Engagements Archives | Page 28 of 47

In Announcements

A heartwarming Love is Blind-inspired proposal

March 25, 2020 No Comments

With many of us practicing self-isolation at home, we’ve got lots of time on our hands to bingewatch a show or two (or 10!) One of thees binge-worthy shows has inspired a proposal.

Greg Teatom proposed to girlfriend Jillian Barnett in a unique manner inspired by hit Netflix show Love is Blind.

While practicing social distancing, Greg and Jillian stayed home and watched the popular tv show. Greg then suggested they reenact the show by pretending to be on a blind date of their own.

With Jillian isolated in another room, Greg prepped to pop the big question. After some small talk, as the couples on the show have, Greg asked Jillian, “What if I told you that you’re the love of my life, and I wouldn’t want to spend it with anyone else?” he asked. “What would you say to that?”

As Jillian exits the separate room, she is shocked to discover Greg down on one knee. Of course, she said yes!

Jillian shared the sweet moment to her Instagram page, writing, “After a few days of being stuck in the house & watching too many episodes of @loveisblindnetflix Greg said “let’s pretend we are in the pods on a blind date!” Little did I know he was on the other side preparing to propose! Safe to say I was in complete shock! I love you so much my love! I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life with you! – Even if we are never allowed to leave the house again! ???? #loveisblind #loveinthetimeofcorona @greg_teatom”

Watch the proposal here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B99q6cVnwE9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Congrats to the happy couple!

Feature image: Instagram / Jillian Barnett

In Announcements

Pro golfer Christiaan Bezuidenhout pops the question

March 23, 2020 No Comments

Despite living through a pandemic, love will always triumph. South African golfer Christiaan Bezuidenhout decided to go down on one knee this past week to prove exactly that.

The professional golfer popped the question to girlfriend, Kristen Hart at the Delaire Graff Estate outside Stellenbosch on Thursday, March 19.

Taking to Instagram, the golfer shared the exciting news, captioning the image “Best decision I’ve ever made. Looking forward to a lifetime with you!???”

Hart also shared a series of images from the special day, writing “Wow! Blessed to be able to spend the rest of my life with you @chrisbez07 ?
I Love you so much❤️”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B98gHuklelj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Congrats to the happy couple!

Feature image: Instagram / Chrisbez07

In Advice

Date ideas to keep romance alive during self-quarantine

March 19, 2020 No Comments

As the outbreak of coronavirus gets more and more serious, governments across the world have urged people to practice social distancing. We all know by now that with social distancing comes a lot, if not all, evenings spent indoors.

This has affected date nights everywhere. Oh, the horror! No more movie theatres, bars, restaurants, or any activity that causes a large amount of people to gather in one place at one time.

We’re sure there are a few rebellious souls out there, risking infection for an evening on the town. However, for those of us who prefer living life far away from the edge, safely in quarantine, date nights don’t have to be boring either.

Here are some quarantine date ideas:

– Netflix (with or without the chill)

This one works for those of you who are fully committing to self-isolation. You don’t even have to be in the same room. All you need is two separate Netflix accounts.

Add the Chrome extension called “Netflix Party” to your browser. Click on your date night movie, then click on the extension icon that should have appeared on your browser tab. You’ll see a chat bar appear on the side of the screen. Send a link, which is provided by the extension, to your date. There you have it – Netflix date night from separate houses!

– Cook together

There’s nothing more romantic than cooking together. Get your hands dirty in the kitchen with a recipe you’ve never tried before or better yet, have a cooking competition! Limit yourselves to only what’s in the cupboards presently (since we’re limiting our trips to stores anyway) and cook a dish each. After, you can have a tasting and decide that in the end you’re both winners since you have the prize of each others’ company.

– Couples at home spa

Head to Pinterest for some great DIY face masks, hair treatments and the like. Spend the evening pampering yourselves and relaxing as you take advantage of the extra down time quarantine has provided.

– Picnic

Who says you need a park for a picnic? If you have a garden or a yard, lay a blanket out and get picnicking! Alternatively, for those without a grass patch at their disposal, have a picnic on the floor in your home. All you really need is the right energy. Light some candles, lay out a snack-spread, play some music and you’re good to go.

– Games night

There are plenty of two person games out there. Card games, board games, jenga, don’t limit yourself. Unleash your playful side with those games that have been gathering dust in your closet.

