engagement Archives | Page 2 of 3

In Advice

Start planning those nuptials! Tips for newly engaged couples

February 25, 2022 No Comments

That period of bliss after getting engaged is a feeling that should be savoured because after that, it’s a lot of sheer panic due to being overwhelmed. Perhaps you’re the cool bride-to-be who lets things roll like water off a duck’s back. Or maybe your friends would describe you as a full-blown bridezilla. No matter the box you’ve nicely categorised yourself in, there’s no denying that planning a wedding will leave you with a few additional grey hairs.

Whether you’re newly engaged or starting to plan your nuptials after a year of engaged bliss, here are some tips to help you beat back the monster that is panic:

Set the date:

The first step is figuring out when you and your future spouse are going to say: “I do.” Experts all agree, planning a wedding can be stressful, so make sure that you give yourself a realistic timeline. Between 10 – 14 months is a good amount of time.

Get to know your budget:

The worst thing you can do is to start a marriage with the burden of debt. Be realistic about your budget and get to know the parameters you’re working with in order to distribute money appropriately. A great next step is to compile your guest list and figure out the kind of experience you’d like them to have. This will allow you to budget accordingly, but make sure you don’t go overboard! This day is all about the couple.

What to look out for:

Bridal couples often have their heart set on a specific venue, but when booking, they find that it’s booked out for the date they’ve chosen. It can be heartbreaking, but something that can be avoided if you land your venue before choosing your date. Justt make sure you do the proper research. While you may have a rough list of who you are inviting to the ceremony, it’s best to not commit to headcount until you’ve sorted out your budget.

A tip that the experts swear by

So, what is one tip that wedding planners around the world swear by? It’s this: leave it up to the professionals. Sometimes it can be difficult to let go of the reigns and let the professionals do their thing, but if you hire the right people and offer them some creative leeway, you’ll be able to sleep a bit better at night. Collaboration with quality vendors is the key to a happy couple.

Picture: @gracecharlottephoto

In Advice

6 Unique engagement rings that will wow your soon-to-be fiancé!

January 12, 2022 No Comments

“Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” Well, not anymore.

Let’s be honest, the pandemic has put certain things into perspective. Do we really need to be spending thousands on an engagement ring when we can be using that on a down payment for a house?

While there’s nothing wrong with flashing your cash and spending it on a new diamond ring, more bridal couples appear to be stepping away from the traditional sparkler and opting for rings that are a bit more modern.

If you’re getting ready to pop the question and you’re looking for a few shiny alternatives, here are six modern sparklers to add to your soon-to-be fiance’s finger.

Also Read: Signature cocktails to add a little zest to your summer wedding

Amethyst

You’ll often find amethyst in its raw form, but with a little elbow grease from a jeweller, this deep-purple can offer a beautiful alternative. It’s not quite as hard as a diamond ring, but it is durable and will save you a few months salary.

Emerald

There’s something about the rich green tone of emerald that screams luxe! There is a range of jewellers in South Africa that offer this as an engagement option and are offered in a number of styles to suit your partner’s preference. Not only is this precious stone timeless, but it’s modern too!

Pearl

Who said you can only wear pearls around your neck? These natural gemstones will ensure a beautiful and iconic engagement ring that will make anyone squeal with delight. There is some bad news when choosing a pearl as an engagement ring. A pearl is made from calcium carbonate and is found between 2.5 to 4.5 on the Mohs scale, which means that it can get scratched and damaged quite easily. However, it can be a great engagement ring if you don’t plan to wear it too often.

Opal

This gemstone is beautiful and unique but is often considered old-fashioned. Thankfully, opal is making a comeback … and in a big way. The great thing about the sparkler is that it comes in various colours including black, white, and dazzling crystal. There are even some that reflect the rainbow – how dreamy!

However, you’ll have to be careful when sporting an opal engagement ring as it is considered 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale and is not a very hardy gemstone when compared to traditional rings.

Ruby

A deep red beauty, rubies are one of the four precious stones and are an extremely popular choice when it comes to engagement rings. The vibrant red hues ooze luxury and flaunting a gorgeous blood-red ruby is bound to catch the eye of family and friends.

The best part is that it’s incredibly hardy as it features at 9 on the Mohs scale, so you know it can withstand the busiest bride-to-be.

