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In Guys

Bride shocks groom with surprise wedding

January 30, 2020 No Comments

Sometimes, a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do. After a 6-year long engagement, this Canadian bride decided to take matters into her own hands and surprise her husband-to-be with a wedding.

Nicole Arnett and Daniel Knowlton from British Columbia, Canada, first became engaged in 2014. Since then, they’ve gone back and forth on what they wanted their wedding to be.

“We talked about so many different ideas and for one reason or another it never felt quite right when we got down to confirming it, or something happened and we pivoted away from the idea,” she explains. “We realised we didn’t actually want a wedding, which is why we put it off; we just wanted to be married to each other which were two very different things in our mind.”

The couple traditionally host an annual New Year’s Day beach party, and Arnett’s birthday is two days later so she figured this would be the perfect time to tie the knot since their friends and family would already be present. Within two weeks, she was able to plan the entire ceremony for less than $3 000 (about R40 000) – with the groom-to-be none the wiser.

“I never for a second worried that Daniel wouldn’t love this or be up for it,” she said. “I booked our wedding commissioner, which was necessary, booked a caterer and told Daniel, ‘I don’t want to be the one cooking today. It’s my 40th birthday the next day, so I’m just going to do this,’ and I just blamed anything out of the ordinary on that. I already had the dress from a friend’s wedding.”

“We just wanted to keep it [the wedding] really simple and unique to us so that was how I came up with: one, the surprise and two, making it a part of our favourite day of the year anyway, which felt very special and intimate.”

One New Year’s Day 2020, 35 of the couple’s closest friends and family gathered together on Bonnie Brook beach to celebrate love.

“I got up and said how happy I was that everyone was there and that I had a long to-do list this year for resolutions, and there was something that Daniel and I had been meaning to do for a long time but we’d never got around to, which was get married,” she explains. “He’d been filming me, and he just dropped his phone and he’s just staring at me with his mouth hanging open.”

After a quick outfit change, Arnett and Knowlton said ‘I do’ in front of their loved ones. Following their vow exchange, their guests serenaded them with Beatles ‘When I’m 64,’ and promptly sprang into the ocean.

Congrats to the happy couple!

Feature image: Instagram / daniel_d_knowlton

In Destination

Why do we go on honeymoon?

January 30, 2020 No Comments

First comes love, then comes marriage. Then comes an awesome week-long honeymoon in Greece that eventually results in a baby in a baby carriage.

Almost every newlywed couple today goes on honeymoon, whether its a staycation or overseas trip. The term as we know it today refers to an often costly post-wedding trip newly married couples take together to celebrate their nuptials. But, as with everything else in weddings, this term has an interesting history.

According to the New York Post, the concept of a honeymoon can be dated back to the 5th century. The word ‘honeymoon’ derives from the old english ‘honey moone’. In these times, moon cycles were a measurement of time that typically lasted a month. After a wedding, couples were gifted with a moon cycle’s worth of mead, an alcoholic beverage created by fermenting honey with water, and sometimes various fruits, spices, grains, or hops. This mead was meant to keep the couple happy, and also symbolised the sweetness of marriage. Mead was also said to be an aphrodisiac, so couples were encouraged to consume all of it within the moon cycle to heighten their sexual appetite and encourage fertility.

In 19th century England, newlyweds celebrated their honeymoon by going on a bridal tour to visit family and friends who were not able to attend the wedding. It was only by the late 19th century that honeymoons became how we know them today.

Of course, with time, things change. Today, couples go on honeymoon for a relaxing and romantic break together to ring in their commitment. This is considered the ‘honeymoon period’ when the couples is at their most loved-up.

Planning a honeymoon? Make sure to avoid these mistakes.

Feature image: Pexels

In Decor

A magical Harry Potter-themed wedding

January 30, 2020 No Comments

This is one wedding theme that’s sure to charm you. Carissa Rumps of Wild Rumpus Photography worked with a host of talented photographers and vendors to create a styled wedding photoshoot bringing the magical world of Harry Potter to life. From a real-life Hedwig to a Butterbeer cocktail, we solemnly swear that you will love it.

The whimsical shoot is an ode to a childhood favourite much loved by many. Potter-heads will recognise various references like a look-alike Hogwarts Express train, a sorting hat-esque cake, a live owl and of course, a Griffindor inspired colour scheme of reds and golds. Take a look at these stunning shots.

