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    Top 10 things for couples to do in Mauritius

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    For a romantic honeymoon destination, look no further than Mauritius. The Indian Ocean island has been a mainstay with South African couples for decades and it’s easy to see why. With stunning beach views and romantic activities, there is no end to the fun and flirty things to do with your significant other. Here are some must-do activities for your next island escape.

    1: Sundowners on Belle Mare Beach

    A beautiful view and your favourite person is sometimes all you need. Enjoy delicious beverages while taking in one of the island’s most picturesque beaches. With long stretches of pristine white sand, the turquoise sea and crystal clear water surrounded by large casuarina trees, you’ll round out your day on a high note.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bu8vN_FlBbZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    2: Stroll hand-in-hand through Pamplemousses Botanical Garden

    This corner of paradise is the oldest botanical garden in the southern hemisphere, which makes it a definite must-see. Marvel at the amazing collection of 85 types of palm trees, the spice garden and of course, the giant waterlillies on show at this noteworthy natural location.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BRqIFa8BrZl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    3: Horse ride on Riemdael Beach

    Romance and horse riding go hand-in-hand. Add the beach to the equation and you’re golden. When in Mauritius, make sure to go on a scenic horseback ride with your love to make you feel like you’re the main characters in your very own romance novel.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bznx5B9F4-M/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    4: Explore Chamarel Waterfall

    The country’s tallest waterfall makes for a perfect daytime activity. Wade through the chilly waters with your partner while relishing in the green foliage and dense forest that surround you.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B39ziMdl06c/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    5: Sunset Catamaran Cruise

    Live a life of luxury – at least for a little while – aboard a catamaran cruise. Mauritius is best seen from the water, so you simply cannot miss this opportunity. While catamaran cruises generally run all day, going at sunset guarantees stunningly soft skies and cooler weather. It’s the perfect time to cuddle up and enjoy the best of what nature has to offer.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BzZ4tdelCvM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    6: Helicopter tour of the ‘Underwater Waterfall’

    For a truly mesmerising view, you have to go high. This curious natural phenomenon is actually an optical illusion. Mauritius sits on an ocean shelf raised above seabed level, with a gradual slope that abruptly ends in a 4000-meter-deep abyssal drop. The movement of sand and silt on this slope causes the water to appear different colours, thus creating the effect of an underwater waterfall. What a memorable marvel to witness.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BwaGoYwHJ7I/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    7: Spend the day at Ile aux Cerfs

    Popularly known as the Treasure Island, Ile aux Cerfs is a privately-owned island home to some of the world’s best beaches. Spend the day engaging in the various water sports and beach activities offered on the island. From getting around in glass-bottom boats to snorkeling in the crystal-clear water, you and your partner will absolutely fall in love with this island.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwt-8f0FxOx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    8: Sleep under the stars

    For a romantic night, Ile Aux Cerf Golf Club is a must-stay. The resort offers their bubble lodge, an outdoor residence fitted with a lounge area, a cozy bedroom, a washroom and an open sky shower. Each unit has been tastefully decorated combining earthy tones and natural fabrics.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BzC_zbWldn9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    9: Hike up Le Morne mountain

    A hike might not sound that romantic, but we promise it will be worth it. Once you reach the summit of Le Morne, the view of Mauritius spreading out in front of you will take your breath away.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz-JCkQh61m/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    10: Witness the Coloured Earth of Chamarel

    They say that red is the colour of love, so why not go where the hue surrounds you? Seven Coloured Earths are a truly exquisite natural geological formation where rainbow-hued sand dunes undulate and settle in separate layers.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B49itBNisOI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Image: Unsplash

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    In Celebs

    Lady Zamar surprises fans with secret wedding

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    It seems that South African singer and songwriter Lady Zamar is now a married woman. In a series of Instagram posts, she shared images from her nuptials to model Faustino Muhongo.

    When Zamar took to Instagram to share images of her big day, however, many fans thought they were from a music video. Fans are now questioning if the wedding is actually real. Many do not think the wedding is real because there was no announcement that she was even engaged.

    Zamar and Faustino reportedly met a few months ago at a photoshoot and immediately hit it off.

