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In News

Adele officiates friend’s wedding

February 17, 2020 No Comments

Best friend’s are there for each other through thick and thin. Having Adele as a best friend seems like it comes with all of that and more! The Grammy Award-winning singer officiated her bestie, Laura Dockrill’s, wedding this past Saturday (15 February) in London.

Dockrill, an author and illustrator, wedded musician Hugo White, a member of The Maccabees, at a pub called Mason’s Arms. After officiating for the happy couple, Adele provided some entertainment too. Imagine having Adele perform at your wedding! A dream come true, right?

She performed her breakout hit “Rolling in the Deep” and “Spice up your life” by the Spice Girls. Later, fellow singer Florence Welch also joined Adele on stage.

The songstress has known Dockrill for years, as they grew up together and have been friends since they were children. Adele even wrote a song for Dockrill titled “My Same”. The song can be found on her album 19.

Adele’s performance at this wedding was quite significant. She is a notoriously private person and in prefers not to be seen by the public during her day-to-day life. In fact, the singer has not performed at a big event since 2017 when she had a concert at Wembly Stadium.

Of course she knew guests would capture some video… she is Adele after all. So this must have meant a lot to her. What a great friend!

The couple looked happy as can be:

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Congrats to the happy couple!

Image: Facebook / Adele

In News

Mya weds mystery man in an island wedding

February 14, 2020 No Comments

Apparently, congratulations are long over-due for Mya, who reportedly got married in secret in December 2019. The ‘Lady Marmalade’ singer had an island wedding in Seychelles.

This news comes as a shock to many, as the 40-year-old, singer, songwriter, producer, and actress has not publicly dated anyone in years. In fact, the identity of her new spouse remains a mystery.

In the past, Mya has been linked to NFL stars DeSean Jackson and Larry Johnson and rapper The Game. However, this was merely speculation.

TMZ released exclusive photos of Mya in her wedding gown. The gown features a floor-length tulle skirt and a plunging neckline.

She stands on her own, on the beach enjoying the perfect weather, looking absolutely radiant.

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The multitalented star has not commented on her nuptials, and – if we’re going off of her history of keeping her private life private – she is unlikely to do so. Mya is known for keeping her romantic life under wraps. The fact that we’re only finding out about her marriage status two months after the ceremony is a testament to this.

This was the star’s first marriage, and by the looks of it, she had it exactly how she wanted it…in private.

Congrats to Mya and her mystery man!

Image: Facebook / Miss Mya

In Emotional

Bride honours sister on her wedding gown

February 14, 2020 No Comments

Megan Dean, who got married in October 2019, recently told TODAY the heart wrenching story of how she used her wedding dress to honour her deceased sister Rylie. In a Facebook post, on January 3 – which would have been Rylie’s 19th birthday – Dean detailed her tribute further.

Dean was only 4-years-old when her little sister passed away due to a heart condition. Despite having only known her for 8 days and despite having three living sisters, the now 23-year old Dean could not let her special day go by without including Rylie in some way.

Her plan was to integrate her sister’s baby blanket into her wedding gown. For this she employed the help of her mother, Rebecca.

“Getting her blanket required my mom and I to open up a box filled with Rylie’s things that we hadn’t looked at for years”, Dean told TODAY.

“Getting to talk with my mom about her experience and the memories she had was something quite special”, she added.

The bride-to-be at the time had her tailor create a patch in the shape of a heart using the blanket which had her sisters name embroidered on it. The patch was then sewed to the inside of Deans wedding gown.

In her Facebook post dedicated to Rylie she wrote, “This is the blanket you were swaddled in the moment you left our mother’s womb. It is what wrapped around you as our mom and dad held you for the first time…This is the blanket you wore during my last memory of you, kissing your forehead for one final time and not wanting to leave your side. I could not fathom celebrating a new beginning without you right there alongside me.”

If this wasn’t enough to tug at your heart strings, Dean had another idea. She requested that an identical patch be made, also using the baby blanket as fabric. The second patch would be a gift from her to her father; he would wear it as a pocket square as he walked her down the aisle.

“I was so excited to show my dad our tribute to Rylie. When I showed him the heart, I remember him saying through tears, ‘It’s her blanket,’ and we both began sobbing”, she told TODAY.

Dean also surprised all her sisters with the tribute to Rylie. We’re sure this made the day extra special.

