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    Engagements

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    It is a great honour to be asked to be a bridesmaid as it means the bride values you so much they want to include you in their celebrations. This role does, however, entail more than standing up for them on their special day.

    Along with paying for a bridesmaid’s dress (hopefully the bride won’t ask you to get something too specific so that you can wear it again on another occasion) and your hair and make-up – you will also be responsible for planning the bachelorette party and in most cases paying for it too.

    Bachelorette parties are tons of fun, but can also cost a bundle. It is important to make it memorable as this may be the last time the bride gets to spend time with her friends as a singleton.

    It is customary for the bridal party and others attending the bachelorette party to cover the costs of the event for themselves and the bride. Whoever is planning the event should figure out the total cost of it, including the bride’s portion, and then divide it between the attendees. The reason for the bride not paying is because she is the guest of honour.

    That being said, this is the general rule for local bachelorette parties.

    Another big trend is destination bachelorette parties and that comes with a new set of rules. For a destination party, each person is expected to cover their own travel and accommodation costs, including the brides’ costs. If the bride wants a destination bachelorette party, she needs to understand that the cost is exponentially larger and it is unreasonable to ask guests to cover their own costs, as well as hers. Once at the destination, any events planned will be covered by guests.

    Despite the fact that the bachelorette party is a special celebration, it is not worth going broke over, especially if you still need to organise yourself for the wedding. When planning the event be mindful of the costs and try to plan something that everyone can afford.

    Picture: Pixabay

    We’ve rounded up some of the coolest hair accessories under the sun, fit for the modern bride looking for something a little different.
    Headbands
    They’re back! Big and bold, or slim and subtle, which ever you prefer. Headbands have the power to uplift your entire look with an added touch of elegance. What’s more, they’re reusable long after the wedding, and if you grow tired of them on the day, you can simply slip it off without compromising your perfectly crafted ‘do.

    Dramatic veils
    Although some brides are opting to forgo the tradition altogether, the veil still adds a romantic element that few other accessories can compare with. Instead of going the traditional route, set your sights on something more dramatic – think embellishments, opulent details or interesting fabrics to take you from basic to breathtaking.
    3-D Florals
    Forget flower crowns. Floral appliqués offer a fresh take on the otherwise bohemian alternative. Incorporate them into your hair in any way you deem fit. Clip it into your updo or ponytail along your hairline, or scattered throughout loose strands to look as though confetti has landed perfectly on your hair.
    Barrettes
    This quirky look has come a long way since the 90s. From  glitter and crystals, to pearls and diamonds, bridal barrettes are the perfect addition to your hairstyle for an updated take on traditional bobby pins that are mostly hidden away. Keep it subtle, or stack them on – either way you’ll win.
    Hats
    There’s absolutely no reason why you can’t wear a beautiful hat on your wedding day. It can take you from relaxed boho bride to ultra sophisticated, and you always have the option of taking it off when you feel it’s done it’s job (of making you look cool, that is).
    Image: Unsplash

    Now that you’re engaged, you’ll want to have an engagement party to celebrate with your family and friends.

    Where to have it?

    Gorgeous George is a new boutique hotel situated in the central Cape Town featuring a stunning rooftop and Gigi restaurant and bar. It is the perfect venue as it has everything you need: beautiful views, delicious food, curated drinks and seating for up to 80 guests. But don’t take our word for it – have a look for yourself:

    Restaurant and Bar

    Lounge Area

    Dining Area

    Bar Area

    Rooftop

    Lounge Area

    Dining Area

    Pool Area

    All in all, Gorgeous George is a stunning venue that will cater to your every need.

    If you would like to hire the venue, contact Gorgeous George at: +27 87 898 6000

     

