It’s been a weird 18-months. Thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve all needed to adjust our lifestyles – sanitise, wear masks, social distance – it’s been an interesting adventure. The pandemic has also spawned a host of trends as various industries learn to pivot and adapt to the “new normal”.
Our new reality has been pretty tough on the wedding industry, with thousands of couples watching their wedding date come and go without saying “I do.” However, grabbing a huge slice of wedding cake and sulking is the last thing couples are doing, birthing a new kind of pre-nuptial ceremony.
There’s plenty that goes into planning a wedding. From choosing your dream venue to the perfect date, many couples are choosing not to compromise on the details of their dream day despite working within the confines of the pandemic.
The pretend wedding, or predding, has been an intimate substitute for wedding celebrations, honouring would-be wedding dates. There might be no signing of a marriage license, but it’s a great way to celebrate love with friends and family.
The hashtag #pretendwedding has been making the rounds on social media, a trend that’s still going strong despite the easing of lockdown restrictions.
A casual setting and dress code, and no strict itinerary makes this new trend a welcome distraction from the stress of wedding planning. Here are a few of our favourite “preddings” online.
You’re about to say your “I dos,” an event that will undoubtedly sweep you up into a love bubble of bliss as you learn to adjust to your new life as Mr and Mrs. But after 18 months of living in close proximately (at least for some of us) with your other half, spending some quality time with the most important person in your life – you – is crucial to stepping into this life of partnership on the right foot.
Indulging in a solomoon is a great way to get some much-needed “me time” before standing at the altar. Whether you choose to enjoy a week-long solo trip or a weekend under the stars, experts are adamant that prioritising some alone time is a must before embarking on your new journey.
What is a Solomoon?
Think of it as a honeymoon, but solo. Basically, it’s an independent trip that’s taken before your wedding day. Marriage is about finding that sweet spot between independence and dependence, learning to build a life with someone while staying authentically you. Taking time out to enjoy your company – alone – is the perfect way to get reacquainted with yourself before getting married.
Perched on a hilltop, Sky Villa offers incredible views of Plettenberg Bay that will definitely make your soon-to-be-husband a little jealous. It’s only a five-minute drive from the beach, but trust us, you won’t want to leave this sprawling property. They offer a range of accommodation options, but it’s the Sky Villa cottage that you have to take advantage of. The cottage provides comfort and luxury, with a touch of independence if you’re not keen on spending your time in a hotel during your getaway. A gym, restaurant, fynbos garden, swimming pool and their famous Sky bar are all on-site, so you’ll never have to leave (or lift a finger).
The key to an incredible solomoon is peace and quiet, and Leobo Private Reserve is paradise. Nestled within the Waterberg mountains, it’s a three hours drive from Johannesburg and offers everything you can possibly imagine for the nature-loving bride-to-be. Spend your day exploring this 20 000 acre reserve, with bird-watching, safaris, kayaking, game viewing and sky diving all on offer. Or enjoy a quiet time out by relaxing alongside the swimming pool or enjoying the mesmerising views. There’s literally something for everyone
Woodsong Cottage – Dargle, KwaZulu-Natal
Woodsong Cottage Airbnb
Resorts aren’t the only place you can enjoy a solo vacation. If you love spending time on your own, blasting some R&B while cooking up a storm, then self-catering is a great option. Whether you’re exploring the lush landscapes of KwaZulu-Natal or looking for something a little closer to home, Woodsong Cottage is a steal. Nestled in the Dargle Valley and overlooking the Umngeni River, it provides some amazing views for the ideal time alone. Each bedroom leads out onto the deck, where views, views, and more views are on offer. A feast for your eyes for sure, but it’s the minimalist interior design and sense of escape from the bustle of wedding planning that will really leave you screaming with delight.
Allow your inner child to live vicariously through you before committing yourself to a life of forever with your person by booking a stay at this incredible Port Elizabeth Treehouse. You know it’s great when it’s ranked one of the top treehouse stays in South Africa, with endless views of the valley and sea in the distance right outside your window. Don’t forget to take your Lush bath bomb as you unwind in a bathtub that offers some incredible views of the forest – a nature lover’s dream! Grab a book and enjoy the incredible bird calls, soaking in the magical yet simple architectural design and interior. If it’s not on your solomoon list, then make sure to add it to your travel bucket list.
