Wildlife conservation advocates Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell said ‘I do’ in a small ceremony at the Australia Zoo on March 25.

Now, Bindi has posted never-before-seen pictures of their big day on Instagram, saying: “Our wedding day. ❤️ Reflecting on these beautiful moments with the love of my life.”

Fans and followers were delighted, as the pictures include a close-up of the pair’s wedding rings.

Her engagement ring is a solitaire setting made from recycled rose gold and contains a lab-grown diamond. The single twisted pave band is, of course, nature inspired.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6WUcoWhaQb/

In a very traditional move, Powell gave her a separate wedding band too, forming a double band ring connected by the diamond.

Take a look at the stellar ring and other stunning pictures:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAYpRYNB-p_/

Also read: Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell marry at Australia Zoo

Image/Instagram

Thomas Hardy, an English novelist and poet, is quoted by his second wife, Florence Hardy, saying that “Poetry is emotion put into measure”. If we consider it, poetry is one of the best means by which to express feelings. The flow of words which sound like a melody will be like music to your partners ears.

Including poetry into your wedding vows could be a great way to elevate them and make them more special. If you’re struggling to find the perfect words to say, this is also a good work-around. You could base your vows off of the perfect quote, or add in a quote to precisely and lyrically express the message you’d like to get across.

After all, poetry is known to cause swooning. Who better to look to for help with your vows, one of the most romantic things you should ever write, than the legendary wordsmiths themselves.

Here are some poetry quotes to add to your vows:

– Sonnet XVII by Pablo Neruda

“I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.
I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;
so I love you because I know no other way”

Untitled by Lang Leav

“You were you,
and I was I;
we were two
before our time.

I was yours
before I knew,
and you have always
been mine too.”

[i carry your heart with me(i carry it in] by e. e. cummings

“i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go, my dear;and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)”

– To Be One With Each Other by George Eliot

“What greater thing is there for two human souls
than to feel that they are joined together to strengthen
each other in all labor, to minister to each other in all sorrow,
to share with each other in all gladness,
to be one with each other in the
silent unspoken memories?”

Our Souls are Mirrors by Rupi Kaur 

“when i look in the mirror
i am looking at you
when you breathe
my own lungs fill with air
that we just met but we
have known each other our whole lives
if we were not made as one to begin with”

– Loves Philosophy by Percy Bysshe Shelly 

“And the sunlight clasps the earth
And the moonbeams kiss the sea;
What is all this sweet work worth
If thou kiss not me?”

In and Out of Time by Maya Angelou

“We see in the distance…
our long way home.
I was always yours to have.
You were always mine.
We have loved each other in and out of time”

“La Reina” (“The Queen”) – Pablo Neruda

“And when you appear
All the rivers sound
In my body, bells
Shake the sky,
And a hymn fills the world.
Only you and I,
Only you and I, my love,
Listen to me.”

Feature image: Unsplash

If you’ve recently tied the knot, we bet you only have eyes for your partner. Your honeymoon should be a special time filled with romance and love. Forget about the stress and worries of real life, this is all about quality bonding time.

South Africa has no shortage of romantic ventures and secluded little spots. Take a look at these couple-focused activities for head-over-heels lovebirds.

1. Hot air balloon

Nothing says ‘romance’ like a hot air balloon ride. Many a proposal has been carried out mid-air, but it’s even more thrilling to take in the view with your new spouse. We like Mankwe Gametrackers in Pilanesberg.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_4KJn7gNwF/

2. Picnic

You’ve done it a thousand times, but it never gets old. Picnics are the universal go-to romantic date and it’s easy to see why. Food, beautiful surroundings and your loved one. What more could you want? Find a secluded beach, park or nature spot for the perfect picnic.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-zSEZ1JWHS/

3. Wine tasting

Ah, the original love potion. Wine farms are notoriously beautiful and create the perfect setting. Do a tasting, a pairing or full out dinner date, but include wine. You’ll thank us later. Take a look at Haskell Vineyards in Stellenbosch.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BdvWa3sBVdU/

4. Couple’s massage

Massages plus romance? Win-win! Massages are not only relaxing and reviving, it’s great for your muscles and blood circulation. You’ll both leave feeling revived and pampered from head to toe! We recommend Vusalela Day Spa in Pretoria.

https://www.instagram.com/p/3wSNv5Ayb7/

5. Sunset boat cruise

Imagine it: The wind through your hair, the sun’s last golden rays and the gentle waves of the sea. Boat rides are an escape from reality and will make you fall in love all over again! We like Waterfront Charters in Cape Town.

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

6. Dance lesson

Learn a new skill or practice an old hobby! Dance lessons from tango to salsa and everything in between are fun and you get to hold your love in your arms. Give it a try! We love Salsa Cape Town.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B69aAvrJsHW/

Image: Pexels

Home Affairs are considering registration of marriages to be allowed under Level 3 of the national lockdown.

The department is currently dealing with a tremendous backlog in birth registrations which have accumulated during Level 5, according to News24.  They restarted these registrations on May 1.

“The department had an estimated backlog of 81 650 [registrations] at the beginning of Level 4 lockdown,” its acting director-general, Jackie MacKay, told the committee.

“Of the aforementioned backlog, the department registered 46 541 births which represent 57% of the above, estimated backlog.”

MacKay added that 35 109 births are yet to be registered and that demand was high for re-issuing of birth certificates and temporary ID certificates.

Finally, MacKay noted that a growing demand for all services provided by the department has led to a discussion about the identification of areas which are to be relaxed as we move through the levels of the national lockdown.

As a result, Home Affairs proposed that the registration of marriages be allowed during Level 3. According to The Citizen, these registrations, if they should be allowed, will happen through appointments.

While we are still unsure of when lockdown Level 3 will be put in place, Ramaphosa has hinted at the chance of it coming before the end of the month.

Image: Pexels