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    Looking to have a trendy vibe and capture some beautiful memories at your wedding? Incorporating technology into your wedding is sure to make it a unique experience that you will be able to look back on and cherish forever.

    Here are five easy ideas that are worth the extra cost.

    1. GO-PRO CAM

    Go-Pro cameras are a big trend at the moment and are intended to be used in creative ways. If you want to get some interesting videography or photographs, you can attach a Go-Pro to your flower bouquet to capture some hidden moments, or strap it your dog’s collar and let them wander around to all of your guests. You’ll be able to look back and laugh at some incredible moments you wouldn’t have captured otherwise.

    2. SELFIE STATION

    Instead of a simple photo booth, set up a selfie stand kitted out with a themed background, selfie sticks, phone chargers and props that your guests can use to take pictures they will cherish. You can also include a personalised hashtag to use in social media posts, making it easier to get all the wonderful photographs together.

    3. LIVE STREAMING

    If you have guests who are unable to attend the big day, an option is to live stream the event on social media or on a website where your loved ones can watch at home or wherever they are. This way they won’t miss out on any of the incredible moments at your wedding.

    4. DRONE FOOTAGE

    Drones are able to cover a wide range, which is what makes them so suitable for big events. However, they also work well to add a creative aspect to small spaces. You’ll be able to get up close to your guests and catch them all having a great time on the dancefloor from afar. This works well with a Go-Pro.

    5. SATTELITE BAR

    Want to impress your guests? Get a portable and automatic cocktail machine to serve a signature cocktail at your wedding. The robotic machine can be programmed to make a specific drink, and then serve it to your guests. This will be in addition to your cash-bar for other drinks.

    Picture: Unsplash

    Trial and error is the key to success and, in this case, a guarantee you’ll look and feel your best on your big day.

    If you plan on hiring a make up artist to do up your face, it is imperative that you do your research. It’s not as simple as booking and enjoying the experience. Here are a few things you need to do to prepare for your make up trial.

    1. BOOK NOW!

    To avoid disappointment, book your dream make-up artist and hairstylist as soon as you know the date of your wedding. This is especially important if your wedding is taking place in the summer months or another busy time of the year.

    Ideally, you should go for a trial one to three months before the big day, depending on how soon you finalise your dress and veil, as these will determine the look and feel of your make-up and hair. If you don’t like the look, this gives you enough time to tweak it before your wedding.

    2. GET INSPIRED

    Spend some time browsing through Pinterest, Instagram and Wedding ETC (of course) to find references for hairstyles and make-up looks you adore and would like to recreate. Bring these with you to your trial and discuss them with the professional. Photos of your dress and veil will also come in handy.

    While having an idea of what you like is important, keep an open mind to your expert’s suggestions too, as they may see your face and hair in a way you haven’t before. When in doubt, go for a more polished version of your signature look instead of trying something completely out of your comfort zone.

    3. PUT IN THE GROUNDWORK

    Prepare for the trial the same way you would for your big day: This means applying self-tan to your face, neck, chest and arms if you’ll be wearing it; having your eyebrows shaped by a professional, and removing any unwanted facial hair beforehand.

    The same goes for your hair: Make sure it’s freshly washed, cut and coloured the way you want it to look on your wedding day. Cut the neckline of a cheap white T-shirt to match your wedding gown and wear it on the day of the trial for a more realistic representation of the look.

    4. STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF

    Having a large, loud gaggle of girls with you at your trial is a big no-no – they’ll only end up confusing you. If you don’t want to go alone, ask a close friend or family member whose opinion you trust – not your overbearing mother. At the end of the day, your happiness comes first and you need to love how you look on your wedding day, so speak up if you have any concerns.

    5. DISCUSS THE DETAILS

    The trial is the perfect time to find out everything you need to know for a well-run wedding. Ask the stylist to go through their game plan for the day, including what time they need to start and how many assistants they’ll be bringing and if they will be styling the rest of your bridal party. Ensure you’re aware of all the costs to avoid nasty surprises. Take note of any products you need to buy for touch-ups on the day. You’ll definitely want to have the same shade of lipstick in your clutch.

    6. PLAN A TEST RUN

    Once the trial is complete, it’s time for some fun. Grab your girlfriends and take them out for a night on the town. Eat, drink and dance to see how well your make-up and ’do last. Comfort is imperative on your wedding day, so it’s a good idea to wear the look for a while to see how it feels.

