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In Celebs

David and Victoria Beckham celebrate 21 years of marriage

July 8, 2020 No Comments

David and Victoria Beckham celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary this past weekend. The pair, despite their massive fame, did what most others would do on an occasion like this and had a romantic dinner at a fancy restaurant.

Posh Spice gave fans an inside look into the date night on her Instagram page. She posted a picture of the two of them looking cozy and casual in a rustic restaurant, with a dessert laid out in front of them. Written on the plate in chocolate were the words “Happy Anniversary”.

On the day of their anniversary, the former footballer took to Instagram to celebrate his marriage to Victoria. He posted a video showing images of the pair through the years, with some snippets of Victoria performing with the Spice Girls.

“Well about 23 years ago I was sat in a room with Gary Neville and the spice girls were on the TV and I turned around to him and said ‘ohhhh I like that one in the little black catsuit’ ? who would have thought that all these years later we are celebrating 21 years of marriage and have 4 of the most beautiful and perfect kids.. Thank you & Happy Anniversary I Love You ♥️,” he wrote.

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Victoria did the same, posting another video with the caption: “Happy Anniversary @davidbeckham ❤️❤️❤️ I can’t believe it has been 21 years since we said ‘I do’. Four children, four dogs, so much laughter and I love you more each day. xxxxxx”

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The pair share 4 children, Brooklyn (21), Romeo (17), Cruz (15), and Harper Seven (8). The older three each posted sweet “happy anniversary” messages to their parents.

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David and Victoria met at a charity football match in Manchester in 1997. Just a year later on January 25, 1998, they announced their engagement.

A few months before they married, they welcomed their first child, Brooklyn. On July 4, 1999, the famed couple tied the knot at Luttrellstown Castle near Dublin. Posh wore a Vera Wang gown, paired with a gold crown designed by jeweller Slim Barrett.

Image: Instagram / Romeo Beckham

In News

Nigerian wedding industry deeply affected by COVID-19 pandemic

July 7, 2020 No Comments

The Nigerian wedding industry is massive. Couples typically spend big bucks to make sure their special day is perfect. However, the COVID-19 pandemic could cause a loss of millions, and leave small businesses with no way to support themselves.

Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy in terms of nominal GDP, and the wedding industry contributes greatly to this. Using statistics from 2017, a report from TNS Global suggests that the industry could be worth as much as $17 million.

“The Nigerian events industry is estimated to be among the most extravagant in the world. According to TNS Global, 17 million dollars was spent on parties in Lagos over a five months period in 2013. Statistics have it that an average Nigerian company or middle-class family spends over 15,000 dollars per event,” said Professor Okoli Fidelis Chukwuma.

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All boo’d up ❤! AhoufeBride @m0cha_17 Makeup: @stmmagicalcreations Hair: @c.c_hairways Dress: @ladybeellionaire Bouquet : @rentadress_nostress Photography : @lexisweddings Videographer: @grandepicfilms Planner: @stmmagicalcreations Decor: @alexeventss Cake: @elsies.bakehouse Cocktail and chops: @koksy_foods #ahoufebridal #BlackDadsMatter #buytheblock #blackwallstreet #blacklove #blackcommunity #blackings #blackqueens #blackinfluencers #blackculture #blackwealth #blackhealth #blackunity #blackmen #weddingday #bellanaijaweddings #melanin #bridalinspiration #NigerianWedding #protectourblackmen #raisingkings #blackfamily #blackmagic #blackexcellence #allblackeverythang #allblackeverything #usorelse #blacklivesmatter #weddingsonpoint #LuxuryWeddings

A post shared by Ahoufe Bridal ® (@ahoufebridal) on Jun 23, 2020 at 8:37pm PDT

According to Nairametrics, weddings can cost anywhere between half a million Naira (R22 263) to over 100 million Naira (R4 452 766) depending on the financial background of each couple. These events are typically massive, with hundreds of guests in attendance.

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Dami & Izoyare #lavida20 ? Planner – @sculptorsevents. Photography- @ejikemanny #NigerianWedding #YorubaWedding

A post shared by NIGERIAN WEDDING (@nigerianwedding) on Jul 6, 2020 at 11:54am PDT

With the COVID-19 pandemic, however, this industry has essentially been halted. Large public gatherings are currently not allowed, forcing many couples to tie the knot online through video conferencing platforms.

