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    Royal wedding traditions

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    If you thought planning your own wedding was tough, imagine throwing a royal one! The British royal family is all about tradition and their weddings are no different. From Queen Victoria to Harry and Meghan, these royal customs have stood the test of time.

    Proposal approval:

    Royals must be incredibly selective with who they choose to marry. The Royal Marriages Act of 1772 stipulated that all royal descendants had to seek blessing from the sovereign before proposing. The act was created to prevent unsuitable marriages that could diminish the status of the royal house. This drew much criticism over the years, and was repealed in 2011. The 2013 Succession to the Crown Act now orders that the first six people in the line of succession must receive permission from the sovereign to marry.

    To take things even further, the 1701 Act of Settlement was passed to settle the succession to the English and Irish crowns on Protestants only. This Act also stipulated that no Roman Catholic, nor anyone married to a Roman Catholic, could hold the Crown. Essentially, royals could not marry anyone of the Roman Catholic faith if they wanted to keep their place in line for the throne. Luckily, this provision was changed in 2015.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BQKXffNh3Uv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Wedding rings of Welsh Gold:

    Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret, Princess Anne, and Princess Diana’s wedding rings were all fashioned from the same nugget of Welsh gold which came from a Welsh mine, Clogau St David’s at Bontddu. This gold is more valuable than gold from Australia or South Africa.

    While there is only a sliver of the original gold left over, the Queen owns a large nugget of 21 carat Welsh gold which is held by the Crown Jewellers to be used for the royal wedding rings of today. Sarah, Duchess of York, Duchess Kate, and Duchess Meghan Markle all sport wedding bands made from this nugget.

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    A sprig of myrtle

    From Her Majesty The Queen to The Duchess of Cambridge and The Duchess of Sussex, a sprig of myrtle has featured in multiple royal bouquets over the decades. Myrtle represents love, fertility and innocence, and first appeared in the bouquet of Queen Victoria back in 1840.

    Following her wedding, Queen Victoria planted a myrtle shrub in her garden at the Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. Since then, every British royal bride has plucked a sprig from this very bush to place in her bridal bouquet.

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    Laying the bouquet at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior:

    This tradition was started by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, almost a century ago. As she entered Westminster Abbey on the day of her wedding, the Queen Mother stopped to lay her floral bouquet at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in a gesture of remembrance for her late brother, who died at the Battle of Loos in 1915. She also did this to honour the millions of others killed and injured in World War I. She then continued to walk down the aisle sans bouquet.

    Since this day, many other royal brides have followed in her footsteps. The only difference is that they lay their bouquets down after the ceremony, not before. Most recently, Duchess of Sussex Meghan laid her flowers on the tomb as she left the church.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BorO7D4HSN5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Orange blossom:

    Queen Victoria was truly influential in shaping modern royal weddings. For her 1840 marriage to Price Albert she chose to wear a wreath of orange blossoms in lieu of a tiara. The orange blossoms were meant to symbolise chastity.

    Many royal brides have since followed suit and incorporated the star-shaped orange blossom into their bridal attire, including Princess Victoria, Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Beatrice.

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

    Official photographs:

    Official portraits have been a long standing tradition for the British monarchy. Following the introduction of photography, King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra were the first to test out this new technology after their 1863 ceremony. Many royal couples would also share their wedding portraits as postcards for members of the public to purchase.

    Since then, we have seen numerous official wedding portraits from famous British royalty such as Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bio3WR_AlRP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    The wedding and reception:

    Royal weddings are often star-studded events. Fellow royals, foreign leaders, church officials, diplomats, and celebrities are often spotted at these occasions.

    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, however, went against tradition and did not invite any foreign leaders to remain neutral.

