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    Kirsten Jacobs

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    In Celebs

    Food Network star Ree Drummond shares new image from 1996 wedding

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    It’s been 24 years since Food Network’s Ree Drummond aka the Pioneer Woman, married husband Ladd. Over two decades, later, the couple have four kids, a ranch and an empire.

    The pair married on September 21, 1996 and Ree recently took to social media to share a never-before-seen image from their special day in honour of their 24th wedding anniversary.

    ‘I never got around to ordering my wedding photos. I’m an enneagram 7 like that. Anyway, I found this snapshot last week because Alex wanted to see my dress. It had a corset tie in the back with a little bunch of silk flowers at the waist. All business on the front, though. ? I love you, Ladd Drummond! Happy anniversary, and thank you for getting me pregnant within a week of this photo being taken,” the chef wrote on Instagram.

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    Ree and Ladd met during a girls night at a bar in her hometown, according to The Pioneer Woman’s website.

    “When Ree headed out for a casual girls’ night in her hometown, her expectations were low,” it said. “She had just moved back from Los Angeles and was making a pit stop in her hometown of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, for a few months before moving to Chicago. Desperate for a fun time with old friends, Ree agreed to meet her childhood buddies at a local dive (and didn’t even bother to put on eyeliner before rushing out the door!). The only thing on her mind was a much-needed glass of chardonnay.”

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    They locked eyes at the bar and have been together ever since. They now share four children: Alex (23) , Paige (21) , Bryce (18) and Todd (16). Their eldest daughter Alex recently got engaged.

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    Feature image: Instagram/Ree Drummond

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    In Emotional

    Bride drives over 300km to show off wedding dress to grandad

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    The COVID-19 pandemic has forced families apart as a form of protection. As life goes on, we miss more and more important milestones to the virus. However, this bride was determined to have her beloved grandfather see her in her wedding dress and put the pedal to the metal to make sure he did.

    UK couple Alex Pearce and her new husband Philip married on August 29 in a micro-wedding with only 30 guests in attendance and in line with coronavirus restrictions. One of her most important family members, grandfather Graham Burley (87) unfortunately could not attend as it was too high-risk.

    So Alex and Philip recently set off on a three-hour, 200 mile (321.869km) road trip to Hampshire to surprise her grandfather at his care home. They wore their wedding gear to relive their special day with Burley.

    Upon arrival at the care home, the pair had their temperatures checked before sitting behind a clear screen and and toasting to their big day with the grandfather. Champagne and a slice of cake was on hand for their impromptu celebration.

    “When we turned up at the care home it was a complete surprise for grandad, but obviously the staff knew about it. He burst into tears as soon as he saw us. It was incredibly special to visit him,” Alex told Metro UK.

    Mr Burley added: “It was very emotional and I did shed a few tears. ‘It meant so much to get to see Alex in the beautiful white wedding dress she wore on her special day.’”

    Feature image: Unsplash

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    In Advice

    Snack bar ideas for your guests to enjoy

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    If you’ve ever been a guest a wedding, you’ll know there’s a weird waiting period between the wedding ceremony and the reception. While the bride and groom are take photos, the guests make their way to the reception venue and hang around until the bridal party arrives.

    To make this period a little more fun, why not have a snack bar for you guests to indulge in? That will take care of that slight rumble in their tummy. It also gives them the opportunity to interact with each other at the same time.

    To keep the hunger at bay, delight your guests with a snack bar. Here are some cool ideas.

    Movie theatre popcorn

    Popcorn is easy to snack on and you can make tons of it at once. You can even offer various flavours, from caramel corn to butter and icing sugar. Make sure to offer your guests tons of toppings and sides, like Astros, mini chocolates and nuts to mix in their bags.

    Credit: Pinterest

    Sophisticated seafood

    Oysters are chic and sophisticated. Have them displayed with some lemons and lime, and of course some sauce to pair. If you want to be even more extravagant, have some champagne on hand to pair them with.

