There’s nothing we love more than a fairytale proposal, and is there anything more romantic than running 90 kilometres to show just how much you want to be with “your person?”
While most people head to the Comrades to stretch their legs and show off the hard work they’ve put in over the last few months, Joseph Kagiso Ndlovu used the opportunity to propose to the lady in his life.
The 90km ultramarathon is a beast that attracts runners from all over the world with athletes using the event to raise funds for charity.
However, Joseph had something different in mind as he ran the entire 90km with a scroll of paper rolled up in his pocket with only one thing on his mind: to go down on his knee and ask the woman he loves to marry him.
Joseph made it to the finish line and finished the event at 8:40:05. Even more spectacular is the fact that he asked the love of his life to marry him on national TV – now, wouldn’t that make anyone blush?
So, who is the lucky lady? Prudence Phalatse-Mampe said “yes” with countless South African companies looking to aid the couple on their journey to saying “I do.”
A big congratulations to the newly engaged couple!
There are plenty of things couples worry will spoil their wedding day. Uncooperative weather, a guest who enjoys the bar tab a little too much, or worst of all – another couple getting engaged on the same day.
However, while most of these worries never come to be, sometimes an unexpected spoil emerges thanks to a wedding grinch.
Such was the case for an American couple. Taking to TikTok, bride Brandy told the story with footage of her husband, Billy, who began acting strangely and couldn’t even say his vows coherently.
It turned out that the groom’s drink had been spiked, causing massive discomfort, confusion and an unhealthy racing heart for him. Brandy claims that he was spiked with crushed Adderal.
His symptoms included sweating, being red in the face, emotional ups and downs and being unable to form words as well as anger, confusion and memory loss according to Brandy. She says that he was drug tested and that this kind of thing happens at weddings so that people can have more duration to party longer.
The video quickly went viral (reaching almost 1 million views) on the video-sharing app, and soon TikTok users were ready to fight the culprit. Brandy had shared the video with the intention to help prevent the same thing from happening to anyone else.
“Our poor kids were traumatized by the experience. Billy doesn’t remember anything after I walked down,” said Brandy.
In the comments, many people demanded that the couple have a redo, with some wondering whether the newly-weds could sue for the entire wedding cost. Others suggested that they renew their wedding vows the following year, so that Billy could remember the special day – with the costs coming out of the culprit’s pocket.
They say that money can’t buy everything (and certainly not love), but often when wedding plan talks are in the works, it’s easy to get caught up in the tale that “expensive is better.”
But is it, actually?
Recently, Reddit users decided to weigh in on the topic.
u/11sam111 kicked off the conversation with the concept that expanding one’s budget to focus money beyond the big day (ie: on honeymoons!) is a better way to go than cashing it all in for a day where “you miss everything because it’s so busy.”
Other Reddit users were quick to share their responses and shed light on what actually makes the day memorable that more often than not, doesn’t come with a price tag.
Here’s what people’s thoughts were:
Stick to what you can afford
“We had a $300 wedding and spent the $20k that would have gone to a bit wedding on a house down payment and medical bills for having our kid. On the other hand my friend had a $35k wedding that was two full days of having a blast with all of her loved ones and that’s okay too! No shame either way as long you stick to what you can afford and don’t hurt anyone.” – ThrowRA_SILspilled
There might be better uses for the budget
“I’ve talked with several people that did a similar thing, they all regret nothing. One took all the wedding money he was gonna spend and used it on a down payment for a house, and another used it to take a month off with his husband to travel.” – Jan_Itor_Md_
If you spend it, don’t regret it
“I have no regrets about spending money for an event that was meaningful to the people I love.” – the_lemon_lobster
Don’t let your wedding put you in debt
“One of my friends spent 30k on his wedding. Then was upset because he and his new wife couldn’t afford to get [an] apartment together because they were in debt for 25k cus they took a loan to pay for it. Just insanity” – keyboardstatic
It’s your money
“I mean honestly, it’s your money and people waste the majority of their money on frivolous stuff anyway so if that’s what you chose to spend your money on and it made you happy, then kudos to you. I’m not really knocking the people who do per se, I just don’t understand it. But I totally don’t need to.” –SonOfSet1
A little first-class travel couldn’t hurt
“I eloped with my now husband in feb of 2020 (pre lockdown) we used the money we save to fly to Thailand first class and spent two weeks travelling for only 8grand total! Waaaay better use of our time.” – MidnaMarbles
What are your thoughts? Are you team “as expensive as possible” or team “save it for something else meaningful”?
