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    Kirsten Jacobs

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    Going down on one knee to propose is a special moment, one you’ll (hopefully) want to remember for a lifetime. Finding the perfect spot is the first step to making your dream proposal come true.

    For couples who love spending their time in nature, what better place to pop the big question than in the great outdoors? It offers free, stunning scenery and gives you many opportunities to have an organic proposal that you don’t have to spend too much time orchestrating.

    Here are some picturesque places to consider popping the question:

    On your favourite hiking trail

    If you and your partner love hiking, they shouldn’t be suspicious when you suggest a romantic sunset hike. Unbeknownst to them, pack a picnic basket and have a friend race to the end of the trail ahead of time to set up the spot. Drape some twinkling string lights along the path to light your way, and lay down a blanket and picnic to allow you to take in the sunset before proposing.

     

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    Go camping

    You and your love snuggled up under stars, what could be more romantic than that? Add an engagement into the mix and you’ve got the perfect evening. Be wise and choose a camping spot with a stunning view for the perfect backdrop. Head out on a warm evening with some comfy blankets and pillows and a delicious spread. Enjoy some stargazing before popping the big question.

     

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    Take to the seas

    If you and your partner are big fans of the ocean, a boat proposal seems like the perfect idea. Rent out a yacht or catamaran, either for just the two of you or your closest friends if you want an audience. You could even go smaller with a canoe or small speedboat, the options are endless. Bonus points if you go for a sunset cruise, as the warm rays of the setting sun will act as the perfect lighting for your proposal.

     

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    Head to your favourite vineyard

    Wine is always a good time. Take a trip down to your favourite winery, or spend the day vineyard-hopping on the Franschhoek wine tram. End the day by proposing at your top spot. Choosing a winery means the food and drink are already covered, which gives you less to stress about. You could even have a private wine tasting set up for a more intimate moment.

    Picture: Unsplash

    Picture: Unsplash

    The COVID-19 pandemic has changed life as we know it. Plans that were made and trips that were booked were scrapped as the virus took over the world.

    For those that postponed or cancelled their honeymoons in light of the pandemic, they miss out on that special time to grow closer and welcome the first few days of wedded bliss in a beautiful setting away from the stresses of everyday life.

     

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    Luckily, your honeymoon is not lost forever. Many couples are now planning their ‘latermoon’, a holiday taken by newlyweds weeks or even months after their wedding,

    With travel restrictions across the world, the latermoon is your best option. It can also be a blessing in disguise, as it gives you more time to save up spending money and gives you an opportunity to research your destination better.

    In time, your honeymoon maybe even more special because you waited for it for so long. When you are finally able to travel to your dream destination, it will feel even more sweet knowing you and your loved one made it through a global pandemic.

     

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    As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, some wedding plans have been put on hold and others happened sooner than expected. If you tied the knot before your planned wedding date, this means you likely missed out on some of the traditional pre-wedding celebrations.

    Typically, a bachelorette party is a celebration of the bride’s last night of singledom. But what if you’re already married?

    In comes the wifelorette. A wifelorette is a party given in honour of a woman who is already married. Generally, this kind of party happens if the bride could not have a bachelorette party before her wedding.

     

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    Wifelorettes are no different than the usual bachelorette, so let your creative juices flow and plan something that is perfect for you and your best friends. From a night out on the town to a weekend away, or even a fun scavenger hunt, anything goes.

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    We know that a honeymoon is not about where you are, but who you are with. That being said, spending it in a beautiful location wouldn’t hurt.

    There are hundreds of incredible locations around the world to ring in your first few days of wedded bliss in style. Here are a few of our favourites:

    Amangiri in Utah, USA

     

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    Amangiri is a remote hideaway tucked within the luminous canyons of the American Southwest. This 600-acre sanctuary of wilderness and isolation in Canyon Point, Southern Utah features the Aman Spa with a water pavilion, sauna, steam room, cold plunge and outdoor private pavilions. Visitors also get privileged access to nearby National Parks and Lake Powell.

    Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya

     

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    This exclusive boutique hotel, owned by The Safari Collection, is often referred to as one of the most Instagrammed properties in the world. Giraffe Manor is set in 12 acres of private land within 140 acres of indigenous forest in the Langata suburb of Nairobi and is one of the city’s most iconic buildings. Its most famous residents are the herd of Rothschild’s giraffes who often join couples for their meals.

    Babylonstoren in Franschhoek, South Africa

     

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    Babylonstoren is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms, set at the foot of Simonberg in the Franschhoek wine valley. It has a fruit and vegetable garden of beauty and diversity, unique accommodation, fine food and wine, and evokes a sense of wellbeing. Couples can spend hours walking through Babyonstoren’s manicured garden before taking a dip in the pool and relaxing in your suite.

