• Most people who enter reality competitions naturally want to be winners (whether the prize is love, money or both) but sometimes winning the way we thought we wanted is far from the only way to win.

    The Bachelor SA runner-up, Bridget Marshall found her own Prince Charming after the show, and she said ‘I do’ recently!

    Marshall was the runner-up and never got the final rose in the season finale with Marc Buckner. The season 2 runner-up had her fairy tale dreams shattered when she lost to Marisia van Wyk back in 2020 when the season was televised but little did she know that this was a blessing in disguise.

    She later went on to meet Kobus de Kock, a former Rugby player who would become her now husband. The wedding announcement came out of the blue but fans were truly happy that she got her happily ever after. The two wed in August and Bridget stunned her guests in two breathtaking gowns.

    In a recent Instagram post she shared that: 

    “The way I felt when my Bridal look came together – PRICELESS. My dream of what I wanted from when I was a little girl came to life.”

    Her gorgeous gowns came from The Wedding Boutique and they couldn’t have done better at bringing out the natural beauty she already has. The couple wed in the picturesque valleys of Stellenbosch at a gorgeous wine estate. Friends, loved ones and fans on socials could not get enough of the images shared on Marshall’s Instagram.

    SA’s Bachelorette Qiniso Van Damme said “LOVE YOUR DRESS!!!!!” and yes, she included 5 exclamation marks which only emphasises that this bride looked like an absolute princess.

    We wish the couple all the best on their future together and many more fairy tale moments to come!


    Also see: 

    Keeping things cheap with these budget-friendly wedding trends

    Images: @bridge5m/ Instagram

    Author: Rojaun Devos


     

    We all know how stressful planning a wedding can be, making wedding planning burnout a very real possibility. Whether you’re trying not to pull out your hair as wedding costs skyrocket or you’re obsessing over every little detail to ensure that everything goes the way you’ve pictured it, feeling overwhelmed is guaranteed to happen if you’re not careful.

    Thankfully, this isn’t something new and there are endless resources to help the modern bridal couple looking to keep costs and anxiety low.

    Here are a few things to keep in mind when attempting to avoid wedding planning burnout:

    Don’t rush 

    This may not always be possible but last-minute wedding planning is not fun for anyone, especially the soon-to-be bride and groom. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to hop, skip, and jump right into the part where you say “I do,” making sure that you have enough time to plan your dream wedding is always advised as this will give you a spacious timeline to ensure things are handled well and that the process is smooth.

    Don’t be afraid to ask for help 

    The number one reason for wedding planning burning is not asking for help. While it’s not always easy to ask for help, it is a necessary practice if you’re looking to keep your bridal party or the partner you’re set to marry, make sure you delegate tasks to ensure everything on your list is ticked off and that you’re not Atlas attempting to carry the world on your shoulders.

    Be normal! 

    It’s so easy to get wrapped up in planning that you may forget why you’re actually getting married – love. A great way to keep your mental health in tip-top shape is by making sure that you get out and spend some quality time with each other. Plan an epic date night with your partner with a strict “no wedding talk rule,” this will allow you to keep some sense of normality.

    Have some fun

    Can wedding planning be fun? Well, you’ll need to find out. A big reason for something being incredibly stressful is because it’s just not bringing you the joy you need, so why not endeavour to pull out the fun card? For example, if you’re deciding what you should serve at your wedding, why not turn it into an adventure by setting it up as a “culinary tour” that could also double as a date night?

    Technology is your friend 

    There are countless wedding apps that are ready to lend a helping hand as you attempt to navigate the minefield that is wedding planning. Whether you’re looking to make your life easier by setting up a wedding website and forgoing physical invitations or looking for a nifty app to help you sort out your budget, there’s something for everyone in need.

    Feature Image: Olguin Photography

    After nearly two years of staying indoors and not enjoying the wonders of travel, heading to your favourite destination to get married is back on the table!

