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Kirsten Jacobs

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Coulpes have had to get extra creative in tying the knot amid the coronavirus pandemic. While weddings cannot go on as we know them, this South African wedding venue has created an excellent alternative.

Collisheen Estate, one of the most sought-after private function facilities on the Dolphin Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, is now offering drive-in wedding packages.

A representative of the state explained to Wedding ETC that the drive-in wedding concept started off as a joke, but they grew more serious about it as lockdown continued to affect the wedding industry.

Currently, wedding ceremonies are not allowed during Level 3 lockdown. People may only marry at Home Affairs or with a marriage officer. However, Collisheen Estate hopes that their latest offering will provide a new alternative to allow couples to still say ‘I do’ while following safe social distancing.

The estate is awaiting further announcements from the government on when they may legally open the service to the public amid the nationwide lockdown. However, they have already had lots of interest from couples still hoping to say ‘I do’ this year.

“Sunset Oval Drive in weddings are a site to behold! The most magnificent sunsets turn this unconventional day into a magical fairytale,” writes the company on their website.

“Our very experienced venue coordinators are here to help you coordinate your special day and liaise between you, the venue operations team and coordinate any service providers to ensure a perfect day. Our Executive head chef and team will prepare delicious canape’s for you and we will serve it directly to your guests’ cars. Collisheen Estate adheres strictly to all of the health and safety precautions and we assure you of our best attention at all times.”

There are two drive-in wedding packages: a standard and all-inclusive option. The standard package includes canapes and venue hire. Couples may choose their own service providers who will be guided by the Collisheen team.

The all-inclusive package includes venue hire, catering and refreshments, photography and videography, a wedding cake, a bridal salon and much more. This option allows couples to just arrive on their big day, taking away the stress of planning and managing a wedding.

Visit Collisheen Estate’s website HERE.

For more info on the standard package, click here: COLLISHEEN-DRIVE-IN-WEDDING-PACKAGE-2020

For more info on the all-inclusive package, click here: COLLISHEEN-DRIVE-IN-WEDDING-PACKAGE-WITH-SERVICE-PROVIDERS-LAUNCH-SPECIAL-2020

Feature image: Instagram / Collisheen Estate

Tradition says that brides carry bouquets on their wedding day to ward of vengeful spirits trying to thwart the newlywed’s happiness.

Today, however, brides aren’t as superstitious when it comes to their bouquets, and often choose any flowers they like. Flowers have their own unique language, and convey unsaid meanings. When picking your bridal bouquet, you might want to keep these blooms out of it.

Carnation
Be careful when picking the colour of this flower. A white one says ‘you’re sweet and lovely’ and pink says ‘I’ll never forget you’, while two-tones carnations mean ‘I cannot be with you’. Steer clear of yellow ones entirely, as they signify disdain. Not the stuff of romance…
Snapdragons
Much like its name, this flower has a dark meaning. Snapdragons have three different meanings: strength, deviousness, and grace. In ancient times, people would send this flower to mistresses, and also to beg for forgiveness from a lover. With its deceptive connotation, you might want to avoid this bloom on your big day.
Tansy
Unless you’re trying to incite violence, you might want to stay away from this bloom. Tansies have historically symbolised formal declarations of war, and can even tell the recipient that they make the sender sick to their stomach. As such, this flower is associated with feelings of hatred and resistance.
Buttercups

Buttercup is a popular nickname among couples, but this flower has a meaning not that appropriate for loved ones. Buttercups are said to symbolise childishness because it is so closely associated with children, and thus gifting this flower insinuates you think the recipient is too.

Cyclamen

This flower is typically gifted to someone going through a process of separation or change where something in their life has ended. It is poisonous, and commonly seen at funerals. It connotes that all good things come to an end. A nice meaning, but not fitting for your big day.

 

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The cutest little 2” cyclamen! Softest pink blush, red and a couple bicolored. • • • #petalswest #cyclamen

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Orange Lilies

Lillies are much-loved by many but you might want to avoid the orange variation. This flower shade is said to symbolise hatred, pride and disdain.

