• Author

    Kirsten Jacobs

    Browsing

    Some weddings are so extravagant they deserve an award. This three-day luxurious Indian wedding in Dubai was so spectacular that it has received a famed international award for wedding planners.

    The wedding won the ‘Wedding Concept Award’ at the Belief Awards, an online contest created to celebrate wedding Planners and designers around the globe. Winners were chosen by a panel of judges selected by Belief Wedding Creators.

    The 13th edition of the awards crowned wedding planners Rahul Kumar and Arun Bablani, from Vivaah Weddings for their extravegant three-day celebration they hosted for couple Prerna and Shaun.

    In 2019, the couple said ‘I do’ in a stunning ceremony in Dubai. The bride and groom are both of Indian descent, and wanted a glamorous wedding infused with tradition.

    The multi-day celebration began with a welcome dinner and afterparty on the first day, followed by the Mehendi afternoon and Sangeet evening on the second day. The couple tied the knot on the third day of celebrations, which ended with a glamorous reception in the evening.

    The celebrations were spread across venues like the Hilton, V Hotel and Habtoor Palace, and featured 350 guests.

    Take a look at their special day:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CBXYt7nDs39/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Feature image: Unsplash

    An engagement is always an important time in a person’s life, and the way you announce it to the world is often equally exciting.

    Celebs have a few more eyes on them than the regular person, and many go big to announce their upcoming nuptials. We’ve rounded up our favourite celebrity engagement ring selfies and snaps. Warning, major ring envy might occur!

    Sophie Turner

    Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner and one-third of the Jonas Brothers, Joe Jonas got engaged in October 2017. Following a host of pre-wedding activities, this loved up-couple said ‘I do’ in 2019 at the Château de Tourreau in the South of France with their closest family and friends around them.

    This was their second wedding. The couple famously wed at a Las Vegas chapel after the Billboard Music Awards, and their nuptials were broadcast to the world via Diplo’s Instagram Live.

    They recently welcomed their first child, a girl named Willa.

    Katy Perry

    The Pirates of the Carribbean actor proposed to his California Girl On Valentine’s Day, presenting her with a unique flower-shaped diamond ring.

    They were meant to tie the knot in 2020, but have postponed their wedding due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In other exciting news, the couple are expecting the birth of their first child together very soon. Bloom already has a son with model Miranda Kerr.

    Jennifer Lopez

    Back in March 2019, baseball star Alex Rodriguez proposed to Jenny from the Block with a whopping 16-carat diamond ring estimated to cost somewhere between $1 million and $4.5 million.

    J-Lo and A-Rod had planned to say their “I-do’s” in Italy this year, but were forced to cancel amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Heidi Klum

    Heidi Klum and musician Tom Kaulitz became engaged in December 2018. They secretly married in February 2019 then followed it up with a stunning second beautiful ceremony on a yacht off the picturesque coast of Capri.

    They tied the knot onboard the famous Christina O,  following in the footsteps of Princess Grace Kelly and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis who also chose this yacht for their respective receptions.

    Priyanka Chopra

    Nick Jonas popped the question to Priyanka Chopra on her birthday while on holiday in Crete in 2018.

    The pair wed in spectacular fashion in 2019 in a three-day wedding blending Hindu and Christian traditions. They said ‘I do’ at the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Kevin and Joe Jonas, Sophie Turner, 30 Rock actor Jack McBrayer and Elizabeth Chambers Hammer were just a few of the notable names at this lavish wedding

    Margot Robbie

    Suicide Squad star Margot Robbie and British film producer Tom Ackerley married secretly in Australia in 2016. Only 50 guests were invited and weren’t even told the location of the wedding before the event.

    Kim Kardashian

    Super couple Kim Kardashian and Kanye West announced their engagement in October. The rapper went down on one knee in front of their family and friends while celebrating Kim’s 33rd birthday at the AT&T Park in San Francisco.

    They tied the knot on May 24, 2014 at the 16th-century Fort di Belvedere in Florence, Italy. The day before, they hosted their rehearsal dinner in he Palace of Versaille’s Hall of Mirrors.

    The West’s have four children together: North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm.

    Minnie Dlamini

    South African on-air personality, actress and model Minnie Dlamini and former football player Quinton Jones became engaged in December 2016.

    On July 8, 2017, the pair tied the knot in a stunning traditional wedding at Glenn Hills in Northern Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. They had their white wedding on September 16, 2017 at the Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West.

    Megan Markle

    Prince Harry and actress Megan Markle confirmed their engagement in December 2017. Markle’s ring features a gold band and three diamonds. The centre diamond was sourced from Botswana, a country very close to the couple’s hearts, and the two outer jewels come from Princess Diana’s personal collection.