    British royal weddings are typically held at noon, followed by a post-reception luncheon, which is essentially just a seated brunch hosted by the Queen. Both Prince William and Kate and Prince Harry and Meghan had two receptions: the luncheon and a private dinner/party.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi-EhaxgJ8E/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Image: Instagram / Kensington Royal

     

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    Hors d’oeuvre ideas your guests will love

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    All you need is love and food. Your wedding should offer both. Cocktail hour is a crucial time for guests to whet their appetites before they sit down for the wedding feast.

    Typically running after the ceremony, cocktail hour is a perfect time for guest to mingle while enjoying some delicious dishes. Beyond just lining stomachs, it sets the tone for the rest of the evening. Whether you want to go big with fancy finger foods or prefer the more modest morsel, these appetisers are sure to get your mouth watering.

    Pretzels:

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    Popcorn:

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    Feta and watermelon skewers:

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    Charcuterie:

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    Ice-lollies:

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    Mini-tacos: 

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B1wvK1BFEff/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Fries:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2mSCe-ja_C/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Crostini:

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    Fish fingers:

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

    Chicken skewers:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B1n-02XAeJc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Sliders:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqy2zNeH3H_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Milk and cookies:

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    Arancini pops:

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    Image: Unsplash

     

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    In Advice

    Have a fabulous staycation honeymoon

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    We all know how expensive weddings and honeymoons can be. As amazing as your big day might have been, your bank account will probably not love you for it. There’s no pressure to go away and have an expensive honeymoon. Whatever decision is right for your budget, will be the right one for your future, no matter what others say. You can always have that grand trip later.

    In the meantime, there’s no reason you can’t still celebrate your new life together right where you are in a budget-friendly way. Take a day or a weekend off to spend some time together. Here are some great ideas. Choose your fave or combine them all!

    Feast on love

    Picnics are super fun and a great way to get creative, since you can plan exactly what you want to pack. Grab a comfy blanket and set it up anywhere you like. A pretty park, botanical garden, a riverside and the beach are all great options. It might be nice to choose a theme, for example Greek food. Alternatively, just pack your favourite snacks and drinks!

     

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    A post shared by Dimpi Sanghvi (@dimpisanghvi_ws) on

    Spa day

    After all that wedding stress, you both deserve some relaxation. Spa’s are excellent for some spoiling and usually have couple’s activities you can do together. Couple’s massages, facials or saunas good options. If that’s a stretch on your budget, the easiest thing on earth is to have a spa day at home! Get some lovely pamper products and give each other massages, followed by a steamy bubblebath…

     

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    Camp in the backyard

    Now, we know what you think: This is just for kids. No, it absolutely is not! Depending on your backyard, you can have a whole weekend getaway all outdoors. Pitch that tent, roll out the sleeping bags and roast marshmallows around the campfire. If you don’t have a backyard, there’s bound to be some camping spots near you, and they’re usually quite affordable.

     

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    Hike

    There’s nothing like watching the sun rise with a spectacular view. If you’re an active couple, check out some nice hiking routes and lace up to get a fresh perspective!

     

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    Wine tasting 

    If your tastebuds tickle at the sound of wine tasting, this one’s for you. Most wine farms have beautiful surroundings that are perfect contributions to a romantic atmosphere. Of course, you can swop it out for beer tasting, gin tasting or anything else you prefer.

     

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    A post shared by Roksana | WINE & INSPIRATION (@wineroks) on

    Candle-lit dinner and stargazing 

    Ah, the magic of candles. For some reason, candle-lit dinners just never go out of style. For this one, you could either go to a cosy restaurant or consider cooking together and setting up a nice dinner table at home. After dinner, spread a blanket and gaze at the stars if the night is clear. Cuddle up close and dream about your future together.

     

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    Image: Pexels

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    Widow honours late husband with annual photoshoot

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    When we marry, its with the intention of being with someone forever. But for some, that forever is cut short at the blink of an eye. Such is the story of Vanessa Lanktree and her late husband and best friend, high school sweetheart Eric. Years after his passing, Vanessa honours her late husband in a touching annual photoshoot.

