Kirsten Jacobs, Author at Wedding ETC

In News

Nigerian wedding industry deeply affected by COVID-19 pandemic

July 7, 2020 No Comments

The Nigerian wedding industry is massive. Couples typically spend big bucks to make sure their special day is perfect. However, the COVID-19 pandemic could cause a loss of millions, and leave small businesses with no way to support themselves.

Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy in terms of nominal GDP, and the wedding industry contributes greatly to this. Using statistics from 2017, a report from TNS Global suggests that the industry could be worth as much as $17 million.

“The Nigerian events industry is estimated to be among the most extravagant in the world. According to TNS Global, 17 million dollars was spent on parties in Lagos over a five months period in 2013. Statistics have it that an average Nigerian company or middle-class family spends over 15,000 dollars per event,” said Professor Okoli Fidelis Chukwuma.

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All boo’d up ❤! AhoufeBride @m0cha_17 Makeup: @stmmagicalcreations Hair: @c.c_hairways Dress: @ladybeellionaire Bouquet : @rentadress_nostress Photography : @lexisweddings Videographer: @grandepicfilms Planner: @stmmagicalcreations Decor: @alexeventss Cake: @elsies.bakehouse Cocktail and chops: @koksy_foods #ahoufebridal #BlackDadsMatter #buytheblock #blackwallstreet #blacklove #blackcommunity #blackings #blackqueens #blackinfluencers #blackculture #blackwealth #blackhealth #blackunity #blackmen #weddingday #bellanaijaweddings #melanin #bridalinspiration #NigerianWedding #protectourblackmen #raisingkings #blackfamily #blackmagic #blackexcellence #allblackeverythang #allblackeverything #usorelse #blacklivesmatter #weddingsonpoint #LuxuryWeddings

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According to Nairametrics, weddings can cost anywhere between half a million Naira (R22 263) to over 100 million Naira (R4 452 766) depending on the financial background of each couple. These events are typically massive, with hundreds of guests in attendance.

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Dami & Izoyare #lavida20 ? Planner – @sculptorsevents. Photography- @ejikemanny #NigerianWedding #YorubaWedding

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With the COVID-19 pandemic, however, this industry has essentially been halted. Large public gatherings are currently not allowed, forcing many couples to tie the knot online through video conferencing platforms.

Those who do continue with in-person weddings have minimised their big days considerably. CEO of event management firm Unik Ushering Agency, Aderonke Adebamibola told Naiametrics that business has slowed down as a result.

“Now, we even have to convince them to use one or two ushers for their events because they believe they don’t need ushers for 20 or 30 guests. Caterers cannot even cook a half bag of rice now because of the number of guests. This means that they are also paid less for their services, even if they expend the same energy and time” said Adebamibola to Nairametrics.

Nigeria has 29 286 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 11 828 recovered and 654 deaths.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the face of the wedding industry, and many will struggle to fit the new normal.

Feature image: Unsplash

In Celebs

The royal touch: Queen Letizia’s $8 million wedding dress

July 7, 2020 No Comments

When we think of royal weddings, very specific images come to mind. We think of Princess Diana’s extravagant gown with its never-ending train or Megan Markle’s classic bateau Givenchy dream. A dress less known but even more dramatic is that of Queen Letizia of Spain.

This royal, who was a successful news anchor before she became queen, has gone down in history for having the most expensive wedding dress in history. She walked down the aisle to marry then heir to the throne Prince Felipe on May 22, 2004, in a gown that cost an estimated $8 million (R135 881 600). The pair married in the Almudena Cathedral at the Royal Palace of Madrid, Spain, and became king and queen in 2014.

The off-white dress was designed by Royal couturier Manuel Pertegaz, and featured long sleeves, a unique structured open collar and a four and-a-half metre train. There were floral motifs embroidered onto the silk gown in silver and gold thread.

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She adorned her tresses with a lace veil and the Prussian Tiara, which had also been worn by her mother-in-law, Queen Sofia, on her wedding day in 1962.