Images from vendors: Wild Rumpus Collective, Crystal Vision Events, Liza Spurlock Photography, Write This Way Calligraphy.

Feature image: Instagram / Crystal Vision events

In Destination

Get married for free in this luxury department store

January 29, 2020 No Comments

Take your love of shopping to new heights by literally getting married in a luxury London-based department store.

Luxury department store Fortnum & Mason is one of London’s most iconic landmarks. After its 313 years of business, they are now offering couples the chance to say their ‘I do’s’ in their store.

The exclusive offer is running for the month of February only in honour of Valentines Day. Couples can get married in their newly erected pop-up ‘Chapel of Love’ for free. The chapel instillation will feature the iconic Fortnum’s clock, illuminated stained-glass windows and a chiming wedding bell, as well as a neon pink ‘Chapel of Love’ sign.

The 14-metre installation will be on the lower ground floor of the department store, and is also a perfect place to propose.

“For us, Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance – we want all of our customers to share in the joy-giving gifts and unforgettable experiences that Fortnum’s has become synonymous with,” explains Fortnum & Mason’s customer experience director Zia Zareem-Slade. “That’s why, this year, we are celebrating our friends, loved ones and everything in-between by launching The Chapel of Love.”

“We hope this will bring joy to all of our customers, no matter who they love this February.”

Those wanting to get married here will have to book ahead of time and will have to obtain a marriage licence and a registrar beforehand.

The chapel is also open to the public, so anyone may swing by and capture some cute images.

Feature image: Instagram / Fortnum & Mason

In News

Bride tells redhead bridesmaid to colour hair for wedding

January 29, 2020 No Comments

An anonymous bride was criticised on social platform Reddit for allegedly asking her redhead bridesmaid to colour her hair for the wedding, as it would “clash with the colour cheme,” according to Fox News. The wedding supposedly had a royal blue and green colour scheme.

The bride, reportedly from Australia, posted that she had asked her bridesmaid, Ella -who is also her cousin- to either dye her hair or conceal it with a wig, but Ella refused. In the post, the bride asked people if they thought she was in the wrong. Many users commented saying her request was ‘ridiculous’ and that Ella was right to refuse.

The thread also landed in a Facebook group called That’s It, I’m wedding Shaming, with many members saying the bride is ‘insecure’ and scared that her cousin will steal the attention. “This is 100 percent the cousin being prettier than [the bride] and [the bride] wanting to change the cousin’s appearance to feed her own inferiority complex,” someone commented.

“Absolutely. Think how gorgeous a redhead would look in that colour scheme,” another added.

In the end, though, rumour has it that the two came to an agreement that Ella would keep her natural red hair just the way it is, but have an up-do so as not to come across too strong. Make of that what you will!

Image: Pixabay

In Emotional

Stunning underwater wedding photography makes waves

January 28, 2020 No Comments

A memorable image will live on forever, and this one is pretty magical. This couple combined their love for each other and the water to create a breathtaking underwater image.

Photographer Kimber Greenwood captured a stunning image of newlyweds still in their wedding attire kissing underwater at Kelly Springs in Apopka, Florida. Of the image, Greenwood says, “This is a two image composite. The current was intense so my assistant was holding me in place! I love underwater portrait work and this session was a dream come true!”

The image quickly made waves, and was even given an honourable mention in the Underwater Art category at the Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition.

Another shot from the photography session. Credit: Kimber Greenwood

Greenwood must have found a passion for underwater photography. She also offers underwater maternity shoots!

Feature image: Unsplash

In Celebs

Inside Demi-Leigh and Tim Tebow’s wedding

January 28, 2020 No Comments

It’s been one week since Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters and Tim Tebow tied the knot, and they’re letting us in on their big day. Both shared a beautiful 5 minute video showing fans an inside look into their nuptials.

“Happy one week anniversary @timtebow !Its still surreal that I get to call you husband ?The song you’re listening to in this video, “Pennsylvania by Matthew Mole,” was our first dance song. @matthewmole wrote and was so kind to perform our first dance song live at our wedding. Thank you for capturing Tim and I’s love story in your music and giving us another way of holding on to so many beautiful memories. Full song now available for download. Visit the link in my bio!” Demi-Leigh captured the video.

