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    In Advice

    Paw-some ways to involve your pets in your wedding

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    We all know that pets are part of the family! Perhaps you have adopted your furry friend as a couple, or maybe you’ve had them since you were a kid. However your fur baby came into your life, it’s likely you wouldn’t want to spend your special day without them.

    While you may want to dress the little guy up in a miniature suit fitted to your pet of choice and have him be the ring bearer, this may not always be possible, or comfortable for the animal. But fret not, there are other ways you can involve your pet in your wedding day.

    – Have a family photoshoot 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B64nR-lhqTd/

    – Include them in a squad photo 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7HaOOmA4bY/

    – Let them keep you company at the altar 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4gMNrzFfzA/

    – Spend some quality time with them 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2sKaglluFO/

    – They can keep you company while you get ready 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4wubwMg1AD/

    – Represent them on your cake / in your decor 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B6_CFwbFDiJ/

    – Let them bring you comfort and cuddles 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7sfegSB0jG/

    – Get them some comfy wedding attire (suits may be unpleasant for some animals due to heat and other things)

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B1oYfgGF4RD/

    – Give them a front seat in the audience 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B0ZEh6gFEkV/

    – Use their faces for some photobooth fun 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7tp6nfFjVQ/

    – Let them add some humour

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4NIpwFB13F/

    Image: Unsplash 

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    In Advice

    Top 10 wedding destinations for 2020

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    If you’ve been considering a destination wedding but you’re not sure where to head to then you’re in luck. Flowercard, a UK based company specialising in floral giftcards, has compiled a list of the best places to go.

    Flowercard’s list, “The 2020 Destination Wedding Index” compiles data of all things wedding. They conducted a study into the best places to get married, and their methodology was quite thorough! First, they selected destinations from a variety of sources including theknot.com, junebugweddings.com, hitched.co.uk, and brides.com. They then took into consideration the best times for wedding ceremonies in each destination. Weather was included in this consideration, of course.

    Another consideration they took into account included LGBTQ+ friendliness, with their information coming from ilga.org. Instagram hashtags and searches also featured in their method. Finally, with the use of Google Keyword Planner, they figured out how many monthly searches there were for each place in relation to weddings by searching “Getting married in X”.

    After gathering all the information, they ranked destinations using a weighted ranking system. They broke elements down into four categories including weather, cost, LGBTQ+ and online popularity. Each factor was weighted equally.

    It is important to remember that much of the data they collected was UK specific (such as monthly google searches). This means the results may have been slightly different had the research been done in other countries. Nevertheless, the information is still very useful!

    Here are their top 10 destinations and their overall scores (x/100):

    1. Las Vegas, Nevada, US 

    Score: 70.1

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5hYD9CBQCu/

    2. Sydney, Australia

    Score: 68.67

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B62MhYXHCli/

    3. Majorca, Spain

    Score: 67.47

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B16oF7BihaN/

    4. Perth, Australia

    67.45

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B6anaLijM_B/

    5. Brisbane, Australia

    Score: 67.00

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BM5tlnvA-Ha/

    6. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

    Score: 64.81

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7216kHhS0N/

    7. Loire Valley, France

    Score: 64.14

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7fuFrBIRV_/

    8. Valencia, Spain

    Score: 63.80

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7zJWKfoiBN/

    9. Cannes, France

    Score: 62.10

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7rSaT-A608/

    10. Madrid, Spain

    Score: 62.01

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B71k7kEIHX8/

    Find their full list with all details here.

    Image: Instagram / Sydney 

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    In Weddings

    Jumping the broom: Meaning and History

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    If you’ve seen the 2011 comedy drama, Jumping the Broom, starring Angela Bassett and Paula Patton, you’re likely to wonder where the tradition of jumping the broom comes from. Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase before, but you never quite knew exactly what it was. Well, not to worry.

    Jumping the broom is a predominantly African American tradition in which the just-wed couple hops over a broomstick while holding hands. Many American couples choose to incorporate this tradition into their wedding celebrations, often after the wedding kiss.

    For some couples today, incorporating the tradition is a way to acknowledge their history and culture. In fact, ‘jumping the broom’ is widely accepted as a part of the lexicon of African American culture. In addition, the custom serves to symbolise the sweeping away of the past to clear the path for a new start.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B59FYvlBZCm/

    The broom itself can be bought at stores, already fully decorated. There are many online stores who cater to this need. Alternatively, couples have opted to decorate the broom themselves. In some cases, couples take a plain broom to the wedding ceremony and provide guests with ribbon on which to write their names. Guests are requested to tie the ribbon to the broom before the ceremony begins.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7k9L1tAYpS/

    The ceremony dates back to the 1600s and is derived from Africa. Many have claimed that it also has roots in Celtic Culture.