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Feature images: Instagram / Queen Letizia

In uncategorized

Ciara and Russell Wilson celebrate four-year anniversary

July 7, 2020 No Comments

Musician Ciara and NFL quarterback Russell Wilson recently celebrated their four-year wedding anniversary. The pair each took to social media to express their love on this special occasion.

Ciara posted a sweet video of the couple cuddled up. The captioned the video, “Too many sweet moments to choose from.. So I closed my eyes and this was the one my hand landed on.

“I don’t know where to start, but I know where I am.. it’s the Best Place. My safest place. Simply being in your arms. These 4 years of marriage have been full of unconditional love. My heart is full! My heart cup runs over. I feel like a little kid, excited for each day with you!:) I thank God for how he’s blessed us and placed you in my life everyday! I love you soooo much! Happy 4 years to US. It’s our #Anniversary”

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Wilson shared another video, this time of the couple looking loved up aboard a yacht.

“4 Years of Pure Joy, Love, and Laughter. You have been the Light and Blessing I’ve always wanted and always needed. You beam like the Sun,” he captioned the video.

“I am grateful for the woman you are, the mom, the amazing wife, business woman, leader, lover, and giver of your heart to so many people around the world. I am forever changed. Always & Forever. I Love You Mrs. Wilson @Ciara ❤️❤️❤️ #HappyAnniversary”

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The couple made their first public appearance in 2015. Wilson said in an interview that they had both taken a vow of celibacy before marriage.

They became engaged in March 2016 during a vacation in Seychelles and married in July 2016 at the Peckforton Castle in Cheshire, England. Close friends La La Anthony, Kelly Rowland, and Serena Williams acted as bridesmaids during the nuptials.

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The pair share one child together, four-year-old daughter Sienna Princess, and in January 2020 Ciara announced she is expected their second child together. Ciara also shares 6-year-old son Future Zahir Wilburn with rapper Future, who Wilson has become a dedicated stepfather to.

“God is good,” Ciara said in an interview with The View. “When you allow yourself to be vulnerable, you become your strongest,” she said, adding, “When I met the love of my life it was not only loving me, it was to love my son.”

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Feature image: Instagram / Ciara

In Celebs

Risky business: The marriage of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes

July 6, 2020 No Comments

Remember the time when Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes were Hollywood’s ‘it couple’? If you can’t we don’t blame you. It seems like decades ago that this strange pairing entered the celebrity lexicon and caused many theories on the validity of their relationship to emerge.

We take a trip down memory lane to remember this unique celebrity couple.

The beginning

Before the couple began dating, in 2004 Kate Holmes said in an interview that she had always dreamed of marrying Tom Cruise. At the time, she was engaged to fellow actor Chris Klein. A month after their split, she stepped out in public with none other than Tom Cruise in April, 2005. The pair were pictured in Rome, where Cruise was being honoured with the David di Donatello Award for lifetime achievement.

Their love must have developed very quickly. In May, Cruise made his iconic couch-jumping proclamation of love for Holmes during an interview on the Oprah Winfrey show.

“I’m in love. I’m in love and it’s one of those things where you want to be cool, like, ‘Yeah I like her’ … that’s not how I feel. I wanted to meet this person and I met her and she’s extraordinary,” he told the legendary daytime talk show host.

Love, marriage and a baby carriage:

Things continued to move fast for the couple. In October 2005, they announced that they were expecting their first child together. Their daughter Suri Cruise was born in April 2006. Cruise already has two adopted children with ex-wife Nicole Kidman.

Cruise and Holmes married in November 2006 in an extravagant three-day wedding at the 15th-century Odescalchi Castle in Bracciano, Italy. During the ceremony, the couple made the traditional Scientology pledge, which reportedly included the strange vow,”Girls need clothes and food, tender happiness and frills, a pan, a comb, a cat.”

