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    Reggae musician Shaggy and his wife, Rebecca Packer Burrell, celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary on Sunday, July 12. To commemorate the occasion, the singer shared a loving message on Instagram.

    Alongside a photo of himself and his wife with their children, all dressed in white, Shaggy wrote: “Happy Anniversary to my wife and best friend’ love of my life, partner in crime and all-around great gal’ @rebeccapackerburrell … what a ride!!! Hold on cus it gets better!”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CCjazJ-H983/?utm_source=ig_embed

    The pair got to know each other toward the end of the 1990s, after Rebecca, an art director, worked on a few of Shaggy’s music videos. They have been a couple since the early 2000s. They spent 16 years together, before getting married in 2014.

    Not much is known about their wedding, as they kept it tightly under wraps. However, it is reported that they married under almond trees at Goldeneye in Oracabessa, Jamaica, on July 12, 2014.

    Over the years, Shaggy has said many sweet things about his wife.

    In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, Shaggy described their relationship. “We have had our fair share of arguments, but I think the best way to put it is that we are two stones, and the edges are rough, and they beat on each other until eventually, they are smooth. That’s the best way I can say it. She constantly impresses me as we go along, and that keeps my interest there. And our love is the basic thing that keeps us together” he said.

    The couple share three daughters together, and the singer also has two sons from a previous relationship.

    Image: Instagram / direalshaggy

    Everyone deserves a fairytale happy ending. A bride-to-be in Boise, Idaho, had the surprise of her life when she was given just that. She even had a story written about the turn of events.

    Denise Amouzougan dresses up as Princess Tiana, the main character from fairytale The Princess and The Frog, as a role she plays for her party company. On July 9, she was working at a birthday party.

    As she read a book to the children, she found a hand-written letter. “Every princess needs a prince – will you be mine forever?” it read.

    She turns around to find her love, Blaze Montgomery, behind her, dressed up as Prince Charming. He got down on one knee and asked her for her hand in marriage. Montgomery had even perfectly timed the proposal to line up with the water fountain in the background, which comes on every hour.

    Credit: Facebook / Denise Amouzougan

    As Michael Buble played in the background,  she said yes!

    All of their family and friends were present to watch the fairytale unfold.

    Amouzougan’s friend Celine Daily captured it all on camera and even wrote a little story to go with it, and she shared it all on Facebook. The pair share a close friendship, as can be seen from Amouzougan’s comment on her friends post.

    “Omg!???CONGRATULATIONS SIS. WE DID IT!! WERE ENGAGED AND I COULDN’T BE HAPPIER FOR US. Your the absolute best adventure buddy. So glad I have an amazing friend like you to share all this with. I LOVE YOU DEARLY!!!????,:  said Amouzougan. 

    See it happen, and read the story below:

    Image: Unsplash

    The South African wedding industry has taken a hard knock amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Most vendors are unable to perform their services, meaning they don’t earn any money.

    Current regulations stipulate that social gatherings and events, such as weddings are not allowed. People may marry at Home Affairs but cannot have a wedding in the traditional sense.

    The Association of Wedding Professionals in South Africa is now taking government to court to reopen the industry.

    “The amount of employment lost at the moment, the amount of businesses closing at the moment in the wedding industry is astronomical,” Jurie Smit of the Association said in an interview with eNCA. “We just can’t keep going on as it is at the moment.”

    Smit argues that wedding venues with chapels can fall under the category of a religious institution, and venues that serve food can technically be considered restaurants, both of which are open to the public under Level 3 regulations.

    He further argues that people are having their own intimate weddings at home, regardless of regulations banning social gatherings, and that in many cases people do not follow safety and health regulations.

    He says that if they were to reopen the industry, vendors would follow social distancing and health measures.

    Feature image: Pexels

    While many lockdown regulations were eased as we entered Level 3, there are many things that are still not allowed. Despite this, citizens seem to be losing patience and are breaking rules to participate in social gatherings, including weddings.

    According to a report, 25 guests who attended a wedding in KwaZulu-Natal last weekend have now tested positive for COVID-19.

    In a statement on Sunday [July 12], The Premier of KwaZulu Natal, Sihle Zikalala, said: “Over the last seven days, we have noted with concern the number of infections that have been reported after people have attended gatherings such as ceremonies and funerals. In most of these engagements, measures like social distancing and wearing of masks have been disregarded.”

    “In the past week, we have been made aware that a sizeable group was reported to have attended a wedding last weekend. In the end, a number of people from the wedding fell sick, and 25 from the group who attended a wedding tested positive. Today, some of them are occupying COVID – 19 beds in the health care facilities.” he added.

    According to the government’s Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster most gatherings are still not allowed under lockdown level 3.

    “All gatherings are prohibited except for a gathering at faith-based institution, which is limited to 50 persons or less, depending on the size of the place of worship: provided that all health protocols and social distancing measures are being adhered to as provided for in directions that have been issued by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs,” they said in a statement.

