• South African rocker Francois van Coke and his wife Lauren Badenhorst are celebrating nine years of marriage. Both took to social media to honour the occasion.

    Badenhorst wrote, “Happy 9th Wedding Anniversary my life! ??? Ek hou nog vas (I’m still holding tight)”


    “9 Jaar#marriedlife @laliewild forever,” wrote the lead singer of Fokofpolisiekar and Van Coke Kartel on his personal Instagram.

     

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    A post shared by Francois van Coke (@francoisvancoke)

    They tied the knot in 2012 at the Old Mac Daddy out in Grabouw. Keeping up with their alternative image, the bride walked down the aisle to the tunes of an electric guitar played by Van Coke Kartel guitarist Jedd Kossew.

    Nine years later, the pair have two children and are still rocking together.

    Picture: Instagram / Laliewild

    The coronavirus pandemic has changed life as we know it, forcing us all to find contactless ways to go about our days and the wedding world is no different.

    An Indian couple recently went viral for their inventive way of accepting monetary wedding gifts. Instead of a cash donation, this couple asked wedding guests to scan the QR code of Google Pay and PhonePe on their wedding invite so that they can easily transfer money without physical contact.

    “About 30 persons had used the facility and gave cash as their wedding present,” said T.J.Jeyanthi, the mother of the bride. “This is the first time such a thing has been attempted in our family.”

    Besides being COVID-19 safe, this is also a more eco-friendly option as it eliminates the need for envelopes and cards. It also makes it so much easier for you to save money, as it is already in your bank account.

    Would you try this?

    Picture: Pexels

    Wedding stationery is a traditional way of inviting guests to join your special day, but many have replaced the paper invites with electronic ones. However, there is something personal about holding a beautiful card in your hand. It’s a keepsake and memory.

    So, if you would like to send out paper invitations, remember to look for sustainable ways to wow your guests. Using recycled paper is eco-friendly and does not take anything new from the environment. Ditch the ribbons, stickers and other add-ons to make sure it is 100% biodegradable.

    Here are some of the most exquisite eco-friendly wedding stationery out there to inspire you.

     

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    A post shared by B2B Print & Design (@b2b_prints)

     

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    A post shared by B2B Print & Design (@b2b_prints)

     

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    A post shared by Radha Khandelwal (@appieinwanderland)

     

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    A post shared by Rachel Jenkins (@madebyraedesigns_uk)

    Picture: Pexels

    Going down on one knee to propose is a special moment, one you’ll (hopefully) want to remember for a lifetime. Finding the perfect spot is the first step to making your dream proposal come true.

    For couples who love spending their time in nature, what better place to pop the big question than in the great outdoors? It offers free, stunning scenery and gives you many opportunities to have an organic proposal that you don’t have to spend too much time orchestrating.

    Here are some picturesque places to consider popping the question:

    On your favourite hiking trail

    If you and your partner love hiking, they shouldn’t be suspicious when you suggest a romantic sunset hike. Unbeknownst to them, pack a picnic basket and have a friend race to the end of the trail ahead of time to set up the spot. Drape some twinkling string lights along the path to light your way, and lay down a blanket and picnic to allow you to take in the sunset before proposing.

     

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    A post shared by How They Asked (@howtheyasked)

    Go camping

    You and your love snuggled up under stars, what could be more romantic than that? Add an engagement into the mix and you’ve got the perfect evening. Be wise and choose a camping spot with a stunning view for the perfect backdrop. Head out on a warm evening with some comfy blankets and pillows and a delicious spread. Enjoy some stargazing before popping the big question.

     

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    A post shared by Photography by Vanessa (@vees_photos)

    Take to the seas

    If you and your partner are big fans of the ocean, a boat proposal seems like the perfect idea. Rent out a yacht or catamaran, either for just the two of you or your closest friends if you want an audience. You could even go smaller with a canoe or small speedboat, the options are endless. Bonus points if you go for a sunset cruise, as the warm rays of the setting sun will act as the perfect lighting for your proposal.

     

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    A post shared by @brabes94


    Head to your favourite vineyard

    Wine is always a good time. Take a trip down to your favourite winery, or spend the day vineyard-hopping on the Franschhoek wine tram. End the day by proposing at your top spot. Choosing a winery means the food and drink are already covered, which gives you less to stress about. You could even have a private wine tasting set up for a more intimate moment.

    Picture: Unsplash

    Picture: Unsplash