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    Vikings are not only a thing of the past. There are many modern-day Vikings today across the world, many of whom still uphold the traditions of yesteryear. One such Scottish man decided to honour his heritage by tying the knot in full Norse regalia

    Dwayne Davies from the Shetland village of Brae is a modern-day Viking. He can reportedly trace his DNA all the way back to the 9th Century and the Norwegian king, Harald Fairhair. Davies is particularly proud of this heritage and decided to honour it in his wedding to his bride, Ashley.

    “I can trace my heritage back on my mother, Diane Johnston’s, side. My dad, Peter, is Welsh and came to work in Shetland, met mum and they married. But living on the islands has always made me hanker after my Viking ancestors,” Davies told Daily Record. “I have been fascinated by the Vikings on Shetland ever since I can remember. Their blood runs through my veins, so much so, that our wedding had to be a Norse one.”

    For his big day, he made his own leather armoury and cut and stitched the breastplate by hand. He also carved Norse engravings into the breastplate. His hair was styled in ancient Norse plaits.

    Their wedding day also followed Norse tradition, including a fiery torch parade and cake-cutting with a sword. Every table was named after Viking invasions of England.

    Feature image: Unsplash

    Weddings are long, all-day events and it’s best to be comfortable. Instead of struggling in a pair of sky-high heels, why not stay grounded in a cool pair of sneakers? Converse is making it so much easier with their latest collection, a range of wedding sneakers.

    The sneakers come in both high top and low top versions in white black and metallic colour ways, and can be customised with your name and wedding date.

    “Constructed with the latest and most innovative shoe technologies, Converse are built for all-day wear, so you can dance late into your wedding night in complete comfort,” reads the Converse website. ” Say ‘I do’ in style and pick the silhouette that is best suited for your big day with low and high top styles or get some added height with our women’s platform silhouette.”

    “From white wedding sneakers to sneakers that shine and shimmer, choose from a great selection to dress everyone from the bride and groom to bridesmaids and groomsmen. Want something uniquely your own? Customise a pair of custom wedding sneakers with Converse by You.”

    Here are a few of the sneakers available for purchase:

    Credit: Converse.com
    Credit: Converse.com
    Credit: Converse.com

    Unfortunately, the shoes are currently only available in US.

    Also read: Flat wedding shoes: Yes you can

    Feature image: Converse.com

     

    One of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines is on the brink of erupting and authorities have urged a “total evacuation” after volcanic ash spewed from Taal volcano on Sunday, January 12. One couple, however, went ahead with their wedding plans close by the volcano despite concerns.

    Chino Vaflor and Kat Bautista Palomar had planned their wedding at a venue only 10km from Taal volcano long before threats were a reality. However, the day of their wedding, the volcano began spewing steam and ash into the air. The couple were unaware of the volcanic threat prior to the wedding.

    “We noticed white smoke coming out of Taal during preparations around 2pm and from then on we knew something unusual was already going on with the volcano,” wedding photographer Randolf Evan told the BBC.

    Later on Sunday, people within a 14km radius were told to evacuate the area as an explosive eruption was expected within a few hours. However, this couple chose not to evacuate their wedding, saying they were “definitely safe as the venue was on higher ground and not directly around the volcano’s vicinity”.

    “Surprisingly everyone was calm and relaxed. It was an intimate wedding so guests were mostly the couple’s family and close friends, and thus nobody really left.”

    “We could feel the ash raining on our clothes,” said Evan. “But it didn’t feel alarming until night time came when it became a bit heavier and mud-like.”

    The wedding went ahead, and guests shared dramatic images of the wedding venue with a crowd of smoke hanging in the air behind them.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7OGxprn6Dd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Despite this safety concern, Evans feels incredibly lucky to have experienced this moment.

    “It’s a mixture of thrill and sheer amazement on how it has unfolded for us. In the end, I’m just grateful to have experienced such a unique moment in my career.”

    Couples planning their wedding close to safety hazards such as active volcanoes are urged to exercise caution as ingesting volcanic ash is hazardous and can cause respiratory problems. Make sure to centre the health of your guests, your wedding vendors and yourself before going ahead with a wedding.

    Feature image: Facebook / Randolf Evans

    US filmmaker Lee Loechler is the man of many a Disney-lover’s dreams. He had a few tricks up his sleeve when he took his unsuspecting girlfriend, Sthuthi David, on a date to watch her favourite movie, Sleeping Beauty.

