Lynn Cupido, Author at Wedding ETC

In Advice

6 Tips that will leave you feeling great on your wedding day

December 6, 2021 No Comments

Your wedding day is often a mix of excitement and anxiety, with stress thrown in for good measure. Unfortunately, uncomfortable bloating, a few panic attacks and unexpected energy dips may also rear their unnecessary heads.

If there’s one thing that any bride wants to feel, it’s great – especially when you feel the glare of countless eyeballs on you. Whether you imagine it as the day of your dreams or the start of an incredible journey, here are six tips to leave you feeling your best on your big day.

Grab a cup of lemon water

Hot water and a squeeze of lemon is the miracle cure to bloating. It also offers a natural way to boost alertness and energy – who knew! Lemon is also bursting with vitamin C and is a great immune booster (you hear that COVID!) Along with all these incredible benefits, it will also help you stay hydrated throughout the day, so make sure that you sip on a glass or two.

Don’t forget to eat

Saying “I do” can be overwhelming with your wedding day going by in a blur. If there’s anything that you take from this article it’s this – don’t forget to eat! Indulge in a few healthy snacks and good food throughout the day to keep your energy levels up and squash those nerves. Loading up on veggies, proteins and some healthy snacks will ensure that you steer clear of those sugary snacks and carbs, which are known to spike sugar levels and cause you to lose energy quicker.

Handy essential oils

There are so many benefits to having your favourite essential oils handy. Energy crashes and anxiety be gone, thanks to a few sniffs of lavender and peppermint essential oils. Put a few drops on your pulse points or take a few sniffs, including a few bottles of oils in your clutch will offer you a natural way to boost energy and calm your nerves.

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Trade coffee for green tea

Is green tea the best tasting beverage? No, but it will leave you a lot less jittery than consuming five cups of coffee. Green tea is teeming with antioxidants and caffeine, ensuring that you get your energy and have glowing skin. A few other benefits? It helps with that pesky bloating and it also contains the amino acid L-theanine which promotes relaxation. We see no downsides!

Exchange letters with your soon-to-be husband

Your big day can go by in a whirl, and while you’ll have a ton of beautiful photos, there’s nothing that stops time quite like a handwritten love letter. Consider writing heartfelt letters to each other to help wash the jitters away. There’s nothing quite as magical as reading a letter from your person and cracking a smile. Plus, it’s bound to fill your day with love!

Surround yourself with people you trust

Last, but not least is surrounding yourself with loved ones on your big day. We all know that wedding planning is stressful and the last thing you need is negativity. If those around you aren’t wiping away tears of joy, then be sure to cut a few people from the guest list. This is your special day, so make sure that you surround yourself with judgement-free and positive energy – only!

Picture: Finn and the Fox Photography

In News

‘Engaged’ for 7 months before dropping a bombshell: ‘I never asked you to marry me’

November 29, 2021 No Comments

Popping the big question can be a nerve-wracking experience for both the bride and groom-to-be, but there’s no question that it’s an unforgettable moment. Unfortunately, one woman did not get the happy ending she was hoping for as she took to Reddit to share her harrowing story.

The bride-to-be immediately said yes when her partner popped the question, and despite not having a ring, the thought of spending the rest of her life with the man of her dreams was enough. After all, there would be plenty of time to get a ring. However, things took a weird turn when the woman decided to go dress shopping.

“I have been planning my dream wedding for seven months now. When I told him that I was going dress shopping, he looked at me like I had five heads.”

If that’s not enough of a punch to the gut, the woman says that the man then said he never proposed. “He said, ‘why would I propose to a woman I am not even dating?’”

Despite having the wind knocked out of her wedding sails, the woman stated that she’d love to continue with wedding planning.

“I am thinking of tricking him into coming to our wedding and seeing what happens. I am not sure what else to do,” she said.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CW25J13qs-v/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

While a number of commenters were left shocked, one Redditor could sympathise.

“I was sitting on the couch watching a movie I wanted to see, and my girlfriend of a year was in the other room watching a show she liked because she wasn’t interested in the movie (yeah….I know, one of us should have compromised). I’m not really paying attention to what she was saying, but I hear an inaudible “would you marry me?” Being sarcastic, I responded back with, “of course I’ll marry you, baby.”

According to the poster, his then-girlfriend came running into the room, kissed him, and told him to enjoy watching his movie.

“The next day, while I’m at work, I start getting my phone blown up with phone calls and texts. She had put on Facebook that I proposed to her the night previous! We had a long conversation about the fact that we are not engaged, and to this day, I still don’t know exactly what she said from the other room that I misheard (mostly because she got mad and refused to tell me), but it’s always been a funny story,” he writes.

Despite the twists and turns that this story provides, there’s no question that we’d be left fuming if this ever happened to us.