    18th century Europeans said that Ghana was an extremely clean place and they attributed this to the fact that brooms were made locally. For whatever reason, the broom’s symbolism found itself being incorporated into the wedding ceremony. According to the African American Registry, jumping the broom “symbolised the wife’s commitment or willingness to clean the courtyard of the new home she had joined”.

    As a result of slave trade, the custom made its way to America. Slave marriages were not legally recognised by slave owners. The enslaved people thus used the tradition as a symbol of the beginning of their union as it was their only option for some sort of formal marriage.

    Atlanta Black Star claims that “the ceremonial jumping of the broom served was an open declaration of settling down in a marriage relationship”.

    The tradition has permeated through time so extensively that the phrase “jumping the broom” is equivalent to “tying the knot” or “getting hitched”.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7dKDVDDpyP/

    Image: Instagram /peterjonathanimages

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    In Advice

    Wedding processional songs to walk down the aisle to

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    The bridal march is a classic, but sometimes you want to be different. Opting for a unique, contemporary song to act as the backtrack for your walk down the aisle makes for a more a memorable moment. To set the tone for the rest of your day, be sure to pick a song that fits you and your partner.

    Here are some alternative options to the traditional ‘Here comes the bride”.

    – 10 000 Hours – Dan and Shay

    – Marry You – Bruno Mars

    – Kiss Me – Sixpence None the Richer

    – Songbird – Fleetwood Mac

    – A Thousand Years – Christina Perry

    – Lucky – Jason Mraz and Colbie Callait

    – The First Time Ever I saw Your Face – Roberta Flack

    – Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles

    – Stuck on You – Lionel Richie

    – Crazy Thing Called Love – Queen

    – Love of My Life – Queen

    – (They Long to Be) Close to You – The Carpenters

    – My Girl – The Temptations

    – Let’s Stay Together – Al Green

    – Beyond – Leon Bridges

    Feature image: Unsplash

     

     

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    In Emotional

    Stunning underwater wedding photography makes waves

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    A memorable image will live on forever, and this one is pretty magical. This couple combined their love for each other and the water to create a breathtaking underwater image.

    Photographer Kimber Greenwood captured a stunning image of newlyweds still in their wedding attire kissing underwater at Kelly Springs in Apopka, Florida. Of the image, Greenwood says, “This is a two image composite. The current was intense so my assistant was holding me in place! I love underwater portrait work and this session was a dream come true!”

    The image quickly made waves, and was even given an honourable mention in the Underwater Art category at the Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition.

    Credit: Kimber Greenwood
    Another shot from the photography session. Credit: Kimber Greenwood

    Greenwood must have found a passion for underwater photography. She also offers underwater maternity shoots!

    Feature image: Unsplash

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    In Fashion

    Dresses we love: Off-white

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    Over the years, many brides have forgone the traditional white wedding gown for alternatives. Popular trends have seen black and even multi-coloured dresses. One non-white dress colour we still adore is off-white in all its lovely variations. Cream, beige, ivory and champagne are all excellent substitutes if you’re not in the mood for crisp white. Here are some dazzling off-white dresses to inspire you.

     





     

    Image: Pixabay

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    In Celebs

    Inside Demi-Leigh and Tim Tebow’s wedding

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    It’s been one week since Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters and Tim Tebow tied the knot, and they’re letting us in on their big day. Both shared a beautiful 5 minute video showing fans an inside look into their nuptials.

    “Happy one week anniversary @timtebow !Its still surreal that I get to call you husband ?The song you’re listening to in this video, “Pennsylvania by Matthew Mole,” was our first dance song. @matthewmole wrote and was so kind to perform our first dance song live at our wedding. Thank you for capturing Tim and I’s love story in your music and giving us another way of holding on to so many beautiful memories. Full song now available for download. Visit the link in my bio!” Demi-Leigh captured the video.

