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In News

5 very unusual weddings from around the world

October 9, 2019 No Comments

On a couple’s wedding, they should be able to do what makes them happy. Even if the guests have to shut their eyes or bite their tongues. Call it weird or call it wonderful, these weddings certainly were unusual.

1: If you’ve got, flaunt it

Ellie Barton and Phil Hendicott decided to spend their wedding dressed to the nines. Or should we say undressed? The pair of exhibitionist Aussies exchanged vows in front of 250 guests wearing nothing more than their wedding rings – and a bouquet of strategically-placed roses. The bride, not sacrificing style for freedom, wore a long white wedding veil. And the groom, well, a black top hat, but not where hats usually go.

2: Dive in head first

Some might think tying the knot will be enough of a rush on it’s own, but these adrenalin junkies tied it quite literally. Jeroen and Sandra Kippers of Brussels, Belgium, were lifted on a platform about 48m feet in the air for their wedding ceremony. They were joined by the officiant and about 20 guests. Another platform held the musicians. After the vows, they made it official by bungee-jumping over the side!

3: After death do us part

A heartbroken woman decided to “marry” her murdered fiancé in a hospital morgue. Kevin Lavelle, 29, was tragically murdered before his wedding could take place. Michelle Thomas organised a “wedding” in the morgue of Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital in England, where Kevin lay. In front of an open coffin, the priest blessed the wedding rings that Michelle had bought specially for the service. Now that’s commitment.

4: You take my breath away

Underwater weddings seem to have become a trend and many couples are trading in the aisle for the seabed. If that’s still not adventurous enough for you, there are even shark diving packages that invite some predatory guests to the ceremony. You do have to be a certified scuba diver, obviously. Just don’t get thrown in the deep end!

5: You sweep me off my feet

You won’t have to worry about your weight at this one. And if it feels like you’re floating, you probably are. Noah Fulmor and Erin Finnegan became the first couple to be wed in microgravity over the skies of south Florida. They said “I do” aboard G-Force One, a modified 727 similar to the Air Force’s “Vomit Comet” which can provide periods of weightlessness lasting several minutes via a parabolic flight path. It’s operated by Zero Gravity Corp., the first and only company cleared by the FAA to offer simulated-weightlessness flights to the general public.

Featured Image: Popular Science

In Advice

Which engagement ring style is right for you?

October 9, 2019 No Comments

As the first step in your wedding journey, your engagement is of paramount importance. Before you can plan anything, you have to secure an engagement ring. As jewellery that will (hopefully) be on your partner’s ring finger forever, the engagement ring needs to speak to them as a person.

That said, there are so many ring options to choose from. Princess cut, oval, cushion-cut, carats – it all becomes a blur. It’s easy to become overwhelmed with all the jargon being thrown at you.

Take a breath, and check out our quick guide to engagement ring styles.

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A post shared by kasia jewelry (@kasiajewelry) on Oct 7, 2019 at 5:27pm PDT

The four C’s:

The four C’s of diamond grading are universally used to describe the quality of diamonds. They refer to:

Cut – the shape of the diamond

Colour – the shade of the diamond

Carat – the weight of the diamond.

Clarity – the quality of the diamonds, specifically the internal appearance of the diamond and surface defects.

Cut:

The cut of your engagement ring refers to the shape of the diamond. There are seven main diamond cuts:

Round: This cut is a more classic, timeless style. It is best suited for someone who wants a traditional finish.

Princess: This cut is square in shape with four bevelled sides that creates an upside-down pyramid shape connecting to the band. It is glamorous and modern, yet utterly romantic.

Emerald: This cut details an elongated rectangular cut and step-cut faceting. It is sophisticated and eye-catching, for the glamorous bride.

Oval: The oval cut ring perfectly accentuates long, slender fingers, and is both trendy yet classic.

Cushion: Also referred to as a pillow-cut, the cushion cut ring features four square-rectangular sides with curved corners and multiple facets. It is feminine and trendy.

Pear: This teardrop-shaped diamond cut is quite unique. It beautifully elongates the fingers and is often the ring for the more adventurous bride.

Marquise: This cut is a more pronounced oval shape, featuring two pointed ends that create a boat hull-esque shape. This cut is for the daring, less traditional bride.

Metals:

The metal chosen often depends on the jewellery your partners often wears and their skin tone. Cooler skin tones are encouraged to wear metals such as platinum, silver, and white gold. Warmer toned skin tones are most suited for yellow-gold and rose-gold metals. But again, there are no rules!

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

How do you know when you are ready for marriage?

July 30, 2019 No Comments

Deciding who to spend forever with is a life-changing decision. We spoke to Cape Town-based life coach, Helen Searra, on how to determine whether you are ready for marriage or not.

“There are a number of signs that indicate when we are ready for marriage, starting with our circle of close friends. For instance, when our friends take their romantic relationship to a more serious and committed level, like getting engaged. This thought of following suit may become more apparent, where it may have only been a subconscious idea beforehand,” said Searra.

She continued, “when we can’t imagine our lives without our partner, we identify them as our soulmate and are drawn to creating our own sanctuary to share with them. This is a sign.”

“When speaking to each other about long-term plans and believing that one can be in a relationship with one’s partner forever. Knowing that one wants to be married rather than just the idea of having a wedding day. These are all tell-tale signs,” explained Searra.

“When we have ticked off the things on our bucket list of a single life and are confident the rest of our bucket list would include our partner or bring no harm to the relationship.”

“When our family and friends love our partner and we have discussed our different family types, belief systems and cultural differences and begin designing our own set of rules, as two separate individuals being on the same page. When we reach a certain emotional and spiritual maturity, both having a voice, and are able to find our way back to each other after a disagreement. These are all indicators that one is ready for marriage,” concluded Searra.

Helen Searra is a Cape Town-based life coach. She has been practicing for 10 years in her field. She offers individual counselling sessions and couples counselling both in person or remotely over Skype. She offers package deals of either 4, 6 or 8 sessions. To enquire for a rates card, contact Helen at [email protected].

Image: Unsplash