    Images supplied by Gorgeous George

    Deciding who to spend forever with is a life-changing decision. We spoke to Cape Town-based life coach, Helen Searra, on how to determine whether you are ready for marriage or not.
    “There are a number of signs that indicate when we are ready for marriage, starting with our circle of close friends.  For instance, when our friends take their romantic relationship to a more serious and committed level, like getting engaged. This thought of following suit may become more apparent, where it may have only been a subconscious idea beforehand,” said Searra.
    She continued, “when we can’t imagine our lives without our partner, we identify them as our soulmate and are drawn to creating our own sanctuary to share with them. This is a sign.”
    “When speaking to each other about long-term plans and believing that one can be in a relationship with one’s partner forever. Knowing that one wants to be married rather than just the idea of having a wedding day. These are all tell-tale signs,” explained Searra.
    “When we have ticked off the things on our bucket list of a single life and are confident the rest of our bucket list would include our partner or bring no harm to the relationship.”
    “When our family and friends love our partner and we have discussed our different family types, belief systems and cultural differences and begin designing our own set of rules, as two separate individuals being on the same page. When we reach a certain emotional and spiritual maturity,  both having a voice,  and are able to find our way back to each other after a disagreement. These are all indicators that one is ready for marriage,” concluded Searra.
    Helen Searra is a Cape Town-based life coach. She has been practicing for 10 years in her field. She offers individual counselling sessions and couples counselling both in person or remotely over Skype. She offers package deals of either 4, 6 or 8 sessions. To enquire for a rates card, contact Helen at [email protected]
    Image: Unsplash

    Getting engaged is an incredible moment that both you and your partner will never forget and will want to share with the world. In the digital age, social media is the way to go for engagement announcements but don’t rely on a basic post, get creative with it!

    1. Plain and simple

    A straightforward way to announce your engagement is to show off the star of the show: your sparkling engagement ring! Have your soon-to-be husband pose in the background for an extra detail.

    2. Picture pawfect

    Including your furry friends in your engagement post could deliver an adorable result. Dress them up and include them in your engagement shoot to have them share their humans’ exciting news. After all, dogs are a (wo)man’s best friend!

    3. Include the family

     

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    Read till the End❤️? “The day after I gave birth to our son Seamus, the nurses told me they had to take him for a test (totally believable after delivery!), but instead, they were helping Alex put Seamus in a onesie that read “Mommy, will you marry my Daddy?” When they brought him back in, I immediately noticed he was wearing something different. It was the first real outfit I had seen Seamus in, and I was confused because I hadn’t asked them to put anything on him yet. Alex told me to read the onesie, and I *immediately* started crying. Alex got down on one knee, said the sweetest things about how he always knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me, and asked me to marry him…” Tag who you would Love to share this with ??❤️? … Our congratulations to @lwhit1009 & @hazer92 Follow?? #she_saidyes & @she_saidyes for nore? … : : : … #ruffledblog #justengaged #wanderingweddings #heproposed #justsaidyes #uniquewedding #engagementphotographer #boda #marryingmybestfriend #marryme #weddingbands #finejewellery #ringshot #marrymerings #imengaged #bestfriend #ourrelationship #wereengaged #soontobemrs #futuremrs #newlyengaged #gettinghitched #weddedbliss #weddingbliss

    A post shared by Proposal~Wedding~Engagement (@she_saidyes) on

    If you and your partner have kids include them in your engagement post to make it a special family affair. Have them share the news by posing with your ring or props, or even wearing clothing items that sport sayings such as ‘Mom and Dad are getting married!’

    4. Share it

     

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    Such a Wonderful Moment?❄️?? “At the top of the hike, Alex suggested we take some photos of the view, so i whipped out my camera and tried to get a great panoramic shot. When I turned around to show him, he was walking toward me with a beautiful, hand-carved wooden box and a sweatshirt that read “ I’ll LOVE YOU TO THE MOUNTAINS & BACK”❤️? … Tag your Loved ones to share the Inspiration with them & Tag us to your Proposal Story for a chance to be Featured #She_Saidyes ❤️? … : : : … #gettingmarried #weddingphotos #truelove #weddingphotographer #ilovethis #reallove #photooftheday #excitement #proposal #yes #engagement #loved #engagementphotos #engaged #inlove #soulmate #weddings #winterlove #iloveyouforever #brides #loving #iloveyou #excited #ringselfie #supriseproposal #weddingseason #suprise #happysaturday

    A post shared by Proposal~Wedding~Engagement (@she_saidyes) on

    Get personal with your engagement post by adding in details about you and your partner. Do you have a favorite movie? Why not make a movie poster as your engagement post. Are you or your significant other artistic? Why not make a doodle depicting the proposal to share on social media. You could also make a collage of all your treasured moments together. For example a movie ticket from your first date and all the mementos you have collected throughout your time together.

    Instagram’s Story feature is also a creative way to announce your engagement. You could make a series of stories depicting you and your partner’s love journey that led to the engagement or have fun with the Boomerang feature or some filters on your Instagram Story.

