It’s been years in the making, but Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have finally tied the knot.
Sources close to the couple confirmed the news to People with court records indicating that the pair obtained a marriage license over the weekend in Clark County, Nevada.
The gorgeous couple shared the news of their engagement in April 2022 and are said to have said “I do” in a small ceremony.
“They just wanted to get married,” one source reportedly stated.
The news will undoubtedly overjoy romantics and die-hard Bennifer stans around the world. The Hollywood couple rekindled their iconic romance in 2021 with Lopez sharing her thoughts on why things are different 18 years later.
The star revealed to People: “We’re older now, we’re smarter, we have more experience, we’re at different places in our lives, we have kids now, and we have to be very conscious of those things.”
“We have been in the game in the public eye long enough to know who we are as people and what really matters and what doesn’t matter. We have kids and we respect each other. …”
If you’re looking for a dreamy honeymoon destination, try taking a peek in your own backyard.
The glittering sands of the South of France, or the azure-blue waters of Mexico may hold a certain kind of magic for newlyweds, but the continent of Africa offers its own bit of adventurous magic just waiting to be explored.
Here are five unbelievable honeymoon destinations, right here in Africa, that will leave you mesmerised by the abundance of natural beauty:
Morocco
Relax on the white sandy beaches of Casablanca or meander through the bustling streets of Marrakech, the North African country of Morocco is bursting with incredible destinations to suit every honeymooner’s palette.
Picture: The Blonde Abroad
Kenya
Adventure awaits when choosing Kenya as your honeymoon destination. This African country has a little something for everyone, including the skyscrapers of Nairobi, the famous Masai Mara for a safari, and the dazzling beach of Mombasa. What’s better than enjoying a safari in the AM and a swim in the ocean in the PM.
Tanzania is another versatile honeymoon destination that newlyweds can’t seem to get enough of. Get your hearts pumping with a hike to the edge of the vast Ngorongoro Crater or explore the historic Stone Town.
Zimbabwe often gets a bad rep, but there’s endless beauty to be explored when visiting our neighbour. It’s considered a wildly romantic wilderness adventure for all, with bungee jumping at Victoria Falls, discovering the Big 5 at one of its many game reserves, and cruising the Zambezi River – magical!
You can’t really spell tropical island without honeymoon… well, you can, but the two go together like peanut butter and jam. Mauritius is a favourite for bridal couples looking to soak up the sun, spend the day snorkelling in warm waters, explore the island’s rugged terrain, and enjoy its unique culture. Make sure you take a peek at the 33-metre Mangal Mahadev statue on the island!
We may not all have our finger on the pulse of pop culture, but celebrity red carpet and wedding looks are a great form of inspiration. With your bridal glam look located on an already long list of to-dos, why not simplify things by allowing your favourite celebrity to be your muse.
We’ve rounded up 6 celebrities that have left us giddy with inspiration:
Dakota Johnson
The 50 shades of grey actress left us mesmerised with this romantic look. Keep things casual with a half-up, half-down hairstyle, while sporting a neutral makeup palette, rosy blush, a few subtle pink hues, and a beautiful bold lip.
Picture: Getty Images
Demi Lavato
You’re not looking for subtle, you’re looking for wow! If bold is what you’re after, then opt for darker tones to help you get that beautiful vintage look. Select a bold smokey eye or let your lips be the star of the show and grab a softer shade for your eyes. Pair this glam look with old Hollywood waves and you’ll have a look that’s gorgeous for brides planning a winter wedding.
Picture: Getty Images
Adele
Who doesn’t want their makeup to look as gorgeous as Adeles? The songstress is famous for her winged eyeliner, a winner for many brides these days, but blend and layer your eyeshadow for a more glamorous look. Darker brows add a pop of colour while false eyelashes will have your soon-to-be husband swooning.
Picture: Getty Images
Leslie Rose
The Game of Thrones star looked like an angel on her wedding day, opting for natural makeup that let her gorgeous face do all the talking. A flower crown for that extra bit of magic and shades of pink for her cheeks and lips were the perfect combination.
