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In Engagements

WATCH: Adele helps man pull off a marriage proposal that we won’t soon forget

November 16, 2021 No Comments

Adele has always stolen our hearts with her powerful vocals and romantic lyrics. So, it’s no surprise that fans were over the moon when she announced her CBS special “Adele One Night Only,” a major music event that took place this past Sunday. But for one couple, it soon became a major event for another reason.

Quentin Brunson was ready to pop the question to his girlfriend of seven years, Ashleigh Mann, but just how do you top a simple fancy dinner proposal? Brunson clearly knew what he was doing when he pulled off the biggest emotional surprise during the concert hosted at Los Angeles’ Griffith Park, going down on one knee in front of cameras and a number of A-list celebrities, reports EW.

To pull off the best proposal of 2021 (okay, we may be a bit biased), Adele roped the audience into helping her orchestrate the epic proposal as she asked the them to remain quiet.

“I need every person to be really quiet, alright? If you make a noise, I’m going to kill you,” the songstress was heard half-joking to the audience.

As the lights dimmed, the almost bride-to-be was escorted across the stage by Brunson wearing noise-cancelling headphones and a blindfold. Mann was then instructed to take off her blindfold and was visibly shocked to see Brunson on one knee.

“This is real,” Quentin said while Mann freaked out. “This is real, this is real,” he could be heard saying.

After what we can only imagine was a shock to the system and a moment filled with plenty of tears, she said “yes.” However, Mann got an even bigger surprise when the queen of love songs herself stepped out from the shadows and into the spotlight, revealing a few of her famous friends in the process, including Lizzo, Seth Rogen, and Melissa McCarthy.

Speaking to CBS, the newly engaged Mann stated that: “I honestly thought that we were going to go on a hayride. I had been talking about going to the pumpkin patch, so I assumed we were doing something cool like that.”

Well, she ended up getting something much cooler. The legendary proposal came after Brunson submitted a one-minute video explaining why he deserved to make his future wife’s dreams come true.

Check out the incredible video below:

https://www.instagram.com/p/CWSBRnAMpwd/

Picture Instagram CBS

In Wedding Music

15 Of the best first dance songs for an unforgettable celebration

November 15, 2021 No Comments

The first dance as a married couple is the highlight of the wedding. It’s the perfect opportunity to show off your dance moves before the celebration really kicks off and gets have the chance to celebrate a little with you. The vows are done and dusted and the stress seems to melt away. However, for some couples choosing the first song to dance to as man and wife is an easy choice. Perhaps it was that Elton John song that was playing when you first bumped into each other at that charming coffee shop, but for others finding the perfect first song to boogie to can be a challenge.

Thankfully, a little survey conducted by The Black Tux of over 900 married couples from all age groups revealed a few of the most requested first-dance songs. Here’s a list of the top 15:

Sons and Daughters, by Allman Brown
Moon River, by Frank Sinatra
At Last, by Etta James
Time After Time, by Cyndi Lauper
Amazed, by Lonestar
500 Miles, by Sleeping at Last
Your Song, by Elton John
I’m Yours, by Jason Mraz
Perfect Duet, by Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé
The Way You Look Tonight, by Frank Sinatra
Escapade, by Janet Jackson
My Best Friend, by Tim McGraw
That’s When I Knew, by Alicia Keys
Falling Like the Stars, by James Arthur
This Kiss, by Faith Hill

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If you’ve been wondering what the perfect song to get down on one knee is, make sure you check out Spotify’s ultimate engagement playlist.

Pciture: Pexels

In Decor

Wedding dance floor ideas to kick of your shoes and let loose

November 9, 2021 No Comments

After the stress of planning a wedding and the jitters of saying your vows in front of friends and family, it can be liberating to metaphorically let your hair down, kick off your shoes and “shake what your mamma gave you.” Music is the entertainment that brings guests together and allows them to feel comfortable as they share in the bliss of the loved-up newlyweds.

Ready to put on your dancing shoes and find the inspiration you need?

Convert a pool

Okay, so while this may sound quite hazardous, what better way to impress your guests than with a dance floor on water? If your wedding venue has a swimming pool, while not grab a professional to convert it into something unique.

