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Where to propose in the Mother City

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So, your heart is fluttering and your mind has one ever-present thought: you’ve found the love of your life, the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. Wow! Now you need to think about popping the big question.

Cape Town has plenty of romantic destinations for getting down on one knee to ask this all-important question.Whether it’s a beautiful vineyard or a stunning restaurant with a view, the Mother City has it all.

Briony Brookes, Communications and PR Manager for Cape Town Tourism, shares her thoughts about the best spots for a romantic proposal to your loved one.

Signal Hill:

Signal Hill, with its panoramic views of the city, the ocean and the mountains, is a wonderful spot for watching a stunning Cape Town sunset. With a glass of bubbly in hand, it lends itself to being among the most romantic places to pop the big question. But, if this is your choice of location for the marriage proposal, arrive early so that you can select the best spot – before you are crowded out by the many other couples spending a romantic few hours together.

Sweeping views of Cape Town from up high will get anybody inspired and happy. Credit: Instagram / ThaFunkJunkie

 

Dash Restaurant & Bar:

Smooth, soulful live jazz from Thursday to Saturday, elegant and chic decor and a panoramic backdrop of Table Mountain lit up in all its glory beneath a starry summer sky. This is the perfect location for an exclusive, romantic soiree. Dash Restaurant and Bar at the prestigious Queen Victoria Hotel is intimate while also being within the V&A Waterfront precinct. Arrive early and watch the sunset from the terrace before diving into their colourful new menu blending classic French and cultural Cape Malay-inspired cuisine. The restaurant is an idyllic setting for a special evening, such as when you’re asking for your partner’s hand.

Dash restaurant. Credit: supplied

Chapmans Peak Drive:

Chapmans Peak Drive, or simply Chappies, is the Godfather of scenic drives in Cape Town. With the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Constantiaberg Mountains on the other, this road is an absolute joy to cruise down. There are also look-out spots and over 50 picnic spots along the road. So, when it comes to proposing, Chappies is undeniably one of the top spots.

The view at sunset makes for a romantic atmosphere. Credit :supplied

Cape Point Nature Reserve:

If you’re looking for applause and a few damp eyes from inquisitive onlookers, then head for the top and pop the question alongside the iconic black and white old lighthouse at Cape Point. The dramatic views are unforgettable, and you will have the support and encouragement of a large audience of tourists making the trek to the top. What could be more meaningful than being congratulated in languages from all over the world?

Cape Point offers scenic views for a perfect backdrop. Credit: supplied

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden:

If your partner loves beautiful gardens and a romantic picnic, then Kirstenbosch will take their breath away! The meandering pathways and green areas lined with indigenous fynbos vegetation make for the perfect spot to lay down your picnic blanket and pop some bubbly (and the big question). Enjoy the incredible views from the Boomslang Canopy Walkway as you take a romantic walk together. With all this beauty and romance your partner will surely say yes!

The beauty of nature will provide a romantic, stunning location for your proposal. Credit: supplied

 

Picture: Unsplash

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In Advice

5 easy ways to make your wedding stand out

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Your wedding day is the biggest, happiest day of your life. You want it to be extra special and leave a lasting impression. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to do anything bizarre or expensive to make your day beautiful. These clever and unique ideas with pieces from FF Decor expertly set up by Spectacular Occasions will make yours a wedding to remember. Here are some things to try.

1. Fairy light dome

Fairy lights are nothing new, but the way you set it up makes all the difference. If you have an outdoor wedding, draping the lights in a dome or rectangular hallway structure will create an enchanted forest-atmosphere.

2. Shaped menu

The menu is important so guests know what they’re being served, but sometimes the tables are already so full, you don’t want anything extra to crowd the space. Why not cut the menu in a perfect circle to fit inside the plate? Problem solved.

3.  Extended table decor

The table decor make a big contribution towards the overall theme and setting. It should enhance the aesthetics and there’s no reason why it can’t continue when the table ends. If you have floor space, use it for your table decorations as well and let the magic continue.

