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In Celebs

Inside David and Victoria Beckham’s lavish 1999 wedding

February 18, 2020 No Comments

They’re one of the most iconic couples to ever walk this Earth. Victoria and David Beckham, or Posh and Becks as they’re affectionately referred to, have been married for over two decades and have kept us entertained throughout. While they’ve definitely elevated their style game since then, we’ll never forget the truly memorable fashion choices they made on their big day. Let’s take a look back at their over-the-top wedding day…

Posh and Becks said ‘I do’ on July 4, 1999 in a truly 90s way. For their big day, they settled on the Luttrellstown Castle in the outskirts of Dublin in Clonsilla. Working with wedding planner Peregrine Armstrong-Jones, the couple chose a ‘Robin Hood’ theme with a dark, rich colour scheme. Instead of flowers, Victoria opted for berries, twigs and brambles to carry in her bouquet.

The event was dubbed the ‘celebrity wedding of the year’ and even required police presence to keep crowds away from the festivities.

Victoria wore a strapless silk Vera Wang gown with corset detail and a 20-foot train. To top of the look, Posh donned an 18-carat gold tiara, while David went bold in an all-white suit and cravat. Their four-month-old first child Brooklyn matched his parents in a white suit of his own.

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Surprisingly, the wedding ceremony itself was quite small. The pair only had 29 people witness their vow exchange. After the couple said their ‘I do’s”, a flag reading ‘ V. B. D.’ (for Victoria, Brooklyn and David, naturally) was raised above the castle and a dove was released.

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Their reception was a greater affair, boasting 230 guests including Victoria’s fellow Spice Girls Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton, Melanie Brown and Melanie Chisholm, as well as Manchester United teammate Gary Neville who acted as David’s best man. During the reception, Posh and Becks, who changed into matching purple outfits, sat atop golden thrones and shared their first dance to “It Had To Be You.” They also cut into their untraditional wedding cake decorated with apples and greenery with a sword.

https://www.instagram.com/p/qBw0LZFiAX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Also read: A look at Victoria Beckham’s 14 wedding rings

Feature image: Instagram / David Beckham

In Emotional

Bride honours sister on her wedding gown

February 14, 2020 No Comments

Megan Dean, who got married in October 2019, recently told TODAY the heart wrenching story of how she used her wedding dress to honour her deceased sister Rylie. In a Facebook post, on January 3 – which would have been Rylie’s 19th birthday – Dean detailed her tribute further.

Dean was only 4-years-old when her little sister passed away due to a heart condition. Despite having only known her for 8 days and despite having three living sisters, the now 23-year old Dean could not let her special day go by without including Rylie in some way.

Her plan was to integrate her sister’s baby blanket into her wedding gown. For this she employed the help of her mother, Rebecca.

“Getting her blanket required my mom and I to open up a box filled with Rylie’s things that we hadn’t looked at for years”, Dean told TODAY.

“Getting to talk with my mom about her experience and the memories she had was something quite special”, she added.

The bride-to-be at the time had her tailor create a patch in the shape of a heart using the blanket which had her sisters name embroidered on it. The patch was then sewed to the inside of Deans wedding gown.

In her Facebook post dedicated to Rylie she wrote, “This is the blanket you were swaddled in the moment you left our mother’s womb. It is what wrapped around you as our mom and dad held you for the first time…This is the blanket you wore during my last memory of you, kissing your forehead for one final time and not wanting to leave your side. I could not fathom celebrating a new beginning without you right there alongside me.”

If this wasn’t enough to tug at your heart strings, Dean had another idea. She requested that an identical patch be made, also using the baby blanket as fabric. The second patch would be a gift from her to her father; he would wear it as a pocket square as he walked her down the aisle.

“I was so excited to show my dad our tribute to Rylie. When I showed him the heart, I remember him saying through tears, ‘It’s her blanket,’ and we both began sobbing”, she told TODAY.

Dean also surprised all her sisters with the tribute to Rylie. We’re sure this made the day extra special.

Images: Facebook / Megan Dean

In Advice

Help! I don’t get along with my in-laws

February 10, 2020 No Comments

Everybody knows getting married is a package deal. You might adore your new spouse, but that doesn’t mean you will necessarily get along with their family. However, as much as we’d love to tell you it doesn’t matter, it does. Family is family, no matter what and building good relationships with your in-laws will make for a healthy relationship with your partner. Here are a few things to try if you’re faced with a monster-in-law.

