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Weddings

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Grab the tissues for this one, you’re gonna need it. In a romantic grand gesture, Kyle enlisted the help of his fellow passengers on a flight to propose to then-girlfriend Staci 25 years ago. She was waiting for him at the airport, blissfully unaware of Kyle’s plans. He sneakily gave each person on the flight a red rose, and asked them to give it to Staci when they got off the plane. Southwest Airlines, the US airline that was in cahoots with the young man, shared the whole story on Twitter:

So, with Staci confused and an arm full of roses, Kyle was the last to give her a rose, then got on his knee and asked her to marry him. Naturally, she said yes!

Now, after 25 years of being happily married, Kyle decided it was high time he did something special to celebrate their anniversary. Again, he approached his trusted airline, and they happily obliged. This time, as they were about to leave for a flight together, Kyle told Staci he would meet her at the airport. When she got to the gate, though, Kyle was already there and had been handing disembarking passengers red roses again, which they delivered to Staci.

As the last rose was delivered, Kyle appeared, going down on his knees exactly like all those years ago and “proposed” all over again. She said yes, she still does! Watch how all the passengers played along:

And how he surprises her again after a quarter of a century of marriage:

We’re so gushy about this one, right ahead of Valentine’s day. Love springs eternal!

Source: Travel and Leisure

Image: Twitter/Southwest Airlines

 

 

 

From Queen Elizabeth to Prince Harry and Megan, we’ve been enraptured by royal weddings for decades. We sit with baited breath to witness what the lucky princess will wear, do they seem genuine?

Throughout the years, the royal family has seen many changes, but many wedding traditions have remained. From orange blossoms and welsh gold to Honiton lace, royal brides are connected through age-old customs. Although times change, what stays the same is the classic beauty of these brides. Let’s take a look down royal memory lane…

Queen Victoria – 1840

Queen Victoria not only set many royal wedding traditions, her big day continues to unknowingly inspire brides throughout the word today. At the time of her wedding, brides traditionally wore colourful dresses. However, Queen Victoria wanted to be different and opted for white to stand out. She’s the reason we wear white wedding dresses today. Queen Victoria also single-handedly brought the veil trend back into style with her veil and floral headdress decorated with orange blossoms and myrtle. In the decades following, Princess Victoria, Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Beatrice have all incorporated orange blossoms into their dresses in tribute.

Following her wedding, Queen Victoria planted a myrtle shrub in her garden at the Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. Since then, every British royal bride has plucked a sprig from this very bush to place in her bridal bouquet.

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Grace Kelly of Monaco – 1956

Academy Award-winning actress Grace Kelly’s wedding dress has gone down in history as one of the most iconic to ever exist. Designed by close friend and double Academy winning designer, Helen Rose, the Victorian-inspired gown was made of 125-year-old Brussels lace, taffeta, and thousands of hand-sewn pearls.

It took six weeks and 30 different seamstresses to complete the dress, which featured 100 yards (91 metres) of silk net, and a veil that used 90 yards of tulle (82 metres). To keep the veil in place, Kelly opted for a Juliet cap decorated with lace, orange blossoms and seed pearls instead of a tiara. Instead of a bridal bouquet, Kelly followed the tradition of the time and carried a bible.

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Queen Elizabeth – 1947

Reigning monarch Queen Elizabeth. The dress, designed by Norman Hartnell, was a simplistic yet elegant creation inspired by Botticelli’s Renaissance masterpiece Primavera, which symbolises the coming of Spring. Britain was still recovering post WWII, and Hartnell wanted the dress to follow a theme of rebirth and growth with his signature embroidery. A lace-trimmed sweetheart neckline and long sleeves flowed into a bodice and full princess-skirt decorated with 10 000 exquisite seed-pearl- and diamanté-encrusted star flowers, roses, jasmine blossoms and embroidered ears of wheat. To complete the look, the skirt trailed of in an elaborate 15-foot (4.57 metre) train.

It took a whopping 350 seamstresses seven weeks to complete this iconic piece of fashion. Interestingly, the dress was paid for with coupons! At the time, everyone – even the Queen – was under rationing measures following WWII, so she saved up clothing ration coupons and was also granted a few from the government to pay for the dress.

