Kirsten Jacobs, Author at Wedding ETC

In Celebs

A song of love and laughter: Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner

September 29, 2020 No Comments

One of the most popular millennial couples in Hollywood has a love story that is incredibly fitting. What started off as a Direct Message on Instagram grew into love, marriage and a baby for Joe Jonas and Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner.

Here is how this much-loved couple came to be:

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Turner (24) and Jonas (30) connected in 2016 in a way that seems the new norm: via Instagram.

“We had a lot of mutual friends and they’d been trying to introduce us for a long time,” Turner told Harper’s Bazaar UK during a March 2019 interview. “We were following each other on Instagram and he direct messaged me one fine day, out of the blue.”

They spoke for a few weeks before meeting up in real life at a local bar in London. Turner even brought some friends with in case Jonas was a catfish.

“I brought all my guy friends to come with me to meet him, because in the back of my mind I still worried that he could be a catfish — or I don’t know what,” she told Elle Magazine. “I just wanted my guy friends with me. I had my rugby boys. I was safe.”

Luckily, he was everything she wanted and more. They spent hours talking about everything under the sun and were inseparable from that point onwards. Turner even joined him on tour.

They went social media official in January 2017 after months of secretly dating when Turner posted an image of Jonas to her Instagram, simply captioning it ‘Miami daze’. They made their first public appearance together at the 2017 Met Gala, although they did not walk the carpet together.

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The relationship continued to grow, and by September of 2017 they adopted a puppy together, who they named Porky Basquiat. They also have another dog named Waldo Picasso, who is Porky’s biological brother.

Turner credits Jonas for helping her find self-love and work through her depression, which she has struggled with for years.

“I don’t think I love myself at all, but I’m now with someone that makes me realize that I do have some redeeming qualities, I suppose,” she said during an interview with Dr. Phil. “And when someone tells you they love you every day, it makes you really think about why that is and I think it makes you love yourself a bit more. So yeah, I love myself.”

In October 2017, they surprised the world by announcing their engagement.

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In May 2019, the couple shocked fans once again by getting hitched at a Las Vegas chapel after the Billboard Music Awards. The event was officiated by an Elvis Presley impersonator, and DJ Diplo livestreamed it to all his Instagram followers.

They said ‘I do’ yet again a month later, although on a much grander scale. Their official wedding in June was held at a chateau in the France, and Turner stunned in a custom Louis Vuitton gown.

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The pair welcomed their first child in July 2020, a daughter named Willow. We can’t wait to see what they do next.

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Feature image: Instagram/Joe Jonas

In Announcements

Actress Lily Collins is engaged

September 28, 2020 No Comments

The COVID-19 pandemic can’t stop love! Actress Lily Collins is the latest starlet to announce her engagement. The ‘Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile’ star recently took the next step with writer-director Charlie McDowell.

The pair, who have been dating for over a year, announced their happy news on social media this past weekend.

“I’ve been waiting my lifetime for you and I can’t wait to spend our lifetime together…” the actress captioned images from their special day which took place in the mountains of New Mexico.

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“In a time of uncertainty and darkness you have illuminated my life. I will forever cherish my adventure with you,” wrote McDowell.

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Collins, the daughter of iconic musician Phil Collins, rocks an unusual engagement ring featuring a one-of-a-kind rose-cut diamond.

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Feature image: Instagram / Lily Collins

In Advice

Simple yet elegant dresses guaranteed to wow a crowd

September 28, 2020 No Comments

Many believe a wedding dress is the most important outfit one can ever wear. It’s the attire you choose to make an eternal promise to your love, so you’ll want to look your best.

With such weight and importance attached to an outfit, it’s easy to see why people opt to go big and bold for their special day. While lace, beading and applique detail are popular finishes to make a splash, it’s not necessary and can often times be quite costly. Sometimes, the most simple design is the most effective.

For those not into dramatic detail or for the budget conscious, there are many ways to still stun in a simple gown. The focus should be on the cut and fabric of the dress to make it appear more luxurious. An off-the-shoulder gown oozes sophistication, while small stylistic choices like adding a cape or twist detailing on your waist easily elevates a look.

