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Weddings

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It’s been months since Netflix original Love is Blind blew viewers away as it posed the question, ‘Can people really fall in love without seeing each other?’

This science experiment saw couples connect while separated by a wall, never getting to see each other face to face. Six couples seemingly fell in love and got engaged. After their engagement, they met in person and began their relationship.

Here’s who is still together in 2020 and who has found new love after the reality TV show.

Cameron Hamilton and Lauren Speed:

As Cameron and Lauren fell in love, so did we. This couple’s story touched many as they grappled with being an interracial couple and how their families and the public would react to their love.

Their love is legit, as the pair are still together today. They appear as loved up as ever, and even adopted a puppy together. Fans can follow their journey on their Youtube channel, Hanging With The Hamiltons.

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Amber Pike and Matt Barnett:

Many fans doubted this couple would actually tie the knot, as Amber’s confession of financial troubles and her lack of stability seemed to trouble Matt during the show. However, the pair ended up saying ‘I do’ and are still married.

Since their wedding, Amber has admitted that they butted heads a lot but have now found a good flow.

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Kenny Barnes and Kelly Chase:

Soon after meeting in person, this couple’s engagement began to disintegrate on the show. Kelly was quite straightforward about not having a sexual attraction to Kenny. In the show’s finale, she said “I don’t” and left Barnes at the altar. The pair have since admitted that they had both agreed that they were not going to get married.

Since then, Kenny Barnes has found love again. The Love is Blind star recently popped the question to girlfriend Alexandra Garrison. Barnes and Garrison have been dating a little over a year, and they met after he appeared on the Netflix dating series. His younger sister Anna introduced the pair.

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Kelly is currently single, although she did date a close friend soon after the show’s filming wrapped. Both Kelly and Kenny have grown a lot from their experience of being on the show, and they appear to be on good terms.

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Jessica Batten and Mark Cuevas:

From the get-go, this couple was destined to fail. Jessica accepted Mark’s proposal after her main interest Matt Barnett displayed stronger feelings for future wife Amber. With Mark as her second choice, she struggled with leftover feelings for Barnett throughout her engagement, as well as a lack of sexual chemistry with Mark. This, coupled with their ten year age gap brought an end to their relationship. Mark said ‘I do’ but Jessica could not follow through.

Jessica has since found a new man. She is dating a doctor who, interestingly enough, looks a lot like Mark. She has also apologised to both Amber and Matt for interfering in their relationship during filming.

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Mark has also moved on. He recently went Instagram official with a blonde beauty.

 

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Same spot, same girl, different caption ?

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Giannina Gibelli and Damian Powers

Damian Powers and Giannina Gibelli were another fan favourite, although their explosive relationship was often on rocky ground. The pair argued a lot during filming, and it appeared that Giannina would be the one to end things. However, fans were shocked when she said ‘I do’ and Damian said ‘I don’t’.

With their dramatic ending, it was even more surprising to find out that the pair are back together. During the reunion episode, they revealed that they got back together hours after their wedding, and they are still together today.

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Carlton Morton and Diamond Jack

This couple didn’t make it very far after their engagement. Soon after meeting in person and spending real time together, Carlton admitted to Diamond that he is bisexual. This lead to a massive fight because Diamond felt Carlton was keeping secrets while he felt that she didn’t accept him for who he is. Their fight ended with them breaking things off and Diamond tossing her engagement ring in the pool.

Since then, they patched things over and are on good terms. Carlton is spending time on himself, and Diamond is working towards her PhD.

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Feature image: Instagram / Lauren Speed

The effortless bride is made for the boho style. Inspired by nature and life, this aesthetic is all about being unconventional and free.

This style incorporates a more laid-back aesthetic with romantic and dreamy detail. It’s all about flow and comfort, which is why most boho brides opt for billowing sleeves and an A-line shape. Fabric also plays a key part in this style. Choose intricate lace detail, gentle embellishment and unique patterns for an eye catching finish.

Boho-inspired wedding dresses work especially well for outdoor weddings, and can also add a unique spin to a more formal occasion.

Here are some gorgeous gowns to inspire your own;

 

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Feature image: Pexels

Genetic testing is a touchy subject because of the implications it brings up with regards to future children. However, knowing the genetic make-up of you and your partner will mean you are more informed when making decisions before getting married or having children.

What is genetic testing 

It is testing to see whether a person is a carrier of abnormal genes, which can result in a disease in future children. It is done usually through a blood test.

Why do genetic testing

Genetic testing is done to identify if there are any “faulty” or disease-carrying genes present in a person. This is because two sets of the same gene, one from each parent, might not cause a defect for them but when combined could result in a child with a disability or disease.

It should be noted that a child with a disability or disorder is not inherently a negative outcome. Society has framed it in such a way that it seems like an undesired outcome, but with more inclusivity and support, this no longer has to be the case and of course, does not lessen the value of the child as a human being.

However, being prepared to care for a child with a possible issue is key for parents. Without this mental and economic preparation there can be serious strain on everyone involved.

This is why genetic testing can be useful. If parents are identified as being carriers of a specific abnormal gene, they can weigh up their options and decide what is best for them when it comes to future children.