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Princess Diana – 1981

One of the most iconic wedding dresses to ever be created was worn by the much loved Princess Diana. A tale of powerul puffed sleevs and trailing trains, Princess Diana’s dress was incredibly characteristic of 1980s fashion.

David and Elizabeth Emanuel designed this iconic dress that featured a fitted and boned bodice with panels embroidered with lace that one belonged to Queen Mary, romantic puffed sleeves and a full skirt of ivory silk taffeta and hand embroidery in tiny mother-of-pearl sequins and pearls, centering on a heart motif. Her dress was completed with a dramatic 25-foot (7.62 metre) train. Her 153 yard (139 metre) ivory silk tulle veil, spangled with mother-of-pearl sequins, was held by the Spencer family’s diamond tiara.

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Kate Middleton – 2011

The marriage of a prince and a commoner made news around the world, causing millions of eager eyes to tune in to a never-before-seen royal affair. Kate Middleton stunned in a Victorian-inspired princess-cut gown with lace sleeves highly reminiscent of Grace Kelly’s iconic gown.

The dress, designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, featured an ivory satin bodice with floral motifs cut from machine-made lace. Individual flowers were hand-cut from lace and hand-engineered onto ivory silk tulle to create a design which incorporates the rose, thistle, daffodil and shamrock. The skirt’s soft pleats were designed to echo an opening flower. The back of the gown was lined with 58 buttons of gazar and organza, which fasten by means of Rouleau loops, and ended with a two-metre train.

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Megan Markle – 2018

Megan Markle wed Prince Harry in a stunning boatneck sheath dress designed by Clare Waight Keller for Givenchy. Timeless and elegant, the gown was made from double bonded silk cady. A true standout, however, was the veil that was designed to represent the distinctive flora of each Commonwealth country united in one spectacular floral composition. The national flowers of all 53 commonwealth countries were intricately embroidered into the lining of the veil. The veil is five meters long and made from silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers in silk threads and organza. Atop her head sat the Queen Mary’s diamond bandeau tiara, which was lent to Her Royal Highness by The Queen.

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Princess Eugenie – 2018

Designed by Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos, the gown features a folded neckline that ends in a low back that drapes into a flowing full length train. Symbolic meaning was woven into the dress such as the Thistle for Scotland to acknowledge the couple’s fondness for Balmoral, a Shamrock for Ireland as a nod to the Bride’s Ferguson family, the York Rose and ivy representing the couple’s home. These were reinterpreted in a garland of rope like motifs, woven into a jacquard of silk, cotton and viscose blend. She completed the look with the Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara, lent to her by Her Majesty The Queen.

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Feature image: Instagram / Kensington Royal

Thousands of couples wed in a mass ceremony in South Korea this past weekend, despite the coronavirus outbreak that has instilled fear in many.

Members of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, also known as the Unification Church, came together to say their ‘I do’s’ at the Cheongshim Peace World Centre in Gapyeongin near Seoul on February 7, 2020. This mass wedding is a popular tradition for the South Korean-based church. According to Reuters, a reported 30 000 people from over 60 different countries were a part of this event, 6000 of whom were getting married for the first time and the rest were either renewing their vows or watching the spectacle.

South Korea has reported 24 cases of confirmed coronavirus. The organisers took care to ensure everyone’s safety throughout the event. Participants were screened for coronavirus symptoms, and people who had recently been to China were banned. They also gave everyone masks to wear, although not everyone decided to wear them.

Feature image: Unsplash

 

Sitting down for a meal with your loved ones is always special, and your wedding day should be no different. Embrace the intimacy with beautiful banquet tables.

Whether you’re hosting a small or large event, banquet tables are easy and stylish options to seat your guests. These rectangular tables run the length of the room, drawing your eyes ahead and making the space seem larger than in is. While it may seem intimidating, this table shape is incredibly easy to decorate. Depending on your wedding style, you can adorn your table with lush greenery, dried botanicals or rows of candles and glasswear.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

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Feature image: Unsplash

 

Your wedding day should be exactly what you want it to be. Whether its artsy or “uptight”, if it makes you happy then that’s all that matters! Some couples really take this advice to heart, having their weddings in all sorts of strange locations.

There are always some unusual weddings happening somewhere in the world.  Here are some of our favourite strange places where people have tied the knot:

– Abandoned train station 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwsYcURFIa9/

On October 13, 2012 this couple got married at an abandoned train station in Michigan, USA. Robert Nixon and wife Myla, according to their Instagram page @deadsledbrand, are “a couple of hearse loving weirdos”.

