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Engagements

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Having your engagement ring engraved is a beautiful way to to show your love. It allows you to carry a special hidden meaning with you wherever you go, and also makes your ring more identifiable if it goes missing.

This is a timeless practice, one that has been loved since medieval times. Back in the day, people had their prized jewellery possessions engraved with religious quotes and messages of devotion.

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Engraving is a relatively affordable option, but the price depends on what exactly you want engraved and the font. Machine engravings are cheaper, hand engravings will cost much more. Most rings can accommodate between 15-30 characters, so you can’t write novels. No more than five words is ideal.

The best time to have it engraved is when you order the ring. However, you have lots of time to decide exactly what you want it to say as engravings happen at the end of the manufacturing process. Importantly, not all jewellers perform engravings so make sure to ask for a referral if they cannot.

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It is a fast process, and can be done in a day. There are three ways to do it. The first, machine engraving uses a template to trace out letters and symbols using a corresponding sharp tool. This option limits your font choice, but pretty much guarantees a neat finish.

Hand engraving is the most costly option, and is also the most imperfect. However, it does allow you freedom to choose whichever font you want. It is also a deeper engraving, meaning it lasts longer and creates a unique visual finish.

With laser engraving, jewellers use a pencil-sized laser beam to inscribe your special message onto the ring. The strength of the laser differs depending on the type of metal. This option allows for longer messages.

The most important thing here, and we cannot stress this enough, is to double, triple and quadruple check your spelling before handing your words over to the jeweller! Make sure to double-check it again once you receive the finished product.

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Feature image: Pexels

Newly-engaged songstress Demi Lovato is already planning her big day. The 28-year-old singer and former Disney star got engaged to actor Max Ehrich in July, and already knows what she won’t wear.

“I have my image for what I would want it to [look like] if I got to do a big celebration. I don’t wanna give it away but it’s definitely not a white dress,” Lovato told PopCrush.

Lovato admits to the outlet that she has already been looking at wedding dresses, although the COVID-19 pandemic has hampered plans. She is even considering eloping.

“On one hand, I would love to elope because my life is so public and I want to keep it sacred between me and him. On the other hand, I want my friends and family to be there for a celebration, but I can’t do that until the pandemic’s over ’cause it’s not safe,” she shared. “It’s like, do we do that [elope] in the meantime and do that [a big wedding ceremony] later? It’s all this planning.”

Lovato and Ehrich got engaged on July 22, a few months after they went public with their relationship. Ehrich popped the question while on the beach in Malibu, California.

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While they haven’t been together for that long, Lovato explains that quarantining together accelerated their relationship.

“We were able to share this time together that we wouldn’t have normally gotten to spend. And that accelerated our relationship on a level that you can’t really explain to people, but quarantine either makes or breaks the deal,” Lovato said on The Morning Mash Up on SiriusXM Hits 1. “And it really made that. So I’m really blessed, really fortunate and continuing to count my blessings every day.”

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Feature image: Instagram

Spring has officially begun in the Western Cape. All across the province, the floral kingdom is coming alive and bringing stunning scenery along with it.

This season is a beautiful time for weddings. Bridal parties should reflect the vibrant season and go bold with floral fabrics and fun hues.

Pinks, blues and greens are the perfect colours to complement this theme. Opting for mismatched bridesmaid dresses adds even more to the aesthetic, turning your beautiful bridesmaids into the flowers they are.

Here are some delightful dresses to inspire your own:

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Feature image: Pexels

Not all couples want to have a classic white wedding. Some prefer to show their true colours, and one of the options for music lovers is to have a punk-themed wedding to reflect their anarchist tastes.

Punk is defined by the DIY zeitgeist, and materials associated with this include denim, leather and tartan. Think brides in Doc martins, visible tattoos and piercings, brightly-coloured hair and grooms in leather jackets. There is also a laizé faire attitude with those who love the punk lifestyle, so don’t expect the reception to be a prim and proper event.

See below for some certified punk wedding inspiration:

All pictures: Pinterest

Another royal wedding is on the way. Prince Philippos of Greece has popped the question to longterm girlfriend Nina Nastassja Flohr.