4. Block colours

Having one colour at your wedding is so last season. But beware of getting trigger happy (unless crazy colours are all you. In that case, go for it!). If you have one or two colours or tones you are going with, but you feel like it just needs that little something, add one block colour (the colour opposite your main colour on the colour wheel). This will have an eye catching and interesting effect.

5. Elevated cake

To top it all off, the cake is always the cherry on top. There are numerous ways to make this even more spectacular by using decor pieces. How about this suspended cake? The wooden plank adds an earthy touch and places this marvellous artwork up high for all to see.

Don’t settle for anything less than the perfect decor. The sky is the limit.

Vendors used in images:

Location: Toadbury Hall
Photographer: Leigh Benson
Make up: Amy Sprawson
Hair: Rhode Truter
Décor: Spectacular Occasions
Lighting: Draping designs by FF Decor
Flowers: The Bloom Room
Dress 1: Fynbos Bridal Boutique
Dress 2: Johan Botha Fashion Design
Cake: Kelly Jane Cakes
Stationery: Trendy Settings Paperworks

Pictures: Supplied

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In News

The 60-year engagement

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An Australian couple tied the knot this weekend, 60 years after they first got engaged, proving that love never truly dies.

Tom Susans, 87, and Judith Beston, 80, first met in 1957 at a Brisbane-based teachers training college and within two years they became engaged. At the time, however, the marriage was not meant to be. In 1959, Tom started a teaching job in Beaudesert, Queensland while Judith moved back home to Redcliffe, Brisbane with the intention of them getting married and starting their life there. Her family, however, were not supportive of the engagement.

“I thought ‘this is good, I can get married here and Mum can help me a bit’, but at home it was really difficult,” Judith told ABC news.

“Mum didn’t want Tom involved; she thought he was much too old for me.”

Familial pressure turned out to be too much for Judith, causing her to move to New Zealand where she began teaching, got married and raised seven children.

“She just disappeared,” Tom said. “I didn’t know where she was; I couldn’t find her anywhere in Australia. I thought she was dead.”

Tom kept the engagement and wedding rings, placing it in a wooden cabinet for safe keeping, They would remain in this cabinet for 60 years.

Tom also moved on. He eventually moved back to central Queensland, married a fellow teacher, and raised four girls.

Despite moving on, however, Tom never lost hope that he and Judith would be reunited. He would search for her at every one of their University’s reunions, but she never attended them. He gave up, eventually, and stopped seeking her out. He was then surprised to find that she was at the 50 year reunion, and immediately called her.

The pair reunited in 2009 at another reunion, but despite keeping in touch through Christmas cards, their relationship did not progress.

It was only after Tom’s wife passed on, and Judith had been widowed for a long time, that they began to explore their relationship again.

“The chance of us meeting each other and the chances of us picking up where we left off — we seem to be pretty compatible,” said Judith.

In April 2019 the couple met up face-to-face and holidayed together in Queensland. It was here that Tom proposed again.

“When he asked me to marry him, I said yes straightaway,” said Judith. “Normally I have to think about things for a while and sometimes I think about it long enough for it not to happen.”

They finally married in an intimate ceremony in October 2019, where Tom was finally able to place the long-kept wedding ring on Judith’s finger.

“I thought after 60 years, it was about time she had it back — and it fitted,” said Tom.

 

Picture: ABC News

 

 

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In Weddings

Maid of honour tries to stop wedding

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Your maid of honour is usually your best fried and you trust her with everything regarding your big day. She is the one who’s got your back. This maid of honour fulfilled her role perfectly, but some might say she didn’t exactly approach it in the best way. She noticed that her friend’s new boyfriend acted suspiciously when they first started dating. The first red flag was when she realised he lied to her friend about the price of the ring.

On the night, the groom-to-be decided to pop the question with a ring that still had the price tag of $599 (R8 870) on it. Fortunately, the best friend stopped him and they took the price tag off before the bride-to-be saw it, however, the best friend later found out that he had told his then-fiancée that he had bought the ring for $12,000 (R177 798).

In a Reddit thread, the maid of honour explains how the groom then started telling outrageous stories about his life, which, according to her, seemed too outlandish to be true. He also did some suspicious things and had a history that raised red flags. For instance, he told the maid of honour and her partner that he was a millionaire but lost everything when he got divorced. He also said he used drugs with his ex-wife to try and bring her back from her addiction. The ex-wife, he said, abused him.

