• Category

    Engagements

    Category
    How to combine your bachelorette and kitchen tea
    In Bachelorette Party

    How to combine your bachelorette and kitchen tea

    No Comments

    Times have changed and so have traditions. It’s the year 2021 and most people have been greatly affected by the pandemic. Budgets are tight and health concerns are real. If you’re getting married but don’t feel you need to have both a bachelorette and a kitchen tea, there are several ways to combine them into one awesome bridal event.

    There are loads of benefits of combining the two events into one. Weddings tend to happen in a shorter span of time between getting engaged and getting married due to ever-changing COVID-19 regulations. One bridal event will save time and energy, as well as money. It will also mean you get exposed to fewer people and environments, keeping your immediate bubble small and staying within that bubble instead of hanging out with different groups of people.

    Here are some ideas of ways your bridal event can include everyone from your mom and aunt to your besties. Activities that everyone will enjoy and don’t break the bank is the way to go.

    Private picnic

    Picnics never get old. It’s chic, low-fuss and absolutely yummy. You can choose a theme or let the theme be the food! Gather your closest ladies and avoid the crowds by finding a private spot. You can also book a picnic from a vendor so it can be all set up in a cosy little nook when you arrive, ready to dig in.

    Day by the pool

    It’s summer! Sun’s out, which means bikinis and sarongs are on. Plan a fun day of leisurely lounging by the pool if you have access to one. Make cocktails together and get your dose of Vitamin D. Remember to wear adequate sunscreen, hats and seek out some shade every now and then.

    Board and card games

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Hammond (@hamface)

    Who doesn’t love a good games night? Collect all your favourite board and card games and let your competitive side take over. You can even go as far as to place bets so there’s real incentive to win, or take it easy and just have a good laugh with your mates for the sake of it.

    Cook or bake together 

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by My Country Table (@mycountrytable)

    Food, glorious food. Whether you’re an aspiring fine-dining chef or just a plain old sweet tooth, get everyone together for a day of creating a beautiful meal, dessert or even just snacks. You can go for a cooking class or go DIY, as long as you walk away with a full belly and happy heart. Oh, and don’t forget to open a bottle of wine.

    Spa day

    Look, we’re not saying it’s never been done before. But honestly, who wouldn’t want to do it again (and again and again)? Book a day at your favourite spa for some serious relaxation. Plus, it will leave everyone looking and feeling refreshed and in top form for the big day!

    Picture: Pexels

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Celebs

    Paris Hilton is engaged to Carter Reum

    No Comments

    Paris Hilton is engaged! The socialite turned entrepreneur and DJ said yes to boyfriend Carter Reum on Saturday, February 13 after being together for over a year.

    Reum popped the question while on a trip on a private island to celebrate Hilton’s 40th birthday on February 17.

    Taking to social media, Hilton announced their exciting news with a sweet caption.

    “When you find your soulmate, you don’t just know it. You feel it. My love & I have been together since our first date, and for my birthday, he arranged a special trip to tropical paradise.  As we walked to dinner along the beach, Carter led us to a cabana adorned with flowers and dropped to one knee. I said yes, yes to forever. There’s no one I’d rather spend forever with.”

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Paris Hilton (@parishilton)

    Her engagement ring was designed by Jean Dousset, the great-grandson of Louis Cartier, reports PEOPLE Magazine.

    After the proposal, the pair enjoyed an intimate celebration with family members, such as Hilton’s sister Nicky.

    Hilton and Reum, a businessman and family friend, have been dating since November 2019. They have known each other for 15 years, and have been together for over a year.

    “I’ve known him for 15 years. Then [Reum’s sister Halle Hammond] invited us to Thanksgiving and we just had this incredible chemistry. We had our first date and haven’t spent a night apart since. It’s pretty amazing,” she told People Magazine.

    “After my last breakup, I thought I was going to be alone forever,” she says. “I was like, I give up. I’ll just focus on myself. I don’t need anyone. So to have actually fallen in love, I just feel so grateful.”

    This is the starlet’s fourth engagement. Hilton was previously engaged to model Jason Shaw and Greek shipping heir Paris Latsis in the 2000s, and called off her engagement to actor Chris Zylka in 2018.

    Picture: Instgram / Paris Hilton

    by
    Continue Reading
    Go for (rose) gold engagement rings
    In Engagements

    Go for (rose) gold engagement rings

    No Comments

    There is more to an engagement ring that its stone. The type of metal you choose is just as crucial to your overall finish and durability.