In the digital era, making announcements for any occasion is pretty common. You know your friend from high school has declared a certain breakfast spot ‘utterly ideal’, your co-worker’s announcement of their newest plant-child, and your younger sibling’s every move.
However, there are some announcements that still remain somewhat sacred in the land of social media, and your wedding or engagement announcement sits at the top of the tree.
So, how do you do it ‘right?’ As in, how do you not come off as obnoxious, or how do you meander coming across a little too nonchalant (to the point where people might wonder if you’re even excited?)
Do you go for the flashy carousal post where everyone gets to see the entire story – from the spot you thought you were simply having dinner at to the ultimate star on your finger, or do you play it lowkey and post a snippet of the magic?
Here are some tips to keep in your back pocket on how to announce your special news on social media:
1.Make sure those closest to your heart about it before you go live on socials:
The last thing you want to rain on your engagement parade is an unhappy friend or family member. Before you break the internet, make sure you tell those closest to your heart first, and especially those who will certainly see it on social media first.
2. Use photos that are meaningful to you, or do a shoot
Not everyone grabs perfect photos from their engagement moment. Your nails might not be on point, your partner may ve wearing the same outfit as in your last post, or all the photos are blurry. Now, you may be part of a pretty funky couple that sees these as part of their own chill aesthetic, and if that sounds like your relationship then go for it in posting. Instagram especially is long past its curated look, with photo-dumps showing more organic life ruling the roost. However, if you really want to go the full 9-yards and have a little shoot (either professionally or at the trust hands of your phone camera on timer) then that’s amazing too. The bottom line here is to use photos that are meaningful to your relationship – not glossy photos that aren’t you or your partner, or an obscure ring that isn’t even yours found on the Internet.
3.Use a caption that speaks to your relationship and your audience simultaneously
It’s a special announcement and so no matter which platform you’re using (par Twitter) a longer caption is more than allowed. However, you can also keep it short and sweet by using a quote from a song, film or book that says it all. You can even stick to the same emoji you have next to your partner’s name on your phone if you want, but the key focus here is using a caption that again, is special to your relationship and won’t be uncomfortable for your audience. Ie: Telling your audience that you’re better than everyone else because you won’t die alone is probably not a good way to announce your special news.
4.Make a story highlight for the build-up to the big day, not necessarily separate posts
We know you’re excited, and most of your close friends and followers will be too! However, that doesn’t mean that everyone expects or wants a daily update on what you’re doing for the wedding. If you do want to document the big build up, all the cake flavours you tried and wedding locations you scouted, put them on your stories (either Facebook or Instagram) and compile them in a highlight. The bonus of collecting all these moments is that you’ll have a whole trailer before the wedding, and it could also make an incredible TikTok.
Your big day is filled with many things. Saying “I do” to the person you’ll spend the rest of your life with, delicious food, endless dancing, and to ensure that the day stays in your memories forever – the wedding photos.
While no one ever forgets when they walk down the aisle, one bride and groom will definitely not, and they have the photos to prove it!
The bridal couple – named Murat Zhurayev and Kamilla – had been posing for pictures when the groom decided he wanted to go the extra mile and strike a ‘dramatic and artsy’ pose. Unfortunately, things didn’t go according to plan as the groom slipped and both of them ended up lying in a muddy slime caused by a flash rainstorm in Almaty.
Picture: Askar Bumaga
Photographer Askar Bumaga was there to capture the entire moment, which has since garnered more than 41 000 likes on Instagram. The images show the bridal couple landing in the mud, turning Kamilla’s from a traditional white to a muddy brown. A pained expression can be seen sprawled across her face, but this soon gives way to laughter.
Looking on the bright side of things, at least the couple has some memorable photos!
Picture: Askar Bumaga
So, just why were they in the mud anyway?
“My main specialisation is the photography of lovers and weddings. I’ve been doing this for over 10 years.
“I planned this photo shoot as an experiment. Unfortunately, or fortunately, such failures, the mistakes of others and random situations attract more attention than standard photo sessions against the background of a beautiful sunset,” said photographer Bumaga.
Picture: Askar Bumaga
“The photo shoot itself took place in Almaty, Kazakhstan. No one was injured during the filming of this project.”
The Wedding Expo, the ultimate showcase of South Africa’s best in the wedding industry which was scheduled to take place from the 6-7 August 2022, has been postponed to the 25-26 February 2023.
The new organisers of the event, Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery, have taken this decision based on feedback from the industry.
“We are still extremely excited about the event and have been overwhelmed by the level of interest from the industry to exhibit and sponsor the expo. In just under 2 months, the team sold over 20% of floor space and we had already finalised a number of new and exciting features and competitions” Says Charlene Hefer, Portfolio Director at Specialised Exhibitions.