If you’re in need of some inspiration, you’re in luck. Here are a few of our gowns sans-lace that are anything but boring:

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Feature image: Pexels

In Celebs

Emma Stone secretly tied the knot with Dave McCary

September 28, 2020 No Comments

Emma Stone is a married woman! After months of speculation, it has been confirmed that the Oscar-winning actress secretly tied the knot with her Saturday Night Live writer, fiance Dave McCary.

People Magazine reports that a source can confirm the couple are married, although no further details were provided. Neither of them has publicly addressed their nuptials, but they have been spotted out wearing matching wedding bands.

Stone first got the rumour mill running when she wore a wedding band very different to her engagement ring during an interview with Reese Witherspoon and psychiatrist Harold S. Koplewicz on the Reese Witherspoon x Hello Sunshine YouTube channel back in May.

The couple got engaged in December 2019, after being together for about two years. McCary announced the engagement on Instagram.

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The couple met on the set of Saturday Night Live (SNL) when Stone hosted the show in 2016. According to a source, McCary took the actress ”back to the hallway where they first locked eyes” for their romantic proposal.

“He had rose petals scattered all over the floor, dropped to one knee and asked Emma to marry him,” they add. “Of course, she said yes. Emma’s found her dream man, and now, she’s getting her dream wedding!”

Feature image: Instagram

In Advice

Adorable ‘Just Married’ signs to announce your marriage

September 25, 2020 No Comments

It’s a time-honoured tradition to display your new relationship status on the getaway car on your big day. Passersby rejoice at the familiar sight of the ‘Just married’ sign trailing tin cans or colourful ribbons in its wake as your car heads from the ceremony to the reception.

Why limit yourself to just your car? You can announce your marriage on pretty much anything you’d like. Go as big, or as small, as you’d like, it’s your day!

Modern couples have taken to creating custom pieces they can keep forever to let the world know they’ve tied the knot. From custom leather jackets, parasols or even a neon sign to light up the night, anything goes. We love that these alternative items can be preserved for decades and act as a special tangible memory to look back on as the years go by.

Here are some traditional and trendy ideas to be inspired by:

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Feature image: Pexels

In Advice

Planning a destination wedding in lockdown?

September 25, 2020 No Comments

International travel is back on the cards! Now that South Africa has shifted to lockdown Level 1, our borders will reopen to visitors from October 1.

With this, couples now have the option to once again host a destination wedding in another country. Of course, this comes with its own difficulties as other countries also have lockdown measures in place. Here is what to keep in mind:

Travel restrictions:

Only three airports are open for international travel in the country: OR Tambo, King Shaka and Cape Town International Airport. There are 18 land borders open to the public, and the other 35 will remain closed. Every flight, bus, cruise and train ride carries with them a risk of further transmission. Thus, there will be strict protocols implemented to limit the risk.

While the borders are open, not every country is accessible. All travellers from the African continent and from countries outside the African continent with a low rate of infections and transmission may travel to and from South Africa, subject to them having a health clearance certificate and the directions by the relevant ministers.

In the event of the traveler’s failure to submit a certificate as proof of a negative test, the traveler will be required to quarantine at his or her own costs.

To temporarily control entry into the Republic from countries outside the African Continent, the relevant Cabinet members shall, after consultation with the Cabinet member responsible for health, determine in directions

– criteria for controlling entry into the Republic, from such countries with a high COVID -19 infection and transmission rate;

– the list of such countries with a high COVID -19 infection and transmission rate, which may, from time to time, be amended.

Countries with high infection rates will not be allowed to enter until their infections come under control.

Visa applications will reopen and long-term visas will be re-established from October 1.

Feature image: Pexels

In Fashion

Kim Kardashian launches SKIMS bridal shapewear

September 25, 2020 No Comments

Kim Kardashian is entering the wedding world! The mogul just expanded her coveted shapewear brand SKIMS to include something new for brides.

The SKIMS bridal collection features their popular solutionwear styles like bodysuits, briefs, bralettes and more to wear underneath your dress for a seamless finish. All pieces come in soft blue.

“From something silky to something blue: we’ve got you covered with our most loved Solutionwear styles in a new soft blue color and a limited edition, embroidered silk robe,” they explain on their Instagram page.

Sizes range from XXS to 5x, and the line launches Firday, September 25 on the SKIMS website.

