Kirsten Jacobs, Author at Wedding ETC

In Advice

Wedding gifts that are perfect for alcohol aficionados

October 6, 2020 No Comments

If you’re attending the wedding of a couple of alcohol-lovers, why not treat them to their favourite thing? It’s easy to buy the bride’s favourite wine, but that’s also boring. Instead, opt for something that will last and actually benefit their lives in some way.

From wine to whiskey, gin to beer, there are a host of accessories designed to improve your drinking experience. Give your newlyweds the gift of a good drink with one of these items:

Eetrite Wine Chiller & Pouring Rod – R249 from Yuppiechef

Leather Wine Carrier Case with 3 Piece Wine Accessory Set – R429 from Takealot

Champagne flutes (set of four) – R260 from Woolworths

Cocktail shaker – R229 from Takealot

Bohemia Crystal Quadro Whiskey Decanter 850ml – R999 from Lavish’d

White terrazo coaster (set of four) – R249 from Superbalist

Vinturi Red Wine Aerator – R749 from Yuppichef

DIY Homemade Gin Kit Gift Box – R519 from Yuppiechef

Drinking tower game – R299 from Typo

Picture: Pexels

In uncategorized

Queen Elizabeth has a secret ring inscription only 3 people know

October 6, 2020 No Comments

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip will celebrate their 73rd wedding anniversary in November, and it has taken so many years to uncover a secret about their marriage or more specifically the Queen’s wedding band.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFGGpo2Di5Y/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

It is common knowledge that the Queen, like Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton, has a ring made of Welsh gold. Most British royal brides wear rings fashioned from the same nugget of Welsh gold which came from a Welsh mine, Clogau St David’s at Bontddu. This gold is more valuable than gold from Australia or South Africa.

While there is only a sliver of the original gold left over, the Queen owns a large nugget of 21 carats Welsh gold which is held by the Crown Jewellers to be used for the royal wedding rings of today. Sarah, Duchess of York, Duchess Kate, and Duchess Meghan Markle all sport wedding bands made from this nugget.

Her engagement ring was made from a tiara that once belonged to Prince Philip’s mother, Princess Alice of Battenberg. It was a gift from the Prince, who had the tiara taken apart and reassembled into a three-carat solitaire with five smaller diamonds.

An unknown fact about this ring, however, is that it had a secret inscription inside of it. It is so secret that only the Queen, Prince Philip, and the inscriber know what it says.

The inscription was chosen by Prince Philip in 1947.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnVux4Wg4Hi/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

In the new biography, ‘Prince Philip: A Portrait of the Duke of Edinburgh’, London-based royal expert and biographer Ingrid Seward explains: “At least Philip didn’t have the expense of a wedding ring, as the people of Wales supplied a nugget of Welsh gold from which the ring as made.

“She never takes it off and inside the ring is an inscription. No one knows what it says, other than the engraver, the Queen and her husband.”

Picture: Instagram / The Royal Family

In Advice

Pretty in a pavé setting

October 5, 2020 No Comments

An engagement ring is a highly treasured jewellery item, one you’ll (hopefully) have forever. It’s thus important to have your ring match your own personal style and taste. With so many designs, settings and stones to choose from, ring shopping can be overwhelming. Luckily, we’re here to help.

While the setting, or the way the stone is secured into the ring, may not be the most important thing one thinks of, it is crucial to the anatomy of the ring. It helps determine the overall design of the ring and its durability.

A pavé setting, also known as a bead setting, is perfect for the bride wanting something a little more sparkly. It is french for ‘paved’ and it is a jewellery technique in which small diamonds are studded along the band of the ring, making it appear like a paved or cobblestoned road.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFz_GeFl3sD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Diamonds are closely set together in this setting, and sparkle brilliantly under the light. Typically, diamonds used for this setting must be 0.01 to 0.02 carats to be technically characterised as ‘pavé’, anything smaller falls under a ‘micro-pavé’ setting.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFh714Bn8AT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

An advantage of this setting is that it enhances a centre diamond that has a lower brilliance, cut or clarity grade. It adds extra sparkle and is technically the more economical choice, as smaller diamonds are less expensive than one diamond of the exact same weight.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CE1hIsagbN_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

However, it is important to note that this setting is more susceptible to stone loss, and offers more small spaces for dirt to accumulate. This setting also requires more inspection and maintenance than most other ring settings.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CC03qaBH_7u/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Picture: Pexels

In Advice

Most popular songs to propose to

October 5, 2020 No Comments

Going down on one knee to pop the question is a special moment, one that requires the perfect setting and atmosphere. Music is an easy way to amplify the romantic spirit, and many opt to play their favourite love songs to serenade the scene.

It turns out there are some love songs that stand above the rest. Learningjewelry.com analysed the top 60 Spotify playlists dedicated proposals and engagements. Here are the sweet songs that appeared most often.