    5. Hold a shoot

    You can never go wrong with a traditional, timeless engagement shoot. These photos will never go out of style and will be a moment in time captured that you can cherish forever. You could have the engagement shoot at a place which is special for you and your partner, like the restaurant where you had your first date, or if you both love the outdoors, the beach or forest. You can also try to hire a photographer or even set up a hidden camera yourself to capture the exact moment you or your partner proposes. These photos will depict the shock, joy and excitement you felt during the proposal and take you back to the special moment when you look at them later.

    6. Have a party

    If you prefer to not share your exciting news on social media, why not have an engagement party with your family and close friends to make your special announcement. Sharing your happiness and excitement with your family and friends while being surrounded by good food, wine and loads of love is a joyous occasion. If you have a date set for your wedding you can also send out save-the-dates to announce your engagement if you want to avoid a social media post. It will be a lovely surprise for your friends and family to receive a save-the-date!

    In the end it is not about the engagement post or the amount of likes you receive on said post, but rather about you and your partner, the two lovebirds. Have fun and get creative with your engagement posts but let the main focus remain on the love you and your partner share.

     

    By: Larissa Vermeulen

    Picture: Unsplash

    Steve Irwin’s daughter, Bindi Irwin received a special birthday present when Chandler Powell proposed on her 21st birthday.

    The couple have been dating for almost six years and Chandler picked the perfect spot to pop the question, the zoo. He mentioned in his Instagram post, ‘proposing in her very favorite place in the zoo, surrounded by animals, seemed like the perfect way to embark on this incredible new chapter in our lives’.

    The love birds met at Australia Zoo, located in Queensland, the zoo is owned by Terri Irwin, the widow of Steve Irwin.

    Terri Irwin commented and said ‘Best day ever!’ She mentioned that she is happy for her daughter and Steve would be too.


    Steve Irwin tragically passed away on September 4 2006. He sustained a stingray injury to the heart and is survived by his wife Terri, Bindi and son Robert.


    Bindi seems very eager to be wed, as she added to her Instagram post ‘Now let’s get married already!’

    Picture: Facebook/Bindi Irwin

    Love is definitely in the air! These celebs recently got engaged. You may have missed them because some big names prefer to keep things on the down low. Have a look at who popped the question.

    1. Riverdale’s Vanessa Morgan shared a beautiful picture on her Instagram, with fiancé, Michael Kopech. The two got engaged on July 4, 2019.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Happy 4th Everyone! ♥️

    A post shared by Vanessa Morgan (@vanessamorgan) on


    2. Joker actor, Joaquin Phoenix, and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo actress, Rooney Mara are officially engaged. The couple started dating in 2016. They have starred together in Her (2013), Mary Magdalene (2018), and Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far on Foot (2018).


    3. Rob Schneider’s daughter Elle King received the best birthday present. Her boyfriend, who goes by the name Jim proposed.

     

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    Happy birthday to me! I said YES!

    A post shared by Elle King (@elleking) on

    4. Scarlet Johansson’s publicist confirmed that the Black Widow star and SNL writer, Colin Jost are engaged. The couple have been dating since December 2017.

    5. Lizzie McGuire’s Hilary Duff and Matthew Koma have also tied the knot. The love birds welcomed their daughter in October 2018 and she shared a picture of her beautiful engagement ring on June 4, 2019.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Cheesy IM GETTING MARRIED As of one month ago post!

    A post shared by Hilary Duff (@hilaryduff) on

    6. On April 22 2019, Elizabeth Henstridge posted a cute snap  announcing her engagement to fiancé
    Zachary Burr Abel. The English actress is known for her work in Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

    7. Good Luck Charlie star, Bridgit Mendler got engaged to Griffin Cleverly. She shared a picture on Instagram of her and future hubby on April 21 2019. The two posed for a selfie on a beach while showing off the new shiny ring.

    8. Survivor: Worlds Apart alumni, Joe Anglim got down on one knee, and popped the question to fellow contestant Sierra Dawn Thomas. She shared a beautiful picture of her new addition.