– Don’t judge a book by its cover

This is true of all relationships. The way people seem is not always the way they are. Even if they behave in what comes across as rude or mean, it might have nothing to do with you. There might be a deeper insecurity or issue that leads to certain behaviour. Always give people the benefit of the doubt. Also remember that people have different personality types, and not everyone will always get along. That doesn’t mean you can’t be civil towards each other for the sake of your partner. Try spending some one-on-one time with the person and find common ground. You might just be pleasantly surprised.

– Stand your ground

If you have tried getting to know them better and being kind, but nothing’s changed, it might be time to stand your ground. There’s a line between being nice and getting walked over, which no one deserves. If things get so heated that they make you uncomfortable or the other person is downright condescending, you may want to set boundaries and be straight with them. Don’t compromise on your own values just to get them to like you. It’s important for them to know that they should also respect you and your beliefs, even if they don’t agree. Try to explain your point of view in a calm and open-minded manner, giving reasons for your view points.

– But not too much

That being said, always keep in mind that your relationship with your partner comes first. You don’t want to end up hurting them or worse, forcing them to choose between you and their family. If you have tried to be the bigger person, stated your take on things and set some boundaries, but the conflict is still not resolved, you might actually want to take a step back. This might include politely declining from family gatherings. It’s not worth losing your partner over a feud with your in-laws.

– Always be respectful, even if they’re not

The golden rule in every situation is respect. Accept the fact that you may never get along, even though you tried. However, and this especially applies during the “stand your ground” phase, always be respectful. That way, you don’t give them any ammunition to fight with, plus you’re showing your partner that you respect them too. Never stoop down to verbal abuse, immature games or using children as a means to manipulate their grandparents, for example. As long as the in-laws are not actually doing anything illegal or harmful, there’s no reason for you to keep your partner or children away from them. The battle is between you and them.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

How weddings have changed over the years

February 6, 2020 No Comments

Weddings come with tons of customs and traditions, the history of which is always quite interesting. Many couples are eager to incorporate age-old practices into their weddings. Over the years, however, the practices have changed and transformed.

For those who want tradition and modernity, or who would prefer to customise their wedding to be more original, perhaps insight into how wedding traditions have changed over the years will help to find a middle ground.

– Asking for permission

In years gone by, it was often considered respectful to ask a woman’s father for her hand in marriage. Today, women have much more agency and are no longer considered to be “passed on” to their husbands. Many still follow this custom as a sign of respect. However, others have completely done away with the tradition.

– Veils

Originally, the wedding veil was a way to protect the bride from evil spirits on her wedding day. In 1849, however, Queen Victoria donned a veil as fashion for the first time ever. Since then, many brides have decided to go without a veil or have replaced it with other accessories such as flower crowns.

– Not seeing each other before the ceremony

In the past, it was considered to be very bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding. This tradition started at a time when arranged marriages were more common, and was a way to ensure that a groom did not have a change of heart before the ceremony.

Today, many couples have “first look” shoots. They have a private moment together before their nuptials to capture the first moment they see each other in their wedding attire.

– Receptions

Today, we have large receptions that take months of preparation and planning. We offer full meals and often have a constant flow of food and drink for our guests. Previously, a wedding reception was merely some cake and tea at the home of the brides parents.

– The classic vows

The classic wedding vows, which can be traced back to 1549, say that the bride promises to “love, honour, keep, obey, and serve” her husband to be. The last two words are often dropped, these days.

– Rice throwing

Traditionally, newly-weds were sent off from their weddings by having rice tossed at them. Today, bubbles, eco-friendly glitter, or sparklers, amongst other things are often used instead.

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Tim Moolman: Not your average wedding photographer

February 4, 2020 No Comments

Wedding photographers are a dime a dozen, but this one truly stands out. An official photographer to the British Royal Family, Tim Moolman has captured some famous moments. His love of wedding photography, however, has become career-defining.

Widely recognised as South Africa’s leading documentary wedding photographer, Moolman’s work is iconic. He is a rare breed of professional photographer, able to capture photographs in many different genres – and do it well. He’s a Fujifilm X-Photographer ambassador, a passionate documentary photographer, and is also known for his skateboarding photography.

Surprisingly, this artist only began capturing these moments at the age of 30, and quickly fell in love with it. He learned most of his skills on-the-job while working at a photography shop that hired out photographers for various events.

Through his wedding documentary work, it is clear to see that Moolman is a craftsman that blends into the background to capture those images brides and grooms might have wished were taken during their big day. Instead of the big moments, Moolman favours those smaller, more intimate exchanges. Some of his favourite moments of a wedding are when guests are interacting with the couple, congratulating them with hugs and kisses. Behind-the-scene photography tells the story of the moment, capturing smiles and tears, the joys of those who were there and, sometimes, the sadness that goes along with it.

