• One year ago, Hollywood’s favourite couple Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez got engaged in the Bahamas. Now, Rodriguez is making a tribute to his future bride to honour their one-year engagement.

    Taking to social media, Rodriguez shared a highlight reel showcasing the best moments from their relationship, including the moment he went down on one knee to pop the big question.

    “One year ago on a beach in the Bahamas…. I was a nervous wreck, more nervous than my entire playing career, I got down on one knee and asked you a question… you said yes ❤️ ” the former pro baseball player wrote on Instagram. “Jennifer, every moment with you is a blessing. You are my best friend, my inspiration, an amazing mother, and a role model to all. Macha, I am so lucky to be with you. Thank you for making my life better. I can’t wait to make more memories with you. . I love you. #HappyAnniversary ❤️”

    https://www.instagram.com/tv/B9ia8bMHTLA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    The couple plan to marry sometime this year. In a Youtube video, Lopez has spoken about her desire to have a big, traditional church wedding. Considering they share a blended family, the couple plan on involving their four kids in their big day. Lopez’s son Max will reportedly walk her down the aisle.

    However, the couple are in no rush to tie the knot. Speaking to Oprah earlier this month, Lopez said, “It’s so funny because when we first got engaged, I was like, ‘Oh, we’re going to get married in a couple of months,’ ” she told Winfrey. “Like your old thinking comes right back, like all that hopeless romantic that made me get married three times.”

    “I said, ‘If we’re going to be together for the rest of our lives, what is the rush?’ If that’s what we’re really going to do, if we’re really going to be partners, if we’re really going to try to build something together that we both never had or never felt like we had, which is a family with a husband and a wife, and a mother and father, and we embrace all our children. We show them it’s something that we didn’t have,” she said.

    Feature image: Instagram / Arod

    Planning your honeymoon is an exciting time for any soon-to-be married couple. It can, however, be difficult to decide on a destination that meets all your expectations. A major trend in travel currently is eco-conscious tourism.

    Making as little impact on the environment as possible is something people are aiming to include in their travels. If you want to jump on the proverbial bandwagon, here are some eco-friendly resorts and destinations to consider for your honeymoon.

    Wolwekrans Eco Lodge

    Located on 120 hectares of bushveld in Mpumalanga on Schoemanskloof escarpment, there are two private self-catering cabins that make for the perfect honeymoon scape. Each cabin has two bedrooms, offering ample space. The views will keep you entranced as you gaze over the forest landscapes. Natural springs make for the perfect place to cool off in the summer sun. With three hiking trails to embark on, there are lots of ways for you to appreciate the surrounds. Pets are welcomed guests too.

     

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    Just hanging. A little winter getaway with @tank363

    A post shared by Bronwyn Momberg (@bronnieboots) on

    Fynbos Suites on Farm 215

    For ultimate peace and tranquility, the suites on Farm 215 offer a blissful break for your honeymoon. The reserve is a protected area situated in the Uilkraal Valley between Stanford and Cape Agulhas. Abundant with fynbos from the Cape Floral Kingdom, the suites blend seamlessly into their surrounds. With panoramic views overlooking the Agulhas Plains to the ocean, it doesn’t get more romantic than this. 

     

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    Another lovely picture of one of the fynbossuites. The brightly coloured protea in the foreground makes the picture complete.

    A post shared by farm 215 (@farm215) on

    Sea Shack, Cape Columbine Nature Reserve

    Just outside of Paternoster is where you’ll find the Sea Shack. Situated a literal stone-throw away from the sea, this eco-getaway is a rustic honeymoon destination. The beach huts are all solar-powered and designed in a way that you can keep your door open and listen to the sound of the ocean as you drift off to sleep. The bathrooms are equipped with gas-powered showers and eco-toilets that are serviced daily. Come rain or shine, this seaside escape is a dreamy honeymoon destination.

    Teniqua TreeTops, Garden Route

    This modern yet unassuming treetop accommodation along the Garden Route is eco-friendly, private, luxurious and gorgeous. The cabins are nestled in the trees, allowing you to fully immerse yourselves in nature. Wake up to the sound of singing birds and spend your days exploring this special part of South Africa. The forest lodge is a haven for relaxing and unwinding after the wedding stress, allowing you to create special memories as a newlywed couple.

     

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    Introducing Tranquility at Teniqua Treetops, one of the two self catering family treetop suites designed with young kids in mind, both have railings that are safe and will prevent a child falling. ​The forest can be dark and scary at night, while not dangerous. The stillness is different to a city, no white noise, so sound travels. These tree houses have one bedroom with a queen and a kids bunk bed and a separate lounge for the parents once the kids are sleeping. ​ We look forward to welcoming you at Teniqua Treetops during the upcoming holidays : Tel : +27 (0)44 356 2868 Email : [email protected] http://teniquatreetops.co.za/treehouses/ #WeDoTourism #TeniquaTreetops #Sedgefield #Knysna #EcoFriendly #TreetopSuites #Forest #naturelovers #paradise #FamilyTreetopSuite #hikes #birdwatching

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    Graceland Eco Retreat, Limpopo

    Delicious food, glorious sunsets and a break within nature is all included in your visit to Graceland Eco Retreat. This mountainside lodge will allow you to decompress from the wedding stress. Bordering on the forests and plantations of Magoebaskloof and the Woodbush Forest Reserve, you’ll get the best of both a mountainside escape and a safari experience. Solar power is used throughout the lodge, allowing you to indulge in the creature comforts of home, without the on-the-grid guilt.

