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    The country’s most loved couple of the moment just gave us yet another healthy dose of the feels. Following his amazing performance at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi wrote a touching tribute to the woman that has supported him all the way.

    Siya and Rachel Kolisi have been together for many years, and have faced harsh criticism and racial abuse ever since they began dating. However, their love proved true. Now married and parents to four children, (two biological and two adopted), the couple have won over the hearts of the nation following Siya leading the Springboks to victory at the World Cup.

    Rachel has been by Siya’s side supporting his rugby journey since they met, so of course she was front and centre cheering him on at the major sports competition. Her dedication has not gone unnoticed by Siya, and in a beautiful Instagram post, he thanked his wife for her unwavering support.

    “I love you @rachel_kolisi Thanks for always being there for me, believing in me and pushing me to be the best I can be.” he wrote in an Instagram post.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4xSQ7Ijz4O/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Since being posted, the image has raked up over 100 000 likes, and various South African celebrities such as Janez Vermeren and Anele Mdoda have commented their support for the couple.

    The couple seem to be incredibly loved up at the moment, and even jetted off to Paris together following the end of the Springbok Champions tour. Rachel shared this adorable picture from the city of love.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4989eylbgA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Also read Siya and Rachel Kolisi’s love story.

    Image: Instagram / Rachel Kolisi

    December is synonymous with one thing in the Western world: Christmas. Everyone is ready to kick back, bake cookies and be merry. Festive lights are hung and trees are decorated. In the Northen Hemisphere, people build snowmen and drink warm drinks, cuddling in front of fire places. In the bottom half of the world, we sip on icy drinks while the kids splash in the pool. Braais every day are in order.

    Not many people think about getting hitched while shopping for presents and cooking Christmas lunches. However, it’s actually the perfect time to get married. Here’s why:

    The atmosphere 

    There’s no two ways about it: The atmosphere in December is amazing. People are generally friendlier and more relaxed. There’s a reason people call it the festive season. Everyone is feeling the love, so you can’t go wrong!

    People have time

    People usually have more time to travel and relax, as most people’s work either closes for a few days or people put in leave. No worrying about family and friends having to rush in and out to attend your wedding.

    Families are together

    December is the time where even the most hardened hearts become soft. Families get together and that’s good for you if you want your whole family at your wedding.

    Save money by combining

    If you want to go all out and embrace Christmas wholeheartedly, why not combine the two events? You can have your wedding on Christmas Eve or Christmas day. That way, people don’t have to spend money on two separate events and gifts. You can still remember the significance of what this holiday means for you, and celebrate the new chapter in your life with your partner all in one.

    You can incorporate Christmas decor

    We saved the best for last: Christmas decor! If you love the themes of Christmas, you will have a blast with the decor. Red, gold and green is the way to go! If done right, Christmas decor is the epitome of class and beauty.

     

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    If you’re getting married in paradise, why not have your wedding decor reflect it? Tropical wedding decor is a great way to bring the island to your wedding, even if you’re not there. Incorporating natural elements and lots of colour gives your wedding a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for the laid-back couple.

    Invites:

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    Aisle:

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    Table numbers:

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    Table decor:

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    Coconut drinks:

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    Chill zone:

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    Bouquet:

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    Getaway car:

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    Surfboard drinks menu:

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    Floral chandelier:

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    Photo backdrop:

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    Image: Unsplash

    If you’re looking for a fun yet flirty wedding dress, look no further. Off-the-shoulder gowns are wonderfully romantic and dreamy. Whether you want a wonderfully whimsical dress or a minimalist modern finish, an off-the-shoulder gown is versatile enough for any effect. The options are endless, whatever your style.

    Show some skin with these stunning off-the-shoulder designs:

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    Image: Unsplash

    Talk about making an entrance. This bride’s wedding arrival was on fire when she showed up with an entire fire brigade in tow.

    Bride Julie Gorman’s plans for arriving on time to her wedding were spoiled when she and her bridesmaids got caught in heavy Los Angeles traffic. They decided to ditch their slow-moving limo in favour of walking to the ceremony. Luckily for them, the LA Country Fire Fighters were close by to lend a helping hand. The firefighters saw the women on foot and offered them a special escorted ride.