It seems that the pair have a love for all things creepy, so their abandoned train station wedding must have been a mirror of their personalities.

– Whole Foods 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfzNzeID1oz/

Jacqueline Aronson and her husband, Ross had their wedding at Whole Foods, an American supermarket which caters to healthy eaters by selling products free of hydrogenated fats, artificial colours and flavours, and preservatives.

It’s possible that the reason behind their supermarket wedding can be found in their engagement story… the big question (‘will you marry me?’) was asked in the flower aisle of a Whole Foods.

– Taco Bell

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Dan Ryckert and his bride, Bianca, said “I do” in a Taco Bell in Las Vegas. The Mexican food chain is very popular in the US and this couple is probably one of thousands of couples who dreamed of tying the knot with tacos to follow.

We hope their love is as spicy as the food they enjoy!

– Gas station 

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You’ve heard of public proposals, but we bet you’ve never seen a public wedding. There must have been tons of unknown onlookers, who perhaps hoped to fill their tanks, at these gas station nuptials.

A gas station wedding may not be for everyone, but these wedding-goers seem to be having a great time.

– The Apple Store 

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For some people, phones are very important in their lives. Your entire life is on that phone…right? This couple took their passion for their iPhones to the next level by getting hitched at an Apple Store. There is not much information about the couple online, despite their apparent love for technology.

Image: Instagram / Digital Spark Weddings 

Tranquility, serenity, peace: three words that come to mind in the African bush. A place of wild nature and escapism, the bushveld makes for the perfect place to spend quality time with your loved ones.

Celebrate the beauty of nature by saying your ‘I do’s’ in the great outdoors. It’s the perfect ode to Africa. In South Africa we are spoilt for choice with stunning landscapes and exciting game reserves to meet our wildest dreams.

There are a host of dreamy bushveld wedding venues throughout the country, but one that stands above the rest is Monate Game Lodge. Nestled in the peaceful Limpopo Province, Monate Game Lodge is a 3000-hectare private game reserve that tailors every event to the couple. Here, you’ll receive a personalised experience that is both memorable and magical.

Say you ‘I do’s’ beneath their Rock Fig, under a majestic Marula tree, in a natural cave or a traditional chapel.

Monate Game Lodge is making it easier for couples to have their perfect day. Book your dream summer wedding at Monate Game Lodge during the month of December 2020 or January 2021 and receive complimentary venue hire! Enquire now: 014 718 7000 or [email protected].

 

Feature image: supplied

Hollywood’s biggest and brightest stars turned out in numbers for the most exciting award show of the season. As the culmination of awards season, the Oscars often come with high fashion expectations.

The excitement over who will win the big awards of the evening can only be overshadowed by what celebrities will wear. Red carpet fashion is often hit or miss, but luckily our favourite stars stunned in gowns oozing old Hollywood glamour. Many of our leading ladies opted for white, cream and blush-toned creations. While sticking to traditional silhouettes, a host of the gowns featured unique skirts, capes and trains. One-shoulder was the trend of the evening, seen on formidable actors such as Regina King, Renée Zellwegger and Cynthia Erivo.

Many of the famous faces walked the red carpet in stunning gowns that gave us major bridal inspiration. Here are a few of our favourites:

Regina King in custom atelier Versace

Credit: Instagram / Fashiontomax

Lily Aldridge in Ralph Lauren

Credit: Instagram / Fashiontomax

Brie Larsen in custom Celine

Credit: Instagram / Fashiontomax

Salma Hayek in Gucci

Credit: Instagram / Fashiontomax

Renée Zellwegger in custom Giorgio Armani

Credit: Instagram / Fashiontomax

Scarlett Johansson in custom Oscar de la Renta

Credit: Instagram / Fashiontomax

Cynthia Erivo in custom Versace

Credit: Instagram / Fashiontomax

Adriana Lima in Ralph and Russo couture

Credit: Instagram / Fashiontomax

Feature image: Instagram / Cynthia Erivo

Everybody knows getting married is a package deal. You might adore your new spouse, but that doesn’t mean you will necessarily get along with their family. However, as much as we’d love to tell you it doesn’t matter, it does. Family is family, no matter what and building good relationships with your in-laws will make for a healthy relationship with your partner. Here are a few things to try if you’re faced with a monster-in-law.