Bring the outdoors inside

Nature is a beautiful and magical thing, so why not add a few touches of nature to your dance floor. Create a magical space that incorporates lush and green-inspired flooring with plenty of lights to add to the ambience.

A Floral Dance Floor

Nothing is more romantic than a beautiful floral display. Elevate your dance floor with a floral design and, perhaps, a custom monochrome in the centre, and adding a gorgeous hanging floral installation above the dance floor will definitely add a bit of pizazz.

Balloons! Balloons! Balloons!

Tons of space, a classic dance floor and … balloons! Balloons don’t have to be reserved for birthday parties, but you can create an elegant bouquet of balloons to add a mix of fun to the space.

bouquet of balloons — **Kristin Sweeting**

A dash of fairy lights and a whole lot of chandeliers

A mixture of fairy lights and chandeliers are a great way to boost the ambience of your dance floor. Scrape the chandeliers and simply opt for fairy lights, which will allow you to add a starry night effect to your evening.

A Monochrome Feature

Show off your newlywedded bliss with a special crest of your initials. This is a great way to transform a regular dance floor into an extra special one.

monochrome intials dance floor — **Pinterest**

A carpet of dancing dreams

There’s nothing wrong with adding a little rustic charm to your dance floor. However, if wood flooring is not your vibe, why not opt for rugs to add a vintage-inspired vibe that is sure to leave your guests feeling comfortable and right at home.

rustic carpet dreams — Holtz Photography

Picture: Samm Blake

In Announcements

Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker are engaged but it’s the ring we’re really going crazy over!

October 19, 2021 No Comments

The world has been tilted on its axis at the news of Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker’s engagement.

The Blink-182 drummer decided to put a ring on it, and boy, was it a RING. Barker popped the question at Montecito Beach on Sunday, October 17, and social media has been flooded with images of the happy couple ever since. But it’s the enormous engagement ring that has us in a tailspin.

Go big or go home appears to be the route Barker has taken, with Kardashian’s left finger now sporting a giant oval-cut diamond engagement ring worth a whopping $1 million. According to Page Six, her new bling appears to be larger than 15 carats in a pavé or hidden halo setting.

Kourtney Kardashian and travis barker engagement — Credit: Atiana De La Hoya Instagram

The loved-up couple has been dating since January, though they’ve been friends and neighbours for quite some time with the pair making it Instagram official in February. However, it was their trip to Venice, Italy that really had tongues wagging as the pair was unrelenting when it came to showing off their affection for each other. Kardashian famously dated Scott Disick on-and-off for ten years, with the oldest Kardashian sister noting that they would have still been together having Disick not messed up his sobriety during a KUWTK reunion special in June. The two share three children together, while Barker was previously married to former beauty queen Shanna Moakler. He shares two children with her.

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A post shared by Kourtney Kardashian (@kourtneykardash)

The engagement was a sight to behold too! Countless red roses appeared to envelop Montecito’s white sandy beach, with an array of candles careful placed within a circle of red, adding to the overall ambience.

It looked to be a picture-perfect proposal and we couldn’t be happier for the pair!

Picture: Kourtney Kardashian Instagram

In Weddings

PICTURES | Inside former Miss SA Tamaryn Green and hubby Ze’s stunning umembeso ceremony

October 15, 2021 No Comments

Former Miss South Africa Tamaryn Green and her fiancé Zesimdumise Nxumalo, better known as ‘Ze’, have shared snaps from their traditional Zulu ‘umembeso’ ceremony, which took place last weekend.

The ceremony came seven months after the couple got engaged in the Kruger National Park while on baecation in April, according to Times Live.

Umembeso is a Zulu traditional wedding ceremony in which the groom’s relatives bring gifts to the bride’s family. The ceremony occurs after the lobola negotiations but prior to the official Zulu traditional wedding.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CU15k5ZI-Vl/

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https://www.instagram.com/p/CU1tnxcon93/

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Originally Posted: African Insider

In Competitions

WIN: A two night honeymoon stay at the luxurious Abelana Game Lodge

October 14, 2021 No Comments

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and while saying “I do” can be a truly magical experience, it’s also sprinkled with a bit of panic and stress too. But the honeymoon or first post-wedding getaway is a time to unwind and enjoy each other’s company and should be nothing short of epic.