 

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Happy Sunday Funday! (Beautiful flowers thanks to @emjviola!)

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If you’re planning a winter wedding, you’ll want every aspect of your day to fit the theme. From the decor all the way to your cake, your day can easily be transformed into a winter wonderland.

White cakes are pretty fitting for a winter wedding, but your cake does not have to be boring. Get inventive with simple additions like texture, lace and pearl detailing and chocolate ‘icicles’ to bring life to your dessert.

Here are some cakes that will fit your winter wonderland:

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Feature image: Unsplash

Fruit isn’t just for eating! Apples, oranges, lemons and berries are full of benefits beyond what they do for your body.

Using fruit on your wedding day is a super easy and simple way to incorporate colour and a feeling of freshness to your day. Another bonus: your venue will smell amazing!

From seating charts to decor and even your bridal bouquet, here are a few ways to incorporate fruit into your big day.

Seating chart:

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Escort cards:

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Table decor:

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Bouquet:

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Feature image: Unsplash

Having trouble choosing your perfect wedding cake? Why not turn to the stars?

Astrology helps many people across the world make big decisions on a daily basis. Whether or not you believe in it, it’s always interesting to see if your horoscope matches up with reality.

These cakes have been perfectly designed to reflect your astrological sign.

Aries (March 21–April 19)

Aries individuals are trend-setters. Being the first sign in the zodiac, they love to lead the way and rarely go with the status quo.

The bold and adventurous Aries deserves a cake to match. We suggest turning the concept of a wedding cake on its head, literally, by going for an upside down cake. Hang it from an ornate chandelier for even more lavishness.

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Taurus (April 20–May 20)

This sign is all about the finer things in life. Taurus individuals are ruled by Venus, the enchanting planet that governs love, beauty, and money. As such, they’re all about luxury and perfection.

A marble wedding cake is perfect to show off your luxe design aesthetic. This cake is put together and glamorous but not over-the-top, just like a Taurean.

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Gemini (May 21–June 20)

Gemini’s are notorious for having conflicting personality points. They are energetic, youthful and versatile yet quiet and contemplative.

The best bet is to go for a cake that offers the best of both worlds. A two tier wedding cake that mixes edgy with classy will speak to your Gemini personality.

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Cancer (June 21–July 22)

Cancers are highly emotional and passionate beings. They’re often hopeless romantics who just love love.

Considering their love for all things romance, a Valentines Day cake seems especially fitting for Cancereans. Go for reds, pinks and whites, and throw in some heart details to really get the lovey-dovey feels going.

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Leo (July 23–August 22)

Like their spirit animal, the lion, leo’s tend to see themselves as the king of the jungle. They are bold personalities who like to make a statement.

With such an out-there personality, why bother with a traditional cake at all? we suggest an alternative like a cheese cake, a fruit cake or a cookie tower!

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Virgo (August 23–September 22)

Virgo’s are practical perfectionists. Logical and dependable, this Earth sign is known for taking a systematic approach to life. Their style tends to be modest, simple, and polished, just like they are.

We suggest a simple wedding cake with detail that focuses on symmetry and clean lines.

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Libra (September 23–October 22)

Libra’s are all about balance, much like their symbolic zodiac sign, the scale. They love symmetry and harmony. Like Taureans, Libra’s are also ruled by Venus, the planet that governs love, beauty, and money, and are thus big fans of luxury and beauty.

A cake that uses simple design in a bold way is key for the Libra individual. Adding texture creates that extra oomph and provides a sense of grandeur.

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Scorpio (October 23–November 21)

There is no sign more passionate than Scorpio. This water sign is the most closely linked to sex, seduction and pleasure. They are also detail oriented and mysterious.

We suggest taking a walk on the dark side with a black cake that exudes sophistication, mystery and romance.

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Sagittarius (November 22–December 21)

Sagittarius individuals are typically fun-loving and free spirited. They love to roam free and explore the various facets of the world and life.

A bo-ho aesthetic works well for this sign. Think dried botanicals and macrame in unruly shapes and sizes.

