The COVID-19 pandemic certainly threw a spanner in the works for countless couples across the globe, with many soon-to-say-I-do being forced to postpone their big day due to tightening lockdown restrictions. However, despite the many setbacks along the way, there is a silver lining for twosomes planning on getting hitched.
Considering how, for social distancing’s sake, big weddings are out, and small, intimate ceremonies are in, couples have been able to conserve a significant amount of their initial wedding budget with many opting to use the extra money to plan a once-in-a-lifetime destination wedding and inviting only their nearest and dearest.
If this approach to getting married sounds appealing, you might be wondering “where to?” Here’s a look at five magical local wedding destinations to which you’ll want to immediately say “I do.”
A country-style union in Citrusdal
Escape from the noise of the city streets and savour the simple country life in Citrusdal, a charming little town nestled in the Western Cape’s Olifants River Valley. Breathe in the fresh air surrounded by the Cederberg mountains and marvel at the gorgeous backdrop of sprawling citrus orchards – talk about the perfect place to snap those wedding photos!
If you’re really after unrivalled privacy, peace and quiet when it comes to tying the knot, it’s a great idea to find a venue off the beaten track or, better yet, perched at the very top of a mountain pass, such as Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort.
“This resort is a popular choice for weddings not only for its country, rustic styling and breath-taking beauty but also due to its impressive facilities. Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort always promises a well-stocked bar, along with access to an indoor heated pool and a private spa for lengthy pamper sessions for the bride-to-be and her wedding party,” says Sharmila Ragunanan, Group Marketing Executive for Dream Hotels & Resorts.
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A whimsical wedding in the Winelands
There’s no better place in which to toast to life-long health and happiness than in the Cape Winelands. Who wouldn’t want to wed in the Winelands surrounded by flourishing grapevines and mountain views? Add to that some of the world’s best wine and the most mouth-watering gourmet masterpieces comprising farm-fresh ingredients for your wedding reception and you have yourself a wedding venue recipe guaranteed to wow.
The region is also a sought-after honeymoon spot, allowing newlyweds to get wrapped up in the best of what Mother Nature has to offer. Think morning visits to the spa, romantic afternoon wine tastings and candlelit dinners at some of SA’s leading restaurants.
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Matrimony in the mountains, Drakensberg
You’ve probably noticed as you’ve gone through this list that getting married surrounded by majestic mountains is an emerging trend this wedding season. Well, there’s more to it than simply finding a beautiful backdrop for wedding photographs. Many couples believe that mountains are a perfect symbol of what they hope their union to be – strong, enduring, eternal.
There are other couples who liken marriage to the process of climbing a mountain. You start off at ‘basecamp’ when you say, ‘I do’ and begin your climb. Along the way, there are sure to be many twists and turns and extremely challenging moments, in-between moments where you can’t help but stop and savour the incredible beauty around you and a wonderful feeling of contentment. You’ll quickly realise that it’s not about reaching the top, but enjoying the journey, knowing that there will be positive and negative experiences throughout and remembering, of course, that it’s all worth it in the end!
Those looking for a true mountainous paradise can’t go wrong with the Drakensberg as their chosen destination. Whether you decide to get married at the foothills of the mountains or at the summit of one of the peaks, it’s certain to be a day to remember that’s full of depth, meaning and delight. You’ll be utterly charmed checking in at the Little Switzerland resort, an Alpine-esque retreat nestled at the foot of the northern Drakensberg. This corner of the Berg is ‘made’ for romance whether you want to get active with hikes or horse rides or relax around a roaring fire, get pampered in the spa or simply take in the epic views.
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A beautiful beach ceremony in Ballito
Saying ‘I do’ with the sunshine on your skin (making it super easy to get that natural bridal glow!) and the soft beach sand between your toes is sure to be a welcome indulgence on your special day.
It’s easy to understand why so many couples venture to the KZN coast for their nuptials. They know that they’re practically guaranteed the perfect weather and the perfect backdrop, as well as that there will be plenty of adventures in store after the wedding is over. After all, KZN is a go-to local honeymoon spot for a reason!
Ballito, in particular, is a top choice for proposals and weddings alike. Here, there are many stunning guesthouses and lodges located right next to the beach, like the ever-popular coastal resort, Zimbali Lodge. These venues promise views of the ebb and flow of the Indian Ocean, shade beneath picturesque palm trees, and an endless supply of refreshing sea air to soothe those pre-wedding jitters.
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A wedding in the wilderness, Greater Pilanesberg
If the serenity of the bushveld is calling, you can’t go wrong with a destination wedding in the North West’s Greater Pilanesberg. Grab your closest friends and relatives and head out into the wilderness for a few days of relaxation, pampering and life’s simplest pleasures ahead of the big day. It’s an ideal way in which to unwind and prepare for such a life-changing event. Once the wedding is over, you and your love will be free to set off on your own mission and enjoy a romantic safari getaway for two in the Pilanesberg National Park or, alternatively, a dose of glitz and glamour at nearby Sun City.
Wherever your wanderlust takes you, rest assured that your local destination wedding will be everything that you ever dreamed of and more. What a way to make the most of every moment as the two of you begin your life-long journey together!
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Picture: Instagram @otyliaphotography
The thought of international singers Maluma and Jennifer Lopez in the same movie has our spines tingling. A match made in heaven, or by the looks of their…
Adele has always stolen our hearts with her powerful vocals and romantic lyrics. So, it’s no surprise that fans were over the moon when she announced her CBS special “Adele One Night Only,” a major music event that took place this past Sunday. But for one couple, it soon became a major event for another reason.
