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    Who doesn’t love a good glow? For the last few years, highlighter has become a crucial makeup step for many beauty lovers. Show off those popping cheekbones with a shimmering streak of highlighter that will liven up your look on your big day.

    Highlighters come in a variety of shades to work for any skin tone. Whether you’re looking for a rose gold, pearl, golden or bronze finish, these tried and tested formulas will leave you looking like a glowing goddess. Here are our top picks:

    Wet n Wild Megaglo Highlighting Powder Blossom Glow – R64.95 from Clicks

    MAC Extra Dimension Skin Finish – R 495.00 from MAC South Africa

    NYX Professional Makeup Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator Pure Gold – R159.95 from Clicks

    Maybelline Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter – R 265 from Dischem

    Benefit High Beam Liquid Highlighter – R195 from Edgars

    Feature image: Unsplash

     

    As with many practices surrounding weddings, the groom cake comes from deeply rooted traditions. Beginning in the late 19th century in England this form of cake gained popularity across the world quite quickly.

    It started as a result of perceptions that the traditional wedding cake appeared much too feminine for the groom. As such, a special confectionary treat was made for the man. It was often a liquor-infused fruit cake.

    At the time the tradition started, a legend formed. The story goes that single women would take a piece of this cake home and put it under her pillow as she slept, in the hopes of dreaming about her future groom. Sleeping on a slice of cake doesn’t seem too appealing, but hey, perhaps it’s worth it for a glimpse into the coming years.

    These days the groom cake serves as a gift to the groom from his partner. They should have the cake made especially for him, ensuring that it incorporates his personality, interests, and favourite flavours. At the end of the wedding, the cake is cut up, boxed, and given to guests to take home.

    If you’re planning on getting your groom a special cake, here is some inspiration:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Lf6OgH63E/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7hzuF7BP6H/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7b6OlsA_bE/

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    https://www.instagram.com/p/Butr8RcnaQ1/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7RIt0CF06m/

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    https://www.instagram.com/p/ByeXrTHgxnl/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B59Sg4bhT4i/

    Image: Pixabay 

    The million dollar question! If you were in a serious relationship before dating your current partner, you might wonder how to go about it. You can’t deny that they were a significant part of your life, but you also don’t want to create unnecessary tension or make anyone uncomfortable, least of all yourself or your new partner.

    So, if it’s something you’re considering, it largely depends on a few factors. Keep these in mind when making your decision:

    Do you have a relaxed friendship with them? If so, and hopefully in that case they are friends with your current partner too, of course you should invite them. That probably means you broke up on good terms and have put the past behind you. We say go for it.

    If, however, things did not end on a good note and there is unfinished business, or unresolved feelings from their side (hopefully not from yours!), then it might be a no-go. You might think you are just being polite, but the truth is, you don’t owe them anything. Having them there might just create opportunity for a scene you don’t want.

    If they are the plus-one of an invited guest, but you did not actually plan on inviting your ex, discuss this with your partner and the invited guest. If it makes you or your spouse uncomfortable, you can talk to the guest and sensitively explain why you don’t think it’s a good idea. Any reasonable person would understand if they are made aware of the situation.

    Lastly, in which ever scenario you find yourself, avoid two things: Trying to make your ex jealous with your new partner, and disregarding your new partner’s feelings. If you’re trying to make anyone jealous, you might have to work on some issues and make sure you really are over your ex. Remember, your new life with your new partner should kick off with a happy start and if it would hurt them, we say don’t go there. It’s not worth it.

    Image: Unsplash

    Adored across the world, the Harry Potter franchise has inspired many. This couple loved the story of the boy who lived so much, they decided to incorporate it into their big day.

    Kim Dao and husband Eric from Sydney are huge Harry Potter fans. The pair got engaged at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Osaka, Japan back in 2018, and knew they wanted to continue this magical theme into their big day.

    “Initially, we wanted everything to be ‘Harry Potter’-themed, but as time went on, it turned more into a Western-style wedding with some ‘Harry Potter’ touches,” Dao told Insider.

    The wedding itself, held at Sydney’s Caversham House Hidden Gardens, was more traditional in style with smaller touches to represent their love for the film franchise. Their tables had floating candles just like the Hogwarts Great Hall, the menu had a tiny Hogwarts illustration and guests were given light-up wands.

    As a party favour, Kim andEric chose a small key in ode to the enchanted key from “Harry Potter and the Sorceror’s Stone”.

    The wedding cake featured a Deathly Hallows topper, as well as the word “always,” in reference to Severus Snape’s famous line about his love for Lily Potter.

    Taking things to the next level, the couple and their bridal party wowed the crowd with a choreographed dance routine using their light-up wands. Naturally, they wore wizard robes.

    Watch their magical wedding video below:

    Feature image: Youtube / Kim Dao

    Livingstone is one of the most popularly visited locations in Zambia. The town is only 10 kilometres from the Zambezi River and is the hub for tourists looking to visit the Victoria Falls.

    Boasting the title of home to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the town is perfect for a romantic getaway. Not only is there stunning natural elements, but the town is steeped in history too.