    Real or not, the wedding itself looked beautiful. The outdoor wedding was decorated with bunches of white and pink roses, and the chairs were draped with pink fabric.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B42qz1aAA2C/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    The popular musician wore a beautiful off-the-shoulder dress from Bride and Co SA and a stunning diamond snake necklace. Her hair was styled in a half-up half-down do.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B42N7TdAG06/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B42UvCoAqVM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    If this wedding was real, we wish them happiness and success!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B42qtKqgTzs/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Image: Instagram / Lady Zamar

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    In Advice

    Creative drinks station ideas

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    A wedding is not complete without some delectable drinks. Whether you’re going big and boozy or alcohol-free, there are so many ways to have fun with your drink displays. A creative drinks station can often fit your wedding theme and personality way better than a normal bar. From rustic romance to a glamorous engagement, there is a unique station for every theme.

    Replace the standard bar with one of these creative drink stations to have your guests sip and savour in style.

    Gin bath:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B1G_iDnFv7X/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Drinks truck:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B1dxCPSgJXm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Welcoming words:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4jT0WwqfdZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Terrific tower:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BvoilwgFS1Y/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Boozy boot:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4QDMmZKMoC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Simplistic symmetry:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2IEcuOhwni/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Beer bar:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2t30gID63c/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Wall of wonder:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4ux-leg3GX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Champagne cart:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BuufJhIF-V1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Pun love:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/ByiJm3dpom-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Hot chocolate thunder:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp3crbVBgfv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Caffeine kick:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3xJuH-ISeJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Image: Unsplash

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    In Advice

    How to elope – legally

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    When you think of elopements, visions of secret romantic getaways spring to mind. A day of shared love with you and your partner is endlessly meaningful and simple. However, that doesn’t mean it will be effortless. While often marketed as the easy option, there are still a number of variables to consider when opting to elope. Here is what you need to know.

    Legality in South Africa:

    The solemnisation and registration of civil marriages, customary marriages and civil unions are all managed by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs. As a South African citizen, your marriage has to go through the necessary paperwork in order to be legal.

    In order to receive a marriage licence, you must:

    – ensure that you are legally allowed to marry

    – understand the legal consequences of a marriage, particularly that marriages in South Africa are automatically in community of property, unless a valid ante-nuptial contract has been entered into before the marriage, and

    – make sure that your marriage will comply with all the legal requirements for a valid marriage.

    Necessary documents:

    On the day of your wedding, the following documents must be produced:

    – Identity documents for each person getting married

    – If a foreign national is marrying a South African citizen, they should both present their valid passports as well as well as a completed BI-31 Form (Declaration for the Purpose of Marriage, Letter of no impediment)

    – If the wedding is for a minor (a person under the age of 18 years), the written consent of both parents/ legal guardian or the Commissioner of Child Welfare or a judge should be submitted on Form DHA-32 as well. If the minors getting married are under the ages of 18 for boys or 15 for girls, the written consent from the Minister of Home Affairs will also be required

    – If any of the persons getting married are divorced, then the final decree of divorce should be furnished

    – If any of the persons getting married are widowed, the deceased spouse’s death certificate must be submitted.

    A Home Affairs-wedding requires at least two witnesses. These witnesses and the marriage officer must then sign the marriage register following the solemnisation of a marriage. The marriage officer will issue the parties with a handwritten marriage certificate (BI-27) free of charge. The marriage officer must then submit the marriage register to the nearest office of the Department of Home Affairs, where the marriage details will be recorded in the National Population Register (NPR).

    Marrying abroad:

    If you want to marry abroad, you will be subject to the laws of that particular country, so it is of utmost importance to research their specific requirements at their official embassy. In most cases, you will be required to submit a Letter of No Impediment (LNI). The LNI is a certificate issued by the Department of Home Affairs Head Office to confirm the current marital status of an individual and that they are free to marry.

    Application forms can be submitted to the Department of Home Affairs or an SA High Commission office. If you are divorced, you will have to submit your decree of divorce along with your application. It can take up to six months to receive your letter depending on processing time, so the earlier you can apply, the better. The certificate is valid for six months from the date of issuing.

    Importantly, it must be issued by the Department of Home Affairs Head Office, not a Regional Home Affairs Office, in order to ensure legality. The LNI can only be legalised if an original, official Home Affairs letterhead, signed and stamped by the authorised Home Affairs official (Head Office only) has been provided.

    Image: Unsplash

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    In Advice

    Groomsmen pranks for an extra memorable day

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    Pranking the groom on his wedding day can be risky business. He is likely already on edge and any small thing could set him off. If you’re planning on pranking the groom, be sure to tread carefully. After all, you don’t want to be the guy who ruins the day for the groom. “Harmless” is the mood you should aim for with your pranks.