All of Me – John Legend

Perfect – Ed Sheeran

Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran

A Thousand Years – Christina Perry

Make You Feel My Love – Adele

Marry You – Bruno Mars

On Bended Knee – Boys II Men

Just Say Yes – Snow Patrol

I Swear – All-4-One

Picture: Pexels

In Advice

Top restaurant wedding venues in SA

October 5, 2020 No Comments

Choosing your wedding venues can be a tough task, especially in a country like South Africa that boasts a myriad of beautiful locations, from city to sea.

If you’re wanting to make things a little bit easier, why not pick a restaurant venue? This way, you know the food you’ll be feasting on come wedding day will be at a high standard.

Here are a few of our favourite restaurants in the country with wedding packages of note.

Babylonstoren in Franschhoek, Western Cape

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5S6fEuH4v-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Babylonstoren is an authentic, versatile venue with one of the country’s best preserved Cape Dutch farmyards, offering a historic yet contemporary farm stay. Couples can pick from an outdoor wedding under the majestic oaks alongside a stream, or at the bottom of the garden in the House of Shadows.

All three of their rustic, chic and stylish venues are available for the reception, and comfortably seats 100 people. In the Old Cellar you can enjoy a family-style feast, with a surprise dessert station in the White Studio. The Wheat Barn is just the place to dance the night away. For smaller weddings, the Studio package is the ideal choice for intimate family-style feasts.

Read more about their wedding package HERE.

Hazendal in Stellenbosch, Western Cape

https://www.instagram.com/p/CFe7xiYHyXU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Hazendal in the Stellenbosch winelands offers breathtaking settings, catering for both intimate ceremonies and large celebrations. Take your vows in Hazendal’s architecturally designed Pavilion that floats above water, framed by the magnificent views of the Bottelary Hills and Simonsberg.

With the one of the best culinary teams in the Stellenbosch Winelands, your wedding guests will be able to relish in gourmet-style food and award-winning estate wines. Host your wedding for a glamorous and luxurious celebration in fine-dining Avant-Garde or the Grand Hall at the Conference Centre. For couples wanting a more informal outdoor style, Hazendal’s heritage Kraal will be the perfect fit.

Read more about their wedding packages HERE.

Canelands Beach Club in Salt Rock, Durban

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvRF11-hpGL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

With direct access to the beach for that perfect beach wedding, Canelands on the northern coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal is the ideal venue for a formal or informal style wedding.

The Restaurant can seat up to 50 guests for a private brunch, lunch or dinner and up to 100 guests on the pool deck and grass verge, together with the restaurant for a cocktail style wedding overlooking the beautiful Indian Ocean. The adjacent lounge area makes an ideal venue for your ceremony or cocktails on arrival.

Read more about their wedding packages HERE.

Ferguson’s 5th Floor in Sandton, Johannesburg

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwWhVnaJnEj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Celebrate your nuptials up above on this rooftop restaurant in the heart of Sandton. Your ceremony and reception can be held in the same space, which comfortably fits 150 people seated and 200 guests cocktail style.

Menu’s are tailored to each guest, and couples can pick between three-course set menus, cocktails and floating dinner options, as well as harvest table buffets.

Read their wedding packages HERE.

The Living Room in Maboneng, Johannesburg

https://www.instagram.com/p/CBLz5qhj3yl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Situated in the vibrant precinct of Maboneng, the Living Room is a unique blend of the natural and the urban. It offers panoramic city views, making the perfect backdrop for your dream rooftop event.

View their wedding package HERE.

Picture: Instagram / Babylonstoren

In Advice

Classic South African desserts to include in a wedding menu

October 5, 2020 No Comments

South Africans love our sweet treats, and luckily we’ve got a host of locally-loved favourites that always feature at functions.

Modern couples are opting for a dessert table laden with a variety of dishes to tuck into instead of the singular wedding cake. This way, your guest have options that tailor to different tastes.

Those wanting a classic South African day should incorporate the iconic desserts our country has become known for. Another bonus is that all of them can be customised to be individual serving sizes, making dishing these treats up even easier.

All of these dishes have been featured in menus at top restaurants like Jonkershuis, Spek en Bone and The Blue Crane. If it’s good enough for our top chefs, it’s good enough for us!

It’s not a South African event without these treats on the dessert table:

Malva Pudding

This dessert screams nostalgia for many South Africans. This sweet pudding had a spongy texture, and is covered in a hot, creamy sauce and served with ice-cream or custard.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5fZqKdlufW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Milktart/Melktert

This milk-based custard treat is one of the most iconic South African desserts. This traditional Afrikaans treat consists of a sweet pastry crust that holds a custard filling made of milk, flour, sugar and eggs. It can be baked or left to set in the fridge, then dusted with cinnamon to finish it off.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2bRIq_hblP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Peppermint Crisp Tart

For a truly indulgent dish, opt for a peppermint crisp tart. This quick and easy dessert is made by layering tennis biscuits, a mixture of whipped cream and caramel and then crumbled peppermint crisp chocolate bars. Warning, it’s dangerously delicious and sweet, so its best served with coffee to cut through the sweetness.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-y9RuBnGgF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Koesisters / Koeksusters

There are two types of koeksisters with completely different tastes and histories, so it’s important to know which one you’re serving up.

