Deciding who to spend forever with is a life-changing decision. We spoke to Cape Town-based life coach, Helen Searra, on how to determine whether you are ready for marriage or not.
“There are a number of signs that indicate when we are ready for marriage, starting with our circle of close friends. For instance, when our friends take their romantic relationship to a more serious and committed level, like getting engaged. This thought of following suit may become more apparent, where it may have only been a subconscious idea beforehand,” said Searra.
She continued, “when we can’t imagine our lives without our partner, we identify them as our soulmate and are drawn to creating our own sanctuary to share with them. This is a sign.”
“When speaking to each other about long-term plans and believing that one can be in a relationship with one’s partner forever. Knowing that one wants to be married rather than just the idea of having a wedding day. These are all tell-tale signs,” explained Searra.
“When we have ticked off the things on our bucket list of a single life and are confident the rest of our bucket list would include our partner or bring no harm to the relationship.”
“When our family and friends love our partner and we have discussed our different family types, belief systems and cultural differences and begin designing our own set of rules, as two separate individuals being on the same page. When we reach a certain emotional and spiritual maturity, both having a voice, and are able to find our way back to each other after a disagreement. These are all indicators that one is ready for marriage,” concluded Searra.
Helen Searra is a Cape Town-based life coach. She has been practicing for 10 years in her field. She offers individual counselling sessions and couples counselling both in person or remotely over Skype. She offers package deals of either 4, 6 or 8 sessions. To enquire for a rates card, contact Helen at [email protected].
Image: Unsplash
Every bride wants to look and feel incredible on her wedding day. Setting a wedding date may be just the perfect motivation needed to get to your goal…
Louis Ducruet, grandson of legendary Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly, wed Marie Chevallier in an elaborate ceremony this weekend. The happy couple had a two-day wedding celebration that starting on July 26 in Monaco. The first day involved a civil ceremony and the matrimonial occasion was conducted by Mayor of Monaco, Georges Marsan. The couple celebrated in the gardens at the Prince’s Palace.
The lovebirds paid tribute to his royal grandparents by having their religious ceremony at the same cathedral in which they were married. They had their second nuptials at The Cathedral of Our Lady Immaculate. Rainier III, Prince of Monaco and Grace Kelly wed there 60 years prior. They also visited the graves of his famous ancestors and placed flowers.
Louis and Marie met at university and were engaged on February 12, 2018. Marie had three special outfits for her wedding weekend. She opted for an ivory jumpsuit designed by Rosa Clará for the civil ceremony. The jumpsuit comprised of a silk crepe culotte and the waist was embroidered with lace.
Her religious ceremony outfit was designed by Atelier Boisanger. She wore a silk zagar wedding dress embroidered with delicate chantilly lace. The dress took a total of 300 hours of embroidering to be completed.
After the religious ceremony, the bride changed into her third outfit. She opted for another Rosa Clará design. This time a lace dress with a deep neckline and a short hemline under an embroidered overskirt. The outfit was a short but sophisticated.
Picture: Instagram/ Louis Ducruet
Now that the wedding is over, you and your partner can finally relax, and spending your honeymoon lazing on a tropical island is the perfect way to do…
By Keenan Martin
It’s become an unspoken rule for the groom to take a peripheral role at weddings. So while you may not steal the attention of those attending your wedding, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t put a little effort into looking your best on the big day.
Shoe vs Suit
Probably the most important factor when it comes to selecting a shoe is how it will complement your suit style and colour. Traditional black suits should always be paired with black shoes, and stay away from lengthy white socks if your pants are going to be cropped above the ankle. Brown shoes tend to pair well with darker colours such as midnight blue, navy or maroon.
Suit styles are often overlooked, so knowing more about your suit will help make choosing a shoe so much easier. Brogues tend to be the best choice for tuxedos, while Oxfords are more suited to your formal suits. Loafers are a popular stylistic choice these days but should be used with caution, these shoes are best worn when the pants have been cropped above the ankle.
Comfort is key
Comfort should always be of the utmost importance since weddings are long and you’ll most likely be on your feet for most of the day. Do not compromise on comfort! Your bride-to-be will not appreciate blistered feet on the honeymoon, and neither will you. Make sure you have the appropriate socks, preferably with non-slip grips to avoid them sliding down your foot. If your shoes are brand new, wear them around the house for a few days before to see if you’ll need any additional support, like heel grips or insoles.
Consider where you’re getting married
Another thing to consider is location – if you’re planning to be wed on a beach in the sand, perhaps the shiny brogues aren’t the best choice. Consider your environment, and particularly, the surface you’ll be strutting your stuff on for the ceremony all the way through pictures, then onto the dancefloor.
A last thought…
Of course not every couple prefers the traditional wedding with the traditional attire, every couple is unique and should allow for self expression. One thing is for sure, sneakers are trendy and more men are incorporating them for a touch of ‘cool’. If you are going to opt for the more casual footwear, nothing is more regal or clean than an all white Nike Air Force 1, just saying.
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The Wedding Expo is making its way to Durban on August 3 and 4. The event will be held at Sibaya Sun Park in Durban North. The Expo…
Steve Irwin’s daughter, Bindi Irwin received a special birthday present when Chandler Powell proposed on her 21st birthday.
The couple have been dating for almost six years and Chandler picked the perfect spot to pop the question, the zoo. He mentioned in his Instagram post, ‘proposing in her very favorite place in the zoo, surrounded by animals, seemed like the perfect way to embark on this incredible new chapter in our lives’.
The love birds met at Australia Zoo, located in Queensland, the zoo is owned by Terri Irwin, the widow of Steve Irwin.
Terri Irwin commented and said ‘Best day ever!’ She mentioned that she is happy for her daughter and Steve would be too.
Best day ever! Chandler asked and beautiful @BindiIrwin said yes. I am so very happy, and I know Steve would be too. Congratulations!! pic.twitter.com/sN5sFnxZhI
— Terri Irwin (@TerriIrwin) July 24, 2019
Steve Irwin tragically passed away on September 4 2006. He sustained a stingray injury to the heart and is survived by his wife Terri, Bindi and son Robert.
I am beyond happy for you two. You are true soulmates and have always been so completely perfect for each other. Love you both and congratulations ? pic.twitter.com/zrjXIFTegn
— Robert Irwin (@RobertIrwin) July 24, 2019
Bindi seems very eager to be wed, as she added to her Instagram post ‘Now let’s get married already!’
Picture: Facebook/Bindi Irwin