– Make plans

For the extrovert out there who can’t wait for the self-isolation to end, spend an evening making a bucket list. Plan all the things you want to do together as soon as the quarantine ends…and commit to doing them! No bailing out once the time comes.

Don’t forget, being in quarantine doesn’t mean you get to skip your shower! Happy date night!

Featue image: Unsplash

In Engagements

Co-ed Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties: Pros and cons

March 17, 2020 No Comments

Bachelor and bachelorette parties began way back when. At their inception, they were about “the last hurrah”. In those times, after a couple was married they would barely see their friends anymore – no more poker nights or girl’s nights out.

Considering the reason why these parties were started, a wild night out with your best friends makes sense. These days, the traditional “final night of freedom” is not necessary. Couples are free to mingle with whomever they please after their nuptials.

For this reason, co-ed (or jack and jill) bachelor/bachelorette parties are becoming more and more popular. This is perfect for the bride and groom who don’t want to be separated the night before their big day! Some may still prefer the traditional style of these parties however, and that’s okay too.

Here are some pros and cons of a joint event:

Pro’s

– Saving money

You’ll save money in almost every area of planning including travel, food, accommodation (if its relevant), decorations and more. Package deals and block bookings will extensively lower your costs, as will splitting the bill!

– You’re there for each others fun

You’re getting married to each other, so we’re taking a wild guess here and assuming you love spending time together. With a joint party, you get to have fun together. That’s probably the best part.

– Everyone gets to know each other

All your friends will get comfortable with each other, for all the upcoming dinners and games nights you’ll be hosting as a married couple. The groomsmen and bridesmaids will also get to mingle before the wedding, which means they’ll be much more comfortable on the day.

Con’s

– Some guests may be disappointed

Some of your friends may be expecting a traditional affair. For this reason, they may be a bit disappointed when they see that it’s a mixed occasion. Be sure to indicate on the invitation that the event is co-ed, and be as clear about it as you can.

– You’ll have less time with your friends

While you will get some extra time with your special person before the big day, you’ll be sacrificing some quality time with your besties. Make sure you’re willing to give this up before you decide to go for a co-ed party.

– Plans will have to be good for both groups

This one is difficult. You and your partner may be into the same things, but that doesn’t mean you do the same activities with your friends. Finding an activity that will suit everyone may pose a bit of a challenge, but it’s definitely doable.

Image: Unsplash

In Engagements

How to tell if your diamond is real

March 17, 2020 No Comments

Buying a diamond is a huge decision. It can get very expensive and for that reason you want it to last a lifetime. It’s best, then, to ensure you’re buying a real diamond before you make the purchase.

If you’ve already bought it, and are having some doubts about its authenticity, worry not because there are some way you can determine this.

Don’t get caught out by diamond replacements such as cubic zirconia or moissanite, and ensure you don’t have a fake on your hands using these tests:

– The water test

A diamond has high density, so it shouldn’t float in water. All you need to do is fill a glass with water and drop the diamond in. If it floats, it’s fake.

– The fire test

Use a lighter to heat the gem for no less than 30 seconds, then drop it into ice-cold water. If the stone remains unharmed then it’s real and if not then it’s fake. Weaker materials cannot handle the rate of expansion and contraction that’s provided through this test. A diamond, however, will withstand it.

– The fog test

This one is quick and easy. Hold the diamond close to your mouth and try to fog it up. If it stays fogged for more than 4 seconds, it’s likely that it’s fake. This is because diamonds disperse heat easily, which means it’s quite difficult to fog up.

For this test to work, your stone has to be completely clean with no oils covering it.

– Black light test

Of course you’ll need a black light for this test. Turn off the lights, shut the curtains and hold the stone in front of the black light. Most diamonds will reveal blue fluorescence. If you see slight green, yellow, or grey, your diamond is fake. It’s important to remember that for this test, that not all diamonds will reveal blue fluorescence.

– Imperfections test

Look at your gem through a magnifying glass. If you don’t find imperfections, you have a fake on your hands. A real diamond will have imperfections, referred to as inclusions.

– The dot test

Draw a small dot on a white piece of paper and put the stone onto the dot, with the flat side down. Looking through the pointed side of the diamond, try to see the dot. If you see a circular reflection, the diamond is fake.

Diamonds have strong refractive qualities. Therefore, light bounces around in all directions instead of in a straight line. Because of this, you won’t be able to see the dot through a real diamond.

It’s important to remember that these tests are not 100% conclusive. If you’re still unsure by the end of these tests, then the best option is to head over to a diamond expert who will have the necessary equipment to investigate.