Who should do genetic testing 

Diseases such as Sickle Cell Disease, Tay-Sachs and others are commonly found in certain people groups from specific regions of the world. Tay-Sachs is commonly found in people of Jewish descent whose ancestors lived in Eastern Europe, while Sickle Cell is common among those from or with heritage from African or Mediterranean countries.

Understanding your background will help you find out if you should get tested, although with the mix of backgrounds many come from, it is easier to do it just to be safe.

Picture: Unsplash

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues across the world, people have learned the importance of lending a helping hand. This couple really wanted to make a difference, and donated their wedding food to a shelter. Not only that, they also spent their wedding day serving the food to those in need.

Melanie and Tyler Tapajna from Ohio, USA were meant to have a 150-guest wedding. They paid in advance to secure their venue, DJ and food. However, the venue cancelled due to the pandemic and they had to make new arrangements.

A bit disappointed but not surprised, the couple decided to put their money to good use.

“Since we’d prepaid for the food, we could have had the wedding somewhere else and still invited everyone, but it didn’t make sense,” Melanie tells the Washington Post. “I turned to Tyler and said, ‘What would you think of donating the food instead?’ ”

The couple got in contact with Laura’s Home, a shelter in Cleveland for single women and mothers with children, and organised to have food worth $2000 (R33 751) delivered to serve 135 people.

Their only request was that, following their small ceremony, they could serve the food at the home themselves.

Melanie and Tyler tied the knot on August 15 in the bride’s grandparents’ backyard, with a dozen family members present. After the ceremony and still in their wedding attire, they made their way down to the shelter to serve their wedding meal, provide by food truck Betty’s Bomb-A** Burgers.

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Maintaining social distancing and hygiene measures, the pair spent their wedding day serving food to those in need. And they wouldn’t have it any other way.

“We just felt it was wrong to have a big wedding during this time, especially when so many people are struggling,” Said Melanie.

They plan to continue this spirit of giving back by donating to a charity every year on their wedding anniversary. They hope their big day inspires others to do the same.

Feature image: Pexels

The Bachelorette star Rachel Lindsey and Bryan Abasalo have been married for one year. The couple is one of the franchise’s biggest success stories since finding love in the show’s 13th season. The pair became husband and wife at Mexico’s Royalton Suites Cancun on August 24, 2019.

“One year + FOREVER…I love you and I am beyond thankful for you,” Lindsey wrote on her Instagram in honour of the occasion.

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Abasalo was a bit more expressive with his post, writing: “I can’t believe it’s already been a year since we both said “I Do”! I consider myself beyond lucky to be able to call you my wife and truly blessed to be your husband. I wake up every single day a better man because you are always there to support, encourage, and love me no matter what. You are my rock and my best friend. Thank you for the memories we have shared together this year and I look forward to many many more. I love you @therachlindsay Happy Anniversary! ❤️?⁣”

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The world first fell in love with Lindsey when she was a contestant of Bachelor Nick Viall’s season. The attorney quickly impressed viewers with her intelligence and poise. She then became the first black woman to hold the title of Bachelorette, a massive feat for a show that has been heavily critisised for its lack of representation.

Miami-based chiropractor Abasalo won the season and Lindsey’s heart. While seasons of the show often end in engagements, the ratio of those engagements following through with an actual wedding is very low. Lindsey and Abasalo are one of a few couples in the show’s history to actually go through with tying the knot.

Feature image: Instagram / The Rachel Lindsey

 

Elton Jantjies has been named one of South Africa’s best rugby players and is known for his speed on the field, but not much is known about his life off the field. The fly-half from Gauteng has played for a host of teams from the Lions to the Stormers and of course, the Springboks when they won the Rugby World Cup.

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Jantjies met his fiance, model Iva Ristic online in 2011 and felt an immediate connection, but due to their careers involving a lot of travel, they only met in person in 2014.

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According to Ristic, it was love at first sight. The two soon began dating, and welcomed three children into the world before Jantjies finally decided to pop the big question in 2019.

According to Huisgenoot, he took her to a fancy restaurant and sneakily put the ring in her Cosmopolitan cocktail. “I was so busy taking pictures of the beautiful drink that I didn’t even see the ring!” Ristic said. Only when Jantjies actually went on his knee did she realise what was happening. Of course, she said yes!

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The two tied the knot shortly before the World Cup kicked off in 2019. On Ristic’s Instagram it seems the two had an engagement party with friends and family, but not a large wedding. According to Magzter, they had a small, intimate ceremony with close family, but are considering having a large celebration later on.

Image: Instagram

It’s nearly spring time and that means flowers! If you love the soft and feminine look, floral headpieces are the way to go. Wear a flower crown, clip-in piece or simply fasten some loose flowers in your hairdo.

Remember to use seasonal flowers, and ask your stylist about which flowers will stay fresh and perky for longer. They will add a romantic touch to any look, depending on your style.

Here are some different looks to try:

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Congratulations are in order for Julianne Moore and Bart Freundlich. The Oscar winning actress and her writer-director husband recently celebrated their 17th wedding anniversary.