    Watch the video below:

    https://www.instagram.com/tv/B70O8Hkh-bX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    The pair got married at the La Paris Estate in Franschhoek on January 20, 2020. South African celebrity wedding planner Zavion Khotze organised the day. The former Miss Universe wore an off-the-shoulder cowl-neck dress by Davids Bridal. Demi-Leigh’s favourite performer, Matthew Mole, performed his original song “Pennsylvania” for their first dance.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7oMECWBgFd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Demi-Leigh also shared a tutorial on how to achieve her beautiful wedding look.

    https://www.instagram.com/tv/B7vNr-UhjTO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Feature image: Instagram / Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters

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    Bride told she would be paralysed, walks down the aisle

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    Doctors told Chanelle Wimbish that she only had a 3% chance of ever walking again after she was hit by a speeding car in 2009. According to The Mirror, she sustained a T-6 spinal cord injury and was so severely injured that she was paralysed form the neck down with little hope of ever recovering.

    However, this clinical research associate from College Park in the US, was never one to let life bring her down. “I prayed and read positive books and poems knowing that I couldn’t change what had happened but that I could learn to live my best life despite/with the injury,” she said.

    When she began her rehabilitation process, her dad lived with her to help her out, but she was already living independently again by April 2010. So motivated and focussed was she, that doctors were stunned by her improvement. Eventually, she took up swimming and wheelchair racing, even trialling for the 2016 US Paralympic swim team.

    Then, in 2014, she met her now-husband Brennan. When the two got engaged in 2019,  Chanelle set herself the goal of walking down the aisle. When the day came,  there she was, walking down the aisle toward her loved one with two crutches. “Walking down the aisle is by far the biggest achievement for me that I am so very proud of myself for the work I put in for those six months,” she said.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    The picture on the left popped up in my Facebook memories today from 10 years ago, learning to get up off the floor as if I had fallen out of my wheelchair. It’s hard to believe around this time 10 years ago, I began physical therapy (PT) and my road to recovery after my Spinal Cord Injury. Despite the arbitrary prognosis from the doctors that I had a 3% chance of household walking, 7 months ago I started another round of PT, 2 hrs a week, to prepare to walk down the aisle to marry the love of my life. The past 7 months really pushed me out of my comfort zone but also showed me again how amazing the mind and body are. When I first met with my physical therapist, I had a goal to walk down the aisle with 2 crutches (which was completely new in itself as I had only been walking with a walker previously), but she had a more aggressive goal- walk with 1 crutch and an accompanying arm. 10 DAYS ago, I nervously walked those 30 feet that I worked so hard for, only using 1 crutch and the arm of my dad and husband, PLUS stood long enough to have a first dance with my husband @brennanwimbish and my dad! The day was certainly one I will never forget and will forever be grateful for. #chanellescause #married #sci #wedding #miracle #testimony #love #pt #rehab #walk #crutches #ergobaum #spinalcordinjury #liferollson

    A post shared by Chanelle Wimbish (Houston) (@chanellescause) on

    “No circumstance is as bad as you think it is, or as it seems. The mind is very powerful, so use it to transmit positivity in any situation to overcome.”

    Image: Facebook

     

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    In Destination

    Six haunted wedding venues to get married in

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    If you or your partner are into the more scary side of life, you may be wondering how to incorporate this into your wedding. You may think it’s impossible, but it’s not. A haunted wedding venue is a perfect option to include on your special day.

    It may sound strange, but the architecture is usually stunning so it adds to the ambience and it would be a cool and unusual twist.

    Here are six haunted wedding venue examples:

    – Ohio State Reformatory, Mansfield, Ohio

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf8m54SBn8U/

    This Gothic-styled building in Ohio was formerly a correctional facility which housed more than 155 000 men. There are 215 graves outside the building and many visitors claim to have experiences with paranormal entities.

    There have been reports of guests being pushed and punched, cellar doors slamming closed, shadow sightings, and voices in the corridors.

    While the history of the building is troublesome, the architecture is stunning and makes for a great wedding venue.

    – Ackergill Tower, Caithness, Scotland 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/-wVpoWKByb/

    Ackergill Tower has been standing since the 14th century. It’s lush green grass and wide-open spaces make for a perfect wedding backdrop.

    It is said that the ghost of Helen Gunn, also known as the green lady, roams the grounds of the castle. She was abducted and kept in the tower and in an attempt to escape she fell to her death.

    – Hampton Court Palace, Surrey

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7giBT8BkNP/

    The palace was once home to Kind Henry VIII. You can imagine that it’s interior is extravagant and perfect for a wedding. In fact, the palace is one of the most famous historic wedding venues in the UK.

