Emotional Archives | Page 9 of 10

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

In Bridal Shower

Bride buys pit bull matching wedding dress

November 20, 2019 No Comments

You’ve heard of miniature brides, but this one is pretty paw-some. Although it’s generally considered disrespectful to wear white to a wedding, this bride made a special exception for her cute little pup.

They say that dogs are man’s best friend, so why not include them in your wedding? That’s the exact thought New York-based bride Jennifer Hindieh, now Najman, and her then-fiancé Alexander Najman had. Their family of three was made when they adopted their adorable pit bull Bailey, who has since been there for every important moment in their lives.

“She’s pretty much my little partner in crime, my best friend, like our kid. She completely changed our lives from the day we adopted her,” Jennifer told I Love Dogs. “We love giving her the best life she can have and wouldn’t feel right not having her be a part of our wedding.”

So when wedding planning came around, they decided that Bailey should match her mom in a wedding dress of her own. Bailey’s custom made wedding dress was ordered from Etsy, and featured a ruffle skirt with diamante applique.

“I decided to get her a dress because honestly, she is my family, my baby and our life with her is what makes every day so special,” Jennifer told The Dodo.

Bailey looked absolutely adorable as she walked down the aisle alongside her mom. We’re sure the wedding was a barking good time.

Image: Instagram / baileythehousehippo

In Celebs

Siya Kolisi posts sweet tribute to Rachel

November 20, 2019 No Comments

The country’s most loved couple of the moment just gave us yet another healthy dose of the feels. Following his amazing performance at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi wrote a touching tribute to the woman that has supported him all the way.

Siya and Rachel Kolisi have been together for many years, and have faced harsh criticism and racial abuse ever since they began dating. However, their love proved true. Now married and parents to four children, (two biological and two adopted), the couple have won over the hearts of the nation following Siya leading the Springboks to victory at the World Cup.

Rachel has been by Siya’s side supporting his rugby journey since they met, so of course she was front and centre cheering him on at the major sports competition. Her dedication has not gone unnoticed by Siya, and in a beautiful Instagram post, he thanked his wife for her unwavering support.

“I love you @rachel_kolisi Thanks for always being there for me, believing in me and pushing me to be the best I can be.” he wrote in an Instagram post.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4xSQ7Ijz4O/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Since being posted, the image has raked up over 100 000 likes, and various South African celebrities such as Janez Vermeren and Anele Mdoda have commented their support for the couple.

The couple seem to be incredibly loved up at the moment, and even jetted off to Paris together following the end of the Springbok Champions tour. Rachel shared this adorable picture from the city of love.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4989eylbgA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Also read Siya and Rachel Kolisi’s love story.

Image: Instagram / Rachel Kolisi

In Advice

Couple celebrates 82 years of marriage

November 19, 2019 No Comments

What is the secret to a long-lasting and successful relationship? Maybe we should turn to the experts on this one. This American couple celebrated their 82 year wedding anniversary, proving that love is not dead. And their secret? It’s much simpler than you might think.

103-year-old D.W and 100-year-old Willie from Charlotte, North Carolina are defying the odds. From both world wars, the Great Depression and the Civil Rights Era, they’ve seen the world through its many phases and changes. Yet here they are, still loving it up.

To honour and celebrate their love, granddaughter BJ Williams-Greene threw the centenarian couple a massive party. In addition, they each celebrated a birthday, making this party extra special.

“To see them at this age and still doing well, it’s just a blessing to have them here,” Williams-Greene told WSOC-TV.

So what’s the key to a strong relationship? How do they make it work this long?

“I don’t have no secret for that, just be nice to each other,” D.W. and Willie Williams agreed.

“It’s communication and loving each other and working together.” their granddaughter added. “They are each other’s best friend.”

This truly is a love for the ages.

Image: WSOC-TV

In Emotional

Widow honours late husband with annual photoshoot

November 6, 2019 No Comments

When we marry, its with the intention of being with someone forever. But for some, that forever is cut short at the blink of an eye. Such is the story of Vanessa Lanktree and her late husband and best friend, high school sweetheart Eric. Years after his passing, Vanessa honours her late husband in a touching annual photoshoot.

Canadians Vanessa and Eric met back in 2006 when they were still in high school. They fell in love, and in 2011, firefighter Eric proposed to Vanessa on Christmas Eve.