Watch the video below:

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B70O8Hkh-bX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The pair got married at the La Paris Estate in Franschhoek on January 20, 2020. South African celebrity wedding planner Zavion Khotze organised the day. The former Miss Universe wore an off-the-shoulder cowl-neck dress by Davids Bridal. Demi-Leigh’s favourite performer, Matthew Mole, performed his original song “Pennsylvania” for their first dance.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7oMECWBgFd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Demi-Leigh also shared a tutorial on how to achieve her beautiful wedding look.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/B7vNr-UhjTO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Feature image: Instagram / Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

In Advice

Paris Haute Couture Fashion week 2020 Bridal looks

January 24, 2020 No Comments

Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week is in full swing, showcasing the best and brightest of Parisian designs. Mainstream fashion trends are born from the runway, so where better to look for some inspiration? From Givenchy to Elie Saab, stunning bridal looks ended the fashion shows in style.

All of these bridal looks, while unique, seem to follow a pattern of big and bold. Designers are offering up full skirts and textured detail.

Here are some of the standout gowns from the runway.

Feature image: Instagram / Fashion to Max

In Advice

Win top of the range scents at Oakfield Bridal Expo

January 24, 2020 No Comments

Every bride deserves to have her dream wedding. Oakfield Farm Wedding Venue is renowned for slick co-ordination, and the two Bridal Expos hosted at Oakfield Farm in January and June each year continue to celebrate their uniqueness, upholding both an easy-going vibe enhanced by the exceptional quality of exhibitors; the elegant grandeur of its existence and of course the proficiency of Oakfield’s friendly staff members. Couples get to meet SA’s leading wedding specialists in the beautiful and romantic gardens of this sought after wedding venue.

Add to that, no expo is complete without great food and entertainment. Various food trucks and vendors and live entertainment will be available in the sought after gardens at the venue.

Wedding Album will be there at stall BB B54 with indulgent products and amazing competitions. Four visitors could stand a chance to win top of the range scents from Women’Secret Seduction Hampers (Rose Seduction and Gold Seduction 100ml) as well as Women’Secret EAU Hampers (3x Eau 100ml). Be sure to come pop in, as there will also be loads of free samples to try.

Seduction range:

EAU Range:

Meet over 180 Top SA Wedding Specialists, and attend a spectacular free Fashion Show at 3 pm with fun prizes to be won. This bridal event is guaranteed to leave you feeling inspired and ready to plan your perfect day!

The Oakfield Bridal Expo will be held January 25 and 26, 2020 at the Oakfield Farm. Tickets are available from Computicket beforehand or at the gate on the day.

Feature image: Supplied

In Celebs

Pamela Anderson ties the knot for the fifth time

January 23, 2020 No Comments

Iconic beach babe Pamela Anderson is a married woman! After dating 30 years ago, the Baywatch actress recently tied the knot with her ex, producer Jon Peters, in a private Malibu ceremony on January 20.

Anderson and Peters first met in the mid 1980s at the Playboy mansion when Anderson was 19 years old. Peters reportedly funded acting, dancing and singing lessons for the star during the very early stages of her career. The couple dated for a while and Peters even proposed but Anderson declined, citing their 22-year age difference as the main reason. He tells The Hollywood Reporter that he said to her, “In 30 years, our age difference won’t mean so much.”

This is the fifth marriage for both Anderson and Peters. Anderson married Tommy Lee in 1995 but divorced in 1998. She married second husband Kid Rock in 2006 but they split a year later. Third husband Rick Salomon came in 2007 but their marriage was annulled in 2008. She then remarried Salomon in 2014 but they split again in 2015.

The couple are incredibly private, and have very few photos together.

Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter, Peters said, “Pamela has never seen her full potential as an artist. She has yet to shine in a real way. There is much more to her than meets the eye, or I wouldn’t love her so much. There are beautiful girls everywhere. I could have my pick, but – for 35 years – I’ve only wanted Pamela. She makes me wild – in a good way. She inspires me. I protect her and treat her the way she deserves to be treated.”

Anderson shared a poem she wrote in dedication to Peters with The Hollywood Reporter.

“Jon is the original ‘bad boy’ of Hollywood –
no one compares –
I love him deeply like family.
His life used to scare me.
So much for a girl like me.
Now I’ve seen more of life
and realize ..
He’s been there all along.
Never failed me –
I’m ready now
and
he’s ready too –
We
understand
and respect each other –
We love each other
without conditions. –
I’m a lucky woman. –
Proof
God has a plan”

Feature image: Instagram / Pamela Anderson