    Take note of anything you aren’t satisfied with and report back to your expert. Ask a friend to take a few pictures of you, both in natural light and with a flash, from different angles to see how your look will appear in photographs.

    Picture: Pexels

    An unidentified woman in the US is working hard to sell a vintage wedding dress she found in an abandoned old gold rush town while hiking.

    Since returning home with the dress, she claims strange things have been happening to her. The bride is now trying to sell her dress on Facebook Market place for $600 (about R8 900).

    In the Facebook advert for her dress, the bride explains that the minute she returned home with the dress, everything changed.

    “While my fiancé and I were hiking through a small town between Fairfax and Carbanado, Washington, we came across an old gold rush town that was completely abandoned,” she wrote. “Needless to say our curiosity got the best of us and we started to explore the ruins of this ghost town. In one of the rundown remnants of a small cottage we shimmied up into, I came across this dress.

    “It was so gorgeous, I froze at the sight of it. And if I’m being completely honest, it scared the crap out of me all at the same time, but something about its ethereal beauty just begged me to bring it home with me.”

    “First small things like a sock, and my closet door being open in the morning when I specifically remember closing it before bed. Then my cat’s food tray would get thrown at such velocity it would knock things off of the shelf hung on the wall it strikes. This happened relentlessly.”

    Doors would slam, lights would turn on and off, and the couple heard footsteps all over their apartment. If that wasn’t bad enough, their home also began to smell.

    “And then came the smell of rotten eggs and fire that would fill our bedroom. Night after night. Then flies started to pile up against my back windows and swarm around my front door.”

    Life began to calm down after the woman gave the dress to her future mother-in-law for cleaning and tailoring.

    “During the two months that she had the dress it was complete peace, no more tension in the room, no more arguing between me and my partner, no more objects moving or footsteps and my cat was back to her affectionate playful self,” she said.

    “She never got it dry-cleaned and begged me not to get married in this dress because of the energy surrounding it and I hadn’t even told her about what was going on at home because up until that point, I hadn’t even connected the two.”

    The bride is now keen to find a new owner for the cursed dress. However, her Facebook post did not get the reaction she was expecting. Many accused her of stealing the dress, and said she deserved to be haunted for taking something that did not belong to her.

    Others said instead of selling and making a profit off of it, she should return the dress wear she found it to hopefully break the curse.

    Picture: Unsplash

    A fascinating wedding tradition that’s present across many cultures is the Money Dance. Although it’s slightly different in each iteration, the basis of all the customs is that at the wedding reception, guests offer the newlyweds money while they are dancing. This is meant to help establish their life together and express everyone’s appreciation for them.

    In some traditions, the money is pinned to the bride and groom as they dance with guests while in others, it is thrown over them on the dance floor like confetti.

    Here are some of the ways different cultures practice this tradition with cash:

    Nigeria

    A Yoruba tradition, to begin with, it has spread across Nigeria with all different groups participating. Called a Money Spray, the bride and groom are encircled by guests on the dance floor before each comes forward to place the bill on their head, letting it fall down around them. The practice symbolises happiness, good fortune and affection.

    Phillippines

    For Filipino people across the world, the tradition has the male guests pin money to the bride while the women pin money to the groom. This adds an element to the bride and grooms outfits, with cash being made into sashes, garlands, crowns and even decorating the bride’s veil.

    Greece

    There is an old tradition in Greece to pin money to the brides dress and this has followed some Greek nationals across the world. It has changed among immigrant communities, with some practising a money shower while others still prefer to pin.

    Poland 

    In Poland, there is an even more elaborate tradition. Guests like up to dance with the bride and hand over cash to the bride’s father who is carrying a special apron. The Pani Mloda Polka is traditionally played and guests get a drink, in the form of a shot, as thanks for their contribution.

    Portugal 

    Another unique twist, the male guests dance with the bride while the women dance with the groom. During this part of the event, the bride removes her shoes into which guests put their money as they pass them around.

    Picture: @WestinSanJose/Twitter

    Power-couple Connie and Shona Ferguson recently celebrated a whopping 19 years of marriage. The actors, who run production company Ferguson Films together, have had a beautiful romance over the nearly two decades of their relationship and are always keen to share it with their fans.
    Naturally, the social media-loving couple took to Instagram to express their love for one another on their special day.
    “I have no idea what you were saying here, but the fact that 19 years later you still manage to make me laugh is everything I’ve prayed for and more! Happy Anniversary my skeem!????? I love you more each day, and thank God for you!” Connie wrote on Instagram.

