The world has been tilted on its axis at the news of Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker’s engagement.
The Blink-182 drummer decided to put a ring on it, and boy, was it a RING. Barker popped the question at Montecito Beach on Sunday, October 17, and social media has been flooded with images of the happy couple ever since. But it’s the enormous engagement ring that has us in a tailspin.
Go big or go home appears to be the route Barker has taken, with Kardashian’s left finger now sporting a giant oval-cut diamond engagement ring worth a whopping $1 million. According to Page Six, her new bling appears to be larger than 15 carats in a pavé or hidden halo setting.
The loved-up couple has been dating since January, though they’ve been friends and neighbours for quite some time with the pair making it Instagram official in February. However, it was their trip to Venice, Italy that really had tongues wagging as the pair was unrelenting when it came to showing off their affection for each other. Kardashian famously dated Scott Disick on-and-off for ten years, with the oldest Kardashian sister noting that they would have still been together having Disick not messed up his sobriety during a KUWTK reunion special in June. The two share three children together, while Barker was previously married to former beauty queen Shanna Moakler. He shares two children with her.
View this post on Instagram
The engagement was a sight to behold too! Countless red roses appeared to envelop Montecito’s white sandy beach, with an array of candles careful placed within a circle of red, adding to the overall ambience.
It looked to be a picture-perfect proposal and we couldn’t be happier for the pair!
Picture: Kourtney Kardashian Instagram
Former Miss South Africa Tamaryn Green and her fiancé Zesimdumise Nxumalo, better known as ‘Ze’, have shared snaps from their traditional Zulu ‘umembeso’ ceremony, which took place last…
Hear the distant roars of wild lions while watching the blazing African sunset at none other than Limpopo’s finest Abelana Game Reserve — the perfect place to escape the bustle of everyday life and dive into a little romance.
2020 was a tough year for the travel industry, and many love birds had to put their wedding day on hold. But now, all that’s left to focus on is a whole lot of love as couples across the world get ready to say “I do”.
It’s time for love to take center stage and there’s no better way to celebrate than at one of the most gorgeous locations in South Africa.
Welcome to Abelana Game Reserve…
A history of union with Abelana Game Reserve’s first bush wedding:
Situated on 15 000 hectares of pure unadulterated beauty, Abelana welcomed their first bride and groom on the scenic Malati Weir.
An intimate, mid-afternoon gathering saw no more than 42 guests come together in celebration of the couple, who said yes to forever with panoramic views overlooking the Selati River, which only enhanced the already magical moment.
The dinner reception was a classic-chic affair hosted at the Abelana River Lodge with not much of the lodge altered in terms of decor — raw beauty. A beaming bride and groom ensured that Abelana’s first bush wedding was the perfect African-ever-after.
Saying “I do” at Abelana Game Reserve
There’s something uniquely indescribable about being serenaded by the sounds of the bushveld, and Abelana is hoping to bring boatloads of African ambience to your wedding day.
Located just a 5 hours drive from Johannesburg, the luxury lodge is now launching its bespoke wedding package to the public. The perfect bushveld wedding is not only available but accessible to brides and grooms ready to tie the knot.
Thanks to Abelana Game Reserve, Limpopo’s burnt skies and natural brilliance are just a booking way from becoming your wedding reality.
Couples can expect only the best service from the Abelana team with wedding packages including, but not limited to:
- A dedicated team was allocated to attend to the bride and groom on the wedding day
- A complimentary Abelana wedding cake
- A romantic turndown
- Luxurious king-suite accommodation for up to 40 overnight guests
- All standard accommodation inclusions apply to overnight guests, such as meals and game viewing activities
COVID-19 has played a big part in wedding plans, but an intimate bush wedding still remains an attractive prospect for couples who are considering the implications of the pandemic.
COVID precautions are the lodge’s top priority and nothing beats naturally wide-open spaces, fresh air, and ample room for social distancing that’s offered when choosing to book your wedding here.
Abelana River Lodge follows stringent protocols to protect tourists, wedding guests and staff, including:
- Guest temperatures are scanned on arrival at the reserve gate, and each guest completes a contact-tracing and general wellness form.
- Staff temperatures and wellness are assessed and recorded on a daily basis.
- All staff are required to wear a mask at all times, and to sanitise their hands frequently.
- Guests are required to wear their masks in the lodge’s indoor public areas.
- All suites are rested between guest stays.
- Hand sanitising stations are positioned at all entrances to the lodge and hand sanitiser supply is available on each game viewing vehicle.