    What is a harmless prank, you ask? At a wedding, a harmless prank is anything that doesn’t offend the couple, doesn’t affect the day overall,  and doesn’t come across as disrespectful.

    If you’re looking for a few ideas, we’ve got some for you.

    – “You’re late!!”

    While the groom is asleep, change the time on his watch and phone. Set the time two or three hours ahead. Make sure you wake up bright and early to wake him up. Frantically run into his room the morning of the wedding shouting about how late he is. When he checks the time, he’ll panic too. Little does he know, he is not late at all.

    – “You’re a joke”

    This is not so much a prank, but usually gets people laughing. If you’re giving a speech, all you need to do is throw in tons of embarrassing stories about the groom. Another classic groomsman move.

    If you want something a bit more risky, we’ve got two ideas for you. But be warned, pranks during the ceremony may not be well received, no matter how harmless. If you’re doing this, be certain that you know the groom AND BRIDE will take it well.

    – “That’s not the ring!”

    When the time comes to hand over the ring to the groom, hand him a toy ring or a ring pop instead. This is sure to catch everyone’s attention.

    – “A for effort”

    Get the other groomsmen in on this one. Each groomsman should hide a number written in bold inside their jackets. After the couple’s first kiss, get the guys to reveal the numbers as if they’re rating the kiss or giving it a score.

    Finally, take a look at these two perfectly executed pranks on the groom, and decide if you have the pre-planning skills to pull them off:

    – Best Man replaces bride in first look photoshoot

    Groom-to-be Keegan prepares himself to see his beautiful bride for the first time. He is nervous and excited and surely can’t wait to see her. Little does he know, he is in for the surprise of his life. When he turns around, its not his bride but rather his best man in a wedding dress! If you’re going to try this one, you’ll have to get the bride in on it…and buy a wedding dress.

    Credit: Sarah Pukin Photography
    Credit: Sarah Pukin Photography

    – Best man replaces groom’s suit

    Best man Colm Carberry went out of his way to pull this prank on his brother. He requested that the suit company tailor a suit exactly like his brother’s, but two sizes smaller. He switched the real suit with the smaller one, and he set up a camera to catch his brother’s reaction to the extra small suit.

    Credit: Youtube/360carbo

    Which prank will you try?

    Image: Unsplash

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    In Accessories

    Bridesmaids trade bouquets for puppies

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    Bouquets have come to be the classic accessory for bridesmaids to carry as they walk down the aisle. A bride in Plant City, Florida, however, decided on something different. When Andee Ondina and Tina Krasinski wed on Monday, their bridesmaids strolled down the aisle with puppies instead of flowers.

    The bride, Ondina, made this unorthodox decision in the hopes of raising awareness for rescue animals and to persuade people to adopt, not shop. Adoption applications were even available at the wedding reception.

    Credit: Facebook/Andee Krasinski

    The bridal party included 10 adoptable five-week-old puppies. Ondina told WFLA-TV  that she decided to nickname her furry bouquet substitutes “puppquets”.

    This unconventional choice made the day even more special by adding an adorable flare to the ceremony. The couple’s decision to use their wedding for a good cause is likely to have an even happier ending. From stories we’ve seen in the past, these kinds of thoughtful gestures usually end with most, if not all, of the puppies ending up in happy and loving homes.

    It isn’t just the Krasinski’s getting into the puppy spirit. In 2017, North Carolina bride  Meghan Bulter also opted for puppies instead of bouquets for herself and her bridesmaids at her wedding. Like Ondina, Butler had decided on this in the hopes that she would raise awareness for puppies who needed rescuing. After the wedding, Butler told People that all the puppies had since been adopted.

    Similarly, Sally Burky told Insider that after her wedding, which also showcased adorable dogs who were up for adoption, four out of the total five dogs were adopted. On this occasion, having the puppies at the wedding not only allowed for the adoption of four puppies, but also drew a lot of attention to the rescue home that the dogs were living in. The rescue home, Haven of the Ozarks, was overwhelmed by the support they received after Burky’s wedding.

    So, to us, having bridesmaids carry puppies is cool and unconventional but also heartwarming and adorable. It may just be the pawfect decision.

