There’s something about the official wedding kiss. Everyone holds their breath and witnesses an otherwise personal gesture with great anticipation. It just absolutely brings it all together. Like the old saying goes, “sealed with a kiss.” It’s the classic symbol of affection and love, and all the guests celebrate it with the couple on their big day.
Here are some of our all-time faves caught on camera.
Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale
When the Hollaback girl-singer said I do, that kiss was one for the books. She didn’t care a single bit about her trademark popping red lipstick getting smudged.
Cosmopolitan
Ellie Goulding and Caspar Jopling
These two lovebirds got married in style. With a classic dress, and a kiss to match. Super sweet.
Studio_M
Justin and Hailey Bieber
Yes, we know. It’s all over the internet right now and you’ve seen this one a hundred times. Still, we can’t help but love this sexy kiss. Let’s give credit where credit is due.
News.com.au
David and Victoria Beckham
Ready for a blast form the past? This iconic couple has been married for 20 years already (what!) and the fashion for that time was just… how do we put it? Different. However, the love stayed the same and this kiss is therefore a much loved one. What a Posh kiss as well.
Instyle.com
Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio
True, this is not even a kiss yet, technically. But it’s very true to Marilyn Monroe. Teasing, flirtatious and completely in control, we love this wedding moment caught on camera.
You know the picture. The proposer suddenly lowers the knee to the ground, both hands clutching a tiny box. “Will you marry me?” they ask. It’s a picturesque moment, one we’ve seen reproduced time and time again. But why do we do it?
While proposing has actually been around for centuries, proposing on bended knee specifically has not always been the tradition. In the olden days, wedding engagements were seen more as business arrangements than the romantic, heartfelt scenes we know today.
Proposing on bended knee has no specific historical origin, and largely seems to be a more modern invention.
Most reports link the tradition to practices observed during medieval times.
According to engagementringbible.com, the tradition “dates back to the days of knighthood, chivalry and formal courtship (i.e. medieval times and beyond).” In these days, knights would bend the knee in front of their lord as a sign of respect and loyalty. Courtly love was the formal practice of romance. Knights would perform various deeds of service to prove their love for certain women. They would also kneel before the women as a sign of servitude.
Kneeling was and is a common occurrence across many religions. Much Christian iconography depict figures kneeling before their Lord as a symbol of service. For many entering their places of worship, they will kneel before the altar in a sign of love and reverence.
The argument goes that these two occurrences blended together and became a way for people to express their love, thus evolving into the modern day proposal. The bended knee became a symbolic way to prove your undying love and respect.
Nowadays, of course, people are not so strict about upholding this tradition. Many propose without kneeling, and the amount of women proposing to men has largely risen. Whether you kneel or not, at the end of the day it is about what feels right for you and your partner.
Food itself can be artwork and oh-so-pretty. Let’s not kid each other, we’re all here for the dessert. And you know there will be pictures taken, so you want them to look gorgeous! We found some super creative desserts to give you ideas. Even if you’re not a sweet tooth, you’ll love this eye candy.
Cookies
Ah, yes. An old-time favourite, and the perfect canvas. You can go crazy with different shapes and designs, or keep it simple with all of the same. Either way, these are great, even as a souvenir for guests to take home since it won’t spoil easy.
This one is an oldie but a goodie. There’s no one on earth that doesn’t like chocolate and if they say they don’t, they’re wrong. The beauty of this is that you can have guests dip in anything under the sun. Think fresh fruit, biscuit-fingers, or even donuts. The list goes on. Plus, it makes for a super pretty decor piece.
Delectable, smooth and decadent. Mousse is fancy and fun at the same time because you can make little artworks by packing different layers in a glass or glass bowl. That way, you can play with different colours. Or you can keep it as simple as chocolate. Stunning pictures all the way!
Almost seems like we left the most obvious for last, doesn’t it? We all know that macarons are highly Instagrammable. Scientific fact. And yummy too! Well, eat your heart out.
Every couple has a love story. All the moments in life come together to create the now. When a couple decides to get married, they bring with them all their histories. That is exactly what this British couple did.
Becky Brotherhood, 43, and Lee Markham, 45, have not had the easiest path in life and in love. To honour their journey and the past that made them who they are, Becky decided to don a wedding dress with patches made by her friends and family.
Becky and Lee met five years ago. At the time, Becky had just completed her battle with breast cancer that made her leave her past career of nursing behind to focus on her health. She began training to become a massage therapist to help people who felt that their body was turning against them.
Both Becky and Lee had children from previous relationships and had gone through difficult experiences.
They quickly fell in love and brought their families together, however, Becky never thought she would remarry. It was after Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding that she had a sudden change of heart.