“During a wedding, hundreds of random things happen every minute. There’s joy. Tension. Anticipation. Glee. Drama. Boisterous buttons seek to escape. Little fingers trail across spotless windows. Soggy (t)issues sit in the hands of emotional aunts. I see these little moments clearly – and wedding couples miss out on them, because you can’t be everywhere. But I am.”

“This is my passion, these are my images, this is your story.”

To couples, Moolman advises that they take the time to truly enjoy the day instead of focusing on all the things that may have gone wrong.

“No event ever runs 100% according to plan and I feel it’s far more important to focus on the love and joy with friends and family instead of worrying about some minor table decoration.”

Please visit his website or his Instagram to view more of his incredible work.

Feature image: supplied

In Advice

Wedding processional songs to walk down the aisle to

January 28, 2020 No Comments

The bridal march is a classic, but sometimes you want to be different. Opting for a unique, contemporary song to act as the backtrack for your walk down the aisle makes for a more a memorable moment. To set the tone for the rest of your day, be sure to pick a song that fits you and your partner.

Here are some alternative options to the traditional ‘Here comes the bride”.

– 10 000 Hours – Dan and Shay

– Marry You – Bruno Mars

– Kiss Me – Sixpence None the Richer

– Songbird – Fleetwood Mac

– A Thousand Years – Christina Perry

– Lucky – Jason Mraz and Colbie Callait

– The First Time Ever I saw Your Face – Roberta Flack

– Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles

– Stuck on You – Lionel Richie

– Crazy Thing Called Love – Queen

– Love of My Life – Queen

– (They Long to Be) Close to You – The Carpenters

– My Girl – The Temptations

– Let’s Stay Together – Al Green

– Beyond – Leon Bridges

Feature image: Unsplash

In Emotional

Stunning underwater wedding photography makes waves

January 28, 2020 No Comments

A memorable image will live on forever, and this one is pretty magical. This couple combined their love for each other and the water to create a breathtaking underwater image.

Photographer Kimber Greenwood captured a stunning image of newlyweds still in their wedding attire kissing underwater at Kelly Springs in Apopka, Florida. Of the image, Greenwood says, “This is a two image composite. The current was intense so my assistant was holding me in place! I love underwater portrait work and this session was a dream come true!”

The image quickly made waves, and was even given an honourable mention in the Underwater Art category at the Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition.

Another shot from the photography session. Credit: Kimber Greenwood

Greenwood must have found a passion for underwater photography. She also offers underwater maternity shoots!

Feature image: Unsplash

In Celebs

Inside Demi-Leigh and Tim Tebow’s wedding

January 28, 2020 No Comments

It’s been one week since Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters and Tim Tebow tied the knot, and they’re letting us in on their big day. Both shared a beautiful 5 minute video showing fans an inside look into their nuptials.

“Happy one week anniversary @timtebow !Its still surreal that I get to call you husband ?The song you’re listening to in this video, “Pennsylvania by Matthew Mole,” was our first dance song. @matthewmole wrote and was so kind to perform our first dance song live at our wedding. Thank you for capturing Tim and I’s love story in your music and giving us another way of holding on to so many beautiful memories. Full song now available for download. Visit the link in my bio!” Demi-Leigh captured the video.

Watch the video below:

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The pair got married at the La Paris Estate in Franschhoek on January 20, 2020. South African celebrity wedding planner Zavion Khotze organised the day. The former Miss Universe wore an off-the-shoulder cowl-neck dress by Davids Bridal. Demi-Leigh’s favourite performer, Matthew Mole, performed his original song “Pennsylvania” for their first dance.

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Demi-Leigh also shared a tutorial on how to achieve her beautiful wedding look.

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Feature image: Instagram / Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

In Emotional

Bride told she would be paralysed, walks down the aisle

January 27, 2020 No Comments

Doctors told Chanelle Wimbish that she only had a 3% chance of ever walking again after she was hit by a speeding car in 2009. According to The Mirror, she sustained a T-6 spinal cord injury and was so severely injured that she was paralysed form the neck down with little hope of ever recovering.

However, this clinical research associate from College Park in the US, was never one to let life bring her down. “I prayed and read positive books and poems knowing that I couldn’t change what had happened but that I could learn to live my best life despite/with the injury,” she said.