    The St. Regis in Bora Bora

    There is a reason Bora Bora is the top on everyone’s list of dream honeymoon destinations: it is simply stunning. Stay in the largest overwater villas in the South Pacific and revel in the turquoise blue waters visible from the glass panels at the St. Regis. Couples can spend the day exploring the island, snorkeling, or simply relaxing in your stunning suite.

    The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, Iceland

     

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    This Icelandic retreat features suites built right into centuries-old lava, with floor-to-ceiling windows that boast the mesmerising scenery of the country’s famous Blue Lagoon. A stay at The Retreat includes access to an underground spa, upscale dining, daily yoga and Northern Lights viewing tours.

    Picture: Instagram / The Retreat at Blue Lagoon

    Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi suspended a number of services, including the solemnisation and registration of marriages until further notice. This comes as South Africa continues its second round of lockdown Level 3, as well as a second wave of COVID-19 infections worse than the first.

    In a statement on Tuesday [January 12], the Minister explained that Home Affairs will now only offer priority services, as the crowds that gather daily outside the offices are a massive concern.

    “At the beginning of the pandemic and the subsequent lockdown, certain Home Affairs services were suspended in order to reduce the number of people who visited our offices. This was to limit the risk of their infecting each other and the staff because social distancing is difficult when you have a large crowd,” he said.

    “As the lockdown levels were relaxed, we incrementally reinstated services until 01 October 2020 when we went into lockdown Alert Level 1. This is when almost all services were reinstated. Unfortunately, the impact of what we did on 01 October had the effect of taking us back to pre-COVID-19 days where huge crowds gathered at our offices while not observing any of the protocols, especially social distancing.”

    Out of their 412 offices, 266 had to close at some point since the beginning of the lockdown in March 2020 because of staff members testing positive for COVID-19. Hundreds of employees have tested positive for the virus and in the first 10 days of this year alone, they have already lost seven front office employees.

    “These trends and numbers are going upwards, suggesting there’s going to be an even greater demand for death certificates. Taking all these factors into consideration, the Department of Home Affairs has decided to temporarily suspend certain activities and services until further notice. This is unfortunate but we are forced by circumstances,” added the Minister.

    The following services have been suspended until further notice:

    – Applications of Smart ID Cards, except for matriculants

    – Applications for passports, except for people who fall in the categories permitted to travel in the amended Disaster Management Act Regulations

    – Marriage services such as solemnisation and registration.

    Picture: Pexels

    Is a conventional diamond too boring for you? If you enjoy the darker things in life, a gothic-inspired engagement ring may be perfect for you.

    You don’t have to go crazy to incorporate this theme. Swop out your normal diamond for a black or salt-and-pepper one, or opt for a black platinum band for a unique look. If you want to go even bolder, you could have skulls built into your ring to hold up your diamond.

    Here are some unique looks to inspire you:

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    Celebs, they’re just like us. You would think being rich and famous would make dating slightly easier, but some still need some extra help.

    Luckily, they’ve got great friends to play matchmaker. Here are some celebrity couples who came to be thanks to their cunning pals.

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle:

    This modern-day fairytale is all thanks to a mutual friend, although their identity has no officially been confirmed.

    “It was definitely a set-up. It was a blind date,” Meghan has previously said of their first encounter. “I didn’t know much about him and so the only thing I had asked her when she said she wanted to set us up was, I had one question, I said ‘Is he nice?'”

    Source: Pinterest

    Emily Blunt and John Krasinski

    This much-loved couple were introduced to each other by fellow actor Anne Hathaway, who Blunt worked with on The Devil Wears Prada.

    “It was one of those things where I wasn’t really looking for a relationship and I was thinking I’m going to take my time in L.A,” Krasinski explained during an interview with Ellen Degeneres. “Then I met her and I was so nervous. I was like, ‘Oh god, I think I’m going to fall in love with her.’ As I shook her hand I went, ‘I like you.'”

    Source: Pinterest

    Benji Madden and Cameron Diaz

    We can thank Nicole Richie for this couple. The actress and reality star, who is married to Benji’s brother Joel, The reality star, who is married to Madden’s brother, Joel, took credit for playing cupid for the couple.

    “I approve of anything that’s going to make Benji happy,” she said during an interview on Watch What Happens Live. “I’m going to take responsibility for everything!”

    Source: Pinterest

    Giselle Bunchen and Tom Brady

    The original supermodel and sports star couple met through a matchmaking mutual friend.