Image: Unsplash

In Engagements

Mutual proposals, equally romantic and less stressful

March 17, 2020 No Comments

A surprise proposal, a public proposal, a quiet and intimate proposal. All considered extremely romantic. But, you almost never see people talking about mutual proposals while gushing about how romantic it is. We’re here to tell you they can be just as great.

A mutual proposal is exactly what it’s name suggests. Both people propose to each other. Getting engaged is a choice; a choice made by both parties involved. So why not have both parties be involved in the proposal too!

Take Love is Blind couple Giannina and Damian for example. While Damian was unaware the proposal would be mutual, he was tearful with joy as Giannina proposed in return. This is one of the best pro’s of a mutual proposal – both parties get to feel adored, special, loved and wanted. What could be more romantic than that?

https://www.instagram.com/p/B9m67Qtjtgg/

Another reason couples are choosing to go the mutual proposal route is because of the greater meaning of equality. More and more, people are shedding the expectations that come with being a certain gender.

“Couples we’re seeing who are doing mutual proposals really want to be equal partners in every way, and don’t subscribe to heteronormative, socially prescribed gender roles,” said Kirsten Palladino, editor of Equally Wed magazine, to the Guardian.

On top of all of this, proposing can be a huge source of anxiety! You want it go be perfect, so you put extreme pressure on yourself to ensure everything run’s smoothly. If both parties are in on the proposal, this stress is significantly decreased. This means the proposal will be much more enjoyable.

While a mutual proposal may seem as though it takes some romance out of the equation, we beg to differ. It actually prolongs the proposal period, which means more romance. Everything that one partner usually does alone, can be done side-by-side. Choosing a ring, planning the day, making dinner reservations, you name it.

If you really want to surprise your partner, but still want a mutual proposal there’s a way around it! Each partner can take one half of the day to carry out their proposal plans. This way the plans are a surprise, but the proposal remains mutual.

If you’re not yet convinced about how great they can be, check out these real life mutual proposals. They’ll definitely change your mind:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8pR4eyFSV5/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8gadq2lO_z/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6W7Wushri8/

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8l0vkGgimp/

Image: Instagram / proposetoo

In Announcements

Woman shares engagement news through care facility window

March 17, 2020 No Comments

With the coronavirus sweeping through almost every nation, strict restrictions are in place to keep those who are most vulnerable safe. The elderly are one of the most at risk groups. This Lake Waccamaw woman made the best of a difficult situation, and managed to give her grandfather some good news despite visitor restrictions at his care facility.

The recently engaged Carly Boyd desperately wanted to share her good news with her grandfather. Since visitors are not allowed at the care facility where he resides, she had to find her way around the restrictions. The result, caught on camera by the facility’s administrator, Gennie Parnell, was truly heartwarming.

Boyd stood at her grandfather’s window and showed off her engagement ring. She and her grandfather then touched hands against the glass of the window.

Credit: Premier Living and Rebab Center Info Page

“Even though visitation is restricted at this time, staff suggested an alternative,” said Premier Living & Rehab Center (the facility where Boyd’s grandfather resides) in a Facebook post.

“Emotional and memorable, for sure!! Thank you for allowing us to capture this special moment!!,” they added.

The bride-to-be is a student at Southeastern Community College, she is in pursuit of a qualification to become a Registered Nurse. Trevor Sellers, her fiance, is a contractor with the Department of Transportation. Hopefully this happy couple will have a chance to properly celebrate with Boyd’s grandfather soon!

In the meantime, however, the Community Activity Coordinator at the facility, April Bass, says that they are working hard to make sure residents still have contact with relatives.

Congrats to the happy couple, and the proud grandfather!

Image: Facebook / Primier Living & Rehab Center Info Page

In Engagements

Now trending: Engagement-moons

March 16, 2020 No Comments

The engagement-moon is a new trend worth participating in, and we have Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to thank for it. This trend is ensuring couples are stress-free throughout their wedding planning process, while allowing them to celebrate their recent engagements at the same time!

We know millennials love to jump on board with any trend that comes their way, but this one – with more than 16 000 hashtags on instagram – is really taking off.

Essentially, it’s a pre-wedding, post-“yes i’ll marry you” honeymoon. As if you needed a reason to take a vacation, right?

The time away will give you an opportunity to celebrate, and will allow you to take a step away from the stress of wedding planning. You’ll also get some quality time together to discuss things about the wedding without the opinions of anyone outside of the relationship!