- All surfaces are wiped down with sanitiser on a regular basis, and game viewing vehicles are wiped down between each game drive.
So, what are a few things that brides and grooms-to-be should consider when planning their “safari wedding?”
“Wedding couples should be passionate about nature, animals and bush life. Don’t be too attached to the timing of your big day. Out here, we could run into any number of situations that could delay the whole itinerary. We encounter roadblocks – not the city kind – and detours created by fallen trees and wildlife. We may put a plan in place, but when you come face-to-face with a breeding herd of elephants, we wait; you wait – everyone waits. It’s part of the magic,” says Natalie Roberts, assistant lodge manager.
Ready to book the venue of your dreams and say “I do” while immersed in nature?
For more information on the lodge and its wedding packages, please contact Bryan West at 061 952 4302 or [email protected]
Pictures: Abelana Game Reserve
Weddings are stressful. Throw family into the mix, and sometimes you find a recipe for disaster. However, one wedding couple found that a few family members were ready…
One of the biggest features of any wedding is the fairytale wedding dress. Whether you’ve been dreaming of your quintessential gown since you were a little girl or the minute you got engaged, finding the perfect fit can be an exciting and stressful business.
Another stressor? Finding the perfect wedding designer. Thankfully, we’re taking at peek at five South African wedding gown designers that we’re loving right now.
The Wedding Collective
The Wedding Collective isn’t exactly a designer, but they’re a wedding boutique with a twist. They offer a range of incredible designers with wedding gown designs you will not find anywhere else in South Africa.
View this post on Instagram
Janita Toerien
Janita is an immensely talented designer that offers custom designs that will leave your jaw hanging on the floor. From simple to extravagant, this designer can do it all.
View this post on Instagram
Maggie Sottero
Quality designs that are classic and romantic, Maggie Sottero knows exactly what they’re doing with nearly 24 years of design experience behind them with each design inspired by your love story.
View this post on Instagram
Kobus Dippenaar
Synonymous with panache, Dippenaar’s designs aim to enhance the bride’s natural beauty. If you’re interested in grabbing a one-of-a-kind corset for your big day, he is exceptionally skilled at creating detailed pieces that you’ll fall in love with.
View this post on Instagram
Robyn Roberts
Robyn Roberts has been around for 25 years and provides elegant designs that suit every bride. They offer a range of couture designs, but they specialise in minimalism – offering incredible yet simple designs for the minimalistic bride.
View this post on Instagram
Picture: Vera Wang
There’s nothing more romantic than popping the question on a wholesome beat. It’s also a great way to personalise a moment since music enhances emotions, and emotions enhance…
We love a good photo booth. Not only is it an excellent way to commemorate your wedding day, but it’s bound to keep your guests entertained. While renting a Kardashian-inspired photo booth may set you back thousands, creating your own version can be an affordable and memorable option.
From floral backdrops to iPad Instagram filters, here are a few fun DIY photo booth hacks you can incorporate into your big day.
It’s all about the floral
Come rain or shine, adding a floral backdrop is a great way to add a pop of colour to your pictures. However, you don’t have to get a florist to whip this up for you. Grab your tools, plywood, your favourite flowers and glue for a masterpiece.
View this post on Instagram
Chalk it up
Adding a chalkboard is a great way to include a whimsical or industrial touch to your wedding. It all depends on the font you use. It’s also incredibly easy to create and won’t cost you too much.
View this post on Instagram
A twinkle in the eye
Is there anything more romantic or ethereal than string lights? Adding this to a neutral backdrop or a large piece of plywood will help create a simple, but a beautiful element to your guest’s photos.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CUD4nsiN8cQ/
Nothing wrong with Neon
How about a splash of rock and roll to your wedding day? You can personalise your photo booth by adding a custom neon sign. Having one of these bad boys will certainly get your guests talking and is an incredible way to add something special … maybe your favourite lyrics or quote.
A Polaroid cut-out
Simple and easy to make at home, adding a photo frame to a stand (perhaps with a few flowers) will leave your photo-loving guests wanting more. You can add your favourite quote or your names and the date of your big day.
A photo box
All you need is a polaroid camera, a box and memories. Adding a photo box to your wedding day is an adorable way to collect memories that you can open when you have a chance. Provide guests with the opportunity to snap a few pics of themselves and deposit them into the box – simple and not too pricey!
View this post on Instagram
Bohemian style
Adding macrame as your photo-op background can help blend in with the beautiful surroundings of your wedding or add a touch of simple elegance. Pop a few flowers on the frame and you’ve got a winner!
Picture: Instagram