     

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    A post shared by Connie Ferguson (@connie_ferguson)

    “We are 19. Happy anniversary my love. This life journey is super easy with you by my side. There is nothing we can’t take on together. I love you melaiti,” Shona wrote.

     

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    A post shared by SHONA FERGUSON (@ferguson_films)

    Shona, real name Aaron, met Connie at her Johannesburg home in 2001. At the time, she was already a household name thanks to her iconic role as Karabo Moroka in Generations. Shona was there to drop off mutual friends meeting Connie’s sister Lorato. As he sipped on a glass of water, Connie came out out of her room to greet him and their love story began.

    It was a whirlwind romance for the pair. After only two months of dating, they tied the knot in a traditional wedding. Their white wedding was held soon after and appeared on the December 2001 cover of Drum.

     

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    A post shared by Connie Ferguson (@connie_ferguson)

    In 2011, the pair renewed their vows in a lavish ceremony in front of 70 guests at top Johannesburg wedding destination Avianto.

    For the big day, Connie wore an ivory sheath gown designed by Biji, who also designed her first wedding dress back in 2001. The gown’s corset-style top featured Swarovski crystals, pearls, silver beads and lace.

     

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    A post shared by Connie Ferguson (@connie_ferguson)

    Throughout their marriage, the pair have built an empire that has brought much luxury to their lives. Aside from their production company, Connie also owns a beauty line called Koni Multinational Brands. She is also among the highest-paid actors in the country.

    Picture: Instagram / Connie Ferguson

    For centuries, it has been an enduring wedding tradition that a father walks his daughter down the aisle on her big day. As the first moment guests (and the bride’s partner) sees the bride, this is a pretty big deal.

    While usually a sweet and sentimental moment, it comes from less than heartwarming origins. According to wedding historian Susan Waggoner, this tradition comes from the days when arranged marriage was a normal custom in society.

    Speaking to Brides, she explains: “this custom stems from the days of arranged marriages when a father’s looming presence was a good way to prevent the groom from backing out.”

    In many societies, a bride was considered a form of financial liability who could be transferred from her father’s household to her eventual husband’s home.

    With marriage being more of an economic choice than a romantic one, some grooms got spooked at the thought of getting hitched. This is where dads came in. Fathers would act as a physical reminder (and threat) of the deal, making grooms more likely to go through with the wedding.

    Over the years, as with virtually every other wedding tradition, the origins of this custom has become sanitised and romanticised. Today, its a special moment for brides to walk arm in arm with their father on such a special occasion.

    As the times have changed, however, so has the tradition. Some brides don’t have fathers and have alternative family members walk them down the aisle. Some share strained relationships with their dads, and choose to not partake in this tradition at all. In the case of some same-sex couples, it might be a groom walking down the aisle instead of a bride.

    The beauty of weddings nowadays is that couples have choices. Some traditions, while sentimental for some, are outdated or hurtful to others. There is no one way to get married. Traditions are not required, and rules don’t always have to be followed.

    Picture: Pexels

    Veils are not made equal. From fabric and length to fullness and style, every aspect of your wedding veil can make or break your bridal look.

    With thousands of veils to choose from, it can easily feel like an overwhelming task. However, there are ways to refine your search. These are the key veil lengths and the looks they suit best:

    The birdcage:

    For a vintage flair, opt for the birdcage veil. This short veil often features stiff netting or mesh that covers just the forehead and top half of the face. They are usually fastened to pillbox hats or headbands.

    This veil looks best for brides wanting a more vintage, throwback look. It pairs especially well with tea-length dresses.

     

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    A post shared by Rynah by Rynah (@rynahbyrynah)

    Fingertip length veil:

    For a more classic look, the fingertip length veil is perfect. This mid-length veil stops below the waist and is flattering on every body shape. Not too long and not too short, this veil can be dressed up or down depending on how fancy you want your look to be.

    This is truly the jack of all veils. It flatters a range of hairstyles and dresses, so you have endless options with this look. If your dress is quite embellished and dramatic, it may be best to pair it down with a more simple veil. However, a more simple silhouette can be given added drama with a full veil.