Taking to Instagram, Moore wrote a sweet, tongue-in-cheek message to honour the occasion.

“I said he should take a shower. He said my hair smelled bad, like mildew, or an old box. Happy 17th Wedding anniversary @freundlich96 – there is no one I’d rather be with everyday. I love you.”

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The pair met back in 1996 on the set of The Myth of Fingerprints, which Freundlich directed. They married on August 23, 2003. Instead of white, Moore donned a lilac Prada dress featuring a deep v-neckline to marry Freundlich, who matched with a purple tie and striped shirt.

They have two children together: Caleb, 22 and daughter Liv, 18.

Speaking to People, Moore said that a marriage takes work and isn’t always how it appears in the movies.

“We have this narrative in our culture that if you want a career, you have to work hard, go to school, look for a job, you have to apply yourself but love is supposed to just happen to you,” she said.

“One day you’re going to meet someone and get hit over the head and boom! That happens in romantic comedies but in real life you have to make time. When you find a person, you have to invest in them and that relationship. And that’s what love is.”

Feature image: Instagram / Julianne Moore

Wedding bells are ringing for Mafikizolo singer Theo Kgosinkwe and Vourné Williams, who recently said ‘I do’! The coronavirus pandemic put a halt to their original wedding plans, but could not stop them from tying the knot.

The pair were meant to marry earlier this year but postponed their big day to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they decided to have a small ceremony so they could still become husband and wife this year. They married on August 22, but their bigger wedding to include their family and friends will only be in 2021.

Due to covid-19 Vourne and I had to postpone our wedding celebrations for next year 2021
But we couldn’t wait to be husband and wife ?. Yesterday I married my bestie ?,Proverbs 18:22
We can’t wait to celebrate with family and friends next year ,we just have to wait a little longer,” Theo explains on Instagram.

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Theo and Vourné began dating in 2017, and got engaged in 2019 on Vourné’s 26th birthday in front of all their family and friends. Before his proposal, Theo serenaded Vourné with a song.

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Congratulations to the newlyweds!

Feature image: Instagram / Theo Kgosinkwe

What do you get when you cross a Miss Universe stunner and a former pro-footballer? A match made in heaven.

South African stunner Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters (now Tebow) and husband Tim Tebow have had a whilwind romance. Here is where it all began.

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The pair met through an event Tebow was hosting for his non-profit, the Tim Tebow Foundation.

“Her sister has special needs, so we invited them to Night to Shine in South Africa,” Tebow said during an interview with Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb. “We kind of met and started talking through that and haven’t stopped.”

Their relationship moved pretty quickly, and they confirmed their relationship in July 2018.

“She is a really special girl and I am very lucky and blessed for her coming into my life,” Tebow said in an ESPN interview. “I am usually very private with these things but I am very thankful.”

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In January 2019 after less than a year of dating, Tim popped the question with an elaborate and sentimental proposal. Tebow had flown family members from across America and South Africa to Jacksonville, Florida to be a part of the proposal. Demi-Leigh was told they were attending a late Tebow family Christmas dinner at their family farm and was surprised when it ended in a proposal.

“Ever since I first saw you, you gave me so much hope. When I first heard your voice, you gave me so much belief. When I first met you, I knew you were the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. And I will spend the rest of my life fighting for you and fighting for us,” said Tebow before going down on one knee to propose.

Tebow also flew Demi-Leigh’s favourite South African performer Matthew Mole to Florida to serenade them post-proposal. Watch their proposal here:

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They came to Demi-Leigh’s home country, South Africa, to tie the knot. Their pre-wedding festivities kicked off with a ‘Welcome to Africa’ cocktail dinner in the Cape winelands to introduce Tebow to South African culture. The bride wore a stunning white dress by Gert Johan-Coetzee featuring a criss-cross neckline and cut-out detail, while Tebow wore a blush-toned suit.

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The following day, the couple held a stunning rehearsal dinner. They went for a sophisticated colour scheme, opting for rich purples, reds and black. Demi-Leigh stunned in a strapless wine-coloured dress with beading by Anel Botha. The couple’s weekend events are all planned by celebrity planner Zavion Khotze.

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The pair got married at the La Paris Estate in Franschhoek on January 20, 2020. South African celebrity wedding planner Zavion Khotze organised the day. The former Miss Universe wore an off-the-shoulder cowl-neck dress by Davids Bridal and Tim wore a tuxedo by Antar Levar.

According to PEOPLE, their ceremony lasted 30 minutes and was attended by 260 guests. The couple wrote their own vows.

The wedding blended South African and American wedding traditions, because their cultures are very important to the couple.

“We’re both very traditional,” Nel-Peters told PEOPLE. “We wanted to look back at the wedding and see that it was intimate, elegant, and traditional. We definitely wanted it to be something that we could look back on and know that nothing was dated. We want to remember this day for the rest of our lives.”

Demi-Leigh’s favourite performer, Matthew Mole, performed his original song ‘Pennsylvania’ for their first dance.

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Feature image: Instagram / Demi Tebow