    This may have led to some confusion as a wedding may take place in a religious institution, and thus may technically be performed. However, some have completely disregarded the regulations and have celebrated weddings fully, with no thought towards safety precautions.

    The premier reminded citizens that the virus spreads faster than gatherings. “No one is immune or can be a ‘starring’ or the invincible main actor, on COVID-19 as there is no cure,” he said.

    He urged everyone to stick to the regulations, because staying safe now will result in a safer, and healthier future. “By being safe today, we can be safe and together tomorrow. Ubumnandi, or fun, never ends. It has always been there. It will be there in future, when COVID – 19 is no longer a problem. But, if we disregard precautions we may compromise our lives and those we love,” he said.

    KwaZulu-Natal recorded 23 751 infections, 280 deaths and 6,021 recoveries on Saturday. The numbers are increasing rapidly by the day, and regulations must be adhered to for the safety of everyone.

    Feature image: Unsplash

    Thailand may soon become the first south-Asian country to legalise same-sex unions. The country’s Cabinet approved a draft bill on Wednesday, July 8, that will legally recognise same-sex civil partnerships. This bill, if passed, will afford same-sex couples in the conservative country many more rights.

    Under the Civil Partnership Bill, couples must be at least 17 years old and one must be a Thai citizen to qualify. The draft bill will soon have a public hearing, in which the House of Representatives will debate and vote on whether or not to pass the bill. It will then go to the Senate, who will once again vote on whether to pass it. This could be a months-long process.

    This bill, if passed, would also make Thailand the second Asian country to legally recognise same-sex unions. In 2019, Taiwan became the first in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage.

    Recognising same-sex civil partnerships is not the same as legalising same-sex marriage, however. It will only allow same-sex couples to legally register their union, but not formally marry in the traditional sense. Furthermore, these couples will be able to adopt children together, claim inheritance rights and jointly manage assets like property. This is a massive step forward for the LGBTQI+ movement in Thailand.

    “The Civil Partnership Bill is an important step for Thai society in promoting equal rights and supporting the rights of same-sex couples to build families and live as partners,” wrote Ratchada Thanadirek, a deputy government spokesperson in a Facebook post.
    Feature image: Pexels

    A man in Betul, a district in Madhya Pradesh, India got married to two women at the same time in the same ceremony on July 8. The nuptials were attended by villagers and family members, who witnessed what may be the first wedding ever with two brides marrying the same man.

    Sandeep Uike, the groom in question, married two women, one from a district called Hoshangabad and the other from Koyalari village. He first met his Hoshangabad bride while he was in Bhopal for his studies. While he dated the woman, his family began plans for an arranged marriage between him and the woman from Koyalari village. Of course, all parties involved were unhappy, and the families of all three met to resolve the matter.

    Together, they came to the conclusion that, should both women agree, Uike would marry both of them. It is apparent that they both agreed, and the wedding plans commenced.

    Mishrilal Parate, vice-president of Janpad Panchayat Ghodadongri (a governmental organisation) told The Siasat Daily that none of the family members were opposed to the union.

    The ceremony took place in a village called Keria, and the required rituals were performed. According to The Siasat Daily, this was the first occasion in history where a man made vows to two women at the same time.

    Authorities in the district, however, are investigating the event and how it occurred since weddings are not yet allowed due to coronavirus restrictions. They said that permission is needed for weddings to take place, and none was given to these families.

    Image: Unsplash

    Couples have had to get extra creative amid the nationwide lockdown. From drive-by bridal showers to virtual weddings, we’ve seen it all. This South African couple took it a step further when they offered followers the chance to attend their wedding… for a price.

    Katinka ‘Die Kat’ is a photographer and influencer who rose to fame as a contestant on Survivor SA: Phillippines. She and her fiance Braam tied the knot this past weekend in the Wilderness in an intimate gathering, following lockdown regulations.

    Ahead of their big day, Katinka posted an image to Instagram, explaining that followers can also attend their big day. The catch, however, is that it would cost them R150 to virtually attend.

    “We decided to give you the opportunity to celebrate our intimate wedding with us and be there as guests❤️ limited tickets available, link in bio,” she wrote on Instagram. “What you’ll see is me before walking down the isle, Braam’s reaction and our vows and our first kiss as a married couple.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CCJYc6uJpzn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Responses to this post were divided. Some called this offer ridiculous while others defended the couple’s decision, saying it’s their right to do what they want.

    The pair married this past weekend, although there has been no mention of how many tuned in to view the big day.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CCRU3xOJtFU/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Feature image: Instagram / Katinka Die Kat

    South African on-air personality, actress and model Minnie Dlamini-Jones and her husband, former football player Quinton Jones celebrated their 3rd traditional wedding anniversary, on Wednesday, July 8. Dlamini was spoiled by her husband, as her birthday falls close to the anniversary too.

