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In News

Rafael Nadal weds childhood sweetheart

October 22, 2019 No Comments

World-famous tennis player Rafael Nadal got hitched this weekend and his bride followed what seems to be the latest trend among the rich and royal: She wore two wedding dresses.

The sport star’s girlfriend of 14 years, Mery Perello, looked absolutely gorgeous in a long sleeved gown designed by Rosa Clara for their ceremony. Her second dress (by the same designer), supposedly worn to the reception, strongly resembles the halter neck worn by the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle to her own reception.

The couple was married on the Spanish island of Majorca this past weekend. As well as images of the first wedding dress, a sketch of the second dress was released. The first dress had an intricate lace bodice, and Clara described to Hello! that is was “made of beautiful Art Deco-inspired French lace with delicate patterning, flower motifs and microbeading on the meticulously hand-embroidered fabric. The ballgown-style skirt, made of silk crepe, featured a weightless detachable train.”

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Rafael Nadal wed his childhood sweetheart Maria Perello and just look at that view… The venue is nice too! Check out all the details on EVOKE.ie ? Rosa Clara

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The second dress was just as elegant but more form-fitting and had an open back. It also featured embellishments all over, giving a sultry, glamorous look.

The wedding venue was no less exquisite than the dresses, being held at a 17th-century fortress known as La Fortaleza. Surrounded by ocean views, it served as both the ceremony and reception venue. It’s obviously perfect for pictures, and we can’t wait until the official photos are released.

Picture: Hello!

In News

The 60-year engagement

October 22, 2019 No Comments

An Australian couple tied the knot this weekend, 60 years after they first got engaged, proving that love never truly dies.

Tom Susans, 87, and Judith Beston, 80, first met in 1957 at a Brisbane-based teachers training college and within two years they became engaged. At the time, however, the marriage was not meant to be. In 1959, Tom started a teaching job in Beaudesert, Queensland while Judith moved back home to Redcliffe, Brisbane with the intention of them getting married and starting their life there. Her family, however, were not supportive of the engagement.

“I thought ‘this is good, I can get married here and Mum can help me a bit’, but at home it was really difficult,” Judith told ABC news.

“Mum didn’t want Tom involved; she thought he was much too old for me.”

Familial pressure turned out to be too much for Judith, causing her to move to New Zealand where she began teaching, got married and raised seven children.

“She just disappeared,” Tom said. “I didn’t know where she was; I couldn’t find her anywhere in Australia. I thought she was dead.”

Tom kept the engagement and wedding rings, placing it in a wooden cabinet for safe keeping, They would remain in this cabinet for 60 years.

Tom also moved on. He eventually moved back to central Queensland, married a fellow teacher, and raised four girls.

Despite moving on, however, Tom never lost hope that he and Judith would be reunited. He would search for her at every one of their University’s reunions, but she never attended them. He gave up, eventually, and stopped seeking her out. He was then surprised to find that she was at the 50 year reunion, and immediately called her.

The pair reunited in 2009 at another reunion, but despite keeping in touch through Christmas cards, their relationship did not progress.

It was only after Tom’s wife passed on, and Judith had been widowed for a long time, that they began to explore their relationship again.

“The chance of us meeting each other and the chances of us picking up where we left off — we seem to be pretty compatible,” said Judith.

In April 2019 the couple met up face-to-face and holidayed together in Queensland. It was here that Tom proposed again.

“When he asked me to marry him, I said yes straightaway,” said Judith. “Normally I have to think about things for a while and sometimes I think about it long enough for it not to happen.”

They finally married in an intimate ceremony in October 2019, where Tom was finally able to place the long-kept wedding ring on Judith’s finger.

“I thought after 60 years, it was about time she had it back — and it fitted,” said Tom.

Picture: ABC News

In News

Couple shoots wedding pictures at dumping site

October 21, 2019 No Comments

A couple in Russia had their wedding pictures taken in gas masks at an illegal chemical waste dump as an attempt to create awareness about toxic waste.

The activists, Victoria Menshikova and Oleg Kabanov, say they do not belong to any specific organisation or group, but feel strongly that environmental pollution affects everyone, according to W24. The couple wanted to show people that if we are not more conscious about the way we treat waste, soon everywhere will just be one big landfill.

