• Author

    Kirsten Jacobs

    Browsing

    Paris Hilton is engaged! The socialite turned entrepreneur and DJ said yes to boyfriend Carter Reum on Saturday, February 13 after being together for over a year.

    Reum popped the question while on a trip on a private island to celebrate Hilton’s 40th birthday on February 17.

    Taking to social media, Hilton announced their exciting news with a sweet caption.

    “When you find your soulmate, you don’t just know it. You feel it. My love & I have been together since our first date, and for my birthday, he arranged a special trip to tropical paradise.  As we walked to dinner along the beach, Carter led us to a cabana adorned with flowers and dropped to one knee. I said yes, yes to forever. There’s no one I’d rather spend forever with.”

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Paris Hilton (@parishilton)

    Her engagement ring was designed by Jean Dousset, the great-grandson of Louis Cartier, reports PEOPLE Magazine.

    After the proposal, the pair enjoyed an intimate celebration with family members, such as Hilton’s sister Nicky.

    Hilton and Reum, a businessman and family friend, have been dating since November 2019. They have known each other for 15 years, and have been together for over a year.

    “I’ve known him for 15 years. Then [Reum’s sister Halle Hammond] invited us to Thanksgiving and we just had this incredible chemistry. We had our first date and haven’t spent a night apart since. It’s pretty amazing,” she told People Magazine.

    “After my last breakup, I thought I was going to be alone forever,” she says. “I was like, I give up. I’ll just focus on myself. I don’t need anyone. So to have actually fallen in love, I just feel so grateful.”

    This is the starlet’s fourth engagement. Hilton was previously engaged to model Jason Shaw and Greek shipping heir Paris Latsis in the 2000s, and called off her engagement to actor Chris Zylka in 2018.

    Picture: Instgram / Paris Hilton

    There is more to an engagement ring that its stone. The type of metal you choose is just as crucial to your overall finish and durability.

    A classic choice, gold is one of the most popular ring metals. It offers several options, including white gold, rose gold, and yellow gold.

    Be careful when opting for gold though, as anything under 24-karat may be easily bent, and often, to make these stronger they are alloyed with other metals. This means your ring may be weak or not pure gold. Look into that before going for gold.

    Rose gold has been trendy in the wedding world for the last few years and shows no signs of disappearing. It is flattering for both warm and cool skin tones, and works well with a variety of gemstones in a way that does not clash.

    If you’re wanting to rock this rosy look, take some inspiration from these rings we are loving:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Capucinne ? (@capucinnejewelry)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Era Design (@eradesignjewellery)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Maple Leaf Diamonds (@mapleleafdia)

    Picture: Pexels

    Money, and how people spend it, is often a major cause of tension in couples. Before you walk down the aisle, it’s important to make sure you and your partner are on the same page when it comes to what you plan on doing with your money.

    While we hate to rain on anyone’s wedding parade, it’s important to not get so carried away that you forget to stay within your financial means or forget to make responsible preparations for your financial future together. Before taking the big step, here’s what you should consider.

    Know your options

    First things first: you need to know the type of marriage as well as the type of matrimonial property regimes you can enter into, as each one has its own financial repercussions. Marriage in community of property means everything you own and owe that you each had before the marriage becomes jointly owned. This is the default contract in South Africa.

    Marriage out of community of property means that your assets and liabilities are kept separately and is drawn up as an antenuptial contract.

    Check out this breakdown to help you decide which contract is right for you.

    Have a pre-wedding money convo

    It’s crucial to know your partner’s credit profile, especially if you plan on getting married in community of property. Knowing each other’s credit history will also give you some insight into each other’s financial behaviour. Be honest from the outset about debts and current financial responsibilities, such as child maintenance or assistance for parents or siblings. This way, neither partner will be shocked with unforeseen expenses after you tie the knot.

    Think about a joint account

    If you and your partner are comfortable sharing everything, a joint bank account is a convenient way to manage your day-to-day spending and saving. If one of you is less financially responsible, make the decision that the person who is good at handling finances will take care of the household budget instead.

    Plan, plan, plan

    Your wedding is only the beginning of your married life, so commit to saving and creating wealth from the start. Set up a meeting with a financial advisor to help you draw up a plan suited for your life goals and needs, and ensure you meet with them yearly to stay on track.

    Budget – every month

    Sit down together on a monthly basis to check on your financial behaviour and spending. Not only is this good practice but will alert you to any potential shortfalls that you can tackle as soon as they come up.

    Picture: Pexels

    Comedian Amy Schumer is opening up and giving fans an inside look at her secret 2018 wedding to Chris Fischer in honour of their third wedding anniversary.

    The pair tied the knot in a secret ceremony at a private mansion in Malibu on February 13, 2018.