    A partner in crime filmed the two watching the movie, when suddenly the well-known scene of the prince about to kiss the princess changes into something quite unusual. First, the characters’ faces change to resemble Lee and Sthuthi, and then things take a different turn. Sthuthi looks confused, then the on-screen prince takes a ring box out of his pocket and throws it out of the screen for Lee to catch!

    “I love you with my whole heart, including all of its ventricles, atriums, valves… She’s a cardiologist,” he tells the crowd. “Sthuthi David, M.D., will you live happily ever after with me?” he asks.

    The rest, as they say, is history.

    Watch how the fairy tale unfolds:

    Picture: Twitter/360NG_Blog

    Pink and husband Carey Hart have not had the easiest relationship, but despite all odds they’ve made it work. The Hollywood couple recently celebrated their 14th wedding anniversary, and both took to social media to express their love.

    Along with a collage of photos from the years, Pink wrote a sweet message for her husband.

    “So many years, So many hairstyles @hartluck…..We’ve been at this thing a long time, babe. It isn’t perfect, but I’m grateful it’s ours. I love our family. Thank you for walking in front of me, beside me, and right behind me at times. ‘You’re a real man, carey hart.'”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7BrkPkpiqB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Hart shared the sentiments, posting his own tribute on his Instagram page.

    “14 years married to this amazing woman. I’m so proud of the life that we have built together,” he wrote. “Both of us came from broken homes, yet we made the choice to work hard at our relationship. And look at us now! Two misfits when we met, we have grown together and now have an amazing family. Thank you for being my best friend (I know you don’t like that), and amazing mother to our wild kids. I love you so much.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7BbiA0n4hq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Pink and Carey Hart married on January 7, 2006. They split up two years later for 11 months before reuniting. They have two children together, Willow Sage Hart, 8, and Jameson Moon Hart, 3.

    Congrats to the happy couple!

    Feature image: Instagram / P!nk

    Supermodel, entrepreneur and body activist Ashley Graham has been championing for the fashion industry to become more inclusive of plus-size women for years. Her latest collaboration with popular bridal line Pronovias seeks to make what is said to the happiest day of a woman’s life even better.

    Ashley Graham x Pronovias is a bridal line designed with all women in mind. A first-of-its-kind collaboration, Graham worked with Pronovias Chief Artistic Director Alessandra Rinaudo to create a varied collection of stunning bridal designs suited to all body types. The 16-piece capsule collection runs from size 0-34 and costs between $1,000 (R14 148) to $3,500 (R49 518) per dress. The dresses each include new, built-in shapewear and an integrated, supportive bra. The line will be available in early 2020 in Pronovias boutiques and partners across the globe.

    Graham herself knows the difficulties of wedding dress shopping. “From shopping for the perfect wedding dress to the big reveal on your special day, women should feel confident and empowered throughout the entire process,” she said in a press release. “When I shopped for my wedding dress 10 years ago, I had difficulty finding a style in my size that fit well and made me feel special.”

    In an Instagram post, Graham explains she had to compromise on her dream dress because there was simply nothing in the specific shape she wanted that would fit her.

    “I found a silhouette that I loved, but I had to accept major details I didn’t want because there was nothing in that shape that fit me. And it wasn’t even the right size! We ended up adding a panel to a size 10 dress off the rack so it would fit my 16 frame to make it work.”

    “Finding a dream dress is something I would have loved to experience! Andddd I want all of you to be able to have! I’m so excited to be partnering with @pronovias to create a bridal line for everyone. The collection runs from size 0-34 and there is something for any type of bride! There are so many different dresses for anyone from the classic bride to the ultra-glam bride and options with SLEEVES, which I love. By far my favorite part is that every dress has shapewear and bras built-in. I can’t WAIT for you guys to see the collection when it’s out this March! You shouldn’t have to compromise who you are because of what’s on the rack ????”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B6_x-69AOuK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7DlE27IS-p/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Here are some of the gowns from the collection:

    Credit: Pronovias
    Credit: Pronovias
    Credit: Pronovias
    Credit: Pronovias

    Feature image: Instagram / Pronovias

    Riverdale’s Vanessa Morgan, who plays Toni Topaz on the popular CW show, started the year on a high note by saying ‘I do’ to longterm boyfriend, professional baseball player Michael Kopech on January 4, 2020.