Scent is a powerful tool. A fact that was so beautifully proven by Cleopatra, who brought two powerful warlords to their knees through the art of scent.
A scent tells a story, can evoke a memory, or ignite your fight or flight response. Much like how scents can excite or repulse you, the way you smell can encourage those reactions in others. Desire is formed by engaging all the senses, and smell is a key factor. Fragrance is the ultimate accessory, much like wearing a scarf or a dazzling pair of earrings; adorning yourself with the right perfume can make those around you stop and turn.
As German writer Patrick Süskind perfectly surmised in his novel – Perfume: The Story of a Murderer: “Odours have a power of persuasion stronger than that of words, appearances, emotions, or will. The persuasive power of an odour cannot be fended off, it enters into us like breath in our lungs, it fills us up, imbues us totally. There is no remedy for it.”
Credit: Pexels
Aside from the obvious advantage of keeping you smelling good throughout the day, what other reasons could there be to splashing on your favourite perfume? Here are three of our favourites:
Confidence:
Did you know that fragrance can enhance your mood and the way you feel? Fragrance plays a role in eliciting emotion and can include anything from sexy, happy to relaxed. It’s all about how you connect to the scent on an emotional level. The perfect example of this is the Montblanc Legend and Montblanc Explorer.
Legend combines notes of bergamot, lavender, sandalwood and oakmoss to create a contrasting and strong, yet tender, perfume. Bergamot, vetiver and patchouli mingle to produce the woody, aromatic and leathery concoction that is Mont Blanc Legend. All of these elegant and sophisticated notes combine to form a fragrance that exudes a scent of confidence.
A lasting impression:
Only 10% of the impressions you leave on someone are related to the words that you utter, while the rest is hinged on body language and appearance. When you’re feeling confident and in your power people remember this, which can provide a potent first impression. As humans, we utilise our five senses: scent, sight, taste, sound, and touch. Certain scents can trigger our memory, and if you’re wearing the right scent, this will only add to the allure and impact of that all-important first impression.
A unique signature:
Similar to pheromones, everyone has their own unique scent. A person’s fragrance is unique to them, that’s why finding the right one that suits you is so important. There are so many incredible fragrances to choose from that perfectly encompass an individual’s personality. There’s no question that finding this level of individuality through scent can influence confidence and self-esteem.
Over the last year, director and head designer George Stander has dedicated much headspace to his brand, his business and what the future holds. It was during this time that he became very nostalgic about his younger days; a time when he spent most of his days surrounded by his family.
This got George thinking about how important a role his family played in his life, who he is today and, by extension, what his business has become. As an ode to his family, George decided to do something calculated but drastic: he decided to rebrand his business. Geo by George is now Leocé Luxury Couture.
A culmination of names in George’s family, Leocé is truly a brand for women of every age, producing garments that can be dressed up for formal occasions or that all-important business meeting but can also be dressed down for a casual dinner with loved ones.
“My roots are the essence of my whole being. As a family, we may be different in many ways, but we have one thing in common – love,” says George.
“With this big change comes one big promise: I will continue to design and produce luxury garments of the highest quality. This is something that will never change.”
Visit www.leocecouture.comfor further information, or to shop the brand’s collection of formal dresses, wedding dresses, sleepwear and dressing gowns, kimonos and more.
Buying an engagement ring is an investment, so it’s important to make sure you’ve done everything through the right channels and are getting what you paid for. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as just saying ‘I do’. A lot of research and paperwork is involved, so best do your homework.
If you’re searching for the perfect gemstone to centre your ring, a term that will come up a lot is ‘diamond certification’. This is a system created by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to evaluate the merits of a particular diamond.
Factors considered in the certification include the four Cs – cut, carat, clarity and colour. Other characteristics it will mention include its symmetry and fluorescence.