“He was my first boyfriend, my first love,” Vanessa told SWNS. “Our relationship through the years was so strong because it started so young. I had no doubt about our lives together.”

They married on September 8, 2012 in a beautiful church ceremony.

“As I walked down the aisle with my dad, Eric was bawling his eyes out,” she said. “I already knew I wanted to marry him but when I saw him crying, I thought how lucky I was.”

Two years after their wedding, however, tragedy struck. Eric was killed in a head-on collision with a truck in November 2014 while he was making his way home from a vacation in Vegas. He passed away soon after the impact, before Vanessa could even make it to the hospital.

“I felt like I was the only one at that age that had lost somebody that young like their husband,” she told CBC News. “Our lives had just started — it takes time to finally feel like you’re not in a cloud anymore.”

Years later, on the day after what would have been the couple’s four year anniversary, Vanessa suddenly decided to don her wedding dress again. In her dress, she danced around her kitchen to their wedding song, Keith Urban’s “Making Memories Of Us”. Putting her dress on again was a cathartic experience, one that soon became an annual tradition.

“It has felt so good to put my dress on,” Lanktree told CBC News. “I love putting it on and just felt good and I felt good in it that day and I still feel good.”

“Grief doesn’t go away but somehow you find little things to help you cope, like putting on your dress,” she said to SWNS. “Most people get to go out with their husband for supper or a date night on their anniversary, and this is my thing that I get to do without him.”

Putting her dress on became a symbol of an incredible relationship and marriage, and a way to honour their time together. Vanessa says that she will most likely do this yearly for the rest of her life.

She has since found love again and her boyfriend, Kurtis Isbister, is very supportive. This year, he took pictures of her in her wedding dress whilst in a sunflower field.

Vanessa hopes that this tradition inspires others to deal with their grief and live their life to the fullest.

“Eric would have wanted me to continue on with life and find some happiness somewhere,” Lanktree said. “The thing is to somehow find a way that you can honour that person. You can still find a little bit of happiness.”

Image: Vanessa Lanktree

In Celebs

Siya and Rachel Kolisi’s love story

November 5, 2019 No Comments

Theirs was a classic tale. Two people from different sides of the track met and fell in love. Fast forward a few years, and they have become a power couple. Siya and Rachel Kolisi share a truly South African love story, one of love with trials and tribulations. This is how it all began.

When Siya met Rachel:

Siya and Rachel met at a dinner party in Stellenbosch back in 2012. They soon became friends, but Siya always liked Rachel. He eventually plucked up the nerve to ask her out, an experience he has described as scary. “I knew I liked her and had to tell her,” he wrote on their wedding website. “It was scary. I asked her to lunch and that’s when I told her. She played hard to get in the beginning, but eventually admitted it as well. The rest is history. We have a beautiful family and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with her.”

Family first:

Siya and Rachel have a big, blended family. Their first son, Nicholas Siyamthanda, was born in 2015. Their second child, daughter Keziah, was born in 2017.

Siya’s young half-siblings Liyema and Liphelo also live with the family. Siya and his siblings share a mother who unfortunately passed away in 2009, causing both Liyema and Liphelo to bounce from orphanages and foster homes for years until Siya and Rachel were financially able to adopt them in 2014.

Because of Siya’s busy schedule, Rachel left behind her career as an event manager and marketing executive to become a full-time mother to their four kids.

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

Will you marry me?

The couple became engaged whilst sky high. Siya popped the question during a helicopter ride over Cape Town.

They married on August 13, 2016 with a beautiful ceremony in Franschhoek that had many South African athletes and other notable attendees present, such as Aisha Baker. Top Billing was on hand to capture their journey to the aisle. Watch their wedding insert below:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjCiU-gl3Zz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/BK5SLA9BoVX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Highs and lows:

Their relationship has not been without difficulties. Throughout their longterm relationship, the couple have been subject to much racial abuse from members of the public.

Rachel has also taken to social media after women have reportedly tried to interfere in her marriage. In response to a woman saying Siya was her type, Rachel tweeted,”Siya is not ‘a type’. He’s a married man responsible for four children. Just a side note. I’ve been there for all the good times. But I’ve also been there for ALL the bad times. Honestly, this should go without saying. Respect my relationship and woman to woman. Respect me.”

She has also publicly spoken out about women trying to reach out to her husband via social media, including a fitness model that sent Siya provocative photos via Instagram.