Basically, the honeymoon sets the tone for the adventures you’re bound to have together, so why not start by making it a beautifully wild one.

Enter Limpopo’s luxurious Abelana Game Reserve, which is ready to make all your wildest adventures and dreams come true.

Forget the cobble-stoned streets of Europe because Africa is romance personified. Wake up each morning and be serenaded by the sounds of Africa: the distant roaring of lions, the magnificent trumpets of elephants, and the melodic songs of birdlife – is there anything more romantic than that?

Abelana Lodge is nestled on 15 000 hectares of unadulterated African beauty, boasting a stylish and newly rebuilt 20-room lodge that overlooks the Selati River. Spend your morning greeting the wildlife that calls this area home, including hippo, crocodiles and a range of birdlife species. Each room is beautifully decorated, offering a comfortable and stylish design that takes nothing away from the landscape. Head out onto the veranda, grab a glass of champagne and cheers as you enjoy Limpopo’s burnt skies and natural brilliance.

Booking a stay here is truly the ultimate escape into nature, providing you with the perfect opportunity to spend some much-needed time together after planning a wedding.

A wild giveaway!

While booking your stay at Abelana Lodge is a must, they‘re treating one lucky couple to a two night overnight stay in one of their luxurious rooms!

This incredible prize includes an air-conditioned, en-suite room, together with all meals (yum), a complimentary bottle of house wine at dinner, all the snacks your heart desires, game drives in an open vehicle and mesmerising bush walks, and a romantic sunset gin stop. Now, that‘s one way to spend your honeymoon, right?

Keep in mind that the giveaway will exclude the following:

It’s not transferable for cash.
Transport to and from the lodge is not included.
Subject to availability.
Valid for one year from the date of issue.
This prize will, unfortunately, exclude long weekends, public holidays.
All personal expenses (including, but not limited to, curios, soft and alcoholic drinks, telephone charges) are for own account.

So, just how do you get your hands on this unbelievable prize?

Make sure to fill out your details and answer the question below.
Head to Wedding Etc and Abelana Game Reserve’s Instagram page, follow and tag two friends under our Abelana River Lodge post – easy-peasy!

The Winner will be announced on 1 November.

Good luck!

*Please note that this prize is only available to newlywed couples.

Pictures: Abelana Game Reserve

QUESTION: How many newly rebuilt rooms will you find at Abelana Game Lodge?

In Venues

A whole lot of nature and magic on your wedding day with Abelana Game Reserve

October 12, 2021 No Comments

Hear the distant roars of wild lions while watching the blazing African sunset at none other than Limpopo’s finest Abelana Game Reserve — the perfect place to escape the bustle of everyday life and dive into a little romance.

2020 was a tough year for the travel industry, and many love birds had to put their wedding day on hold. But now, all that’s left to focus on is a whole lot of love as couples across the world get ready to say “I do”.

It’s time for love to take center stage and there’s no better way to celebrate than at one of the most gorgeous locations in South Africa.

Welcome to Abelana Game Reserve…

A history of union with Abelana Game Reserve’s first bush wedding:

Situated on 15 000 hectares of pure unadulterated beauty, Abelana welcomed their first bride and groom on the scenic Malati Weir.

An intimate, mid-afternoon gathering saw no more than 42 guests come together in celebration of the couple, who said yes to forever with panoramic views overlooking the Selati River, which only enhanced the already magical moment.

The dinner reception was a classic-chic affair hosted at the Abelana River Lodge with not much of the lodge altered in terms of decor — raw beauty. A beaming bride and groom ensured that Abelana’s first bush wedding was the perfect African-ever-after.

Saying “I do” at Abelana Game Reserve

There’s something uniquely indescribable about being serenaded by the sounds of the bushveld, and Abelana is hoping to bring boatloads of African ambience to your wedding day.

Located just a 5 hours drive from Johannesburg, the luxury lodge is now launching its bespoke wedding package to the public. The perfect bushveld wedding is not only available but accessible to brides and grooms ready to tie the knot.

