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    Pretty in purple bridesmaid dresses
    In Advice

    Pretty in purple bridesmaid dresses

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    Lavender, mauve, violet and periwinkle are just a few popular shades in the ever-flattering purple family. This colour is soft yet rich, a stunning look for your bridesmaids.

    Picking the right shade is crucial, as you want one that complements your wedding colours and tone, as well as your bridesmaids skintones. Lilac and lavender are light and airy, perfect for spring weddings. Plums and mulberry, on the other end, are deep and make a bold statement.

    You could also throw uniformity out of the window and opt for various shades, to have your bridal party looking like a purple rainbow.

    Here are some purple bridal parties to inspire your own:

     

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    Outdoor proposal ideas for nature-lovers
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    Outdoor proposal ideas for nature-lovers

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    Going down on one knee to propose is a special moment, one you’ll (hopefully) want to remember for a lifetime. Finding the perfect spot is the first step to making your dream proposal come true.

    For couples who love spending their time in nature, what better place to pop the big question than in the great outdoors? It offers free, stunning scenery and gives you many opportunities to have an organic proposal that you don’t have to spend too much time orchestrating.

    Here are some picturesque places to consider popping the question:

    On your favourite hiking trail

    If you and your partner love hiking, they shouldn’t be suspicious when you suggest a romantic sunset hike. Unbeknownst to them, pack a picnic basket and have a friend race to the end of the trail ahead of time to set up the spot. Drape some twinkling string lights along the path to light your way, and lay down a blanket and picnic to allow you to take in the sunset before proposing.

     

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    Go camping

    You and your love snuggled up under stars, what could be more romantic than that? Add an engagement into the mix and you’ve got the perfect evening. Be wise and choose a camping spot with a stunning view for the perfect backdrop. Head out on a warm evening with some comfy blankets and pillows and a delicious spread. Enjoy some stargazing before popping the big question.

     

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    Take to the seas

    If you and your partner are big fans of the ocean, a boat proposal seems like the perfect idea. Rent out a yacht or catamaran, either for just the two of you or your closest friends if you want an audience. You could even go smaller with a canoe or small speedboat, the options are endless. Bonus points if you go for a sunset cruise, as the warm rays of the setting sun will act as the perfect lighting for your proposal.

     

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    Head to your favourite vineyard

    Wine is always a good time. Take a trip down to your favourite winery, or spend the day vineyard-hopping on the Franschhoek wine tram. End the day by proposing at your top spot. Choosing a winery means the food and drink are already covered, which gives you less to stress about. You could even have a private wine tasting set up for a more intimate moment.

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    Gothic-inspired rings for the bride with an edge
    In Engagements

    Gothic-inspired rings for the bride with an edge

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    Is a conventional diamond too boring for you? If you enjoy the darker things in life, a gothic-inspired engagement ring may be perfect for you.

    You don’t have to go crazy to incorporate this theme. Swop out your normal diamond for a black or salt-and-pepper one, or opt for a black platinum band for a unique look. If you want to go even bolder, you could have skulls built into your ring to hold up your diamond.

    Here are some unique looks to inspire you:

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    Composite diamonds: The affordable engagement ring alternative
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    Composite diamonds: The affordable engagement ring alternative

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    A large diamond is stunning, but it is also costly. If you want the look without the price tag, why not consider composite diamonds?

    A composite diamond is made of of many small diamonds placed together to create the appearance of one large diamond. Thanks to its setting, they often offer the same glitz and glam of a large single stone at a much cheaper cost.

    Since they are made of an array of smaller stones, composite diamonds are much more affordable than one large diamond. You also do not have to be concerned with the four Cs when purchasing these diamonds, since they are quite small so lower grade stones will work perfectly. They also allow for much more intricate detail.

     

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    However, composite diamonds may become costly in time due to maintenance and repairs. If a stone dislodges and goes missing, it may be a struggle to find another one of the appropriate size to replace it. Replacing stones is even more difficult with an invisible setting, as they can only be replaced with notched diamonds, which are not kept in bulk at diamond wholesalers so they may need to be ordered externally.

