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    In Fashion

    Dresses we love: Detachable sleeves

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    Sometimes you want all the choices without all the fuss. Rest assured: You don’t necessarily have to buy two wedding dresses for an outfit change. Plus, the weather can often be unpredictable and you might just want that extra bit of warmth when you sit down, without having to sacrifice freedom on the dance floor.

    Detachable sleeves is a trend we can definitely get behind. There are so many ways to do it, you can go puffy or sleek, long or short. Here is some inspiration to get you going in the right direction.

     




     

    Image: almajbridal

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    How to: 3 Easy bridal looks with RED DOT Cosmetics
    In Accessories

    How to: 3 Easy bridal looks with RED DOT Cosmetics

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    Whether you’re a super low-maintenance gal or simply want to cut costs by doing your own bridal make-up on your wedding day, these three easy-to-create looks using RED DOT Cosmetics will ensure you don’t go barefaced.

    Watch the full video below then scroll down for the full list of products we’ve used. Bonus: Enter our competition to win a RED DOT Cosmetics product hamper worth R675 here.

    Makeup products used in the video above:

    Look 1

    Cosmetics Forever Eyeshadow in 11 Dark Brown
    Cosmetics Forever Eyeshadow in 10 Twisted Brown
    Cosmetics Forever Eyeshadow in 09 Nougat
    Cosmetics Forever Eyeshadow in 02 Beige
    Cosmetics Catchy Eyes Mascara
    Cosmetics Velvet Touch Lipstick in 009 Matt Sweetness

    Look 2

    Cosmetics Forever Eyeshadow in 10 Twisted Brown
    Cosmetics Forever Eyeshadow in 11 Dark Brown
    Cosmetics Forever Eyeshadow in 12 Dark Grey
    Cosmetics Forever Eyeshadow in 05 Grey
    Cosmetics Forever Eyeshadow in 06 Plum
    Cosmetics Catchy Eyes Mascara
    Cosmetics Velvet Touch Lipstick in 159 Boheme

    Look 3

    Cosmetics Forever Eyeshadow in 02 Beige
    Cosmetics Forever Eyeshadow in 11 Dark Brown
    Cosmetics Giant Pro Liner
    Cosmetics Catchy Eyes Mascara

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    In Advice

    How to take your love life to new highs

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    Much importance is placed on a healthy sex life within marriage and often times stress, health concerns and a variety of other factors can weigh on this balance and put your marriage and your happiness in flux. A new study, however, has uncovered the miracles of cannabis and its benefits for intimacy and pain relief.

    Many people are not aware but the human sexual organs have what is known as cannabinoid receptors which are able to effectively absorb and use cannabis to increase the aphrodisiac effect during intercourse.

    The cannabis plant has the ability to increase blood flow to tissues it is exposed to and through this heighten the level of sensitivity and improve an overall intimate experience exponentially.

    Researchers at the Saint Louis University in Missouri recently published their paper “The Relationship Between Marijuana Use Prior to Sex and Sexual Function in Women” in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.⁣ The study aimed to determine how much marijuana effected the sexual experience and in which domains.
    ⁣

    A survey of 133 sexually active women was conducted where women used marijuana before sex, 68% reported that sex was more pleasurable, 16% said it ruined their experience and 16% said they were undecided.

    Among those who reported enhanced sexual pleasure, 72% said it always did so, while 24% said it sometimes did. Almost 62% said it enhanced the quality of their orgasms and their libidos in general. ⁣
    ⁣
    Interestingly, 16% of these women also disclosed they purposefully use cannabis prior to sex specifically to relieve any potential pain associated with the act.⁣ This could be due to the plant’s CBD and THC compounds.
    ⁣
    ⁣CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid and is commonly used to alleviate the symptoms of many illnesses and allows patients to cope better with pain. Treating health conditions is only one of its benefits, as CBD can also be useful for overall wellness and can make a positive contribution to a good sex life.  

    THC on the other hand, is a crystalline compound that is the main psychoactive ingredient of cannabis. When THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is applied directly to any part of the body, it can enhance lubrication, ease discomfort and create a deep, tingly buzz right where you use it.

    Since this discovery, local markets are introducing intimate aids that are charged with the benefits of cannabis.

    KushKush intimacy oil.