– Don’t judge a book by its cover

This is true of all relationships. The way people seem is not always the way they are. Even if they behave in what comes across as rude or mean, it might have nothing to do with you. There might be a deeper insecurity or issue that leads to certain behaviour. Always give people the benefit of the doubt. Also remember that people have different personality types, and not everyone will always get along. That doesn’t mean you can’t be civil towards each other for the sake of your partner. Try spending some one-on-one time with the person and find common ground. You might just be pleasantly surprised.

– Stand your ground

If you have tried getting to know them better and being kind, but nothing’s changed, it might be time to stand your ground. There’s a line between being nice and getting walked over, which no one deserves. If things get so heated that they make you uncomfortable or the other person is downright condescending, you may want to set boundaries and be straight with them. Don’t compromise on your own values just to get them to like you. It’s important for them to know that they should also respect you and your beliefs, even if they don’t agree. Try to explain your point of view in a calm and open-minded manner, giving reasons for your view points.

– But not too much

That being said, always keep in mind that your relationship with your partner comes first. You don’t want to end up hurting them or worse, forcing them to choose between you and their family. If you have tried to be the bigger person, stated your take on things and set some boundaries, but the conflict is still not resolved, you might actually want to take a step back. This might include politely declining from family gatherings. It’s not worth losing your partner over a feud with your in-laws.

– Always be respectful, even if they’re not

The golden rule in every situation is respect. Accept the fact that you may never get along, even though you tried. However, and this especially applies during the “stand your ground” phase, always be respectful. That way, you don’t give them any ammunition to fight with, plus you’re showing your partner that you respect them too. Never stoop down to verbal abuse, immature games or using children as a means to manipulate their grandparents, for example. As long as the in-laws are not actually doing anything illegal or harmful, there’s no reason for you to keep your partner or children away from them. The battle is between you and them.

Image: Unsplash

In celebration of her four year wedding anniversary, former Miss SA and Miss World Rolene Strauss took to Instagram to share some never before seen images.

The South African beauty married partner D’Niel in 2016, and since then have welcomed their first child. The pair is currently expecting their second child.

In honour of their new milestone, Strauss shared some never-before-seen footage from her wedding. In the IGTV video, Strauss can be seen preparing for her big day, walking down the aisle, and dancing with her new husband.

“Our Wedding Highlights ?? ??,” the model captioned the video. “I’ve never shared this before… Here is 3 min worth of heartwarming memories from our Wedding Day 4 years ago ❤️”

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Feature image: Instagram / Rolene Strauss

We’re willing to bet you’d do a lot to ensure that your face looks perfect on your wedding day. Of course you can do some pre-wedding bridal skin care to ensure that your skin is spotless, but what about your makeup?

That’s what makeup trials are for! It’s the best way to ensure that you’ll have the exact look you’re dreaming of on your special day. Here’s what you should prepare for:

– Knowing your look

Explaining your daily look will most likely be a requirement.

Make-up artists will want to know what your “go-to” look is, in general. They’ll try to find out what you look like on a day-to-day basis, what you look like at work, and what you look like when you’re out having fun. The reason for this is that, ultimately, your wedding makeup should have you looking like the best version of yourself, instead of completely different.

– Hair comes before makeup

Your MUA needs to know what your hair will look like. There are two reasons for this.

On your wedding day, your hair should be done before your makeup. This means that if you’re planning on using hair accessories or wearing your hair down, your makeup artist will need to plan ahead as to how they will (practically) apply your makeup.

Your makeup style also needs to match your hair style. For this reason, you need to have an idea of your hair look for your makeup trials too.

– Come with ideas

Pictures help the MUA to understand the look you’re dreaming of. Fill up that Pinterest board and have them scroll through it. They’ll appreciate the guidance!

– It will take time 

You may want to test a few different styles. This means the appointment will be quite long. Ensure that you’re ready for it.

If the trial doesn’t go well, you may want to book another or try a different MUA. You need to be prepared for this to happen, so book your makeup trial well before your wedding day.

– Discussing money 

You’ll have to be prepared to talk pricing during your makeup trial. Let the MUA know where they’ll need to be, how many bridesmaids you have, and any other important information. This will all affect the final cost.

Image: Unsplash