Sunstone

Forgot the always popular moonstone, the sunstone is a little-known alternative that will outshine any gemstone. These enchanting gemstones are slightly hard to come by in South Africa as it is commonly found in Norway and the US, but it’s not impossible. This vibrant stone is also said to have a few incredible characteristics, including bringing abundance, prosperity, vitality and fearlessness to the wearer.

It’s a pretty durable gemstone too as they are 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, but you’ll still have to keep your eye on it when dusting off around the house.

Picture: Pinterest

In Engagements

WATCH: Adele helps man pull off a marriage proposal that we won’t soon forget

November 16, 2021 No Comments

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

In Engagements

Paris Hilton’s wedding registry probably costs more than your house

November 2, 2021 No Comments

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

In Engagements

Here are the top 10 songs to propose to, says Spotify

September 29, 2021 No Comments

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 our memory processes. Long story short, we’ll remember them going down on one knee and the associated feeling every time you hit play.

One study took the time to sift through over 60 Spotify proposal playlists with 10 epic love songs coming out on top. Some of these hits you might know for being uber-romantic, while others may surprise you.

Without further ado, here are the top 10 songs to propose to, according to Spotify.

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1. All of me, by John Legend

Because we all love romance!

2. Perfect, by Ed Sheeran

The perfect lyrics: “When I saw you in that dress/Looking so beautiful/I don’t deserve this/Darling, you look perfect tonight”

3. Thinking Out Loud, by Ed Sheeran

And who wouldn’t want to be proposed to or kissed under a thousand stars?

4. A thousand years, by Christina Perri

A beautiful ode to love everlasting.

5. Make you feel my love, by Adele

There’s no Adele song that we don’t love.

6. Marry You, by Bruno Mars

Uhm … it’s literally a song about wanting to get married – perfect!

7. Marry me, by Train

“You wear white and I’ll wear out the words I love you”

8. On bended knee, by Boys II Men

Get ready to ball your eyes out because Boys II Men will always be our go-to love crooners.

9. Just say yes, by Snow Patrol

Just say yes!

10. I swear, by All-4-One

The lyrics say it all: “For better or worse/Till death do us part/I’ll love you with every beat of my heart/And I swear/I’ll give you everything I can”

Picture: @breeannalasher

In Announcements

Couple propose to each other simultaneously

December 6, 2019 No Comments

We’ve heard of couples being in sync, but this one takes the cake. This beautiful couple both felt it was time to get hitched, and ended up proposing to each other at the same time!

Caitlin Mullins and Annie Fox from Georgia have been together for years, and each spent weeks planning separate proposals for the other without their partner knowing. During a romantic hike to the highest peak in Georgia, Brasstown Bald, Caitlin got down on one knee to propose to her girlfriend. Little did she know, Annie had the same exact idea.

“I had absolutely no idea,” Caitlin told Metro UK. “I’d been planning the proposal for a while. I thought I was been sneaky, going out on a hike to see the sunset. I was incredibly shocked when Annie pulled out a ring too. She had no idea.”

They plan on saying ‘I do’ in 2020 at the same place they got engaged. Congrats to the happy couple!

Image: Metro UK

In Accessories

Engagement ring trends for 2020

November 6, 2019 No Comments

A kiss on the hand may be quite continental, but diamonds are a girl’s best friend. This saying still rings true today. Diamonds will never go out of style, but trends do. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when choosing an engagement ring. We’ve gathered advice from jewellery experts to help you ring in your engagement in style.

Here’s what will trend in 2020.

Coloured stones:

Modern brides have been leaning towards coloured stones and birthstones as of late. “I think today’s bride is more concerned with being unique, and while she still wants a three stone ring, she is looking for something that is one of a kind. Women today want to stand out!” Kendra Pariseault Jewelry told StyleCaster.

Coloured stones are an easy way to make a statement and express your personal style. Niel Lane says that morganite stones, the pink to orange-pink variety of the beryl mineral, have especially grow in popularity this year.

Take this trend further by using a birthstone for a personal touch to an engagement ring. Just be careful to speak to an expert beforehand, as not all birthstones are made equal. Some are not durable enough for every day wear.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BzvwwqlB-_0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Unique shapes:

Square cut and pear shaped is so played out. For a unique take, brides have been loving star-shaped and floral-shaped engagement rings. We’ve seen Elizabeth Olsen, Katy Perry, and Irina Shayk all step out with floral-shaped rings in the past year.