A national hero:

From his humble beginnings in Zwide township outside Port Elizabeth to representing the nation at the Rugby World Cup, Siya’s rugby journey has taken him to heights he never imagined. In 2018, Siya became South Africa’s 61st skipper and the first black African to assume the role. Most recently he led the Springboks to victory at the 2019 Rugby World Cup and brought the trophy back home, a third time for SA. His success will certainly inspire a new generation of South African athletes.

Of course, his family was there every step of the way to cheer him on.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Xb_U6lBUI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3WkmUJFBJF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Image: Instagram / Siya Kolisi

In Advice

Romantic literary quotes to inspire your vows

November 1, 2019 No Comments

Writing your wedding vows but lacking inspiration? Turn to the literary giants. Let these words of love get your romantic juices flowing.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4TklRXHVFQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” – Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

“You are sunlight through a window, which I stand in, warmed. My darling.” – The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton

“The minute I heard my first love story, I started looking for you.” – The Illustrated by Jalaluddin Rumi

“You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how.” – Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4TpQwxgGuj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“I choose him over and over again, and he chooses me. – Allegiant by Veronica Roth

“I am nothing special; just a common man with common thoughts, and I’ve led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten. But in one respect I have succeeded as gloriously as anyone who’s ever lived: I’ve loved another with all my heart and soul; and to me, this has always been enough.” – The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

“It was love at first sight, at last sight, at ever and ever sight.” – Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

“Love lets you find those hidden places in another person, even the ones they didn’t know were there, even the ones they wouldn’t have thought to call beautiful themselves.” – Wild Awake by Hilary T. Smith

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4RCWaHBRah/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“You don’t love because, you love despite; not for the virtues, but despite the faults.” – The Sound and The Fury by William Faulkner

“You and I, it’s as though we have been taught to kiss in heaven and sent down to earth together, to see if we know what we were taught.” – Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak

“I’ve never had a moment’s doubt. I love you. I believe in you completely. You are my dearest one. My reason for life.” – Atonement by Ian McEwan

“I don’t ask you to love me always like this, but I ask you to remember. Somewhere inside me there’ll always be the person I am tonight.” – Tender Is The Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4P92shHyCK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

“I look at you and I would rather look at you than all the portraits in the world.” – Having A Coke With You by Frank O’Hara

“For the two of us, home isn’t a place. It is a person. And we are finally home.” – Anna and The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

“You are my heart, my life, my one and only thought.” – The White Company by Arthur Conan Doyle

“We are asleep until we fall in love!” – War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

“Soul meets soul on lovers’ lips.” – Prometheus Unbound by Percy Bysshe Shelley

“In case you ever foolishly forget: I am never not thinking of you.” – Selected Diaries by Virginia Woolf

Image: Unsplash

In Celebs

William and Kate’s pre-wedding marriage pact

October 30, 2019 No Comments

It’s a storybook romance for the ages. A commoner caught a Prince’s eye, they fell in love and married in an elaborate fairytale wedding. Prince William and Duchess Kate’s relationship has had its ups and downs over the years. However, this story of their pre-wedding marriage pact might just restore your faith in love.

In her 2013 royal biography, Kate: The Future Queen, royal expert Katie Nicholl details a touching story in which the royals made a promise to each other years before their wedding.

According to Nicholl, the pair made the pact back in 2007, four years before their April 29, 2011 wedding date. Following their short-lived breakup, the couple flew to the island of Desroches in the Seychelles for some alone time. Nicholl writes that Kate was feeling insecure about their relationship, and William wanted to prove his commitment to her.

“There on the paradise island, William promised Kate that he was in the relationship for the long term,” Nicholls wrote in her book. “For the very first time, they talked seriously about marriage, and with the ocean before them and beneath the night sky, they made a pact to marry.”

And the pact held true. In 2010, the couple announced their engagement to the world after Prince William proposed to Kate in Kenya. Who can forget that iconic 12-carat sapphire engagement ring that once belonged to Princess Diana? They then married in 2011 in a grand ceremony broadcast all over the world. In the years after their wedding, they became parents to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

Maybe there is magic in a pact.

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

Image: Instagram / Kensington Royal

In Emotional

Iconic TV show weddings we will never forget

October 24, 2019 No Comments

For many of us, characters from TV shows are like friends. We’ve cried with them and laughed with them. We’ve seen them fall in love, and even get married.

