You know what’s worse than being dumped? Being broken up with a week before you’re supposed to get married. This unlucky bride-to-be, however, turned her misfortune into a symbolic moment by marrying herself instead.
Sandra Blanco, 32, from London, was left heartbroken when her fiancé broke off their engagement a week before Christmas.
“He said he didn’t want to be with me – that was it. Apparently, he had been feeling like this even before he proposed; I was confused, devastated and in shock,” she explained in an Instagram post.
Blanco had already begun planning their wedding, as they had settled on eloping to Las Vegas. Unfortunately, she was unable to receive refunds on anything she had booked. Rather than losing her money, Blanco decided to go forward with the wedding. Except this time, she would be marrying herself.
“I didn’t cancel the chapel or the ceremony,” she explained. “I didn’t want to because I had something very special in mind; I decided I was going to marry myself. I know – sounds crazy, right? But it wasn’t.”
“It was beautiful, emotional and moving; it was a ceremony where I committed to be good to and take care of myself.”
On her wedding day, she headed out to the Little Chapel in Las Vegas, where she made a promise to herself that love would come from within. Photographer Natalie J captured the day beautifully, and male model Iain Spivey acted as the groom-to-be in the post-wedding photoshoot.
“I’m a big fan of ‘cheesy’ and I wanted to make fun of such a situation, so I went to The Little Vegas Chapel,” she explained. “As I walked down the aisle by myself, the officiator, dressed as Elvis Presley, of course, spoke the kindest of words.”
The officiator’s words truly drove home Sandra’s journey.
‘Today you planned to come here with your boyfriend, unfortunately it didn’t work out and yet you still have the courage to come here now to make a promise to yourself. It is time to fully live your life, your wild and precious life,” said the officiator. “It is time to untie the stories, distractions and illustrations that keep you small and lean into the life that is waiting for you. Time to honour your innermost values, time to be gentle with your innocent heart, time to stand firmly by what you know to be true and make a bold, lifelong commitment to love.”
With this wedding, Blanco hopes to inspire others in similar positions and remind them that their pain is only temporary.
“It isn’t your end; this is your beginning and life as you know it now will open new doors and opportunities for you,” she said. “You will learn better and you will choose better; opportunities that will enable you to meet someone else who loves you more than you might ever love yourself. I promise you and you deserve it.”
At 105 and 106 years old respectively, Charlotte and John Henderson from Austin, Texas are the oldest living couple on Earth. They met all the way back in 1934 at the University of Texas and it was love at first sight. John was seated behind Charlotte in class, and one day they started a conversation that sparked the flame.
“Charlotte looked over her shoulder and smiled and I knew I wanted to take her on a date,” John explained to TODAY. “She was anxious for me to ask her!”
They wed on December 15, 1939. So what is the secret to their successful marriage?
“Don’t indicate to your partner that you’re going to be the leader or you’re going to have it your way,” John told Fox 61. “You have to give and take as life goes by, and be grateful for what you have, and try to make tomorrow a better day than today, and be sure you don’t go to bed at night with a chip on your shoulder. Be aware of the other person’s feelings.”
“Some people say that’s the reason we’ve had such a long-married life, ’cause we didn’t have any kids to worry about,” John also joked.
Feature image: Facebook / Longhorn Village Retirement Community
Romantic yet whimsical, string lights are a favourite among couples for their wedding reception. These tiny lighting options make for a great way to illuminate your big day and set the mood all at once.
Give a gorgeous glow by using twinkle lights in these stunning ways.
It’s been a pretty memorable 10 years. We’ve seen celebs make up, break up, and many tie the knot. However, there are certain weddings that will stand the test of time. Surprising, momentous or just over-the-top, these are the most iconic celebrity weddings we’ve seen this past decade.
Megan Markle and Prince Harry
We’ve seen many royal weddings this decade, but this one was our personal favourite. When Prince Harry wed Suits star Megan Markle, the entire world tuned in to view their May 19, 2018 nuptials at St.Georges Chapel. The wedding was attended by mega-stars like George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin, Priyanka Chopra, Serena Williams and David and Victoria Beckham.
Markle wore a stunningly simple boatneck sheath gown designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy, as well as the Order of Splendor tiara once worn by Queen Mary. Her 16-foot veil featured intricate embroidery with signature flowers from all the British Commonwealth countries.