Picture: Unsplash

In What's Hot

Movie Alert: Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson say “I do” in “Marry Me” Trailer

November 22, 2021 No Comments

The thought of international singers Maluma and Jennifer Lopez in the same movie has our spines tingling. A match made in heaven, or by the looks of their new movie trailer, perhaps not.

Marry Me is said to be packed with original songs from the two Latin music stars. But while there’s nothing we love like a good song or two to tap our feet to, a lekker storyline is what we’re really after.

The film features Jennifer Lopez starring as musical superstar Kat Valdez and Owen Wilson as Charlie Gilbert, a math teacher—total strangers who agree to marry and then get to know each other. An unlikely romance about two different people searching for something real in a world where value is based on likes and followers, Marry Me is a modern love story about celebrity, marriage and social media.

Kat Valdez (Lopez) is half of the sexiest celebrity power couple on Earth with hot new music supernova Bastian (Maluma, making his feature-film debut). As Kat and Bastian’s inescapable hit single, “Marry Me,” climbs the charts, they are about to be wed before an audience of their fans in a ceremony that will streamed across multiple platforms.

Divorced high-school math teacher Charlie Gilbert (Owen Wilson) has been dragged to the concert by his daughter Lou (Chloe Coleman, HBO’s Big Little Lies) and his best friend (Sarah Silverman). When Kat learns, seconds before the ceremony, that Bastian has cheated on her with her assistant, her life turns left as she has a meltdown on stage, questioning love, truth and loyalty. As her gossamer world falls away, she locks eyes with a stranger—a face in the crowd.

If what you know lets you down, then perhaps what you don’t know is the answer, and so, in a moment of inspired insanity, Kat chooses to marry Charlie. What begins as an impulsive reaction evolves into an unexpected romance. But as forces conspire to separate them, the universal question arises: Can two people from such different worlds bridge the gulf between them and build a place where they both belong?

Sounds like a movie we can sink our teeth into. Check out the trailer below:

Picture: YouTube Official Trailer

In Weddings

5 Cute wedding traditions to include in your elopement ceremony

November 18, 2021 No Comments

Congratulations! You’ve decided to dive into the freedom-seeking world of elopement. The dawn of COVID-19 has ensured that running away and skipping the big ceremony is no longer taboo. In fact, it’s probably encouraged. But just because you’re forgoing the endless shenanigans that come with throwing a classic wedding doesn’t mean you can’t add a little tradition to your elopement.

The beauty of having an elopement ceremony is freedom. You can literally do whatever you want! But with so many options to choose from, here are a few adorable and traditional additions you can add to your unconventional ceremony.

The Vows

While the thought of having thousands of eyeballs staring at you as you exchange your promise of love may leave your hands shaking, this is such a beautiful addition to any ceremony and is often the foundation. This is the perfect time to open your heart and share something wonderfully unique to the partner standing in front of you.

traditional wedding ceremony vows — Credit: vowofthewild.com

Walk down the aisle

Just because you’re choosing to break away from tradition doesn’t mean you can’t do something conventional, like taking a walk down the aisle. Grab a few flower petals or a beautiful rug, and walk down the “aisle” to your favourite tune towards the one you love.

traditional wedding aisle — Credit: vowofthewild.com

Have a blast

There may be five people tearfully observing you say “I do,” but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a blast when the ceremony is all done and dusted. Grab a few of your closest friends and family – keeping it small, of course – and throw a little shindig that will allow you to celebrate with your squad. A few ideas may include a close friend’s cosy backyard or your favourite little restaurant.

Raise you glass

It is a celebration after all! Rope in the best man or maid of honour and get them to deliver a toast that will tuck at the heartstrings. There’s nothing more traditional than giving a big ‘ol cheers to the newlyweds with a delicious bottle of bubbly. If you’re heading to your favourite restaurant, make sure you double-check the alcohol restrictions before bringing that vintage bottle of JC Le Roux.

traditional wedding elopement — Credit: www.adrianariveram.com

The First Dance

If not for the tradition, do it for the romance. Having the first dance at your elopement can be a beautiful thing made even better by having those few special people around you. Embrace technology and hit play on your favourite song before pumping the tunes on your JBL speaker.

traditional wedding elopement first dance — Credit: Sarah Falugo

Feature Image: Days made of love

In Engagements

WATCH: Adele helps man pull off a marriage proposal that we won’t soon forget

November 16, 2021 No Comments

Adele has always stolen our hearts with her powerful vocals and romantic lyrics. So, it’s no surprise that fans were over the moon when she announced her CBS special “Adele One Night Only,” a major music event that took place this past Sunday. But for one couple, it soon became a major event for another reason.