    A classic choice, gold is one of the most popular ring metals. It offers several options, including white gold, rose gold, and yellow gold.

    Be careful when opting for gold though, as anything under 24-karat may be easily bent, and often, to make these stronger they are alloyed with other metals. This means your ring may be weak or not pure gold. Look into that before going for gold.

    Rose gold has been trendy in the wedding world for the last few years and shows no signs of disappearing. It is flattering for both warm and cool skin tones, and works well with a variety of gemstones in a way that does not clash.

    If you’re wanting to rock this rosy look, take some inspiration from these rings we are loving:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Capucinne ? (@capucinnejewelry)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Era Design (@eradesignjewellery)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Maple Leaf Diamonds (@mapleleafdia)

    Picture: Pexels

    by
    Continue Reading
    Engagement ideas that are sweet and memorable
    In Advice

    Engagement ideas that are sweet and memorable

    No Comments

    Just like wedding trends come and go, proposal trends are also always changing. Proposals have become more premeditated over the years, with couples deciding beforehand that they want to get engaged. This allows them to plan and co-ordinate, while still keeping some of the surprise.

    You don’t have to go super big and elaborate to make a splash, however. Here are some unique and sentimental ideas that your partner will remember forever.

    Secret photographer

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by COMPLEX (@complex)

    Plan a sweet photoshoot for your partner, but don’t let them know it’s actually an engagement shoot. This way, you can make sure you’re both looking camera-ready and your photographer can make up an excuse to have your partner looking away as you go down on one knee. We promise the candid photos will be priceless!

    Spell it out

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by @beyondpicnicsco

    Go big and have the phrase ‘Will you marry me’ lit up in marquee lights. Whether you place them on a beach or a backyard, they make the perfect backdrop for a ring selfie!

    A pizza my heart

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by WEDDED WONDERLAND (@weddedwonderland)

    Who doesn’t love pizza? Combine your favourite Italian meal with a sweet proposal by having the toppings spell out ‘Will you marry me’. Have the pizza made in a heart shape for an extra cheesy touch.

    A pawsome proposal

    Got a four-legged friend who is basically the third wheel of your relationship? Make sure to include your pet by having them pose with the ring and a sign that reads, ‘Will you marry me’.

    Picture: Unsplash

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Engagements

    Beautiful blue sapphire engagement rings that cannot be ignored

    No Comments

    Get the royal look with a blue sapphire engagement ring. Once belonging to Princess Diana, Kate Middleton’s sapphire sparkler caused sapphire sales to skyrocket in 2010 following the royal engagement announcement.

    The name of this precious gemstone comes from the Greek word ‘sappheiros’ and the Latin word ‘saphirus’, both of which translate to mean blue. Despite the name, however, sapphires come in a range of colours from blue to yellow to pink. The only colour is cannot present as is red as it would then be considered a ruby. Naturally, blue is the most coveted colour variant.

    Its a decade later and sapphires are still just as popular. Blue sapphires pair beautifully with various metals and cuts, meaning the possibilities are truly endless.

    Here are some stunning blue sapphires that have caught our eye:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Gem Breakfast (@gembreakfast)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Gem Breakfast (@gembreakfast)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Era Design (@eradesignjewellery)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by CustomMade (@custommadejewelry)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Sutton Smithworks (@ssmithworks)

    Picture: Pexels

    by
    Continue Reading
    Shailene Woodley is engaged to football star Aaron Rodgers
    In Celebs

    Shailene Woodley is engaged to football star Aaron Rodgers

    No Comments

    American footballer Aaron Rodgers shocked fans when he announced he was engaged while accepting an award. It turns out his fiancé is none other than Big Little Lies actress Shailene Woodley.

    On February 6, Rodgers accepted the NFL Most Valued Player award during a virtual appearance on the NFL Honors broadcast. During his speech, he casually slipped in that he was engaged but did not name his fiancé.

    “2020 was definitely a crazy year filled with lots of change, growth, some amazing, memorable moments, 180 straight days of having my nose hair scraped, playing for very little fans or no stands the entire season. I got engaged and I played some of the best football in my career,” he said.

    “So I’d like to thank, first and foremost, my teammates for their support, their inspiration, protection, incredible play on the field … off the field I’ve got a great group of people that support me, so I’d like to thank my team.” He then listed a slew of people before shouting out “my fiancée.”

    A source confirmed to People magazine that the Descendants actor and the Green Bay Packers quarterback are engaged and incredibly happy.

