• Category

    Weddings

    Category

    Weddings are all about tradition. Cultures and religions all across the world celebrate these special days in specific ways and include some unique customs.

    The Vikings are an interesting bunch, and their wedding traditions are just the same. Some will absolutely love the special gift Norse grooms would present to their brides, while others may be scared.

    According to legend, Vikings used to gift their new brides with kittens! This was all done to honour the goddess of love Freyja. Legend says that Freyja rode a chariot lead by cats.

    “Kittens were sometimes given to new brides as an essential part of setting up a new household. It is especially appropriate that brides should receive cats, since cats were associated with Freyja, the goddess of love. The Vikings believed that Freyja rode a cart drawn by a team of cats,” explains the Viking Answer Lady.

    This is a pretty unusual image to picture, but Viking cats are not the typical house cats we know and love today. Norwegian Forest Cats are a specific wild breed native to the North, and are quite large in size with strong bones and muscular forms.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by mei-ramu-momo (@mei_ramu_momo) on

    I’m all for reviving this trend, who can say no to an adorable ball of fluff? It’s the perfect way to get your marriage started on the right foot.

    Picture: Pexels

    It has been two years since Justin and Hailey Bieber secretely tied the knot. The pair surprised fans with their nuptials back in 2018, which came after a years-long on and off relationship.

    To celebrate their special day, it appears the couple had a little picnic. Hailey shared these snaps of their low-key lunch.

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

    Rumours that the pair quietly got married at a courthouse begin to circulate in September 2018 after the pair were spotted getting a marriage licence in New York. In an interview, Hailey’s uncle Alec Baldwin confirmed that the pair secretly married.

    Justin later confirmed the news on Instagram with his caption, “My wife is awesome.” A day later, Hailey changed her social media handles to “Hailey Baldwin Bieber”.

    The pair had their official religious ceremony in Montage Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton, South Carolina on September 30.

    Hailey stunned in an off-the-shoulder gown designed by Virgil Abloh and a statement veil with the words ’till death do us part” stitched onto it in white block lettering. But she didn’t stop there. She had two reception looks: a Ralph & Russo halterneck and a Vera Wang slip dress that she paired with sneakers.

    Their second nuptials were attended by their many famous friends, including Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Justine Sky, Jaden Smith, Joan Smalls, and Justin’s manager Scooter Braun.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B3VLmXjlfQH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Feature image: Instagram/Hailey Bieber

    Marriage is an old institution but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t been updated over the years. This is especially true when looking at marriage advice for brides and wives from the 1900s.

    The rise in the feminist movement and women in the workforce have been major factors in creating more equal, modern married relationships. However, this wasn’t always the case, with women relegated to the home and caring for her husband and children.

    While some advice, like making time for each other and not going to bed angry, may have stood the test of time, other bits of wisdom have not. Take a look and have a laugh at the absurd expectations of women from the past and then leave these tips in the history books where they belong.

    Don’t bother him with your problems

    “Don’t bother your husband with petty troubles and complaints when he comes home from work.” –Sex Today in Wedded Life, by Edward Podolsky, 1943.

    Your nagging will cause the divorce

    “I verily believe that the happiness of homes is destroyed more frequently by the habit of nagging than by any other one. A man may stand that sort of thing (nagging) for a long time, but the chances are against his standing it permanently. If he needs peace to make life bearable, he will have to look for it elsewhere than in his own house. And it is quite likely that he will look.” – Sex Satisfaction and Happy Marriage, Reverend Alfred Henry Tyrer, 1951.

    Sex is not for fun and not for you

    “At this point, dear reader, let me concede one shocking truth. Some young women actually anticipate the wedding night ordeal with curiosity and pleasure! Beware such an attitude! A selfish and sensual husband can easily take advantage of such a bride. One cardinal rule of marriage should never be forgotten: GIVE LITTLE, GIVE SELDOM, AND ABOVE ALL, GIVE GRUDGINGLY. Otherwise what could have been a proper marriage could become an orgy of sexual lust.” – Instruction and Advice for the Young Bride, 1894.