    In a post on Instagram, Dlamini gushed over her husband and the gifts he got her.

    Today is our traditional wedding anniversary ❤️ Yesterday my husband suprized me with a Zoom party for my almost 30th (29.5 ?) He got me an @asandamadyibi outfit to match the theme, got the patio looking beautiful and got my friends and family to join me on a Zoom call the whole day… He didn’t miss a BEAT, it was PERFECT ? And I got diamonds ?,” she said.

    “Thank you to everyone that made my day special, from the messages, the flowers, the gifts everyone that thought of me yesterday I appreciate and LOVE you all soooo much!!! But my husband more ??❤️ Thank you Baby ?,” added Dlamini.

    The photos show Dlamini and Jones posing in front of a wall of gold and white balloons for her birthday.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CCYiU-1HFXV/?utm_source=ig_embed

    Dlamini and Jones made it official in a colourful traditional wedding at Glenn Hills in Northern Durban, KwaZulu Natal, on July 8, 2017.

    South African stars such as Basetsana Kumalo, Jessica Nkosi, Anele Mdoda, Zakes Bantwini, Nandi Madida, Criselda Dudumashe, Jimmy Tau and Unathi Msengana were all in attendance.

    Sunday World reported that guests in attendance were required to wear wristbands to ensure that no strangers or uninvited guests were able to get in, and guests were asked not to take pictures. However, several pictures from the day cropped up online.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo_cLETgJGU/?utm_source=ig_embed

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BWSoMldluU9/?utm_source=ig_embed

    Their white wedding took place later that year on September 16 at the Lourensford Wine Estate, Somerset West in Cape Town.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BnDjKxJBtBs/?utm_source=ig_embed

    In October 2017, Dlamini detailed how she met her husband in an Interview on Jacaranda FM.

    “I met my husband seven years ago [2010] when we both worked at Urban Brew Studios, he was  much senior than me and I was an assistant runner or something, and he honestly became my best friend,” she said.

    According to her, the friendship grew stronger and stronger, but they were never single at the same time.

    “Then a couple of years ago we were both single, and he was like, ‘why don’t we give it a shot?’ I was like, ‘no that’s weird’. ‘He was like no one knows you like me, and no one knows me like you,” she said.

    Thereafter, they were together for a year, however, it was not official.

    “So for a year we were together but weren’t official. Then he took me on holiday and asked me to be his girlfriend. And I was like, I really like you,” she said.

    The pair have been madly in love and happy as ever since then.

    Image: Instagram / Minnie Dlamini

    Princess Raiyah of Jordan married British journalist Ned Donovan on Tuesday, July 7 in Engalnd, making this the first Royal Wedding to go ahead amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The couple had to change their wedding plans following the pandemic. Originally, they were set to marry in Jordan in April but went with England for safety reasons.

    “Thank you all for your kind messages on our wedding! While it was originally planned for April in Jordan, the pandemic derailed those plans and it was safer for my husband’s family to hold it in the UK. God willing we look forward to celebrating in Jordan once the situation allows,” she wrote on Twitter.

    The pair were engaged on October 26, 2019.

    Donovan is the grandson of author Roald Dahl, and a British writer based in London. He previously worked as a journalist for the Mail on Sunday and The Times.

    The Princess is a decorated academic, with a Master’s degree in Japanese Studies from Edinburgh University and a Master’s degree in Japanese Literature from Columbia University. She is currently studying towards her Ph.D in pre-modern Japanese literature at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

    She is the fourth child of the late King Hussein of Jordan and Queen Noor.

    Princess Beatrice was set to marry fiancé Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in May, but has since postponed the wedding due to the ongoing pandemic.

    Feature image: Twitter / Princess Raiyah

    A group of women in Rome took to the streets to protest againt the City’s lockdown restrictions that have resulted in their weddings being cancelled.

    About 15 brides-to-be gathered to begin the protest at the Fontana di Trevi, then moved to the parliamentary buildings where they were joined by affected wedding industry members such as caterers and musicians.

    This was not an ordinary protest, however, as the women wore their wedding dresses and carried white parasols to make a statement. They also carried placards that translate to ‘weddings without restrictions’, ‘you broke our marriages’ and ‘church doors closed to weddings’.

    The protest is being called the ‘Flashmob of the singles and unmarried ones’. It was reportedly organised by Airb, an Italian wedding association, who claim that 90% of weddings in the city have been postponed to 2021 which has negatively impacted the industry.

    “Everything was postponed to 2021. So we asked the government for help to reach 2021. About 500 thousand operators in the sector and, as a consequence, their families are at risk of unemployment,” said the president of Airb, Luciano Paulillo.

    Marriage ceremonies and other non-essential activities are currently banned in the city for two months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Civil ceremonies have recently been allowed to continue, but guests are limited to two and strict social distancing measures must be employed.

    Feature image: Unsplash