Being a ‘commoner’, American and a woman of colour, Megan Markle marrying into royalty was a huge moment in pop culture. This couple’s relationship has been marred by public scrutiny ever since they started dating, making this fairytale wedding even more special.
Credit: Instagram / The Royal Family
Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra
Nick and Priyanka’s December 1, 2018 nuptials were done in spectacular fashion with 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.
Every member of the bridal party stunned in Ralph Lauren, with Chopra stealing the spotlight in an embellished, sheer number and incredibly lengthy veil.
Credit: Instagram / Priyanka Chopra
Prince William an Kate Middleton
Prince William and Kate Middleton wed in April 2011 at Westminster Abbey in a much publicised affair that had us all glued to our TV screens. The British public lined the streets en masse to catch a glimpse of the bride as she made her way to the chapel in a Rolls Royce Phantom VI.
Middleton wore a beautiful lace gown designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen that has since seen many brides emulate.
Besides the royal family, other notable guests included David and Victoria Beckham, Elton John and Guy Ritchie.
Credit: Getty images
Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian
One of the world’s greatest athletes, Serena Williams, married Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian at the Contemporary Arts Centre in New Orleans in a French ball–themed, Beauty and the Beast–styled wedding. This wedding had some serious star power with Beyonce, Kim Kardashian and Anna Wintour all in attendance.
For their November 16, 2017 nuptials Williams wore a stunning ballgown by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen and Alexis donned an Armani suit.
Photo: Bob Metelus and Erica Rodriguez
George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin
Hollywood’s most iconic bachelor shocked the world when he announced his engagement to lawyer Amal Alamuddin. The pair said ‘I do’ in a glamorous wedding in Venice, Italy on September 27, 2014. The city seemed to come to a standstill, with locals linings canals in the hopes of witnessing the couple.
There were many famous faces at the fancy festivities, including Emily Blunt and John Krasinski, Matt Damon and wife Luciana, Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber and Anna Wintour.
Clooney looked debonair in a Giorgio Armani suit and Amal was picture perfect in a custom Oscar De La Renta gown crafted from French lace with hand-embroidered pearls, diamanté details and a sweeping train.
Credit: People Magazine
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West
The queen of social media married rapper Kanye West in a lavish Italian ceremony back in May 2014. Their wedding weekend began in Paris where Kim had her bachelorette party, a pre-wedding lunch at Valentino’s home and an epic rehearsal dinner at the Versailles’s Hall of Mirrors. Wedding guests were then flown to Florence, Italy for the big day.
Kim stunned in a custom Givenchy haute couture gown designed by Ricardo Tisci. Italian singer Andrea Bocelli serenaded the bride as she walked down the aisle.
Other than the entire Kardashian/Jenner clan, famous guests included Serena Williams, Jaden Smith, John Legend and Chrissy Tiegen.
Credit: instagram / Kim Kardashian
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt
Even though they are no longer together, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were once the most famous (and attractive) celebrity couple so we cannot not include them in this list. Their August 2014 wedding was held at Château Miraval, the family’s estate in the French village of Correns.
It was an incredibly private affair, with only 20 people attending. Their kids were all big parts of the wedding. Maddox gave his mom away while Pax and Knox were ring bearers.
Jolie wore an elegant custom-made, pure white silk-satin Versace gown adorned with drawings by each of the couple’s six children.
Credit: Hello Magazine
Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello
The Modern Family actress said ‘I do’ to the Magic Mike star in a lavish $3 million wedding at The Breakers resort in Palm Beach, Florida back in November 2015. With 400 guests, this wedding party was pretty big. Channing Tatum, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Reese Witherspoon and Vergara’s Modern Family co-stars were just some of the famous faces in attendance.
Vergara wore a stunning custom Zuhair Murad gown that featured a detachable skirt. Pitbull even gave a surprise performance at their wedding.
Credit: People Magazine
Solange Knowles and Alan Ferguson
From arriving on vintage bicycles to her stunning cream jumpsuit, Solange’s wedding to longterm boyfriend Alan Ferguson was memorable for many reasons. The musician wed the video director in New Orleans Louisiana at the Marigny Opera House back in November 2017.
She wore an incredible Stephane Rolland jumpsuit featuring a plunging neckline and cape for the ceremony, and changed into a white caped gown by Kenzo designer Humberto Leon for the reception. Forgoing tradition, their 200 guests all wore white on the big day.
