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    In Advice

    Gisele Bündchen’s secret to a healthy marriage

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    Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady are #supercouplegoals. This Brazilian supermodel and American quarterback couple almost seems too pretty to be real. While many celebrity marriages seem to crumble after a few years, this one has lasted over a decade. This is their secret.

    It may come as a surprise, but Gisele’s advice for a healthy marriage is incredibly simple: be attentive. Gisele believes that being present and in the moment is key to a lasting relationship. This comes in small but meaningful steps like putting the phone down when speaking to your partner and maintaining eye contact.

    Speaking to The Guardian, the supermodel explains, “I’ve been with my husband for more than 12 years now and, as you know, men are very… They want a lot of attention. They’re like, they demand… They need a lot of attention, like children do, like your family, your friends. So I think the important part is to have fully present moments with everybody. I think that leads to fulfillment, because they don’t have half of you, they have all of you in that moment and then they get recharged.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4r7KggAcEH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    In 2019, the couple celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary. Taking to Instagram, Gisele wrote, “I can’t believe it’s already been 10 years since we’ve chose to walk this life together… and what incredible 10 years we’ve had! There is nothing that I love more in this world than you and our family. Thank you for being on this journey with me and for doing the work that it takes to make it so special. May we continue growing together, walking side by side supporting and loving one another for many many years to come. Te amo tanto❤”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BuWUuZdg10s/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Feature image: Instagram / Gisele Bündchen

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    In Celebs

    Celebrities who got married at City Hall

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    When it comes to celebrity weddings, it’s likely that you always picture elaborate, out-of-this-world events. This may be the case in most instances. But some celebrities prefer to keep it small.

    They live their lives in the spotlight and perhaps this ignites a desire to keep things small and private on their special day. Over the years, a few celebrities have kept it very small…courthouse ceremony small.

    Dax Shepard and Kirsten Bell wed in the Beverly Hills County Clerk’s Office, Amber Rose and Wiz Khalifa married in a Los Angeles Courthouse, and John Legend and Chrissy Teigen made it official in a New York City courthouse. But these aren’t the only ones!

    City Hall is a common destination for private nuptials. The most popular City Hall venue is the one residing in New York City. But celebs have been seen tying the knot in Paris’ City Hall too!

    Here are some celebs who went the intimate route:

    Ellen Pompeo and Chris Ivery 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7VM6vLB0Fa/

    The Grey’s Anatomy actress married record producer Chris Ivery in NYC at a secret City Hall ceremony, in November 2007. They kept things as quiet as possible, even using underground tunnels to sneak into the building.

    Emily Ratajkowski and Sebastian Bear-McClard

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7TiSbLBkJC/

    Supermodel Emily Ratajkowski wed her producer and actor husband at City Hall in February 2018, mere weeks after meeting him.

    Michael C. Hall and Morgan Macgregor 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BT-TuwNlPMi/

    The Dexter star went small for his third wedding. He and his bride Morgan Macgregor wed in the NYC City Hall in 2016.

    Hailey Baldwin and Justin Bieber 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3VS88DHi_h/

    In September 2018, Baldwin and Bieber tied the knot in the NYC City Hall. According to PEOPLE, the pair did so even though they were advised not to. A year later they celebrated their nuptials again in more traditional fashion with a star-studded reception in South Carolina.

    Matt Damon And Luciana Barroso

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BbNYXOnBsk6/

    The actor met his wife in 2002 and they wed in 2005. Instead of having a big ceremony, they kept it very simple with a City Hall wedding. In 2013, they renewed their vows with a much fancier event at a resort with lots of well-known celebrities in attendance.

    Salma Hayek and Francios Pinault 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw4bcVtlzwO/

    The pair made it official on Valentines Day 2009 in Paris’ City Hall. Not long after, they had a ceremony and reception in Venice, Italy.

    Eva Longoria and Tony Parker 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4SjjLygnLW/

    The couple had a small ceremony in a Paris City Hall before celebrating at a 250-person wedding after! Unfortunately, the pair split in 2011.