Thanks to Abelana Game Reserve, Limpopo’s burnt skies and natural brilliance are just a booking way from becoming your wedding reality.

Couples can expect only the best service from the Abelana team with wedding packages including, but not limited to:

A dedicated team was allocated to attend to the bride and groom on the wedding day
A complimentary Abelana wedding cake
A romantic turndown
Luxurious king-suite accommodation for up to 40 overnight guests
All standard accommodation inclusions apply to overnight guests, such as meals and game viewing activities

COVID-19 has played a big part in wedding plans, but an intimate bush wedding still remains an attractive prospect for couples who are considering the implications of the pandemic.

COVID precautions are the lodge’s top priority and nothing beats naturally wide-open spaces, fresh air, and ample room for social distancing that’s offered when choosing to book your wedding here.

Abelana River Lodge follows stringent protocols to protect tourists, wedding guests and staff, including:

Guest temperatures are scanned on arrival at the reserve gate, and each guest completes a contact-tracing and general wellness form.
Staff temperatures and wellness are assessed and recorded on a daily basis.
All staff are required to wear a mask at all times, and to sanitise their hands frequently.
Guests are required to wear their masks in the lodge’s indoor public areas.
All suites are rested between guest stays.
Hand sanitising stations are positioned at all entrances to the lodge and hand sanitiser supply is available on each game viewing vehicle.
All surfaces are wiped down with sanitiser on a regular basis, and game viewing vehicles are wiped down between each game drive.

So, what are a few things that brides and grooms-to-be should consider when planning their “safari wedding?”

“Wedding couples should be passionate about nature, animals and bush life. Don’t be too attached to the timing of your big day. Out here, we could run into any number of situations that could delay the whole itinerary. We encounter roadblocks – not the city kind – and detours created by fallen trees and wildlife. We may put a plan in place, but when you come face-to-face with a breeding herd of elephants, we wait; you wait – everyone waits. It’s part of the magic,” says Natalie Roberts, assistant lodge manager.

Ready to book the venue of your dreams and say “I do” while immersed in nature?

For more information on the lodge and its wedding packages, please contact Bryan West at 061 952 4302 or [email protected]

Pictures: Abelana Game Reserve

In Weddings

Groom Throws all the female guests out of his wedding for showing up in white as a ‘prank’

October 12, 2021 No Comments

Weddings are stressful. Throw family into the mix, and sometimes you find a recipe for disaster. However, one wedding couple found that a few family members were ready to douse the traditional disaster recipe in petrol, set it alight and watch the flames burn it to smithereens.

A bit dramatic, but we can only imagine that that’s exactly how it must have felt for the couple on their wedding day when all of the groom’s female family members showed up to the ceremony dressed in white.

A 33-year-old groom recently took to Reddit to share his story of the wedding “prank,” which hadn’t exactly gone down too well. In an AITA (that stands for ’Am I the A-hole’) post, the groom explained that the women in his family are a very close-knit bunch which he explained is similar to a “unit” that is rather “toxic.” He went on to explain that the women in his family “tease and roast every new woman that enters the family by marriage” as a way to “test” to see if the women deserve to be a part of the family.

Everything from the look and style of the women is roasted as they spend months teasing her before announcing that she has finally been welcomed into the family. Unfortunately, the cycle continues with every new woman that attempts to enter.

According to the groom, his brother warned him of the impending mess that was about to ensue as the “unit” planned to wear white on the wedding day. Despite the group vehemently denying the rumours, the day of the nuptials saw the women sporting white as the “ultimate test.”

The result? The groom asked them to leave, which resulted in a scene being made. His aunts and mother refused to leave, forcing the groom to threaten “harsher action.” Thankfully, they eventually all left, but not without his cousins blasting him on social media.

“My cousin blasted me on social media later, saying I excluded all the women from the wedding because my wife was insecure that she couldn’t handle another woman’s presence at the wedding.”

However, things didn’t end there. The groom had an argument with his mother who states that she simply wanted to see if his future wife was a “bridezilla.”

“I haven’t seen the lot of them in two weeks and they’ve excluded me from everything.”