    “Great Story, you never know what you’ll find working an overtime in the County,” writes the firefighters in an Instagram post. “E69 was on scene of a traffic accident blocking both lanes of Topanga Blvd. As they were clearing the scene they noticed the future Mrs Gorman and her 2 bridesmaids walking along the side of the road holding up their dresses out of the mud. Obviously curious the Captain asked if they could help. They explained their limo was stuck in traffic and they were late for the the wedding. The Bride and Bridesmaids were loaded into the Fire Engine and given a code 3 escort to the wedding venue just in the nick of time. This picture showed up at the Fire Station a few weeks later.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B45VGHlhHj0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Image: Instagram / amyvvphoto

    Writing wedding vows can be a daunting task. It can be overwhelming to attempt to sum up all the things that you want to say to your partner. The vows, which at the end of it only add up to a few minutes of talking, are a summary of the love you have for your partner, the promises you are making to them, and the hopes and dreams you have for your future together.

    What makes this more difficult for many, is that it has to be done not only in front of your partner but also in front of all your guests.

    We’ve compiled a list of tips to ensure that you’re writing the best wedding vows you can.

    Things to say in your vows 

    – First, mention your own name and your partner’s name. There are probably many people in the audience staring at you; this could take away some of the intimacy of your vows. Emphasise the intimacy by adding something like, “I, Harry, take you, Sally.”

    – Second, add some anecdotes and personal stories. The guests will enjoy listening to this, and your partner will enjoy the trip down memory lane.

    – Third, make sure you’re saying meaningful things. Cute and funny stories will only get you so far. Say things that also show how serious you are about this commitment.

    – This final one should be a no-brainer, but we know that the stress of vow writing can cause some forgetfulness so we’ll mention it just incase. Always say “I love you”.

    Writing tips 

    – Do not, we repeat, do NOT write them at the last minute.

    – Read through some samples of vows before you start writing. This may help you to work out what your tone should be and could give you some inspiration.

    – Actually write your vows down. “I will remember them”, never works out.

    – Cut out clichés and things that might embarrass your partner.

    – Make sure your vows are not too long. Your audience may get fidgety.

    – Get somebody to proofread it. An outside opinion always ensures improvements.

    -Preparation tips 

    – Practice your vows. Say them out loud. Say them in the mirror. You’ll be nervous on the big day and the practice will ensure you’re familiar with what you want to say.

    – Carry a written or typed copy of your vows with you. If you do end up stumbling on your words, this will be a great help.

    – With all of these tips in mind, remember to also get creative and take into account the finer details and context of your relationship like Jimmy Gisondi, who wrote a set of vows not only for his bride, Kelsea, but also for his new step-daughter, Olivia.

    Credit:Abigail Gingerale Photography

    In his separate vows to Olivia, he said “I promise to never treat you [like] anything less than my own child”. This thoughtful additional set of vows brought the crowd to tears.

    Credit: Abigail Gingerale Photography

    Last but not least, don’t forget to add your personality. Your partner-to-be loves you for who you are, so staying true to yourself will make the vows unforgettable for them.

    Image: Pexels 

    While your guests will probably be more focused on whats on the menu than what the menu looks like, that doesn’t mean you should let its design slip to the side. Your menu card design is another element to add flair and creativity to your wedding. Extend your wedding theme with a truly unique menu card that makes more of a statement than a boring white piece of paper.

    Get fun and fancy with these unique wedding menu card ideas:

    Image: Unsplash

    What is the secret to a long-lasting and successful relationship? Maybe we should turn to the experts on this one. This American couple celebrated their 82 year wedding anniversary, proving that love is not dead. And their secret? It’s much simpler than you might think.

    103-year-old D.W and 100-year-old Willie from Charlotte, North Carolina are defying the odds. From both world wars, the Great Depression and the Civil Rights Era, they’ve seen the world through its many phases and changes. Yet here they are, still loving it up.

    To honour and celebrate their love, granddaughter BJ Williams-Greene threw the centenarian couple a massive party. In addition, they each celebrated a birthday, making this party extra special.

    “To see them at this age and still doing well, it’s just a blessing to have them here,” Williams-Greene told WSOC-TV.

    So what’s the key to a strong relationship? How do they make it work this long?

    “I don’t have no secret for that, just be nice to each other,” D.W. and Willie Williams agreed.

    “It’s communication and loving each other and working together.” their granddaughter added. “They are each other’s best friend.”

    This truly is a love for the ages.