    They followed up with their highly anticipated royal wedding on May 19, 2018 at the St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. The pair welcomed son Archie on May 6, 2019, just before their one-year wedding anniversary.

    Miranda Kerr

    Victoria’s Secret model Miranda Kerr and Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel became engaged in July 2016. She posted an image of her ring along with a Bitmoji filter on her Snapchat to honour the occasion.

    The pair married on May 27, 2017 in an intimate ceremony at their California home. They reportedly had only 45 guests in attendance, and Kerr cooked and served the dinner. The pair share two children; sons Hart (2) and Myles (8 months). Kerr also has a nine-year-old son named Flynn with ex-husband Orlando Bloom.

    Demi Lovato

    Songstress Demi Lovato shocked fans when she announced she became engaged to actor Max Ehrich , who went down on one knee to propose on July 22, 2020 in Malibu, California. As he popped the question, “Crash Into Me” by Dave Matthews Band was playing.

    Emma Stone

    Saturday Night Live (SNL) writer boyfriend, Dave McCrary popped the question to Academy award-winning actress Emma Stone in December 2019. Stone’s antique-style engagement ring, one of 2020s biggest ring trends, is in full view.

    The pair first met on set of SNL when Emma was hosting the show back in 2016. They have been together for about two years. The couple is quite private, keeping their relationship under wraps from the beginning, and have been spotted together publicly only a handful of times.

    Images: Instagram

    Fashion-forward grooms deserve to take centre stage on their wedding day. Those not afraid to take a risk should wow the crowds in a patterned suit.

    Grooms tend to stick to safe colours and accessories come wedding day. While a black suit is classic and debonair, it’s also a bit predictable. We love it when grooms go big and creative with their fashion, and a patterned suits is an excellent way to do it.

    Depending on your colour palette and pattern, this trend can bring big drama or subtle style. You could choose fabrics with a massive floral print or even glitter to have you shining all day. Another special option is to incorporate a cultural patterns and fabrics like Ndebele print into your groomswear.

    If you’re in need of some inspiration, look no further. Suit up in one of these fancy fits:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3-Bt35qheB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B8j6dZOJPtR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CByTjSxpc9z/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CByGK1hlXrJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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

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

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

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CAvCvIWD3c9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7tfnYnqwiE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Feature image: Unsplash

    The South African government has gazetted new directives to help regulate gatherings amid the shift to Level 2. The new directives include changes to how weddings may continue during the pandemic.

    According to the new directives, released August 25, there are a host of safety regulations that vendors must follow as the wedding industry reopens. As such, the onus is largely on wedding planners and vendors to make sure guests follow protocol.

    Weddings are still limited to 50 people, and all hygienic conditions and physical distancing measures must be adhered to for the limitation of exposure to COVID-19.

    The person organising the wedding, exhibition or function and the owner or manager of the venue must ensure compliance with the requirement relating to physical distancing of at least one and a half metres and the wearing of a cloth face mask, a homemade item or another appropriate item that covers the nose and mouth, by all attendees.

    A person managing a venue for a wedding, exhibition or other function must:

    – set up screening stations at entrances to facilitate the screening of persons before entry

    – not allow access to a person who is not wearing a cloth mask, or homemade item that covers the nose and mouth or another appropriate item to cover the nose and mouth

    – ensure that every person wears a cloth face mask, a homemade item or another appropriate item that covers the nose and mouth at all times except when eating or drinking

    – ensure that every person sanitises before entry

    – sanitise microphones and podiums after use by every person.

    Read the new gazette here: Tourism-Gazette-weddings-events

    Feature image: Unsplash

    It’s been months since Netflix original Love is Blind blew viewers away as it posed the question, ‘Can people really fall in love without seeing each other?’

    This science experiment saw couples connect while separated by a wall, never getting to see each other face to face. Six couples seemingly fell in love and got engaged. After their engagement, they met in person and began their relationship.

    Here’s who is still together in 2020 and who has found new love after the reality TV show.

    Cameron Hamilton and Lauren Speed:

    As Cameron and Lauren fell in love, so did we. This couple’s story touched many as they grappled with being an interracial couple and how their families and the public would react to their love.

    Their love is legit, as the pair are still together today. They appear as loved up as ever, and even adopted a puppy together. Fans can follow their journey on their Youtube channel, Hanging With The Hamiltons.

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

    Amber Pike and Matt Barnett:

    Many fans doubted this couple would actually tie the knot, as Amber’s confession of financial troubles and her lack of stability seemed to trouble Matt during the show. However, the pair ended up saying ‘I do’ and are still married.