    “They are very happy together. It’s not surprising he proposed so fast. When you know, you know, right?” said the insider.

    This engagement comes mere days after US Magazine confirmed the pair were dating.

    Picture: Instagram

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Advice

    Floral-inspired engagement rings that are perfectly in bloom

    No Comments

    Florals for weddings aren’t exactly groundbreaking, but they’re not that common in engagement rings. The trend really took off thanks to Katy Perry, when she showcased her daisy-inspired engagement ring from Orlando Bloom.

    If you’re a fan of florals, take inspiration from their pretty petals when designing your own engagement ring. Use a larger central stone and encircle it with smaller stones to get the look. Using cushion or marquise cut stones on the outer ring will fit the theme even better.

    Here are some fantastic flower-themed rings to inspire you:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Love from Jewels (@love.from.jewels)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Gemstones.Jewelry (@tatiana.albrecht)

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by CustomMade (@custommadejewelry)

    Picture:  Pinterest

    by
    Continue Reading
    Paris Hilton plans intimate wedding celebration to Carter Reum
    In Celebs

    Paris Hilton plans intimate wedding celebration to Carter Reum

    No Comments

    Ever the drama queen, people may be surprised to hear that Paris Hilton is taking a more demure approach to her future wedding day.

    While she has always dreamed of a “fairytale” wedding, Paris says she is perfectly fine with a more intimate celebration in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

    “When I was a little girl, I had dreams of this big fairytale wedding. But with the pandemic, it’s a new world,” she told OK! magazine. “Instead, it’s maybe going to be more intimate – and with my family. It’s a day I’ve been dreaming about my whole life and now I’ve found my Prince Charming, I just can’t wait.”

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Paris Hilton (@parishilton)

    Hilton and Reum, a businessman and family friend, have been dating since November 2019. They have known each other for 15 years, and have been together for over a year.

    “I’ve known him for 15 years. Then [Reum’s sister Halle Hammond] invited us to Thanksgiving and we just had this incredible chemistry. We had our first date and haven’t spent a night apart since. It’s pretty amazing,” she told People Magazine.

    “After my last breakup, I thought I was going to be alone forever,” she says. “I was like, I give up. I’ll just focus on myself. I don’t need anyone. So to have actually fallen in love, I just feel so grateful.”

    In a post on their one-year anniversary, Paris wrote: “I love that we celebrate our love every month! I can’t believe it’s only been a year. It feels like I’ve been with you a lifetime! Love you forever my twin flame, my best friend, my other half, my partner for life. And I can’t wait for our future and a lifetime of love and adventures.”

    Hilton was previously engaged to model Jason Shaw and Greek shipping heir Paris Latsis in the 2000s, and called off her engagement to actor Chris Zylka in 2018.

    Picture: Instagram / Paris Hilton

    by
    Continue Reading
    15 unique engagement ring stones that aren't diamonds
    In Advice

    15 unique engagement ring stones that aren’t diamonds

    No Comments

    When you think ‘engagement ring’, your mind automatically turns to diamonds. But the truth is, diamonds aren’t every girl’s best friend, despite what TV ads may have taught you.

    If you and your partner are shopping for your engagement ring together or they’ve asked you what you like, consider one of these stones instead – from the colour to the texture, you’ll find one that captures your personality to a tee.

    Tanzanite

    Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite and varies in hues from blue, to violet, or purple. These incredible blue stones are one thousand times more valuable than diamonds. Why, you ask? Discovered in Tanzania, it’s estimated that there’s only a 30-year supply left in the world.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Sach’a peru jewelry (@sachaperu)

    Morganite

    Morganite is a semi-precious stone in the beryl family, making it related to emerald and aquamarine. While it is typically light peach in colour, it can range in shades from orange to pink. Besides being unique, morganite is also way more affordable than diamond, making it a great choice for an engagement ring.

    Pearls

    Nothing beats the classic look of pearls and in an engagement ring, it becomes a timeless memento of your love. The only problem? Pearls are quite soft and easily become scratched or tarnished. This can be countered somewhat by using smaller pearls in your setting surrounded by harder stones to protect it.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by L O R E A N (@loreanjewellery)

    Opal

    Another classic stone, opals come in black, white and crystal. Their most striking feature is the ability to reflect the rainbow depending on how they are held up in the light. This, coupled with the fact that each opal is unique, makes for a very special ring.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Do Amore Rings (@doamore)

    Emerald

    Dubbed the “Stone of Successful Love,” emeralds are particularly symbolic for romance. The stone is said to open and nurture the heart and embody unity, compassion and unconditional love. The distinct deep green colour gives it a sense of timeless luxury while an ornate setting can give it a vintage feel to stand out in a sea of modern designs.