    Taking to Instagram, Schumer shared a video recapping moments from their special day. The video revealed that her bridesmaids wore pink lace gowns and flower crowns.

    Watch her recap here:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by @amyschumer

    Schumer told Howard Stern that she had planned their impromptu wedding in a mere four days, and invited her guests via a text that read: “I’m getting married on Tuesday. I hope you can come.”

    Celebrity pals Jennifer Aniton and Jennifer Lawrence were among the guests at this short notice soiree.

    Schumer and award-winning chef Fischer met through her assistant Molly, who is Fischer’s sister. The pair welcomed their first child together, a son named Gene David, in May 2019.

    Picture: Screenshot from video

    For decades the rose has held the privileged position as the most romantic flower. As such, it’s rare to come across a wedding venue that hasn’t been decorated with at least a few of these sweetly scented flowers.

    The rose has been a symbol of love since the beginning of time: the birth of Venus was marked with white roses and the text of the Medieval poem, ‘The Romance of the Rose’, lured the suitor to a rose garden.

    The flower represents the phases of romantic bonds, from the initial butterflies that you feel in your tummy to the twilight years of unwinding on the porch at sunset.

    It’s the perfect flower for a wedding day. Go for a mix of red, white and pink for a sweet yet romantic look, or go monochromatic for a bolder finish. Of course, you can stick strictly to roses but they also pair beautifully with other blooms like orchids and carnations.

    From your wedding arch to your reception table, here are some stunning setups that are coming up roses:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by WeddingWire (@weddingwire)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by THE WEDDING BLISS (@theweddingbliss)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Villa Catignano (@villa_catignano)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by BRIDES (@brides)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Loverly (@loverly)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Event Planner (@kristina.kempton)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Event Planner (@kristina.kempton)

    Picture: Pexels

    With the wealth of jaw-droppingly beautiful blooms available, choosing the correct ones for your big day can be a challenge. Of course, you’d want your wedding flowers to look spectacular, but have you thought about what they actually mean?

    Thinking about the special messages attached to your flowers when you select them will allow them to serve a greater purpose than simply ornamenting your venue. So, we’ve decoded the meanings of five well-loved bridal blossoms to help make your big day even more meaningful.

    Roses

    Aah, the oh-so-pretty rose. It’s rare to come across a wedding venue that hasn’t been decorated with at least a few of these sweetly scented flowers, and understandably so.

    The rose has been a symbol of love since the beginning of time: the birth of Venus was marked with white roses and the text of the Medieval poem, ‘The Romance of the Rose’, lured the suitor to a rose garden.

    The flower represents the phases of romantic bonds, from the initial butterflies that you feel in your tummy to the twilight years of unwinding on the porch at sunset. Add it to your bouquet as a reminder of everlasting love.

    Lavender

    With its healing qualities and intense, euphoric aroma, lavender has the power to transform your wedding into an occasion of restoration and refreshment.

    During bygone eras, young ladies would slide lavender sachets between the garments of their bridal trousseau and just beneath their corsets, to infuse their clothing with its scent.

    Follow in their footsteps by sewing a few stems to the lining of your dress or mixing them with an assortment of other blooms in your wedding bouquet. For the ultimate experience of revival, spritz on lavender perfume just before taking your first steps down the aisle.

    Daffodil

    Just as the uplifting daffodil signals the end of winter and the start of spring, so too can it signal your new beginning as a wife.

    Dubbed ‘Butter and Eggs’ by the Victorians as a nod to its vivid hues, it’s reminiscent of carefree childhood days and is the ideal bloom to help you create a relaxed, joyous ambiance.

    It’s said to be a simplistic and natural flower, which will perfectly blend into the decor of a minimalistic, farm-themed wedding.

    Ranunculi

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Catherine Andrews (@cathlandrews)

    This flower, consisting of layers of pretty petals, was historically given to women to let them know how alluring they were.

    Persian legend has it that a prince was transformed into ranunculi after singing to an enchanting nymph that he fell in love with. Whether your groom is musically gifted or not, a bunch of ranunculus from him is a foolproof sign that you’ve bewitched him with your beauty.

    It’s no wonder that this flower has made its way into many a wedding tablescape. Decorate your venue to look just as beguiling as you do by using them to fashion trendy table runners.

    Lily of the Valley

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by beth harris (@fairestflowers)

    Lily of the Valley is a flower of celebration, consisting of tiny bell-shaped buds surrounded by a collection of vibrant, green foliage.

    On the British holiday of Whit Monday, families and friends came together to have a ‘lily picnic’ where they picked several lilies before indulging in tasty fare and dancing to jolly ol’ tunes.

    Copy their festive rituals or for a more romantic take, follow the French custom of exchanging Lily of the Valley with your love: he can add a sprig to your bouquet while you pin him with a boutonniere made with the bloom.