    Pink underwear is key

    “That the underwear should be spotlessly clean goes without saying , but every woman should wear the best quality underwear that she can afford. And the colour… should be preferably pink. And lace and ruffles, I am sorry to say, add to the attractiveness of underwear, and are liked by the average man.” –Married Life and Happiness, William Josephus Robinson, 1922.

    Don’t be lazy

    “Nothing destroys the happiness of married life more than the lazy, slovenly wife.” –Bath Chronicle, Dobbin Crawford, 1930.

    Don’t clean too well

    “Men like a clean house, but fussing about all the time, upsetting the house in order to keep it clean, will drive a man from the house elsewhere.”- Married Life And Happiness, Dr. William Josephus Robinson, 1922.

    Picture: Pinterest

    The world’s longest married couple with Down Syndrome have reached a new milestone. The pair are celebrating 28 years of marriage, and are more in love than ever.

    Gareth Tobias (56), and wife Deana (58) have been together ever since they met as teenagers at their local community centre in 1981, reports The Sun.

    “I thought he was nice and he liked me because he thought I was good looking,” Deans told the outlet.

    “We got engaged when we were on holiday in Blackpool, it was on my birthday and it was me that proposed to him, but I knew he wanted to get married.

    They tied the knot in 1992 after an 11-year relationship and have lived in Penrith, Cumbia ever since. Like any couple, they have had their ups and downs. However, the good far outweighs the bad.

    “We are together all the time except when he is at work and we have lots of laughs and we look after each other,” said Deana.

    Gareth added: “When I’m not working we go to the club together and play dominoes. I like a pint of bitter and Deana has a Wkd Blue. We’re very happy together.”

    Their neighbours and community have embraced them too. Gareth’s sister Julie Titterington explained that the couple are famous in the area.

    “They’re well known in Penrith and people look out for them, especially at the club and The Lounge where they also like to pop in for a drink. As the years have gone on they do a little bit less than they did.”

    Congratulations to the happy couple!

    Picture: Pexels

    A summer of love, friendship and drama, what more could you want? British reality show Love Island brings a group of sexy singles from across the UK together with a singular mission: to find love. Those who don’t, are dumped from the island, and at the end one couple are crowned winners. They pocket a lofty $50 000 that they can share or steal from one another.

    Love Island has seen immense success, leading to American and Australian versions of the show. While the UK series has had a few hot and heavy romances and engagements over the past six seasons, very few of the couples actually ended up walking down the aisle.

    Here are the islanders who found enduring love and have tied the knot.

    Olivia Buckland & Alex Bowen

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CEOh5i3jFY1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Olivia had a tough time on the show’s second season, which was largely hailed the most raucous season that lead to producers imposing heavy rules on future contestants. She eventually found love with Alex, and together they came in second place in the show’s finale.

    While they didn’t win the season, they did become the first Love Island couple to get married. They said ‘I do’ in September 2018, and hope to have children soon.

    Cara De La Hoyde & Nathan Massey

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CErVcqVjZC1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Cara and Nathan established themselves as a strong couple from the beginning of the show, and stayed together throughout. They eventually won the second season in 2016. Since winning, the pair briefly split up before getting back together and having their first child, son Freddie-George.

    They have since tied the knot in 2019 and recently welcomed their second child, a daughter named Delilah.

    Jessica Shears & Dom Lever

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CCoeh4OJCQW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Jessica and Dom met on the show’s third season back in 2017, but the pair were separated a few weeks into filming when Jessica was voted off the island. Their love stayed strong, and they became official soon after Dom left the show half way through.  They announced their engagement a few months later and tied the knot in October 2018.

    In 2019 they welcomed their first child, whose name they have not publicly released.

    Special mentions:

    While they haven’t tied the knot yet, these former Love Island contestants are still going strong.

    Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CCxw9uIljLG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Tommy and Molly were inseparable soon after meeting on the show’s fifth season in 2019. They came in second place, and are still as loved-up as ever. They live together and continue to give us major #couplegoals on Instagram.