The prince proposed during a summer vacation in the Greek island of Ithaca. Of course, she said yes.

“Their Majesties King Constantine and Queen Anne-Marie are delighted to announce the engagement of their youngest son HRH Prince Philippos to Nina Nastassja Flohr, daughter of Thomas Flohr and Katharina Flohr,” the monarchs office wrote in an official statement.

Flohr recently shared some sweet snaps from their engagement, writing: “My dearest Philippos. I love you today, I will love you tomorrow and forever. You make us happier, better and stronger. I cannot wait to spend the rest our lives together ”

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Greece abolished their monarchy in 1973 but royals still retain their titles. The prince works as a hedge fund analyst in New York City, and his future bride is a creative director for her father’s company VistaJet.

Their wedding may be a long time coming, considering the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Philippos’s older sister, Princess Theodora of Greece is also engaged and was meant to marry fiancé Matthew Kumar in May 2020 but had to postpone due to the pandemic.

They celebrated what would have been their wedding day with a small get together.

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We can’t wait to see this big fat Greek wedding!

Feature image: Instagram / Nina Flohr

A truly unique shape, the marquise engagement ring is for the bride that wants to stand out. It has a rich history and eye-catching design for the adventurous soul.

If you’re on the market for a rock to decorate your fingers, here is what you need to know.

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The marquise shape has a an interesting French historical background. According to Shimansky, the shape was created for Louis the XIV, a monarch who ruled as the King of France.

“Legend holds that Louis the XIV, also known as Louis the Great or the Sun King, wanted a diamond that would be as brilliant and in a shape that could match the smile of the Marquise of Pompadour. And that was how the Marquise shape diamond was born. Because of its shape, it is sometimes also known as “navette” (little boat),” they explain.

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The stone has 58 facets and a slender, elongated shape that is characterised by two sharp points on either end of it. It typically has a length to width ratio of 1.75 – 2.25 to 1, with the ideal ratio being 2 to 1.

Thanks to its long shape, this cut makes the diamond appear to be of greater weight and size than it actually is. It’s shape can also have the ‘bowtie’ effect, in which the diamond appears to take on the shape of a bow tie due to the absence of light reflection in the table of the diamond. This can easily be solved by adding more facets to the crown of the stone.

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Creating the perfect marquise shape diamond takes expert skill and technique because of its distinct shape. It has to be perfectly proportioned or else it won’t deliver the optimum amount of brilliance. When on the market, be sure to ensure the stone is symmetrical.

This stone is perfect for those wanting to grab attention. Like most other shapes, it elongates the fingers and its unique shape makes the stone appear much larger. Those with extroverted personalities will love this shape that offers an unrivalled charm.

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Feature image: Pinterest

It’s springtime! Everybody loves the turning of the season from icy cold temperatures to milder, sunny days. Nature agrees and gives us her prettiest, most colourful blossoms. Wildflowers are in bloom and trees sprout young new leaves.

If you’re having a spring wedding, your stationery should be fresh, vibrant and colourful. Take a look at these lovely invitation sets that we adore.

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Image: Pinterest

It seems former One Direction star Liam Payne is off the market! The singer has reportedly popped the question to girlfriend Maya Henry after two years of dating.

According to the Daily Mail, Payne proposed with a stunning diamond that cost him a whopping £3 million. The private couple is said to have gotten engaged during lockdown.

While neither of them have confirmed their engagement, the couples were spotted out for dinner in London on Thursday, August 27 and Henry’s dazzling rock was on full display.

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Payne and Henry met back in 2015 at a One Direction meet-and-greet fan event when Maya was only 15. Three years later, they were spotted together for the first time in August 2018 after the musician split from Cheryl Cole, with whom he shares a son.

In 2019, the couple went Instagram official just as Payne’s first single ‘Stack It Up’ was released.

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“Sometimes I don’t recognise this happy guy… sure glad you brought him back though. This has been the most amazing release week to date! Massive thank you to all my team for helping setting it all up and making it run smooth,” Payne wrote in an Instagram post.