    Credit: Pinterest

    Donut wall:

    Donut mind if we dig into this station! Donut walls have been trending in the wedding world for years. It doubles up as a snack station and a visual attraction.

    Credit: Pinterest

    Candy station

    Get your sweet on with a colourful candy station. Incorporate all your favourite sweets and throw in some sour candies for balance.

    Credit: Pinterest

    Ice cream bar

    I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. Buy a few of your favourite ice cream lollies in bulk and keep them cold in a cooler box, or have tubs and cones ready for your guests to help themselves. This is perfect for a summer wedding, when your guests will be desperate for something to cool them down.

    Credit: Pinterest

    Feature image: Pexels

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    In Advice

    Banging decor for a beach wedding

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    A beach wedding is the quintessential summer event. The sound of the waves gently lapping on the shore and the feeling of sand in between your toes is enough to soothe anyone’s senses.

    With such a beautiful backdrop, there isn’t that much you need to do to dress your venue. A few tables, flowers and umbrellas for shade are all you need.

    If you want to add that extra flair, there are so many fun and vibrant styling ideas that are guaranteed to wow your guests. Think chandeliers,  modern arches and boho-inspired lanterns.

    If you’re struggling to visualise, don’t fear. We’ve got some amazing inspiration:

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    Feature image: Pexels

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    In Wedding Cakes

    Wedding cakes that are basically works of art

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    Decorating a wedding cake is a form of art. Anyone can ice a cake, but only true artists can take it to the next level.

    We love a stand-out wedding cake, mainly because it can work as its own feature on your big day. A cake can become art depending on the overall aesthetic and finish you choose.

    Adding tons of texture and 3-dimensional detail is the easiest way to get your art on. You can also go literal with an abstract-inspired icing job, or get creative with your cake stand.

    Here are a few of our favourite creations:

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    Feature image: Pexels

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    In Legal & Administration

    Same-sex couple seek R2-million in damages from SA wedding venue

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    The battle continues for same-sex couple Megan Watling and Sasha-Lee Heekes. The pair are facing off in court against Western Cape wedding venue Beloftebos, who made headlines in January for refusing to host their same-sex wedding ceremony on religious grounds.

    The couple are now seeking R2-million in damages, which they plan to donate to charity. Court papers filed in the Equality court reveal that Watling and Heekes are suing Beloftebos owners Andries and Coia de Villiers for the impairment of dignity, pain and suffering due to unfair discrimination against them.

    The brides-to-be also want the court to declare the venue’s refusal to host same-sex weddings as unfair discrimination, and thus unlawful and unconstitutional. They are seeking an unconditional apology from the venue, in which they acknowledge the harm they have caused.

    The SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) launched an application against the owners in March, following several complaints about the venue. The Comissioner, André Gaum, explained that the outcome they hoped to achieve includes that the venue’s policy be declared discriminatory, and that they are forced to host same-sex marriages. He said that the policy is unconstitutional and amounts to unfair discrimination.

    Back in May, Beloftebos filed their own papers claiming that they were discriminated against by the SAHRC. The owners of the establishment claimed that they had filed papers with the Equality Court, opposing the fact that they have discriminated against LGBTI+ people. This means they are arguing that their policy which states that they will not host same-sex weddings, is not discriminatory.

    Michael Swain, executive director of Freedom of Religion South Africa said that Beloftebos are “asking the Equality Court to find that the SAHRC unfairly discriminated against them on grounds of conscience, religion and belief, and that the commission is biased and prejudiced in its treatment of them and their belief system”.

    Feature image: Facebook / Beloftebos

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    In Emotional

    Colombian woman has dream wedding days before she dies

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    A 30-year-old woman from Colombia had her dream of being a bride come true when she married her long-term love in the hospital, a few days before her death.

    Estefany Torres Vera (30) and Duvan Yefren Pabon met at a mall nine years ago, and have been together ever since. They have a seven-year-old son and always wanted to get married but were unable to do so due to their financial situation.