    Image: WSOC-TV

    Sunshine, icy drinks, flowers and, did we say sunshine? If you’re a summery soul, an outdoor wedding will be perfect and hosting your wedding in the hot months will be a blast. With so many fun things to incorporate, you can go wild! Here are some sizzling ideas.

    Garden games

    Let’s be honest, it’s not just the kiddies that love to play in the garden. Adults can have all the fun too. Have some games set up if your venue includes a garden, so folks can get some fresh air between the ceremony and reception. Think crocquet, ring toss, and jumbo Jenga.

     

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    Fruity cocktails

    If the sun’s out and the temperatures are soaring, there’s nothing nicer than to sip on an ice cold fruity drink. You can have ready made cocktails or even have a station where guests can mix their own.

     

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    Live music

    Music really does set the vibe and live music creates a relaxed atmosphere. Many local bands are not too expensive, or maybe you have a muso-friend. Of course, you might just want to splurge and hire a professional band, then go for it!

     

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    Floral decor

    Nothing says ‘summer’ like flowers. Make the most of it by bringing it into the decor. Centre pieces on the tables, bunches behind the chairs and along the pathways will create a paradise look.

     

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    Breezy linen

    Light, airy materials will add to an overall light and lovely feel. Go for light colours like cream, lavender and peach.

     

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    Beach theme

    If you have an informal wedding, tropical themes are very in. Go for sunglasses, drinks in coconuts and bare feet. Remember the sunscreen!

     

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    Parasols

    If you and your guests are going to be in the sun all day, you don’t want to burn. Parasols are the perfect solution. They look classy and provide perfect protection. Remember to add additional shade, like gazebos.

     

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    Water features

    Stay cool with splashy water features. They’re beautiful and perfect for the hot days to cool down the air.

     

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    Picture: Pixabay

    One size fits all? No! Not when it comes to your body shape.

    Women come in all shapes and sizes and it’s so important to know your body type and shape to dress accordingly and accentuate your best features. There are many different body shapes and types, and each one is unique. To avoid your dress shopping experience being a stressful one, it’s important to know and stick to what works for your body.

    It’s also important to remember that very few women fall into only one category as we can have different features from various body types. Why? Because we’re beautifully unique!

    In this upcoming series, we’ll be looking at all the different body shapes and some gorgeous weddings gowns that will accentuate YOU perfectly.

    Next up, is the hourglass shape.

    For many years, women have called upon the aid of a corset to create the enviable hourglass silhouette, and it’s safe to say that this gorgeous body shape might just be the easiest to dress as well. Hourglass body shapes have it all – from being well-proportioned to having curves in all the right places, along with a distinct waist.

    The goal of this shape would be to choose a gown that flatters and embraces your curves. You want to define your waist, highlight your neckline and make the most of showing off your bust and naturally cinched-in waist. A woman with an hourglass figure normally has shoulders, bust and hips that are similar in measurement and a narrow waist with the smallest measurement. The shape is feminine yet structured so something fitted will be your first go-to. So if you’re looking to show off those natural curves, the golden rule is to follow your body line!

    Opt for a formfitting silhouette, like the fit and flare or the mermaid style gown:

    The mermaid dress is the iconic figure-hugging silhouette. It’s sleek, sexy and fitted from the bust through to the hips, then dramatically fans out from the lower part of your thigh or just below the knee.
    The fit and flare, or trumpet style, is a variation of the mermaid style that is fitted through the body and flares out from a higher point on the thigh, which gives the skirt a bit more volume. Both these figure-flaunting styles are romantic, elegant, glamorous and will accentuate your curves perfectly.

    As with all silhouettes, you have the option of many different necklines, but if you’re slightly smaller on top, you’ll want to choose something that will highlight your shoulders and bust to balance it out – the boat neck, V-neck, scoop neck or sweetheart neckline are all perfect options. However, stay away from high necklines if your bust is bigger as it has the ability to make your bust look disproportionally large – empire style dresses will disguise your nipped waist.

    If you want to downplay your curves slightly, choose a ballgown or a gown with an A-line skirt. This will still emphasize your narrowest part – simply add ruching or a belt detail to create a cinched-in waistline.

    Get your inspiration here:

    The Mermaid

     

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    Fit & Flare:

     

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    By Amy-lee Steenkamp

    Feature image: Unsplash