    Christina Perri and Paul Costabile 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5-f4Ipl4Ak/

    The songstress kept it extra casual, wearing black combat boots, as she wed her entertainment reporter husband at NYC’s City Hall in 2017.

    Image: Instagram / Justin Bieber

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    In Planning

    Wedding photo trend: City skyline

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    Wedding photographers who want to stay ahead of the game do not have an easy job. These days, each wedding’s pictures are more stunning than the next and there are endless trends and styles depending on the couple’s vision.

    A massive wave hitting the industry -unexpected amongst the bloom of nature-focused weddings- is the city skyline. Think urban jungle with a sleek twist. This shoot can be classy, modern and cutting-edge. Here is some inspiration if you feel that way inclined:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    ? It’s windy in this city! Don’t fly away!?⠀

    A post shared by ???Ꭵ ᗩℕη? : photographer (@sodafountainphoto) on

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A perfect NYC wedding. Win your dream wedding at Carnegie Hall. Link in bio.

    A post shared by Andrea Adelstein (@nyluxevents) on

     

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    Finishing up the gallery of these two beauties this week. I can’t get over how timeless and elegant they looked ?.

    A post shared by MN Weddings + Portraits (@kyliemariemoore) on

    Also read: Wedding photo trend: Smoke bombs

    Image: Instagram/Kyliemariemoore 

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    In Fashion

    Top 6 over-the-top wedding dresses from around the world

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    Your wedding should be just as you want it, and that includes the wedding dress. Every person has their own unique style. What works for one person may not work for somebody else. Similarly, what looks amazing to one person, may not look good at all to another.

    That being said, there are times when personal style takes a turn for the peculiar. These women took their visions and truly ran with it…they ran like the wind.

    Have a look at these over the top wedding dresses:

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

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BwY-eZ-ndVz/

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

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    https://www.instagram.com/p/BuENLZwns1h/

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

    Image: Pexels

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    In Accessories

    Rocking socks for the groom and his crew

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    Black, unnoticeable socks for men are boring, even at formal events. In the olden days, if a man’s socks stuck out of his trousers’ pants, eyebrows would rise. Today, men proudly wear bright and colourful socks to formal events to stand out and add a bit of personality. They can decide on a theme or colour scheme and match, or each man can wear his own unique pair.

    Here are some ideas for your groom and his groomsmen if they want to take a walk on the wild side!

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Melissa ? (@willow_n_wander) on

     

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    ?

    A post shared by Kookaburra ® (@kookaburra.es) on

    Image: Instagram/stephanieteagueevents

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    In Advice

    How to: white bridal party dresses

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    Many believe that wearing white to a wedding is downright sinful, but these bridal parties say otherwise. All-white bridesmaid dresses have been loved for many years by brides and stylists alike, and we can see why. Follow in the footsteps of Kim Kardashian and Kate Middleton by having your bridal party rock elegant white frocks.

    The key to pulling off this trend is contrast. Even though everyone is wearing white, guests should immediately be able to tell who the bride is. Keep enough difference between your dress and your bridesmaid dresses so that the roles are clear. Here are some tips to do it right.

    Detail, detail, detail:

    Go big on detail for your wedding dress and simple for your bridesmaid gowns to create contrast. Using texture and fabric, a wedding gown can easily stand out and emphasize the bride.

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    https://www.instagram.com/p/B1KSKozHbB7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Mix shades of white:

    Bone, ivory, pearl, cream…white comes in so many tones. Another way to create a point of difference between the bride and the bridesmaid is to have gowns in different shades of white. Just remember that more than three shades can appear overwhelming, so don’t go too crazy.

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    https://www.instagram.com/p/BuqD9NUFmyR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Show some leg:

    Keep the wedding dress a full-length gown and go shorter with your bridesmaid dresses. Shortening a gown makes it slightly less formal, thus making the bride stand out that much more.