    Feature image: Instagram/ Sea Shack

    So you’ve been given the title of Maid of Honour and it’s such an important role in the wedding, it comes with several duties. With great power comes great responsibility.

    Hopefully you aren’t too stressed out about the part you have to play in the wedding. More than anything else, you’re the rock that needs to support the bride.

    If you’re a bit worried about what else you’ll need to do, here is a checklist to help you remember your duties.

    – Head of Bridesmaids 

    The maid of honour should be the go-to for the rest of the bridesmaids. If there are conflicts, tasks, or pre-wedding events that the bridesmaids are involved in, the maid of honour should organise them and ensure that everything is running smoothly.

    – Party planner 

    From the bridal shower to the bachelorette party, and any other pre-wedding celebrations in between, the maid of honour should have a heavy hand in the planning process.

    – Shopping assistant 

    Wedding dresses, bridesmaids dresses, decor, and much more. Shopping for all the things a bride needs can become very tiring. The maid of honour should be by the brides side as much as possible for this, providing opinions, support, and helping to carry those heavy shopping bags!

    – Speech maker 

    Often, the maid of honour is expected to give a toast at either the wedding or the rehearsal dinner. Be prepared!

    – Right hand to the bride 

    On the day of the wedding, the bride will need you for lots of small things. Lipstick checks, bathroom breaks, holding the bouquet when she walks down the aisle, providing water and snacks, and personal social media manager are all tasks the maid of honour can be expected to do on the big day. It may sound like a lot, but many of these things come naturally as the day passes by, you’ll see!

    – Point person for guests 

    The last thing a bride wants to do is answer endless questions about the registry, the location of the wedding, and other logistical issues. Guests should be directed to the maid of honour for all of these queries.

    – Time and record keeper

    You need to ensure that the bride is staying on track, she won’t be able to do it herself.

    Additionally, for any gifts and cards that are received, the maid of honour should do her best to keep a record of who gave what – this will be a huge help to the bride and will save her much stress after the wedding.

    Image: Pexels 

    Choosing your bridal bouquet may seem like one of the simplest things to do for your wedding but it may not be. Flower types, matching with your dress, and arrangements are all things you have to consider.

    Another thing you should keep in mind is the shape you’d prefer. If you’re not sure what shapes are available, then this may be of some help to you.

    Here are some shape options for your bridal bouquet:

    – Composite Bouquet 

    Constructed using hundreds of single petals all wired together, this bouquet is made to look like one extra large flower. This can end up being quite and expensive option, but it adds a unique touch of elegance that you don’t often see.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B8MKrlpDJQM/

    – Cascade bouquet

    Also known as a shower bouquet, this one is quite traditional and very stylish. The flowers are arranged in such a way that they seem as though they’re flowing over the bride’s hands. Often, these bouquets are quite large, and so may be a little inconvenient to lug around on your wedding day. They are, however, great for photos.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B9ASAOal-Fv/

    – Fan bouquet 

    Adding a vintage-feel, this bouquet is simply a plastic fan intertwined with flowers and leaves. This one will stand out from the rest, as it is a very uncommon choice.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BHLUJQ5Dth-/

    – Basket Bouquet

    If you’re having a garden wedding, this one is perfect for you. Flowers are arranged in a basket of whatever shape you prefer. Not only does it add a touch of rustic-vibes, it also generally ensures that your bridal flowers don’t wild and thus last longer.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BUJvlBDD6TM/

    – Presentation Bouquet 

    This one is perfect for the glamorous bride. Otherwise known as the sheath bouquet, this one is striking because of the long stemmed flowers used to create it. A bride carries a presentation bouquet in a specific way – cradled in her arms like a beauty queen who just received her prize.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BZkAGH3lip_/

    – Pomander bouquet 

    While this one is quite uncommon for brides, it could add a touch of originality to your outfit. The pomander is a ball of flowers carried by a loop of ribbon.

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

    – Biedermeier Bouquet 

    Named after a European style of interior design, the biedermeier bouquet is all about symmetry and drama. Flowers are organised in tight, concentric circles of contrasting coloured blooms.

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

    – Nosegay Bouquet 

    One of the more structured shapes of bouquets, this one is smaller and easy to carry. Flowers are cut to the same length, tightly packed together, and wrapped in ribbon or lace.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BKcT5Dpju3-/

    – Hand-tied bouquets 

    Also known as a posy, this bouquet is exactly as it’s name suggests – a bunch of flowers, grouped together in an unstructured manner, and tied.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BV3qsl4BeHP/

    Image: Unsplash