Kirsten Jacobs, Author at Wedding ETC

In Fashion

Converse releases wedding sneaker collection

January 13, 2020 No Comments

Weddings are long, all-day events and it’s best to be comfortable. Instead of struggling in a pair of sky-high heels, why not stay grounded in a cool pair of sneakers? Converse is making it so much easier with their latest collection, a range of wedding sneakers.

The sneakers come in both high top and low top versions in white black and metallic colour ways, and can be customised with your name and wedding date.

“Constructed with the latest and most innovative shoe technologies, Converse are built for all-day wear, so you can dance late into your wedding night in complete comfort,” reads the Converse website. ” Say ‘I do’ in style and pick the silhouette that is best suited for your big day with low and high top styles or get some added height with our women’s platform silhouette.”

“From white wedding sneakers to sneakers that shine and shimmer, choose from a great selection to dress everyone from the bride and groom to bridesmaids and groomsmen. Want something uniquely your own? Customise a pair of custom wedding sneakers with Converse by You.”

Here are a few of the sneakers available for purchase:

Unfortunately, the shoes are currently only available in US.

Also read: Flat wedding shoes: Yes you can

Feature image: Converse.com

In News

Couple wed in front of spewing volcano

January 13, 2020 No Comments

One of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines is on the brink of erupting and authorities have urged a “total evacuation” after volcanic ash spewed from Taal volcano on Sunday, January 12. One couple, however, went ahead with their wedding plans close by the volcano despite concerns.

Chino Vaflor and Kat Bautista Palomar had planned their wedding at a venue only 10km from Taal volcano long before threats were a reality. However, the day of their wedding, the volcano began spewing steam and ash into the air. The couple were unaware of the volcanic threat prior to the wedding.

“We noticed white smoke coming out of Taal during preparations around 2pm and from then on we knew something unusual was already going on with the volcano,” wedding photographer Randolf Evan told the BBC.

Later on Sunday, people within a 14km radius were told to evacuate the area as an explosive eruption was expected within a few hours. However, this couple chose not to evacuate their wedding, saying they were “definitely safe as the venue was on higher ground and not directly around the volcano’s vicinity”.

“Surprisingly everyone was calm and relaxed. It was an intimate wedding so guests were mostly the couple’s family and close friends, and thus nobody really left.”

“We could feel the ash raining on our clothes,” said Evan. “But it didn’t feel alarming until night time came when it became a bit heavier and mud-like.”

The wedding went ahead, and guests shared dramatic images of the wedding venue with a crowd of smoke hanging in the air behind them.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7OGxprn6Dd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Despite this safety concern, Evans feels incredibly lucky to have experienced this moment.

“It’s a mixture of thrill and sheer amazement on how it has unfolded for us. In the end, I’m just grateful to have experienced such a unique moment in my career.”

Couples planning their wedding close to safety hazards such as active volcanoes are urged to exercise caution as ingesting volcanic ash is hazardous and can cause respiratory problems. Make sure to centre the health of your guests, your wedding vendors and yourself before going ahead with a wedding.

Feature image: Facebook / Randolf Evans

In Advice

Fantastic floral chandeliers to wow your guests

January 13, 2020 No Comments

Flowers don’t only have to be displayed in centre pieces and bouquets. Get creative and go high with floral chandeliers. A popular trend that has been blooming in the wedding industry over the last few years is the floral chandelier.

Floral chandeliers give your wedding an ethereal and fresh feel that is perfect for a summer wedding. They’re also a great way to add another visual element to your wedding that is unexpected.

Here are some floral chandeliers to inspire your own:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BxKnUBLA-Ov/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4ATdwylLTA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2MJg37nesa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7I0qPjJ3na/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B65ywEBjMpa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6tXX3fhwEr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6bXvTCF9oA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6QfmvCBVPa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5ZkbuujBAD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B41AtdPhc5O/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Image: Instagram/acottagegardener

In Advice

Paper gift ideas for your first wedding anniversary

January 10, 2020 No Comments

Your first wedding anniversary is special. A whole 365 days with your partner is no small feat and the traditional gift for a wedding anniversary is paper.