    Ballet length veil:

    One of the most popular veil looks is the ballet length. Also known as the waltz veil, it falls below your hips, anywhere between your knees and ankles.

    This look is extra feminine and romantic, and works especially well on petite brides as it won’t drown her out with fabric and make her appear smaller.

    Chapel length veil:

    Most brides traditionally opt for the chapel length veil, which drapes all the way to the floor and spreads out a few inches behind their wedding dress.

    This style is more formal and traditional, making it perfect for brides wanting a classic look.

    Cathedral length veil:

    This style is essentially the extended chapel veil. It’s usually about 30-60cm longer than a wedding dress, and often requires assistance when laying it out neatly behind you.

    Brides wanting a bit more drama but not too much fuss will love this look. It complements ballgowns especially well, adding a special fairytale spin.

     

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    A post shared by Desiree neel (@desireedoesbeauty)

    The Royal veil:

    It’s clear to see how this veil got its name. Channel the drama of Princess Diana with a bold wedding veil that extends not only centimetres but meters behind your dress. Of course, you’ll need some assistants on hand to make sure it looks perfectly sleek and straight, and that no one trips on it.

    Naturally, this veil is perfectly designed to complement a dramatic ballgown.

     

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    Picture: Pexels

    A 300-person wedding in Washington State has been linked to dozens of coronavirus cases and the deaths of seven care home residents in the area, none of whom attended the wedding.

    A reported seven care home residents, aged between 70 and 90, have died after staff members at the facility attended the November 7 wedding.

    At the time the wedding was held, indoor ceremonies in Washington State were limited to 50 people.

    In an announcement, the Grant County Health District explained that residents were staying at three care homes in Grant County, Washington, and all seven had underlying health conditions. There were also three other deaths not associated with the Long Term Care Facilities

    “Our investigations have determined that there were long term care staff who tested positive for COVID-19 who attended the large wedding in Ritzville, WA reported on November 16. Because staff in these facilities care for entire units, direct contact with associated patients is not known. Our most vulnerable community members — elderly, immunocompromised, and those with chronic conditions — are especially at risk of complications due to a COVID-19 infection and we must continue to take measures to protect them from this disease.

    “The best way to do that is by staying home as much as possible. Your choice to gather with those outside your household could lead to additional cases of COVID-19 and even death. Please protect those you love by staying home,” they concluded.

    Picture: Pexels

    In a story that is wildly millennial, Hollywood “it”-couple Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra began their love story thanks to a Twitter DM.

    Since then, they’ve had a whirlwind romance that saw them date, get engaged and marry in quick succession. This beautiful couple have been married for two years, but have been giving us couple goals for even longer. Here’s how they stole each other’s hearts.

     

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    A post shared by Nick Jonas (@nickjonas)

    Back in 2016, the Jonas brother slid into actress Priyanka Chopra’s Twitter DM’s with a casual, “I’m hearing from a few mutual friends that we should meet,” the singer told Vogue.

    Not one to mince words, Chopra responded with, “My team can read this. Why don’t you just text me.”

    For about a year, the pair shared friendly yet flirtatious conversations over text. They finally met in person at the 2017 Vanity Fair Oscar party in February. Jonas was so bowled over by Priyanka’s look that he went down on one knee and loudly proclaimed, “You’re real. Where have you been all my life?”

    The pair continued to hang out, and even attended the Met Gala together later that year, both wearing Ralph Lauren. At the time, however, Chopra claimed they were just friends and had attended together because they were wearing the same designer.

    Nearly a year after that fateful DM, the pair went on their first official date in May 2018. They went to see Beauty and the Beast at the Hollywood Bowl. It was a fast romance for the pair from this moment. In June, Chopra was Jonas’s plus-one to his cousin’s wedding, and the couple went Instagram official on June 22.

    Before the dust settled on their relationship announcement, the pair were back with even bigger news: In July, they got engaged. Jonas had proposed the day after Chopra’s 36th birthday while on holiday in Crete.

    The pair announced their engagement in August while on a trip in Mumbai, in which their families met for the first time.

     

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    A post shared by Nick Jonas (@nickjonas)

    Chopra’s engagement ring was designed by Tiffany’s, a childhood dream of hers. Going along with the theme, she hosted her bridal shower at the iconic Tiffany’s Blue Box Café in New York. She wore a strapless white Marchesa gown and A-list stars like Lupita Nyong’o and Kelly Ripa were on hand to celebrate with her.

