translucent paper.

    Its particular delicacy contributes to the idea that a wedding is an important, elegant and refined affair. Added to that, it can easily be combined with other materials of different colours to make your invitations look particularly festive.

    The reception

     

    There is also the matter of your guests’ comfort, and sheer paper can help with that as well. You don’t only need it for the invitations, and can use it at the reception. Create menus or place cards with fonts that match your colour theme.

    These items, made for the sole purpose of giving your guests an easy time of it, will make the occasion all the more charming for them. But don’t stop there. Why not also hand out your wedding favours in wonderful packets made with see-through paper? A lovely way to end things off!

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    Robben Island’s annual mass Valentine’s Day wedding will not go ahead as planned in 2021 and has officially been cancelled. This comes after the Department of Home Affairs temporarily suspended the issuing of marriage certificates under Level 3 lockdown in South Africa.

    “Following the recent announcement by the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, on the temporary suspension of applications for IDs, passports and marriage services due to the increasing numbers of Department of Home Affairs (DHA) staff testing positive for COVID-19, the annual historic Robben Island Valentine’s Day weddings are unfortunately cancelled for 2021,” reads a statement from the Museum.

    “This year would have marked 21 years of celebrating love on the island. Last year, 19 couples tied the knot with a historic milestone of Mr Frankford Williams and Cindi Mullins, who are visually impaired, officially being the first couple in South African to receive their marriage certificate in braille.”

    To date, 327 couples have tied the knot on Robben Island. The first marriage ceremony was held on December 31, 2000 as part of the Millennium Celebrations, and was moved to Valentine’s Day in 2001.

    Both the museum and the DHA will continue to engage on the possibility of hosting the weddings at a later stage, should conditions allow with the easing of COVID-19 regulations.

    Picture: Facebook / Robben Island Museum