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In Celebs

Inside Hilary Duff and Matthew Koma’s front yard wedding

December 27, 2019 No Comments

Now this is what dreams are made of. Disney child star Hilary Duff said ‘I do’ to singer and record producer Matthew Koma in a beautiful private ceremony in their own front yard in Los Angeles, with personal meaning embedded throughout the day.

In 2018, Koma popped the question to Duff in a meaningful way. On a walk through a New York park, Koma presented Duff with an illustrated notebook, featuring images of them and their two kids Luca (that Duff shares with ex-husband Mike Comrie) and Banks.

“All of a sudden he says, ‘I’ve been working on something for you, and you’re going to love it. I really want our kids to know our story and now we can keep adding to this book,” duff tells Vogue. “It’s our whole entire story mapped out for us to refer back to as we get older and for our kids to know, which is amazing. I get to the very last page, and there’s a little piece that I have to lift up and my ring was inside. It was so sweet. It was really special and really simple, which is very much how we are and how we operate. Then it started raining, and it was perfect.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B6ZuBNiHyHh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

With such a meaningful proposal, the wedding had to match. Duff wanted a simple and understated yet powerful wedding day. Working with celebrity planner Yifat Oren, they created an intimate front yard ceremony. Guest seats were arranged in a u-shape designed to feel like a hug. Duff’s Younger co-star Molly Bernard and actor Chris Mintz-Plasse acted as the officiants.

Their two kids were also part of the ceremony. Luca acted as ring bearer, and Duff walked down the aisle holding one-year-old daughter Banks.

Duff wore a stunning caped gown designed by Jenny Pakham. The dress featured a high neckline, an open back, long sleeves with slits up the front and accented saddle-shoulders. Their initials, their children’s initials, as well as the date of the wedding were embroidered inside the lining of the dress.

After the ceremony, Duff changed into a shimmering gold dress for the reception, where guests partied the night away. Congrats to the newlyweds!

Feature image: Instagram / Hilary Duff

In Advice

I think my partner is getting cold feet, what now?

December 20, 2019 No Comments

The thing about a marriage is that it’s a big deal. You’re making a lifelong commitment to another person, and choosing to share everything you have forever. That is bound to intimidate even the most courageous of people and once the excitement of the new engagement is over, doubt might settle in. If you start to notice a change in your partner’s behaviour in the days leading up to the wedding, it’s easy to panic or think their feelings for you have changed. Guess what, feeling unsure before the big day is normal! But fret not, it doesn’t mean it’s all over. Here’s what to do when you see the signs:

Don’t make assumptions

Actually, this counts for all relationships in life. Never assume you know something if it hasn’t been explicitly communicated. You might read too much into insignificant situations, or you might just have caught the tail end of a story. Also remember that nerves are not the same as cold feet, so don’t confuse anticipation with your partner bailing on you. It’s a big day for you both.

Don’t confront them immediately

Sometimes, the first reaction to detecting behavioural change is to go to the person and ask what’s bothering them. This is usually not a good idea, as it could imply mistrust, or it could simply be something minor that will blow over. If, like we mentioned before, it’s just nerves or other stress, confrontation might feel like an attack when in fact they need support. First give them two or three weeks to process what they need to. However, don’t leave it too long, either! If, for some reason there is a change in feelings on either side, it would be better to work it out sooner rather than later.

Have a relaxed sit down

So, you’ve given them time and nothing has changed? If you’re still worried and your partner hasn’t confided in you yet, there might be something worth discussing before you tie the knot. Remember, the end goal is not to generate conflict, pass blame or accuse them of anything. The aim here is open communication and making the best decision for you both. Ask them to set some time aside for a coffee or beer, and calmly ask them what’s been on their mind lately. If you still don’t get a response, state the reasons you have for your concerns, and make it clear that you are open to listen, even if it might not be what you want to hear.

Give them time

After the conversation, both should know exactly how the other one feels. But no hasty decision has ever benefited anyone, so don’t run off and do something crazy. If they are just feeling insecure and need some time to make extra sure, be mature enough to give them that time. If they have firmly decided that, sadly, they have changed their mind for real, still allow some time to pass before calling off the wedding and making things public. Remember, this is a difficult topic and should be handled sensitively.

Make peace with the outcome

After you’ve been through the process, we hope that all remains well and your partner just needed to blow off some steam. Hopefully you’re both reassured of your desires to be together and are now even more excited than ever! If, however, things take a turn for the worse and either or both of you decide not to go ahead, you will have to slowly make your peace with it. If it was your partner’s decision, there’s really nothing you can do. Remember, it might hurt now, but a divorce later on will be devastating. Surround yourself with a support system and give yourself time to heal.