“I’m not an avid follower of the royals, but something about their story – how sections of the establishment were sniffy or judgemental about Meghan, or the fact that she’d been divorced made her somehow less worthy – just really hit home on that day,” she explained to Metro UK.
“I felt that perhaps my decision to not marry was actually more about what people might think, and less about what I actually wanted, or how I felt about him.”
She then took the initiative and asked Lee to marry her over Facebook Messenger.
“So I asked him – and that fact that I asked means so much to me now: to hell with rules and tradition and what people think.”
When it came to planning the big day, Becky knew she wanted her wedding dress to tell a story, one where her closest friends and family could be a part of the creation.
“Standing in front of my soul mate at the age of 43, knowing that we both have rich histories and six children between us, it felt wrong to buy something new and off the shelf,” she explains. “It didn’t feel right and didn’t fit us as a couple.”
“One of the most special things about our love is that we love each other because of our pasts. They’re not something we have to look beyond or gloss over, and the family home we are both building right now is open and welcoming to everyone. We both have scars and losses – physically and metaphorically, and I wanted that to be reflected and held in every part of my dress, bravely, unashamedly, and with love.”
Becky, a skilled sewer, began designing and sewing her own wedding dress from an old sheet she found in her attic. Some of Becky’s clients gave her scraps of fabric and buttons that were sentimental to them for her to use on her wedding dress. This inspired Becky to ask her bridal party to make their own patches that she could then sew on to her wedding dress.
Friends and family came together to create patches. Credit: Becky Brotherhood/ Lee MarkhamThe patches all told a story. Credit: Becky Brotherhood/ Lee Markham
“I wanted it to feel like a tapestry of our lives… our children, our friends, and our families, and everyone who had made us into the people that we were – standing face to face vowing to spend the rest of their lives together,” she told HenHeaven. ” I wanted it to feel new and different … almost tribal, a coming together of everyone’s love and blessings for us, to hold me with every stitch.”
She hosted sewing lessons to show those less-confident how to do it. This recurring sewing session quickly became special bonding moments for those involved.
“It ended up being almost like a month-long hen do, where friends would come up, and we’d catch up, and spend quality time together too and with such busy lives, when does that ever happen? And it really felt like the dress captured that energy of reconnection too.”
She sewed the patches onto an old piece of welsh slate from the quarry next to where she had grown up. Also attached to the wedding dress were Lee’s father’s wedding ring, Becky’s mother’s wedding ring, the buttons from Becky’s sister’s gown, and from her mother’s jewellery box.
In the end, they created a unique dress with immense sentimental value.
On the wedding day on September 28, all her loved ones were around to see their creation and to celebrate the union of Lee and Becky.
“Seeing everyone that loves us, and supports us, and who have been there for us through tough times, and good times – seeing all those people rally round and just love getting involved, and creating such wonderful, heartfelt pieces of art, essentially, it’s like I felt lifted up on their shoulders and carried to the day.”
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, 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.
First up, is the pear shape.
A pear shape, also known as the ‘triangle’, is the most common body shape, where the hipline is wider than your shoulders. Flattering a pear-shaped body is all about highlighting the natural waistline and your more slender upper torso to balance your silhouette.
The classic A-line dress is a great starting point – with some embellishment details on the bodice to act as a focal point, it will naturally accentuate your waist. To balance your shape, consider cap sleeves, and off-the-shoulder cut or a fuller skirt that adds some movement. With that, you want to cinch in your waistline and create an hourglass silhouette.
If you are feeling a bit more regal, look at Meghan Markle inspired gowns and add a plunging neckline for a modern update, while necklines like the sweetheart cut will leave you looking femininely soft and romantic.
Steer clear of mermaid gowns or tight fit-and-flare silhouettes as it will draw more attention to your widest area which will, in essence, make the area look wider than it is.
Many a boyfriend has had to comply with his girlfriend’s latest photo recreation attempt of some amazing couple photo she saw online. The universal sigh followed by the eye roll, usually ending in a blunt refusal to pose any longer (four hours later). One newly engaged man was a darling, and completely down for it.
Despite his best efforts, though, Collin Hewett messed it up completely. As in, horrendously. He practically drowned his fiance, Alyssa Snodsmith, in champagne. Luckily, she was a good sport and laughed all the way through!
The photo Alyssa found on Pinterest by photographer Brianna Bender Martin looks simple enough. So couple Collin and Alyssa decided it’s the one to recreate. Here’s where the fun starts.
Apparently, at first, all went well but the angle was not exactly right and the flow of champagne too little. So Collin kicked it up a notch. Next thing you know, champagne is streaming uncontrollably all over Alyssa’s face, with her gasping for air. Here’s the tweet that has since gone viral:
So me and Alyssa took our engagements pictures yesterday. She found a Pinterest picture that she wanted to try and recreate
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I botched it pic.twitter.com/oSSUCB4o6A
“I was trying so hard to pour it slowly that when it started to kind of trickle out at the end, I over-adjusted and it came pouring out all over her,” he told TIME, laughing.