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    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4ybcFrAftm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3EACwWFIRF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Feature image: Unsplash

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    In Bridal Shower

    Adorable first look wedding images

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    Modern couples are skipping the time-honoured tradition of not seeing each other before walking down the aisle on their wedding day. More and more photographers are snapping ‘first look’ images, capturing the first time the couple sees each other in their wedding best. Often emotional and highly moving, these images are great for the non-traditional couple.

    First-look images don’t just have to be between the betrothed. You could also share the moment with a parent, your bridal party or even your pet.

    If you’re not yet convinced, maybe these emotive images will sway you.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5fvjkQgwaj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B67aF25AX8D/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7OopOWjXvB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7JBgoNA9gI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5GdpRIjESx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7GMRYNJsU3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B64jUcwBAKP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B64h6a-nlnW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B61mgQMl_oB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B6q_rhYlJk3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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    https://www.instagram.com/p/B397wpnJ5Pp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    If you want to have a little fun, why not consider a first-look prank? Here are a few of our favourites.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3sYXufDORt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B1iwk2NFZfh/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzqz3gQAR0z/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7MP_PmnBEE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Featured image: Pexels

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    In Advice

    Registry mistakes you might be making

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    A wedding registry seems like one of the easiest tasks in preparation for a wedding. You go to a store, pick the items you think you need (or want) and have the store create a list with your name on it. It may, however, not be as simple as you think.

    There are a few common mistakes that couples make when it comes to the registry. These slip-ups could have your guests criticising and will have you cringing! Ensure that you steer clear of any awkward situations by avoiding these common registry mistakes.

    – Waiting too long to register 

    Once you get engaged, putting together a wedding registry should be on the top of your list of things to do! Ensure that you have this done within a month of your engagement. You’ll be receiving engagement gifts soon, and the registry will help people to get you a gift for the engagement too. Don’t worry about looking greedy, the registry is simply to help your guests, not to demand things from them.

    – Including the registry on the wedding invitation 

    This could make it seem as though you’re demanding a gift. After all, it isn’t compulsory for guests to give gifts.

    When you put the registry on the invitation it feels like you’re asking for a gift in exchange for entrance into the wedding. Many people will find it rude that you’ve added it.

    Instead, you could direct people to the registry via your wedding website or the save the date.

    – Only registering in one place 

    While registering at only one store is probably the easiest option for you, it probably will be inconvenient for your guests. Some guests will want to buy gifts at real stores instead of online and some may be too far away from the one physical store you’ve chosen.

    Be sure to have one or two online stores and one or two physical stores with your registry. Limit the amount of stores to three or four. Too many stores could also be a bad idea, as this may make you look greedy or self-indulgent.

    – Asking directly for cash 

    Here, it’s more about tact than anything else. These days it’s okay to ask for money if you do it in the right way. You shouldn’t directly say that you want money.  However, you can indicate that you will be happy to receive contributions to a down payment on your new home or to your dream honeymoon.

    The trick is to choose your words wisely and ensure that you’re showing people that their money will go to good use.

    – Not varying the prices of gifts 

    Putting only expensive, dream items on your list may be a bit presumptuous. Remember that some people may not be within the means to buy you an expensive gift, and some simply may not want to. A colleague, for example, wouldn’t want to splurge on a wedding gift for you.

    Similarly, don’t assume that nobody will buy you one of those dream items on your list. Add a few! Maybe a few people will come together and get one big gift, or maybe your siblings are so happy for you that they decide to go all out.

    Add a good variety of gifts to the registry, with prices from very low to quite high.

    – Not writing thank you notes

    While this is not registry related, it is gift related and failing to send out thank you notes is a big no-no!

    Keep track of who gives you what, to make the thank you note process easier. After the wedding, you have no more than three months to get your thank you notes sent out. Don’t put it off!

    Also read: Wedding gifts for every budget

    Feature image: Pexels

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    In News

    Modern-day Viking throws Norse-themed wedding

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    Vikings are not only a thing of the past. There are many modern-day Vikings today across the world, many of whom still uphold the traditions of yesteryear. One such Scottish man decided to honour his heritage by tying the knot in full Norse regalia

    Dwayne Davies from the Shetland village of Brae is a modern-day Viking. He can reportedly trace his DNA all the way back to the 9th Century and the Norwegian king, Harald Fairhair. Davies is particularly proud of this heritage and decided to honour it in his wedding to his bride, Ashley.

