• Movies truly do hold a special place in our hearts. From teaching us lessons to creating friendships with fellow fans, movies can change our lives. One such movie, Back to the Future, did just that. This couple loved the 8os trilogy so much that they planned their wedding around it.

    For Lynsey and James McConville from Stratford, East London, Back to the Future has always been an integral part of their relationship. Their first date, in fact, was to watch the 1980 classic. So when James proposed and they began planning their wedding, they knew the classic film had to be incorporated somehow.

    “We were both born in the 1980s and have fond memories of all the retro toys and the films, so the Back to the Future theme felt perfect for us,” Lynsey told the Daily Mail.

    They dropped a pretty £10,000 (R162 333) to make their dream wedding come true. Their wedding theme was ‘Enchantment Under the Sea’, in honour of the classic dance from the film. James channelled Marty McFly with his choice of shoe wear, donning a pair of light-up warrior sneakers.

    “We had an 80s buffet with cocktail sausages on sticks, vol au vents and party rings and a cocktail menu with themed drinks like the Marty Mojito, Sex in a DeLorean and Clock Tower Cosmo,” said Lynsey.

    The wedding band played 80s classics throughout the evening, and the day came complete with the original DeLorean from the film. Their wedding cake also featured the DeLorean in miniature form, popping out the side of the cake.

    “I think it went down really well with the guests, everyone thought it was funny and loved the 80s music. It turned into a big knees up,” Lynsey told the Daily Mail. “Guests got to have photos in the original DeLorean, which had been signed by all the cast members.”

    “The original plan was to have a themed ‘save the date’ card, then it grew from there – snowballing until we had a DeLorean pulling up outside,” said James. “It was the best day ever. Dancing to Popgun with my wife and friends – you couldn’t beat it.”

    Image: Unsplash

     

    The timeless bride deserves a dress to match. From Gatsby glamour to Victorian silhouettes, there is a wealth of fashion inspiration from yesteryear.

    Get inspired by the trends of the past when picking your dress for the big day. The focal trends will differ depending on your favourite era, so the best plan of action is to do your research.

    Victorian:

    The Victorian-era was all about drama in a modest fashion. Women wore pouffed out dresses adorned with lace and romantic charm. Opt for a high-neck, lace number to harken back to a Victorian style.

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    Gatsby:

    When we picture the roaring 20s, we envision opulence, flash and drama. A time of decadence, 20s fashion reflected of the spirit of bold women. Think elaborate beading and geometric designs for a flapper-inspired 20’s look.

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    60s bohemian:

    The 60s was all about peace and love. Boho fashion entered the mainstream during this time, dressing women in flowing fabrics and unique lace/crochet detailing. Channel your inner hippie with these elaborate looks.

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    Image: Unsplash

    South Africa’s favourite couple have officially set a date for the wedding of the year. Hector Mkansi and Nonhlanhla Soldaat are officially getting married on December 31, 2019.

    In a tweet, KFC South Africa officially announced that Hector and Nonhlanhla, who stole our hearts when they became engaged in a Vaal KFC in early November, will say ‘I Do’ on New Year’s Eve.

    The couple are already married, but because of their financial situation, they could not have the wedding they truly wanted. This time, they’re doing it big and the nation is fully behind them.

    Precious the Planner, one of the country’s top wedding planners, is already on board to plan the big day.

    Other notable businesses that have offered support include Takealot, Capfin, Kulula, Sun City Resort, Koo Food.

    Popular photographer Austin Malema has offered to be the official photographer, DJ Fresh has offered to donate a DJ set for the reception, and Zakes Bantwini has offered to perform at the wedding.

    Drum magazine has offered a two-page spread on the couple, and it is rumoured that Mzanzi Magic’s Our Perfect Wedding will capture the wedding in all its glory.

    It’s not only businesses feeling the love. People are offering to support in any way they can, from donating money to supplying cars, outfits, accessories, invites and drinks.

    If you would also like to support the happy couple, all media queries, donations and pledges can be directed to [email protected].

    Image: Twitter

    For a romantic honeymoon destination, look no further than Mauritius. The Indian Ocean island has been a mainstay with South African couples for decades and it’s easy to see why. With stunning beach views and romantic activities, there is no end to the fun and flirty things to do with your significant other. Here are some must-do activities for your next island escape.

    1: Sundowners on Belle Mare Beach

    A beautiful view and your favourite person is sometimes all you need. Enjoy delicious beverages while taking in one of the island’s most picturesque beaches. With long stretches of pristine white sand, the turquoise sea and crystal clear water surrounded by large casuarina trees, you’ll round out your day on a high note.

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    2: Stroll hand-in-hand through Pamplemousses Botanical Garden

    This corner of paradise is the oldest botanical garden in the southern hemisphere, which makes it a definite must-see. Marvel at the amazing collection of 85 types of palm trees, the spice garden and of course, the giant waterlillies on show at this noteworthy natural location.

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    3: Horse ride on Riemdael Beach

    Romance and horse riding go hand-in-hand. Add the beach to the equation and you’re golden. When in Mauritius, make sure to go on a scenic horseback ride with your love to make you feel like you’re the main characters in your very own romance novel.

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    4: Explore Chamarel Waterfall

    The country’s tallest waterfall makes for a perfect daytime activity. Wade through the chilly waters with your partner while relishing in the green foliage and dense forest that surround you.

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    5: Sunset Catamaran Cruise

    Live a life of luxury – at least for a little while – aboard a catamaran cruise. Mauritius is best seen from the water, so you simply cannot miss this opportunity. While catamaran cruises generally run all day, going at sunset guarantees stunningly soft skies and cooler weather. It’s the perfect time to cuddle up and enjoy the best of what nature has to offer.

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    6: Helicopter tour of the ‘Underwater Waterfall’

    For a truly mesmerising view, you have to go high. This curious natural phenomenon is actually an optical illusion. Mauritius sits on an ocean shelf raised above seabed level, with a gradual slope that abruptly ends in a 4000-meter-deep abyssal drop. The movement of sand and silt on this slope causes the water to appear different colours, thus creating the effect of an underwater waterfall. What a memorable marvel to witness.

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    7: Spend the day at Ile aux Cerfs

    Popularly known as the Treasure Island, Ile aux Cerfs is a privately-owned island home to some of the world’s best beaches. Spend the day engaging in the various water sports and beach activities offered on the island. From getting around in glass-bottom boats to snorkeling in the crystal-clear water, you and your partner will absolutely fall in love with this island.

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    8: Sleep under the stars

    For a romantic night, Ile Aux Cerf Golf Club is a must-stay. The resort offers their bubble lodge, an outdoor residence fitted with a lounge area, a cozy bedroom, a washroom and an open sky shower. Each unit has been tastefully decorated combining earthy tones and natural fabrics.

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    9: Hike up Le Morne mountain

    A hike might not sound that romantic, but we promise it will be worth it. Once you reach the summit of Le Morne, the view of Mauritius spreading out in front of you will take your breath away.

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    10: Witness the Coloured Earth of Chamarel

    They say that red is the colour of love, so why not go where the hue surrounds you? Seven Coloured Earths are a truly exquisite natural geological formation where rainbow-hued sand dunes undulate and settle in separate layers.

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    Image: Unsplash