    The couple made the big commitment at the Historic Walton House in Homestead, Florida with an intimate ceremony of only 40 guests.

    Morgan stunned in a sheer high-necked, long sleeve beaded gown by Eisen-Stein Bridal, and Kopech wore a beige suit for the nuptials.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7BcVP1nPBt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    The couple began dating in mid-2018 after meeting through social media and became engaged on the Fourth of July 2019.

    “We both knew the first day we met that ‘this is it’ and I’m so excited that today officially starts our forever,” Morgan told E! News. “Today, I vowed to love my best friend for a lifetime and it was a day spent with those we love in a room filled with endless love. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with him.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7FYaCinDj5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Of course, the wedding was attended by Morgan’s Riverdale co-stars, including Skeet Ulrich, Drew Tanner, and Madelaine Petsch, who acted as one of her bridesmaids.

    Take a look at their stunning rustic glam wedding decor below:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7B35uhHT6f/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Feature image: Instagram

    The late Princess Diana’s niece, Lady Kitty Spencer, has recently become engaged to South African-born chairperson of Foschini Ltd, Michael Lewis. Lewis is also the founder of the Israeli biotech company ProChon Biotech Limited. Lewis, aged 61, has three children and Spencer, 29, will be his second wife.

    The businessman is estimated to be worth a whopping £80 million, but trusted sources say the pair are deeply in love and his wealth has nothing to do with the engagement. “Michael proposed to Kitty before Christmas,” a source told IOL. “She’s been in Cape Town for the holidays and told her mother and the rest of the family. Michael is loved by all of them. Despite his wealth, he’s very humble and low key.”

    Lady Spencer is a model and works with the world’s top fashion houses. In 2018, the cousin of Princes Harry and William was a featured model in Dolce & Gabbana’s Venetian spring/summer print campaign and walked in Dolce & Gabbana’s Secrets & Diamonds fashion show during 2018 Milan Fashion Week.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Lovely lady ••• #kittyspencer #ladydiana

    A post shared by Lady Kitty Spencer (@_kittyspencer) on

    We’re keeping our eyes peeled on any info on the dress, and wish the two a very happy marriage!

    Feature image: Facebook

    Deciding whether or not to take your partner’s last name per tradition is a choice every couple must make after getting married. It can be a tough decision, so why not leave it up to fate? That’s exactly what this unique couple did.

    Jeff Conley and Darcy Ward from Florida, left the decision up to chance by literally flipping a coin at their wedding. They had a gold medallion personalised to read Darcy’s surname on one side and Jeff’s on another. Whichever end landed face up would be the surname they would share.

    Speaking to The Palm Beach Post Jeff said, “It’s fair. I am a graduate student in economics at Florida State and I think about fairness.”

    Darcy agreed, adding, “Being with someone who was willing to start the marriage from a creative and fair place felt like a really good first step toward an equal partnership.”

    Upon the coin toss, the medallion landed with Darcy’s surname face up, officially making them Mr and Mrs Ward.

    The couple react after the coin toss. Credit: Charlotte Fristoe

    Jeff seems to be happy with the decision, saying, “You could say I won. I was the one who received something new.”

    Feature image: Unsplash

    Younger actress Hilary Duff, who recently tied the knot to Matthew Koma, shared some adorable pictures of their honeymoon in South Africa. After an intimate wedding ceremony, the pair took flight to the Kruger National Park and seem to be having a blast on their safari outings.

    “Honeymooning with my honey. Already seen the big 5 and had so many naps. Doesn’t get better than this….,” Duff posted on her Instagram.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Honeymooning with my honey. Already seen the big 5 and had so many naps. Doesn’t get better than this….

    A post shared by Hilary Duff (@hilaryduff) on

    Koma also shared some snaps, checking in to the Park saying that it’s “unreal”.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    This place is unreal…

    A post shared by Matthew Koma (@matthewkoma) on

    The couple has a one-year-old daughter, Banks, and Duff shares son Luca, 7, with ex-husband Mike Comrie.

    We hope SA steals their hearts!

    Also read: Inside Hilary Duff and Matthew Koma’s front yard wedding

    Image: Instagram/Hilary Duff