“I’m fine by the way,” Alyssa responded to the original tweet. Seems it was all taken in good spirit and she decided to roll with it.
Their photographer, Chandler Lefever, laughed just as hard.
Apparently, the rest of their photoshoot were shots of them walking far off, taken from behind, so they wouldn’t look soaked on their engagement photos for the rest of their lives. Not nearly as much fun, we think.
Recently, it’s become almost like a fun guessing game: Does the bride have decor on the soles of her shoes? Does the groom? Some couples have taken to writing messages for each other there, some brides have inspirational words and some just want a fancy decoration. We have some brilliant ideas that will sweep you off your feet.
Messages to each other
Reading a heartfelt letter from your soon-to-be spouse just before the wedding is a special moment. Save the trees and write it on their shoes.
weddingforward.comweddingforward.com
Matchy-matchy
These are especially great for pictures. If there are song lyrics, quotes or anything else you like, you can split it so that both of your shoes complete it together.
weddingforward.cometsy.com
Personalised stickers
There might be a specific theme you want to carry, or something that’s meaningful or beautiful to you that you want to use. It could be your new surname, the date of the wedding, anything really. The options are endless.
For many of us, characters from TV shows are like friends. We’ve cried with them and laughed with them. We’ve seen them fall in love, and even get married.
There have been many iconic TV weddings that are still spoken about to this day. Whether it be because of the long and complicated relationship leading up to the event or a crazy moment on the day itself, these weddings have stood the test of time.
Here are some of our favourite TV weddings.
Jim and Pam – The Office
The ultimate ‘will-they-or-won’t-they’ couple, Jim and Pam had audiences frustratingly waiting season after season for them to realise they were perfect for each other. The couple finally wed in the show’s sixth season in a hilarious two-part episode that saw the entire cast dance down the aisle to Chris Brown’s ‘Forever’.
Leslie and Ben – Parks and Recreation
Leslie and Ben of Parks and Recreation are one of the most adorable and loved couples to ever grace the small screen. In season 5, the couple impulsively decided to say ‘I do’ earlier than planned and spent only two hours planning the wedding. They enlisted their friends and co-workers to help, which led to many successes and mistakes. Leslie eventually gave up, but her best friend Ann arranged for them to get married in their office in front of all their co-workers.
Luke and Lorelei – Gilmore Girls
The finale of Gilmore Girls left many fans needing closure on the future of Luke and Lorelei’s relationship. Their prayers were answered in the Netflix revival, Gilmore Girls, a Day in the Life.
The couple started out as friends that were clearly in love with each other but annoyingly could not see it. After breaking up and making up, they decided to elope the day before their wedding, marrying in a magical ceremony that saw their friends and family decorate Stars Hollow to perfectly match the couple.
Marshall and Lilly – How I Met Your Mother
As one of the most adorable and long-lasting couples of the show, How I Met Your Mother‘s Marshall and Lilly captured the hearts of thousands of viewers. However, their wedding day went from disaster to disaster. From Lilly’s ex trying to stop the wedding to the harp player going into labour right before the ceremony, this day seemed beyond repair. However, they decided to rather hold a small ceremony officiated by their friend Barney under a park tree, like how they had always wanted.
The Red Wedding – Game of Thrones
This wedding is one of the most iconic weddings to ever be aired on television, although it wasn’t for being warm and fuzzy. What began as a nice, normal wedding ended in absolute carnage.
The wedding of Edmure Tully to Roslin Frey turned out to be a ruse for Walder Frey to exact revenge on King of the North, Robb Stark, after he went back on his promise to marry one of Frey’s daughters. At the reception, Frey had his men murder Robb, his pregnant wife Talisa and his mother, Lady Catelynn.
And just like that, two major characters were killed off in one fell swoop.
The Purple Wedding – Game of Thrones
Clearly the Game of Thrones writers do not like weddings. Another wedding aired on the popular HBO show ended in death, this time for the much-hated King Joffrey. After marrying Margaery Tyrell, Joffrey was poisoned at his wedding reception by Lady Olenna Tyrell, although his uncle, Tyrion Lannister, was blamed for it. The image of Joffrey choking on his own bile has become stuck in the mind of every GOT viewer since.
Cam and Mitchell – Modern Family
This wedding was a long time coming. The adorable Cam and Mitchell were one of the most hilarious couples on Modern Family, and had many fans rooting for them. A series of mishaps threatened to ruin the wedding, including the wrong tux being delivered and wildfire that caused everyone to evacuate. The couple is about to cancel their wedding when Mitch’s father, Jay, announces that he has secured a country club as a wedding venue. They finally wed as a voiceover from Mitch’s sister details her beautifully written ‘best person’ speech.