    Estefany was unfortunately diagnosed with cancer, and was hospitalised in 2020 as her health deteriorated. Still wanting to marry the love of her life, Estefany and Duvan planned an impromptu hospital wedding.

    The pair married in Estefany’s hospital room on September 11. The bride wore a white dress and tiara for their nuptials. They livestreamed the wedding so that their family at home could still attend virtually. Local police organised a brass band to play outside as the bride was wheeled into the room.

    “We did not want a painful goodbye, we wanted a joyful one. This gave Estefany the happiness she deserved,” the bride’s sister Julia Andrea Torres Vega said.

    The bride sadly died on September 13, just two days after her dream wedding.

    Feature image: Pexels

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    In Engagements

    The Aristocrat’s choice: Amazing Asscher cut stones

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    The emerald cut is a favourite among brides, but those wanting a similar style with some difference should opt for the Asscher cut. Also known as the square emerald cut, this shape is timeless and stylish, perfectly designed to highlight a diamond.

    If you’re diamond shopping, here’s everything you need to know about the Asscher cut.

     

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    Everything you need to know about ring engravings
    In Advice

    Everything you need to know about ring engravings

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    Having your engagement ring engraved is a beautiful way to to show your love. It allows you to carry a special hidden meaning with you wherever you go, and also makes your ring more identifiable if it goes missing.

    This is a timeless practice, one that has been loved since medieval times. Back in the day, people had their prized jewellery possessions engraved with religious quotes and messages of devotion.

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    Engraving is a relatively affordable option, but the price depends on what exactly you want engraved and the font. Machine engravings are cheaper, hand engravings will cost much more. Most rings can accommodate between 15-30 characters, so you can’t write novels. No more than five words is ideal.

    The best time to have it engraved is when you order the ring. However, you have lots of time to decide exactly what you want it to say as engravings happen at the end of the manufacturing process. Importantly, not all jewellers perform engravings so make sure to ask for a referral if they cannot.

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    It is a fast process, and can be done in a day. There are three ways to do it. The first, machine engraving uses a template to trace out letters and symbols using a corresponding sharp tool. This option limits your font choice, but pretty much guarantees a neat finish.

    Hand engraving is the most costly option, and is also the most imperfect. However, it does allow you freedom to choose whichever font you want. It is also a deeper engraving, meaning it lasts longer and creates a unique visual finish.

    With laser engraving, jewellers use a pencil-sized laser beam to inscribe your special message onto the ring. The strength of the laser differs depending on the type of metal. This option allows for longer messages.

    The most important thing here, and we cannot stress this enough, is to double, triple and quadruple check your spelling before handing your words over to the jeweller! Make sure to double-check it again once you receive the finished product.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5LRjVyHQxS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Feature image: Pexels

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    In News

    Weddings may be bigger in Level 1

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    South Africa is officially moving to Level 1 lockdown from midnight on Sunday, September 20. With this shift comes an easing of restrictions, which may benefit the wedding industry.

    Under Level 2, weddings were allowed to continue but for no more than 50 people, and a host of health and safety measures must be adhered to.

    In his televised address, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the Level 1 has less strict regulations on gatherings. While the safety regulations will likely remain in place, couples may be able to increase their guest list. Instead of a blanket number of 50 people, social gatherings will now depend on the size of a venue.

    “Social, religious, political and other gatherings will be permitted, as long as the number of people does not exceed 50% of the normal capacity of a venue, up to a maximum of 250 people for indoor gatherings and 500 people for outdoor gatherings,” Ramapshosa said in his speech.

    “Health protocols, such as washing or sanitising of hands, social distancing and mask-wearing, will need to be strictly observed.”

    Ramaphosa also announced that the country would begin a gradual reopening of international travel, subject to various containment and mitigation measures. This means that destination weddings are on the cards again.

    Travel may be restricted to and from certain countries that have high infection rates. A list of countries will be published soon based on the latest scientific data.

    Picture: Pexels

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