There have been many iconic TV weddings that are still spoken about to this day. Whether it be because of the long and complicated relationship leading up to the event or a crazy moment on the day itself, these weddings have stood the test of time.

Here are some of our favourite TV weddings.

Jim and Pam – The Office

The ultimate ‘will-they-or-won’t-they’ couple, Jim and Pam had audiences frustratingly waiting season after season for them to realise they were perfect for each other. The couple finally wed in the show’s sixth season in a hilarious two-part episode that saw the entire cast dance down the aisle to Chris Brown’s ‘Forever’.

Leslie and Ben – Parks and Recreation

Leslie and Ben of Parks and Recreation are one of the most adorable and loved couples to ever grace the small screen. In season 5, the couple impulsively decided to say ‘I do’ earlier than planned and spent only two hours planning the wedding. They enlisted their friends and co-workers to help, which led to many successes and mistakes. Leslie eventually gave up, but her best friend Ann arranged for them to get married in their office in front of all their co-workers.

Luke and Lorelei – Gilmore Girls

The finale of Gilmore Girls left many fans needing closure on the future of Luke and Lorelei’s relationship. Their prayers were answered in the Netflix revival, Gilmore Girls, a Day in the Life.

The couple started out as friends that were clearly in love with each other but annoyingly could not see it. After breaking up and making up, they decided to elope the day before their wedding, marrying in a magical ceremony that saw their friends and family decorate Stars Hollow to perfectly match the couple.

Marshall and Lilly – How I Met Your Mother

As one of the most adorable and long-lasting couples of the show, How I Met Your Mother‘s Marshall and Lilly captured the hearts of thousands of viewers. However, their wedding day went from disaster to disaster. From Lilly’s ex trying to stop the wedding to the harp player going into labour right before the ceremony, this day seemed beyond repair. However, they decided to rather hold a small ceremony officiated by their friend Barney under a park tree, like how they had always wanted.

The Red Wedding – Game of Thrones

This wedding is one of the most iconic weddings to ever be aired on television, although it wasn’t for being warm and fuzzy. What began as a nice, normal wedding ended in absolute carnage.

The wedding of Edmure Tully to Roslin Frey turned out to be a ruse for Walder Frey to exact revenge on King of the North, Robb Stark, after he went back on his promise to marry one of Frey’s daughters. At the reception, Frey had his men murder Robb, his pregnant wife Talisa and his mother, Lady Catelynn.

And just like that, two major characters were killed off in one fell swoop.

The Purple Wedding – Game of Thrones

Clearly the Game of Thrones writers do not like weddings. Another wedding aired on the popular HBO show ended in death, this time for the much-hated King Joffrey. After marrying Margaery Tyrell, Joffrey was poisoned at his wedding reception by Lady Olenna Tyrell, although his uncle, Tyrion Lannister, was blamed for it. The image of Joffrey choking on his own bile has become stuck in the mind of every GOT viewer since.

Cam and Mitchell – Modern Family

This wedding was a long time coming. The adorable Cam and Mitchell were one of the most hilarious couples on Modern Family, and had many fans rooting for them. A series of mishaps threatened to ruin the wedding, including the wrong tux being delivered and wildfire that caused everyone to evacuate. The couple is about to cancel their wedding when Mitch’s father, Jay, announces that he has secured a country club as a wedding venue. They finally wed as a voiceover from Mitch’s sister details her beautifully written ‘best person’ speech.

Chuck and Blair – Gossip Girl

Chuck and Blair’s love-hate relationship was greatly detailed through the six seasons of the popular CW show. While they couldn’t seem to make it work, fans always dreamed of a happily ever after for this feisty duo.

They finally wed in the show’s finale episode, after being on the run after Chuck’s father plunged to his death. Chuck’s uncle convinces the pair to marry so that Blair would have spousal privilege and not have to testify against Chuck, which they eagerly agree to. Right after their first kiss as a married couple, Chuck is arrested. We would expect nothing less from this dramatically iconic couple.

Monica and Chandler – Friends

As a much-loved couple, Monica and Chandler’s wedding was highly anticipated by fans. After Chandler gets cold feet and leaves the night before the wedding, the plans seem to be off. However, Ross is able to convince him to go forward with the wedding.

Chandler and Monica wed in the show’s seventh season in a surprisingly simple and sweet ceremony officiated by Joey. Their tear-jerking wedding vows remind us all that love still exists.

Picture: Instagram / The Office NBC