    “This friend told me he knew a girl version of me,” the NFL player said in an interview.

    “I knew Tom was the one straightaway. I could see it in his eyes that he was a man with integrity who believes in the same things I do,” Gisele told Vogue.

    Source: Pinterest

    Joe Manganiello and Sofia Vergara

    This pair were introduced to each other at a party by Vergara’s Modern Family co-star Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Taking it a step further, he even gave Manganiello Vergara’s phone number to make sure they kept in contact.

    Source: Pinterest

    Picture: Instagram / Sussex Royal

    For over a decade, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have been one of the most prominent and powerful couples in Hollywood. Here’s how the pair fell in love.

    DeGeneres and De Rossi met at a party back in 2000, and De Rossi told Oprah she fell in love instantaneously. However, at the time she had not come out as gay, so she could not express her feelings.

    Three years later in 2004, they reconnected at VH1’s Big in ’04 Awards. At the time, DeGeneres was in a long-term relationship with photographer Alexandra Hedison and De Rossi was dating director Francesca Gregorini.  However, their connection was undeniable and the pair ended their individual relationships to be together.

    “She had a girlfriend and I had a girlfriend, but it wasn’t like, ‘Oh, we’re going to have an affair,’” DeGeneres explained to People Magazine. “We were just supposed to be together. It was a tough decision. I was physically getting sick because I was trying not to say anything. So I told Alex and she told Francesca. It was really hard to uproot everything.”

    They went public as a couple in 2005 at the HBO Golden Globe Awards After Party. They soon moved in together.

    Speaking to People Magazine, De Rossi said: “It’s the first time that I’ve known in every cell of my being that I’m with somebody for the rest of my life.”

    DeGeneres and De Rossi married on August 16, 2008, soon after same-sex marriage was legalised in California. They said ‘I do’ at their Los Angeles home with only 19 guests present. Both brides wore Zac Posen outfits for the big day. Late philosopher and self-help guru Wayne Dyer officiated the ceremony.

    “Today we have taken a giant step forward toward the ideal that all of us, with no exceptions, are not only created equal, but we each have the unalienable right to pursue our own happiness,” he said during the ceremony.

    “I have often said that true nobility is not about being better than anyone else, it’s about being better than you used to be. With your exchange of vows today, you symbolize for many who have gone before you, who were forced to live their lives in quiet desperation, lurking in the shadows, that we as a people, are truly becoming better than we used to be.”

    Picture: Instagram / Portia de Rossi

    After the stress of wedding planning, a honeymoon away with your loved one sounds like the perfect remedy. Unfortunately, that requires even more planning.

    Travel agents are experts in their field and can turn a getaway into a trip of a lifetime. If you’re still on the fence of deciding on doing it yourself or relinquishing control, here are some pros and cons to help you make your decision:

    The Pros:

    It’s literally their job to create perfect trips

    Travel agents are seasoned professionals at planning trips, and consider every aspect. If you’re a newbie to travelling, there may be some things you don’t even think about that could have a huge impact on your getaway.

    They also tend to know a lot more about certain destinations and properties and can recommend restaurants, clubs and sightseeing spots off the beaten track.

    They can get deals and discounts not available to the public:

    With all their connections in the industry, travel agents are more likely to get discounted rates for hotel stays and experiences. It can sometimes even be slightly more affordable to book a package through them than to book it all separately by yourself.

    It saves you time, effort and stress:

    Outsourcing a responsibility allows you to focus your energy on something else, which is especially helpful for couples planning a wedding at the same time. All you need to do is pack your bags and hop on your flight to your dream destination.

    The cons:

    It’s another expense

    While travel agents are typically not costly, planning a wedding is already expensive enough and adding another vendor to your list might not be in your budget. If you don’t have the wiggle room or would rather save your money to use on your honeymoon itself, then hiring a travel agent may not be the best idea.

    It can be hard to find the right one:

    Like with anything in life, you want the right person to handle your business. Travel agents are not all made equal, and some may push you into more costly experiences or not tailor your trip to your personality but instead on what they enjoy.

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    Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the bathrobe has become the ultimate fashion statement. Comfy and cosy, it’s easy to see why people would want to wear it everywhere. One place you wouldn’t expect to see a robe, however, is at a wedding.

    Ever the trendsetter, musician Harry Styles donned a bathrobe to the wedding of his agent Jeff Azoff in Montecito, California on January 4. He started the day off with a formal black suit but changed into the bathrobe to pose for pictures with the newlyweds.

     

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    This weekend also confirmed that Styles is dating actor Olivia Wilde, who is also directing the film Don’t Worry Darling which he is currently starring in.

    Picture: Instagram.