Symbolic of how fragile marriage is and the need to look after it carefully, paper is merely a guide that can be interpreted any way you want. Of course, you don’t have to stick to tradition. Any meaningful gift is a great one. However, if you are keen to follow tradition, here are some ideas for your one year anniversary:

A hardcover version of your partner’s favourite book
A photo album of all your favourite moments together
A customised art print
A voucher to your partner’s favourite store
Polaroid camera
A necklace with a paper plane charm
Theatre tickets
Fight tickets for your next adventure

Feature image: Unsplash

In Announcements

Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters shares intimate proposal video

January 10, 2020 No Comments

Former Miss South Africa and Miss Universe, Demi-Leigh Nel Peters just gave us an intimate look into her engagement to Tim Tebow. Taking to Instagram, Demi-Leigh shared a beautiful IGTV video documenting the day the couple got engaged.

Tim proposed to Demi-Leigh in January 2019. Tebow had flown family members from across America and South Africa to Jacksonville, Florida to be a part of the proposal. Demi was told they were attending a late Tebow family Christmas dinner at their family farm and was surprised when it ended in a proposal.

In the video, Tebow can be seen leading Demi outside and professing his love for her.

“Ever since I first saw you, you gave me so much hope. When I first heard your voice, you gave me so much belief. When I first met you, I knew you were the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. And I will spend the rest of my life fighting for you and fighting for us,” said Tebow before going down on one knee to propose.

Tebow also flew Demi’s favourite South African performer Matthew Mole to Florida to serenade them post-proposal.

Both Tebow and Nel-Peters shared the video to their personal Instagram pages.

“Yes to forever ❤️One year ago today I said yes to forever with you @timtebow. It was the most magical day. The most thoughtful thing anyone has ever done for me. Certainly the biggest surprise. I knew it was you since date one. I can’t wait to be your wife… soon ? #TyingTheTebow”, Nel-Peters captioned the video.

Watch the sweet video below:

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B7Gt6dWBy7w/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Feature image: Instagram / Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

In Advice

Botanical wedding inspiration for nature lovers

January 10, 2020 No Comments

Fresh florals, luscious leaves, and blooming botanicals. Let your love and wedding day bloom beautifully with nature-inspired decor.

From your wedding venue itself all the way to your place cards, incorporating botanicals into your wedding is a breath of fresh air. Here is some inspiration to help you pull it off perfectly.

Ceremony decor:

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByYbQYph1qV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Iu7q4BqN7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3emeXXA5sk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6qhY1OFIku/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Reception decor:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx4FP_MBn9F/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B50LJOVBEJd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Tables:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4NxP5LAwMg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B05j_0eAi9Q/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Wedding cake:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B04FtxrA8lf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgYIMY7HdSa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B46_ReZgALr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Feature image: Unsplash

In Celebs

Pink’s touching tribute on wedding anniversary

January 9, 2020 No Comments

Pink and husband Carey Hart have not had the easiest relationship, but despite all odds they’ve made it work. The Hollywood couple recently celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary, and both took to social media to express their love.

Along with a collage of photos from the years, Pink wrote a sweet message for her husband.

“So many years, So many hairstyles @hartluck…..We’ve been at this thing a long time, babe. It isn’t perfect, but I’m grateful it’s ours. I love our family. Thank you for walking in front of me, beside me, and right behind me at times. ‘You’re a real man, carey hart.'”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7BrkPkpiqB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Hart shared the sentiments, posting his own tribute on his Instagram page.

“14 years married to this amazing woman. I’m so proud of the life that we have built together,” he wrote. “Both of us came from broken homes, yet we made the choice to work hard at our relationship. And look at us now! Two misfits when we met, we have grown together and now have an amazing family. Thank you for being my best friend (I know you don’t like that), and amazing mother to our wild kids. I love you so much.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7BbiA0n4hq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Pink and Carey Hart married on January 7, 2006. They split up two years later for 11 months before reuniting. They have two children together, Willow Sage Hart, 8, and Jameson Moon Hart, 3.