    Siânnise Fudge and Luke Trotman

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

    Siânnise and Luke were fan-favourites from the get-go in the show’s sixth season in early 2020, which was also the first series to be shot in Cape Town as the ‘winter season’. They had so many sweet moments on the show and came in second place, although many wanted them to win.

    It seems coming in second is good luck for contestants, as the pair now live together and have a joint Youtube channel where fans can keep up with their lives.

    Camilla Thurlow and Jamie Jewitt

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

    Humanitarian islander Camilla was a breath of fresh air in the show’s third season. The explosive ordnance disposal specialist was unlike any other contestant in Love Island‘s history, and found her perfect match in model Jamie Jewitt after a rough time struggling to connect with men in the villa.

    The pair have been together since meeting on the show in 2017, and they are expecting the birth of their first child in October 2020.

    Paige Turley & Finn Tapp

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CAOIKXup5vl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Love Island 2020 winners Paige and Finley are still going strong. The pair had an immediate attraction on the show, and became the first winners of the winter season.

    They did the long distance thing between London and Scotland for a while, before moving in together in mid-2020.

    Feature image: Instagram / Olivia Bowen

     A new South African wedding show that premiered on Sunday [September 6] on popular channel Moja Love is caught up in controversy as a young writer is alleging the channel stole the concept from her. She is now considering taking legal action against the channel.

    ‘You Promised To Marry Me’ is Moja Love’s latest offering. Hosted by rapper turned on-air personality Jub Jub Molemo Maarohanye, it helps disgruntled individuals confront their romantic partners over why they have not fulfilled their promise to walk down the aisle. Host Jub Jub brings the bride, dressed in her wedding finery, to her hesitant groom to confront him and the drama ensues.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CEy0qSZDyN_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    However, upcoming TV writer Masilive Tati from Durban alleges she was the original creator of the concept, and the channel stole it from her after she submitted a proposal to them twice in June.

    “Early in June I saw an advert that Moja Love needs proposals for new TV shows. I ran the idea past my younger sister and I thought it was a good idea since there was nothing like that on television,” she told The Star.

    “The show was to provide a platform for women to ask the question undishada nini (when are you marrying me) and to find out if they’ve been living on empty promises in those long-term relationships.”

    Head of Moja Love Bokani Moyo denied Tati’s claims and says that none of the proposals submitted during June have been processed as they receive a large volume every day

    “From the proposals submitted thus far the channel has not selected any. As the amount of proposals is overwhelming and we are in the process of setting up a dedicated committee to manage the workflow,” he told The Star.

    “The channel has been working on the show format for You Promised to Marry Me since last year as a spin off of Uyajola 9/9.”

    Tati is adamant that they have stolen her idea, but admits it was not protected by copyright.

    “I didn’t think it would have been necessary at that point and I don’t have any knowledge on how these things work. I am definitely seeking legal advice on the matter. I am hoping that Moja Love can credit me or compensate me.”

    Picture: Pexels

    A greenhouse venue is the perfect place to tie the knot for those with green fingers. If you love plants, this is the way to go. Not only is it a popular modern trend, getting married in a nursery has many pros.

    The decor is basically taken care of, not to mention the beautiful colours and the incredible wedding pictures you will have.

    If you’re still not convinced but considering this unique venue type, here are five reasons why it’s good idea:

    1. Plants are known to inspire a good mood

    Not only do plants boost oxygen levels and remove pollutants and toxins from the air, they are proven to help with stress relief. According to Plantscrapers, plants bring feelings of vitality and improve the state of mind. An environment that includes natural elements and plants can help bring a positive outlook on life and boosts people into feeling more alive and active. There you go.

    2. Low-effort decor

    What better decor than nature itself? Greenhouses combine the earthy feel of greenery with the sophistication of large glass walls. The setting is already beautiful and requires minimum additional decor. You could go with simplistic floral centre pieces for your tables, or add some fairy light draping. Other than that, we recommend embracing the plants and not driving the attention away from them.