    Image: Facebook/Wishing Well Barn

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    In Food

    Edible wedding favours

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    Food, glorious food. It is one of the few things that can bring us all together. At the end of the night, sometimes all someone wants is a midnight snack.

    When planning your wedding favours, why not go for something edible? Edible wedding favours are great because they can be affordable and easily diy’ed. Another added bonus is that your guests can reuse the containers the gifts come in or simply keep them as mementos.

    Treat your guests with something to nibble on with one of these favourites.

    Bubbly:

     

    A takeaway:

    Honey:

    Whiskey:

    Tea:

    Vodka:

    Popcorn:

    Jam:

    Donuts:

    Nuts:

     

     

     

    Image: Unsplash

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    In Advice

    The pros and cons of hiring a wedding planner

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    Planning a wedding can be tough. With all the moving parts, you’re bound to feel overwhelmed. So why not rely on a professional to do it for you? Wedding planners are experts in all things wedding.

    Hiring a wedding planner, however, doesn’t work for everyone. If you’re struggling to figure out if a wedding planner is right for you then check out our list of pros and cons.

    Pros:

    – Less stressful: Having a wedding planner takes all of the planning and scheduling off your hands. All you really need to do is say yes or no to the plan and sign the cheques.  If you are someone who gets overwhelmed quickly, a wedding planner will be amazing for you. You can breathe a sigh of relief knowing someone else will put in the time and effort to bring your vision to life.

    – Discounts: Since they have worked in the business for so long, wedding planners have connections and can often score discounts or deals with vendors. This way, you can actually save money on a service.

    – New ideas: Let’s face it, you’re probably scouring Pinterest for wedding inspiration, which could lead to your big day being quite cookie-cutter. Wedding planners have seen and done it all, and often come with fresh ideas to create a unique spin on a classic. They can even show you ideas you would never have thought of. You can rely on them to make your wedding day special and memorable for the right reasons.

    – They think of everything: A lot can go wrong on your wedding day. if you’re not a professional event planner you might not consider the smaller details that can all affect the day. Being professionals, wedding planners would have already factored all variables in and set a Plan B in place.

    Cons:

    – Less control: A wedding planner is both a blessing and a curse. After discussing your vision, you will have to relinquish control to the expert. If you are someone that likes to be in control and know every detail, then hiring a wedding planner might not be right for you.

    – Costly: You’re paying for the wedding planner’s expertise and that can often come at a high cost. If you’ve got a tight budget then a wedding planner will probably not fit into it.

     

    Image: Unsplash

     

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    In News

    Taylor Swift superfan throws ‘Lover’ themed wedding

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    It’s a love story. Baby, just say yes. This bride took her idol Taylor Swift’s words to heart when she got engaged to her lover. Fast forward to their wedding day, superfan Erin Seeherman decided to honour the famous musican with a Lover– themed wedding.

    Seeherman’s wildest dreams came true when Swift herself reached out to congratulate them.

    Seeherman has been a Swiftie for years. In 2016, she met her future husband Moshe Berman, and their love story involved Swift from the jump. Seeherman was in the process of replicating one of Swift’s tour costumes for a Halloween costume at the time and Berman quickly came on board to assist.

    Over the course of their relationship, they bonded over Seeherman’s love for Taylor Swift. So much so that Berman proposed to Seeherman at a Taylor Swift concert in 2018.

    To keep the theme going, the couple knew they had to involve Swift’s music in their wedding festivities. They settled on creating a wedding theme based on Swift’s latest studio album, Lover.

    Various homages to Swift decorated the wedding venue, from the Lover album art colour scheme to place cards that featured origami paper rings with paper butterflies attached.

    Swift’s music played throughout the day. Seeherman walked down the aisle to Swift’s “Call It What You Want”, the very same song that played when Berman proposed to Seeherman. Their first dance was appropriately set to Swift’s ‘Lover’.

    Seeherman has been sharing images of the wedding to her personal Twitter account, which caught the eye of Swift herself.

    Seeherman couldn’t believe her eyes when her heroine responded to her.

    “I was really shocked,” she told Billboard. “I never expected her to notice the efforts we had gone to. All the effort we put into the wedding we would have done regardless of whether we thought she might notice because we – my husband now too identifies as a huge Taylor Swift fan – are such huge fans so we were happy and excited to do this, but never really had that expectation that anything would come of it or that we would get noticed.”