    Canadians Vanessa and Eric met back in 2006 when they were still in high school. They fell in love, and in 2011,  firefighter Eric proposed to Vanessa on Christmas Eve.

    “He was my first boyfriend, my first love,” Vanessa told SWNS. “Our relationship through the years was so strong because it started so young. I had no doubt about our lives together.”

    They married on September 8, 2012 in a beautiful church ceremony.

    “As I walked down the aisle with my dad, Eric was bawling his eyes out,” she said. “I already knew I wanted to marry him but when I saw him crying, I thought how lucky I was.”

    Credit: Vanessa Lanktree

    Two years after their wedding, however, tragedy struck. Eric was killed in a head-on collision with a truck in November 2014  while he was making his way home from a vacation in Vegas. He passed away soon after the impact, before Vanessa could even make it to the hospital.

    “I felt like I was the only one at that age that had lost somebody that young like their husband,” she told CBC News. “Our lives had just started — it takes time to finally feel like you’re not in a cloud anymore.”

    Years later, on the day after what would have been the couple’s four year anniversary, Vanessa suddenly decided to don her wedding dress again. In her dress, she danced around her kitchen to their wedding song, Keith Urban’s “Making Memories Of Us”. Putting her dress on again was a cathartic experience, one that soon became an annual tradition.

    “It has felt so good to put my dress on,” Lanktree told CBC News. “I love putting it on and just felt good and I felt good in it that day and I still feel good.”

    “Grief doesn’t go away but somehow you find little things to help you cope, like putting on your dress,” she said to SWNS. “Most people get to go out with their husband for supper or a date night on their anniversary, and this is my thing that I get to do without him.”

    Putting her dress on became a symbol of an incredible relationship and marriage, and a way to honour their time together. Vanessa says that she will most likely do this yearly for the rest of her life.

    She has since found love again and her boyfriend, Kurtis Isbister, is very supportive. This year, he took pictures of her in her wedding dress whilst in a sunflower field.

    Credit: Vanessa Linktree

    Vanessa hopes that this tradition inspires others to deal with their grief and live their life to the fullest.

    “Eric would have wanted me to continue on with life and find some happiness somewhere,” Lanktree said. “The thing is to somehow find a way that you can honour that person. You can still find a little bit of happiness.”

     

    Image: Vanessa Lanktree

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    Boks-inspired proposal fail

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    The Rugby World Cup fever overtook us all these past few weeks. One South African in particular was feeling the spirit, and made a big promise. A single Facebook post gripped the nation for days to find out how this fairytale would end.

    Last week, Brian Royalson Mdunge took to Facebook and posted on the group #ImStaying to announce that he would propose if the Springboks won the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

    As we know by now, the Boks won the sports competition, bringing pride to the South African nation. This also meant that Brian had to hold up his end of the bargain.

    Following the win, many waited in anticipation to hear the happy news of another engaged couple. However, no news came. For days, we were left with no updates, leading to the trending of #FindBrian.

    “BRIAN!!!!!!!!! HALLOOOOO!!!!!! THE NATION IS WAITING IN ANTICIPATION!!!!! You had 24 hours to man up,” one comment read.

    Brian has just broken his silence, although unfortunately it was not with good news.

    “Hello Mzansi sorry to keep you waiting so long, but the lady rejected my proposal in front of my friends she said she’s not ready. I’m too embarrassed,” Brian wrote in his post.

    Group members have rallied to support Brian through this tough time, sending him many words of encouragement.

    “I’m so sad to read this news, ” reads one comment. “But she did not altogether say No. So hang in there, should your spirit tell you she’s worth waiting for. Amen. You stay blessed. Mwaj”

    “Sorry Brian … She’s not ready now, if her unreadiness has to do with you, work on that… If not, give her time… She rejected the proposal, Not you! All the best bro..” another advised.

     

    Image: Unsplash

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    In Fashion

    Dresses we love: Bohemian gowns

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    Not everyone loves glitz and glam. If you’re an earth-child and love boho fashion, consider going for one of these fun and flowy wedding dresses that have us swooning.

