• Category

    News

    Category

    For weeks, bridal fashion watchers had theories.

    Would she lean into old-Hollywood glamour? Go minimalist? Choose something rebellious? And now the mystery has finally been solved.

    After keeping her main wedding look under wraps, Dua Lipa has revealed the couture gown she wore to marry Callum Turner during their Sicily wedding celebrations – and it feels less like a celebrity bridal moment and more like a preview of where wedding fashion is headed next.

    Shared in newly released wedding photographs, the bride stepped into the ceremony wearing a custom feather-and-crystal embellished couture gown by CHANEL, designed by Matthieu Blazy. According to fashion reports, the dress marks the first bridal haute couture creation by Blazy for a friend of the house – immediately placing it among the most talked-about celebrity bridal looks of the year.

    The gown featured a dramatic open back, delicate hand embroidery, a feather-dusted train and an embroidered veil that moved somewhere between vintage romance and modern couture theatre. Reports state the craftsmanship included hundreds of thousands of hand-applied embellishments and thousands of hours of atelier work.

    But beyond the couture spectacle, the dress taps into something bigger happening in bridal right now.

    Bridal maximalism is officially back

    After years of clean silhouettes and quiet luxury dominating mood boards, brides are beginning to embrace texture again – feathers, dimensional embellishment, statement veils and gowns that feel designed for photographs as much as the ceremony itself.

    Lipa’s bridal wardrobe across the wedding weekend reflected that shift.

    For the civil ceremony in London, she opted for a structured white skirt suit. Then came a custom feathered welcome-party look in Sicily, before closing with the couture ceremony gown and a softer lace brunch aesthetic. Each outfit felt distinct but connected through one idea: bridal dressing no longer needs to live inside one aesthetic.

    And perhaps that’s what makes this wedding resonate.

    It wasn’t about choosing between classic and cool, dramatic and wearable, timeless and trend-forward. It was all of it.

    The bridal details worth stealing

    Not the couture budget – just the ideas.

    • Statement texture instead of heavy volume
    • A dramatic veil paired with a cleaner silhouette
    • Bridal accessories that feel intentional, not overloaded
    • Multiple fashion moments across the wedding weekend
    • Couture-inspired embellishment used in a modern way

    Expect to see feathers, ornate embroidery and fashion-house styling influence bridal collections well beyond celebrity weddings.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by DUA LIPA (@dualipa)

    A dress reveal – and a bridal mood shift

    Celebrity weddings often influence trends, but every now and then one arrives at exactly the right moment.

    Dua Lipa’s wedding dress feels like that moment.

    Not because brides will suddenly start ordering couture gowns stitched with thousands of feathers – but because it reminds us that bridal fashion can still feel expressive, unexpected and a little cinematic.

    And if the biggest wedding of the year is anything to go by, understated may finally be sharing the spotlight.

    ALSO SEE: Dua Lipa’s wedding look proves the bridal skirt suit is so on trend 

    Dua Lipa’s wedding look proves the bridal skirt suit is so on trend

    Featured image: Pinterest

    Reality TV favourites Giannina Gibelli and Blake Horstmann are officially married. According to People, the Love Is Blind star and The Bachelorette alum celebrated their wedding with a multi-day destination affair in Croatia, surrounded by close friends, family and fellow reality TV personalities.

    The couple exchanged vows on 20 June in Rovinj, a picturesque coastal town on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula. Nearly 100 guests attended the celebrations, which stretched across several days and even included a stop in Venice, Italy, before the wedding weekend officially began.

    Why Croatia?

    For Gibelli, the destination held special significance. The reality star reportedly fell in love with Croatia years before meeting Horstmann and always envisioned getting married there. The celebrations began in Venice, where guests enjoyed a welcome gathering before making their way to Croatia for the main event.

    A family-centred ceremony

    The outdoor ceremony took place on St. Andrew’s Island, just off the coast of Rovinj. Gibelli walked down the aisle in a couture gown by Galia Lahav, while Horstmann was accompanied by his mother. One of the sweetest details of the day was the inclusion of the couple’s two-year-old son, Heath, who served as ring bearer.

    A love story that started on reality TV

    While both found fame on different reality dating shows, Gibelli and Horstmann actually met while filming All Star Shore in 2022. Their relationship quickly blossomed, leading to the birth of their son Heath in 2024. Later that year, Horstmann proposed during a romantic trip to Madrid.