It seems that most couples take the engagement-moon just before they start their wedding planning. However, it could be a good idea to plan for the getaway to be halfway between the time you said yes and the date of your wedding. This is perfect for a mid-planning breather.

Megan Velz of DestinationWeddings.com told Brides that the marriage is about the couple so they should go off on a pre-wedding getaway to “put a cherry on top of their love”.

“Couples love to celebrate their soon-to-be-nuptials, and while an engagement party is often the first thought, we’re seeing more couples jet off to celebrate the big moment with an engagement-moon,” says Velez.

“An engagement-moon allows the couple to decompress while enjoying some one-on-one time, and it keeps your budget in check by avoiding the costs of a lavish engagement party,” she added.

Relais & Châteaux (a resort in Quebec) has capitalized on this trend by hosting engagement-moon weekends. Julia Broulillard, the resort’s groups and events co-ordinator told Brides that they expect the trend to become as popular as baby-moons. “Couples often get inundated with all the details of planning their wedding, and many feel like the wedding day itself is a blur and goes by too quickly,” she said.

Image: Unsplash

In Announcements

Man proposes 10 000 feet in the air while skydiving

March 13, 2020 No Comments

Sky-diving from 10 000 feet in the air is a rush as it is, but this man decided to add another thrilling element by proposing!

When 26-year-old Blake Miller knew he wanted to propose to girlfriend Laura Wittmann, 26, skydiving seemed like the natural way to do it.

“We are both so passionate about skydiving. There was no other place that I wanted to propose than when we were on a jump together.” he told Metro UK.

He waited for the right time to pop the big question.

“I brought the ring with me every time we went to the skydiving center but it was never the right jump with the right conditions.”

Finally, the right time came, and close friend Josh Maxfield wore a camera on his helmet to film the proposal.

“He had the camera secretly filming as we were going up to altitude. I was extremely nervous. I was worried Laura would get emotional and make the jump a little harder. I made sure I proposed halfway up so we had enough time to settle down and focus on the jump.”

Wittman was surprised by the proposal, but of course said yes.

“I hadn’t expected it at all,” she said. “It was a normal jump with our friends. Blake was moving around in the plane and I was getting annoyed with him because you are not supposed to do that. When he turned around, I was kind of mad at him but then he proposed and it was really awesome.”

“I was just worried about the ring,” she explained. “I put it on my finger and closed my fist during the jump.”

Watch the video of their engagement here:

The pair plan to tie the knot in a hot air balloon before skydiving out of the balloon as husband and wife.

Congrats to the happy couple!

Image: screenshot from video

In Announcements

A-Rod and J.Lo celebrate 1-year engagement anniversary

March 11, 2020 No Comments

One year ago, Hollywood’s favourite couple Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez got engaged in the Bahamas. Now, Rodriguez is making a tribute to his future bride to honour their one-year engagement.

Taking to social media, Rodriguez shared a highlight reel showcasing the best moments from their relationship, including the moment he went down on one knee to pop the big question.

“One year ago on a beach in the Bahamas…. I was a nervous wreck, more nervous than my entire playing career, I got down on one knee and asked you a question… you said yes ❤️ ” the former pro baseball player wrote on Instagram. “Jennifer, every moment with you is a blessing. You are my best friend, my inspiration, an amazing mother, and a role model to all. Macha, I am so lucky to be with you. Thank you for making my life better. I can’t wait to make more memories with you. . I love you. #HappyAnniversary ❤️”

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B9ia8bMHTLA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The couple plan to marry sometime this year. In a Youtube video, Lopez has spoken about her desire to have a big, traditional church wedding. Considering they share a blended family, the couple plan on involving their four kids in their big day. Lopez’s son Max will reportedly walk her down the aisle.

However, the couple are in no rush to tie the knot. Speaking to Oprah earlier this month, Lopez said, “It’s so funny because when we first got engaged, I was like, ‘Oh, we’re going to get married in a couple of months,’ ” she told Winfrey. “Like your old thinking comes right back, like all that hopeless romantic that made me get married three times.”

“I said, ‘If we’re going to be together for the rest of our lives, what is the rush?’ If that’s what we’re really going to do, if we’re really going to be partners, if we’re really going to try to build something together that we both never had or never felt like we had, which is a family with a husband and a wife, and a mother and father, and we embrace all our children. We show them it’s something that we didn’t have,” she said.

Feature image: Instagram / Arod