Engagements Archives | Page 39 of 45

In Beauty

Mangwanani Boutique Spa: A day of pampered bliss

October 10, 2019 No Comments

Located on Cape Town’s bustling Foreshore lies the tranquil oasis that is the Mangwanani Boutique Spa. This world-class spa is found within The Cullinan hotel, and is the perfect place to unwind for a quick lunchtime massage or an entire day of pampered bliss.

The Mangwanani Boutique Spa is located just by The Cullinan’s poolside (Source: Nidha Narrandes)

Mangwanani Spas are famous across the country for their reliably good service and peaceful experience that leaves the client feeling like they’re floating on a cloud.

Stepping into the spa’s reception area is already a pleasant experience in itself – the staff is friendly and the air smells of the unique oils Mangwanani masseuses use. The masseuse is ready for youe in no time, and you settle down into the soft white massage chair.

I experienced the head and shoulder massage, and it’s one I am eager to have again.

The welcoming area to the massage rooms of the beautiful spa (Source: Nidha Narrandes)

The massage parlour itself is beautiful and dimly-lit – the decor is simple yet tasteful, and the masseuse’s hands transport you to another world as the experience begins. A form you fill out in reception will determine which pressure you prefer during the massage, and Mangwanani Spa’s masseuse applies it perfectly.

The fragrant signature oils used will help you relax even more, and you’ll feel the tension begin to leave your body as the massage progresses.

The music selection is soft and ambient, and only adds to the tranquility of the experience. While you’ve been treated to the most luxurious and relaxing massage of your life for half an hour, it seems all too soon when the masseuse gives you a final pat on your shoulders.

The spa offers a variety of treatments, ranging from manicures and pedicures to full-body massages. Its convenient location makes it the perfect little day-cation spot as well, and the friendly staff will entice you to return again and again.

Full package details can be found here.

Location: Southern Sun The Cullinan, 1 Cullinan Street
Cape Town, Western Cape, 8001
South Africa

GPS Coordinates: S33.915704, E18.424748

Phone: 021 415 4075/6 (branch)

Phone: 086 055 0055

Oen: 08:00 am to 21:00 pm everyday.

Picture: Pixabay

In Engagements

5 unusual wedding proposals

October 10, 2019 No Comments

The way your partner asks you to get married will probably stay with you forever. From extra-terrestrial visits to swimming with mermaids, these guys made sure their proposals were unforgettable.

1. Our love is timeless

On their second anniversary of dating, Steve and Amanda buried a time capsule that contained a few sentimental items and letters they wrote to each other in a forest they love to walk in. One Saturday, about six years later, Steve casually suggested they dig up the capsule just for fun. Inside was one letter he specifically urged her to read. It was a beautiful letter asking her to marry him. He had snuck it in there all those years ago, already knowing then that she is the One. His genius not ending there, he made sure a photographer caught it all on camera!

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A post shared by How They Asked (@howtheyasked) on Sep 27, 2019 at 9:27am PDT

2. Will you be my player 2?

Retro Shanerator and his girlfriend are avid gamers. Rather than creating one of the insanely challenging Super Mario levels that have been making waves on the internet, he decided to create a fully playable level with his proposal written out via game blocks. He then set the proposal in motion, having his girlfriend play through the level he’d just created. This guy’s not playing around.

3. Hold your breath for this one

Now, this proposal was straight out of a fairytale. Literally. Eric Martinez popped the question to Cammy Cuoco in the middle of a photo shoot during their vacation in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Cammy had always been obsessed with mermaids and her favourite princess is Ariel from the popular Disney movie The Little Mermaid. Coincidentally, their photographer (who was in on the whole thing) had previously been a fashion designer and made the bride-to-be a spectacular mermaid outfit to surprise her with for the shoot. Magical indeed.

4. Love you to the moon and back

Varun Bhanot told his girlfriend, Anisha Seth, that they would be going up in a helicopter to celebrate his birthday. Anisha, who loves all things sci-fi and space related, got into the helicopter expecting to fly over the Cheshire, England countryside. Unbeknownst to her, Varun had spent nearly three months calling farmers asking if they could accommodate a crop circle on their land and eventually found someone willing to help set up a proposal that’s out of this world. While up in the air, at just the right moment, Varun made a heart-felt speech and told Anisha to look out the window. When she looked back at him, he had the ring ready. We’re pretty sure it wasn’t too outlandish for her.