Image: Pixabay

In Celebs

Andrea Bocelli serenades wife as a ‘thank you’

December 18, 2019 No Comments

World-famous Italian tenor is known for his beautiful vocals and distinctive voice, and recently collaborated with pop singer Ellie Goulding to sing a breathtaking song called Return to Love. He dedicated a Christmas version of this song to his wife, and it will leave you in tears.

Bocelli was diagnosed with congenital glaucoma after a football accident, and went completely blind at the age of 12. Since he first launched his career in 1982, he has recorded 15 solo albums, along with three greatest hit albums and nine complete operas.

Bocelli has said that his success would be nothing without the support of his beautiful wife Veronica. He arranged this beautiful surprise to thank her for all her love and support throughout the years, and blindfolded Veronica before leading her into their house. When her blindfold was removed, she discovered her husband at the piano, along with a gospel choir to serenade her.

See the stunning performance here:

Picture: E! Online

In Advice

How to avoid family drama at your wedding

December 9, 2019 No Comments

Everything is organised: Your dress, your hair and make-up. The catering and photography are all systems go and you and your spouse-to-be are super excited for the big day. There’s just one issue left to tackle: the guests. You both love your families, but they can be a handful. This cousin is angry with that aunt, and that uncle hasn’t spoken to this one’s dad in years. Hopefully, you or your partner’s family members are mature enough to behave well at the wedding for your sakes and not ruin your day. But you never know!

So how do you handle family feuds on what’s supposed to be the happiest day of your life? Here are some things to keep in mind to help you prevent the much-dreaded drama:

1. Be smart with seating arrangements
When it comes to practical things like seating, be mindful of who sits next to whom. Of course, it might not be possible to keep everyone happy, but you can at least try to arrange it in a way that arguments will be least likely to break out.

2. Never get involved in the details
Remember, if it’s not your fight, it’s not your place to intervene. You have bigger things to worry about! For you to try and get in between will waste energy and emotional resources you’re supposed to save for joyous moments. Keep out of it as far as possible. When either of the parties involved try to drag you in, just calmly but firmly say something like “I understand that it’s tough for you, and I really appreciate that you’re here for me. I will not be able to talk to him/her about this, but why don’t you join me on the dance floor? I love this song!” This way, you move the attention away from the issue and hopefully remind them that you’re all there to enjoy the wedding.

3. Try to give everyone equal attention
Again, don’t choose sides. It’s important that you show everyone you are happy for them to be there for you and that you appreciate and love them all equally. Avoid spending too much time with any particular person or table so as not to create more friction.

4. Communicate beforehand
If things are that serious and you’re worried it might actually get out of hand, it might be wise to talk to each of the parties involved separately before the wedding day. Schedule a coffee date or write them a personal email explaining that you are looking forward to spend time with them but that you also expect them to behave a certain way on the day out of respect for you. Make it clear that you want them to be comfortable, but that you can’t control everything. Ask them to consider you and your partner during the day and set their differences aside.

5. Enjoy your day – regardless
At the end of the day, you have to choose whether you will allow other people’s behaviour to upset you or not. We know this isn’t always easy, but for one day you are allowed to focus on you and your own joy. Focus on the happy moments and the well wishes, the delightful food and beautiful surroundings. This is meant to be a celebration of love and all you should really be concerned about is the fact that your partner can’t stop smiling at you.

Picture: Pexels

In Celebs

Best celebrity weddings of 2019

December 9, 2019 No Comments

Celebrities have been feeling the love this year, and we can’t get enough. From a romantic star-studded event in the South of France to a three-day extravaganza in Marrakesh, these famous couples went big for their 2019 nuptials.

Justin and Hailey Bieber

The most exciting, star studded wedding of the year goes to the Biebers, who wed in Montage Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton, South Carolina on September 30. With a stunning off-white gown designed by Virgil Abloh and a statement veil with the words ’till death do us part” stitched onto it in white block lettering, Hailey’s look was absolutely iconic. But she didn’t stop there. She had two reception looks: a Ralph & Russo halterneck and a Vera Wang slip dress that she paired with sneakers.

Their second nuptials (they had a small courthouse wedding in 2018) were attended by their many famous friends, including Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Justine Sky, Jaden Smith, Joan Smalls, and Justin’s manager Scooter Braun.