Images: Facebook / Megan Dean

In Beauty

Dresses we love: Black

February 13, 2020 No Comments

Nothing is set in stone, least of all what colour your wedding dress should be. We’re all about taking fashion risks and if black is your thing, we say go for it. It doesn’t have to be gloomy. If you do it right, a black gown can be classy, sassy and gorgeous. Take a look at these brides who are beautiful in black:

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Image: Instagram/nanadu_wedding

In Advice

‘Something blue’-inspired wedding decor

February 13, 2020 No Comments

‘Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue’. The age old Victorian era saying still holds weight today with many couples who opt to incorporate it into their big day.

Representing the sky and the ocean, blue is symbolic of freedom, imagination, inspiration, and sensitivity. Its a gentle hue that offers calming properties. ‘Cool blue’ is also the Pantone colour of the year, and its already popping up everywhere. Stay on trend by incorporating this colour into your wedding decor. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

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

Feature image: Unsplash

In Advice

Important questions to ask your wedding vendors

February 13, 2020 No Comments

Planning your big day can easily become overwhelming. With so many moving parts, it’s easy to forget certain things. Protect yourself against these unexpected problems by doing your research and fact-checking these important details with your wedding vendors.

– Their payment structure

The majority of vendors will require a deposit and then the remainder of the balance in instalments. Make sure you know exactly when certain amounts are due so that you can plan your finances ahead.

– What is included in the price

This goes without saying, but you need to be exact on what you’ll be receiving with each service. Some venues, for example, might not include cleaning in their fee which would then be an extra expense you have to cover.

– Whether they have liability insurance

Liability insurance protects a company’s assets and pays for obligations such as medical costs and damage to property, giving you peace of mind should something serious go wrong.

– If they have decor restrictions

Your vision of floral chandeliers and (eco-friendly) glitter sparkling all over might be unattainable if your wedding venue is strict with what decor is allowed on site.

– If they’re accessible for handicapped guests

It’s incredibly important to cater to your wedding guests, and if any of them require wheelchair ramps, railings or any other services, your wedding venue should ideally provide them for you.

If you may you pick your own vendors

Some wedding venues have approved lists of vendors that can be used, so it’s important to check if you can bring in your own.

– Their cancellation policy

If for any reason, you need to cancel this service, it’s best to know how far in advance you have to do it to get your money (or at least some of it) back.

– If they have on-site parking

This one’s a biggie. If your guests are travelling far in cars, they’re going to need somewhere to park.

– Their backup plan in the event of last-minute change

Rain, extra guests, food shortages…Accidents happen and it’s always best to have a backup plan. Ideally, your wedding vendor has a plan in place for this last-minute occurrences.

– Overtime fees

Sometimes the party is too good to end. In the event of going overtime, you don’t want to be surprised with an exorbitant bill from your wedding vendors. Make sure to check their rates before the big day so that you’re prepared come wedding day.

– Whether they cater to LGBTQI+ couples

Many vendors are quite traditional and do not offer their services to those who belong to the LGBTQI+ community. If this does not fall in line with your beliefs, it’s best to know before you agree to work with a specific wedding vendor.

– Ask for references!

It’s a great idea to check in with other couples who have worked with these vendors about their experiences to get a more realistic view of the service you can expect.

Also read: Hidden costs to consider when wedding planning

Feature image: Pexels

In Weddings

Lucky wedding symbols around the world

February 12, 2020 No Comments

For those who are superstitious, wedding days call for traditions that bring good luck. Some people believe that there are certain items and occurrences that symbolise good luck too.

Whether you agree with them or not, it remains interesting to know and learn about. And lets be honest, a little extra good luck never hurt any body.

Here are some symbols of good luck (and items that bring good luck) from around the world:

– Rain

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Most people hope and pray for no rain on their wedding day. The rain is a huge inconvenience in terms of wedding photos and outdoor ceremonies. However, many cultures around the world believe that rain on the day of your wedding is a good omen. It is said that the rain beings fertility for the couple and washes away all the things they want to leave behind as they move into their new lives together.

– Sugar Cubes

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In Greek Culture, many believe that carrying a sugar cube means your marriages will be sweet as sugar. In the past, brides would carry the cube in one of their gloves. With the fading out of the bridal glove, some brides have begun popping the sugar cube in their bouquets.

– Fire crackers

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The Chinese believe that fire crackers ward off evil spirits and ensure that the newly weds and their marriage are protected. For this reason, post-ceremony firecrackers are a common occurrence for those who are superstitious.