    CBD and THC are useful for both men and women. In the case of men, they have the potential to assist with erectile dysfunction by helping to repair damaged tissue and increase blood flow to the area where applied. Erectile dysfunction is caused by the process of natural aging, which releases a toxin called dioxin. CBD helps to reverse this process by flushing the toxin from the body, promoting a better sex life and boosting natural energy. When applied topically to the skin, the blood vessels are dilated by the CBD and the THC, and this allows fresh oxygenated blood to flow more freely. This will typically increase the strength of your arousal and enhance the stimulation will feel.

    These, and other benefits that cannabis can bring to our sexual experiences, are highlighted by KushKush, which is a canna-centric community that focuses on educating and communicating about previously undefined topics – such as sex and intimacy – in relation to both CBD and THC usage. 

    To help its followers make informed choices and access a range of safe sexual intimacy products, KushKush carries a sensual CBD Intimacy Oil produced by Kiskanu, which promotes healthy relationships by enhancing pleasure and physical comfort. Comprised of calendula, cold-pressed sunflower, coconut and jojoba oils – which are blended to improve lubrication – it also features sun-grown hemp CBD, which reduces inflammation, relaxes muscle spasms, increases blood flow and enhances sensation. This makes for an easier and more enjoyable exploration with your partner.

    The oil is available through www.kushkushonline.com.

    Pictures: KushKush

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    In Engagements

    Say ‘I do’ to tantalising Tanzanite

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    Those wanting to bring a little colour to their life are skipping the traditional diamond in favour of a unique stone to centre their engagement ring. With so many stones to choose from, one stands above the rest.

    Tanzanite is a variety of the mineral zoisite and varies in hues from blue, to violet, or purple. According to Shimansky, this gemstone is a ‘geological phenomenon’, making it 1000 times more valuable than a diamond.

    One of the world’s rarest gemstones comes from a 4km strip of land at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is estimated to have been created more than 550 million years ago when Mount Kilimanjaro was first formed. However, it was only discovered in 1967 by a prospector named Manuel d’Souza and a Maasai tribesman named Ali Juuyawatu whilst hunting for sapphire.

    Tanzanite has only ever been found in Tanzania.  The gem is believed to have been created in a unique process called regional metamorphism, in which tectonic plates collide with one another and the igneous rocks morph into one another through extreme pressure. These rocks reach near melting-point and result in beautiful crystal structures. As tectonic plates contain a variety of different minerals, the crystal structures will vary in appearance. This particular mix has never been discovered anywhere else in the world.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7kFYYAl4Mj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Scientists believe the chances of these conditions being replicated to produce another batch of tanzanite is about one in a million. Once the mines have been emptied, there will be no more tanzanite unless a new source is found.  It is predicted that within 10-15 years, gem-quality tanzanite stones will no longer exist. As such, as the years progress, this stone will continue to become more and more valuable.

    Tanzanite rose in popularity when Tiffany & Co. founder Louis Comfort Tiffany’s great grandson, Henry Platt, fell in love with the precious gem. Platt renamed the stone ‘tanzanite’ after its country of origin, and considered it to be the most important gemstone discovery in over 2 000 years. Tanzanite quickly became one of the most coveted gems in the world.

    Tanzanite is the official birthstone of December, and is considered to symbolise good luck and prosperity, typically associated with celebrations of new life and new beginnings. This stone is particularly meaningful for the Maasai, who believe the colour blue is sacred and spiritual. The Maasai even have a tradition in which they gift new mothers a tanzanite as an offering of health, positivity and prosperity for the child.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B71xe_ygmKH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Being extremely valuable and rare, tanzanite jewellery is in high demand. As such, they are considered investment pieces. Celebrities like Kate Middleton, Beyonce and and Cate Blanchett have all turned heads in this gorgeous gem.

    Feature image: Instagram / @patonsplacejewellers_

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    In Announcements

    A slam dunk public proposal

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    Talk about a slam dunk proposal! This groom wanted to combine his love for basketball and his partner with a creative public proposal, and we definitely think this engagement was on the ball.

    Eli Lunzer from New York knew that he wanted his proposal to girlfriend Yosefa Heber to be memorable.

    “I knew I had to go big,” Lunzer told The Jewish Week. “I wanted it to be epic and memorable and kind of crazy. I wanted it to be unexpected and I love the Knicks and the Garden.”

    He had reached out to Madison Square Garden to plan a proposal but his request was denied. Luckily for him he had a few good contacts who were able to made this dream a reality.

    He crafted a plan to have a staring contest between him and his girlfriend during the timeout in the second quarter of the Kicks game in front of 20 000 other basketball fans.  A few seconds into the staring contest, Lunzer reaches into his pocket and pulls out a ring box before going down on one knee to propose.