Joe Jonas & Sophie Turner

Following a host of pre-wedding activities, this loved up-couple said ‘I do’ at the Château de Tourreau in the South of France with their closest family and friends around them. Of course, Kevin and Nick Jonas were there, as well as sister-in-law Priyanka Chopra, Maisie Williams and Ashley Graham. Turner wore a stunning long-sleeve gown designed by Louis Vuitton’s creative director Nicolas Ghesquière.

This is their second wedding. The couple famously wed at a Las Vegas chapel after the Billboard Music Awards, and their nuptials were broadcast to the world via Diplo’s Instagram Live.

Zoe Kravitz & Karl Glusman

The last weekend in June was a pretty eventful week in France. Joining Joe and Sophie, Big Little Lies star Zoe Kravitz also said ‘I do’ to actor Karl Glusman in the city of love. The location was particularly special to them as it is where they met back in 2016.

The couple is very private, and haven’t shared any official images from their nuptials. However, we do know it was a fun-filled affair. According to W Magazine, dad Lenny Kravitz’s 18th-century mansion acted as wedding venue. In an interesting fashion statement, the bride-to-be wore bridal biker shorts and an embellished fishnet cover for their rehearsal dinner.

Their wedding had an A-list attendance, including Zoe’s parents Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet, step-father Jason Mamoa, Cara Delevigne and the cast of Big Little Lies.

Idris Elba & Sabrina Dhowre Elba

Idris Elba and Sabrina Dhowre had a stunning three-day extravaganza in Marrakesh back in April. The location was chosen as Sabrina’s family is originally from East Africa and Idris’s is from West Africa, so they wanted to meet somewhere in between. In a tribute to their cultures, they wove Ghanaian and Somalian traditions into their big day.

Sabrina wore an A-line crêpe dress with delicate Chantilly lace train for the ceremony, and a figure-hugging shimmery number for the reception. Both were designed by Vera Wang.

Ellie Goulding and Caspar Jopling

The ‘Lights’ musician said ‘I do’ to her art-dealer boyfriend, Caspar Jopling, at the York Minster Cathedral in England back in August. Goulding stunned with five beautiful bridal looks for their festivities. For the ceremony, she donned a bespoke Chloé gown and a delicate silk tulle veil with an organza collar featuring her and Caspar’s initials. Her other gowns include a sleek off-the-shoulder silk Stella McCartney creation, a beaded Ralph & Russo number, a short Balmain number featuring semi-sheer puffed sleeves and she ended the evening in a simple strapless black gown with a full skirt.

The wedding was a royal affair, with Sarah, Duchess of York and her daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie in attendance. Other notable guests include Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom and Ed Sheeran.

Heidi Klum and Tom Kaulitz

The German model and her Tokio Hotel singer beau had a romantic ceremony off the coast of Capri in August. They tied the knot onboard the famous Christina O, following in the footsteps of Princess Grace Kelly and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis who also chose this yacht for their respective receptions.

The pair legally married back in February, using this extravagant affair as an opportunity to celebrate with family and friends.

Image: Instagram / Hailey Bieber

In Celebs

Nick Jonas, Priyanka Chopra celebrate 1-year anniversary

December 3, 2019 No Comments

One of Hollywood’s favourite couples, Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra, have just celebrated their one-year anniversary. Their touching tributes to each other prove that their love has only grown stronger.

Nick and Priyanka wed in spectacular fashion last year in a three-day wedding blending Hindu and Christian traditions. Fast forward one year, and the couple are still feeling the love. On Sunday December 2, both took to social media to proclaim their love for each other.

“One year ago today we said forever… well forever isn’t nearly long enough. I love you with all of my heart @priyankachopra happy anniversary,” wrote Nick.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5ipkt5nav7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

In her own post, Priyanka wrote, “My promise. Then..today.. forever. You bring me joy, grace, balance, excitement, passion.. all in the same moment…thank you for finding me..Happy First wedding anniversary Husband.. @nickjonas ❤️? And Thank you to everyone for the love and good wishes. We feel blessed.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5i5BuUnKqV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Image: Instagram / Priyanka Chopra

In Emotional

Woman about to immigrate, then meets the love of her life

December 2, 2019 No Comments

Oh, we love love! This couple completely stole our hearts. Capetonians Joey and Jane had been acquaintances for almost 10 years but nothing had come of it. In fact, Joey had actually invited her to coffee before, but she forgot to respond to his message and they never went!