– Spiders

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Many people are afraid of spiders, but in Britain they believe that finding one in your wedding dress is a sign of good luck for the bride.

– Cranes

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In some parts of Asia, brides have cranes embroidered onto their dresses. Crane are said to symbolise fidelity and a long marriage.

– Lillies

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In Holland they believe that lillies of the valley are symbols of love. For this reason, the couple plants lillies close to or around their home.

– Swords

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Swords are a symbol of harmony and strength in Cambodia. Carrying a sword to the alter ensures that the marriage is blessed.

Image: Instagram / momentsphotograhyau

In Advice

Marrying a foreigner: What you need to know

February 12, 2020 No Comments

So you’ve found the partner of your dreams and you can’t wait to get married. But, there’s one little hiccup… You’re from two different parts of the world, and that can make the process a bit tedious.

Marrying a foreigner doesn’t have to be a tiresome task. You simply need to know what to expect.

Whether you are a foreigner marrying a South African citizen or a South African marrying a foreigner, there are obligatory procedures to follow. Here’s what you need to know:

– Can you get married in South Africa?

If you’re a minor, you cannot get married without written consent from a parent, guardian or the court.

People who suffer from severe mental disorders are unfortunately not allowed to get married under South African law. The reason for this is that the mental disorder may prevent them from understanding what marriage is and may cause them to make decisions which are not in their best interest.

Finally, if you are already married you are prohibited from getting married in South Africa. If you have previously been married, you need to present evidence that the marriage has legally ended.

Other than the above mentioned people, every body is allowed to get married in this country.

– The process

Both partners are required to make a trip to Home Affairs (Pro tip: try to ensure that you go to the Home Affairs Officers that your intended marriage Officer is registered at). Ensure that you take all required documents with you!

An official will verify the documents that you present. Thereafter, they will make an appointment with an immigration interviewing officer for you.

The purpose of the interview is to determine the legitimacy of the relationship – the government needs to take steps to ensure that a marriage of convenience (for citizenship) is not taking place. This is nothing to worry about! Questions will simply be about your relationship. You’ll be asked how long you’ve been together, if you’ve met each other’s family’s, or why you want to be together.

If your interview is successful you’ll receive a document confirming that you are legally allowed to marry in South Africa.

Once your marriage is documented, you should be issued a printed marriage certificate. This certificate is then used to apply for a visa.

– What documents do you need?

For the South African Citizen:

A certified copy of your ID
3 x ID photo’s
If you have been previously married, Home Affairs will require a copy of the decree of divorce/death certificate. If yours is an antenuptial agreement, they will need a copy of the cover letter from your lawyer.

For the non-South African Citizen:

A copy of the front page of your passport
A copy of the Visa Page in your passport – or the last entry stamp through customs found in your passport
3 x ID photo’s
If you have been previously married, Home Affairs will require a copy of the decree of divorce/death certificate.
A letter of non-impediment (certificate from your country of citizenship confirming freedom to marry)
You will be required to sign an Affidavit on the day of your wedding – This is a document supplied by Home Affairs. It is required to verify that you are using your international passport as a means of documentation since you do not have a South African ID number.

P.S it’s always safer to certify all your documents before you head to Home Affairs. You wouldn’t want to be turned away for something so minor!

Things your wedding photographer wish you knew

February 12, 2020 No Comments

Being the wedding couple is awesome, and the day revolves around you. However, one of the biggest components of the day is your photographers, and connecting well with them will ensure that the day is a success for both parties. We interviewed stellar photographers Ebert and Mikayla from Ebert Steyn Films to get the inside info on what a day in their lives is like.

Q. What is trending in wedding photography 2020?

A. Drone photos. This is a very tricky situation though as there are lot of laws that govern drone photography especially if you are charging for your services.

Q. What part of shooting a wedding is the hardest for photographers?

A. Getting family members and guests to co-operate for the family photos and group photo. Sometimes the day can get really long, especially if there are other traditional or religious elements worked into the day and as much as we love our job we are only human and do get tired too.

Q. What are things couples should keep in mind when hiring a photographer?

A. Most established photographers have a certain look and style not only to their photos but also the way they shoot. Make sure that you look at lots of examples of work of the service providers you are considering. It’s also important to make sure that your photographer and videographer have a similar style and approach. You could even reach out to past clients to chat about what their on the day experience with the photographer/ videographer was like.