    ALSO SEE: Sue Duminy shares her engagement news

    Sue Duminy shares her engagement news

    Source: People

    Feature image: Giannina/Instagram

    For years, they were the internet’s favourite “maybe-couple”. Then they became one of Hollywood’s most quietly adored relationships.

    And now? After months of speculation, rings, rumours and a lot of privacy, it appears that Zendaya and Tom Holland have officially tied the knot – in a way that feels very… them.

    No exclusive magazine cover. No viral wedding content. No grand reveal. Just two people who quietly built a relationship away from the noise.

    Wait… Zendaya and Tom Holland are actually married?

    Short answer: yes – or at least, as confirmed as this famously private couple seems willing to make it.

    For months, fans speculated after Zendaya was spotted wearing a wedding band and longtime stylist Law Roach casually suggested that the wedding had already happened. But this week, Tom Holland seemingly ended the guessing game himself.

    During an interview discussing AI-generated wedding images circulating online, Holland responded to whether he had to reassure family members that the images weren’t real by saying that he didn’t – because they had all been there. And with that, the internet collectively lost its mind.

    True to form, neither Tom nor Zendaya has shared wedding photos, venue details or an official announcement – reinforcing something that has become their signature as a couple: privacy first.

    A brief history of Tom and Zendaya’s relationship

    2016–2017: It started with Spider-Man

    The pair met while filming Spider-Man: Homecoming. At the time, dating rumours started almost immediately – mostly because fans noticed how naturally they clicked during press tours and interviews.

    Both denied it.

    Publicly? Friends.

    Internet detectives? Not convinced.

    2018–2020: The friendship era

    For years, they kept things intentionally vague.

    There were occasional appearances together, playful social media interactions and interviews full of mutual admiration – but nothing officially romantic.

    Looking back now, this period feels less like secrecy and more like foundation-building.

    2021: The moment everyone stopped pretending

    Then came the paparazzi photos.

    Tom and Zendaya were photographed kissing in a car in Los Angeles and suddenly the years of speculation turned into confirmation.

    Instead of making a dramatic public statement, they simply… continued living.

    2022–2025: Quiet, intentional and refreshingly normal

    Unlike many celebrity relationships that become content, theirs stayed unusually protected.

    They supported each other’s projects, spoke warmly about one another in interviews and rarely performed their relationship publicly.

    By early 2025, engagement speculation intensified after Zendaya appeared wearing a ring that sparked headlines worldwide.

    They never made a formal engagement announcement.

    Again: very on-brand.

    Why people are so invested in this wedding

    It’s not only because they’re famous but because their relationship has always felt unexpectedly grounded.

    No oversharing.
    No relationship branding.
    No endless public declarations.

    Just consistency.

    And in an era where celebrity relationships often unfold in real time online, there’s something almost old-school about choosing to keep the biggest moments for ourselves.

    Whether we ever see the dress, the venue or hear the full story doesn’t really matter.

    For Tom and Zendaya, it seems the point was never for the world to witness it.

    Proof that not every love story needs an audience

    For all the attention surrounding their relationship, Tom Holland and Zendaya’s biggest milestone may have happened in the quietest way possible. No exclusive photos. No carefully curated wedding rollout. No performance.

    Just a relationship that appears to have grown slowly, privately and intentionally – from co-stars and close friends into something lasting. And maybe that’s part of why people care so much.

    Not because it was extravagant, but because it wasn’t.

    In a world where weddings often feel designed for everyone else to consume, Tom and Zendaya seem to have chosen something different: keeping the moment for themselves.

    If there’s one thing their love story reminds us of, it’s this – the most meaningful weddings aren’t always the loudest ones. Sometimes, they’re the ones built quietly, long before the vows are exchanged.

    ALSO SEE: 7de Laan stars Denver and Ingrid Vraagom celebrate 21 years of marriage 

    7de Laan stars Denver and Ingrid Vraagom celebrate 21 years of marriage

    Featured image: Pinterest

    South Africa loves to call itself the Rainbow Nation – a place where cultures, languages and identities coexist in vivid colour. Weddings reflect that beautifully. Across the country, couples are blending traditions, creating ceremonies that honour more than one heritage and redefining what modern marriage looks like.