Quentin Brunson was ready to pop the question to his girlfriend of seven years, Ashleigh Mann, but just how do you top a simple fancy dinner proposal? Brunson clearly knew what he was doing when he pulled off the biggest emotional surprise during the concert hosted at Los Angeles’ Griffith Park, going down on one knee in front of cameras and a number of A-list celebrities, reports EW.
To pull off the best proposal of 2021 (okay, we may be a bit biased), Adele roped the audience into helping her orchestrate the epic proposal as she asked the them to remain quiet.
“I need every person to be really quiet, alright? If you make a noise, I’m going to kill you,” the songstress was heard half-joking to the audience.
As the lights dimmed, the almost bride-to-be was escorted across the stage by Brunson wearing noise-cancelling headphones and a blindfold. Mann was then instructed to take off her blindfold and was visibly shocked to see Brunson on one knee.
“This is real,” Quentin said while Mann freaked out. “This is real, this is real,” he could be heard saying.
After what we can only imagine was a shock to the system and a moment filled with plenty of tears, she said “yes.” However, Mann got an even bigger surprise when the queen of love songs herself stepped out from the shadows and into the spotlight, revealing a few of her famous friends in the process, including Lizzo, Seth Rogen, and Melissa McCarthy.
Speaking to CBS, the newly engaged Mann stated that: “I honestly thought that we were going to go on a hayride. I had been talking about going to the pumpkin patch, so I assumed we were doing something cool like that.”
Well, she ended up getting something much cooler. The legendary proposal came after Brunson submitted a one-minute video explaining why he deserved to make his future wife’s dreams come true.
Check out the incredible video below:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CWSBRnAMpwd/
Picture Instagram CBS
The first dance as a married couple is the highlight of the wedding. It’s the perfect opportunity to show off your dance moves before the celebration really kicks…
Paris Hilton will be saying her “I dos” on November 11, but it’s her wedding registry that has the world flabbergasted. Costing more than what some people make over five years, the 40-year-old heiress has a gift registry that totals a whopping $60 000 (around R900 000) with a few extravagant items that include a $1000 crystal caviar server with a spoon and a $4 885 Baccarat vase.
The DJ turned entrepreneur is set to tie the knot to long-term beau Carter Reum with the wealthy duo officially posting their registry on Gearys. A few other items on the registry include a $990 Baccarat lamp, an $1845 caviar vodka set for six, and a $355 crystal wine glass.
To celebrate her impending nuptials, the bride-to-be hosted an Alice in Wonderland-themed bridal shower featuring a few A-list names with the guest list including celebrities such as Kris Jenner, Lisa Rinna, Kath Hilton, and sister Nicky Hilton Rothschild.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CU0tg6khcso/
Along with some lavish guests, the extravagant shower included a range of sweet treats, with cakes and biscuits blending perfectly with the fantasy theme.
Hilton gave fans a peek into her upcoming ceremony, a three-day affair that’s bound to be as opulent as she is.
“It’s gonna be like a three-day affair — we’ll have a lot happening.”
But just what about the most important aspect – the wedding dress?
“Lots of dresses. Probably 10 – I love outfit changes.” Fans eager to get a peek at the big day have something to look forward to as Hilton has recently announced a new reality TV series, Paris in Love, which will take viewers along for the ride.
Picture: Paris Hilton Instagram
Some will consider former Japanese Princess Mako and her ‘peasant’ husband Kei Komuro the stuff of fairy tales. Upper echelon circles have considered it dishonourable. Either way, for…
Recently, Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker got down on one knee and popped the question to reality star Kourtney Kardashian. The news has since sent social media (and ex Scott Disick) into a frenzy with many fans gawking at the ginormous ring now sitting on her left finger. The massive diamond engagement piece is reportedly worth $1 million – that’s around R14 million – a price of a luxury house in Camps Bay or West Cliff.
So, just how much are celebrities forking for the rock on their left finger?
1. Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey sure doesn’t like to be outdone, sitting at the top of the list with a 35-carat diamond ring that reportedly cost a whopping R10 million.
2. Beyonce
Well, they don’t call her Queen B for nothing. It’s no surprise that the Lemonade singer has one of the world’s highest-valued diamonds with husband Jay-Z reportedly paying around $5 million for the gorgeous emerald-cut ring back in 2008.
3. Jennifer Lopez
When it comes to sporting some serious engagement bling, Lopez would take up a few spots on this list. However, it’s her engagement to A-Rod back in March 2019 that has placed her firmly on this list. The American baseball star went all out when getting down on one knee, purchasing a 15-20 carat emerald cut ring that was reportedly worth $5 million.
4. Paris Hilton
Remember that time in 2005 when Paris Hilton was engaged to shipping heir Paris Latsis? Not many people do, but the hotel heiress walked away with a diamond ring valued at $4. 7 million at the time, that’s around R58 million.
5. Kim Kardashian
There’s no question that Kanye West and Kim Kardashian don’t do small – go big, or go home is their motto, which was clear to see during the couple‘s epic 2013 proposal. The diamond stunner reportedly cost a cool $4 million but was unfortunately amongst the jewellery stolen during Kim‘s infamous Paris robbery.
Picture: Pexels