    Here are some things you should get up to with your partner when you visit Livingstone:

    – Visit the Victoria Falls 

    Being one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, it would be a huge mistake to miss the Victoria Falls. It’s not every day you get to witness things like this, and to see it with your loved one by your side makes it that much more special.

    It’s likely that you’ll catch a very special rainbow show too – the side effect of tons of water flowing over the edge of the cliff.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B79RRoCAynD/

    – Take a dip in the Devil’s Pool 

    While the name sounds scary, the activity is a must-do. It is the perfect way to top off your visit to the Victoria Falls.

    The pool is located on the very edge of the waterfall. Get your heart racing as you stare down at the unnervingly drop, and get the adrenaline rush that’ll make your romantic getaway unforgettable.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B8jbsC0AuA9/

    – Visit The Elephant Café

    This sanctuary allows you to get a glimpse of some wildlife, ethically. The elephants have been rescued from dangerous situations such as culling and drought and are kept here where they roam freely.

    After spending some time with these gentle giants, you can have a delicious meal at the café. Relax on the wooden deck and experience a meal like you never have before.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BkR-nD_FuAq/

    – Take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River 

    Sit back, relax, and take in the views with a drink in hand. Sundowners are a staple of any getaway, but sundowners on a river cruise makes for the perfect romantic activity.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7qSulcFljl/

    – Visit the Livingstone Museum 

    Learn about the town, its history and its culture. You’ll gain some interesting knowledge and see some cool exhibitions, including a life-sized village display. Add a dose of culture to your romantic getaway!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BkdKXhGAMiW/

    – Have a fancy meal on a steam train 

    Taking you on a sunset ride on the Victoria Falls Bridge,  the Royal Livingston Express will be a trip that you never forget. Indulge in some fancy, local cuisine as you take in the sights and sounds from the window of the old school train.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bne2VnMFFjU/

    Featured image: Instagram / livingstoneislandzambia

    If you are one for luxurious materials, silk is your winner. Soft, smooth and delightful to the touch, a silk wedding gown will have you feeling gorgeous. Silk is also really great for your skin and will keep you feeling fresh.

    Whether you go for the spaghetti strap, A-line or off-shoulder, you can’t go wrong. Here are some sensual silky wedding dresses we can’t get enough of:

     

    Also read: Silky pre-wedding must-haves to help you look your best

    Image: Unsplash

    Everyone loves a rose, a hydrangea, stargazer lilies or orchids in their bouquets. These exquisite flowers are staples in many a flower arrangement but dare we say, they’re outdated?

    If you’re looking to bring some flair to your flowers, make your bouquet out of these gorgeous indigenous flowers:

    The King Protea

    Yes, yes this is not a revelation and has been popular in many a bouquet. It’s easy to see why, though. The National Flower of South Africa is a seriously beautiful plant that deserves a spot in your flower arrangements.

     

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    Flower Fridays. Featuring king proteas for tomorrow’s wedding

    A post shared by Sticks and Stems (@sticksandstems_) on

    Impala lily 

    St Joseph’s and stargazers are spectacular, we can’t deny it. The pollen, while fragrant, will leave a whole mess on your white dress. Switch it out for some beautiful impala lilies, which will bring the best of the white and pink to your bunch.

     

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    Never a dull moment ?#impalalily #wildflowers #flower #oursingita #sabisands #southafrica #nature

    A post shared by Nick du Plessis (@nick_dup) on

    Yellow arum lily 

    If you really want to make a statement, pop a few yellow arrum lilies into your bouquet. These beautiful plants look otherworldly and the colour is captivating.

    Watsonia

    If you want to splash some pink into the mix, the elegant and dainty watsonia is your plant. These flowers are subtle yet sophisticated and will tie your flower arrangement together.

     

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    W A T S O N I A . collected at Bushman Rock. #botanicaldeconstruction #botanicalstudy #watsonia #harare #zimbabwe

    A post shared by R O B B I E H O N E Y . (@robbiehoney) on

    Barberton daisy

    These robust beauties come in many different colours, so the choice is yours. In the South African context though, this specific flower is bright red, giving your bouquet an edge.

     

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    A post shared by sue Mccar (@mccarsusan) on

    Agapanthus or lily of the Nile 

    While not only found in South Africa, the lily of the Nile is common in many gardens across the country. These flowers bloom in purple and white, so if you want to tone your bouquet up or down, this is your flower.

     

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    #agapanthus #Summer ???

    A post shared by lilybeth (@lilybethr75) on

    Sunflowers 

    Cute and quirky, sunflowers are a marvellous plant. Again they are not endemic to South Africa (we know) but they beloved by us. A bouquet of sunflowers could be a simple yet bold move.

     

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    A post shared by ғᴀɪᴛʜ | ʟᴏᴠᴇ | ɴᴀᴛᴜʀᴇ (@dieceliiine) on

    Dried English lavender 

    Dried bouquets are a massive wedding trend. If you’re looking to keep things neutral and want to add a hint of colour to your flowers, opt for some dried English lavender. It still retains some of the deep purple but without being over the top.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Our online dried flower shop is incoming! Keep on the look out for updated inventory. & Email for custom bouquets!