    “I can trace my heritage back on my mother, Diane Johnston’s, side. My dad, Peter, is Welsh and came to work in Shetland, met mum and they married. But living on the islands has always made me hanker after my Viking ancestors,” Davies told Daily Record. “I have been fascinated by the Vikings on Shetland ever since I can remember. Their blood runs through my veins, so much so, that our wedding had to be a Norse one.”

    For his big day, he made his own leather armoury and cut and stitched the breastplate by hand. He also carved Norse engravings into the breastplate. His hair was styled in ancient Norse plaits.

    Their wedding day also followed Norse tradition, including a fiery torch parade and cake-cutting with a sword. Every table was named after Viking invasions of England.

    Feature image: Unsplash

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    In Advice

    Preserving the top tier of a wedding cake: Tips and tricks

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    One of the wedding traditions that have stood the test of time is the preservation of the top tier of a wedding cake. Couples save the top tier of their wedding cakes and eat it on their one-year anniversary. It may sound impractical, but we’re here to show you how to do it!

    Before we get to the tips for preserving your wedding cake, perhaps a little background on the tradition is necessary. These days, saving your cake for a year is understood as an omen for good luck. But where does the tradition come from?

    The story of cake preservation has two short parts. The first is that having a child in the first year of marriage was much more common in years gone by. For this reason, a couple would prefer to save a part of the wedding cake for the celebration of the birth of their child instead of getting a new cake.

    The second part of its story goes back to the 19th century and follows the actions of Queen Elizabeth II (or Princess Elizabeth at the time). When the Princess married Prince Philip in 1947, they had a three-tier cake. Each tier had a designated purpose – the bottom tier was to be cut at the wedding, the middle was to be sent off as a gift, and the top tier was to be saved for a future occasion. The future occasion here was the presumed upcoming birth of a child.

    Now, instead of saving it for the birth of the first child, the couple saves it for the first anniversary which is usually much closer in time to the wedding. The tradition seems to have stuck as a symbol of bringing the past into the present and of celebration.

    So, how do you preserve your top tier? Here are a few tips:

    – Decide on preserving it in advance 

    To ensure that the top tier doesn’t get cut on your wedding day, let your caterer know that you’ll be preserving it well before the ceremony. Deciding on preserving the cake early also helps you decide on fillings which may be longer lasting than others or decorations and designs that are able to withstand a year in the freezer.

    – Remove ornaments and flowers (real or sugar) 

    When you wrap the cake, it needs to be airtight.  The extra decorations will prevent the cake from being wrapped airtight.

    – Chill the cake 

    As soon as you get a chance, pop the cake in the freezer. This allows the cake to harden and preserve the icing properly. Ensure that there are no soft bits around the cake before you take it out of the freezer.

    – Double wrap it 

    First, wrap the cake with plastic. Push the plastic onto the cake so that there are no air bubbles. Then cover it again with foil. This ensures that nothing can get in. It also helps to ensure that other things in the freezer don’t pass their smells or tastes onto your cake.

    – Freeze

    Once the cake is tightly wrapped, label it (to ensure it doesn’t get mistaken for something else) and pop it in the freezer!

    – Eat later 

    Once your first anniversary comes, you’ll defrost the cake. Take the cake out of the freezer the day before your anniversary and keep in the fridge overnight. Then take it out of the fridge and leave it at room temperature for about 5 hours. Thereafter, it’ll be ready to eat!

     

    Many couples want to participate in this tradition but, for whatever reason, prefer not to save the cake. If you don’t see yourself saving the cake, but still want the sentiment and symbolism that comes with this tradition on your first anniversary, chat to your caterer and let her know that in a year you’ll be ordering an identical top tier. You may end up receiving a special deal or a totally free top tier!

    Image: Pexels

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