    3. It provides a romantic atmosphere

    A greenhouse is a romantic place, as it allows a lot of natural light, gives you great views to the outside and recreate an “indoor forest”-effect. It almost feels like a fairy tale, another world to step into! If you are a romantic, this venue is certainly your cup of tea.

    4. You experience nature without braving the elements

    A greenhouse is a great compromise for those who love nature and those who are not super comfortable to bundu bash. The setting is fresh and incorporates nature, but in a safe indoor environment. That means you don’t have to worry about rain, wind, cold or heat and you don’t have to hike up a mountain to be in nature.

    5. It’s beautiful!

    Of course, this goes without saying but we do feel the need to emphasise it. If no other reason sounds convincing, the sheer beauty of this venue type should be enough. It inspires wonder, and that’s really what the perfect wedding venue does.

    Images: Pinterest

    Featured image: Unsplash

     

    Your wedding day is a big, fabulous and super special day. The couple is filled with love and adoration for each other and can barely hide their feelings. Emotions run high, as they should.

    A picture is worth a thousand words and we found some of the most heartwarming and adorable facial expressions captured on film that might just bring tears to your eyes. Some of our favourites were taken candid and are not posed at all, but the pure love radiating from their faces really are priceless. Whether it’s a first look, a private moment or just celebrating with loved ones, these are the memories you will cherish forever.

    These looks of genuine excitement, joy and love have got us swooning.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CCwuTMjJDrV/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CE6e02CnwWh/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CEv9d7bARGs/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CE5TuPrpzjM/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CE6n0pnsSMQ/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CE6m1xzlqLJ/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CD-CrIpnzyp/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CE5TBjTFgSd/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CE4WSdLlo_X/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CEtlVVaBzy9/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CE3S0AzDoLP/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CEwm-5gsZQu/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CANhdGiJ5Yw/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CEu36kUgcSb/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CE4UNMSHvkN/

    Image: Unsplash

    Actors Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively recently reached their eight year wedding anniversary.

    The private pair have not shared any pictures or sweet messages to one another on social media, but we’re sure this fun-loving couple is celebrating in secret.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BmehTFVje2P/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    The famous lovers met and became friends on the set of their 2010 film Green Lantern. A year later, they accidentally started dating through a double date.

    “We went on a double date. She was on a date with another guy, and I was on a date with another girl — and that was, like, the most awkward date for the respective parties because we were just like fireworks coming across,” Reynolds told Entertainment Weekly’s SiriusXM show

    They married in 2012, controversially choosing South Carolina’s Boone Hall Plantation as their wedding venue.

    Since then, the pair have welcomed three daughters: James (3) Inez (1) and the latest addition to their family, Betty. The couple seem as loved-up as ever.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B1l_7IRhWH7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Feature image: Instagram / Blake Lively

    Tinseltown has a newly married celebrity couple. Singer Lily Allen said ‘I do’ to Stranger Things star David Harbour in a secret Las Vegas ceremony on Monday, September 7.

    They celebs exchanged vows at the Graceland Wedding Chapel. In true Vegas fashion, they even had an Elvis impersonator officiate the wedding. This wedding location proves popular with celebs, as both Jon Bon Jovi and Billy Ray Cyrus have tied the knot here previously.

    Allen and Harbour took to Instagram to share some snaps from their special day.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CE7KngMnprf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    The singer went casual with a boat neck double-breasted Dior dress and tulle veil for the nuptials. Harbour wore a simple black suit.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CE7GuEzsHkD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    It seems the pair took their informal reception to popular burger joint In-n-Out.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CE7G0FfM6MX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Allen and Harbour, who plays Hopper in popular Netflix show Stranger Things, made their relationship public in 2019.

    This is Allen’s second marriage. She was previously married to Sam Cooper from 2011 to 2018, and they share two children named Ethel (8) and Marnie (7).

    Congrats to the happy couple!

    Feature image: Instagram/Lily Allen