The quintessential reality TV show is The Bachelor/Bachelorette. A group of guys or girls live together in one villa and compete to win the same person’s heart, what could be better?
While it is highly entertaining, the show is essentially all about love and making lasting connections. The finale typically ends with an engagement but as we’ve seen, those engagements never really last that long.
The Bachelor is on its 23rd season, and The Bachelorette is currently filming its 16th season. Spin-off show Bachelor in Paradise has aired six seasons. While most of the romances have wilted much like the roses that always feature on the show, there are a handful of Bachelor Nation couples who have beaten the odds and ended up walking down the aisle.
Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter
This couple is the show’s first ever real success story. Trista Rehn, the very first Bachelorette to head a season got engaged to firefighter Ryan Sutter in the finale. Their wedding was televised in 2003 and 17 years later, they are still together. They live in Colorado and share two children.
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Ashley Hebert and J.P Rosenbaum
Season 7’s Bachelorette Ashley Hebert chose J.P to be her final love. The pair married in 2012, and their televised wedding was officiated by Bachelor host Chris Harrison. They have been married for eight years and have two children.
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Hannah Godwin and Dyan Barbour
The Bachelor Nation rejects met on spin-off show Bachelor in Paradise, where former contestants spend a summer of love together in a romantic destination with the goal of getting engaged at the end. They immediately hit it off and became engaged in the show’s 2019 finale. A year later they are still together and seem to be going strong throughout the lockdown.
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Rachel Lindsey and Bryan Abasalo
The first black Bachelorette Rachel Lindsey stunned in her season, and ended up with contestant Bryan Abasalo. After a two year engagement, the pair tied the knot in August 2019 and recently celebrated their first wedding anniversary.
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Jojo Fletcher and Jordan Rodgers
Season 11’s Bachelorette Jojo knew from a very early stage that Jordan was the one. He won the first impression rose in the first week of the show, and made it all the way to the finale where he went down on one knee. The pair have been engaged since 2016 and were meant to marry in 2020 but the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to cancel their wedding day.
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Chris Siegfried and Desiree Hartsock
Hartsock and Siegfried fell in love in The Bachelorette‘s ninth season. Their engagement came with some questioning as the original frontrunner Brooks Forester famously quit the show after telling Harsock he wasn’t invested in the relationship. Luckily for Siegfried, the Bachelorette accepted his proposal and the married in January 2015. Since then, they have had two children.
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Ashley Iaconetti and Jared Haibon
Ashley and Jared had not one, but two shots at love. They starred in two seasons of Bachelor in Paradise together, and finally managed to make things work. They got engaged in June 2018 and married in July 2019.
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Sean Lowe and Catherine Guidici
Born-again virgin Sean Lowe shocked fans when he chose Catherine Giudici in The Bachelor‘s 17th season. Since then, the pair have tied the knot in 2014 and welcomed three children.
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Jade roper and Tanner Tolbert
Another Bachelor in Paradise couple made it to the finish line. Jade and Tanner met on the spin-off show’s second season, and got engaged in the finale. Their televised wedding aired in 2016. They have two kids and are expecting their third very soon.
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Carly Waddell and Evan Bass
Carly and Evan didn’t immediately hit it off on the third season of Bachelor in Paradise, but eventually they fell in love. They married in 2017 and have two children together, while Evan has three other children from a previous relationship.
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Raven Gates and Adam Gottschalk
This couple met on season 4 of Bachelor in Paradise back in 2017, and the connection was instant. While they didn’t get engaged in the finale, Adam did eventually go down on one knee in 2019.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CAa7hCCpfZx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Jason Mesnick and Molly Malaney
The controversial 13th season of The Bachelor saw Mesnick choose finalist Melissa Rycroft as his partner, only to end up breaking up with her and picking things back up with runner-up Molly Malaney. Luckily for them, their relationship has lasted. They tied the knot in a televised ceremony back in 2010 and have a daughter together.
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Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham
In another controversial moment, Season 22’s Arie Luyendyk Jr. asked not one, but two women to marry him. In the two part finale, he first popped the question to finalist Becca Kufrin before ending things and choosing runner-up Lauren Burnham the very next night. He proposed to Burnham in the ‘After the Final Rose’ reunion episode. Luckily, things worked out and the couple tied the knot in 2019 before welcoming their first child later that year.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CA0wM1XA2kf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
What makes a wedding all the more special is having the perfect drink to cheers with. When it comes to drinks, nothing goes down better than a classic…
Table Mountain is a fan favourite across the globe. It is listed as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cape Town.
This beloved mountain is more than just a great spot for views of the Mother City though. It’s not commonly known, but couples can also tie the knot while sky high.
Over the past few years, more than 80 couples have taken their marriage vows on top of Table Mountain
This location is especially popular during February, the month of love. December and January are also trending times to tie the knot at Table Mountain. Some have even said ‘I do’ during the winter months of May, June and July.