    “I was nervous as hell and I didn’t sleep [the previous] Friday night,” Lunzer said. “I knew she’d say ‘yes’ but didn’t know if she’d agree to the staring contest.”

    Luckily she did, and even cried tears of joy when Lunzer proposed. “Even though there were 20,000 people, it felt like it was just the two of us,” she said.

    Watch the video below:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7e72CelX5p/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Feature image: Instagram / Eli Lunzer

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    In Celebs

    Emma Stone and Dave McCary’s sweet proposal story

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    Emma Stone and Dave McCary are known for being quite a private couple. However, their proposal story has made its way through the grape vine and it is enough to make you swoon!

    The couple got engaged in December 2019, after being together for about two years. McCary announced the engagement on Instagram.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5q8jCvBv7O/

    Now, just about a month later, a source has told Life & Style Magazine the proposal had quite a lot of sentimental meaning behind it.

    The couple met on the set of Saturday Night Live (SNL), when Stone hosted the show in 2016. McCary took the actress “back to the hallway where they first locked eyes”, reports the exclusive source.

    “He had rose petals scattered all over the floor, dropped to one knee and asked Emma to marry him,” they add. “Of course, she said yes. Emma’s found her dream man, and now, she’s getting her dream wedding!”

    The source seems to know something about the upcoming wedding and its arrangements. We’re sure it will be filled with sentiment, just at the proposal was.

    Image: Instagram / emma_stone_6

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    In Accessories

    How to choose the right diamond for you

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    If you’re recently, or about to get engaged, and choosing your own ring, it’s important to know what to look for. Of course, not all engagement or wedding rings have diamonds. You can choose any stone, crystal or gem you want!

    If, however, if you’re leaning towards a girl’s best friend, we share some advice from experts on how to make sure your diamond is of good quality, suits your style and band, and is the best value for its price.

    The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has created a universally used system called the Four Cs of Diamond Quality. These categories are your go-to method for assessing your sparkly rock.

    Cut

    The shape of your diamond is a personal choice, and refers to the way a stone is hand- chiselled to reveal its proportions, symmetry and polish. In fact, the cut is the only way a jeweller can make a diamond unique and stand out. Cutting diamonds is a great skill, and the quality of the cut determines how the stone’s facets will interact with light and ultimately how much it sparkles. Choose a cut that catches your eye. Trends come and go, so don’t just go with the current most fashionable shape. Go for the one that shimmers its way into your heart.

    Here are the most common options:

    Credit: Shiny Rock Polished

     

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    A post shared by David Friedlander (@diamondsbylauren) on

    Clarity

    All diamonds bear ‘birthmarks’ – small imperfections inside the diamond, called inclusions. The number of these imperfections determine a diamond’s clarity and more flaws mean a less brilliant stone.

    The GIA’s 11 point diamond clarity scale ranges from flawless to heavily included. Stones that are flawless or very slightly included are virtually perfect to the naked eye. However, diamonds with inclusions can be just as radiant, beautiful and perfect for you.

    Here’s a spectrum on which you can find the clarity of your diamond:

    Credit: Shiny Rock Polished

    Colour

    Diamonds naturally occur in various different colours. However, in the traditional white diamond, white is highly sought after. The presence of other hues, especially yellow, lowers a white diamond’s value.

    The GIA grades white diamonds on a scale of D (colourless) to Z (darkest). All D-Z diamonds are considered white, even though they contain varying degrees of colour, while coloured diamonds are graded on a separate scale. Do bear in mind that the colour of the band can also influence the stone’s appearance. If you’re going for the ‘pure’ look, choose the whitest rock you can find (budget allowing). However, don’t shy away from yellow diamonds, as they posses a beauty of their own.

    Take a look at the scale for colour grading:

    Carat

    Most people think of carat as a stone’s size, but it actually refers to weight, with a metric carat equalling 0.2 grams. Diamonds are measured meticulously using 100 ‘points’. Very large stones are incredibly rare, as fewer than one in a million mined rough stones are large enough to produce a finished 1 carat diamond. As the weight of a stone increases, its value therefore increases exponentially, with a 3 carat stone potentially costing 9 times as much as a 1 carat equal stone.

    Take a look here:

    Credit: Shin Rock Polished

    When going ring shopping, bear in mind that no one factor can determine a diamond’s value and that more expensive isn’t necessarily more you.