     

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    Forever and ever, amen. ❤️

    A post shared by Sierra Dawn Thomas (@sierra_dawn_) on

    Picture: Pixabay

    When you find the person who you want to spend forever with, you are aware of the different personality traits you each possess.
    We spoke to Helen Searra, a qualified life coach about wedding planning and here is what she had to say about grooms who have no interest in wedding-planning.
    “While planning a wedding may be of interest to you, he may not share the same feeling. This does not mean he isn’t interested in the wedding.
    “Having different interests and hobbies make a relationship interesting. You can learn from one another. Find out if something you’re interested in might be something he’s interested in but has never had the opportunity to explore, and vice versa.
    F”ocus on each others strengths.  Some people have no idea or desire to party plan.  Don’t take this personally!
    Find a group of friends or family who love party planning.
    “Share the fun of planning with people who are interested, that is the best way to generate fabulous, creative ideas.
    “Have fun putting the event together and sharing the progress with your partner rather than setting him up to fail.
    “The couples attitude and behaviour during the wedding planning can set up a repetitive dance in the marriage going forward, should they come from overly invested expectations of each other.” concluded Searra.
    Image: Unsplash
     Helen Searra is a Cape Town-based life coach. She has been practicing for 10 years in her field. She offers individual counseling sessions and couples counseling both in person or remotely over Skype. She offers package deals of either 4, 6 or 8 sessions. To enquire for a rates card, contact Helen on [email protected]

    Along with the excitement of a wedding comes all the events and parties that lead up to the big day. One of the most popular pre-wedding celebrations is the bridal shower. Or is it the kitchen tea? They are similar, but there are a few differences.

    Kitchen teas are more common in Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, whereas the US, UK, Belgium, Netherlands and a few other countries in Europe tend to host bridal showers.

    The kitchen tea is a time to celebrate the bride-to-be, and guests bring items that can be added to the newlyweds’ kitchen as gifts. It is typically hosted at the bride’s or her mother’s house. Female friends and family are invited – kitchen teas are typically attended only by the women in the bride’s life. It is usually quite a relaxed environment and can involve fun games.

    The bridal shower is a party hosted for the bachelorette. Her guests ‘shower’ her with gifts of any kind, that can be for her personal use or for her and her future spouse’s home. Brides-to-be may create a gift registry for their guests to help with ideas. The bridal shower provides the perfect opportunity for both sides of the family to mingle!

    There’s no need to keep things too traditional, though. You can mix it up a bit by having a theme. You can even customise the party according to what the bachelorette likes. For example, a bride-to-be who enjoys the outdoors might appreciate a hike or scenic route, or a bachelorette with a creative streak may love a cake-decorating party.

     

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    PAMPAS and WINGS ? it’s a winning combination – another repost from The other side of the world … some serious wedding inspiration if you search #sydneywedding With huge thanks to #Repost @jewelphonflowers with @get_repost ・・・ How gorgeous does @nawalsaudi look with her floral and pampas wings for her Kitchen Tea! We can’t wait to create some more magic for your Wedding ? Wings @jewelphonflowers Table @prop_my_party Desserts @munchies_sydney Cake @sugarpot4me Cookie Ring @the.cookie.plate Brownies @nourasgoodies #jewelphonflowers #weddingflowers#weddingstylist #weddinginspiration#sydneywedding #sydneyflorist #bridalflowers #eventstyling #flowers #wedding #weddingreception #florist #sydneyflorist #weddingideas #stylist #weddinginspo #kitchentea #desserttable #flowerwings #pampas

    A post shared by EXPRESS YOURSELF WEDDINGS (@suffolkweddingshed) on

    Remember to save all the ‘naughty’ things for the bachelorette party, though!

    Picture: Pexels

    It’s confirmed: there is indeed love after The Bachelorette! Season 12 alumnus Wells Adams proposed to Modern Family‘s Sarah Hyland, and she said yes.

     

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    That can’t eat, can’t sleep, reach for the stars, over the fence, world series kind of stuff ✨❤️ @wellsadams

    A post shared by Sarah Hyland (@sarahhyland) on

    Hyland shared a photo of the moment Adams got down on one knee on her Instagram. She captioned the sweet picture with “That can’t eat, can’t sleep, reach for the stars, over the fence, world series kind of stuff”, a quote from the 1995 film It Takes Two. Adams posted a video filmed on a drone of him proposing to Hyland, along with some cute images of the couple.

     

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    ?- Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors

    A post shared by Wells Adams (@wellsadams) on

    Hyland showed an interest in Adams back when he was on The Bachelorette. The two started flirting on Twitter in 2016 but only made things official in late 2017. The happy couple had been in a long distance relationship, since he lived in Nashville, Tennessee and she in Los Angeles, California, but took things to the next level in August 2018, when Adams moved in with Hyland.

    The couple share three dogs and have stated that things have been weirdly normal and moving in together has brought them closer than ever – definitely a good thing when you’re about to tie the knot with someone.

    Picture: Wells Adams/Facebook