Then, the maid of honour was becoming more suspicious and ran a background check on him and found that he kept changing his last name. He had been married three times before and took his ex-wives’ last names. To top that, he had an active aggravated domestic violence case, and a restraining order against him which was granted right before he met the bride.

When the best friend told the bride-to-be about her findings and concerns, she said she knew about his previous marriages but dismissed all the other concerns saying: “It’s not like that, he had a hard life and he loves me.”

The maid of honour decided not to be part of the wedding as she didn’t approve of the marriage and knew that her friend was landing herself in a compromising position with this man.

But shortly before the wedding, the bride phoned her and begged her to be there. The maid of honour, wanting to protect her friend,  then decided to attend the wedding with a sign that read: “As your best friend, I OBJECT! You deserve better! Done with love xoxoxox,” taped to the back of her shirt.

However, despite all the maid of honour’s efforts, the wedding went ahead. Regretting nothing about her objection, the maid of honour is no longer on speaking terms with her best friend. She said that even though she was sad, she has moved on.

If you do disagree with your best friend’s choice to marry a person, the right thing to do is to gently warn her like this maid of honour did. Make sure you have your facts straight, though.

Picture: Pexels

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In News

Couple shoots wedding pictures at dumping site

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A couple in Russia had their wedding pictures taken in gas masks at an illegal chemical waste dump as an attempt to create awareness about toxic waste.

Voctoria and Oleg at their photoshoot.

The activists, Victoria Menshikova and Oleg Kabanov, say they do not belong to any specific organisation or group, but feel strongly that environmental pollution affects everyone, according to W24. The couple wanted to show people that if we are not more conscious about the way we treat waste, soon everywhere will just be one big landfill.

According to the groom, a chemical waste landfill on the outskirts of Ryazan appeared around 10 years ago and has continued to operate despite a court ordering the site’s closure in 2011.

The bride.

In August, a fire even started at the site, proving that these toxic sites are posing a threat to nature and humans. As reported by The Moscow Times, there are almost 11,000 landfills and 40,000 garbage dumps in urban areas, protected forests and rural regions in Russia. The country’s landfills are in fact reportedly at risk of a “catastrophic overflow.”

In light of this, many view the couple’s decision as heroic and an important step towards a greener future.

Pictures: W24

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In Advice

Unique alternatives to the wedding getaway car

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Ribbons attached to front windows of cars typically show that a newly married couple is passing by on route to their reception. For those that want to have a little bit of fun with their wedding transport, there are a host of quirky and different ways to ride off into the sunset.

If cars are a bit too played out for you, consider these alternative modes of transport to exit your wedding in style.

Boat:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3wcp_uJisN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Carriage:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzz9eslIB2X/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Motorcycle:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B14HQ5WFRDa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Horse:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3kv53UgkGB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Bus:

https://www.instagram.com/p/Box-Ps2hmRy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Bicycle:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYJ8ltMAbNN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Canoe:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BznA31uDV0a/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Tractor:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BGaOmCRrK7V/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Taxi:

axi:

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

Picture: Unsplash

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The meaning behind ‘something old, new, borrowed and blue’

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“Something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue”. This wedding charm is a tradition that has been followed many betrothed couples for decades. Brides traditionally incorporate this tradition into their bridal attire, wearing something old, new, borrowed, and blue, typically obtained from loved ones. But where does this tradition come from, and why do we still do it today?

The tradition began in the Victorian era as an English rhyme. Originally it went, “Something Olde, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, A Sixpence in your Shoe”. The final part of the rhyme is typically a British custom only, and thus largely omitted from the saying.

Each object is meant to bring the couple good luck on their wedding day and encourage a successful marriage.

Something Old:

Brides were traditionally required to incorporate something old into their bridal attire to ward off evil. In the olden times, brides traditionally wore an undergarment of a woman that had already bore children as their something old. Doing this was meant to confuse the Evil Eye, who was said to cause infertility. Through this, the Evil Eye was tricked into thinking the bride was already fertile, thus leaving her alone.