    But not too long ago, some South Africans were legally forbidden from marrying the person they loved.

    Interracial marriage in South Africa has a history shaped by politics, control and resistance – and understanding that history gives even more meaning to the couples celebrating their love freely today.

    When love became political

    Before apartheid was formally introduced, race already influenced daily life in South Africa. But things changed dramatically after the National Party came into power in 1948 and began codifying racial segregation into law. One of the earliest and most symbolic pieces of apartheid legislation was the Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act of 1949.

    The law banned marriages between white South Africans and people classified as belonging to other racial groups. Marriage officers were prohibited from conducting these unions, and interracial marriages performed outside South Africa could also be considered invalid at home. Soon after, restrictions extended beyond marriage.

    The Immorality Act made intimate relationships across racial lines illegal too – turning private relationships into matters of state control. Together, these laws became central to apartheid’s broader project of enforcing racial separation.

    The couples who existed anyway

    History often records laws more clearly than it records people. Yet despite restrictions, interracial relationships continued to exist – quietly, carefully and sometimes at enormous personal risk.

    Some couples left the country. Some kept relationships private. Others challenged social expectations simply by continuing to choose one another. What makes this chapter of history powerful is not that love suddenly appeared after laws changed. It never disappeared.

    The law tried to regulate relationships – but it could not erase them.

    1985: A turning point

    On 19 June 1985, South Africa repealed the Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Act through the Immorality and Prohibition of Mixed Marriages Amendment Act.

    The repeal did not end apartheid overnight. But symbolically, it marked an important shift: the state could no longer decide who people were allowed to love or marry.

    For many South Africans, it represented something larger than legislation – a small but meaningful crack in a system built on separation.

    What interracial marriage looks like in South Africa today

    Today’s South African weddings tell a very different story. Modern couples are increasingly embracing blended celebrations – combining faith traditions, multilingual ceremonies, family rituals and fashion influences that reflect multiple identities at once.

    Interracial marriage is no longer framed as unusual in the mainstream wedding space. Instead, the conversation has evolved into one about intentionality and how couples honour different cultures while building something entirely their own.

    And perhaps that is the most remarkable part. Not that interracial marriage exists – but that many couples now have the freedom to make love visible.

    Weddings have always been about more than two people. But sometimes, they tell the story of a country too.

    ALSO SEE: Two Families, One Heart: How to Blend Traditions & Relationships in a Blended Wedding 

    Two Families, One Heart: How to Blend Traditions & Relationships in a Blended Wedding

    Featured image: David Disponett / Pexels

    After nearly a decade together, singer Perrie Edwards and footballer Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have officially said “I do”.

    The former Little Mix star married her long-time partner in an intimate ceremony in Portugal on 13 June 2026, four years after the couple announced their engagement. Set against the sun-soaked backdrop of the Algarve, the wedding was reportedly attended by close family and friends, making it a celebration that felt personal despite the couple’s high-profile status.

    For fans who have followed their love story over the years, the wedding marks the latest chapter in one of entertainment and football’s most enduring relationships.

    A love story nearly a decade in the making

    Perrie and Alex were first linked in 2016 and quickly became one of Britain’s favourite celebrity couples. While both enjoyed successful careers in vastly different industries, their relationship has largely remained grounded and family-focused.

    Over the years, fans watched their relationship evolve from sweet social media posts and red-carpet appearances to major life milestones. In August 2021, they welcomed their son, Axel, before becoming engaged the following year. Earlier in 2026, the couple expanded their family again with the arrival of their daughter, Alanis.

    Inside the Portugal wedding

    According to reports, the couple exchanged vows at the picturesque Igreja Matriz de Estoi church in the village of Estoi, near Faro. Portugal holds special significance for the pair, who frequently holiday in the Algarve and own property in the region.

    The ceremony was intentionally intimate, with around 70 guests witnessing the couple exchange vows. Reports suggest the celebrations continued with a reception overlooking one of the Algarve’s most scenic locations.

    A new chapter for Perrie

    While Perrie first rose to international fame as a member of Little Mix, recent years have seen her embrace new roles as a solo artist, fiancée, mother and now wife.

    Fans have long admired the way she and Alex have navigated fame while keeping family at the centre of their lives.