Then, one day, Joey decided to go salsa dancing, and there she was. They got to chatting. Both being fitness professionals that used to work at the same gym, they had so much in common. She asked him to dance, and the rest, as they say, is history …

However, the couple faced a small problem: Jane was busy with immigration plans, adamant on relocating to the UK! Poor Joey was at his wit’s end. But with new love blooming, he managed to persuade her to stay a little while longer to see where it would lead. Knowing he had to change her mind while he had the chance, Joey took her hiking in Newlands forest to a spot they both loved to celebrate one year since they met at the dance. There he proposed and she said yes!

“Three weeks prior, I went on a two hour mission to find the exact same spot where we had our very first picnic,” Joey said on his Facebook post to the popular group #I’mstaying. He set it up with arrows pointing toward the spot and there he read Jane a story he wrote of the events of that first night they danced.

Being an interracial couple in a race-sensitive country, the two are not unaware of the challenges. “But I believe it’s up to us,” Joey said in an interview. When asked why they decided to stay in South Africa, he said that they both love the diversity and nature, and especially the kindness of South Africans.

“We are happy and feel eternally blessed,” he added. “We love Cape Town. We love South Africa.”

They plan to get started on the wedding arrangements soon.

Picture: Supplied

In Emotional

Groom hears late brother’s heartbeat

November 29, 2019 No Comments

Weddings are incredibly meaningful days for everyone in attendance. However, for those that have lost loved ones, they feel that emptiness. One bride decided to fill that void and give her groom the wedding gift of a lifetime when he could hear his late brother’s heart beat again.

When he was only 13-years-old, Derick Smith’s brother Jake was hit by a car and killed. His family donated his organs, hoping that Jake would live on and do good things for others in need. Now an adult, Derick and his family have never had the opportunity to meet anyone that received Jake’s organs. Until now.

Derick’s future wife, Katy, wanted to give her husband-to-be a gift he would treasure forever: the opportunity to hear his brother’s heart beat again. She thus decided to find the woman who received Jake’s heart.

“I had asked Derick’s mom, I said, you know this is going to be a really personal question, and you can tell me no, but I’m really interested in trying to find the person that received Jake’s heart and would you be willing to do that?” Katy told Inside Edition. “She cried and she was really happy and she said, ‘Absolutely, I think this will be a great idea’.”

After a year of searching, Katy found Gracie Wilkinson.

“I found out her name and I found her on Facebook, and so I sent her a message… within two minutes she responded saying, ‘Absolutely, I would love to be there, just tell me when and where and I will be there,’” Katy said.

On their big day, Derick and Gracie had a heartfelt embrace and shared many tears. Derick was able to listen to his brothers heart again, and Gracie gifted him with a keychain with an image of his brother’s heartbeat from an EKG.

“What it was like to hear his heartbeat was a flood of different emotions,” Smith said of the moment. “There’s not a word to describe it. She gave me the gift of closure.”

And it meant just as much for Gracie, who was only 6-years-old when she received Jake’s heart,

”Getting to meet everyone and getting to be part of their day and a part of that moment for Derick and kind of bringing Derick some closure from losing his brother means the absolute world to me,” she added.

Image: Inside Edition

In Advice

Wedding anniversary symbols and meanings

November 27, 2019 No Comments

The milestones don’t end after you get married. Every year holds new significance, with a particular symbol to represent it. If you’re about to celebrate an anniversary, you might want to take a tip from these traditional wedding anniversary symbols and their meanings.

Year 1: The traditional gift is paper, to symbolise the fragility of marriage and the need to look after it carefully. For a gift, a necklace with a charm in the shape of a paper plane would be fitting.

Year 2: Cotton is the traditional gift, meant to symbolise the strength and flexibility of your union. Consider purchasing matching bathrobes or branded pillowcases to celebrate.

Year 3: This year’s symbol, leather, represents strength and security. To honour it, gift your partner with a handbag or monogrammed wallet.

Year 4: This anniversary symbol is quite literal. Fruits and flowers represent the flowering of your marriage and the resulting fruits of your labour, or in other words, your happiness. Celebrate with fruit-scented products or gardening tools.

Year 5: Trees have always represented strength and wisdom, which makes wood a perfect symbol for a five year anniversary. A wooden clock or jewellery box would make excellent gifts.

Year 6: This anniversary celebrates the sweetness of your marriage, which is why sugar/candy is the symbol. Take your partner out for their favourite sweet treats in honour of the day.