    While many brides and grooms are grabbing their passports and jetting off to tropical destinations such as Mauritius and Bali, there are a few out there that prefer a different climate.

    Luxury travel company Red Savannah recently launched an incredible package for winter-loving bridal couples looking to say “I do” in the remote destination of Antarctica.

    The price tag? A cool R4 million!

    Yup, we’re living in a post-pandemic world and weddings appear to be that expensive.

    The hefty price tag includes return flights from South Africa to Antarctica, accommodations for the soon-to-be newlyweds and the wedding party, beverages, food and activities. The big day will start with a breakfast on ice, followed by the cake-cutting ceremony and champagne in the snow lounge.

    While you may think that R4 million may be more than enough to accommodate a whole host of guests, a maximum of 12 wedding guests are allowed to watch you step into newlywed bliss.

    Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a white dessert party – yum!

    Additional costs are the “wedding gift registry” which will be a pledge of $1000 (R16 600) per person. This will be used for conservation efforts in Antarctica.

    If you’re interested, you’ll be happy to know that there is one flight that leaves Cape Town and will take five hours to arrive at the icy destination.

    Feature Image: Brides Without Borders 

    You’ve gathered all the necessary ingredients for the perfect proposal: a gorgeous engagement ring, a heart-tugging engagement speech, but oh, how to pop the question in a way that will make her heart flutter?

    Going down on one knee and asking your soulmate to marry you is a stressful affair, and if all that stress has you feeling overwhelmed and confused about your perfect wedding proposal, try a few of these engagement ideas on for size. 

    Make sure to add your own personal and creative twist: 

    Loud and proud, for everyone to see: 

    These are for those brave souls out there who don’t care a hoot about who is watching!

    Have a caricaturist at your side

    It’s the stuff rom-coms are made of! There are a number of caricaturists and artists in South Africa that will make the perfect accomplice to your wedding proposal. Hire them on the day and have them sketch the words: “Will you marry me?” And voila! 

    A favourite landmark  

    This doesn’t have to be everyone’s favourite landmark, but just you and your soon-to-be betrothed. It can be anything from a mountain, fountain, hotel to shopping mall, as long as it’s a place that’s special to both of you!

    Picture: Ethica Diamonds

    Keep it close to home 

    Who needs to be amongst people? If you and your future bride are both homebodies, here are home wedding proposals. 

    Re-create your first date

    This can be both out and about or at home – you decide. However, nothing is more romantic than re-enacting your first date before creating a beautiful new memory by popping the question. 

    A custom jigsaw puzzle

    This is the perfect proposal idea if you both love board games or it’s a rainy day. Make sure to get a custom-made jigsaw puzzle with your picture and the words: “Will you marry me?” If you’ve completed the puzzle enough that you can clearly see your picture and the words, it’s time to go down on one knee. 

    Picture: Pinterest

    Embrace Mother Nature

    If you love the great outdoors then check out a few of these ideas.

    Hot Air Balloon 

    There’s nothing like letting your love soar to new heights, and popping the question while doing just that is a fantastic idea! Well, as long as a fear of heights is not on the table. 

    Message in a bottle 

    If you’re looking for a unique beach proposal, then why not add a cute little message to a bottle? Write a heartwarming poem or letter on a piece of parchment and add it to the bottle with cork before burying it in a designated spot under the sand. Don’t forget them to find the bottle, but make sure you have the ring ready to go! 

    Picture: Pinterest

    Adorable proposal ideas

    You’re looking for fun. You’re looking for excitement. You’re looking for unique, here are a few ideas:

    Escape Room 

    Escape rooms are all the rage right now, so why not add your own wedding proposal spin on things? Contact your favourite escape and try and work on a way that will allow you to incorporate your wedding proposal into the adventure of trying to escape the room!  

    Gift Delivery 

    You were looking for cute? Why not get a box that’s tall enough for you (a refrigerator box is a great start) and add a little note for your soon-to-be fiance that may allude to what’s really inside the box.

    Feature Image: Adventure for Love