Take a look at the collection:

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Feature image: Instagram / SKIMS

In Celebs

Victoria’s Secret model Jasmine Tookes is engaged

September 25, 2020 No Comments

Model Jasmine Tookes and director of international markets at Snapchat Juan David Borrero are engaged! The couple, who have been together for four years, took their relationship to the next level on September 21.

Borrero took Tookes on a surprise trip to pop the question.

“It was a complete surprise!” Tookes told Vogue. “I woke up at 9:00 a.m. to go about my regular day of meetings with JOJA [the health and fitness Instagram account she shares with fellow model Josephine Skriver]. After the meeting, he came downstairs to tell me to pack my bags for a surprise trip that we were leaving for in two hours.”

In the car, Borrero blindfolded Tookes and took her to the place they first met, Rose Cafe in Venice, California. Next up, they headed to the airport to board a plane to Page, Arizona.

“He knows me so well that he had Popeye’s catered—I was in heaven!—so we ate chicken tenders and drank champagne until we landed in Page, Arizona. Then we hopped on a helicopter which flew us to the most beautiful, otherworldly-like secluded place in the middle of the desert rocks in Utah. It was just us.”

A table decked out with champagne and a charcuterie board awaited the couple, which they feasted on before Borrero lead Tookes to a lookout point.

“Shortly after that, he escorted me to a lookout above where we were sitting and on the ground was a bunch of rocks which spelled out WYMM? At first glance, I didn’t know what this meant, but it immediately dawned on me that it meant ‘Will you marry me?’”

A drone flying overhead delivered the ring in a black pouch. Of course, she said yes!

“I was in complete disbelief and immediately burst into tears because this was something I did not expect. After lots of happy tears, I obviously said yes, and this was honestly the best day I could’ve ever imagined. We are very excited and looking forward to a future filled with lots of love and happiness.”

Feature image: Instagram / Jasmine Tookes

In Advice

What is a prenup and do you need one?

September 23, 2020 No Comments

In the time leading up to your big day, there are so many moving parts as you plan the wedding of your dreams. Often, the last thing on the mind is the nitty-gritty details of the marriage contract you are about to enter into.

While it’s not the most fun topic, it is important to think about the legal and financial ramifications of your impending nuptials. Some couples choose to enter into a prenuptial agreement, a legal contract that determines the financial rights of each spouse if a divorce or death were to take place. A prenuptial agreement eliminates a battle over assets in the event of death of divorce.

Some may think its a bit negative to think about divorce before you’ve even gotten married. However, it is the practical option, especially if both spouses are financially well off on their own and have important assets they want to protect. Maybe you have an important family heirloom you don’t want to part ways with, a massive inheritance or want to ensure your family or children get certain assets in the event of a divorce or death.

While most people believe a prenup is only for the rich, it is becoming increasingly popular among the middle-class. People who have children from a prior relationship may sign one to ensure property and funding is passed to the child in the event of their death.

A prenup is also helpful to protect spouses from assuming their partner’s debt, which happens if you marry in community of property. If you know you have tons of student loans and don’t want to dump it on your partner in the event of your death, a prenup will protect them.

That being said, a prenuptial agreement is not for everyone. If you don’t have assets you need to protect, you can simply skip this step. Couples who do not sign this agreement automatically marry in community of property, as per South African law. Through this, you share your estate and in the event of divorce, everything is split equally.

Picture: Pexels

In News

Increase in wedding bookings after Level 1 was announced

September 23, 2020 No Comments

South Africa is officially in Level 1 of the nationwide lockdown, bringing a further easing of restrictions. This shift has inspired a greater interest in wedding bookings.

While weddings have been allowed since Level 2, the restrictions on public gatherings meant that only 50 people may attend. Under Level 1, a maximum of 250 people are allowed at an indoor venue, and 500 for an outdoor venue as long as a 1.5metre distance can still be applied.

The wedding industry has experienced a spike in bookings from couples looking to still tie the knot this year. According to EWN, many couples have booked venues to host their weddings in the last few months of the year.

“You finding a lot of last-minute people who are taking advantage of level lockdown regulations,” explained wedding specialist Khali de Villiers.

Many venues and vendors will be offering specials as the industry opens up, enticing more and more couples to place a booking.

All weddings will be under strict health and safety regulations, and guests will be required to wear masks at all times unless eating or drinking.

Picture: Pexels