    Colourful

    Bohemian themes are known for wild splashes of rich colour. If that’s you, don’t hold back.

     

    White

    If you prefer white, these options are great. Cream, off-white and beige work well too.

    Crocheted

    This lovely patterned dress adds an old-time feel.

    Short

    It’s a risk we’re willing to take.

    Caftan

    Embrace your inner free-spirit with this fit.

    Picture:Instagram/monika.okon.photo

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    Wedding Attire: Casual

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    Wedding dress codes can be difficult to interpret, but don’t worry, we will guide you through what to wear to a wedding with a casual dress code.

    A casual dress code is appropriate for an outdoor wedding. Wear something comfortable while keeping your outfit sophisticated. While this dress code is the most laid-back option for a wedding, it is still a wedding and therefore jeans should not be considered.

    Here are a few outfit options that would work for a casual wedding:

    Men

    Pair a polo or button-down shirt with dress pants, chinos or khakis and boat shoes. Brown shoes are also acceptable at a casual wedding.

     

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    Women

    Wear a sundress or a pretty blouse, or perhaps a cute sweater if it’s chilly, with a skirt or dress pants. Keep embellishments to a minimum. Pair your outfit with sandals or a pair of wedges.

     

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    A post shared by nicolette mason (@nicolettemason) on

     

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    Feature image: Unsplash

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    Art-deco inspired wedding decor

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    Flappers, fringe and fancies, oh my. The 1920s characterised the Jazz Age, a time of lush decadence. Dubbed art-deco, this time period featured geometric shapes, mixed metallics and lots of glitz. Gatsby glamour at its finest.

    As 2019 comes to a close, we are quickly approaching the new decade and will soon usher in the 2020s. Many 2020 weddings are predicted to take on a roaring 20’s theme in honour of the new decade. Here is how to do it right.

    Invites:

    Incorporate gold accents and geometric shapes for an invite Jay Gatsby would be proud of. Gold and royal blues are swell together and give a sleek yet decadent look perfect for the Jazz age.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4cPmXvgJel/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Venue:

    A venue that features sharp angles and gold finishes will work best. A grand hall will give off the feeling of grandeur, which is exactly what you want.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B39pzH6nypp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Geometric backdrop:

    This geometric backdrop perfectly nods to the angular lines of art deco.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3xJRh2j1Wy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Escort cards:

    Guide your guests to their seats in style with these escort cards. White and gold is effortlessly chic and the simple lettering is a more modern take on art deco.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B316aJwl_1I/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Round tables:

    Round tables were popular at 1920s soirée’s because they would circle the dance floor, which was the most important part of the venue. We love how this table is covered in a black glittery fabric that creates an understated opulence.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2OnlCpICrp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Gold touches:

    Gold was a mainstay at 1920s parties, and your wedding should be no different. Encase candles in gold vases for a modern yet romantic finish. The table numbers below make a simple statement without competing with the other decor.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B27CF1nhCk-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Gold tableware:

    Gold cutlery and guilded plating creates an opulent yet romantic look. Pair your cutlery with a simplistic menu to avoid overdoing your tableware.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4AU66LDuSw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Themed drinks:

    The prohibition stopped nobody from drinking during 1920s America. Honour their love of alcohol by creating custom drinks featuring 1920s favourites like gin, bourbon and rum.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B21qKBfBVry/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Cake:

    Black, white and gold are art-deco staples. Have your cake adorned with geometric shapes and different textures to create a dynamic finish. Gold pearls and white feathers accessorise this sweet treat perfectly.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Au0FGDsys/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Go for Gatsby:

    The Great Gatsby is the most iconic text set in the roaring 20s. Make subtle hints to it with signage throughout your wedding venue.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Au8ptASrl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Image: Pixabay

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    In Celebs

    Graeme Smith ties the knot during rugby final

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    Former SA cricket captain Graeme Smith got married on Saturday to lawyer Romy Lanfranchi, the same day the Springboks beat England in the Rugby World Cup final.  Early on Saturday, though, Graeme apparently made it clear that the Bokke formed a big part of the couple’s excitement on their magic big day.