    Since their wedding, Amber has admitted that they butted heads a lot but have now found a good flow.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CDr2n5JloBz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Kenny Barnes and Kelly Chase:

    Soon after meeting in person, this couple’s engagement began to disintegrate on the show. Kelly was quite straightforward about not having a sexual attraction to Kenny. In the show’s finale, she said “I don’t” and left Barnes at the altar. The pair have since admitted that they had both agreed that they were not going to get married.

    Since then, Kenny Barnes has found love again. The Love is Blind star recently popped the question to girlfriend Alexandra Garrison. Barnes and Garrison have been dating a little over a year, and they met after he appeared on the Netflix dating series. His younger sister Anna introduced the pair.

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

    Kelly is currently single, although she did date a close friend soon after the show’s filming wrapped. Both Kelly and Kenny have grown a lot from their experience of being on the show, and they appear to be on good terms.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CC2KKitB7Uw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Jessica Batten and Mark Cuevas:

    From the get-go, this couple was destined to fail. Jessica accepted Mark’s proposal after her main interest Matt Barnett displayed stronger feelings for future wife Amber. With Mark as her second choice, she struggled with leftover feelings for Barnett throughout her engagement, as well as a lack of sexual chemistry with Mark. This, coupled with their ten year age gap brought an end to their relationship. Mark said ‘I do’ but Jessica could not follow through.

    Jessica has since found a new man. She is dating a doctor who, interestingly enough, looks a lot like Mark. She has also apologised to both Amber and Matt for interfering in their relationship during filming.

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

    Mark has also moved on. He recently went Instagram official with a blonde beauty.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Same spot, same girl, different caption ?

    A post shared by Mark Anthony Cuevas (@markanthonycuevas_) on

    Giannina Gibelli and Damian Powers

    Damian Powers and Giannina Gibelli were another fan favourite, although their explosive relationship was often on rocky ground. The pair argued a lot during filming, and it appeared that Giannina would be the one to end things. However, fans were shocked when she said ‘I do’ and Damian said ‘I don’t’.

    With their dramatic ending, it was even more surprising to find out that the pair are back together. During the reunion episode, they revealed that they got back together hours after their wedding, and they are still together today.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CDUobs7poCL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Carlton Morton and Diamond Jack

    This couple didn’t make it very far after their engagement. Soon after meeting in person and spending real time together, Carlton admitted to Diamond that he is bisexual. This lead to a massive fight because Diamond felt Carlton was keeping secrets while he felt that she didn’t accept him for who he is. Their fight ended with them breaking things off and Diamond tossing her engagement ring in the pool.

    Since then, they patched things over and are on good terms. Carlton is spending time on himself, and Diamond is working towards her PhD.

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

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CENRcH6grPm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Feature image: Instagram / Lauren Speed

    The effortless bride is made for the boho style. Inspired by nature and life, this aesthetic is all about being unconventional and free.

    This style incorporates a more laid-back aesthetic with romantic and dreamy detail. It’s all about flow and comfort, which is why most boho brides opt for billowing sleeves and an A-line shape. Fabric also plays a key part in this style. Choose intricate lace detail, gentle embellishment and unique patterns for an eye catching finish.

    Boho-inspired wedding dresses work especially well for outdoor weddings, and can also add a unique spin to a more formal occasion.

    Here are some gorgeous gowns to inspire your own;

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by atelier lawenda (@atelierlawenda) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Lea Vidya (@lea.vidya) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by WEDDING DRESSES & ACCESSORIES (@clairepettibone) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Green Wedding Shoes | Jen (@greenweddingshoes) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Rue De Seine Bridal (@ruedeseinebridal) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Wandering Weddings (@wanderingweddings) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Vai ter Noiva Gorda Sim! (@vaiternoivagorda) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by BHLDN Weddings (@bhldn) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Jenny Yoo Collection (@jennyyoonyc) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Green Wedding Shoes | Jen (@greenweddingshoes) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Wedding Dream (@weddingdream) on

    Feature image: Pexels

    As the COVID-19 pandemic continues across the world, people have learned the importance of lending a helping hand. This couple really wanted to make a difference, and donated their wedding food to a shelter. Not only that, they also spent their wedding day serving the food to those in need.

    Melanie and Tyler Tapajna from Ohio, USA were meant to have a 150-guest wedding. They paid in advance to secure their venue, DJ and food. However, the venue cancelled due to the pandemic and they had to make new arrangements.

    A bit disappointed but not surprised, the couple decided to put their money to good use.

    “Since we’d prepaid for the food, we could have had the wedding somewhere else and still invited everyone, but it didn’t make sense,” Melanie tells the Washington Post. “I turned to Tyler and said, ‘What would you think of donating the food instead?’ ”

    The couple got in contact with Laura’s Home, a shelter in Cleveland for single women and mothers with children, and organised to have food worth $2000 (R33 751) delivered to serve 135 people.