    Source: Shiny Rock Polished

    Image: Instagram/Weddingplannermontreal

     

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    In Weddings

    Couple ditches wedding registry for donations

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    The Flamingo Project helps make things easier for women diagnosed with breast cancer and receiving treatment in the public health sector. The project was started by Dr Liana Roodt, and is run from Groote Schuur Hospital.

    Dr Firzana Araie is a regular anaesthetist for Project Flamingo and decided with her husband Phillip that they wanted to celebrate their union by having donations made in their name instead of creating a wedding registry. Through this, the couple raised R25 000 for Project Flamingo, which is enough to sponsor a full list of patients.

    “Thank you so much to the newly married couple of Dr Firzana Araie and Phillip Sterne,” the Flamingo Project said via a Facebook post.

    Project Flamingo raises funds to alleviate the waiting period. Thanks to Project Flamingo, the waiting time for surgery is now down to 2-4 weeks at Groote Schuur. Funds raised for the project go towards offering surgeries, paying for theatre time and nursing staff.

    Picture: Firzana Araie/Facebook

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    In Honeymoons

    LGBQTIA+ safe spots to honeymoon in

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    If you’re an LGBTQIA+ couple, there are certain destinations in the world that are beautiful and would make dreamy honeymoon destinations, but are not safe to express your queer love in, as homosexuality is still illegal.

    Dreamy destinations such as Zanzibar and Jamaica are among the places where same-sex couples are barred from entering unless their love is kept under wraps, but fret not – here is a list of perfect honeymoon destinations where same-sex couples can enjoy their time together and express their love publically.

    Parts of the Caribbean

     

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    Un día mas en el Paraiso ??? #PuertoRico . #puertoricogram #isladelencanto

    A post shared by Puerto Rico (@sousa_pr) on

    Island getaways are one of the most popular honeymoon types, and the Caribbean Islands fit this perfectly with their crystal-blue waters, pure white sand and endless cocktails. While the Caribbean is a tempting destination, queer and same-sex couples should be aware that not all islands are LGBTQIA+ friendly, and these include Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Saint Vincent, Dominica, the Grenadines, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Cayman Islands.

    The islands of Puerto Rico, Saint Barts, Sint Maarten, the US Virgin Islands and Saint-Martin are suitable destinations for LGBTQIA+ couples to enjoy in peace and fresh matrimony.

    Las Vegas, The United States

    Sin City is the perfect honeymoon destination for couples who are fun-loving, and love a bit of wilder time than a simple island getaway. There are countless activities to choose from, including gambling, clubbing and spending the daytime by the pool. There is a particular area of Vegas that has been called the ‘Fruit Loop’, where there are a number of venues and clubs aimed towards the queer community, and this can be found on Paradise Road near the Hard Rock Hotel.

    Napa and Sonoma, the United States

    A winelands honeymoon is the perfect way for some couples to bask in the wonders of being newly married. This part of northern California is known for its stunning views, and is also a wildly popular wedding venue. Stunning wineries are sprinkled throughout the valley, and the Mediterranean climate makes every day the perfect day for visiting wine farms and tasting award-winning wines.

    Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

    Mexican cities that stand out to LGBTQIA+ honeymooners are Puerto Vallarta and Cancún. Puerto Vallarta is known for its old Spanish feel and lively gay scene. There are also countless hotels geared towards those of the community exclusively, so couples have the comfort of knowing they are in a safe space even away from home.

    Costa Rica, Central America

    Known for its rain forests, volcanos, and wildlife, this beautiful gem makes for the perfect honeymoon destination. From tree houses to coastal casas, gay and lesbian travelers flock to Costa Rica to experience the simple and laid-back lifestyle. There are tons of LGBTQIA+ properties to choose from across the country. Eco tours, nature hikes, the flora and fauna, and activities will keep you busy for days.