    According to YOU, the couple had a little boy together in 2016 and got engaged in 2018. They each have two children from previous marriages as well.

    The two got hitched at the luxurious Beloftebos Wedding Venue outside of Cape Town. Both looked glorious, with Romy wearing a strapless mermaid dress and Graeme a black suit and faded pink tie. In all their pictures, the family of 7 are smiling and laughing lovingly.

     

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    2 November was an incredible day! ❤️ #wedding #love #family #beloftebos #friends #blendedfamily #daytoremember? ?

    A post shared by Graeme smith (@graemesmith49) on

    Congrats to the newlyweds!

    Image: Instagram/Stansfield

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    Siya and Rachel Kolisi’s love story

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    Theirs was a classic tale. Two people from different sides of the track met and fell in love. Fast forward a few years, and they have become a power couple. Siya and Rachel Kolisi share a truly South African love story, one of love with trials and tribulations. This is how it all began.

    When Siya met Rachel:

    Siya and Rachel met at a dinner party in Stellenbosch back in 2012. They soon became friends, but Siya always liked Rachel. He eventually plucked up the nerve to ask her out, an experience he has described as scary. “I knew I liked her and had to tell her,” he wrote on their wedding website. “It was scary. I asked her to lunch and that’s when I told her. She played hard to get in the beginning, but eventually admitted it as well. The rest is history. We have a beautiful family and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with her.”

    Family first:

    Siya and Rachel have a big, blended family. Their first son, Nicholas Siyamthanda, was born in 2015. Their second child, daughter Keziah, was born in 2017.

    Siya’s young half-siblings Liyema and Liphelo also live with the family. Siya and his siblings share a mother who unfortunately passed away in 2009, causing both Liyema and Liphelo to bounce from orphanages and foster homes for years until Siya and Rachel were financially able to adopt them in 2014.

    Because of Siya’s busy schedule, Rachel left behind her career as an event manager and marketing executive to become a full-time mother to their four kids.

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

    Will you marry me?

    The couple became engaged whilst sky high. Siya popped the question during a helicopter ride over Cape Town.

    They married on August 13, 2016 with a beautiful ceremony in Franschhoek that had many South African athletes and other notable attendees present, such as Aisha Baker. Top Billing was on hand to capture their journey to the aisle. Watch their wedding insert below:

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    https://www.instagram.com/p/BK5SLA9BoVX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Highs and lows:

    Their relationship has not been without difficulties. Throughout their longterm relationship, the couple have been subject to much racial abuse from members of the public.

    Rachel has also taken to social media after women have reportedly tried to interfere in her marriage. In response to a woman saying Siya was her type, Rachel tweeted,”Siya is not ‘a type’. He’s a married man responsible for four children. Just a side note. I’ve been there for all the good times. But I’ve also been there for ALL the bad times. Honestly, this should go without saying. Respect my relationship and woman to woman. Respect me.”

    She has also publicly spoken out about women trying to reach out to her husband via social media, including a fitness model that sent Siya provocative photos via Instagram.

    A national hero:

    From his humble beginnings in Zwide township outside Port Elizabeth to representing the nation at the Rugby World Cup, Siya’s rugby journey has taken him to heights he never imagined.  In 2018, Siya became South Africa’s 61st skipper and the first black African to assume the role. Most recently he led the Springboks to victory at the 2019 Rugby World Cup and brought the trophy back home, a third time for SA. His success will certainly inspire a new generation of South African athletes.

    Of course, his family was there every step of the way to cheer him on.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Xb_U6lBUI/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3WkmUJFBJF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

     

    Image: Instagram / Siya Kolisi

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