The koesister is a Cape Malay invention, featuring a light and fluffy dough delicately spiced with cardamom, cinnamon and dried ginger. The dough is fried in a ball shape then dunked in syrup and dusted with desiccated coconut.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CCxmdYNJ5rm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

A Koeksuster is the Dutch version, made by frying plaited dough and then dunking it in a sweet syrup.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzIVTmdJNQ9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Picture: Pexels

In Engagements

The history of the bridal trousseau

October 5, 2020 No Comments

Getting married is a large step in life, one that some brides start preparing for years in advance. In many cultures, it is common for women to have a bridal trousseau, a collection of items that will ease them into married life.

Trousseau is derived from the old French diminutive trousse, which means ‘to wrap or bundle in a package’. While the contents may differ from bride to bride, the overarching idea behind the trousseau is to start your wedding and marriage on the right foot. Items that often feature in a bridal trousseau include clothing, jewelry, linens, bedding, pottery, and household appliances. These items are traditionally kept safe in a cedar hope chest or trunk.

The bridal trousseau can be dated back hundreds of years and across various cultures, and was often considered a symbol of status. This practice saw its early roots in the form of dowries, and has been witnessed in ancient civilizations including Babylon, Greece, and the Roman Empire.

It reached its peak in popularity during the Renaissance, specifically in France. Brides with wealthy families would fill a chest with items like linens, dresses, bedding and homeware to prepare her for her future marriage. The fuller and more ornate the trousseau, the higher the bride’s status. Those from a lower economic class often hand-made items to put into the trousseau.

A bridal handkerchief was a must-have item in these days. Historically, the Romans were said to wet the handkerchief with perfume and brides would wear it over their shoulders or neck. Once the French got hold of this, it became a practice reserved for royalty or the upper class.

By the mid-19th century, brides of all classes had adopted this trend and began sporting handkerchiefs customised with the initials of the bride and groom, interlaced as a representation of their union.

In News

First look at Princess Diana’s wedding dress on ‘The Crown’

October 5, 2020 No Comments

The most iconic wedding dress in history is making its Netflix debut. The highly anticipated fourth season of The Crown will tell the story of when Prince Charles met and married Princess Diana, and fans cannot wait to see the dress brought to life.

Actress Emma Corrin will step into the shoes of the iconic Diana in the new season, and Netflix has just shared the first look of the famous wedding dress.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CF5TtjSD9BT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The dress was created by award-winning costume designer Amy Roberts, in collaboration with one of the original dresses designers, David Emmanuel.

“Without access to the original patterns, Amy collaborated with David Emmanuel. He was enormously helpful, talking the design team through the detail of many of the original drawings to help them create this gown for Emma Corrin,” Netflix explained.

“Four months and five fittings later, with three people spending a collective 600 hours working, they had a dress. It’s made of 95 metres of fabric and 100 metres of lace, with a train that is approximately 30 metres long.

“The Nottingham based team who made the lace on the Emmanuel’s original dress also made the lace for this one. Sadly the man who worked on the real-life dress passed away, but it’s his son who worked on the one you’ll see in The Crown,” Netflix added.

Netflix’s The Crown will be released on the platform on November 15. Watch the trailer for the new season below.

Picture: Screenshot from video

In Celebs

Tracey Lange ties the knot

October 5, 2020 No Comments

KFM host Tracey Lange is a married woman. The radio presenter said ‘I do’ to longterm partner Avukile Mabambo after being engaged for a year.

The pair tied the knot on Thursday, October 1 at the Old Foundry Hotel in Cape Town. For her special day, Lange opted for a tea-length Anene Ferreira dress that was made in 26 days.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CF5LBJXHTSU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Her bouquet was an ode to her deceased father.

“When my Dad passed away, Kyra told my Mom to save a few of his ties for one day when I get married,” she explained on her social media. “How lovely that on his birthday on Thursday, we could wrap that tie around the stems of my bouquet. It felt like he was holding my hand throughout the day.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CF6zQDNnr0D/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

After their vows, the newlyweds used the City of Cape Town as their backdrop for their wedding photos. They posed on the iconic Red Bus, and strolled through the. Mother City streets.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CF4DPr-nshc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/CF2f03THikA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Picture: Instagram / Tracey Lange

In Celebs

DJ Afrojack marries Lamborghini heiress in Italy

October 2, 2020 No Comments

Afrojack is a married man. The world renowned DJ tied the knot with Italian heiress Elettra Lamborghini in a lavish ceremony on Saturday, September 26.

The pair said ‘I do’ at the Villa Balbiano in Lake Como, Italy. Elettra wore a sheer white fishtail gown with lace detailing by Galia Lahav for the reception, and had multiple changes throughout the day.

They had their closest family and friends in attendance.

Their massive six-tier cake was a true showstopper.

Elettra (26) is the granddaughter of Ferruccio Lamborghini, the founder of motor company Lamborghini. She is also a former reality star, known best for her appearance on UK show Geordie Shore.

The couple have been together for two years, and announced their engagement in December 2019. They tied the knot on their second anniversary.

Picture/s: Instagram / Elettra Lamborghini