Giorgio Armani designed Holmes’s stunning off-the-shoulder gown as well as Cruise’s wedding suit and little Suri’s ivory silk tulle dress to match her mother. It took 350 hours to cover the gown with Swarovski crystals, and another 70 hours for the veil to be made. Armani also designed a peach silk organza reception dress and an ivory silk honeymoon ensemble for the actress.

It was a star-studded affair, naturally. The guest list included famed faces like Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony, Will and Jada Pinkett Smith, Jim Carrey, John Travolta and Jenny McCarthy.

This was the first and only marriage thus far for Holmes, and the third for Cruise, who had previously been hitched to actresses Nicole Kidman and Mimi Rogers.

The couple and daughter Suri honeymooned in the Maldives.

For the first few years of their marriage, the pair continued to share their love with the world. In May 2012, Cruise told Playboy that Holmes is an extraordinary person who has made him very happy.

War of the Worlds:

Within the last year of their marriage, rumours circulated about Cruise’s controlling behaviour. He reportedly insisted on being on set whenever she filmed a movie, and did not want her to shoot any sexual or nude scenes. As a result, Holmes had little acting work during their marriage.

In June 2012, Holmes shockingly filed for divorce after five years of marriage.

“Kate has filed for divorce and Tom is deeply saddened and is concentrating on his three children. Please allow them their privacy,” said a rep for Cruise.

Holmes received primary custody of Suri, and Tom was granted visitation rights.

Scientology scares:

For the majority of their relationship, many believed that Cruise had worked with the church of Scientology, which he is a member of, to find the perfect wife. A Vanity Fair article reports that Shelly Miscavige, wife of Scientology chief David Miscavige headed a top-secret mission to find Cruise a girlfriend back in 2004. They reportedly auditioned actresses who were already scientologists to fit the part. After failed relationships, Cruise settled on Holmes, who was not a scientologist, soon after she made that comment about wanting to marry Tom Cruise.

A few years after their divorce, Holmes reportedly began dating fellow actor Jamie Foxx. The couple went public in 2017 after years of rumours, as a clause in her divorce agreement said that Holmes was not allowed to publicly date anyone for five years following divorce.

Feature image: Pinterest

In Advice

How to have an out-of-this-world Star Wars wedding

July 6, 2020 No Comments

If your love is out of this world, a Star Wars wedding theme may be perfect for you. Lovers of the iconic franchise can easily incorporate elements of it into their big day in both over-the-top and subtle ways.

Depending on your style and preference, you can go big or small. You could have Darth Vader officiate your wedding, or have your bridesmaids carry lightsabers instead of bouquets. Or, you could be more demure and simply have references to the film added to your seating chart or wedding cake.

Here are some ideas to include this theme into your decor in a variety of ways.

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Feature image: Unsplash

In uncategorized

Tiara tips: The proper way to crown your look

July 6, 2020 No Comments

For many brides, the finishing touch to perfect their wedding look is a tiara. Bridal tiaras add regal glamour and elegance to your look, as well as a touch of whimsy.

Tiara’s or crowns are also known as diadems, which comes from the Greek word ‘diadein’ meaning ‘to bind around’. Historically, royal families from the ancient Egyptians to the the Ancient Greeks love this accessory as a symbol of power and status. Traditionally, they were worn by royalty but nowadays anyone can rock this look.

Interestingly enough, there are ways to properly wear a tiara. If you plan to top your tresses with this accessory, keep these tips in mind.

Consider the shape of your face

If you have a long face, you might want to steer clear of especially pointy tiaras that can add even more length. If you have a round face, a round tiara will make your head look even more circular. The best course of action is to choose a tiara that is different to your face shape.

Regardless of the shape of your face, make sure to opt for a tiara with an oval frame so that it sits more comfortably on your head. Ideally, the front of the tiara should slightly lean forward as this will help frame your face.

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Placement matters

When putting your crown on, be conscious of where you place it and use your fingers as a guide. To find your best placement, put your thumb on the centre of your chin and your index finger in between your eyebrows. Maintain that distance, then move your thumb to where your index finger was placed. Your index finger should now be a few centimetres from your hairline, marking the spot where the base of your tiara should be.