Picture: Pinterest
Priyanka Chopra
Priyanka Chopra may have had multiple outfit changes during her three-day wedding to Nick Jonas, but the actress looked absolutely stunning in this bold and beautiful outfit at her Mumbai wedding reception. She paired her dark red lip with neutral eyeshadow for a bit of sultry romance. She finished the look with her locks flowing over her shoulders, but this look can be paired with an up-do.
She may not be the future queen of England, but Meghan Markle looked like an absolute queen on her wedding day. The royal rocked a natural look with a low chignon which was parted down the middle. Rosy lips, dewy skin and a headband fit for… well, a royal.
Most brides wouldn’t mind spending a few R10 000 or more on a gorgeous new wedding dress, but for some cash-strapped brides, that’s simply not an option.
Heading to your local thrifting store is a great way to unearth some fashionable gems, including a gorgeous wedding dress as one young bride found out.
The blushing bride took to TikTok to share her experience of purchasing her wedding dress at a thrift shop as she was determined to keep spending to a minimum.
As prices continue to soar throughout various industries, many young couples are attempting to keep things more affordable. Thrifting and smaller, more intimate settings are just a few ways bridal couples are attempting to cut costs.
Jullian Lynch, who hails from Ohia in the United States, explained that she initially spent around R60 ($3.75) on the dress, but forked out a few more bucks for alternations, costing an extra R1700 ($110).
That’s still not a bad price tag for such a gorgeous dress, a thought many TikTok users had as they gawked at her budget-friendly wedding experience.
When the cravings hit, there’s nothing you can do as one bridal couple recently found out. After all, walking down the aisle and saying “I do” can certainly work up an apetitie.
Newlyweds Basman Alwakeel (28) and blushing bride Haneen Alkhthir (31) tied the knot in a traditional wedding ceremony before sneaking away to satisfy their fast food cravings – a tasty meal at McDonalds – before heading back to an incredible evening with family and friends.
The couple, who hail from Australia, spent a few hours snapping wedding pics at the University of Sydney.
“It is such a beautiful location, but we were so hungry and craved some food, so we did a quick search of the nearest McDonald’s,” said Basman.
Picture: @auraweddings/ Caters News
So what was on the menu for Mr and Mrs?
“We both ordered a spicy McChicken with chips and coke. The staff were shocked and the people kept congratulating us.”
Thankfully, the talented photographer was there to capture the “beautiful and natural moment.”
Picture: @auraweddings/ Caters News
Despite the impromptu affair, that meal sure does look delicious! Even more fantastic is the fact that the gorgeous bride managed to keep her all-white wedding attire free of ketchup – no easy feat!
But while the couple tucked into a spicy chicken burger, just what about the guests? Friends and family did not go hungry as tradition dictates otherwise.
Picture: @auraweddings/ Caters News
“It’s tradition for us to have guests in both the bride and groom’s house before the service. Simple snacks are prepared for the guests and later at the reception we chose Mediterranean food,” Basman said.
The one cardinal rule for every and all weddings is this: do not upstage the bride.
Also, never wear white.
Unfortunately, one woman managed to break both of these rules.
A mother of the groom attempted to ensure all eyes were on her by donning a replica dress of the bride’s wedding gown – yikes!
The bride shared her experience on Reddit’s wedding shame community, sharing a series of snaps from her “big day.” In the photo, the bride, mother-in-law, and now, ex-husband, can be seen posing for the cringe-worthy photo.
“MIL really wanted to be bride. I’m now divorced from her son, who she posed with in the 2nd picture,” wrote jerseygirl1105.
Picture: Reddit
It’s a tough pill to swallow but the dresses look eerily similar.
So, just what did the guests at the wedding think?
“It was humiliating for her because the reaction was not what she expected, which was to feel like the bride. Instead, she looked like an absolute fool.”
While the image stirs up some level of fury and embarrassment, the comments regarding the post were hilarious.
“I thought they were sister wives,” said one comment.
“You know the engagement photos where the bride-to-be poses with left hand on chest, engagement ring showing? It looks like she’s doing that in the mother/son photo,” noted another.
All’s well that ends well! The Redditor explained that despite the kerfuffle that took place on her wedding day, the ending of her marriage was not so disastrous.
“We remain good friends because he’s a great guy who was embarrassed by his mother.”