Quentin Brunson was ready to pop the question to his girlfriend of seven years, Ashleigh Mann, but just how do you top a simple fancy dinner proposal? Brunson clearly knew what he was doing when he pulled off the biggest emotional surprise during the concert hosted at Los Angeles’ Griffith Park, going down on one knee in front of cameras and a number of A-list celebrities, reports EW.

To pull off the best proposal of 2021 (okay, we may be a bit biased), Adele roped the audience into helping her orchestrate the epic proposal as she asked the them to remain quiet.

“I need every person to be really quiet, alright? If you make a noise, I’m going to kill you,” the songstress was heard half-joking to the audience.

As the lights dimmed, the almost bride-to-be was escorted across the stage by Brunson wearing noise-cancelling headphones and a blindfold. Mann was then instructed to take off her blindfold and was visibly shocked to see Brunson on one knee.

“This is real,” Quentin said while Mann freaked out. “This is real, this is real,” he could be heard saying.

After what we can only imagine was a shock to the system and a moment filled with plenty of tears, she said “yes.” However, Mann got an even bigger surprise when the queen of love songs herself stepped out from the shadows and into the spotlight, revealing a few of her famous friends in the process, including Lizzo, Seth Rogen, and Melissa McCarthy.

Speaking to CBS, the newly engaged Mann stated that: “I honestly thought that we were going to go on a hayride. I had been talking about going to the pumpkin patch, so I assumed we were doing something cool like that.”

Well, she ended up getting something much cooler. The legendary proposal came after Brunson submitted a one-minute video explaining why he deserved to make his future wife’s dreams come true.

Check out the incredible video below:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CWSBRnAMpwd/

Picture Instagram CBS

In Music

15 Of the best first dance songs for an unforgettable celebration

November 15, 2021 No Comments

The first dance as a married couple is the highlight of the wedding. It’s the perfect opportunity to show off your dance moves before the celebration really kicks off and gets have the chance to celebrate a little with you. The vows are done and dusted and the stress seems to melt away. However, for some couples choosing the first song to dance to as man and wife is an easy choice. Perhaps it was that Elton John song that was playing when you first bumped into each other at that charming coffee shop, but for others finding the perfect first song to boogie to can be a challenge.

Thankfully, a little survey conducted by The Black Tux of over 900 married couples from all age groups revealed a few of the most requested first-dance songs. Here’s a list of the top 15:

Sons and Daughters, by Allman Brown
Moon River, by Frank Sinatra
At Last, by Etta James
Time After Time, by Cyndi Lauper
Amazed, by Lonestar
500 Miles, by Sleeping at Last
Your Song, by Elton John
I’m Yours, by Jason Mraz
Perfect Duet, by Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé
The Way You Look Tonight, by Frank Sinatra
Escapade, by Janet Jackson
My Best Friend, by Tim McGraw
That’s When I Knew, by Alicia Keys
Falling Like the Stars, by James Arthur
This Kiss, by Faith Hill

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If you’ve been wondering what the perfect song to get down on one knee is, make sure you check out Spotify’s ultimate engagement playlist.

Pciture: Pexels

In Decor

Wedding dance floor ideas to kick of your shoes and let loose

November 9, 2021 No Comments

After the stress of planning a wedding and the jitters of saying your vows in front of friends and family, it can be liberating to metaphorically let your hair down, kick off your shoes and “shake what your mamma gave you.” Music is the entertainment that brings guests together and allows them to feel comfortable as they share in the bliss of the loved-up newlyweds.

Ready to put on your dancing shoes and find the inspiration you need?

Convert a pool

Okay, so while this may sound quite hazardous, what better way to impress your guests than with a dance floor on water? If your wedding venue has a swimming pool, while not grab a professional to convert it into something unique.

Bring the outdoors inside

Nature is a beautiful and magical thing, so why not add a few touches of nature to your dance floor. Create a magical space that incorporates lush and green-inspired flooring with plenty of lights to add to the ambience.

A Floral Dance Floor

Nothing is more romantic than a beautiful floral display. Elevate your dance floor with a floral design and, perhaps, a custom monochrome in the centre, and adding a gorgeous hanging floral installation above the dance floor will definitely add a bit of pizazz.

Balloons! Balloons! Balloons!

Tons of space, a classic dance floor and … balloons! Balloons don’t have to be reserved for birthday parties, but you can create an elegant bouquet of balloons to add a mix of fun to the space.

bouquet of balloons — **Kristin Sweeting**

A dash of fairy lights and a whole lot of chandeliers

A mixture of fairy lights and chandeliers are a great way to boost the ambience of your dance floor. Scrape the chandeliers and simply opt for fairy lights, which will allow you to add a starry night effect to your evening.