This ring can be quite busy so the key is to keep the band simple. While typically centered with a coloured stone, you can simplify this style by going with a traditional diamond.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwNeYu5lsZq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Throwback designs:

The more traditional bride will be glad to hear that vintage and art-deco inspired rings are also back in style. Inspired by the past, vintage engagement rings are heirlooms in the making.

Art-deco is all about clean lines and geometric angles. We love how this hexagonal-shaped engagement ring still feels feminine with the array of smaller diamonds on the perimeter of the main stone. This halo effect is another big engagement ring trend, as it makes the main stone appear much larger. Two birds with one stone.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4dALFJlfDD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Rose gold:

Rose gold has been in for years and is going nowhere. The popularity of this tone stems from the fact that it is universally flattering. It is a bold statement yet romantic and feminine at the same time.

“Brides will be looking more at alternative metals to white gold and platinum next year. The appeal of rose gold comes from its pale pink colour that not only pairs well with trending yellow gold fashion pieces but also looks great with every skin tone, ” said Alicia Davis, VP of Merchandising at Shane Co.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4gfj9Kh7Kx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Three-stone rings:

We can thank Meghan Markle for this one. The Duchess of Sussex’s three stone engagement ring sparked the trend a few years ago and it is only rising in popularity.

“We’ve seen a lot of couples eyeing three-stone engagement rings lately,” Lauren Addison of Lauren Addison Jewelry told StyleCaster. “The two side stones add extra sparkle to a simpler engagement ring style.”

The three stones are meant to represent the past, the present and the future, giving a beautiful symbolism. The centre diamond is typically hugged by two smaller, equally sized diamonds. For something different, use colourful stones and unique cuts.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4ajAg8jb-I/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Stacking rings:

Sometimes, more is more. While not a new concept, jewellery stacking has taken the industry by storm. Brides have been loving stackable rings as of late.

Commonly, the engagement ring and wedding band are designed to pair up. Some brides are taking this a step further and adding more rings to the pile. Eternity rings or embellished bands add an extra style element and bling for glitz lovers. Pairing rings of different styles, like a vintage engagement ring with more contemporary cut embellished bands, is a playful way to create a dynamic and unique finish.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4dutVbpBoZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Image: Pexels

In Announcements

SA Interracial couple proposal goes viral

October 25, 2019 No Comments

This interracial South African couple’s proposal recently went viral on Youtube and the Facebook #ImStaying Group, proving that love should have no boundaries.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2rlKw-J8nK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

In a video posted to Youtube, Samuel Varrie proposes to his girlfriend of two years, Tshepiso Mathole. On their two year anniversary, Sam first had her read a flip book he made for her under the guise that it was just a gift. They then went to a beautiful park, where Sam proceeded to get down on one knee and propose. Since being posted a month ago, the video has racked up over 50 000 views.

Watch the cute video here:

The couple met in res at the University of Pretoria where they both studied. The pair were friends for two years but after they ran for chairperson and vice-chair of Tuks village, which they both got, the flame was ignited.

They fell in love quickly, and after two years of dating, they are ready to get married.

Sam spoke to Tshepi’s uncle beforehand to discuss all of the details because he wanted to follow customary law, but still wanted to keep everything a surprise. However, the uncle spilt the beans and told Tshepi that he met with Sam. According to Tshepi, nothing stays a secret in customary law.

Out of respect for Tshepiso’s culture, Sam decided to engage in lobola negotiations. In order to do things right according to her culture, Sam’s family had to write a letter to the Tshepi’s family in which they detail their intentions to enter into union as families. The full negotiations will begin in December 2019.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2roycnD4yf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“I wanted to share with people the love that we have,” Sam explains to Jacaranda FM about why they posted the engagement video. “There is such a genuine thing that can be amazing if you just look past your race”.

Tshepiso says that although interracial relationships have become more normalised in society, they still get a lot of stares when they’re walking around. They’ve also experienced unsolicited comments when out in public.

Picture: Youtube

In News

The 60-year engagement

October 22, 2019 No Comments

An Australian couple tied the knot this weekend, 60 years after they first got engaged, proving that love never truly dies.