According to the groom, a chemical waste landfill on the outskirts of Ryazan appeared around 10 years ago and has continued to operate despite a court ordering the site’s closure in 2011.

In August, a fire even started at the site, proving that these toxic sites are posing a threat to nature and humans. As reported by The Moscow Times, there are almost 11,000 landfills and 40,000 garbage dumps in urban areas, protected forests and rural regions in Russia. The country’s landfills are in fact reportedly at risk of a “catastrophic overflow.”

In light of this, many view the couple’s decision as heroic and an important step towards a greener future.

Pictures: W24

In News

The meaning behind ‘something old, new, borrowed and blue’

October 21, 2019 No Comments

“Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue”. This wedding charm is a tradition that has been followed many betrothed couples for decades. Brides traditionally incorporate this tradition into their bridal attire, wearing something old, new, borrowed, and blue, typically obtained from loved ones. But where does this tradition come from, and why do we still do it today?

The tradition began in the Victorian era as an English rhyme. Originally it went, “Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, A Sixpence in your Shoe”. The final part of the rhyme is typically a British custom only, and thus largely omitted from the saying.

Each object is meant to bring the couple good luck on their wedding day and encourage a successful marriage.

Something Old:

Brides were traditionally required to incorporate something old into their bridal attire to ward off evil. In the olden times, brides traditionally wore an undergarment of a woman that had already bore children as their something old. Doing this was meant to confuse the Evil Eye, who was said to cause infertility. Through this, the Evil Eye was tricked into thinking the bride was already fertile, thus leaving her alone.

However, the more favoured meaning is that of continuity. By incorporating something old, brides carry with them something sentimental from their past.

Typically, brides opt for heirlooms to represent their something old.

Something New:

As the betrothed begin their new life as a married couple, the something new acts as a symbol of optimism for the future.

This is the easiest and most straight-forward element to incorporate, as it can literally be anything. The easiest is to have jewellery or the wedding dress itself stand for the something new, as those will most likely be purchased brand new.

Something Borrowed:

Something borrowed works to bring the couple good luck on their wedding day and their marriage. Traditionally, couples are meant to borrow something from a close friend or relative that is already married and ideally has children. This way, the luck of the happily married person will rub off on the newlyweds, thus starting the marriage off on a positive note.

As with the something old, brides were encouraged to borrow the undergarments of a close relative or friend as a positive sign of fertility.

Nowadays, couples generally borrow things of significance from friends or family. Once again, it can be anything, from accessories to shoes.

Something Blue:

Blue is said to represent purity, love and fidelity, and as such has become a highly symbolic colour for weddings. It also has the bonus of warding off the Evil Eye, according to legend.

Traditionally, brides incorporated their something blue into their garters. However, today brides can use blue in any aspect of their wedding attire to get the same effect.

The “Sixpence in your shoe” part of the rhyme typically refers to British custom, in which a bride places a sixpence coin inside their shoe for good luck and prosperity.

Picture: Unsplash

In News

Everything you want to know about Jennifer Lawrence’s wedding

October 21, 2019 No Comments

Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence married art dealer Cooke Maroney on Saturday at a celeb studded ceremony on Rhode Island in New York. According to People, the beaming bride’s gorgeous gown was designed by Dior, her favourite fashion house.

She kept it simple yet stunning in this soft peach coloured satin dress with floral detail on the skirt. The actress is yet to release more wedding pictures but it’s obvious that she was striking. Not laden with heavy jewellery or a prim updo, she looked natural and absolutely radiant.

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Jennifer Lawrence and Cooke Maroney Tie the Knot in Rhode Island Wedding #jenniferlawrence #cookemaroney #wedding #celebritywedding #rhodeisland

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Cameron Diaz, Sienna Miller and Adele were among the guests at this glamorous affair. The Belcourt at Newport is a mansion, loved by many for it’s classic feel and beauty.

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Jennifer called Cooke “the greatest human being I’ve ever met” earlier this year on Catt Sadler’s podcast Naked with Catt Sadler. “I don’t know, I started with the basics,” the actress continued, when asked why she chose to marry him. “‘How do I feel? Is he nice? Is he kind?’ It’s just — this is the one, I know that sounds really stupid but he’s just, he’s — you know. He’s the greatest person I’ve ever met, so I feel very honoured to become a Maroney.”