Of course, big sis Beyonce and mother Tina Knowles were on hand to ring in the festivities, along with Jay-Z and Questlove.
If you’re getting married soon, you’ll need all the help you can get. The Oakfield Farm’s Bridal Expo in Krugersdorp is your one stop shop for all things wedding. Wedding ETC is giving five lucky readers the chance to attend the expo with a partner!
You won’t want to miss this expo, held on January 25-26, 2020 at the Oakfield Farm. There will be exciting prizes to win (including a honeymoon in Mauritius!), a free fashion show and loads of advice, ideas and inspiration from 150 top wedding specialists to make your dream wedding a reality. There will also be the big bridal pop up, the biggest wedding dress sale in South Africa!
Prize details: Five lucky readers will win one of five double sets to Oakfield Farm Bridal Expo.
How to enter: Fill in the form below.
Competition ends: January 10, 2020 at 8am.
Competition Ts & Cs: – The winners will be announced at 10am on January 10, 2020 on Facebook.
– Winners will be contacted via details entered on the form
– Prizes are not refundable and cannot be exchanged for money
Get the Christmas spirit started early with Wedding ETC’s Christmas giveaway! We are giving away Guess 1981 LA for him and her to one lucky reader. Who doesn’t love smelling good?
Guess 1981 LA for her includes notes of mixture of redcurrant, mandarin and a hint of pear with jasmine petals, blush peonies and orange flower. Guess 1981 LA for him features notes of pepper, plum and bergamot, boosted by spearmint and ginger.
Prize details: One lucky reader will win 100ML Guess 1981 LA for him and her.
How to enter: Fill in the form below.
Competition ends: December 18, 2019 at 10am.
Competition Ts & Cs: – The winners will be announced on December 19, 2019.
– Winners will be contacted via details entered on the form
– Prizes are not refundable and cannot be exchanged for money
The festive season is upon us, and so is party time! Here is your chance to ring in the new year in style with Pongracz wine, one of the finest MCC’s in the country.
Prize details: To celebrate the end of the decade, we are giving two lucky readers each a box of Pongracz MCC Brut! Each box has 6 bottles sure to carry you over this festive season.
How to enter: Fill in the form below.
Competition ends: December 17, 2019 at 10am.
Competition Ts & Cs: – The winners will be announced on December 17, 2019.
– Winners will be contacted via details entered on the form
– Prizes are not refundable and cannot be exchanged for money
Weddings have been happening since time began and so many of the traditions we know and practice today have existed for decades. One such interesting tradition is the bridal party.
It’s commonplace to see a squad of women and men flanking the bride and groom on their big day. Usually their closest friends, the bridal party is meant to support and assist the bride and groom throughout the wedding process. However, the origins of the bridal party is pretty unromantic.
The Bible contains one of the earliest references to bridesmaids. In Jacob’s wedding to Leah and Rachel, both women had their literal servant maids present at their ceremony.
In ancient Roman times, there needed to be 10 witnesses at a wedding whilst the couple recited their verses, acting as an early form of the bridal party. While the witnesses were typically all male, eventually it evolved to include women. The women had to wear identical gowns to the bride to confuse vengeful spirits aiming to thwart the newlyweds happiness. This is why bridesmaids typically wear similar outfits today.
Groomsmen of this time had a pretty…interesting role. In various historical cases, groomsmen were said to kidnap brides from her family home and bring her to her groom. They would then stand beside the bride to make sure other suitors or family members couldn’t take her back.
By the Victorian era, the concept of the bridal party as we know it today began to take shape. Speaking to Vogue, luxury wedding and event planner Gina Wade explains: “during that time, bridesmaids organized flowers and party favours but they also walked down the aisle carrying herbs, garlic, and grains to scare away evil spirits.”
Today, brides typically have a maid/matron of honour and however many bridesmaids, and the groom has his best man and groomsmen. Modern couples are moving away from tradition, with some even opting out of having a bridal party altogether. At the end of the day, it’s what feels right for you. Your wedding should be what you want it to be, regardless of tradition.
You can’t show up to a wedding empty-handed. With so many options, it can be hard to pinpoint what to get newlyweds to welcome them into married life. Look no further. We’ve rounded up some great gift ideas your couple will love.
Simplistic and elegant, minimalism values experiences over things. Blank spaces and basic lettering may seem boring, but this paired design makes a powerful yet subtle statement. If you identify with the minimalist trend then you will love these wedding invitation designs.
