Valentine’s Day is drawing closer, and that means that you need to find the perfect present for your lover before time runs out.
The past year has been tough, and it’s fair to say everyone deserves a bit of pampering. If you were planning a wedding or forced to postpone one during the madness of 2020, you are in even greater need of a special treat.
This year, Valentine’s Day may look a little different since so many experiences and places are off the cards amid the pandemic. However, there are still some items that will stimulate and inspire intimacy in your relationship. For the most intensely intimate Valentine’s Day ever, choose from one of these amazing and affordable experiences.
The sensual spa day
You could easily book a couple’s massage, or you could opt for the more sensual, do-it-yourself approach. Run a bath with rose petals and light it up with candles to set the mood and get the relaxation going. Next up, pour some aromatic oils onto your partner and give them a massage from top to bottom. Not only will you be easing their strained muscles, but it will also bring you much closer, quite literally.
A cooking class
They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Regardless of gender, however, everyone loves a good meal. The satisfaction of knowing you made it yourself is even better. There are many cooking classes available in Cape Town, all you need to do is pick your favourite cuisine and roll up your sleeves. If you don’t have the cash right now, simply pop on your favourite Food Network show and recreate a dish at home. Learning a new skill together is a great bonding experience, and will encourage team-building skills as you work together.
A photoshoot
Selfies are great, but sometimes you need a professional to capture your true beauty. Hire a local photographer to take sweet images of you and your loved one. You could opt for an outdoor sunset shoot or a more intimate boudoir aesthetic, the style is completely up to you. In the years to come, you’ll look back at these images and reminisce on how in love you were (and hopefully still are!).
Play the We’re Not Really Strangers card game
We’re Not Really Strangers is a purpose-driven card game and movement all about empowering meaningful connections. There are three carefully crafted levels of questions and wildcards that allow you to deepen your existing relationships and create new ones. The original game offers questions suitable for friends, family and partners, while the relationship expansion pack delves deeper into being in love and what that means for you.
Have a movie marathon
We know, we know, you’ve probably spent all of 2020 watching movies in the comfort of your home. However, you can easily elevate the experience to make it more romantic. Build a fort, pop some popcorn and gather your favourite snacks, and find your cosiest blanket to cuddle under. Create a playlist of your favourite romantic films to get in the mood for love.
Games night
If you’re the competitive type, games may be right up your alley. From Scrabble to Trivia, it could be cute to challenge each other’s minds. Raise the stakes by making a bet: Whoever wins gets a romantic massage.
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There are plenty of us who roll our eyes at the very idea of Valentine’s Day. The day of love has become so commercialised that many couples have…
Ever the drama queen, people may be surprised to hear that Paris Hilton is taking a more demure approach to her future wedding day.
While she has always dreamed of a “fairytale” wedding, Paris says she is perfectly fine with a more intimate celebration in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
“When I was a little girl, I had dreams of this big fairytale wedding. But with the pandemic, it’s a new world,” she told OK! magazine. “Instead, it’s maybe going to be more intimate – and with my family. It’s a day I’ve been dreaming about my whole life and now I’ve found my Prince Charming, I just can’t wait.”
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Hilton and Reum, a businessman and family friend, have been dating since November 2019. They have known each other for 15 years, and have been together for over a year.
“I’ve known him for 15 years. Then [Reum’s sister Halle Hammond] invited us to Thanksgiving and we just had this incredible chemistry. We had our first date and haven’t spent a night apart since. It’s pretty amazing,” she told People Magazine.
“After my last breakup, I thought I was going to be alone forever,” she says. “I was like, I give up. I’ll just focus on myself. I don’t need anyone. So to have actually fallen in love, I just feel so grateful.”
In a post on their one-year anniversary, Paris wrote: “I love that we celebrate our love every month! I can’t believe it’s only been a year. It feels like I’ve been with you a lifetime! Love you forever my twin flame, my best friend, my other half, my partner for life. And I can’t wait for our future and a lifetime of love and adventures.”
Hilton was previously engaged to model Jason Shaw and Greek shipping heir Paris Latsis in the 2000s, and called off her engagement to actor Chris Zylka in 2018.
Picture: Instagram / Paris Hilton
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Honeymoons. That period of bliss after all the wedding chaos, when you and your new partner get to relax and enjoy each other’s company in an exotic location before settling into your new life together. But what if that new life includes kids?
Perhaps you had children before tying the knot. Maybe this is your second marriage and one or both of you have kids. Rather than go on a honeymoon alone, some couples with kids are opting to go on familymoons instead.
A familymoon is a family holiday straight after the wedding. Taking your kids on your honeymoon might seem a bit unusual, but it could be a wonderful experience for the entire family.
Remember, planning your wedding can also be stressful for your kids. Taking a familymoon will let them have some fun after all the excitement. Familymoons are also great bonding opportunities, something that is vital when integrating a family. You will also enjoy your vacation more, knowing that those you love most are enjoying themselves with you.
Some agents have capitalised on the trend and are offering many great packages that your whole family could enjoy. From beach getaways and cruises to city tours and outdoor adventures, there are plenty of options for a familymoon. Booking a family-friendly holiday means that there will definitely be activities the kids can do by themselves while you and your partner enjoy some alone time.
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Natural light is great, but it’s not always necessary. However, if you and your partner have opted for an indoor wedding, this adds another challenge for your photographer to capture all your special moments.
If you are concerned about the lack of sunlight and unexpected shadows, fear not. All you need is an expert photographer and a sharp eye. Here are some tips for you to follow to ensure your day is picture-perfect.
Voice your opinion
Don’t be afraid to speak out. If you want a specific photo, mention it to your photographer. It is also a good idea to take your photographer around the venue and give them a shot list before the big day, so they can prepare accordingly. Remember that things can be moved and rearranged to better capture the space, so don’t be afraid to change things up.
Focus on the guests
Candid moments of your guests are important to have because they serve as a memory and show the personality of your special occasion. Ideally, you have a key light source in the dining and reception area, and since your guests will already be gathered together the lighting should be mostly uniform.
Embrace indoor lighting
Indoor lighting creates a stunning moody vibe. Get your photographer to take a few shots of the venue before everyone arrives. Windows also create a stunning silhouette and the burst of natural light adds a unique moodiness to the images.
Stand out from the darkness
As a bride, you can use the darkness to your advantage. Indoor photos allow you the opportunity of having details, like your bouquet or train as the star of the photo, without the background or scenery stealing the show. Make sure to focus on detail shots of the getting ready process.
A black and white image can turn a simple moment into a wow-worthy image. With this finish, you won’t have to worry as much about how lighting affects colours.
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