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In Announcements

Couple propose to each other simultaneously

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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

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In Accessories

Engagement ring trends for 2020

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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SA Interracial couple proposal goes viral

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

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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.

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“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

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In News

The 60-year engagement

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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

 

 

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In Engagements

Most popular dates to get engaged

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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

 

 

 

 

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In News

Superfans throw Monty Python-themed wedding

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A British couple took their love for Monty Python to the next level when they centred their wedding theme around the popular surrealist comedy group.

Superfans John Wood and Gemma Harris from West Sussex wanted their wedding to honour the 50 year anniversary of Monty Python’s Flying Circus’s first broadcast. The extravaganza took two years to plan and cost over £15,000.

They invited their guests with this unique save-the-date video. In a Facebook post, Harris wrote, “As well as a Monty Python theme, we also had ‘The Wood Party’ as a consistent thread throughout the process which was based on a real Monty Python ‘Wood Party’ sketch and also the ‘Silly Elections.’ This was our Save The Date video.”

Their wedding, held on October 5, 2019, featured numerous references to the popular show. Harris walked down the aisle to the Python theme song and fart noises in lieu of the wedding march, and a hand of God pointed to the couple throughout the ceremony. They even recreated the ‘Buying a Bed’ sketch at their ceremony.

Facebook/Hyacinth Daniels

“There was a 9ft parrot, a handmade albatross, all sorts of things. We commissioned artists to make some of the props, but most things we did ourselves,” says Wood.

Facebook/Gemma Wood

“Instead of saying ‘I do’, I said ‘perhaps’, to which Gemma replied: ‘Oh, say you do!’ To which I replied: ‘Oh, all right then.’”

As a starter, they served guests salmon mousse, which Wood explains to BBC was “a reference to the salmon mousse which kills everybody at the end of ‘The Meaning of Life.'”

The main course featured spam in reference to another popular sketch. Instead of cutting the cake, they smashed it with a prosthetic foot.

Facebook/Gemma Wood

Carol Cleveland, an actress well known for her work with Monty Python, even made an appearance at the wedding.

Facebook/Gemma Wood

The British surrealist group entertained viewers with their Monty Python’s Flying Circus TV show from 1969 to 1974, as well as several movies. Members of the group included John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Graham Chapman, and Michael Palin.

Monty Python is incredibly important to Wood, who was once married to a woman that did not like the show.

“The way I look at the world, everything reminds me of it,” he told The Guardian UK. “I wanted a woman who likes and understands Monty Python. It was the most important thing in my search for a new partner.”

He took his search very seriously, even setting up a Monty Python themed Facebook group called Pythonesque Dating to help Python-heads find love with each other. It was here that he met his future wife, Gemma Harris.

The couple became engaged in front of Monty Python stars Michael Palin and Terry Gilliam at a fundraising event in London.

Picture: Facebook/Gemma Wood

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In Advice

How to pull off the perfect destination proposal

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Planning the perfect proposal is nerve-wracking, exciting and maybe even a little overwhelming, all bundled up neatly into one big knot in your stomach. Throw in an unfamiliar destination, and that knot gets a little bigger. But don’t fear, we’ve got the fool-proof guide to making it go as smoothly as possible:

Do your research beforehand

By planning ahead, you’ll take a little pressure off yourself as well as have more peace of mind about how it’s all going to play out. Have a plan of where, how and when you’d like to pop the question, but don’t expect it to work out exactly as you see it in your head. When the moment is right, you’ll know, but also don’t be too stressed about changing it up in case of unforeseenable elements, like the weather.

That said, make sure you’re aware of what’s happeing in the area you’re planning to propose in, especially if you’ve never been there. Do a little internet search beforhand to see if any events are happening, if the area is a sacred place perhaps, or if  any of the areas are restricted. It will also be handy to look at popular scenic locations, or romantic spots that other people have popped the question at for some inspiration.

Communicate with your hotel

…or resort, B&B, or wherever you’re planning on staying. Even if you’re not planning to propose at the place you’re staying at, they’ll most likely make some extra effort to make it romantic for you if they know what your plans are. Some places even organise some complimentary champagne, a romantic dinner, or some rose petals in your room for after you’ve popped the question.

Insure the ring

Before you even leave for your getaway, make sure the ring is insured. Things happen, but if you’re planning to propose while away, it’s the last thing you’d want to worry about. Get the ring insured for in case a stone pops out, or heaven forbid, it gets misplaced or stolen. It’s the responsible thing to do anyway, plus it will put your mind at ease.

Hide the ring, safely

Packing is stressful enough as it is, or at least for some. But making sure the ring stays safely hidden from your fiance-to-be’s eyes is extra daunting. If you don’t want to worry about it falling out of your pocket, or your partner accidentally seeing it in your bag, pack it in your check-in luggage. However, if you’re scared of your luggage getting lost or delayed (because yes, these things happen), keep it safely stashed in your carry-on. Rather safe than sorry, right?

Furthermore, if you’re worried about it being discovered at customs, it’s a good idea to place the ring box inside a bigger, nondescript box with a note inside to give the inspector or security guard a quick heads up in case they have to take a closer look.

Don’t wait until the last minute to propose

You want to wait for that perfect moment, but don’t wait until the last day of the trip. Nerves might not be your best friend, so your partner might notice that you’re acting a little differently. A little anticipation is good, especially if your partner is kind of expecting it, but if you propose earlier on, you’ll have more time to celebrate it in a special place.

Don’t overthink it

Sometimes it’s best to just go with your gut. If the moment feels right, go for it, even if it doesn’t go with your plans. Being spontaneous and it being unexpected sometimes makes the moment that much more special.

Image: Unsplash

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