    ALSO SEE: Dua Lipa marries Callum Turner in intimate London ceremony

    Dua Lipa marries Callum Turner in intimate London ceremony

    Feature image: Sourced from Instagram

    When it comes to creating unforgettable wedding atmospheres, few understand the transformative power of flowers quite like The Duke and Duchess Florist.

    Founded in 1997 by Gerrit van Niekerk Reis, the Cape Town-based floral studio has spent nearly three decades turning wedding visions into breathtaking realities. From intimate ceremonies to lavish celebrations, Gerrit and his team have become known for creating floral experiences that are elegant, timeless and deeply personal.

    A journey rooted in creativity

    Interestingly, Gerrit’s path into floristry wasn’t a traditional one. Growing up in Pretoria, he began his career as an Identikit artist for the South African Police before joining the SABC as a Drama Specialist in 1987. But by the mid-90s, a new adventure was calling.

    “Flower arranging had long been a personal passion, a hobby that offered both artistic freedom and fulfilment,” he explains.

    That passion eventually blossomed into The Duke and Duchess Florist, which officially opened its doors in September 1997. Early contracts with prominent Cape Town hotels helped establish the business, but weddings quickly became one of its greatest loves.

    Why weddings?

    For Gerrit, weddings have always held a special kind of magic.

    “I have been fascinated by brides and weddings from a very young age. There is just something extraordinary about being given a blank canvas and the opportunity to create something truly magical.”

    It’s this ability to transform spaces, evoke emotion and tell a couple’s unique story through flowers that continues to inspire him almost 30 years later.

    A signature style that’s timelessly romantic

    Ask Gerrit to describe his signature aesthetic and the answer is beautifully simple: elegant, romantic and timeless.

    “My signature floral style is elegant, romantic and timeless, with a strong emphasis on creating atmosphere and emotion.”

    Rather than simply decorating a venue, he believes flowers should enhance the entire wedding experience – creating a feeling that guests remember long after the last dance.

    The wedding flower trends couples can’t get enough of

    According to Gerrit, today’s couples are moving away from rigid, structured arrangements and embracing florals that feel abundant, immersive and deeply personal.

    Some of the biggest trends include:

    • Garden-inspired floral designs overflowing with movement and texture
    • Romantic floral meadows replacing traditional aisle décor
    • Hanging floral installations and statement floral clouds
    • Soft, nature-inspired colour palettes
    • Mono-floral statements using a single bloom in abundance
    • Candlelit tablescapes paired with lush floral runners
    • Sustainable floristry and locally sourced flowers
    • Personalised floral storytelling

    “Perhaps the strongest trend is personalisation. Couples are selecting flowers with sentimental meaning, incorporating blooms from family gardens, or choosing designs inspired by places, memories and cultural traditions.”

    The colours dominating wedding florals right now

    While white and green remain enduring favourites, couples are increasingly embracing warmer, more nuanced palettes.

    Think:

    • Ivory and champagne
    • Blush and dusty rose
    • Peach and soft apricot
    • Terracotta and mocha
    • Burgundy and plum
    • Butter yellow and chocolate brown

    One trend Gerrit is particularly excited about is layered monochromatic colour palettes, where varying shades of the same colour create depth, texture and sophistication.

    Cape Town’s floral treasures

    Working in the Western Cape provides access to some truly remarkable blooms.

    Among Gerrit’s favourites are:

    • Indigenous fynbos
    • King Proteas
    • Blushing Brides
    • Seasonal spring bulbs
    • Locally grown garden roses

    “I love incorporating local and seasonal blooms whenever possible, as they bring a unique sense of place to a wedding and often offer exceptional freshness and value.”

    These flowers not only look stunning but also help create weddings that feel authentically South African.

    The biggest mistake couples make

    If there’s one piece of advice Gerrit wishes every couple understood, it’s this: don’t become too attached to specific flowers.

    “The biggest floral mistake is becoming too focused on specific flowers instead of the overall design.”

    Instead, he encourages couples to focus on the atmosphere they want to create. Guests are far more likely to remember how a wedding felt than whether a particular flower variety was used.

    A wedding he’ll never forget

    Of all the weddings he’s designed, one remains especially memorable.