This certificate is essentially proof that you are receiving a genuine diamond and is being shown at the same grade that it is being sold at. As such, this works to give buyers ease of mind of their diamond’s quality and identity.
Diamond certification also helps in the valuation process, as a valuer will require all this information when placing a monetary value on your diamond. This is important to have for insurance purposes, but also in the event you decide to re-sell the diamond in future.
The economic downturn over the past year, coupled with the need to reduce expenses, has seen a rise in vacant properties across South Africa and an increase in co-habiting. Taking the decision to move in with your partner is a big step. It’s wise to consider the emotional, financial and insurance implications and have critical conversations upfront.
Marius Steyn, Personal Lines Underwriting Manager at Santam, and Marius Neethling,Manager Personal Lines Underwriting (Systems and Administration) at Santam, caution that there are a few considerations people need to think about when merging households.
“In the scenario where you move in with your partner, an insurer usually considers you the equivalent of a common-law husband and wife, depending on the seriousness of your relationship. That means you can take out a policy together. If you are moving in with a housemate, both parties will need their own separate insurance policies. In this case, you will have to insure your own belongingsand communal living underwriting rules will apply. In both cases there are lots of logistics to tick off – like making sure the household contents are covered.”
Here, Steyn and Neethling chat through the checklist to tick off before co-habiting:
Make sure you’ve adequately covered the combined contents of your home:
Moving in together often results in a staggering amount of ‘stuff.’ Which means you and your partner will probably need to update the household contents insured amount. If your relationship is seen as serious (insurers look for things like how long you’ve been together, if you’ve co-purchased furniture, etc.), then an insurer will treat you the same as they would a married couple. This means you can take out a policy between you, with one person being the main policyholder and the other, the additional insured.
Some considerations:
Remember, the main policyholder will be paid out in the event of a claim. It’ll then be up to him/her to pay the additional insurance. Insurers don’t get involved in these politics and are in no way responsible if the policyholder does not pay his/her partner or housemate. So, trust is important.
If you both have separate household contents policies with different insurers and are wondering which insurer to go with, don’t just pick the lowest premium price: consider the benefits and excesses – what you pay and what you receive in return.
Get your household contents evaluated (or do this yourselves using an online calculator) so you’re certain you’re adequately covered for the replacement value of all your combined items.
When your household contents are on the move between properties you should notify your insurer of the new address prior to the day you move.
It’s in your interest to tell your insurer about all the security features at your new home. Generally, there will be specific security requirements in order to qualify for burglary and theft cover.
If you happen to have a fight and temporarily move out…
It’s not commonly known, but, if you happen to argue and temporarily move out and take some of your household contents with you, these items will still be covered in your temporary abode, providing this is a private building – not a tent or caravan, for example. This only applies to a temporary situation though – if it’s a permanent split, then you’ll need your own new policy.
Vehicle insurance is also important:
Remember to add your partner as a regular driver on your policy if he or she uses your vehicle more frequently than you do.
If it really doesn’t work out:
If, sadly, the relationship comes to an end, then you should get your own policy as soon as possible, especially if you have one policy between you, but you’re not the main policyholder. Remember, if you’re the additional insured, it’s up to the policyholder to pay you in the event of a claim, which could get difficult if you’re not together anymore.
Forget about gym, tan, laundry, it’s about to be all about gym, tan, wedding! Jersey Shore star JWoww, real name Jenni Farley, is engaged to Zack Clayton Carpinello.
The pair got engaged back in late February, and the reality star took to Instagram on Tuesday, March 9 to announce their exciting news.
“On 2.27 I said yes on the top of the Empire State Building,” she captioned the images of the pair looking loved up.
Carpinello posted the same pictures with the caption, “My always and forever. You made me the happiest I’ve ever been. I love you more than anything.”
The couple has been dating since early 2019 and briefly split up in that same year before reigniting their love. Clayton even appeared alongside JWoww on screen in Jersey Shore Family Vacation.