However, the more favoured meaning is that of continuity. By incorporating something old, brides carry with them something sentimental from their past.

Typically, brides opt for heirlooms to represent their something old.

Something New:

As the betrothed begin their new life as a married couple, the something new acts as a symbol of optimism  for the future.

This is the easiest and most straight-forward element to incorporate, as it can literally be anything. The easiest is to have jewellery or the wedding dress itself stand for the something new, as those will most likely be purchased brand new.

Something Borrowed:

Something borrowed works to bring the couple good luck on their wedding day and their marriage. Traditionally, couples are meant to borrow something from a close friend or relative that is already married and ideally has children. This way, the luck of the happily married person will rub off on the newlyweds, thus starting the marriage off on a positive note.

As with the something old, brides were encouraged to borrow the undergarments of a close relative or friend as a positive sign of fertility.

Nowadays, couples generally borrow things of significance from friends or family. Once again, it can be anything, from accessories to shoes.

Something Blue:

Blue is said to represent purity, love and fidelity, and as such has become a highly symbolic colour for weddings. It also has the bonus of warding off the Evil Eye, according to legend.

Traditionally, brides incorporated their something blue into their garters. However, today brides can use blue in any aspect of their wedding attire to get the same effect.

The “Sixpence in your shoe” part of the rhyme typically refers to British custom, in which a bride places a sixpence coin inside their shoe for good luck and prosperity.

Picture: Unsplash

 

 

 

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Everything you want to know about Jennifer Lawrence’s wedding

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Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence married art dealer Cooke Maroney on Saturday at a celeb studded ceremony on Rhode Island in New York. According to People, the beaming bride’s gorgeous gown was designed by Dior, her favourite fashion house.

She kept it simple yet stunning in this soft peach coloured satin dress with floral detail on the skirt. The actress is yet to release more wedding pictures but it’s obvious that she was striking. Not laden with heavy jewellery or a prim updo, she looked natural and absolutely radiant.

Cameron Diaz, Sienna Miller and Adele were among the guests at this glamorous affair. The Belcourt at Newport is a mansion, loved by many for it’s classic feel and beauty.

 

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A post shared by @archi_ologie on

Jennifer called Cooke “the greatest human being I’ve ever met” earlier this year on Catt Sadler’s podcast Naked with Catt Sadler. “I don’t know, I started with the basics,” the actress continued, when asked why she chose to marry him. “‘How do I feel? Is he nice? Is he kind?’ It’s just — this is the one, I know that sounds really stupid but he’s just, he’s — you know. He’s the greatest person I’ve ever met, so I feel very honoured to become a Maroney.”

The two lovebirds have been in a relationship since 2018 and got engaged in February of this year.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

I’m officially breaking my theme to post this adorable (and pap photo sorry) of Jen and Cooke, who are now rumored/ confirmed to be engaged! Jennifer’s rep confirmed to E News as well as many other sites that they had in fact got engaged recently and that they have celebrated and Jen is extremely happy to have a Fiancé. At first I wasn’t sure what to feel, amongst surprise and unsureness I found happiness, and I am now over the moon for the two of them! I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Cooke and my baby Jen. I love you. #jenniferlawrence #cookemaroney #jennifercooke #jenniferandcooke #jlaw #jenlaw #jenniferlawrenceengaged #engagementring #marriage #cookifer #couple #celebritycouple #celebrityengagement #jlawengaged #jlawmarried #jenniferlawrencemarried #jenniferlawrencecookemaroney #twocuties #baby #ring #wedding #loml #goodluck #congratulations @cookemaroney @lauragram

A post shared by Jennifer Lawrence- JLaw (@jenniferlawrence_) on

According to Metro, the day’s menu was sublime and we expected nothing less. The canapes that were served up included cod beignet, sweet potato flat cakes, brussels sprouts with cured egg yolk and smoked pork belly with pickled apple. The main course was just as fancy with wood-roasted fish with herbs and lemon-infused butter and five-week-aged leg of beef with foragers sauce on the menu. And, of course, there was dessert with fire-baked sourdough bread pudding with chocolate, salted caramel and fresh apple, cauldron fritters with bourbon cream and cinnamon sugar and homemade s’mores for dessert. Sounds like a party to us.