    Ruby

    Not only are rubies gorgeous, but they’re sturdy too. As one of the four precious stones (the others are diamonds, emeralds and sapphires), it comes with quite a price tag. Some of the finest rubies will cost more than a diamond.

    Garnet

    Garnets are often a rich pink-red colour similar to that of rubies. However, you can also find these gems in different hues. They are softer and less expensive than rubies, and also work well when paired with other stones. In Greek mythology, the pomegranate was a gift given as a symbol of love and eternity. Hades gifted his love Persephone with a pomegranate before she left to ensure she returned home fast and safe.

    Amethyst

    Amethyst is an ancient semi-precious gemstone and a purple variety of quartz. The stone ranges in purple-tinged shades, from deep violet to lavender. Amethyst is slightly softer than diamonds but they’re still very durable so you know your ring will last a lifetime.

    Onyx

    Onyx is a semi-precious gemstone, a sub-variety of the microcrystalline quartz called chalcedony. This gemstone is typically black with white lines, although can sometimes also be green or reddish-brown. The stone is perfect for fans of the art deco or Victorian style as that’s when it was most popular.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by The Moonstoned LLC (@themoonstoned)

    Sapphire

    We all know that sapphires are blue but did you know you can get them in peach, pink, yellow, green and white too? That means if sapphires are your birthstone but you’re not a fan of blue, you can find a colour that matches your personality.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Gem Breakfast (@gembreakfast)

    Moissanite

    If the diamond look and feel is what you want, but you’re wary of using actual diamonds (conflict diamonds are still an issue) then moissanite is the stone for you. They are not as expensive as diamonds and are almost as hard.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Lindy (@penellibelle)

    Lapis lazuli

    This semi-precious stone is simply gorgeous! A deep matte-blue stone with gold flecks, they make for striking jewellery. It’s best set in gold and may need replacing every few years.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by @veiljewels

    Topaz

    Topaz is one of the stones where imperfections are welcome. While pure Topaz has no colour, you can find this stone in hues of blue, orange, red, green and pink. The imperfections on each stone also create beautiful settings.

    Moon- and sunstones

    Moonstone is a white cloudy gemstone that looks as if it is emitting light. This incredible optical phenomenon makes the stone quite popular and will make for a mesmerising ring. Its counterpart is the lesser-known sunstone, which is more peachy in colour and makes for wonderful cluster combinations.

     Rose quartz

    As the name suggests, this stone is available in different shades of pink, ranging from pale to deep rose. It can be transparent or opaque, so all you have to do is choose the colour and clarity that works for you.

    Picture: Unsplash

    by
    Continue Reading
    The perfect pick: Platinum wedding bands
    In Advice

    The perfect pick: Platinum wedding bands

    No Comments

    Platinum is one of the most popular metals for fine jewellery, and it’s easy to see why. It is sturdy and lustrous, and complements many skin tones. This precious silvery-white metal is becoming increasingly popular among modern couples for engagement rings and wedding bands.

    We have jewellery designer Louis Cartier to thank for the rise in this metal for fine jewellery . Toward the end of the 19th century, Cartier innovated the use of platinum and it soon became popular among Frnech royalty before becoming widely available in the 20th century.

    Deciding on the metal for your engagement ring comes down to more than just its appearance. You also need to consider maintenance,  your lifestyle and its affordability. Here are some factors to consider before settling on platinum:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Yates & Co Jewelers (@yatesjewelers)

    It’s more expensive

    Due to its beautiful appearance and durability, platinum is on the higher price end. In fact, it’s one of the most expensive precious metals on the market. It is slightly more expensive than white gold.

    It’s low maintenance

    In comparison to the other metals, platinum is very low-maintenance. Although it is more expensive, in the end, is a better investment than going with a white gold ring as white gold will need to be re-plated to maintain its colour since it has been alloyed with other materials to achieve its white appearance.

    It’s hypoallergenic

    Platinum is hypoallergenic, meaning those with a nickel allergy can comfortably wear it. It is also corrosion resistant and does not tarnish, making it much more long-lasting than other rings.

    Picture: Pexels

    by
    Continue Reading