    A post shared by Sticks and Stems (@sticksandstems_) on

    Pampas grass

    This versatile, South American plant can be used in so many ways throughout your wedding. They can be shaped, twisted and dyed to suit your wedding colour theme. They will also add an effortless elegance and feathery femininity to your bouquet.

     

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    Pampaslarimiz yol kenarindan toplama degil,özel yetiştirme ürundür. Lutfen yol kenarlarindan toplanmis yabani pampaslar ile fiyat kiyaslamasi yapmayiniz.. Stoklarimiz sinirli sayida olmayıp daimi olarak binlerce siparis temin edebiliriz.. Toplu alimlarda iskontomuz vardir. Turkiyede bircok ile toptan satis tarafimizca yapilip, yurt disi gönderilerimiz icinde anlasmali kargo sirketi ile cok uygun fiyatlara gondermekteyiz. Yurt ici ve yurt disi referanslarimiz icin lutfen sayfamizi takip edip inceleyiniz.#pampas #pampasotu #pampastag #pampasgrass #pampasbitkisi #pampaswedding #sözmasası #pampasçiceği #pampasorganizasyon #nikahmasasi #nişanorganizasyonu#sazlıkotu #tarzevlerr #nişanmasası#tarzevler#organizasyon #organizasyonmalzemeleri #organizasyonçiçekleri #kınaorganizasyon #dugunorganizasyon #gelincicegi #gelintagı #gelinmasası #gelinmasasıçiçeği #evdekorasyonu #evdekorasyonfikirleri #evinizdekitarz #tagyapimi #tag #gelintagıarkafon

    A post shared by Cemile İnat (@pampas.pampasotu) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Louve (@louve_bretagne_) on

     

    Tip: Consult with your florist as to when these flowers are in season and what their availability is. Some may not bloom en masse, making it tricky to hero it for the entire flower ensemble.

     

    Image: Instagram

    If you’re planning on getting married this year and, for whatever reason, you haven’t set a date yet then you’ve come to the right place! Zola, a company who have modernised the wedding industry with their free suite of wedding tools, have released its list of the most popular wedding dates for 2020.

    Zola’s Editorial Manager, Lindsay Dolak said “We’ve  actually heard of a lot of couples who had longer engagements so they could get married in 2020”.

    Their list of the most popular wedding dates is as follows:

    1. Saturday, May 16, 2020
    2. Saturday, May 30, 2020
    3. Saturday, June 6, 2020
    4. Saturday, June 20, 2020
    5. Saturday, September 12, 2020
    6.  Saturday, September 19, 2020
    7.  Saturday, September 26, 2020
    8. Saturday, October 3, 2020
    9. Saturday, October 10, 2020
    10. Saturday, October 17, 2020

    “Choosing a date with a special pattern means your partner has literally no excuse to forget your anniversary,” said Dolak. The top five are dates which are patterned and easy to remember include, 10/10/2020, 9/19/2020, and 6/6/2020.

    Saturdays are clearly the winners, with every date falling on this day of the week. Presumably, this is because it’s the most convenient day for both the couple and those attending the wedding.

    Previously, September was the most popular month to get married. However, it has been surpassed by October for 2020.

    If you’re wondering what day Zola found to be the least popular,  that would be Tuesday, November 3. This is election day in the US.

    No matter what the research says, you should choose the best wedding day for you. Don’t be pressured by the numbers!

    Image: Unsplash 

     

    Brides planning a wedding in the upcoming months might be in for a rude surprise. With the current coronavirus outbreak, wedding dresses might be in short supply.

    As the leading supplier of wedding dresses, China is in high demand come wedding season. According to the American Bridal and Prom Industry Association, 80% of the world’s western-style gowns are produced there. However, with the coronavirus outbreak, many factories have temporarily closed their doors to help curb the spread of the disease. Some factories are slowly reopening, but the loss in work has created a production delay which will slow-down the already intricate, time-consuming process of making a wedding dress. As a result, some brides might be without their dream dress come wedding day.

    James Marcum, CEO of the largest seller of wedding gowns in the United States, David’s Bridal, told CNN that the situation in China will cause most likely cause a great disruption to wedding dresses as well as bridesmaid dresses.

    “We’re already hearing that some wholesalers are informing their buyers about shipment delays because of the virus,” Marcum told CNN. “We don’t have full visibility as yet to the extent of those delays.”

    Other companies like Mon Cheri Bridals are stockpiling wedding dresses and prom gowns in the case of a shortage come the American wedding season that typically falls between June-September.

    Feature image: Unsplash

    He’s infiltrated our heads with his catchy tunes, and now he’s even getting into weddings. Soon after becoming a Grammy-winning artist, Old Town Road singer Lil Nas X surprised fans by gatecrashing a wedding at Disney World.

    The singer escorted a bride hand-in-hand into her wedding reception before dancing to his mega-hit ‘Old Town Road’ with an excited crowd. One guest yells, “What the f— is happening right now?!” in shock at this amazing surprise.

    Watch the video below:

    Feature image: Twitter / Lil Nas X