For example, some photographers prefer to use flash photography throughout the day. If you intend on booking a videographer as well this will be a problem as the constant flashing interferes with the video footage, which means that you might end up having to do everything twice. Not only does this disrupt the natural flow of the day but will inadvertently cause some friction between the photographer and videographer.

It’s also important to make sure that you click well with your photographer and are comfortable with them. It’s a little bit daunting to be in front of a camera sometimes but if you’re able to have a laugh with them and know that they genuinely care about your big day, it’ll make it a lot easier. This is why pre-wedding meetings are super important to us, because it gives both the couple and ourselves a chance to get to know one another a bit better.

Q. What’s your favourite part of a wedding?

A. Mikayla: I personally love the getting ready and couple shoot-parts of the day. There are beautiful details and emotions to capture and I love being able to photograph those pre-ceremony nerves, tears and excitement all rolled into one. I also love it when couples do a first look before the ceremony!

Ebert: For me it’s the “party section” – when all of the formalities are over, the day’s heat has passed and the couple and their guests can finally let their hair down and do what they came to do in the first place; celebrate the newlyweds. I enjoy celebrating with the couple throughout the day and I feel that this allows me to connect with them on a more personal level as well as make them more comfortable in front of the camera, especially when we’re on the dance floor.

Q. What is your least favourite part? Why?

A. Family photos and group photo. It’s often a nightmare to coordinate and although they’re important to capture, no-one really enjoys the process. Super long ceremonies is a close second!

Q. What do brides/grooms do that makes your job harder?

A. We always try to get the couple to feel as comfortable and to act as naturally as possible, especially during the couple shoot. However, this sometimes leads to excessive chatter which makes it hard for us to get nice shots.

Q. Photographers spend hours on their feet. How do you cope with it?

A. Ebert: You become “wedding fit” quite quickly, actually. I would recommend staying hydrated and eating a good breakfast beforehand as well as making sure you snack throughout the day but really, what works for me is staying active during the day and partake and enjoy the wedding in a way that is still professional.

Mikayla: Staying hydrated is key but wearing comfy shoes is a big one for me – we often rock a pair of Nikes on the day itself. But I won’t lie, I’m pretty tired the day after a wedding, and if you have two or three weddings back to back then it’s seriously next level.

Q. Any funny/weird/interesting weddings you have photographed?

A. There was the wedding where the couple (and all their guests) flew in from Brazil but none of them spoke much English so nobody really knew what was actually going on (coordinator included). Another wedding we filmed in Greece ended with half the guests skinny-dipping at 3am, including the bride. We also recently filmed a couple from Switzerland and the groom’s family must have taught the bride some “inappropriate” Afrikaans words, as she ended her speech by yelling out “Groot k@k!” (Big sh*t!) And lastly, the coolest couple on the block who rode a bicycle to their wedding.

Here is another one of their favourite weddings that took place in Singapore:

Pictures: Ebert Steyn Films

Featured image: Unsplash

In News

First ever same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland

February 12, 2020 No Comments

Mere months after Northern Ireland officially legalised same-sex marriage, Robyn Peoples, 26, and Sharni Edwards, 27, from Belfast made history by becoming the first-ever lesbian couple to tie the knot in the region.

Activists in Northern Ireland have been fighting for years for same-sex marriage to be legalised in the country that has a conservative Christian majority. Despite homosexuality being decriminalised in the region in 1967 and various other parts of the UK legalising same-sex marriage over the years, the ban remained until recently. In October 2019, both abortion and same-sex marriage were legalised in Northern Ireland, leading many to celebrate their newly found freedom to make their own choices with their bodies.

Now, this deserving couple became the first same-sex pair to legally marry in Northern Ireland. The couple had their ceremony in Carrickfergus, County Antrim on February 11, 2020, also the date of their six year anniversary.

“We didn’t expect to be the first couple, it’s coincidental,” Edwards told The Guardian. “Today is our six-year anniversary so we wanted to go ahead with a civil partnership but when the bill was passed it was perfect timing and it was a complete coincidence, a happy coincidence. We couldn’t be more grateful.”

“For Northern Ireland, we need to be the face of the people to show everyone it’s OK,” adds Peoples. “We fought so long and hard for this opportunity to be seen as equal and now we are here and it’s just amazing.”

“We feel humbled that our wedding is a landmark moment for equal rights in Northern Ireland. We didn’t set out to make history – we just fell in love.”

Feature image: Instagram