    The pair’s elaborate wedding weekend kicked off on December 1, 2018. Their nuptials were done in spectacular fashion with a three-day wedding blending Hindu and Christian traditions.

     

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    A post shared by Nick Jonas (@nickjonas)

     

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    A post shared by Nick Jonas (@nickjonas)

     

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    A post shared by Nick Jonas (@nickjonas)

    They said ‘I do’ at the Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Kevin and Joe Jonas, Sophie Turner, 30 Rock actor Jack McBrayer and Elizabeth Chambers Hammer were just a few of the notable guests at this lavish wedding.

     

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    A post shared by Nick Jonas (@nickjonas)

    Every member of the bridal party stunned in Ralph Lauren, with Chopra stealing the spotlight in a Ralph Lauren-designed dress that was hand-embroidered and hand-beaded with more than two million mother-of-pearl sequins. It was her veil, however, that truly stole the show. A 22-metre veil, that is! Chopra’s veil required assistance from five people to bring to the altar where Nick Jonas was awaiting her.

     

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    A post shared by Nick Jonas (@nickjonas)

     

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    A post shared by Ralph Lauren (@ralphlauren)

    The couple enjoyed a mini-moon in Oman before hosting another reception in Mumbai on December 19, and yet another one on December 20.

    With wedding celebrations over, the pair went on a proper honeymoon to the Caribbean, a trip entirely planned by the singer.

    Just when we thought the festivities were over, the pair once again celebrated their nuptials. They hosted an American-based reception at Nellie’s Southern Kitchen in North Carolina, Jonas’s family restaurant, on January 27, 2019.

    Since then, the pair continue to look as loved up as ever. They recently celebrated their 2-year wedding anniversary.

     

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    Picture: Instagram / Nick Jonas

    We all hope for a smooth-sailing kind of wedding day, but of course, there’s always the odd chance that some drama will go down.

    You might think no one would be rude enough to show up to a wedding uninvited, but it can happen. Rather have a game plan worked out on how to handle it than get caught off guard.

    Here’s how to avoid having unwanted guests show up, and what to do if it happens.

    1. Be clear on the wedding invitations

    Firstly, make sure that you are very clear about who is invited when sending the wedding invitation. Sending one card to a family when you only intended to invite the parents, for instance, could cause a misunderstanding. The best way to avoid this is to put the names of your guests on the card, and state whether or not plus-ones and children are invited.

    Here’s an example: Instead of saying “Dear Maxwell family”, rather say “Dear Julia and John, please join us in the celebration of our wedding. We regret, we are not able to accommodate children”.

    2. Follow up on unwanted RSVPs

    Should you receive an RSVP for someone who was not directly invited, you have the full right to contact the person and politely ask them not to come. This is most likely to happen in the case of invited guests who want to bring uninvited partners. Contact the invited partner, and gently but firmly say that you really do not have space for more people than invited.

    3. Make a decision about whether to let them stay

    Once you’ve done all the invitations right, there is still a chance that someone might show up out of the blue. A long-lost cousin you have no contact with might feel wronged and shows up to confront the family, or an ex-partner tries to interfere with your new relationship.

    In cases like these, you need to decide whether you will force them to leave or let them stay and adopt a “the more the merrier”-attitude, provided there is no drama. You will probably be too caught up in your own fun and happiness to bother about the plus-one that snuck in after all. If it’s more serious than that, you should address it.

    4. Speak up

    Should the situation need sorting out, you will have to face the person and ask them to leave. It will probably be unpleasant, but it is needed. Be friendly and kind, and take your partner or a member of the bridal party with you. Take them aside in private and tell them that it’s wrong for them to be here. Here’s an example: “I’m really sorry I couldn’t invite you, but I feel that it’s better if you are not here today. Please leave the wedding, and we can talk more later.”

    5. Know who to call

    Hope for the best, but plan for the worst. If the uninvited guest for some reason refuses, you need to have backup. The person might be intoxicated, aggressive or just plain rude but you do not need that on your special day. If you have a wedding planner, call them for assistance. If not, call the venue security or the manager, and explain the situation. It might be a good idea to also save the nearest police station’s number too, just in case.

    Picture: Unsplash