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Even on our weekend getaways we work out!!! @brennanwimbish #chanellescause #workout #love #poconos #health #wellness #engaged #summer #memorialday #holiday #getaway

A post shared by Chanelle Wimbish (Houston) (@chanellescause) on May 27, 2019 at 7:54am PDT

When she began her rehabilitation process, her dad lived with her to help her out, but she was already living independently again by April 2010. So motivated and focussed was she, that doctors were stunned by her improvement. Eventually, she took up swimming and wheelchair racing, even trialling for the 2016 US Paralympic swim team.

Then, in 2014, she met her now-husband Brennan. When the two got engaged in 2019, Chanelle set herself the goal of walking down the aisle. When the day came, there she was, walking down the aisle toward her loved one with two crutches. “Walking down the aisle is by far the biggest achievement for me that I am so very proud of myself for the work I put in for those six months,” she said.

View this post on Instagram

The picture on the left popped up in my Facebook memories today from 10 years ago, learning to get up off the floor as if I had fallen out of my wheelchair. It’s hard to believe around this time 10 years ago, I began physical therapy (PT) and my road to recovery after my Spinal Cord Injury. Despite the arbitrary prognosis from the doctors that I had a 3% chance of household walking, 7 months ago I started another round of PT, 2 hrs a week, to prepare to walk down the aisle to marry the love of my life. The past 7 months really pushed me out of my comfort zone but also showed me again how amazing the mind and body are. When I first met with my physical therapist, I had a goal to walk down the aisle with 2 crutches (which was completely new in itself as I had only been walking with a walker previously), but she had a more aggressive goal- walk with 1 crutch and an accompanying arm. 10 DAYS ago, I nervously walked those 30 feet that I worked so hard for, only using 1 crutch and the arm of my dad and husband, PLUS stood long enough to have a first dance with my husband @brennanwimbish and my dad! The day was certainly one I will never forget and will forever be grateful for. #chanellescause #married #sci #wedding #miracle #testimony #love #pt #rehab #walk #crutches #ergobaum #spinalcordinjury #liferollson

A post shared by Chanelle Wimbish (Houston) (@chanellescause) on Nov 11, 2019 at 4:48pm PST

“No circumstance is as bad as you think it is, or as it seems. The mind is very powerful, so use it to transmit positivity in any situation to overcome.”

Image: Facebook

In Advice

Inside a Jewish wedding: Jodi and Saul

January 23, 2020 No Comments

Jodi and Saul went to school together, but little did they know of the brilliant love story the future held for them. And when they got married, what a celebration it was! The amazing thing about culture is that each one is so wildly unique, but so special in its own way. Their Jewish wedding was one for the books, and we take a look into the traditions and customs that made their day extra special.

They didn’t see each other for 7 days before the wedding

For a full week before the day, the bride and groom don’t see each other or have any contact at all. 15 minutes before the wedding, they saw each other for the first time. “The most stressful time of the whole wedding is the week before. And when I finally saw him, it was so emotional, and totally worth it,” Jodi said.

The bedeken: Her husband veiled her

Dating back to a story in the Bible in which a man unknowingly wed his bride’s sister after her father tricked him, the bedeken is where the husband is brought in by both his father and hers, sees his lovely bride and then covers her face with the veil. “I was so overwhelmed with emotion,” Jodi says.

She walked around her husband 7 times

During the ceremony, the bride walks around the groom seven times to symbolise seven different blessings, the foundation of their new home and starting a full and complete life together.

Her husband smashed a glass

This tradition is to remind the couple and those celebrating of the destruction of the Jewish temples, symbolising that life is fragile, and even though they are celebrating their love, everything will not always be perfect and that there are struggles. The husband gets a glass or lightbulb wrapped in a cloth and steps on it with his foot, crushing it completely.

We also asked Jodi what advice she has for brides-to-be. “The best advice I can give anyone would simply be: Don’t sweat the small stuff. On the day, you’ll realise that they really don’t matter!” She also added a practical tip, saying that it’s important to stick with your partner on the day. “We went everywhere together. If you go get drinks, go together,” she adds. “If you chat to guests, go together. That way, you’ll remember the day as being spent with him. Otherwise you may look back and feel like you didn’t even spend any time together!”

For her wedding look, Jodi wore a stunning appliqué dress with detachable sleeves by designer Elbeth Gillis. The sleeves were on for the ceremony as a gesture of propriety and taken off for the reception. “I wanted something that would make me feel comfortable, something that’s me. And it was perfect.”

Take a look at their gorgeous day here:

Also read: Getting to know the culture: Traditional Jewish weddings

All images were beautifully captured by Dearheart Photos, visit their website here: www.dearheartphotos.com

Pictures: Supplied/Dearheart