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Capricorn (December 22–January 19)

Capricorns are the classy sign. They are typically very grounded and thoughtful, preferring the simpler things in life.

We suggest a traditional cake with stunning floral detail that will appeal to your Capricorn senses.

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Aquarius (January 20–February 18)

Aquarians are represented by the water bearer, the mystical healer who bestows water, or life upon the land. They are graceful yet bold, and stand firm to their beliefs.

Stick to the sign’s water theme with a wedding cake that subtly references the ocean. A blue marble effect with pearl detailing is sweet, unique and makes a gentle statement.

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Pisces (February 19–March 20)

Pisces individuals are dreamers, often at odds with fantasy and reality. They tend to be empathetic, compassionate and sensitive.

Pisces individuals deserve a whimsical cake to match their personalities. Go for unusual detail and lots of texture to create a dream come to life.

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Feature image: Pexels

Nancy and Eric Kingston from Somerset, South West England recently celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary. If this isn’t enough of a feat, they are also the longest surviving couple in Britain!

The Kingston’s met in 1937 on a blind date arranged by Nancy’s brother. The chemistry was immediate and they soon fell in love. They married on June 1, 1940.

Fast forward 80 years, and the couple now have five children, 11 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great grandchildren.
The pair celebrated their momentous wedding anniversary earlier this week. Of course, with the coronavirus pandemic, most of their relatives were unable to visit and share in the moment. However, the couple still enjoyed their day. Locals passed by their home to say their well-wishes, and the Queen even sent them a letter!
Speaking to Somerset Live, the pair said the long-lasting love is down to compromise.

“It must have been a deep love to have lasted this long. It’s been a bit of give and take,” said Nancy. “We don’t do it like they do today – we hung on. It’s been a long time; a wonderful time. We’ve been very lucky.

“We’re still going strong.”

Feature image: Unsplash

June is Pride Month in the United States. This month has been set to recognsie and uplift the important history and contributions LGBTQI+ individuals have made in American history.

To honour the LGBTQI+ community, we want to highlight the love they have for each other. Same-sex marriage is legal in South Africa, and Wedding ETC is a firm supporter of LGBT rights.

LGBTQI+ love is real and it is valid. To prove it, here are some stunning images that will give you all the feels.

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While lace, silk and tulle often reign when it comes to wedding dresses, we cannot help but love satin.

Satin is a type of weave that produces the smooth, aesthetically pleasing final fabric we know today. This fabric is classy, sophisticated and flattering on many shapes. It’s also incredibly versatile, and looks amazing regardless of the dress style.

Here are a few of our favourite satin looks:

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For most of her career, the iconic, doe-eyed Audrey Hepburn was positioned as the antithesis of Marilyn Monroe. Despite this, the Belgian-born actress had just as tumultuous a love life as the bombshell. Hepburn had tied the knot twice times in her life, and was engaged three times.

Each wedding featured a stunning gown that has inspired many brides, including Megan Markle. We take a look at the Breakfast at Tiffany’s star’s love life that was just as dramatic as the characters she portrayed onscreen.

1952: James Hanson

A pre-fame Hepburn was engaged to British wealthy businessman Lord James Hanson while filming her breakout first major motion picture, Roman Holiday, for which she would later win an Oscar. However, the budding Hollywood star had her reservations, and ended up calling off the wedding. In later years, Hepburn explained that their busy work schedules were to blame.

“My schedule commits me to a movie here, then back to the stage, then back to Hollywood. [James] would be spending most of his time taking care of business in England and Canada. It would be very difficult for us to lead a normal married life,” she said in an interview.

Her mid-length, boatneck silk dress designed by the Rome-based Fontana sisters had already been made at the time the wedding was called off, so Hepburn had the designers donate the gown to a bride in need.

 “I want my dress to be worn by another girl for her wedding, perhaps someone who couldn’t ever afford a dress like mine, the most beautiful, poor Italian girl you can find,” she had told them. Amiable Altobella from Borgo Carso in the Province of Latina won a radio contest and became the lucky bride to wear this iconic gown to her own farm wedding.