“After extensive engagements with the industry, however, it became clear that companies across the sector wanted more time to plan their participation and that the dates earlier in 2023 would work better for most. We pride ourselves on listening and taking constructive feedback from all stakeholders, within the sectors we operate, and felt that a postponement would not only be in the best interests of the event, but the industry as a whole” Says Hefer.
The organisers of the event are excited to announce that it is still planning on launching several new features and competitions including a Young Designer’s Competition, to help acknowledge and promote young up and coming local talent, a VIP campaign for visitors, a treasure hunt experience at the event and several other exciting activities.
This not to mention the ‘golden oldies’ such as the Win a Wedding competition, fashion shows, interactive workshops and talks, and a Table Inspiration area. The Wedding Expo has been running since 2002 and is recognised as the largest and most prestigious event, attracting over 3,000 brides and grooms annually.
“We are confident that after 2 years with no live events, and based on the level of interest from exhibitors, sponsors and visitors, the 2023 edition of the Wedding Expo will be one of the best yet” finishes Hefer.
For more information about the event or to contact the organisers for more information, you can visit The Wedding Expo website at www.wedding-expo.co.za/
When the news surfaced that Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker had gone lowkey with their wedding (a simple courthouse ceremony with a guest list you could count on one hand) people began to speculate that something bigger was in the works.
Ellen von Unwerth
And, as internet sleuths often are, the suspicions were right!
Little under a week since their original wedding, the pair celebrated their married status with an incredible Italian wedding bash on Sunday, 22 May, at Castello Brown, Portofino, as per Page Six.
As expected, the Kardashian-Jenner clan all attended, with brother Rob Kardashian’s attendance still in question.
NINO/GC Images
Kourtney’s dress saw a magnificent mini Dolce & Gabbana wedding number, with a veil longer than the hem, inspired by a tattoo on the back of Travis’s head, accompanied by gloves and white heels. Travis played the perfect pairing with his black suit, also by Dolce & Gabanna.
Ellen von Unwerth
Kourtney later swapped the vision of white for a striking black dress again featuring matching globes and a Virgin Mary emblem in the centre of the dress – something many have likened to a copy of a similar dress sister Kim wore in 2017. But hey, if it goes with the energy, let it prevail!
@kourtneykardashian
More wedding details reveal that Kris Jenner was reportedly getting down on the dance floor, Travis gave a heartfelt speech with his new wife by his side, the clan’s union of children from their respective sides were happily present, and the internet’s most fascinating couple, Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly were also in attendance, as per E!
You’re looking for the perfect spot to pop the question (or you keep imagining the magical place that will serve as your proposal setting, soon to be hinted at when you spontaneously take your partner there).
However, with so many options in places like Cape Town, picking one place can be overwhelming for the best of us.
Before we drop the deets on 6 special spots to ‘pop the question’ in Cape Town, it’s worth noting a few disclaimers.
1. No matter where you choose, even if it’s the comfort of your own garden, it will still be a special moment. The place doesn’t define the importance of asking someone to spend their life with you, the person does!
2. Too much pressure on getting everything perfect can take away from your own enjoyment of the moment, or your partners.
3. Some of the most magical and tear-jerking proposals have happened in the most obscure places, or the ones that are personal to your relationship. If your partner is sentimental, then proposing at their favourite sunset spot, the place you went on your first date, or somewhere where you both remember laughing for hours can mean far more than a place boasting grandeur or tantalising views.
Now, for those who are all about scenery, and places that are known for their romantic spins, here are some top picks in the Mother City:
1.The Rock sunset spot
Known for its incredible views, The Rock sunset spot marries intimacy and Cape sunsets are their finest, an incredible spot to share with the person to whom you’d give the whole sunset eternally if you could. The Rock is a perfect ‘pop the question spot’ that applies to any kind of lover, but fits best for the one who always ensures that watching the sunset together is on the cards.
@ponaek
Where:405 Ocean View Drive, Bantry Bay
2. Kirstenbosch National
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens homes everything a nature lover could hope to experience in one epic garden. Not many people can say they made the special decision to be together forever and always at a new 7th Wonder of The World, but you can. The Boomslang Walkway is one of the most sought after spots in the Gardens, hosting breathtaking views and an explorer’s thrill. To add an even more romantic spin, have a picnic with Fynkos and enjoy nature’s bounty as rolling lawns and flowers surround you. For someone who loves mother Earth almost as much as they love you, Kirstenbosch will certainly serve as that fairytale backdrop.