5. I love you in every language there is

Niriksha and Michael have been besties for years, and even went to school together from Kindergarten. One weekend, he told her they were going on a surprise breakaway. They are both from the US, but Niriksha had studied in Paris (her favourite city in the world) and that’s where they were headed. He took her to a wall called Le murs de je t’aime, which has the words “I love you” in all the different languages written on it. Pretending to want a picture on impulse, he gave his phone to a stranger (who was, in fact, the hired photographer) and got down on his knee. Luckily, she said “oui”.

Featured image: Unsplash

In Advice

Which engagement ring style is right for you?

October 9, 2019 No Comments

As the first step in your wedding journey, your engagement is of paramount importance. Before you can plan anything, you have to secure an engagement ring. As jewellery that will (hopefully) be on your partner’s ring finger forever, the engagement ring needs to speak to them as a person.

That said, there are so many ring options to choose from. Princess cut, oval, cushion-cut, carats – it all becomes a blur. It’s easy to become overwhelmed with all the jargon being thrown at you.

Take a breath, and check out our quick guide to engagement ring styles.

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A post shared by kasia jewelry (@kasiajewelry) on Oct 7, 2019 at 5:27pm PDT

The four C’s:

The four C’s of diamond grading are universally used to describe the quality of diamonds. They refer to:

Cut – the shape of the diamond

Colour – the shade of the diamond

Carat – the weight of the diamond.

Clarity – the quality of the diamonds, specifically the internal appearance of the diamond and surface defects.

Cut:

The cut of your engagement ring refers to the shape of the diamond. There are seven main diamond cuts:

Round: This cut is a more classic, timeless style. It is best suited for someone who wants a traditional finish.

Princess: This cut is square in shape with four bevelled sides that creates an upside-down pyramid shape connecting to the band. It is glamorous and modern, yet utterly romantic.

Emerald: This cut details an elongated rectangular cut and step-cut faceting. It is sophisticated and eye-catching, for the glamorous bride.

Oval: The oval cut ring perfectly accentuates long, slender fingers, and is both trendy yet classic.

Cushion: Also referred to as a pillow-cut, the cushion cut ring features four square-rectangular sides with curved corners and multiple facets. It is feminine and trendy.

Pear: This teardrop-shaped diamond cut is quite unique. It beautifully elongates the fingers and is often the ring for the more adventurous bride.

Marquise: This cut is a more pronounced oval shape, featuring two pointed ends that create a boat hull-esque shape. This cut is for the daring, less traditional bride.

Metals:

The metal chosen often depends on the jewellery your partners often wears and their skin tone. Cooler skin tones are encouraged to wear metals such as platinum, silver, and white gold. Warmer toned skin tones are most suited for yellow-gold and rose-gold metals. But again, there are no rules!

Image: Unsplash

In Engagements

Grooming basics for the bearded gent

October 7, 2019 No Comments

Guys won’t admit it, but we are pretty sure they spend just as much time on grooming their beard as a woman would spend doing their make-up. We’re not here to judge, after all, self-care is crucial! Instead, we’re here to offer a few tips and tricks to aid in growing and maintaining that luscious facial hair.

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A post shared by Beardilizer ™ (@beardilizer) on Oct 5, 2019 at 4:30pm PDT

Patience is a virtue

Just like a fine wine, growing your beard takes time, and the longer you wait, the better it will be for you to work with. Avoid unnecessary trims, shaves and being fidgety – patience is the number one thing that is needed to make it grow. This should take about 4 – 6 weeks, depending on how fast or slow your hair grows.

Necessary tools

A good beard starts with the basic tools. Beard oils to soften the hairs and to avoid irritated skin, a beard brush to comb the oils through and keep your beard tangled-free, and lastly, a set of trimming scissors to cut those stray hairs and keep them in check with the rest of your beard.