Congrats to the happy couple!

Feature image: Instagram / P!nk

In Advice

Unique place cards your guests will love

January 9, 2020 No Comments

A unique place card is yet another chance to impress your guests. No matter your wedding theme, there is a fun place card that will be much more memorable than the standard folded cardboard.

Place cards don’t have to be costly. From pinecones to seashells, there is a wealth of materials at your disposal to truly make a small statement to add to your wedding table decor.

Here are some creative ideas:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B04lBtSnNnW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5Dr-xiB_LQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6_yJVFBbg8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6-u5WKhqwN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B68SWhnj-WI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6YdmBoFqmW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7CSf7mjOSY/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B43ur3Dg7sA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5Nhg3Xgtep/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5VjbVJHgTg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Feature image: Unsplash

In Announcements

Victoria’s Secret’s Martha Hunt announces engagement

January 9, 2020 No Comments

Victoria’s Secret model Martha Hunt will soon be swopping the catwalk for the wedding aisle. She recently announced her engagement to photographer Jason McDonald with an adorable Instagram post.

Hunt made the announcement on Instagram, posting a series of pictures with the caption “i have a secret…”.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7E1BMMlObO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The proposal went down on January 5 and involved a bear-y adorable ring bearer. In an image posted to McDonald’s Instagram page, Hunt’s dog Bear can be seen wearing a dog collar with his parent’s initials and the engagement date, as well as the engagement ring dangling from it.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7E3LDcH7WF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Feature image: Instagram / Martha Hunt

In Celebs

Ashley Graham launches size-inclusive bridal line

January 9, 2020 No Comments

Supermodel, entrepreneur and body activist Ashley Graham has been championing for the fashion industry to become more inclusive of plus-size women for years. Her latest collaboration with popular bridal line Pronovias seeks to make what is said to the happiest day of a woman’s life even better.

Ashley Graham x Pronovias is a bridal line designed with all women in mind. A first-of-its-kind collaboration, Graham worked with Pronovias Chief Artistic Director Alessandra Rinaudo to create a varied collection of stunning bridal designs suited to all body types. The 16-piece capsule collection runs from size 0-34 and costs between $1,000 (R14 148) to $3,500 (R49 518) per dress. The dresses each include new, built-in shapewear and an integrated, supportive bra. The line will be available in early 2020 in Pronovias boutiques and partners across the globe.

Graham herself knows the difficulties of wedding dress shopping. “From shopping for the perfect wedding dress to the big reveal on your special day, women should feel confident and empowered throughout the entire process,” she said in a press release. “When I shopped for my wedding dress 10 years ago, I had difficulty finding a style in my size that fit well and made me feel special.”

In an Instagram post, Graham explains she had to compromise on her dream dress because there was simply nothing in the specific shape she wanted that would fit her.

“I found a silhouette that I loved, but I had to accept major details I didn’t want because there was nothing in that shape that fit me. And it wasn’t even the right size! We ended up adding a panel to a size 10 dress off the rack so it would fit my 16 frame to make it work.”

“Finding a dream dress is something I would have loved to experience! Andddd I want all of you to be able to have! I’m so excited to be partnering with @pronovias to create a bridal line for everyone. The collection runs from size 0-34 and there is something for any type of bride! There are so many different dresses for anyone from the classic bride to the ultra-glam bride and options with SLEEVES, which I love. By far my favorite part is that every dress has shapewear and bras built-in. I can’t WAIT for you guys to see the collection when it’s out this March! You shouldn’t have to compromise who you are because of what’s on the rack ????”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6_x-69AOuK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7DlE27IS-p/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Here are some of the gowns from the collection:

Feature image: Instagram / Pronovias