A Monochrome Feature

Show off your newlywedded bliss with a special crest of your initials. This is a great way to transform a regular dance floor into an extra special one.

monochrome intials dance floor — **Pinterest**

A carpet of dancing dreams

There’s nothing wrong with adding a little rustic charm to your dance floor. However, if wood flooring is not your vibe, why not opt for rugs to add a vintage-inspired vibe that is sure to leave your guests feeling comfortable and right at home.

rustic carpet dreams — Holtz Photography

Picture: Samm Blake

In Engagements

Paris Hilton’s wedding registry probably costs more than your house

November 2, 2021 No Comments

Paris Hilton will be saying her “I dos” on November 11, but it’s her wedding registry that has the world flabbergasted. Costing more than what some people make over five years, the 40-year-old heiress has a gift registry that totals a whopping $60 000 (around R900 000) with a few extravagant items that include a $1000 crystal caviar server with a spoon and a $4 885 Baccarat vase.

The DJ turned entrepreneur is set to tie the knot to long-term beau Carter Reum with the wealthy duo officially posting their registry on Gearys. A few other items on the registry include a $990 Baccarat lamp, an $1845 caviar vodka set for six, and a $355 crystal wine glass.

To celebrate her impending nuptials, the bride-to-be hosted an Alice in Wonderland-themed bridal shower featuring a few A-list names with the guest list including celebrities such as Kris Jenner, Lisa Rinna, Kath Hilton, and sister Nicky Hilton Rothschild.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CU0tg6khcso/

Along with some lavish guests, the extravagant shower included a range of sweet treats, with cakes and biscuits blending perfectly with the fantasy theme.

Hilton gave fans a peek into her upcoming ceremony, a three-day affair that’s bound to be as opulent as she is.

“It’s gonna be like a three-day affair — we’ll have a lot happening.”

But just what about the most important aspect – the wedding dress?

“Lots of dresses. Probably 10 – I love outfit changes.” Fans eager to get a peek at the big day have something to look forward to as Hilton has recently announced a new reality TV series, Paris in Love, which will take viewers along for the ride.

Picture: Paris Hilton Instagram

In Venues

6 Forest wedding venues around South Africa that are truly magical

October 25, 2021 No Comments

There’s something magical about a beautifully lit space filled with towering trees and the smell of pine. Nature always has a way of calming the mind and rejuvenating the soul, so it’s no surprise that basking in the glow of a few sparkly fairy lights and the delights of Mother Nature makes for an incredible wedding venue.

There is an array of mesmerising wedding spots in South Africa that make for the perfect forest wedding. If you’re in love with the idea of donning your bohemian wedding dress, grabbing your groom and getting married while being surrounded by a sea of tall trees, here are a few incredible forest wedding venues around South Africa to add to your list:

Die Woud – Caledon, Western Cape

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The Forest Walk Venue – Johannesburg, Gauteng

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Smitsfield Farm Venue – Lothair, Mpumalanga

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Winery Road Forest – Cape Winelands, Western Cape

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De Uijlenes – Overberg, Western Cape

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Beloftebos – Stanford, Western Cape

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Picture: Instagram Bridgette Wuest

In Engagements

Celebrity engagement rings that may cost more than your house

October 21, 2021 No Comments

Recently, Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker got down on one knee and popped the question to reality star Kourtney Kardashian. The news has since sent social media (and ex Scott Disick) into a frenzy with many fans gawking at the ginormous ring now sitting on her left finger. The massive diamond engagement piece is reportedly worth $1 million – that’s around R14 million – a price of a luxury house in Camps Bay or West Cliff.

So, just how much are celebrities forking for the rock on their left finger?

1. Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey sure doesn’t like to be outdone, sitting at the top of the list with a 35-carat diamond ring that reportedly cost a whopping R10 million.

mariah carey engagement ring — Source: People

2. Beyonce

Well, they don’t call her Queen B for nothing. It’s no surprise that the Lemonade singer has one of the world’s highest-valued diamonds with husband Jay-Z reportedly paying around $5 million for the gorgeous emerald-cut ring back in 2008.

3. Jennifer Lopez

When it comes to sporting some serious engagement bling, Lopez would take up a few spots on this list. However, it’s her engagement to A-Rod back in March 2019 that has placed her firmly on this list. The American baseball star went all out when getting down on one knee, purchasing a 15-20 carat emerald cut ring that was reportedly worth $5 million.

4. Paris Hilton

Remember that time in 2005 when Paris Hilton was engaged to shipping heir Paris Latsis? Not many people do, but the hotel heiress walked away with a diamond ring valued at $4. 7 million at the time, that’s around R58 million.

Paris Hilton Engagement ring — Source: REUTERS

5. Kim Kardashian

There’s no question that Kanye West and Kim Kardashian don’t do small – go big, or go home is their motto, which was clear to see during the couple‘s epic 2013 proposal. The diamond stunner reportedly cost a cool $4 million but was unfortunately amongst the jewellery stolen during Kim‘s infamous Paris robbery.

Picture: Pexels