In 2009, the dress sold at an auction for $23,000.

Credit: Pinterest
1954: Mel Ferrer

Hepburn met her future first husband, actor, stage and film director Mel Ferrer at a party a year after her first engagement ended. Fellow actor and Roman Holiday star Gregory Peck introduced them to one another.

The twice divorced father of four was 12 years Hepburn’s senior, but that did not phase the couple.

For their big day, Hepburn stunned in a Balmain tea-length flared dress with a satin sash, a high neckline and balloon sleeves  that she accessorised with elbow-length gloves. The pair married in Burgenstock, Switzerland in an intimate ceremony on September 25, 1954.

Their marriage, however, was not the stuff of fairytales. Hepburn struggled to carry a child and reportedly suffered four miscarriages throughout the marriage. The pair were also plagued by infidelity rumours, as both were said to have had affairs. Hepburn had a much publicised love affair with Sabrina co-star William Holden, who at the time was also married. In later years, Holden called Hepburn the love of his life, and tried to win her back after she married her second husband.

In 1960, Hepburn gave birth to her first son, Sean Ferrer. The couple divorced in 1968 after 14 years of marriage.

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1969: Andrea Dotti

Heburn met and fell in love with Italian psychiatrist Andrea Dotti in 1968 while on a meditteranean cruise. The air married in 1969 at a town hall in Switzerland. Hepburn wore a pink woolen Givenchy minidress featuring long-sleeves and a funnel neck. She accessorised with white tights, white gloves, a woolen headscarf and ballet flats.

At the age of 39, Hepburn gave birth again, this time to second son Luca Dotti. She then took a break from Hollywood to focus on her family. However, she did not have an easy time. she would go on to have another miscarriage after her second son’s birth. Both Hepburn and Dotti reportedly had affairs throughout their marriage. Hepburn is said to have had an affair with Bloodline co-star Ben Gazzara, while Dotti garnered much publicity for his affairs with young women. The couple divorced in 1982 after 14 years of marriage.

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Robert Wolders
Hepburn’s final love was Dutch actor Robert Wolders, who she met at a party in 1980. While she never married Wolders, Hepburn said in an interview with Barbara Walters that her time with him marked the happiest years of her life. Her relationship with Wolders continued until her death in 1993. On why they never married, Wolders explained it never felt necessary.

“I felt she had two unhappy marriages, it was wonderful the way it was,” he said in an interview with People magazine. “When Audrey would be asked, she’d also say, ‘Why mess with a good thing?’ I remember her saying to one interviewer it’s more romantic this way because it’s not another piece of paper, but out of loyalty to each other that binds us together. Had we been younger and wanted to have children, it might have been different, but that’s just not the case.”

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Static wedding venues are so last season. Why not get your marriage started on a journey literally with a wedding aboard a train!

The Rovos Rail in Pretoria is South Africa’s most luxurious train, linking the country to destinations such as Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania, Victoria Falls and Namibia. There are a number of inter-country trails as well.

The train was first established in 1989, and has since earned an international reputation for its world-class travel experience.

“With discreet and friendly service, fine cuisine and a selection of South Africa’s top wines, Rovos Rail harks back to a simpler, more elegant era encompassing the timeless grace and high romance of African exploration,” says Rovos Rail on their website.

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The events train can be hired for a truly unique wedding day. Couples and guests will feel as if they’ve stepped back in time, surrounded by the old-world elegance of the 1920s. Guests are greeted at the private station by a sparkling wine reception before the bride makes her grand entrance in the cab of a steam locomotive.

Couples say their vows on the large train platform in the Edwardian station, with the old steam train in the background. Following the ceremony, guests step aboard the luxury train for a unique reception.

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The train accommodates up to 250 guests and rental includes the train journey as well as a 5-star four-course dinner or lunch, canapés, wait staff, and a full bar hire. Of course, we cannot forget about the stunning views of the passing scenery.

The train’s interior is designed to emulate the old world glamour of the 1920s.

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Would you say ‘I do’ to a train wedding?

Feature image: Instagram / Rovos Rail