    Their only request was that, following their small ceremony, they could serve the food at the home themselves.

    Melanie and Tyler tied the knot on August 15 in the bride’s grandparents’ backyard, with a dozen family members present. After the ceremony and still in their wedding attire, they made their way down to the shelter to serve their wedding meal, provide by food truck Betty’s Bomb-A** Burgers.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CD9RjhzDvT9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CEE_h6JD0_W/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Maintaining social distancing and hygiene measures, the pair spent their wedding day serving food to those in need. And they wouldn’t have it any other way.

    “We just felt it was wrong to have a big wedding during this time, especially when so many people are struggling,” Said Melanie.

    They plan to continue this spirit of giving back by donating to a charity every year on their wedding anniversary. They hope their big day inspires others to do the same.

    Feature image: Pexels

    The Bachelorette star Rachel Lindsey and Bryan Abasalo have been married for one year. The couple is one of the franchise’s biggest success stories since finding love in the show’s 13th season. The pair became husband and wife at Mexico’s Royalton Suites Cancun on August 24, 2019.

    “One year + FOREVER…I love you and I am beyond thankful for you,” Lindsey wrote on her Instagram in honour of the occasion.

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

    Abasalo was a bit more expressive with his post, writing: “I can’t believe it’s already been a year since we both said “I Do”! I consider myself beyond lucky to be able to call you my wife and truly blessed to be your husband. I wake up every single day a better man because you are always there to support, encourage, and love me no matter what. You are my rock and my best friend. Thank you for the memories we have shared together this year and I look forward to many many more. I love you @therachlindsay Happy Anniversary! ❤️?⁣”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CESCUivhB7m/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    The world first fell in love with Lindsey when she was a contestant of Bachelor Nick Viall’s season. The attorney quickly impressed viewers with her intelligence and poise. She then became the first black woman to hold the title of Bachelorette, a massive feat for a show that has been heavily critisised for its lack of representation.

    Miami-based chiropractor Abasalo won the season and Lindsey’s heart. While seasons of the show often end in engagements, the ratio of those engagements following through with an actual wedding is very low. Lindsey and Abasalo are one of a few couples in the show’s history to actually go through with tying the knot.

    Feature image: Instagram / The Rachel Lindsey

     

    Christiano Ronaldo may be a married man soon. The famed footballer and girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez have the rumour mill churning after posting pictures to social media suggesting a recent engagement.

    The longtime couple are currently on holiday in Spain and appear incredibly loved-up.  They each recently posted the same cryptic image to their social media, with Christiano captioning it “Mi amor” (my love) and Georgina going with the simple caption “YESSS” along with a red rose emoji.

    Fans quickly began to speculate that the pair recently became engaged.

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

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CEOvJiTK2x5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    The pair have been together for four years, and met at a Gucci store in Madrid where Georgina once worked. Georgina describes their meeting as love at first sight for them both.

    Since then, they have welcomed daughter Alana Martina (2), who joins their blended family. Christiano is father to Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. (10), whose mother’s identity has never been revealed, and twins Eva and Mateo (3) born via surrogacy.

    Marriage does seem to be in the near future for the pair. In an interview with ITV, Ranaldo told Piers Morgan: “She helped me so much. Of course, I’m in love with her. We’ll be [married] one day, for sure. It’s my mom’s dream as well. So, one day. Why not? It’s great. She’s my friend. We have conversations. I open the heart for her and she opens the heart for me,” he added.

    Feature image: Instagram / Georgina Rodriguez

    Congratulations are in order for Julianne Moore and Bart Freundlich. The Oscar winning actress and her writer-director husband recently celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary.

    Taking to Instagram, Moore wrote a sweet, tongue-in-cheek message to honour the occasion.

    “I said he should take a shower. He said my hair smelled bad, like mildew, or an old box. Happy 17th Wedding anniversary @freundlich96 – there is no one I’d rather be with everyday. I love you.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CEPMYDfjN5n/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    The pair met back in 1996 on the set of The Myth of Fingerprints, which Freundlich directed. They married on August 23, 2003. Instead of white, Moore donned a lilac Prada dress featuring a deep v-neckline to marry Freundlich, who matched with a purple tie and striped shirt.

    They have two children together: Caleb, 22 and daughter Liv, 18.

    Speaking to People, Moore said that a marriage takes work and isn’t always how it appears in the movies.

    “We have this narrative in our culture that if you want a career, you have to work hard, go to school, look for a job, you have to apply yourself but love is supposed to just happen to you,” she said.

    “One day you’re going to meet someone and get hit over the head and boom! That happens in romantic comedies but in real life you have to make time. When you find a person, you have to invest in them and that relationship. And that’s what love is.”

    Feature image: Instagram / Julianne Moore