    The Tollman wedding at the Twelve Apostles Hotel featured oversized floral installations, thousands of rose petals and a breathtaking ceremony arch covered entirely in roses.

    Then came a moment that felt almost magical.

    “As guests gathered and the ceremony commenced, dozens of white butterflies appeared seemingly from nowhere.”

    It was a moment that perfectly captured what Gerrit loves most about wedding floristry – creating experiences that feel extraordinary.

    Floral advice for overwhelmed couples

    With endless inspiration available online, it’s easy for couples to feel overwhelmed. Gerrit’s advice is refreshingly straightforward:

    “My advice is to start with the feeling you want to create rather than the flowers themselves.”

    Whether that feeling is romantic, modern, glamorous or garden-inspired, a clear vision allows an experienced florist to guide the rest.

    The Duke and Duchess difference

    Nearly three decades after opening his doors, Gerrit’s passion for weddings remains unchanged.

    From romantic floral meadows and candlelit tablescapes to breathtaking installations and bespoke floral storytelling, The Duke and Duchess Florist continues to create weddings that feel deeply personal, effortlessly elegant and truly unforgettable.

    For couples searching for florals that are as meaningful as they are beautiful, The Duke and Duchess Florist offers far more than flowers – they create atmosphere, emotion and memories that last a lifetime.

    Vendor Details

    ALSO SEE: Important questions to ask your wedding vendors

    Important questions to ask your wedding vendors

    Information and feature image supplied by Gerrit van Niekerk Reis, The Duke and Duchess florist

    If there’s one city that knows how to set the scene for romance, it’s Cape Town.

    From mountain peaks and botanical gardens to pristine beaches and iconic landmarks, the Mother City offers no shortage of breathtaking backdrops for one of life’s biggest questions. According to a survey conducted by Cape Town Tourism across social media platforms, alongside insights from proposal planners, some locations consistently stood out as favourites among locals.

    The overwhelming winner? The V&A Waterfront, followed closely by Table Mountain.

    It’s not difficult to see why. Cape Town’s combination of dramatic scenery, ocean views and world-class experiences has earned it a reputation as one of the most romantic destinations on the continent.

    Other much-loved proposal locations mentioned by Capetonians included Hout Bay, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Signal Hill, Franschhoek, Boulders Beach, Aquila Private Game Reserve and Strand.

    To prove that there’s no single formula for the perfect proposal, here are a few real-life stories from couples who found their special moment in some of Cape Town’s most romantic settings.

    Here are sweet proposal stories from some of the city’s most special spots to bend the knee:

    Kirstenbosch: When bigger really is better

    Some proposals are intimate affairs shared between two people. Others involve months of planning, hundreds of witnesses and a surprise that no one sees coming.

    One local shared how he proposed after a screening of The Notebook at an outdoor cinema event in Kirstenbosch. Unknown to his partner, he had arranged for a personal video documenting their six-year relationship to play after the movie.

    As the video ended, he led her to the front of the audience and asked her to spend the rest of her life with him. When she said yes, family and friends emerged from the crowd to celebrate the moment.

    V&A Waterfront

    For Masego and Letlotlo, a holiday in Cape Town became the beginning of a new chapter.

    Wanting something different from a traditional proposal, Masego worked with planners to arrange a private art experience at the V&A Waterfront. Hidden within an interactive artwork was a message waiting to be revealed.

    As Letlotlo peeled back the layers of the canvas, the words “Marry Me” appeared. Her answer was an enthusiastic yes.

    Signal Hill: Proof that perfection is overrated

    Not every proposal unfolds exactly as planned.

    Janine Naicker recalls how windy conditions and a lack of parking nearly derailed her partner’s carefully thought-out moment at Signal Hill. After several unsuccessful attempts to get her out of the car to admire the view, he resorted to Plan B.

    He handed her a box of cupcakes and asked her to pass him one. Inside the box, nestled in the icing, was an engagement ring.

    Sometimes the best proposals are the ones that embrace the unexpected.

    Table Mountain: A proposal above the clouds

    For many couples, Table Mountain remains the ultimate proposal destination.

    One local shared how her partner planned a sunrise hike to the very spot where they had enjoyed one of their first dates together. As the sun rose over the city, he got down on one knee and asked her to marry him.

    Years later, it remains one of her favourite memories.