Tom Susans, 87, and Judith Beston, 80, first met in 1957 at a Brisbane-based teachers training college and within two years they became engaged. At the time, however, the marriage was not meant to be. In 1959, Tom started a teaching job in Beaudesert, Queensland while Judith moved back home to Redcliffe, Brisbane with the intention of them getting married and starting their life there. Her family, however, were not supportive of the engagement.

“I thought ‘this is good, I can get married here and Mum can help me a bit’, but at home it was really difficult,” Judith told ABC news.

“Mum didn’t want Tom involved; she thought he was much too old for me.”

Familial pressure turned out to be too much for Judith, causing her to move to New Zealand where she began teaching, got married and raised seven children.

“She just disappeared,” Tom said. “I didn’t know where she was; I couldn’t find her anywhere in Australia. I thought she was dead.”

Tom kept the engagement and wedding rings, placing it in a wooden cabinet for safe keeping, They would remain in this cabinet for 60 years.

Tom also moved on. He eventually moved back to central Queensland, married a fellow teacher, and raised four girls.

Despite moving on, however, Tom never lost hope that he and Judith would be reunited. He would search for her at every one of their University’s reunions, but she never attended them. He gave up, eventually, and stopped seeking her out. He was then surprised to find that she was at the 50 year reunion, and immediately called her.

The pair reunited in 2009 at another reunion, but despite keeping in touch through Christmas cards, their relationship did not progress.

It was only after Tom’s wife passed on, and Judith had been widowed for a long time, that they began to explore their relationship again.

“The chance of us meeting each other and the chances of us picking up where we left off — we seem to be pretty compatible,” said Judith.

In April 2019 the couple met up face-to-face and holidayed together in Queensland. It was here that Tom proposed again.

“When he asked me to marry him, I said yes straightaway,” said Judith. “Normally I have to think about things for a while and sometimes I think about it long enough for it not to happen.”

They finally married in an intimate ceremony in October 2019, where Tom was finally able to place the long-kept wedding ring on Judith’s finger.

“I thought after 60 years, it was about time she had it back — and it fitted,” said Tom.

Picture: ABC News

In Engagements

Most popular dates to get engaged

October 15, 2019 No Comments

Looking to get engaged soon? While there is no specific right time for everyone across the board, research has shown that people tend to get engaged on very particular days of the year.

If you’re waiting to propose or to be proposed to, one of these dates might be of significance in your future. These are the most popular days of the year to get engaged.

Christmas:

Christmas is one of the most popular Christian holidays of the year, so it makes sense that many people would get engaged on this day. Typically, people spend Christmas with their family, making it a great time for a proposal as everyone can celebrate together when the big question has been asked.

Valentine’s Day:

Of course the most romantic day of the year would be a popular time for engagements. Loved-up couples honour Saint Valentine by becoming betrothed on this special holiday. As a day particularly designed for romance, Valentines Day makes it easier to plan an elaborate proposal as your partner would not be suspicious of why you’re planning something.

Christmas Eve:

If Christmas is too stressful, Christmas Eve makes a perfect date to get engaged. Some families have a Christmas Eve dinner and exchange gifts then, instead of on Christmas itself. For Christmas lovers, the lead up to this festive event is just as fun and exciting. Because of this, Christmas Eve has become a popular date to get engaged.

New Years Eve:

The last day of the year makes for a great time for a proposal. People tend to be celebrating New Year’s Eve to usher in the new year, and are typically with their closest friends and family. This special day also provides a host of fun activities like watching fireworks, or going to a party. Those that decide to get engaged on this day thus start the new year on a high note.

New Year’s Day:

New Year’s Eve might be a bit too chaotic and busy for some people. On New Years Day, many people are reflective of their life and how they want to be better for the year ahead. Many have therefore chosen this day to begin the year with a big life change by getting engaged.

Anniversaries:

Anniversaries are dedicated days to celebrate your love and how far your relationship has come. Most couples tend to already have plans for their anniversary, and what better way to end it than with a proposal? It’s a great way to honour your love and commitment to one another.

Birthdays:

Birthdays are special days to honour someone’s life, making it the perfect time for a proposal. A ring makes for a great birthday present!

The Saturday before Valentine’s Day:

The Valentine’s spirit spreads the weeks before the lovers’ holiday. Considering most restaurants and vendors mark up their prices for Valentine’s Day, proposing the Saturday before the holiday makes for a more cost-effective time to propose while still having Valentine’s romance in the air.

Picture: Unsplash