@kirstenbosch_nbg
Where:Rhodes drive, Newlands
3. The Paris of Cape Town – Franschoek
@babylonstoren
Franschhoek is renowned for its romantic energy, challenging the Parisians on their notions of love being in the air. A trip to Franschoek means divine food, lots of wine and even perfume-making – all leading up to the big ask. For a classic proposal, try Le Petite La Colombe, which is not only one of the top restaurants in the world but a Wineland’s favourite for proposals. If your partner is all about grandeur and would sell a kidney to live in France, then this spot fits the bill. If you’re looking for something a little different, Babylonstoren boasts spoils of romantic magic, from the greenhouse to a gorgeous canoe trip – arguably one of the most romantic spots.
@laurandnicolas
Where: Le Petit Colombe | Leeu Estates, Dassenberg Rd, Franschhoek
They make you feel like you’re on top of the world, so why not capitalise on it romantically? The Waterfront’s famous Cape Wheel offers picnic options where you can add some champagne and truly cheers to a beautiful future amongst the stars. If your relationship has always felt like a film plot, then entering the next chapter this way will certainly be Nicholas Sparks approved.
Where: Dock Rd, V&A Waterfront
5.Norval Art Foundation
@norvalfoundation
Art is tangible and visible emotion. Norval Art Foundation is easily one of the most aesthetic places to propose, and for the art lover in your relationship, it’s a perfect painting. Who wouldn’t want to make such a special decision surrounded by art as your audience? Norval Art Foundation hosts so many curious spots to share the most romantic moments of your life, with new exhibitions constantly in the works, ready to build your audience.
Where:4 Steenberg Rd, Tokai
6. Table Mountain, of course
@tablemountainca
This list wouldn’t be complete without vouching for a seat at the finest table in Cape Town. Whether you decide to take a hike along Table Mountain National Park’s trails, ride the cableway all the way to the top or go to the new TAP bar (an addition part of the Aerial Cable Way’s delicious ‘above the world’s experiences) you simply can’t go wrong with the gem of our city.
In a low-key courthouse ceremony, Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker officially tied the knot.
@kourtneykardash
Now, a Kardashian having a downplayed wedding isn’t exactly on brand, but for Kourtney and Travis, AKA one of the most loved-up couples in Hollywood, the lack of grandeur seems fitting in the pair’s “we’re the different couple” narrative.
@kourtneykardash
If anything, Kourtney’s chill mini Dolce & Gabbana wedding dress and subtle veil and Travis’s sleek all-black suit are refreshing in a world where celebrity love (especially at the Kardashian level) is almost always contested with grandeur.
@kourtneykardash
The two sported pictures in a fabulous convertible, giving a 1960s genre film essence, as seen on Kourtney’s Instagram.
@kourtneykardash
However, rumours are pinning that there will be a bigger wedding down the line in Italy, according to a source as People reports. However, this is still just hearsay at this point, as Vogue notes, the couple have not confirmed big wedding plans.
@kourtneykardash
The courthouse wedding follows their practice wedding in Las Vagas post-Grammys in April according to Elle, but the marriage license wasn’t procured, making the ceremony unofficial. Kourtney had aptly captioned the pictures from this ceremony as “practice makes perfect” and her latest official wedding pictures with “Till death do us part.”
When we think about that special day, amidst imaginings of how our partners will look at us adoringly, the dress that we’ll wear flawlessly after months of picking the perfect one, and the smiles on our guests’ faces as we say “I do”, we may also consider what could turn our fairytale into a nightmare.
The rings get lost, the cake topples over, or worse – you forget to put on half your wedding gown.
Well, for one digital creator, Becky Jefferies, discovering that she had forgotten half her dress behind turned out to be a reality. However, this story has a good ending and can be understood far more as a romantic comedy than a nightmare.
Just before the bride and groom-to-be were about to say their vows, Becky became aware that things were a little lighter, as the detachable Point D’Esprit portion of her gown had not been put on!
Kindly, Becky took the mic and asked the guests if she could complete her look. As anyone who has ever spent what felt like a lifetime choosing the perfect dress will know, it’s a lot of effort (both mental and physical) to finish your bridal look, and wearing only half of it is like submitting an art project without the all-important details!
Despite the slight sense of “is this really happening” evident in Becky’s demeanour, the bride’s finishings quickly made it down the aisle just in time. “I bet you’ve never been to a wedding like this before,” Becky added humorously finally ready to say her vows in the completed dress she dreamed of (though, she looked stunning either way).
WATCH: Bride forgets half her dress and realises right before the vows