The Table Mountain Cableway offers outdoor venues perfect for cocktail parties, post-conference drinks, weddings, product launches, end-of-year parties, incentives and more. Why not treat your closest family and friends to a special mountain-top occasion they are sure to remember.
There are three outdoor venues at the Upper Cable Station and one outdoor venue at the Lower Station. Besides the Twelve Apostles Terrace, most of the venues are small so those wanting to host their wedding at Table Mountain may have to opt for a micro-wedding.
Indoor venues include the U-shaped Summit Lounge with its three private balconies facing Lion’s Head and the City Bowl, the Twelve Apostles mountains and Devil’s Peak.
Take a look at the magnificent outdoor venues:
– The Twelve Apostles Terrace
As the name suggests, The Twelve Apostles Terrace overlooks this spectacular mountain range. The open-air venue can accommodate up to 200 people, is wheelchair-friendly and ideal for breakfast and cocktail functions.
– Café Balcony
This balcony faces the Twelve Apostle’s mountain range and is a fantastic site for sunset cocktail functions. This open-air venue can accommodate 35 people and is ideal for functions any time of day.
– The WiFi Lounge Balcony
An open-air venue situated outside the WiFi Lounge, in the same building where the cable-car docks. This balcony faces the Twelve Apostle’s mountain range and is a fantastic site for lunch time and sunset cocktail functions. Maximum capacity is 24 people, standing with optional bench seating.’
– Kiosk viewing deck at the Lower Station
A shaded viewing deck situated above the gift shops and Visitors Centre, this venue has spectacular views of the city and Lion’s Head and is ideal for sunset cocktail functions. Maximum capacity is 50 people, standing with optional partial covering to cater to adverse weather conditions.
Venue hire includes tables, service equipment and service staff requirements. They unfortunately do not offer sit-down or à la carte events, however.
To book any of these areas, email [email protected] or fill out their online enquiry form.
Feature image: Instagram / Table Mountain Cableway
Any Selling Sunset fan knows a large part of the drama on the show came from real estate agent Mary Fitzgerald and her boyfriend Romain Bonnet as they…
Come wedding day, your hair is in top shape, in fact it’s never looked this good. But what comes after? You don’t want things to go south straight after the ceremony. With a few pro tips and three versatile styling products you can keep that wedding feeling going for longer than just the “I do’s.”
First Step: Repair
Take care of any damage to the hair from heat and wedding hair styling by treating it with a DIY hair treatment using Wella’s Invigo Nutri-Enrich Deep Nourishing Mask. The trick here is to not immediately rinse off, take the time to let the product soak in and allow the deeply nourishing formula time to repair stressed hair, this will take about 5-10 minutes.
Style 1: Romantic Braid
A style that works for pool-side lounging, and can also easily go from day to night, by adding a hair accessory. Even if your hair is clean, spray Wella EIMI Dry Me into the roots, a dry shampoo is a good volumizing product and for this look you want to create height at the roots so that the braid doesn’t drag you down. Leave two front sections one either side loose and sweep the rest of your hair to the side.
Divide this ponytail into three sections and braid, secure the ends with a tie. With the two front sections, lightly tease with your fingers and a brush, working against the hair, twist them away from the face and tuck them into the braid, securing with a hair pin.
Style 2: Breezy Beach Waves
This is the perfect follow on style from the romantic braid. The braid when undone, gives hair beachy texture to work from. Add to this texture with a Spritz of Wella EIMI Ocean Spritz (with a salt spray a little goes a long way, you want workable hold, not too much grit, so go easy).
Tong random sections of hair that need a bit more curl, about 5cm sections, then using your fingers, gently break up the curls so that you blend the tonged hair into the beachy texture. Avoid brushing at all costs as this will create frizz.
Style 3: Up ‘til All Hours
This style is one to keep for an evening when you don’t have time to wash your hair, in fact it’s easier to do on day-old hair. Make a middle parting at the front, and then using your thumbs roughly section hair in half from ear to ear, lift the top section and spray with Wella EIMI Flexible Finish hair spray, gently back comb the roots with a brush to create volume and lift.
Using your fingers, scrape both top and bottom sections together and into a low pony at the nape of your neck. Twist this section into a loose bun and secure with pins on each side of the bun, this shouldn’t be tight so that you have space to loosen it. Next, gently wiggle a few pieces of hair free at the front and massage the roots with your fingers to loosen the texture. The beauty of this style is in the imperfection, so messy is good. Once you are happy with your up-style, finish with hair spray to keep in place.
Written by Jade Leggat-Smith
Feature image: Unsplash
Not one for heels? Or maybe you’re planning on dancing the night away at your reception? Not to worry, brides all over are ditching the stilettos for comfy…
An engagement is always an important time in a person’s life, and the way you announce it to the world is often equally exciting.