    Picture:  Pexels

    Netflix continues its foray into the wedding world and has just launched a new show delving into India’s extravagant multi-billion dollar wedding industry.

    The Big Day follows six engaged couples as they plan their perfect day, showing readers what it takes to pull off a truly lavish Indian wedding with no expenses spared. Of course, readers will also learn more about Indian culture and tradition, and fall in love with the couples.

    “A dash of crazy and an overdose of love, that’s what all shaadis are meant to be, right? The Big Day takes a deep dive into the multibillion-dollar Indian wedding industry, through six extravagant Indian weddings, across the globe. It takes us on an insider’s journey, giving us a glimpse into what goes behind crafting every happily ever after. Catch the madness unfold in The Big Day, on 14th February, only on Netflix,” the streaming service writes.

    The first three episodes of Collection 1 premiered on Valentine’s Day, February 14, and another collection is expected soon.

    Watch the trailer here:

    The show comes off the success of shows like Love is Blind, Indian Matchmaking and Say ‘I Do’, all of which premiered in 2020 and were internationally lauded.

    Picture: Screenshot from video

    Fascinators aren’t just for British royalty. This eye-catching accessory is classic and regal, perfect for the vintage bride.

    This trend first began in 17th-century Europe, when women would wrap lacy scarves around their heads to give off a sense of mystery. It fell out of fashion for a period of time but came back to life in the 1960s thanks to a New York milliner named John P. John, who rebranded the headpiece into a half-hat. 

    Whether you go big or small, this look works well for a variety of looks. Complete with netting to cover your eyes and nose and you are ready for your big day.

    Here are some fancy fascinators we are loving:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Wodo (@wodo_the_schnauzer)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by J O R D Y N (@jordynshipley)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Agnes Hart (@agnes_hart)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Felicity Brown (@hatsbyfelicity)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Jane Taylor London (@jtmillinery)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by The Kind Bride Blog (@thekindbride)

    Picture: Instagram  / Daphne Newman

    An animal shelter in South Carolina in the US live-streamed a special canine wedding between two of their pups to encourage donations and the importance of adopting dogs from shelters.

    Greenville County Animal Care hosted the special day between dogs Sassy and Spero on Thursday, February 10 in honour of their new Have a Heart Heartworm Treatment Fund. Every heartworm positive dog will have their treatment covered in full through this fund, making it easier than ever to adopt a heartworm-positive dog.

    According to the shelter, Sassy and Spero are both heartworm survivors and have been together since Sassy began treatment for heartworm. They walked down the aisle on Thursday and said ‘woof woof’ in their wedding finery before enjoying a special wedding cake.

    Watch the sweet ceremony here:

    The shelter is no stranger to doggy weddings. This has become a yearly tradition, and adopting are free during the week of the wedding.

    Consider making a donation (http://bit.ly/2N4iEmR) to the Have a Heart fund in lieu of gifts for this pawsome couple.

    Picture: screenshot from video

    No, we aren’t talking about superheroes or cats. But hey, if that’s your thing, go for it! Your themed wedding is used to showcase what is important to you and your partner, through all aspects of your wedding.

    A theme is a style which is incorporated in everything including stationery, decor, table settings, and invitations. Whether this is a colour, a symbol, or a popular movie genre, it’s totally your call, and you can be as creative as you like.

    Here’s what you need to consider:

    Pick a theme that’s meaningful to you

    Your wedding theme needs to be something that you absolutely love. Maybe purple is your favourite colour and you love the smell of lavender, or the ocean is you and your partner’s favourite place. Whatever it is, the theme should be of interest to both you and your partner, as it is a celebration of your love.

    Research, research, research

    You have now chosen your theme and need to incorporate it into all the wedding planning details (Hello Pinterest!). If you can afford to hire a wedding planner this will help immensely, but it’s not impossible to create the wedding of your dreams on your own. You will need to do research on where to get all the materials to put your theme together, such as fabrics, flowers, stationery, etc. Once you have done this, the work really begins!

    Subtle but sweet

    A beach themed wedding does not have to be as on-the-nose as hosting your wedding right there on the shore. Instead, you can opt for smaller and subtler ways to allude to the theme in your decor. No matter your theme, there are fun ways to bring it to life, like using shells as escort cards. The key is to not go overboard so that your wedding doesn’t read as themed but rather inspired by a theme.

    Get your family and friends involved

    Putting together your ideas and crafting everything for the big day will most probably take months of planning (and asking mother dear for help), but nothing is better than seeing your vision come to life. Don’t be afraid to get your partner and other family members in on the fun, but remember to be stern about what you want and what is expected. You can even hold a fun family day where you spend time together creating the beautiful stationery and decor items that will fit with your theme.

    Picture: Unsplash