Those who do continue with in-person weddings have minimised their big days considerably. CEO of event management firm Unik Ushering Agency, Aderonke Adebamibola told Naiametrics that business has slowed down as a result.

“Now, we even have to convince them to use one or two ushers for their events because they believe they don’t need ushers for 20 or 30 guests. Caterers cannot even cook a half bag of rice now because of the number of guests. This means that they are also paid less for their services, even if they expend the same energy and time” said Adebamibola to Nairametrics.

Nigeria has 29 286 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 11 828 recovered and 654 deaths.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the face of the wedding industry, and many will struggle to fit the new normal.

Feature image: Unsplash

In Celebs

Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson celebrate sixth anniversary

July 7, 2020 No Comments

Jessica Simpson and her husband, former NFL player Eric Johnson, celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary on Sunday [July 5]. Simpson wrote a heartfelt message to her husband on Instagram in celebration of the occasion.

The singer posted a photo of the two of them holding a crystal butterfly, which was an anniversary gift from Johnson.

“Eric Johnson, my Husband, I love you. 6yrs ago today I married my perfect soulmate. Our unity was written in God’s sky of colliding stars. Together we manifest dreams, nurture desire, and hold space. Destined, it always has been and always will be, forevermore. Also, anyone who knows me at all knows that this crystal butterfly is my dream gift ?, wrote Simpson, adding the quote “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.”

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They met in May 2010 through friends. At the time Johnson’s divorce was not yet finalized however he had been separated from his wife at the time since October 2009.

By November 2010, they were engaged. According to E! News Johnson proposed on November 11, at 11:11am, with “Since I’ve Been Loving You” by Led Zeppelin playing in the background and rose petals scattered on the ground.

The pair got married in a glamorous $1.4 million wedding ceremony in July 5, 2014 that took place at the San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California.

They are now parents to three children, Maxwell Drew (8), Ace Knut (7), and Birdie Mae (1).

Image: Instagram / Jessica Simpson

In Celebs

Julia Roberts and Danny Moder reach 18-year milestone

July 6, 2020 No Comments

Oscar-winning actress Julia Roberts and her cinematographer husband Danny Moder have officially been married for 18 years. The typically private couple took to Instagram to celebrate their anniversary.

Roberts posted a sweet photo of the couple to honour their big day, simply captioning it “18 years #heckyes”.

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The actress and the cinematographer met on the set of The Mexican, for which Moder was a cameraman and Roberts was starring in. They fell in love and married two years later in a surprise wedding at Roberts’ ranch in Taos, New Mexico on July 4, 2002.

Roberts wore a pale pink cotton halter dress with pearl and antique beading, and hand-painted floral detail for the low-key nuptials. Moder wore a red ruffled shirt and tan pants.

The pair are still going strong and share three children: son Henry Daniel and twins Hazel Oatricia and Phinnaeus Walter.

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

Feature image: Instagram / Julia Roberts

In Celebs

Alec and Hilaria Baldwin celebrate eighth anniversary

July 3, 2020 No Comments

Actor Alec Baldwin and wife Hilaria celebrated their eighth wedding anniversary on July 1. The happy couple honoured the occasion with some sweet Instagram posts.

Baldwin shared two images of himself and his wife making their way down the aisle on their wedding day. “Eight years ago today. Luckiest day of my life,” he captioned one of the images.

Being the funny-man that he is, he captioned the second photo: “I knew my marriage was solid because Steve Higgins was there to bless it”, as he can be seen shaking his fellow comedian’s hand in the image.

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His wife kept her tributes more simple, posting a picture from their wedding day captioned “Happy 8 years”. Hilaria also posted some candid images of the pair on the beach, wearing their protective masks. “8 years later,” she said.

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Their anniversary comes soon after their announcement in April that they are expecting their fifth child together.

“Sound up … I’ll let the baby do the talking because I don’t have the words to express how this sound makes us feel,” she captioned a video of her showing off her belly, as the baby’s heartbeat played in the background.