Celebs have a few more eyes on them than the regular person, and many go big to announce their upcoming nuptials. We’ve rounded up our favourite celebrity engagement ring selfies and snaps. Warning, major ring envy might occur!
Sophie Turner
Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner and one-third of the Jonas Brothers, Joe Jonas got engaged in October 2017. Following a host of pre-wedding activities, this loved up-couple said ‘I do’ in 2019 at the Château de Tourreau in the South of France with their closest family and friends around them.
This was their second wedding. The couple famously wed at a Las Vegas chapel after the Billboard Music Awards, and their nuptials were broadcast to the world via Diplo’s Instagram Live.
They recently welcomed their first child, a girl named Willa.
Katy Perry
The Pirates of the Carribbean actor proposed to his California Girl On Valentine’s Day, presenting her with a unique flower-shaped diamond ring.
They were meant to tie the knot in 2020, but have postponed their wedding due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In other exciting news, the couple are expecting the birth of their first child together very soon. Bloom already has a son with model Miranda Kerr.
Jennifer Lopez
Back in March 2019, baseball star Alex Rodriguez proposed to Jenny from the Block with a whopping 16-carat diamond ring estimated to cost somewhere between $1 million and $4.5 million.
J-Lo and A-Rod had planned to say their “I-do’s” in Italy this year, but were forced to cancel amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Heidi Klum
Heidi Klum and musician Tom Kaulitz became engaged in December 2018. They secretly married in February 2019 then followed it up with a stunning second beautiful ceremony on a yacht off the picturesque coast of Capri.
They tied the knot onboard the famous Christina O, following in the footsteps of Princess Grace Kelly and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis who also chose this yacht for their respective receptions.
Priyanka Chopra
Nick Jonas popped the question to Priyanka Chopra on her birthday while on holiday in Crete in 2018.
The pair wed in spectacular fashion in 2019 in a three-day wedding blending Hindu and Christian traditions. They said ‘I do’ at the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Kevin and Joe Jonas, Sophie Turner, 30 Rock actor Jack McBrayer and Elizabeth Chambers Hammer were just a few of the notable names at this lavish wedding
Margot Robbie
Suicide Squad star Margot Robbie and British film producer Tom Ackerley married secretly in Australia in 2016. Only 50 guests were invited and weren’t even told the location of the wedding before the event.
Kim Kardashian
Super couple Kim Kardashian and Kanye West announced their engagement in October. The rapper went down on one knee in front of their family and friends while celebrating Kim’s 33rd birthday at the AT&T Park in San Francisco.
They tied the knot on May 24, 2014 at the 16th-century Fort di Belvedere in Florence, Italy. The day before, they hosted their rehearsal dinner in he Palace of Versaille’s Hall of Mirrors.
The West’s have four children together: North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm.
Minnie Dlamini
South African on-air personality, actress and model Minnie Dlamini and former football player Quinton Jones became engaged in December 2016.
On July 8, 2017, the pair tied the knot in a stunning traditional wedding at Glenn Hills in Northern Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. They had their white wedding on September 16, 2017 at the Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West.
Megan Markle
Prince Harry and actress Megan Markle confirmed their engagement in December 2017. Markle’s ring features a gold band and three diamonds. The centre diamond was sourced from Botswana, a country very close to the couple’s hearts, and the two outer jewels come from Princess Diana’s personal collection.
They followed up with their highly anticipated royal wedding on May 19, 2018 at the St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. The pair welcomed son Archie on May 6, 2019, just before their one-year wedding anniversary.
Miranda Kerr
Victoria’s Secret model Miranda Kerr and Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel became engaged in July 2016. She posted an image of her ring along with a Bitmoji filter on her Snapchat to honour the occasion.
The pair married on May 27, 2017 in an intimate ceremony at their California home. They reportedly had only 45 guests in attendance, and Kerr cooked and served the dinner. The pair share two children; sons Hart (2) and Myles (8 months). Kerr also has a nine-year-old son named Flynn with ex-husband Orlando Bloom.
Demi Lovato
Songstress Demi Lovato shocked fans when she announced she became engaged to actor Max Ehrich , who went down on one knee to propose on July 22, 2020 in Malibu, California. As he popped the question, “Crash Into Me” by Dave Matthews Band was playing.
Emma Stone
Saturday Night Live (SNL) writer boyfriend, Dave McCrary popped the question to Academy award-winning actress Emma Stone in December 2019. Stone’s antique-style engagement ring, one of 2020s biggest ring trends, is in full view.
The pair first met on set of SNL when Emma was hosting the show back in 2016. They have been together for about two years. The couple is quite private, keeping their relationship under wraps from the beginning, and have been spotted together publicly only a handful of times.
Images: Instagram