Picture: BBC

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In Food

Wedding food trucks that will wow your guests

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Food trucks have quickly become popular alternatives to the traditional wedding meal. These vehicles are transformed into stylish, mobile mini-kitchens ready to line the stomachs of eager wedding guests. Food trucks also work as extra decor pieces, providing a dose of whimsy sure to impress your guests.

With so many fun and unique food trucks to choose from, you’ll be overwhelmed with having to choose. Here are our favourite wedding food truck ideas to inspire you:

Gin bar:

Gin is having a moment. Stun your guests with a gin truck offering various add-ons and botanicals to quench their thirst.

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

Gelato:

Appeal to your guests’ sweet teeth with a gelato stand. This food truck works well for summer weddings and adds a fun, vintage feel to your wedding.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2CoaN8APBN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Fresh juice:

Homemade juice is the perfect drink for a hot summer’s day. Serve them on the back of a truck in massive juice jars, and you’ve got the cutest drink station.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3eqSMnnO3h/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Mexican food:

If you’re a lover of spice then a Mexican food truck will be right up your alley! Tacos, nachos, burritos and churros make for perfect handheld delights at your wedding.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3ummJrJgz3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Fried Chicken:

Having street food at your wedding creates a much more relaxed, informal atmosphere. If you’re not one for seated dinners, this food truck idea is perfect for you.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3TmZWkpVqB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Pizza:

Who doesn’t love pizza? Give your wedding an Italian flare with some freshly made pizza.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2L3MaABljA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Snacks:

We all get peckish, especially after a day of wedding festivities. Having a snack truck on hand will keep your guests coming back for more.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B2PwIzHH4rJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Breakfast:

If you’re having an early wedding, you should consider providing a mobile breakfast bar. From pancakes, eggs, bacon and baked goods, there are so many options to fill your guests in preparation for the ceremony.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1g7Oe3HaI9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Toasties:

Toasted sandwiches take us back to childhood days of lunches in front of the TV. Take a trip down memory lane with a toastie truck. It will be the perfect addition to a chilled afternoon wedding.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3v-k7nAPX8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Charcuterie:

Harvest tables have been trending for a while now. If you want to be different, think about having a charcuterie and cheese truck. Cheese, meats and wine go so perfectly together and make a great picnic-style wedding snack.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzpg3jqisge/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Picture: Unsplash

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What do weddings in SA cost?

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Now, as with any other event, you can go super small, low key and toned down, or splurge and go way over the top for your wedding. It really is up to you (and your bank account).

Wedding costs vary greatly, from one couple who tied the knot for a mere R6 000 to the infamous Gupta wedding at Sun City, topping the charts with an elaborate wedding of R30 million. Where that money came from is another story altogether. Let’s not dwell on it.

Those are two extreme cases, and most South African couples end up dishing out something between R70 000 and R80 000, according to IOL. There are a number of things to budget for, with the venue, dress and photography being among the most expensive.

Catering does not come cheap, either. Some couples are wonderfully happy with a small get together, maybe at their own or a friend’s home. A savvy aunt might pitch in to make the dress, and the mother-in-law knows someone who bakes.  What matters to them is being together, celebrating their choice to journey on together, surrounded by laughter and sunshine.

 

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A post shared by Emma Davidson Photographer (@emmadavidsonphoto) on

However, some will raise an amused eyebrow at the picture painted above. If the bride or groom is rolling in cash, they might have a completely different take on weddings. Think landing in helicopters and photoshoots with tame leopards. Entertainment for guests including classical ballerinas and acrobats. One such lavish wedding took place at Polo Estate, Val de Vie.

 

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A post shared by Cape Town Wedding Photographer (@zarazoophotography) on

Remember, though, that spending crazy amounts of money on one event could lead to haunting debt for you and your loved one. Rather be realistic about your budget, get creative (and eco-friendly) so you can focus on the other person more than on the material things. There are countless ways of saving money and still have a gorgeous wedding you will remember for the rest of your life. 

Picture: Will Cadena Photography

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