“Then last but not least this one @maya_henry for always keeping the biggest smile on my face through all the stress and making me realise how perfect my life really is. Love you all let’s stack this sh** up.”

Speaking to MTV News, Payne said that he has had much heartbreak in his life but has finally found his match.

‘I’ve found someone who’s genuinely my best friend, she’s just so relaxed about everything and someone who’s completely got your back with everything is just the wildest thing.”

Feature image: Instagram / Maya Henry

Docu-series Indian Matchmaking, premiered on Netflix and immediately captured viewers attention. From picky participants to Auntie Sima, the matchmaker, the show is non-stop entertainment.

Although it was intended to be a look into the world of matchmaking in the India and among Indians in the diaspora, the show much like other reality series, had people in stitches and rooting for different characters.

Here are our best moments from the show.

1.When Aparna complains about everything 

No doubt cast as the villain of the show Aparna is really hard to please. There is almost nothing Aparna can’t complain about or find something wrong with. From “hating comedy” to her job, the list of what she hates is longer than what she likes (which pretty much only includes travel).

2. Auntie Sima’s stars in alignment 

One of the most meme’d moments of the series is when Auntie Sima says that her work is worthless unless the “stars are aligned”, oh how we wish we could all use that excuse when we fail.

3. Pradhyuman’s terrible small talk 

Pradhyuman is a constantly terrible date throughout the show. The spoilt rich boy is either saying cringe-worthy pick-up lines, being outright rude or carrying on terrible conversation. His peak has to be when he asked Rushali what kind of animals she liked, “Mammals, or like sea life?” absolutely ended audiences.

4. Everything Pandit Dilip Bhatt

This astronomers guidance for Auntie Sima is always hilarious. From talking about sex lives to a very uncomfortable Sima to saying “Lord Jupiter is now driving your bus”, Pandit Ji always came out with something a bit crazy. Often though, he was pretty spot on about these daters.

5. Aparna’s Goat date 

Aparna hates everything and she surprisingly didn’t hate this. Calling it “relaxing” her face told a different story as she squirmed with the little goat sitting on her mat. While this bizarre take on yoga is an acquired taste, we were not shocked that Aparna couldn’t handle it.

7. Aunti Sima not knowing what dogs are 

This was ridiculous. When walking around Aparna’s house, Auntie Sima sees two paintings of what are clearly dogs on her wall. Without missing a beat she says “You have put these pictures of these kittens.” The internet went mad for this, and Aparna nicely corrected her.

8. Ashkay’s stressful mother 

Oh where to start with Ashkay’s mother. The man was already looking for someone exactly like her and this hectic mom was totally in agreement. From wanting the girl to be “flexible” to needing her son and this woman to get married so his older brother can have children, Preeti’s demands were pretty high.

Image: Netflix

What makes a wedding all the more special is having the perfect drink to cheers with. When it comes to drinks, nothing goes down better than a classic G&T. If you agree; here are a few ways to make a standout gin bar at your wedding.

Choose your vibe

A lot of a gin bar is the vibe. Decide whether you’re going for a classic high tea look, mid-century modern touch or bohemian and base your gin choices around that.

With your concept in mind choose your setup, whether that be a gin tent, truck, stand or picnic area. While its a gin bar, its also a statement and a decorative piece of your big day so don’t be afraid to add a little something extra to your look.

The look and feel of your gin bar speaks to your personal style and can be customised to the last detail.

 

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We love our recently acquired G & T letters. Thank you @holt_antiques_interiors_centre perfectly finished off this little set up along with some vintage coloured glass and of course a lovely bottle of Norfolk Gin! Norfolk gin and tonic perfect for a warm summer evening?? #sustainablebusiness #sustainableweddings #proudlynorfolk #supportnorfolkbusinesses #tipiweddings #woodlandweddingvenue #rusticweddingdecor #rusticweddings #norfolkweddingsuppliers #norfolkweddingvenues #ecoweddings #weddingsuppliers #rusticbride #norfolkbridetobe #ecoweddinginspiration #rusticweddinginspiration #rusticweddingideas #rusticweddingstyling #prophire #bridetobe2021 #ecoweddingplanner #outsidewedding #tipiweddings #rusticweddingdecor #rusticweddings #norfolkweddingsuppliers #ecoweddings #weddingsuppliers #rusticbride #ecoweddinginspiration #norfolkbridetobe #prophire #bridetobe2021 #ecoweddingplanner #vintageglassware #weddingginbar