This will be Farley’s second walk down the aisle. She was previously married to Roger Mathews, with whom they share daughter Meilani (6) and son Greyson (4). Funnily enough, Carpinello actually attended Farley’s first wedding as he was a longtime friend of the now ex-couple.
If you already consider yourself a princess, you may as well get the ring to match. The princess-cut is the most popular of the fancy cut diamond shapes, according to Shimansky. It is a timeless shape, with a geometric silhouette that makes the stone appear brighter and whiter.
A princess-cut diamond has a square-shaped stone with pointed corners and can have up to 78 facets. From the side, it appears as if the stone is the shape of an inverted pyramid. This cut offers stunning sparkle thanks to its high levels of brilliance and fire.
This cut requires master craftmanship. In the wrong hands, the stone’s delicate and intricate facets can appear chunky. It must have a deep cut, a relatively slim girdle and pointed corners. V-shaped prongs hold the body of the stone securely in place while also protecting the corners.
Go simple with a clean band or add some flair with a pavé finish. You could also angle the princess cut diamond so that the points create the shape of a star instead, for an extra unique look.
If you’re on the market for a princess cut ring, take a look at these stunners for inspiration:
Some meet their future partner late in life, and others can say they’ve known their love since they were kids. But how often is it that you meet your future husband right at birth?
In a wild twist of fate, Courtney Mahnken and her now fiancé Nick Monguso discovered they were actually born in the same New Jersey hospital 26 years ago. In fact, their moms gave birth right next to each other.
Taking to TikTok, Mahnken shared the truly crazy coincidence. Since posting on February 18. her TikTok has been viewed over 7.7-million times.
“When I was 14 years old, I got my first boyfriend. It was the first time my mom was ever meeting one of my boyfriend’s moms, obviously,” Mahnken says in the clip. “The first thing she says to his mom is ‘Oh my god you look so familiar! Where did you give birth?’”
“Immediately I’m embarrassed, and they start talking about their birthing stories. Well, come to realize, they gave birth next to each other,” she recalls.
“My boyfriend and I are less than 24 hours apart, and my last name starts with “Ma,” his starts with “Mo,” so not only that, we were next to each other in the baby room. My mom remembered them because he was the ‘big fat baby.”
Keeping up with their series of coincidences, the pair attended the same elementary school, middle school, and high school. The pair began dating as teenagers but broke up before reconnecting when they attended the same college years later.
Monguso went down on one knee to propose in November 2020, and they plan to tie the knot in June 2022.
Just said ‘Yes’? Congratulations! What is typically an exciting moment is somewhat dampened by the global pandemic, as we cannot celebrate with one another as we used to.
If you still want to honour your big news, fear not. There are still ways to celebrate with your closest friends and family without putting them at risk amid the pandemic.
Here are a few ideas:
Hold a (virtual) celebration:
Just because you can’t be together physically does not mean you cannot celebrate! Host your festivities via online platforms like Facetime, Skype or Zoom.
You can still make it fun by decorating your home and having your ‘guests’ dress up. Planning a themed event makes it extra special and gives your friends and family something to dress up for. For an extra sweet touch, have small thank you gifts delivered to your guests’ homes after the celebration.
Drive-by party:
Your loved ones can attend your event from the safety of their cars, ensuring that all safety precautions are met while still giving you the feeling of their presence.
When choosing the location of the drive-by, ensure that it is a wide-open, public space. This will mean that everyone driving by will be able to clearly see you. You could even do it in your front yard if you have space and don’t have walls.
Set up a spot to show yourselves off, for example, you can decorate fancy chairs as thrones for you to sit on as your parade drives by. Assign a close relative or friend the role of head driver. This ensures that there is somebody leading the cars to your location, and allows for some sort of order for the drive-by.
Take engagement photos:
You’ll want to remember this moment for the rest of your life, so it makes sense to document your engagement. Photographers were hit hard by the pandemic, and hiring one is a great way to give back to small business.
Keep COVID-19 protocols in mind by having your photographer work from a safe distance with a mask on and have sanitiser on hand.
After you receive your pictures, have them printed and framed or emailed to your friends and family so that they can feel like they are a part of your special moment.