The centre of the jewel work on the crown must align with the centre of your face.

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Stay with me

Don’t put your tiara on until your hair is completely styled, especially if you are adding any gels or lacquers to your hair. If you put your tiara on before this, you run the risk of making it greasy.

Another rule of thumb is to wear your tiara with day old hair, ideally without conditioner, as this provides more grip to keep it in place all day. You might even need to use clear thread to sow your tiara into your bridal style if you plan on any activities like a choreographed dance.

Remember to not attach your veil to your headpiece, as it could add more weight and cause your tiara to drag out of place. Instead, attach your veil to you actual hair.

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Feature image: Pexels

In Celebs

Julia Roberts and Danny Moder reach 18-year milestone

July 6, 2020 No Comments

Oscar-winning actress Julia Roberts and her cinematographer husband Danny Moder have officially been married for 18 years. The typically private couple took to Instagram to celebrate their anniversary.

Roberts posted a sweet photo of the couple to honour their big day, simply captioning it “18 years #heckyes”.

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The actress and the cinematographer met on the set of The Mexican, for which Moder was a cameraman and Roberts was starring in. They fell in love and married two years later in a surprise wedding at Roberts’ ranch in Taos, New Mexico on July 4, 2002.

Roberts wore a pale pink cotton halter dress with pearl and antique beading, and hand-painted floral detail for the low-key nuptials. Moder wore a red ruffled shirt and tan pants.

The pair are still going strong and share three children: son Henry Daniel and twins Hazel Oatricia and Phinnaeus Walter.

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Feature image: Instagram / Julia Roberts

In Celebs

Princess Charlene and Prince Albert celebrate ninth anniversary

July 6, 2020 No Comments

Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco recently celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary.

The official Prince’s Palace of Monaco Facebook page shared two photos to honour the occasion. One captures the couple, another shows them with their 5-year-old twins Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella.

The Prince and the South African Olympic swimmer married on July 2, 2011 in a three-day royal wedding that cost an estimated $55-million (R935 473 000). The bride wore an off-the-shoulder Armani Privé silk gown adorned with 40 000 Swarovski crystals and 20 000 mother-of-pearl teardrops. They welcomed the twins in 2014.

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Feature image: Instagram / HSH Princess Charlene

In cake

Absolutely amazing abstract wedding cakes

July 3, 2020 No Comments

Art-lovers will find a new favourite in abstract-inspired wedding cakes. These cakes display the visual language of abstract art, which does not attempt to represent an accurate depiction of a visual reality but instead use shapes, colours, forms and gestural marks to achieve its effect.

Abstract art is about bold, unregulated design. Much like love, it cannot be controlled and cannot be easily defined because it is all about perspective.

For those who live in the grey area of life, this aesthetic is perfect. You can let your imagination run free with unique strokes, shapes and colours.

Here are some stunning abstract cakes to inspire you:

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Feature image: Unsplash

In Fashion

Sailor Moon wedding collection to launch in August

July 3, 2020 No Comments

If you’re a Sailor Moon fangirl or boy, you’re in luck. A new wedding line is bringing the magic of the anime to real life, allowing brides and grooms to dress up like their favourite characters on their big day.

The Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon wedding collection is inspired by the popular Japanese shōjo manga series which has been adapted into an anime series much-loved across the globe.

The collection is created by Japanese fashion line Mariarosa and was completed under the supervision of Professor Naoko Takeuchi. It features six wedding dresses and two tuxedos, and will be available to rent or purchase from August 2020.

Credit: Mariarosa / Sailor Moon Collection

“The lineup is rich in variations, including princess serenity dresses and wedding dresses that Usagi-chan wore in the final episode, including those that reproduce the dresses that appeared in the work, as well as image dresses inspired by the work. ..” says the website.

Check out more on the Mariarosa website HERE.

Feature image: Mariarosa / Sailor Moon Collection