    When shopping for a composite diamond ring, make sure to speak to your jeweller about possible future repair costs so that you know what to expect.

     

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    Engagement ring trends for 2021
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    Engagement ring trends for 2021

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    Not even a global pandemic can stop love. It’s engagement season at the minute, and if it seems like your social media pages are inundated with engagement announcements, you’re not alone.

    It’s a new year, and with it comes new trends in the wedding world. While classic styles will always reign supreme, those wanting to be a bit more unique and current should keep an eye on these trends.

    Trend 1: personal details

    2020 was a crazy year, one that truly highlighted the importance of family and love. We predict couples will want to emphasise their love by incorporating personal details into their engagement rings. There are so many ways you could do this, from using a family stone to having a secret message inscribed on the band.

    Trend 2: side stones

    It’s not all about the centre stone. Since Megan Markle debuted her engagement ring, people have been in love with the three-stone engagement ring. For 2021, jewellers have already had requests for a more paired down style featuring two petite stones to flank the centre stone.

    Trend 3: Pretty in pastel

    Coloured stones are always a popular choice for those wanting something different. While emerald is the most popular choice, jewellers predict pastel-hued diamonds and gemstones will be big in 2021. Pink and yellow diamonds are the more expensive option, but you could find great options with aquamarine, citrine or amethyst.

     

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    Trend 4: Tradition with a twist

    Classic styles like the round, oval and cushion cut are being given modern updates with unique metal choices and settings. For example, opting for a bezel setting is an unusual touch for a round ring, blending the old and the new.

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    Man goes down on one knee to propose after being told he may never walk again
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    Man goes down on one knee to propose after being told he may never walk again

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    Brandon Devonshire (25) from Rome, Pennsylvania was told me may never walk again. Defying all odds, he walked across a room and got down on one knee to propose to his partner, Crickett LeVance (25).

    In July of 2020, Devonshire suffered a terrible accident when he was crushed by a tree he had been cutting down, which ruptured his vertabrae and caused damage to his spinal cord.

    His spine is now stabilised by two rods and eight screws, but he was left paralysed. Months after the accident, he began to regain movement and has been working with physiotherapists.

    Throughout it all, girlfriend Crickett has been by his side supporting him. To thank her and show his love, he decided to propose.

    Devonshire popped the question on August 11, 2020 in the personal training gym at a hospital. He walked across the room using a walking frame, and medical staff were on hand to help him kneel on a padded cushion and rest his upper body against a chair so that he could comfortably propose.

    An unsuspecting Crickett enters the room and is shocked to see her partner kneeling with a ring box.

    Watch the sweet moment here:

     

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    Congratulations to the happy couple!

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    Man proposes while receiving COVID-19 vaccine from partner
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    Man proposes while receiving COVID-19 vaccine from partner

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    What began as a simple COVID-19 vaccination ended as a sweet marriage proposal for this healthcare couple.

    Robbie Vargas-Cortes (31) who works as a paramedic and EMS supervisor, was one of the first healthcare workers in Canton, South Dakota to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. His partner Eric Vanderlee, a registered nurse, was one of the vaccine administrators at Sanford Health.

    Vargas-Cortes then decided to use this opportunity to plan the perfect surprise proposal. During the appointment, Vargas-Cortes rolled up his sleeve to reveal his arm and receive the vaccine, but to Vanderlee’s surprise there was already tape on his arm.

    Initially, Vanderlee thought it was his partner’s way of jokingly showing him where the vaccine needle should go. Upon closer inspection, however, he realised that there was a ring taped to his partner’s arm.

    “It just kind of dawned on me and I was like, ‘absolutely, of course, yes.’ It was just an amazing moment after I figured it out,” Vanderlee told CNN.

    “Robby got his vaccine – and an enthusiastic yes from his now fiancé. Congratulations, Eric and Robby!” wrote Sanford Health in a Facebook post.