    Apparently, there are quite a few ghosts roaming the halls. Ghosts include Skeletor, The Grey Lady, and two of King Henry VIII’s wives, Catherine Howard and Jane Seymour.

    – Ettington Park Hotel, Stratford Upon Avon 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7GTewWjOh3/

    Ettington Park was previously the most haunted hotel in Britain. Guests have seen ghosts of a servant girl named Mary, Lady Emma, and a man who walks his dog through the library.

    The venue is often chosen as a wedding venue.

    – The Rose Hall Great House, Jamaica 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3DkNd2Byn2/

    A wedding in a tropical paradise like Jamaica is perfect! Right? This Jamaican venue offers more than what you expect from a Caribbean Island. The wedding venue is home to the spirit of a widow named the White Witch.

    In 1820, the house was owned by John Rose Palmer. He married a woman named Annee. The legend says that Annee had black magic powers which she used to murder Palmer, her next two husbands, and many lovers.

    People say she still resides in Rose Hall.

    – Rockwood Park & Museum, Delaware 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5DWTQFDF7a/

    The venue offers indoor and outdoor spaces for your ceremony and also does catering. On top of that, paranormal investigation tours are available too!  Add an extra twist, and have a paranormal investigation on the eve of your wedding.

    The venue claims that you have the chance to meet “long lost family members” who still reside in the mansion.

    Image: Instagram / fosteredphoto

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    In Accessories

    How to choose the right diamond for you

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    If you’re recently, or about to get engaged, and choosing your own ring, it’s important to know what to look for. Of course, not all engagement or wedding rings have diamonds. You can choose any stone, crystal or gem you want!

    If, however, if you’re leaning towards a girl’s best friend, we share some advice from experts on how to make sure your diamond is of good quality, suits your style and band, and is the best value for its price.

    The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has created a universally used system called the Four Cs of Diamond Quality. These categories are your go-to method for assessing your sparkly rock.

    Cut

    The shape of your diamond is a personal choice, and refers to the way a stone is hand- chiselled to reveal its proportions, symmetry and polish. In fact, the cut is the only way a jeweller can make a diamond unique and stand out. Cutting diamonds is a great skill, and the quality of the cut determines how the stone’s facets will interact with light and ultimately how much it sparkles. Choose a cut that catches your eye. Trends come and go, so don’t just go with the current most fashionable shape. Go for the one that shimmers its way into your heart.

    Here are the most common options:

    Credit: Shiny Rock Polished

     

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    A post shared by David Friedlander (@diamondsbylauren) on

    Clarity

    All diamonds bear ‘birthmarks’ – small imperfections inside the diamond, called inclusions. The number of these imperfections determine a diamond’s clarity and more flaws mean a less brilliant stone.

    The GIA’s 11 point diamond clarity scale ranges from flawless to heavily included. Stones that are flawless or very slightly included are virtually perfect to the naked eye. However, diamonds with inclusions can be just as radiant, beautiful and perfect for you.

    Here’s a spectrum on which you can find the clarity of your diamond:

    Credit: Shiny Rock Polished

    Colour

    Diamonds naturally occur in various different colours. However, in the traditional white diamond, white is highly sought after. The presence of other hues, especially yellow, lowers a white diamond’s value.

    The GIA grades white diamonds on a scale of D (colourless) to Z (darkest). All D-Z diamonds are considered white, even though they contain varying degrees of colour, while coloured diamonds are graded on a separate scale. Do bear in mind that the colour of the band can also influence the stone’s appearance. If you’re going for the ‘pure’ look, choose the whitest rock you can find (budget allowing). However, don’t shy away from yellow diamonds, as they posses a beauty of their own.

    Take a look at the scale for colour grading:

    Carat

    Most people think of carat as a stone’s size, but it actually refers to weight, with a metric carat equalling 0.2 grams. Diamonds are measured meticulously using 100 ‘points’. Very large stones are incredibly rare, as fewer than one in a million mined rough stones are large enough to produce a finished 1 carat diamond. As the weight of a stone increases, its value therefore increases exponentially, with a 3 carat stone potentially costing 9 times as much as a 1 carat equal stone.

    Take a look here:

    Credit: Shin Rock Polished

    When going ring shopping, bear in mind that no one factor can determine a diamond’s value and that more expensive isn’t necessarily more you.

    Source: Shiny Rock Polished

    Image: Instagram/Weddingplannermontreal

     

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