Picture: Unsplash

In Advice

Date night ideas that are unique and COVID-friendly

October 5, 2021 No Comments

Whether you’ve been racking your brain on unique and cute date night ideas to try, or whether you’re looking for convenient ways to enjoy each others company while still practising social distancing, we have a few adorable ideas that we know you’ll love. If you’re stuck on what to do for your next date, here are a few fun socially-distanced date ideas.

A picnic with a twist:

Restaurants are packed, and first dates are always awkward. If you’re looking for something that will break the ice and add a fun element to date night, try this picnic twist. Here’s what you do; each person needs to bring lunch for the other and then switch. This is an awesome way to get to know the other person’s taste, and it may even offer some comical relief.

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Backyard movie night:

There’s nothing more romantic than enjoying your favourite movie beneath the stars. The Galileo Open Air Cinema hosts a variety of movie nights, but if you’re looking to skip the crowds and do it yourself at home, then this is a great option. A projector, a sheet and your favourite movie is all you need to make this happen. If you’re feeling a little fancy and nostalgic, why not hire (or buy) a popcorn machine for the night.

Enjoy an online sommelier class:

They say that the couple that learns together stays together… or something like that. If you love wine, spend the evening learning with your partner by taking a virtual sommelier class together. Airbnb’s Virtual Experience has a ton of great options to choose from, which doesn’t only include wine tasting. Switch things up by taking a virtual gin tasting or coffee tasting.

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Airbnb Online Experiences:

Speaking of Airbnb’s virtual experiences, they have a range of experiences to suit your date-night desires. Learn how to make pasta from an authentic Italian grandma or enjoy a mellow cello concert from the comfort of your home. The internet can truly be an amazing place, so take advantage of it.

Take a hike:

Are you even from Cape Town if you haven’t gone hiking for date night? There’s no better way to get to know your partner (or potential partner) than when you’re huffing and puffing up a mountainside. Spending time outdoors is also a great way to keep your distance while enjoying someone’s company. From hiking up Devil’s Peak to enjoying a stroll through Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, Cape Town is home to some incredible hiking trails that boast spectacular views that you can enjoy together.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CMRD4IApxCD/

Host a couples game night:

Date night doesn’t have to be just the two of you. Rope in a few friends and host a couples game night – virtually, of course. Pop open Zoom, choose your virtual game, light some candles, grab your drinks, and let the games begin! This is also a great way to spend some time with friends.

Picture: Pexels

In Wedding Gowns

5 South African wedding dress designers you’ll love

October 4, 2021 No Comments

One of the biggest features of any wedding is the fairytale wedding dress. Whether you’ve been dreaming of your quintessential gown since you were a little girl or the minute you got engaged, finding the perfect fit can be an exciting and stressful business.

Another stressor? Finding the perfect wedding designer. Thankfully, we’re taking at peek at five South African wedding gown designers that we’re loving right now.

The Wedding Collective

The Wedding Collective isn’t exactly a designer, but they’re a wedding boutique with a twist. They offer a range of incredible designers with wedding gown designs you will not find anywhere else in South Africa.

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Janita Toerien

Janita is an immensely talented designer that offers custom designs that will leave your jaw hanging on the floor. From simple to extravagant, this designer can do it all.

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A post shared by Janita Toerien (@janitatoerien)

Maggie Sottero

Quality designs that are classic and romantic, Maggie Sottero knows exactly what they’re doing with nearly 24 years of design experience behind them with each design inspired by your love story.

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A post shared by Maggie Sottero Designs (@maggiesotterodesigns)

Kobus Dippenaar

Synonymous with panache, Dippenaar’s designs aim to enhance the bride’s natural beauty. If you’re interested in grabbing a one-of-a-kind corset for your big day, he is exceptionally skilled at creating detailed pieces that you’ll fall in love with.

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A post shared by Kobus Dippenaar (@kobusdippenaar_atelier)

Robyn Roberts

Robyn Roberts has been around for 25 years and provides elegant designs that suit every bride. They offer a range of couture designs, but they specialise in minimalism – offering incredible yet simple designs for the minimalistic bride.

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A post shared by WE DRESS DREAMS ✨ (@robynrobertsbridal)

Picture: Vera Wang