TRY: Red Dane Two-Phase Nourishing Oil

Mug wash

A beard is not only about the hair, but the skin underneath as well. Within the early stages of your beard growth plan, wash and condition your beard daily. This means washing it properly with your face wash and then working in that aforementioned oil from root to tip. Also, be sure to include an exfoliant weekly that can help remove the dead skin cells and avoid that awful itchy beard sensation.

TRY: Cowshed Bullocks Refining Facial Scrub

Vitamins & proteins

Yes, seems like a weird tip to include in the list, however, your beard hair relies on the necessary B vitamins which include B5, B3 & B9. A good diet will not only do your health wonders, but your beard too.

Beard-in-training

Regular combing and maintenance are a way of helping the beard hairs stay in place and grow in the direction you need them to. Combing them will ensure the hairs are straightened to some degree, and using a beard wax or oil daily will also ensure the hairs are tamed. Before you know it, your beard will grow exactly how it needs to.

TRY: Hairy Eye Average Joe Beard Balm

By Yashna Balwanth

Feature image: Unsplash

In Finance

Cape Town couple spend R6 000 on wedding

October 7, 2019 No Comments

When you think “wedding day”, you probably think big. Big excitement, big ceremony, and definitely big bank account.

This couple decided to switch things up, opting for a small, lower-than-usual budget wedding ceremony and saving their money for the honeymoon and a car instead.

Wongalethu and Honey Vakala said this is the best decision they have ever made. “My family had big plans, my mom invited all of her friends, colleagues and some of the community members and even booked the wedding venue. I had to stand up for my wife and show her that the man she is marrying has a backbone. I cancelled all the plans my mother had for my wedding day and she didn’t take it well,” Wongalethu told Drum.

It wasn’t all sunshine and roses, though. It also meant that they could not invite a number of people that they really wanted to share their day with, including marital counsellors, some relatives, colleagues and close friends. “We don’t have any regrets on how everything turned out however, we regret not inviting the people who we really wanted to be there,” he said.

They managed to save money through people in their community offering to make various contributions, which made the day extra special to them. “A friend of ours in Long street offered to tailor make our wedding attire which was such a blessing,” he added.

The couple got married on Heritage Day,September 24 in a small church in Motherwell, Port Elizabeth, where they are from. The wedding cost them R6 000 and they have no regrets.

They used the rest of their money to put a deposit on their brand-new car and went on a lovely island honeymoon in Thailand.

Picture: Facebook/Wongalethu Vakala

In Diy

Watch: DIY Envelope Wax Seal

October 3, 2019 No Comments

A wax seal stamp is a great way to upgrade your wedding stationery with very little effort. Simply add a wax seal stamp to the envelope of your invitation and your stationery will instantly look more professional and appealing. Here’s how:

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A post shared by Uniqooo.com (@uniqooo_official) on Sep 10, 2019 at 4:44am PDT

Supplies (find most at your nearest craft shop):

wedding envelope R87.50/100
small dried flowers (pick from a garden)
sealing wax (with wick) R27-30
brass seal R130-150 (or you can get a custom-made seal)

Steps:

Put your invitation into the envelope of your choice and turn it over so that the side to seal is facing upwards.
Place your dried flower at the base of the seal on the envelope.
Light the wick of the sealing wax and rotate the stick, you will see that it will start to drip quite quickly. Keep the stick tilted towards the dried flower on your envelope. Rotate the wax and let it drip (try to move the stick around so that it drips into a circle).
Once you have the wax circle on your envelope that is of a similar size to your seal, take the seal stamp and press it into the pool of wax. Once cooled, peel off and you will have your stamp!
Don’t worry if the stamps don’t all look the same, it is a personal touch and your guests will love it.

TIP: Do a practice round on scrap paper before starting on your envelopes.

Disclaimer: Seal wax beads are used in the video but if you use the beads, you also need to have a melting spoon. To limit the number of supplies needed, the steps have been done using sealing wax with a wick. This way you can drip the wax directly onto your point of seal.

Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

The groomsmen’s duties

October 2, 2019 No Comments

Being a groomsman is a big honour. But with great honour comes great responsibility. As a groomsman, you’ll be expected to fulfil a number of duties to aid the groom in his wedding journey. Here is a rundown of the groomsmen’s duties:

https://www.instagram.com/p/ByrrXuuJFL2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Pre-wedding prep:

Get fitted for wedding attire:

As a group, the groomsmen will be fitted with wedding attire to match the wedding’s theme. If a suit is being made, you might have to send your measurements through so make sure to have those on hand. Depending on the couple, you may be expected to purchase or rent the attire yourself. Make sure to set aside money for this.

Attend pre-wedding events:

Wedding festivities do not start and end with the big day. There are a host of pre-wedding events you will be expected to attend, including the engagement party, bachelor party, rehearsal dinner and of course, the wedding.

Help plan the bachelor party:

As one of the groom’s last nights as an unmarried man, the bachelor party is an important event in the pre-wedding schedule. While it is traditionally the best man’s responsibility to plan the event, groomsmen often provide a helping hand. Assist the best man in whatever he needs to pull off an epic bachelor party. You might also be expected to assist financially, so keep that in mind.

The Big Day:

Support the groom:

The Big Day is bound to be stressful for the groom. As a groomsman, you’ll be tasked with keeping him calm throughout the day. Ease his nerves, give him pep talks when needed and make sure his look is complete before he steps out. If need be, take the lead and make sure all arrangements are organised, such as transport and liaising with photographers and caterers. This way, the groom has less to stress him out, allowing him to enjoy his Big Day.

Give a great speech:

While it is typically the best man’s job to give a speech, groomsmen can also be asked to say a few winged words. Give yourself enough time ahead of the wedding to write out a strong speech that highlights what makes the newly betrothed couple special.

Give a great gift:

By virtue of being in the wedding party, you should be close to the couple. As such, your gift should be personal to them. If you’re out of ideas, have a look at their wedding registry for inspiration.

Have fun!

Now that all the big things are done, you can enjoy yourself at the reception. It’s important that guests have a good time, because that’s part of what makes weddings memorable. Dance with everybody, get people talking and play games as you celebrate love.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

How to plan your engagement party

October 1, 2019 No Comments

Congratulations, you’re engaged! Traditionally, the first step in wedding festivities is to throw an engagement party celebrating your upcoming nuptials with your nearest and dearest. Here are some key steps to planning your perfect engagement party.

Choose the hostess with the most-est:

While tradition states that the bride’s parents typically throw the engagement party, it is not a hard and fast rule. Today, anyone can host the party, whether it be a family member, close friend or even joint hosts. Just remember that the host will be the main funder of the party, so they have to be prepared to pay.

Pick a date:

Next step is to find the right date. However, this is not an easy feat. Think about the scale of the party and how long it will take to plan things before setting a date. If you are going for a big, extravagant party then allot more time to plan. Engagement parties typically occur soon after the engagement but can still be held months after the fact.

You will also need to take into consideration the schedules of your guests. For example, if family members out of town will have to travel long distances to attend, ideally don’t host the party during the week.

Plan your guest list:

This is an important step. Remember that the people you invite to your engagement party will also have to be invited to your wedding. As such, this guest list is a preliminary list for your big day. If you’re not sure how big your wedding will be, allow your engagement to be more intimate so that you don’t invite too many people and create an expectation.

Set up a budget:

Party planning can quickly get expensive if you don’t have a financial guideline in place. Set up a budget in which you allocate certain amounts of money for the venue, food and drinks, invites and other party planning necessities. This makes every following step much easier as you narrow your options to fit financial means. Remember to leave a margin for extra expenses too!

Location, location, location:

Now that you know how big your guest list is, you can choose a venue that will accompany everyone. The venue will speak to the type of party you want. For example, having a party in your parents’ back yard will give an intimate feel, whereas a grand ballroom will give a more luxe feel. This way, you can create a vision of the type of decor you want too.

Send invites:

With date and location secured, you can now send out invites. Make sure you send these out with enough time to arrive and give your guests time to plan. At least 3 weeks before the party is ideal. Luckily, your type of venue also helps to determine the style of invitation, making the design element much easier. Make sure to let your guests know the dress-code to avoid outfit disasters.

Set up a menu:

Now that you know the venue, your menu can perfectly correspond. For example, if it’s a cocktail event, finger foods work best. A family-style menu works best for intimate gatherings. Don’t forget to include drinks in this! Your menu should work for you, your budget and the style of party you’re aiming for.