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    The Bachelorette's Tayshia Adams gives out her final rose
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    The Bachelorette’s Tayshia Adams gives out her final rose

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    After a whirlwind season unlike any we’ve ever seen before, The Bachelorette’s Tayshia Adams has given out her final rose and is engaged to contestant Zac Clark.

    The two-part finale of The Bachelorette was, unsurprisingly, dramatic from beginning to end. It saw contestant Brendan leave by choice during his Fantasy suite date, Tayshia send fan-favourite Ivan home and the return of Ben, who was eliminated during Hometowns week.

    Ultimately, Tayshia’s heart was clearly with frontrunner Zac. She sent Ben home during their final date because she knew she was going to pick Zac at the end.

    The pair then became engaged during the finale episode in a tear-jerker of a scene. Zac proposed with a 3.25 carat Neil Lane ring. Of course, Tayshia accepted and the pair rode of into the sunset in a makeshift taxi.

    “If you had told me in March that I’d be getting engaged at the end of the year, I would not have believed it for a second,” Adams told PEOPLE. “But I want to experience life with [Zac] by my side. He’s what I’ve always wanted.”

    As if the season was not dramatic enough being filmed at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in America, it was made even more complicated when the original lead decided to leave the show a few weeks into filming.

    Adams was the second Bachelorette to lead the season, after first pick Clare Crawley left the show with contestant Dale Moss two weeks into filming. The pair formed a fast connection from the minute filming began in June and became engaged during the show’s fourth episode, right before Adams came to replace Crawley as the lead. This is the first time in Bachelor history that a lead had to be replaced mid-season.

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    Maria Sharapova is engaged to Alexander Gilkes
    In Celebs

    Maria Sharapova is engaged to Alexander Gilkes

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    Retired tennis star Maria Sharapova has some exciting news. The former athlete recently announced her engagement to British businessman Alexander Gilkes, after two years of dating.

    Taking to social media, Sharapova gushed about falling in love with Gilkes at first sight.

    “I said yes from the first day we met❤️This was our little secret, wasn’t it ??@gilkesa,” Sharapova wrote on Instagram.

     

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    A post shared by Maria Sharapova (@mariasharapova)

    In his own post, Gilkes expressed how happy he is to be engaged to Sharapova.

    “Thank you for making me a very very happy boy and saying yes. I look forward to a lifetime of loving you, and learning from you @mariasharapova,” he wrote on Instagram.

     

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    A post shared by Alexander Gilkes (@gilkesa)

    Gilkes (41), is a close friend of Prince William. The pair met while studying together at Eton College and have remained friends ever since.

    Sharapova and Gilkes have had a relatively low-key relationship. They went public in October 2018 when they took a trip to the Cotswolds, but had been spotted together as early as March that year,

    This is the second engagement for both. Sharapova was previously engaged to former Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Sasha Vujacic before splitting in 2012. Gilkes was once married to designer Misha Nonoo, who is known for being the friendly matchmaker who set up Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. The pair divorced in 2016 after 13 years together.

    Picture: Instagram / Maria Sharapova

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    In Celebs

    Ariana Grande is engaged to Dalton Gomez

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    Pop sensation Ariana Grande is ending the year off on a high note. The singer recently announced she is engaged to luxury real estate agent Dalton Gomez.

    Taking to Instagram on Sunday December 20, Grande (27) shared a series of pictures of the pair cuddling up and in two of the images, her massive new sparkler can be seen.

    “forever n then some.”, she captured the sweet slideshow. 

    According to PEOPLE, the pair have been dating since January 2020. They have been quarantining together in Grande’s Los Angeles home since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and made their public debut as a couple in May in the music video for ‘Stuck with U’, Grande’s duet with Justin Bieber.

    Grande was famously previously engaged to SNL star Pete Davidson, but they ended their engagement in October 2018 following the death of Grande’s ex, rapper Mac Miller.

    Picture/s: Instagram / Ariana Grande

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