The two lovebirds have been in a relationship since 2018 and got engaged in February of this year.

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I’m officially breaking my theme to post this adorable (and pap photo sorry) of Jen and Cooke, who are now rumored/ confirmed to be engaged! Jennifer’s rep confirmed to E News as well as many other sites that they had in fact got engaged recently and that they have celebrated and Jen is extremely happy to have a Fiancé. At first I wasn’t sure what to feel, amongst surprise and unsureness I found happiness, and I am now over the moon for the two of them! I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Cooke and my baby Jen. I love you. #jenniferlawrence #cookemaroney #jennifercooke #jenniferandcooke #jlaw #jenlaw #jenniferlawrenceengaged #engagementring #marriage #cookifer #couple #celebritycouple #celebrityengagement #jlawengaged #jlawmarried #jenniferlawrencemarried #jenniferlawrencecookemaroney #twocuties #baby #ring #wedding #loml #goodluck #congratulations @cookemaroney @lauragram

A post shared by Jennifer Lawrence- JLaw (@jenniferlawrence_) on Feb 6, 2019 at 12:08am PST

According to Metro, the day’s menu was sublime and we expected nothing less. The canapes that were served up included cod beignet, sweet potato flat cakes, brussels sprouts with cured egg yolk and smoked pork belly with pickled apple. The main course was just as fancy with wood-roasted fish with herbs and lemon-infused butter and five-week-aged leg of beef with foragers sauce on the menu. And, of course, there was dessert with fire-baked sourdough bread pudding with chocolate, salted caramel and fresh apple, cauldron fritters with bourbon cream and cinnamon sugar and homemade s’mores for dessert. Sounds like a party to us.

Picture: BBC

In News

Couple gets surprised with their own wedding

October 18, 2019 No Comments

A Pretoria couple couldn’t believe their luck when their friends and family got together and arranged a surprise wedding for them.

Nompumelelo Somdaka-Ndesi (28) and Nkosiphendulo Ndesi (32) got engaged in 2018.

“When she said ‘yes’ I was over the moon. We had built a solid friendship over the years. We were able to sit down and talk about real-life issues and I would have done anything to be with her. But the challenge is that I was broke at the time,” Nkosiphendulo told W24.

The church they both regularly attended decided to take matters in their own hands. This is how it all went down:

One morning after the church service, Nompumelelo went to her friend’s place for a visit.

“When I got there, I was surprised to see a wedding dress, shoes, a wig and a make-artist. I was shocked when my friend told me that it was all for me and the church had been planning the surprise wedding for a while. Everything fit and the wig was beautiful,” exclaimed Nompumelelo.

Meanwhile, Nkosiphendulo was surprised by another fellow church member with a suit and shoes. They were asked for their sizes separately before the day and had not picked up any hints at the time. The couple was then driven back to church separately and arrived to find a beautifully decorated church hall.

Poor Nkosiphendulo’s first thought was wondering how he was ever going to pay for it all.

Nompumelelo, in turn, was afraid of how her family would react to the suprise. “But, when they saw me in that white dress, I could see happiness in their faces.” Both the couple’s parents were invited.

The couple said that they had the time of their life, and are forever thankful to their church community who made this dream come true for them.

Picture: W24

In News

Breast cancer survivor gifted free wedding

October 18, 2019 No Comments

This Colorado-based bride was blessed with a free wedding after surviving her battle with breast cancer, proving that there is still kindness in humanity.

Sabrina Blosky’s world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with breast cancer just before her 27th birthday in April 2016.

“When I got the news, obviously, it was like a kick in the stomach,” Blosky told 9 News. “I was like, ‘No way, I’m too young. There’s no way that’s ever a possibility.’ As much as I hate to admit it, I didn’t want to be afraid. But I think that’s just the nature of the beast.”

Her battle with breast cancer deeply affected her confidence. As a result of all the surgeries and treatments she had to endure, Blosky says she stuggled to see her beauty.