    Vancouver, Canada

     

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    The world is yours, remastered. ↴ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀Tag someone !? Likes ? & comments ⌨ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ✿ ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ ▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁▁ . ⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ?| Toronto,Canada _______________ ▪ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ? taken by | @maxwhitehead6 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀ ? Selected by | @eliiyasz • ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Enjoy with | #canadapradise • _________________________ tags : ##SeeTorontoNow #torontoskyline #toronto #train #canadatravel #ontario #ig_shotz #alberta #banffnationalpark #explorecanada #canada #montreal #quebec #toronto #ontario #edmonton #tourcanada #travel #canada?? #britishcolumbia #explorebc #novascotia #eliiyasz #vancouver #mississauga #winnipeg #usa #eliiyasz #passionpassport #ig_color #canadaparadise ————————————————– ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ ???????????????????????????????????????????????? ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀

    A post shared by Enjoy with canadaparadise ! (@canadaparadise) on

    Canada is a huge hit with members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Its friendly citizens and an overall clean atmosphere is a big attraction for those wanting to reset before going into married life properly. Two cities that are most popular include Toronto and Vancouver. Canadian liberal laws protect queer couples, and is hailed as one of the most progressive, gay-friendly tourist bureaus on the planet.

    Image: Unsplash

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    In Celebs

    Sweetest celebrity proposal stories

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    Everyone loves a good proposal story! This might be even more true when it’s a celebrity proposal. When it comes to the stars, we just can’t get enough. Here are some of our favourite celebrity proposal stories.

    – George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu6CdPdgBx_/

    On April 28, 2014, long-term bachelor George Clooney asked human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin to marry him after six months of dating. He popped the question in their home after she returned from a trip to London.

    Clooney had prepared dinner, but Alamuddin suggested they not dress up or do anything fancy since she was exhausted from her travels. Clooney then put on a playlist of love songs and waited for the song “Why shouldn’t I?” to play.

    He then wanted to light some candles and asked Alamuddin to find a lighter. During her search, she happened to find the ring. First, she thought it was a ring that a guest had left behind, then she realised what was really happening.

    Clooney said to Ellen DeGeneres on her day-time talk show, “I got down on my knee and said, ‘I couldn’t imagine spending the rest of my life without you.’ And she kept looking at the ring, and she was looking at me, and she was like, ‘Oh, my God.’ ”

    Apparently Clooney spent roughly 25 minutes on his knee waiting for his soon-to-be wife to respond, because she was so shocked.

    – Gabrielle Union and Dwayne Wade 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7gljXeHGvb/

    Union and Wade first met in 2007. The couple went through many ups and downs and even split us briefly before their love brought them back together. In December 2013, Wade proposed with the help of his three sons.

    The boys held up a sign with the words “will you marry us?” on it. There was no way she could say no!

    – David Burtka and Neil Patrick Harris

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2Fna68BduL/

    This one is extra special because they both proposed! When Burtka proposed, the pair were on their way to an event. He had the limousine stop on the street corner where they first met. Haris told Out Magazine that he didn’t understand why Burtka wanted to stop so badly. “I thought he wanted to get some booze or something”, he said.

    Eventually, Burtka proposed and Harris said yes. Harris wore the ring for a year and on Valentine’s day he proposed to Burtka.

    – John Stamos & Caitlin McHugh

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BamV5xPAKJd/?utm_source=ig_embed

    To propose to his Disney-loving girlfriend, Caitlin McHugh, Full House star John Stamos made arrangements with the production company itself.

    Stamos told PEOPLE that Disney’s CEO helped him put together a movie of the most romantic moments in Disney animation. Stamos showed the film to McHugh while they were at Disneyland. The film ended with a Little Mermaid section, which prompted Stamos to “just ask the girl”.

    – Kim Kardashian and Kanye West 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/9KD1yEuSwa/?utm_source=ig_embed

    As we know, Kanye West loves to go big. For his proposal to Kim Kardashian, he booked a baseball stadium and had a 50-piece orchestra greet the couple as they arrived.

    The words “Pleeease Marry Meee!!!” lit up the jumbotron. After she said yes, Kardashians family and friends came out of hiding to congratulate the couple.

    – Samira Wiley and Lauren Morelli

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BLJay2-At9T/

    The couple met in 2012, on the set of Orange Is the New Black and in 2016, Morelli asked Wiley for her hand in marriage.

    The two were meant to leave for a weekend away, and Morelli had mentioned that she wanted to leave early but she was slow to get ready, Wiley told Out Magazine.

    Morelli requested that Wiley take a seat on the couch and she pulled out the ring. Wiley said, “Lauren has been married before, so I wanted her to tell me she was ready, [for] her to be the one to propose.”

    “I didn’t know she was as ready as she was. I was completely shocked. I was crying uncontrollably and kept backing away from her. I asked her after, ‘Who knows about this?’ And she said, ‘Oh, everyone. Your parents know.’ We didn’t tell anyone else for a few days. That was really important to us–to have some time where it was just ours”, she added.

    Image: Instagram / Kim Kardashian 

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