    Image: Twitter / Erin Got Engaged at a Taylor Swift Concert

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    In Celebs

    Famous couples who have eloped

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    In the age of celebrity, it seems like every public personality goes big with their weddings. From Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra’s multiple nuptial celebrations spanning two separate continents, to Kimye’s $2.8 million wedding in Italy, celebrities know how to party hard.

    While some prefer to splash out on their big day, others desire a more low-key, understated experience. These famous couples decide to ditch the dramatics in favour of an intimate elopement.

    Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas:

    This cute couple surprised fans when they got hitched after the 2019 Billboard Music Awards in a Las Vegas chapel. The shock ceremony was attended by the other Jonas brothers and DJ Diplo, who live-streamed the nuptials via Instagram.

    In another non-traditional move, the coupled exchanged ring pops instead of wedding bands.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B0I_yeqhycx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    John Legend and Chrissy Tiegen:

    Before their lavish Lake Como wedding, this hilarious couple actually eloped and got married at a New York City courthouse in 2013. Their reasoning behind the elopement, however, was more necessary than romantic.

    “We are dumb and didn’t realise that our Italian wedding would not be recognised unless we had a real ceremony in New York City,” Chrissy told E!News.

    They have been happily married for six years and have two children.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BydurFhl5Ji/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Kristen Bell & Dax Shepard

    Following their 2009 engagement, Shepard and Bell married at the Beverly Hills County Clerk’s office in 2013. The four year wait was purposeful. The couple vowed that they wouldn’t marry until same-sex marriage was legalised in the US.

    Six years and two kids later, this couple’s marriage is as low-key and loving as ever.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B35B631JWdd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Jessica Alba & Cash Warren

    A heavily pregnant Jessica Alba walked down the Beverly Hills Courthouse aisle to marry Cash Warren back in 2008. Both were casually dressed for the occasion, with Alba in a long blue dress and ponytail and Warren in a white shirt and brown pants. Who said you need to dress up to get married?

    They have now been married for 11 years and have three children.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxqwd-Hl8MN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Sacha Baron Cohen & Isla Fisher

    Known for their over-the-top humour, Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher went interestingly understated with their nuptials. They married in Paris in 2010 with only six guests in attendance. Their guests didn’t even know about the wedding until the day.

    “It [was] very important to me to have a beautiful ritual celebrated with my family and friends. And when you are in the public eye, to keep that private and to make it happen without it being really visible is really difficult,”  Fisher said about the wedding.

    Nine years and three kids later, their marriage is still going strong.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BsV7_4dhivp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Kelly Ripa & Mark Consuelos

    Hollywood’s most loved up couple got married on a whim. A year into dating, All my Children co-stars Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos randomly got engaged over pizza and wine. The very next day they set off to Vegas for a shotgun wedding on May 1, 1996.

    They have been married for 23 years and have three children.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BuT7a5VBcuW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green:

    Fox and green wed in an intimate, sunset ceremony on June 24 on an Hawaaiian beach. Their sole witness was son, Kassius, Green’s son, who also acted as his father’s best man. Fox wore an Armani Privé gown featuring a 16-ft. (4.88 metre) train.

    Their marriage has had its ups and downs. After five years of marriage and two children, they separated and filed for divorce in 2015, citing irreconcilable differences. However, a year later they seemingly reconciled and had their third child.

    “Some people look at divorce or things not working as, like, a disappointment and it’s not,” green said in an interview. “The fact that it worked at all is a positive. We have three amazing kids. We’ve had and we have a great relationship. We’re just taking it day by day.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/tW5p8HJl6T/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Jordan Peele and Chelsea Peretti:

    Get Out director Jordan Peele and actress Chelsea Peretti have always been low-key with their relationship and their wedding was no different. They eloped to the mountains without breathing a word about it to anyone. Their only wedding guest: their pet dog.

    “We went to Big Sur, ever heard of it?” she joked on late night talk show, Conan. “It’s beautiful—oceans, mountains. We were married by a woman named Soaring, like soaring above the clouds, and our dog was there, and that was it. No guests.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4F_CtFlEna/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock:

    An elopement was not the original plan for this couple. After becoming overwhelmed with wedding planning, Clarkson and Blackstock decided to have a private ceremony in 2013, attended only by Blackstock’s two children.

    They now have two more children together.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bk1G9K8A3oi/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Image: Instagram / Sophie Turner

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