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    The shift towards later marriages

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    Advice

    The latest marriage statistics in South Africa

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    Zendaya’s ‘wedding photos’ break the internet

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    In Advice

    The legality of Zoom weddings in SA

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    Globally, the popularity of Zoom weddings is increasing by the day. With the coronavirus pandemic essentially ensuring that no physical ceremony can take place, couples have limited options and therefore opt for online nuptials. However, the question of legality never seems to be brought up.

    There are certain requirements for a legal and valid marriage in South Africa. Some of these include:

    1. You must ensure you are both legally allowed to marry, and must understand the legal consequences of marriage
    2. You have to present all the required documents (including ID documents of both partners, divorce orders from previous marriages or death certificates if applicable) to the officiant
    3. Your marriage officer must be authorised in terms of Act No. 25 of 1961
    4. Your marriage must be conducted in the presence of at least two witnesses
    5. The witnesses and the marriage officer must sign the marriage register after the solemnisation of the marriage, and you as the newly-weds should be given a handwritten marriage certificate

    If we consider the last two points, we might notice that these are more difficult to fulfil while self-isolating.

    When the nationwide lockdown began, Minister Aaron Motssoaledi of Home Affairs said that no marriage certificates would be issued during the lockdown. He said that those who want to get married should wait until the lockdown is over, and in fact even joked about it saying that “maybe the 21 days will also give you time to think whether you want to get married or not.”

    With marriage certificates not being issued, point number 5 is pretty much impossible to fufill with a Zoom wedding. Point number 4 may be equally difficult if you don’t live with at least two additional roommates (which most couples don’t).

    Point 4 talks about being in the presence of two witnesses. This does not specify that the witnesses have to be there physically, although it might make the most sense to assume that is what it means. If we stay on the safe side and assume the witnesses have be there physically, then you’re probably unable to fulfil point 4 too.

    In addition, it may be difficult to find an authorised officiant willing to perform your marriage, since marriage was so clearly warned against by the government when the lockdown started.

    As a result of these stumbling blocks, Zoom weddings may be a bit of a grey area in terms of legality. However, it’s safest (and most likely correct) to assume that Zoom weddings cannot be taken as legally valid in terms of the law.

    Either way though, a zoom wedding may still be worth it for symbolic reasons! It can be used to celebrate what your day would have been, or to simply bring everyone together as you planned to in the first place.

    Here are some zoom weddings for inspiration:

    Image: Twitter / @tarekjpeg

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    In Decor

    Beautiful barn wedding decor

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    Rustic and romantic, barn venues have been trending for years in the wedding industry. The beauty of this venue is that you can really have fun with it.

    A barn gives enough of a blank canvas to truly allow your decor to stand out. That being said, you don’t have to do much to dress this space up from drab to fab. Some twinkling lights, drapery and floral installations goes a long way in adding to the environment.

    If you need help envisioning decor ideas, look no further. Here are a few spaces we are loving:

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    Feature image: Unsplash

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    In Celebs

    Joe Jonas plans anniversary surprise for Sophie Turner

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    The coronavirus pandemic has messed with plans for people the world over, even celebrities aren’t exempt.

    Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner celebrate their one year anniversary of being married on May 1. Last year, the pair shocked everyone by tying the knot at a Las Vegas chapel after the Billboard Music Awards. The ceremony was officiated by an Elvis impersonator and livestreamed by DJ Diplo.

    They followed up that impromptu wedding with a star-studded, elaborate ceremony in the south of France a few months later.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BzetyV7BVll/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Initially, the pair had planned to go back to Las Vegas to honour their one-year anniversary. However, with the coronavirus pandemic, no one is doing much travelling at the moment.

    Speaking to James Corden on The Late Late Show, Jonas explained his new plan to bring Vegas to them.

    “So, if you can keep a secret, I would say I might try to recreate Vegas in our house. I have a DJ set up. We could do a night club.”

    Corden built on the idea, suggesting Jonas dress up as Elvis or even have the Elvis impersonator officiant join in on the celebration via Zoom call.

    Feature image: Instagram / Joe Jonas

     

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    In Engagements

    Marvelous morganite engagement rings

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    Today’s brides are unique, and deserve a ring to match. Rather than going for the expected diamond, modern brides are turning to alternative stones to adorn their ring fingers. For a sweet, soft look, why not consider going for morganite? This pink gemstone has become a trendy alternative in recent years.

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    Morganite is a semi-precious stone in the beryl family, making it related to emerald and aquamarine. While it is typically light peach in colour, it can range in shades from orange to pink.

    The stone was discovered in Madagascar in 1910. It was named after famous financier J.P. Morgan, who was well-known for his love of gemstones. Today, the majority of morganite comes from Minas Gerais, Brazil.

    According to Crystal Vaults.com, morganite “cleanses the emotional body of stress and anxiety, old wounds and hidden traumas, and enkindles lightness within the spirit, as if a burden has been lifted.”

    The stone also encourages and maintains loving thoughts.

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    The stone has slowly grown in popularity over the years.

    “While diamonds are still the most popular gemstone used in engagement rings, other gemstones, including morganite, are becoming increasingly sought after,” Brilliant Earth co-founder and co-CEO Beth Gerstein told Vox. “We continue to see an increasing interest in pink engagement rings following the rise of millennial pink in 2017.”

    Morganite scores 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, making it softer than diamond yet still quite durable. However, it is more susceptible to scratches and damage.

    Besides being unique, morganite is also way more affordable than diamond, making it a great choice for an engagement ring.

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    Feature image: Pinterest

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