    Strand Beach: Coming full circle

    For Bianca Engelbrecht, the proposal happened exactly where their story began.

    The couple’s first date took place on Strand Beach, where they spent hours talking while listening to the waves. Years later, under the impression they were simply meeting friends, Bianca was surprised when her partner suggested a quick detour.

    Back at the beach where they first connected, he asked her to marry him.

    Sidebar: ‘Secret’ spots to pop the big Q:

    Here’s a list of some of Cape Town’s lesser-known locations that are perfect for proposals:

    • Majik Forest (Door de Kraal, Cape Town): Secreted in the northern suburbs, with soft green grass, trees, ducks, a dam and a mountain bike trail in the forest section, this pet-friendly park is the perfect place to propose to your significant other with your furry friend present.
    • Lichtenstein Castle (Hout Bay): The privately owned castle, located in Hout Bay, can be visited by appointment only. It’s the perfect place to propose in a fairy-tale setting.
    • Woodstock streets: Urban adventurers will find a perfect proposal setting amidst the gorgeous, gritty surrounds of Woodstock’s world-famous street art.
    • Tintswalo Atlantic (Hout Bay): Rumour has it a penguin gives its mate a pebble when courting. Pop your person a pebble on Tintswalo’s secluded stretch of beach, below Chapman’s Peak Drive.
    • Dias Beach (Cape Point): Wild and whimsical, this hidden coast offers unparalleled sea views. It’s the ideal backdrop for ‘I do’.
    • Secret Rock (Bantry Bay): Perched at the top of Nettleton Drive is a secret rock where many a couple has come for some special moments alone…

    The perfect proposal is personal

    While Cape Town offers countless spectacular locations to pop the question, the most memorable proposals often have little to do with the setting itself. Whether it’s a mountaintop sunrise, a beach at sunset or a meaningful place that tells your story as a couple, the most romantic proposal spot is the one that feels authentic to you.

    That said, if you’re looking for inspiration, locals have spoken –  and Cape Town’s iconic landscapes provide some of the most unforgettable places in the world to say “yes”.

    ALSO SEE: Nature-based proposal spots in Cape Town 

    Nature-based proposal spots in Cape Town

    Featured image: Bianca Asher

    Pop superstar Dua Lipa is officially married.

    The Grammy-winning singer reportedly tied the knot with British actor Callum Turner in an intimate ceremony held at London’s Old Marylebone Town Hall on Sunday, 31 May 2026, surrounded by close family and friends. The surprise wedding comes after months of speculation surrounding the couple’s engagement and wedding plans.

    According to reports, the pair opted for a low-key civil ceremony in one of London’s most iconic wedding venues. Photos shared by international media show the newlyweds leaving the venue hand-in-hand while guests showered them with confetti and flower petals.

    For the occasion, Dua Lipa reportedly wore a custom white Schiaparelli ensemble paired with a dramatic wide-brimmed hat and classic white heels, while Turner chose a timeless navy suit. The fashion-forward look was fitting for a bride who has become one of the most influential style icons of her generation.

    The couple first sparked dating rumours in early 2024 before making their relationship public later that year. Engagement speculation intensified after Dua Lipa was spotted wearing a diamond ring, which she later confirmed during an interview with British Vogue in 2025.

    Speaking about her engagement at the time, the singer described the prospect of growing old together and being “best friends forever” as a “really special feeling”.

    Their romance reportedly began after meeting through mutual connections in London, with the pair later reconnecting in Los Angeles. Since then, they have become one of entertainment’s most talked-about couples, frequently appearing together at high-profile events and on social media.

    While the London ceremony was intimate, several international reports suggest that this may be just the beginning of the celebrations. A larger multi-day wedding event is reportedly planned in Sicily, Italy, where an impressive guest list of celebrities and close friends is expected to attend. Neither Lipa nor Turner has publicly confirmed the details.

    Fans across the globe have already flooded social media with messages of congratulations, celebrating the couple’s next chapter together.

    ALSO SEE: Zoë Kravitz and Harry Styles are reportedly engaged

    Zoë Kravitz and Harry Styles are reportedly engaged

    Feature image: Dua Lipa/Instagram

    Love stories in the entertainment industry don’t always stand the test of time, which is why fans are celebrating alongside former 7de Laan stars Denver Vraagom and Ingrid Paulus Vraagom as they mark an incredible 21 years of marriage.