Congratulations, you are getting married! After many years of relationship and waiting for the man of your life to dare to ask you the famous question, the time has come: you are going to celebrate your wedding and you must organize everything correctly to make it an unforgettable day.
For many brides to be able to organize their wedding day to their liking is a challenge, since they not only want their dress to be the ideal one and the place where the event will be held to be suitable for the type of ceremony they plan to celebrate, but they also want excellence in each of the details that surround an event of these characteristics: the type of flowers that will predominate throughout the ceremony, the banquet, the music, and of course choose what will be the dresses of their bridesmaids.
It is a truth known worldwide that a bride will always need at least one bridesmaid on her wedding day, although the ideal and most common is that there will be between 3 and 4 lucky bridesmaids who will accompany the bride to the altar and help her in everything she needs during the most important day of her life.
Now, what is the best way to choose the dress to be worn by the bridesmaids at your wedding? Is there only one way to get it right? Or does it all depend exclusively on the bride’s taste and the patience you have with her bridesmaids to accommodate her every whim and change of mind?
The answer is very wide. Cicinia has tons of experience dressing brides and their bridesmaids and they firmly believe that there are two main factors: the place where the wedding will be held and the time.
From these two factors, and of course the personal taste of the bride and groom, they assure you that you can choose the dress for your bridesmaids without fear of making a mistake. Knowing where and at what time your wedding will be held will help you to solve many doubts regarding the wardrobe, such as: choose long dresses and dark tones if it is a night wedding or opt for a more casual dress with white tones if it is a beach wedding, among other things.
Straight from the Cicinia team, they’ll explain six original ways to dress your bridesmaids so that the theme of your wedding and your wardrobe are perfectly combined!
Take note!
A wedding based on your moon sign
More and more brides are deciding to follow the designs of the moon and prepare their weddings based on what their zodiac signs tell them. For example, if you are a Leo bride, your bridesmaids’ dresses should be striking and quite seductive, because according to what astrology tells us about this fire sign, Leo women are usually very attractive, intelligent and with a great gift of people. Something that translated into the world of fashion results in dresses with large openings in the back, plunging necklines and beautiful silk or satin fabrics.
Each moon sign is different and unique, so every wedding that is prepared according to these characteristics is unique. Do not miss the opportunity to use this theme to make your wedding unforgettable for you and for all your guests.
In fact, in Cicinia we already have an opinion on this type of ancient quest, so do not hesitate to visit our article to learn more about it!
Picture: Supplied
A wedding on the beach
Are you and your groom passionate about the beach and have always wanted to celebrate the most romantic day of your life surrounded by sand and sea? If so, you’ll be happy to know that using the beach theme to determine the style of your bridesmaids’ dresses is very effective. In fact, your own dress will also need to be tailored to the circumstances, as walking on the cold, hard aisle of a church is not the same as walking on the warm sand of a beach that sinks beneath your feet.
A wedding at the sea invites all dresses to be light, with a lot of flight and in white or beige tones. On the other hand, she also suggests you the option of eliminating shoes in your bridesmaids’ ensemble and opting for boho-style dresses with linen and cotton as protagonists. Finally, if you choose to do it in silver you can also think about choosing some kind of tiara or natural updo for you and your bridesmaids since in the sea it is always usually quite airy and for the ceremony and photo shoots you will be much more comfortable to have your hair well collected and out of your face.
Rustic Wedding
If you choose to get married outdoors but instead of opting for the sea you choose the mountains, you can also choose the style of your bridesmaids’ dresses inspired by nature and everything that represents for you to get married in a place as magical as the woods.
A mountain wedding invites you to choose vintage style dresses, with off-white and lace as the protagonists of the design. On the other hand, you can also add a floral detail at the waist of your bridesmaids’ dresses or in their updos to match your wedding dress. This way you will blend in with your surroundings and look like real forest nymphs. The possibilities are endless, you just have to look at the place where you will get married and try to find dresses that fit perfectly with its light and colours.
An evening wedding
As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, taking into account the time of day you are getting married will also help you determine the type of dress your bridesmaids should wear. Therefore, if you are getting married at night, your bridesmaids’ dresses should be according to the light and tones of a night event, that is, dark tones but full of bright elements that in contact with the light of the spotlights illuminate and generate a hypnotic effect on the dresses.