Chuck and Blair – Gossip Girl
Chuck and Blair’s love-hate relationship was greatly detailed through the six seasons of the popular CW show. While they couldn’t seem to make it work, fans always dreamed of a happily ever after for this feisty duo.
They finally wed in the show’s finale episode, after being on the run after Chuck’s father plunged to his death. Chuck’s uncle convinces the pair to marry so that Blair would have spousal privilege and not have to testify against Chuck, which they eagerly agree to. Right after their first kiss as a married couple, Chuck is arrested. We would expect nothing less from this dramatically iconic couple.
Monica and Chandler – Friends
As a much-loved couple, Monica and Chandler’s wedding was highly anticipated by fans. After Chandler gets cold feet and leaves the night before the wedding, the plans seem to be off. However, Ross is able to convince him to go forward with the wedding.
Chandler and Monica wed in the show’s seventh season in a surprisingly simple and sweet ceremony officiated by Joey. Their tear-jerking wedding vows remind us all that love still exists.
There’s nothing quite like being in a beautiful and lush environment. If you love nature and want to make use of its beauty then a garden wedding could be perfect for you. However, as with any wedding venue, there will be upsides and downsides and you will need to decide for yourself if the negatives outweigh the positives when it comes to planning a garden wedding.
Gardens generally have plenty of space and can therefore accommodate all your guests easily. The setting itself is already natural and beautiful and so you will not have to worry too much about decoration. You will most likely be able to have your ceremony as well as your reception in the garden which cuts out travel for yourself and your guests.
If you’re lucky and a family member or close friend has a stunning garden, they might allow you to have your wedding there and that will save you tons of money.
However, if you are planning on holding your reception in the garden, you might want to hire a marquee to protect yourself and your guests from the elements and bugs. You should also have a back up plan in case it is incredibly windy or happens to rain on the day.
If you’re looking at a public garden, it won’t be private and you may have trouble booking it during season as it will be in demand.
A garden wedding invokes a casual vibe and is also a much more family-friendly wedding venue. Kids can run around and play without getting bored and wanting to go home and you can set up lawn games for the adults’ entertainment.
On the downside, if you’re wanting a full set up then you will most likely have to rent everything including seating, sound equipment and a power source since there won’t be any electrical outlets in a public garden. If it’s in the garden of someone’s home, you can get away with running extension cables from the house to power everything you need.
The nice part about garden weddings is that you will be free to use vendors of your choice. You might be able to find good deals with unattached vendors rather than using sponsored vendors and then having to put up with their pricing.
As with any open space, however, there is the issue of sound getting lost, especially if there is a breeze. If you’re under a marquee, then this shouldn’t be a problem.
These are just a few things to consider when you are planning a garden wedding. There are wedding venues that have garden locations within them that will have all the necessary equipment that you would need, but you might end up paying heavily for this type of venue.
After five years of marriage, super-couple Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West have secretly renewed their wedding vows.
In a recent episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Kim details that the couple decided to renew their vows in an intimate backyard ceremony that included the entire family following the birth of their fourth child, Psalm, in May 2019.
In the episode, which will air in South Africa on October 27, Kim tells Scott Disick: “I think it’s so special that all four of our kids are here. It’ll just be really sweet, and I’m excited that everyone is coming over.”
The renewal was initially meant to be a surprise, but both Kim and Kanye were planning something so they came together to throw the ceremony.
“I, at first, was gonna keep it a full surprise and then I heard he was trying to plan something,” Kim explained. “Everyone was kind of being really weird. And I was like, ‘Well, guys, if he’s trying to plan something and I’m trying to plan something? Someone has to say something and we’ll just do it together’.”
The pastor that married them in 2014 headed the vow renewal.
“We wanted to keep it really personal and it’s private for us,” says the beauty mogul.
She explains that Kanye has taken a much more active role in raising their four children – North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm, and she wants to show him her appreciation.
“Kanye knows that I’ve had such anxiety with the new baby and everything going on. He’s stepped up so much and has been the most amazing dad, playing all the games with the kids and things like that.”
Kim can be heard rehearsing her personally written vows in the episode, which begin with, “You are my husband. You are my best friend. My biggest believer and my one true love.”
While the actual vow renewal was not aired, famous family members can be seen prepping for the ceremony while wearing all-white.
The couple first wed in a lavish ceremony in Italy back in 2014. Many celebrities were in attendance, including John Legend and Chrissy Tiegen, Jaden Smith and Balmain designer Olivier Rousteing. They filmed an E! special detailing the couple’s road to the altar, although once again, they did not include the actual wedding ceremony.