Plan your decor:

At this point, you should already have an idea of the type of decor you want. Now is the time to do your research and purchase things that will bring your vision to life. Simply adding mini-candles and fairy lights can add a whimsical yet romantic feel. Use fabric to bring in colour schemes, and flowers to soften the space.

Gift registry:

While not expected, some guests may want to gift you and your partner at your engagement party. To prep for this, you can set up a gift registry. Remember to focus on low- to medium-priced gifts, as people will most likely spend more on a wedding gift. You can also ask guests to donate to a chosen charity in lieu of gifts.

Dress to impress:

As the first taste of wedding festivities, it is typical, though not required, that engaged pairs wear white to their engagement party. Regardless of colour, make sure that your outfit works well for the venue and style of party you are throwing. For example, a casual sundress won’t work for a formal event, and a beaded gown might be a bit too dressed up for a poolside celebration.

Enjoy!

You’ve made it! Now is the time to revel in your excitement and celebrate your future with your loved ones.

Image: Pixabay

In Announcements

Princess Beatrice engaged to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi

September 26, 2019 No Comments

Another royal wedding is on its way. Princess Beatrice is newly engaged to property tycoon Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.

The announcement was made by the Royal Family in a statement today. According to the announcement, the couple became engaged in Italy earlier this month. The wedding will take place in 2020.

The Duke and Duchess of York are delighted to announce the engagement of Princess Beatrice to Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. Read the full announcement here: https://t.co/E7VRBC7H96 pic.twitter.com/7sSIVy8Kmj

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 26, 2019

“We are both so excited to be embarking on this life adventure together,” the pair said in a statement. “We share so many similar interests and values, and we know that this will stand us in great stead for the years ahead, full of love and happiness.”

The Duke and Duchess of York said, “We are thrilled that Beatrice and Edoardo have got engaged, having watched their relationship develop with pride. We are the lucky parents of a wonderful daughter who has found her love and companion in a completely devoted friend and loyal young man. We send them every good wish for a wonderful family future.”

Mrs. Nikki Williams-Ellis and Mr. Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi said, “We are truly delighted about Edoardo and Beatrice’s engagement. Our family has known Beatrice for most of her life. Edo and Beatrice are made for each other, and their happiness and love for each other is there for all to see. They share an incredibly strong and united bond, their marriage will only strengthen what is already a wonderful relationship.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B23t01NFjke/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Princess Beatrice is ninth in line for the throne. Edoardo is a multi-millionaire and founder of property consultancy Banda.

The pair made their first official appearance as a couple in March 2019 at the National Portrait Gallery Gala.

Image: Instagram / Princess Eugenie

In Celebs

Cassie and Alex Fine wed one month after engagement

September 26, 2019 No Comments

They haven’t got a long way to go anymore. Cassie Ventura and fiancé Alex Fine wed in an intimate ceremony on September 25 only a month and one day after they got engaged.

The pair tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Malibu, California. Cassie wore a flowing off-the-shoulder gown with a lace veil, and styled her hair in soft waves, while Fine wore a black tux to say “I do”.

Film director Peter Berg officiated their wedding, sharing this picture to Instagram after the ceremony.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B22pv17Bmkf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The couple have had a whirlwind romance this past year. They began dating in late 2018 and in June 2019 the couple announced that they are expecting their first child together. Fine got down on one knee on August 24 and asked Ventura to be his wife.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1q-e83Apti/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1rJM-qJ6Bs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The Compton Cowboys, a group that works to dispel stereotypes about African Americans, helped Fine pop the question. In an IGTV video posted by Cassie, the pregnant beauty can be seen being escorted by Compton Cowboys leader Randy Savvy to Fine who is waiting for her atop a horse. He then dismounts, gets down on one knee and proposes, to much happiness from Cassie.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B1q-dmjnO_C/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Cassie is best known for her hits “Me & U”, and “Long Way 2 Go”. She previously dated P Diddy for eleven years before calling it quits in early 2018. Fine is a celebrity personal trainer. His clients include many cast members of the hit TV show, Riverdale.

Picture: Instagram