Ah, young love. Often characterised by high drama and intensity, most high school relationships aren’t built to last. This couple, however, always knew that they were meant to be. So much so that five years before they even got engaged, they wrote their wedding vows and stored them for safe keeping inside Build-a-Bears.
Back in 2014, high school sweethearts Alyssa and Chase Smagacz went on a Valentines Day date to Build-a-Bear in celebration of their one-year anniversary. Chase had the idea that they should each write promises to the other person and stuff them inside their bears. Five years later, those exact promises became their wedding vows.
The night before their wedding, they took turns to read the messages to each other in private at their wedding rehearsal. Then at the wedding, they read them out in front of their closest friends and family, along with a new set of vows.
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“Through the rough times we’ve had, we always come out stronger together. No matter what I will always love you. Through the thick & thin, good or bad, you will be the love of my life,” Chase wrote in his vows. “You make me the happiest person in the world!”
Watch the heartwarming video below:
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The vows, which were a complete surprise to their wedding guests, proved to Alyssa and Chase that the journey was all worth it, despite what people told them.
“We felt very doubted in high school as everyone thinks it’s just like a relationship that’ll last through high school,” Alyssa told Good Morning America. “When we got to open (the Build-A-Bears), it was kind of like, ‘OK, we made it here.'”
Image: Instagram / Alyssa Smagacz
Sporting the pixie cut or the savvy bob? No stress. There is still lots to do with it! Short hair is very hot right now, and can go…
Nobody likes uninvited guests at their wedding. But what if it’s a Beluga whale? One couple was delighted when the friendly sea creature swam up to them during their aquarium wedding in Connecticut, US.
The couple obviously love the ocean and its inhabitants, and we agree, they are beautiful. Standing beneath a dome of blue water and coral fish, this was already the perfect setting. Then one more attendant swam over to be included in the festivities.
Belugas are naturally curious like most sea mammals, and are known to have a friendly nature. And apparently, they’re really good photobombers! The internet is having a party with the picture, captioning cute comments like: ‘Something old, something new, something borrowed, something Beluga!’
Picture: Bored Panda
You’ve heard of miniature brides, but this one is pretty paw-some. Although it’s generally considered disrespectful to wear white to a wedding, this bride made a special exception…
The country’s most loved couple of the moment just gave us yet another healthy dose of the feels. Following his amazing performance at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi wrote a touching tribute to the woman that has supported him all the way.
Siya and Rachel Kolisi have been together for many years, and have faced harsh criticism and racial abuse ever since they began dating. However, their love proved true. Now married and parents to four children, (two biological and two adopted), the couple have won over the hearts of the nation following Siya leading the Springboks to victory at the World Cup.
Rachel has been by Siya’s side supporting his rugby journey since they met, so of course she was front and centre cheering him on at the major sports competition. Her dedication has not gone unnoticed by Siya, and in a beautiful Instagram post, he thanked his wife for her unwavering support.
“I love you @rachel_kolisi Thanks for always being there for me, believing in me and pushing me to be the best I can be.” he wrote in an Instagram post.
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Since being posted, the image has raked up over 100 000 likes, and various South African celebrities such as Janez Vermeren and Anele Mdoda have commented their support for the couple.
The couple seem to be incredibly loved up at the moment, and even jetted off to Paris together following the end of the Springbok Champions tour. Rachel shared this adorable picture from the city of love.
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Also read Siya and Rachel Kolisi’s love story.
Image: Instagram / Rachel Kolisi
December is synonymous with one thing in the Western world: Christmas. Everyone is ready to kick back, bake cookies and be merry. Festive lights are hung and trees…
If you’re looking for a fun yet flirty wedding dress, look no further. Off-the-shoulder gowns are wonderfully romantic and dreamy. Whether you want a wonderfully whimsical dress or a minimalist modern finish, an off-the-shoulder gown is versatile enough for any effect. The options are endless, whatever your style.
Show some skin with these stunning off-the-shoulder designs:
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Image: Unsplash