Her now-husband, Rex, a Retired US Marine, has been her greatest support thoughout her cancer journey, and always reminded her how beautiful she is.

“Rex always made me feel so pretty all the time,” she said. “So I was like, ‘OK, nothing’s wrong with me. I’ll go to the grocery store bald.”

The became engaged in March 2017. Watch the video of their enagement here:

Blosky recently completed her final treatment, and to honour her journey, The Wedding Pink gifted her with a free wedding.

The Wedding Pink is an annual wedding giveaway package presented to a couple whose lives have been recently touched by breast cancer. Held annually in Colorado, USA, one deserving couple wins a wedding to the value of $40 000.

The purpose behind the organisation, founded by fellow breast cancer survivor Sheryl Ungar, is to present a silver lining to couples that have been through the extremely rough battle with this disease.

“I know what all these young women are going through and it’s just a hard time in your life,” Ungar said. “I mean, it’s probably the one time in you life where you just look at yourself in the mirror and it doesn’t look like you.”

Ungar works with a team of wedding vendors in Colorado who have generously donated their services and products to give one couple a year a spectacular wedding in Colorado.

“It’s just really a way to let these couples start their life off,” Ungar said. “It’s a new life. You’re done with cancer, you’re well and now this is a beautiful marriage. You’re starting over with this beautiful life and we’re just sort of giving them that start.”

Sabrina and Rex were chosen as the 2019 recipients, and married on October 17 at the Spruce Mountain Ranch in Colorado.

Picture: Instagram / Cheryl Ungar

In Gifts

SA couple foregoes wedding gifts for student debt donations

October 17, 2019 No Comments

A South African couple forewent tradition by requesting financial donations to help pay off Rhodes University students’ fee debts instead of wedding gifts when they got married earlier this month.

James Rycroft and Toni Parsons are both Rhodes alumni. They each received a one-year bursary award from the English Olympiad and both went on to read for a Bachelor of Arts degree with English as a major, which is how they met in 2001.

“We lost touch after graduating and it was through Facebook that we reconnected. We met again in 2016 through our dear friend Natasha, and got engaged in 2018 in Esizindeni, near Coffee Bay, during our December cross-country road trip,” they said.

The couple got married in Southbroom on the Kwa-Zulu Natal south coast at the beginning of October 2019.

The couple spoke to their alma mater to explain that their request for financial aid for students was inspired by a fellow old Rhodian and friend, Natasha Joseph, who has been running an annual call for contributions to clear students’ fee accounts since 2017.

“Earning a degree is often a key life moment for a young person and we felt strongly about directing our community resources to helping a few young people at the university to graduate,” said James.

Toni added: “We believe that earning a degree should not be inhibited by your [in]ability to pay. A degree from a quality institution like Rhodes University can lead to serious opportunities when you enter the world of work. The contributions made by our community are intended in that spirit – to help those students who are unable to graduate, not because they did not meet academic standards, but because they were unable to raise the cash.”

Rhodes University Vice Chancellor, Dr Sizwe Mabizela accepted the couple’s gift and thanked them in a letter with these words.

“This has impacted me deeply. It proves, once again, the calibre and well-roundedness of our graduates. At a time when young couples would normally and naturally only think of their own comfort and improving their lives, they have both actioned a social purpose and are living proof of our alumni.”

Picture: Rhodes University

In News

Bride has symbolic solo photoshoot after cancelling wedding

October 15, 2019 No Comments

An American bride’s story has gone viral on social media after she cancelled her wedding but still had her wedding photoshoot. Her story has inspired many and has become an important symbol for choosing your own happiness first.

Chandley Brelsford from Reno, Nevada, took to Facebook to write a moving message that explains why she cancelled her June 8 wedding. Three weeks before her big day, she realised that she was not happy and that her fiancé was not the right man for her.

“The man I had fallen in love with was not the man I could call my husband. And it has shaken my character to its very core.” she writes. “The life I so desperately wanted to live with him was never going to exist. Our marriage would not be peaceful, supportive, and loving and it took 4 years for me to realize that this man was not right for me.”

When she first began dating her partner, she feel like the most special woman in the world. She viewed the relationship through rose-tinted glasses, ignoring multiple warning signs. She began making many sacrifices and dedicated most of her time to making the relationship work.