“Just got the great news that all is well and all is healthy with this little munchkin. I wanted to share this with you? Here we go again ?,” she added.

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The new baby will join several siblings, Carmen Gabriela (6), Romeo Alejandro David (almost 2), Leonardo Ángel Charles (3), and Rafeal Thomas (4). Alec also has a 24-year-old daughter, Ireland, with his previous wife Kim Basinger.

Alec and Hilaria met in 2011. Baldwin once said: “I wandered into Pure Food and Wine on Irving Place, on an unseasonably warm February evening. My friend, @bocartist and I sat down and as I turned to my left I saw a woman who would change my life. Entirely.”

Hilaria, speaking to the New York Times, said that Baldwin had a great opening line. “I was standing near the door with my friends when he walked up and took my hand and said, ‘I must know you’,” she recalled. “You must know me?’,” she replied, after which “he gave me his card,” she said.

Thereafter, they had what Baldwin has called, “a whirlwind romance”.

They tied the knot on June 29, 2012, at the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral in New York City.

Image: Instagram / Alec Baldwin

In Legal & Administration

More South Africans applying for divorce amid lockdown

July 2, 2020 No Comments

There has been a reported increase in divorce applications and interest since lockdown came into effect in South Africa. The reasons behind the choice, however, are varied.

New stats reveal that South Africa is ranked at number 83 out of 154 countries in the world for its divorce rates. Local law firm DIY Legal says they have seen a 20% increase in divorce applications since level 4 lockdown was instated as the courts reopened for the service. The firm took a deeper look at these concerning stats to understand the reason behind it.

According to DIY Legal, there are many reasons South Africans cite as the basis for wanting a divorce. 16% of respondents said their choice was down to a lack of love, respect or affection from their partner.

Brendan McNulty, founder of DIY Legal, explains additional stressors like unemployment, financial strain and being stuck at home all day also contribute to these statistics.

It is important to note that an increase in divorce rate is currently being experienced worldwide, South Africa is not unique in this regard. There are various reports relaying a surge in divorce applications in China. National media has reported that marriage registration offices in some districts in Xi’an, capital of Northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, have experienced unprecedented divorce appointments since their reopening on March 1.

“As a result of the epidemic, many couples have been bound with each other at home for over a month, which evoked the underlying conflicts, adding that the office had been closed for a month, therefore the office has seen an acutely increasing divorce appointment,” an official from the registration office told reporters. “Usually the office would see a wave of divorcement after Spring Festival and the college entrance examination.”

Saudia Arabia has seen a 30% increase in divorce applications, and in Britain the divorce rate increased by 42% between late March and mid-May.

Feature image: Unsplash

In News

Couple swept away by wave during wedding photoshoot

July 2, 2020 No Comments

A wedding photoshoot should be magical, as you capture yourselves looking your best, feeling your best, and deeply in love on your most special day. An unexpected dip in the ocean, however, may turn things upside down a bit.

A newly-wed couple took to Laguna’s Treasure Island Beach in California for their wedding photoshoot. Things were going well, until they were unexpectedly hit by a wave and pulled out into the water.

Luckily, an onlooker witnessed the entire incident from a lookout close to a hotel by the beach, and alerted authorities, who rushed out to help the couple. Several lifeguards made their way into the water, and rescued the bride and groom.

According to abc7, both the bride and groom had no serious injuries.

In a video captured by an onlooker, the couple can be seen going about their business until a wave hits them. Thereafter, the video cuts to the couple being rescued from the ocean.

See it happen here:

Image: Screenshot from video

In News

Groom dies, 113 infected after wedding starts COVID-19 chain in India

July 1, 2020 No Comments

Weddings have largely been banned across the world in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. However, some countries have loosened restrictions and some citizens have not followed restrictions regarding weddings. In India, this has proven to be a mistake.

A wedding which took place in the Patna District of Bihar, a state in India, effectively started a COVID-19 chain, as 113 people tested positive and the groom passed away. It has been reported that this was the largest chain of infection in the state thus far.

The wedding took place on June 15. At the time, the 30-year-old groom had a high fever. Two days later, on June 17, he passed away and was cremated without receiving a COVID-19 test.