Year 7: Copper and wool both produce heat, and are thus representative of the warmth couples provide each other. Gift your loved one with copper homeware or woollen clothing items.

Year 8: Bronze is the symbol of your eighth year together. As bronze is made of copper and tin, it represents the blending of two elements creating a stronger product. Bronze homeware or a sculpture would make for excellent gifts.

Year 9: From a simple lump of clay, potters can craft a beautiful work of art. It thus makes sense that pottery would be your ninth anniversary symbol. Celebrate with pots, pans or ceramics.

Year 10: Tin/Aluminium has the ability to last forever, and hopefully, your marriage does too. Vases, goblets, paperweights or homeware make great gifts.

Year 15: Crystal represents beauty and investment. There are so many great gift options, such as vases, wine glasses, dishes, bowls, candle holders and jugs.

Year 20: China is elegant yet fragile and requires care and consideration, just like your love. Purchase china ornaments, mugs, jugs, plates, bowls, vases or flower pots in honour of this anniversary.

Year 25: As an incredibly valuable and precious metal, silver makes for a fitting 25-year anniversary symbol. Jewellery would be the perfect gift for this year.

Year 30: Pearl represents a hidden beauty that is crafted over the years. Pearl jewellery or something encrusted with pearls is the obvious gift of choice here.

Year 35: Coral was once believed to have magical powers that prevent sickness and harm. Likewise, in your relationship, you do all you can to protect your partner from harm. Gift your partner with coral jewellery or simply just something in the colour.

Year 40: Ruby is one of the most sought-after gems, representing love and passion. The obvious gift for this anniversary would be a ruby, most likely in the form of jewellery.

Year 45: Sapphire is the stone of royalty and wisdom, making it the perfect gem to celebrate a love this long.

Year 50: Gold symbolises strength and prosperity, richly shining bright. It is the perfect crowning glory for a 50 year run. Celebrate with new wedding bands and renewing your vows.

Year 55: Emerald is the stone for lovers, signifying true love and adoration. Let your partner know how you feel with emerald jewellery.

Year 60: Nothing shines brighter than a diamond. This strong stone represents undying love, making it incredibly fitting for a 60-year marriage.

Year 65: Blue sapphire is symbolic of loyalty, integrity and inner peace. Any relationship that lasted this long would have to have all of these traits.

Year 70: Platinum is rare and can weather anything, just like a 70 year marriage. Honour your long-term commitment with beautiful platinum jewellery.

Image: Pexels

In Emotional

Couple get married mid-flight

November 25, 2019 No Comments

Forget about the mile high club, this couple is in a league of their own. In what is to be believed a world first, this couple got married mid-flight in celebration of their mutual love of aviation.

For David and Cathy Valliant, aviation has always been a special part of their relationship. The couple met for the first time back in 2013 at Sydney Airport after a year of chatting online. David had even intended to propose on board a flight but at the last minute lost his nerve.

“Our love of aviation is what brought us together,” Cathy told CNN Travel.

Naturally, when they got engaged, there was no better place to say ‘I do’ than up in the air.

As Cathy is from New Zealand and David is from Australia, the couple wanted to get married in between their home countries. So, they decided to tie the knot at the halfway mark on board a Jetstar Flight 201 from Sydney to Auckland.

“We wanted it to symbolize our love for aviation, our love for Australia and New Zealand and our love for each other. I thought: I’ll be cheeky and ask Jetstar,” Cathy said. “Without telling Dave, I posted on Jetstar’s Facebook page with the question. I was so excited when they said they’d see what they could do.”

Jetstar pulled out the stops to make this couples dream a reality.

“When New Zealander, Cathy and David from Australia told us that they wanted to get married in-between their two countries, we knew we had to help make their dream come true,” the airline wrote on their Facebook page. “In what we believe to be a world first, the couple exchanged vows on a Jetstar flight, 34,000 feet above the Tasman.”

Watch the video below:

https://www.facebook.com/JetstarAustralia/videos/544942566063897/

The couple had their legal ceremony on land at Sydney airport, followed by their special airborne ceremony. Ground crew member Robyn Holt acted as the wedding officiant.

“Being a part of Cathy and David’s day and celebrating their love and their passion for aviation was unforgettable,” said Holt. “The passengers enjoyed being a part of it, too. As an airline we love bringing people together, and this was one of my most memorable wedding celebrations.”

“It was the most amazing experience and something we will remember for the rest of our lives,” said Cathy Valliant in a statement.

Image: Facebook / Jetstar Australia