An example of the ideal bridesmaid dress for this type of wedding would be a cobalt blue dress covered with sequins and with a large opening in the back. In our catalog you will find a wide variety of options that match this description, do not hesitate to consult it to learn more.
Indoor wedding in classic style
Your wedding will follow all the classic canons of traditional weddings, it will be held in a church and the banquet will be indoors. You may think that this style of wedding is already seen and that your bridesmaids’ dresses will not be anything out of the ordinary, but the truth is that you can also innovate in this field and use the classic style to your advantage to choose a beautiful and timeless design that will make both you and your bridesmaids look very beautiful and fashionable.
An indoor wedding invites you to choose long silk or satin dresses, with demure sweetheart necklines and with some kind of cape or veil on the shoulders that bring movement and sensuality to the design. Pastel colors are perfect for this type of ceremonies, such as salmon or blue. Whatever your choice, on our website you will surely find the bridesmaid dress that suits your needs.
Picture: Supplied
Winter Wedding
More and more brides and grooms decide to get married in winter and have a wedding worthy of a Christmas fairy tale. However, getting married when temperatures are so low makes the search for a dress even more complex, but nothing is impossible. You just have to let yourself be carried away by the magic of the season and its colors.
For example, if you are getting married in December or January you can opt for green or red colors (since you are in the middle of the Christmas season) and thicker fabrics that help your bridesmaids to cope with the cold without preventing them from looking beautiful. Wearing gloves is also a good idea, both to keep your hands from getting cold and to make the whole dress more complete and elegant.
You can also opt for all-white dresses that emulate snow and do the same with the rest of the decoration. The options for choosing a dress in winter are many, you just have to relax and look at all the information available to you.
These are six really effective ways in which you can find the perfect dress for your bridesmaids to look spectacular on the most beautiful day of your life. Although they are not the only ways to find your ideal dress, we hope that with the information we have given you and by consulting our website, you will be able to find what you are looking forward to for your wedding.
Some brides are born to break the rules. To scoff at tradition and forge a new path.
Now, this doesn’t have to mean ditching the white dress and opting for something a little darker, as per the wedding trends currently making waves on Pinterest. Sometimes the forward-thinking bride embodies her boldness with something as small as a non-traditional wedding veil.
Small steps, right? If you’re looking to embrace your ‘wild’ side by going beyond the white tulle or lace, here are a few stunning suggestions:
Polka Dot
If you love a good polka dot outfit, then you’re in luck! Including a polka dot veil in your wedding ensemble can be an exciting way to infuse a little fun into your outfit.
A modern twist on something blue. A blue wedding veil can be a wonderful way to add a pop of colour as it provides a beautiful contrast if you’re sporting a white wedding dress.
Picture: Pinterest
Pearl-studded
Pearls are having a bit of a moment right now and are a trend that has brides “oh-ing” and “ah-ing,” and for good reason. Pearls are often associated with royalty and opulence, and that’s exactly the vibe you’ll get when adding modern pearls to your veil.
Who needs a long veil anyway? Short and sweet in more ways than one, the classic “birdcage” veil is a great addition for brides who are looking for something different yet simple. Make it your own by adding modern pearls or flowers, let your inner-creative run wild!
Adorned with flowers
Flowers have a way of elevating anyone’s mood, so why not do the same for your veil. Opt for a traditional veil but zhoosh it up by adding your favourite flowers. Fresh flowers are best, so make sure you speak to your florist or go the dry flower route if you’re feeling sentimental and looking to keep things fresh forever.
Pinterest: Lara Hotz
Embroidered Elegance
If adding fresh flowers to your veil doesn’t sound like something you’d like but you’re still looking to add a few blooms to your accessory, a colourful embroidered veil is the way to go. It’s a great addition for brides who are looking to add a little bohemian flair to their wedding outfit and creates an incredible texture too!
When picking out your wedding dress, there’s no doubt you’ll encounter dime-a-dozen inspiration springboards and influences.
You might be tempted to go along with trends or maybe even take a note from the Met Gala gown looks.