    The beloved couple, who tied the knot in 2005, continue to show that lasting love, friendship and commitment can thrive both on and off screen. Over the years, they’ve built a beautiful family together and remain one of South Africa’s most admired entertainment couples.

    Denver and Ingrid share two daughters, Skye and Hannah Elizabeth, and have often spoken warmly about family life. Their journey together has resonated with many fans who have followed their careers since their television heyday.

    Ingrid is best known for her role as Vanessa Meintjies on the iconic Afrikaans soapie 7de Laan. She has also appeared in productions such as Elke Skewe Pot 2 and the television series Sterk Skemer. Denver, meanwhile, became a household name through his role as Sheldon Adams on 7de Laan, before going on to enjoy a successful career across film, television and voice work.

    His acting credits include films such as Liefling – Die Movie, Mr Bones 2 and Poena is Koning. Beyond acting, Denver has also worked extensively as a copywriter, director and voice artist in the entertainment industry.

    Ahead of their anniversary, Denver took to social media to pay tribute to Ingrid in a heartfelt post that melted hearts online. Reflecting on their relationship, he praised his wife for standing by him through life’s ups and downs and thanked her for making him a father. The actor shared how much he appreciates Ingrid as a partner, mother and friend, adding that he loves the life they’ve built together over the past two decades.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Denver S Vraagom (@denver_vraagom)

    Fans and fellow celebrities flooded the comments section with congratulatory messages, celebrating the couple’s enduring bond and wishing them many more happy years together.

    ALSO SEE: Sue Duminy shares her engagement news

    Sue Duminy shares her engagement news

    Feature image: Denver Vraagom/Instagram

    Mr and Mrs seem like given titles for those that choose to walk down the aisle and say ‘I do’. Have you ever wondered where these titles come from? The origin might surprise you.

    The titles originally had nothing to do with marital status. Cambridge University historian Dr. Amy Erickson explains that ‘Mrs’ and ‘Miss’ derived from the word ‘mistress’ while  ‘Mr’ comes from ‘master’.

    “Few people realise that ‘Mistress’ is the root word of both of the abbreviations ‘Mrs,’ and ‘Miss,’ just as Mr is an abbreviation of ‘Master.’ The ways that words derived from Mistress have developed their own meanings is quite fascinating and shifts in these meanings can tell us a lot about the changing status of women in society, at home and in the workplace,” she said

    According to author Samuel Johnson, a mistress could be defined as “1. A woman who governs; correlative to subject or servant; 2. A woman skilled in anything; 3. A woman teacher; 4. A woman beloved and courted; 5. A term of contemptuous address; 6. A whore or concubine.”

    Back in the mid-18th century, ‘mistress’ didn’t have quite the negative connotations it has today. In those days, a mistress typically referred to a woman of high economic or social capital, rather than a married woman. A woman referred to as Mrs in the 18th century was thus not necessarily married.

    Those on the lower scales of society were simply referred to by their names. For example, the lady of the house might have been Mrs Abernathy, while the scullery maid would simply be Anna Black.

    Mr and Mrs were on equal standing, and Erickson argues those that held these titles were more like businessmen and women as they governed servants or apprentices, and were quite literally the masters and mistresses of their trades.

    It was only in the late 18th century that the use of Mrs became attached to marital status. The title Miss, which was originally a title for young girls, started to be used as a term to refer to an unmarried woman of a high social status, who was often a teacher. These young, socially ambitious single women wanted their own title that would mark their social class but not lump them into a group with the older businesswomen and heads of households that typically held the title of Mrs.

    This new term thus shifted the meaning of Mrs to signify a married woman and create a distinction between young and older.

    Why the pronunciation of mistress turned to ‘missus’ is unclear. In A Critical Pronouncing Dictionary, and Expositor of the English Language from 1828, author John Walker suggests its a result of colloquialism.

    “The same haste and necessity of dispatch, which has corrupted Master into Mister, has, when a title of civility only, contracted Mistress into Missis,” he wrote.

    ALSO SEE: Relaxing bachelorette party ideas for the chilled bride

    Relaxing bachelorette party ideas for the chilled bride

    Feature image: Unsplash