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We had a ball taking part in a styled wedding shoot at @horstedpondfarm back in July. Planning your big day and looking for some inspo? Check out the images and super talented supplier list below ??✨?? Concept, Coordination, Styling & Bell Tents: @beneaththecanopy Venue: @horstedpondfarm Photography: @kirstymackenziephotography Tipis and furnishings: @lovetipisofficial Flags: @eventflaghire Bunting: @bohotemple Prop hire, tassel & glitter walls, styling and accessories: @tohaveandtohire_weddings Stationery & map: @paperbearlane Jackets, home accessories, throws and cushions: @sarahbaily Wedding dress: @pantilesbride Headpieces, bouquet and button holes: @f.o.l.k.y.d.o.k.e.y Make-up advisor and hair: @lucymeyermakeupartist_ Blooms: @ferncottagefloristry Models: @meeraroses @benjamins_craft Wedding bands: @benjamins_craft Celebrants: @kateandkatecelebrants Jewellery: @jackandfredas Grazing table and platters: @grazingsocial Cakes and smores: @coppice_cakes Doughnuts: @marblekitchenuk Lollipops: @emilys_lollies Pizza Truck: @tinroofkitchen Cider: @nightingalecider Trousers and Top for evening shots: @lucymeyermakeupartist_

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Gins & cocktails

When it comes to choosing the gins, you have to decide whether you are going for the classic G&T offering or whether you’ll serve up specially made cocktails for the day. A large portion of this decision depends on whether you’re outsourcing help for your bar or simply arranging it yourself with a bartender or two to help.

Customised cocktails are a nice touch that can tie into you and your partner’s history but they are extra effort due to additional ingredients needed.

If you’re a purist and like your gin with a classic tonic or soda then opting for G&Ts is perfect for you.

Gin choices are up to taste, more classic unflavoured option will suit a purist palate while more flavoured and coloured gins work well for cocktails. Opting for a few pricey and some more budget options can help ease the pressure on your pocket too.

Local gins are lovely and fall into a price bracket that is easier to budget for.

 

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I’m off to a gin and canape tasting today at @12apostleshotel , which has me reflecting on this incredible gin bar from Rach and Matt’s beautiful wedding! See more of their gorgeous details on the blog! (link in profile) P.S. How stunning is their delft style patterned tablecloth? . . . Photography by @andstory.co.za #loveandthemoonweddings #loveandthemoon #loveandthemoonblog #loveandthemooncouples #loveintentionally #makeadventure #diyginbar #loveauthentic #filmpalette #littlethingstheory #adventurealways #portraitcollective #chasinglight #makemoments #momentsovermountains #elopementcollective #agameoftones #exploretocreate #letsgosomewhere #ginandtonicstyle #firstsandlasts #weddingtrendilove #weddingtrends2018 #weddingbar #weddingginbar #chicginbar

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Garnish, garnish, garnish

Opinions vary on how much garnish a gin drink should have, but whether you prefer your drink with a good splash of agriculture or a simple prig of thyme; garnish makes a drink.

If you are looking for a way to save on your gin bar, an easy option is growing your own garnish well in advance. Thyme, rosemary, citrus and cucumber, among others, not only make for the perfect garnish options but are also easy to grow with enough foresight.

Match your garnish to your taste, cocktail preference and availability.

 

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Is it gin o’clock yet? #bluecoatgin #gincocktails #ginbar #getintouch #weddingginbar ✨✨

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Don’t forget the extras

From ice, to bar tools, bartenders and a fridge to keep things cool; the things you don’t think about first can come back to bite you.

In the end a good gin bar is all about ginspiration, a love for gin and planning. If you put enough time into ensure every box is ticked and all your extra necessities are covered your bar will be a hit and you can have your gin and drink it too.

Picture: Instagram