However, if you’re zodiac obsessed and make most of your decisions based on Co-Star’s advice, then you might want to turn to the stars for that added touch of inspiration. Can fashion choices be inspired by the stars? Absolutely, and there’s quite a bit of literature on the connection too. Keeping this in mind, here are your wedding dress suggestions as told by the stars:
*These suggestions are based on your Sun signs
Aries
Aries are passionate, know how to stand in their decisions, love to be bold and are naturally competitive and daring, but are also soft marshmallows on the inside. So, how does this translate to fashion, let alone a wedding dress?
An Aries wants pieces that will stand out and be admired, but not for being grand – for being different. A married look of striking and soft is their cup of tea, with something that says ‘powerful’ at the forefront of their minds (they are ruled by their heads, afterall) This could come across as a desire for something more traditionally masculine (ie: opting for a power suit instead of a gown) but a lot of Aries are also very in touch with their divine feminine, meaning a more darling look complimented with bold accessories could be perfect, especially with a high cut leg or plunging neckline.
Being the first in the zodiac, the ram is all about setting trends, so whatever look is emerging ie: mini-wedding dresses, you can bet your bottom dollar an Aries has considered it.
Taurus are known for their stability and chic when it comes to dressing. As an Earth sign, Taurus loves elements connected to nature – practically. If it’s not subtle florals, then it’s something that is easy for them to feel comfortable in. However, don’t be deceived – Taurus can be very picky and like the finer things in the elegance clad. While their looks may not be overtly grandeur, they are certainly of quality. Taurus is ruled by Venus the planet of love and beauty, which echoes into their closets, sometimes through subtle sensuality.
Tarus is ruled by the throat, so something that premises the neck, or cuts that draw the eyes upward are perfect options.
Gemini, the sign of mystery and the double-edged sword is constantly attempting to feed their curiosity, which often reads in their fashion choices. Gemini’s love options and for their outfits to make an impact on others. As the pillar of the air signs, Gemini’s don’t like to feel confined or controlled, and don’t enjoy pieces that invoke those feelings either. Gemini is ruled by Mercury, which translates to communication and rationality. Their fashion choices will almost always attempt to communicate a message of expression, but given the twin symbolism of their sign, a piece that can blend both light and dark elements of their personality works best. Ruled by the arms and hands, Gemini will be drawn to sleeve elements.
GALA Galia LahavNikeen AsarCross StitchGalia LahavAsaf Dadush
Cancer
Cancers, ruled by the moon, are known to be in touch with their femininity and especially their emotions – even if they don’t always have it figured out. They’re often nurturing and classic souls with wanderlust spirits, and adore pieces that either emulate their mood, or create the mood they aspire to have. Cancers are creatures who crave peace like the water element that rules them. In fashion, choices that emulate peace or contentment speak to them fondly. Ruled by the chest, Cancers will want to look for sweetheart necklines or jewellery that truly echoes from their heart. Cancer’s are also in touch with the ocean, so mermaid dresses or pearl touches are perfect looks for this bride.
Lee PetraAleana’s BridalLiHi Hod Collection
Vivenne Westwood
Leo
Leos stand tall as a sign of courage and authenticity, and they take great pride in standing out (their way). Although their looks may come off as effortless, Leos spend quite a bit of time deciding on the perfect choices simply because they often see fashion as a reflection of them. Ruled by the heart and sun, Leos are rays of light that also like a little flair. If it isn’t lots of sparkles, it’s embroidery or tinted hues for a Leo who won’t want to look like everyone else on their wedding day. Leo is also ruled by the spine, so open-back dresses are always a fabulous option.
Immacle
Galia LahavLuca Sposa
Virgo
Virgos are modest and love quality much like their earth sign sibling Taurus. However, Virgo likes pieces that have an edge, or complicated design. Sophisticated is what Virgo wants for her wedding dress, and anything that screams classy is right up their ally. Ruled by the body, Virgo wants a look that accentuates their figure, whether it’s with subtle design or overall construction. Like Gemini, Virgo is ruled by Mercury, but the message Virgo wants to send is that their dress was expertly thought out, and had a lot of attention paid to it.
Vivenne WestwoodEva LendelOff WhiteMilla NovaMilla Nova
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.”