“I started my freshman year of college in Reno, but drove back to Sacramento every weekend to see him. He had told me he wouldn’t do long-distance, so I kept jobs close to his home and worked on the weekends. Every week, I would go to class and finish all my homework in Reno, then drive 2.5 hours over the mountains to work my shifts and see him. I would clean his home and buy our groceries. I would meal prep all our lunches for the week as well as any miscellaneous tasks that he asked of me. He would become very angry if I forgot little things, so I tried my best to do everything to his specifications. I wanted to prove how serious I was.”

She began walking on eggshells, dedicating every free moment to making sure her partner would not get mad at her. Brelsford also isolated herself from her friends, and gave up many of her dreams to accompany his wishes.

Their engagement was a happy moment, one she thought would improve things. However, nothing changed.

“My life was so perfect on the outside, but inside the depression was beginning to consume me.”

She decided to cancel the wedding after a particularly large fight broke out that took her to a dark place.

On the date that she was meant to get married, she put on her wedding dress and had her pre-scheduled wedding photoshoot by herself, in a symbol of choosing herself.

She appears much more happy and confident.
Credit: Facebook / Chandley Brelsford

Instead of saving money for a honeymoon, she is saving money for grad school Credit: Facebook / Chandley Brelsford

“To all the women out there, no one is worth sacrificing what you hold dear. It doesn’t matter if he is good-looking or willing to spend money on you or promises you the whole world; if he does not show you respect now, then he never will. Love is blind.”

“Every person is deserving of a love that sets their soul on fire, as well as provides a place to rest when weary. This world is harsh sometimes, so hold onto those who are kind to you. For now, I will be focusing on myself, my goals, my faith, and my family and friends. I might be ready to get married again… some day, but not today.”

Read her inspiring message here:

Picture: Facebook / Chandley Brelsford

In News

Bride stuns wedding guests with 63kg weight loss

October 14, 2019 No Comments

A welsh bride lost 63kg for her wedding day, stunning her wedding guests with her incredible physical transformation.

Claire Williams (44) from Wales has battled with her weight for the majority of her life.
Speaking to Fabulous Digital, she said, “I was a chunky child and in my early 20s I was about a size 14 which was fine. But I just got bigger and bigger. Any food I could find I’d put in my mouth.”

“I would eat a stupid amount of bread – almost a loaf a day. I’d have it with every single meal of the day. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, too.”

At her heaviest, she weighed 125kg. Her weight began to negatively affect her life in many ways.

“I was beginning to suffer with my mobility. When I got on a plane I sat in my seat the whole journey without moving once – terrified if I undid my seat belt I’d never do it up again.”

At her heaviest she weighed 125kgs. Credit: Facebook

When she met her now-husband Matthew in 2013, however, everything changed.

“Matthew loved me unconditionally. He met me when I was fat and he got a lot of stick. People asked him why he was going out with a fat lass like me.”

Matthew received lots of criticism for dating her, which is what made things truly change for her. She decided to embark on a weight-loss journey, this time sticking to it because she knew she had the full support of her partner.

“Having such a wonderful partner who loves you unconditionally is amazing. If it wasn’t for him, I’d not be the healthy and happy woman I am today.”

With his support, she joined a Slimming World group, a UK-based weight loss organisation. The group members quickly became family to her during her weight loss journey, so much so that she even asked her consultant to be one of her bridesmaids.

Through this programme, Williams lost a dramatic 63kg, almost half her body weight. She now feels full of energy, and has a renewed confidence. Her weight loss also had another important effect. As she lost the weight, she discovered a prominent lump in her stomach that turned out to be a tumour. She had the non-cancerous tumour removed, and feels lucky that her weight loss helped her discover the tumour.

“It’s shocking to think I had something that big in my stomach and I had no idea.”

She confidently walked down the aisle on her wedding day, stunning guests with her transformation.

“I did feel truly amazing on my wedding day. Walking down the aisle felt wonderful. Matthew did nothing but tell me how beautiful I was and the whole day was fantastic,” she said.

She looked confident and happy on her wedding day. Credit: Facebook

Picture: Facebook