Subsequently, more than 360 people from surrounding towns were tested as part of contact-tracing efforts, and testers were still trying to get a hold of additional possible carriers of the virus, according to Health Department officials in the area. The bride, however, had not tested positive.

Some of the groom’s relatives were infected at the wedding, and fifteen of these guests are believed to have spread the virus to others who were not in attendance. According to the Indian Express, most of those who tested positive were asymptomatic and were admitted to isolation centres.

The entire region where the wedding took place (Paliganj sub-division of Patna) was then declared a containment zone and sealed. A special camp was also set up at the village from June 24 – 26 so that people could easily be tested. At the camp, 86 more people tested positive, according to Hindustan Times.

According to a relative of the groom, the wedding was not cancelled for fear of monetary loss, despite the fact that the grom knew he was not well. “Even though he was feeling unwell by June 14 and wanted the wedding deferred, family heads from both sides advised against it, citing huge financial losses if the arrangements had to be cancelled,” said the relative.

Apparently, nobody had considered that the man was a COVID-19 patient since rural areas had been mostly safe from the virus .” As rural areas are almost Covid-free, we were relaxed,” said the same relative.

NDTV reported that the restrictions in the state say that no more than 50 people are allowed to be in attendance of a wedding. At this particular wedding, there were approximately 350 guests. Thus, the district magistrate ordered an investigation into those attending the wedding in violation of COVID-19 restrictions.

Image: Unsplash

In Celebs

Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo celebrate 3-year anniversary

July 1, 2020 No Comments

Childhood sweethearts Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo have officially been married for three years.

The Argentinian sports star and the model tied the knot in 2017 in a star-studded ceremony. The event took place in Messi’s home town Rosario outside of Beunos Aires, and has been called Argentina’s ‘wedding of the century’. Just a few names on the guest list include football stars Neymar, Luis Suárez and Gerard Piqué, as well as international superstar Shakira.

Taking to Instagram, Roccuzzo shared a romantic video flashback to their big day to honour their wedding anniversary. Her caption, written in Spanish, translates to: “I will love you and you will love me, I love you and it’s my only truth And it is our great love, What will never die … ” Happy 3rd anniversary my love. I love you.”

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The pair have known each other since they were children. They met when Messi was five-years-old and Rccuzzo four. They were introduced to one another by Messi’s best friend and fellow footballer Lucas Scaglia, who is Roccuzzo’s cousin.

The pair remained friends and stayed in touch when Messi left Argentina for Spain to play soccer at the age of 13. They began dating in the late 2000s. The pair now live in Barcelona and have two sons.

Feature image: Instagram / Antonela Roccuzo

In Celebs

Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner celebrate first anniversary

June 30, 2020 No Comments

Pop sensation Joe Jonas and Game of Thrones actress Sophie Turner are celebrating the first anniversary of their church wedding in France. The pair have been quiet about their celebrations, but brother Nick Jonas and his wife Priyanka Chopra have sent them sweet congratulations.

On his Instagram story, Nick Jonas posted a photo of Joe and Sophie walking hand-in-hand down the aisle in France from their 2019 wedding. “Happy Anniversary Jophie. Love you guys!” wrote the younger Jonas brother.

The pair, by the time they had their church wedding, had already said their “I dos” in May 2019 at their impromptu Vegas wedding.

Chopra posted the same photo, with some added editing for decoration, and said “Happy 1 year anniversary. Love you both”.

Jonas and Turner met in 2016, but kept their courtship quiet for a long time. According to Insider, they began talking after Jonas sent Turner a message on Instagram.

“We had a lot of mutual friends and they’d been trying to introduce us for a long time,” Turner told Harper’s Bazaar UK during a March 2019 interview. “We were following each other on Instagram and he direct messaged me one fine day, out of the blue.” After a few weeks of back and forth texting, they met up in London, and by then they knew it was meant to be.

In 2019, they surprised everyone by making it official in a Las Vegas ceremony at the Little White Wedding Chapel after the Billboard Music Awards.

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Thereafter, they had another, more formal ceremony in France in June 2019. The pair are now expecting their first baby.

Image: Instagram / Joe Jonas