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    Any Selling Sunset fan knows a large part of the drama on the show came from real estate agent Mary Fitzgerald and her boyfriend Romain Bonnet as they dealt with conflict in their relationship before ultimately getting engaged and later married.

    Fans were introduced to the couple as boyfriend and girlfriend, and followed their journey to the altar over the first two seasons of the show.

    Turns out, however, that was all fake. Mary and Romain were actually secretly married months before the show even began filming.

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    According to documents obtained by TMZ, Mary and Romain secretly tied the knot at a courthouse back in March 2018, a few months before the first season was shot and 19 months before their televised wedding was held in October 2019.

    “Mary and Romain had a civil union a couple of months before the show began filming in June of 2018, but they chose not to tell any of their friends or family, as they were still trying to see if their relationship would work out in the long term,” A rep for the couple told Entertainment Tonight. “In their minds, they weren’t properly married until the wedding that was filmed during the show.”

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    There are so many things that can go wrong on your big day, and sometimes you have to roll with the punches. Or if you’re a wedding planner, you share the fails to social media for some laughs.

    This wedding planner did exactly that when they shared a hilarious picture of their clients wedding cake gone wrong to social media, and the post soon made its way to Reddit.

    “This is why you hire professionals,” the planner wrote in her social media post.

    This error definitely takes the cake.

    While most found the humour in the mistake, one Reddit user made an interesting comment.

    “In these COVID times it actually applies quite well. We just had to decline an invitation to a wedding as we don’t want to spend 6 hrs or more in the same room with 100’s of people. And most of them won’t be wearing a mask. No thanks.’

    Feature image: Unsplash

    Not one for heels? Or maybe you’re planning on dancing the night away at your reception? Not to worry, brides all over are ditching the stilettos for comfy shoes that are both stylish and practical.

    Walk a mile in one of these comfier alternative footwear options.

    Boots

     

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    If it’s a rainy day, wear Wellingtons. If it’s in a country setting, channel your inner cowgirl. If you’re a daring fashionista, get out the best designer knee-high boots you have and kick it in style. Whatever you do, you’ll prove that boots are one of the most varied, versatile and fun types of footwear available.

    Espadrilles

     

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    Planning a beach ceremony in a hot and sunny location? Not the best spot for those sky-high heels then. A pretty pair of espadrilles will get you through the day, whether it’s a whirlwind soiree or a low-key affair.

    Sneakers

     

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    Colourful, comfy, and with far less risk of causing a fall, a pair of sneakers will add some quirk to your get-up. They’re also great to wear to your reception where you’ll be able to show off your killer dance moves without falling flat on your face.

    Ballet pumps

     

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    These are not the least conventional item of footwear you can wear, but they’re still an interesting choice for your wedding. While some brides choose to counter a white dress with colourful footwear, you might be looking for something more subtle but still eye-catching so opt for embellished pumps instead.

    Barefoot jewellery

     

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    Going without any footwear is a great move if you want a particularly laid-back wedding or are planning nuptials on the beach, but there are ways to spruce up your feet without worrying about what shoe will fit. One example is ornate jewellery made specifically for the feet.

    Feature image: Pexels

    Some weddings are so extravagant they deserve an award. This three-day luxurious Indian wedding in Dubai was so spectacular that it has received a famed international award for wedding planners.

    The wedding won the ‘Wedding Concept Award’ at the Belief Awards, an online contest created to celebrate wedding Planners and designers around the globe. Winners were chosen by a panel of judges selected by Belief Wedding Creators.

    The 13th edition of the awards crowned wedding planners Rahul Kumar and Arun Bablani, from Vivaah Weddings for their extravegant three-day celebration they hosted for couple Prerna and Shaun.

    In 2019, the couple said ‘I do’ in a stunning ceremony in Dubai. The bride and groom are both of Indian descent, and wanted a glamorous wedding infused with tradition.

    The multi-day celebration began with a welcome dinner and afterparty on the first day, followed by the Mehendi afternoon and Sangeet evening on the second day. The couple tied the knot on the third day of celebrations, which ended with a glamorous reception in the evening.

    The celebrations were spread across venues like the Hilton, V Hotel and Habtoor Palace, and featured 350 guests.

    Take a look at their special day:

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    Feature image: Unsplash

    If you love the sound of crashing waves and the feeling of sand between your toes, you should consider having a beach wedding. It’s important to spend your special day in a place that makes you and your partner happy. So, with summer fast approaching, why not celebrate your nuptials tropical-style?

    Tropical beaches are specific to certain geographic areas throughout the world that are near the equator. The hot, sunny and humid climate in these regions make for splendid tropical fruits and flowers. For a wedding in this vein, think bright colours, large flowers and leaves and fresh, juicy fruits. Oh, and coconuts, of course.

    This theme will fit a laid-back couple perfectly as it allows for a more casual setting. However, it is easy to spice up if you would like it to be more formal.

    Here are some key components to keep in mind:

    Decor

    The decor should rely on the natural surroundings. White sand, blue water and green palm trees or other vegetation are likely to already be part of the setting. Add some bold extras that tie in with the theme such as yellow and pink by using fruits and flowers.

    Dress

    Typically, comfortable attire will blend in well with the beach. Opt for a short dress or a two-piece in light, flowing fabric to avoid the heat. However, if you are keen on rocking that perfect diamond-studded princess dress, don’t let anyone stop you!

    Shoes

    Consider where you will be walking. If there is a pathway to the altar and the reception is indoors, high heels will work. But if you plan on getting onto the sand, grass or rocks, release your inner child and go bare foot! You can also go with flats or pumps.

    Bouquet

    Tropical beaches are teeming with brilliant flowers. Use a professional florist to help you choose your selection of flora, and refrain from picking them straight from the environment as it might be illegal. Some beautiful tropical flowers to consider are:

    – African Violet

    – Blanket Flower

    – Blood Lily

    – Blue Passion Flower

    – Bougainvillea Glabra

    Invitations

    Here you get to go wild! Make sure you have your colour scheme figured out first, then select stationery that complement it. Two or three of your main colours are enough to use, as more might seem overwhelming.

    Reception

    Keep things beachy with the reception and have it on the sand too if the weather is good. Try not to use small decor items that may fall from the tables and get lost in the sand. If it’s very warm, host the reception under trees or a tent, or set up umbrellas to provide shade.

    Drinks

    No tropical island is complete without the necessary drinks. Beautifully crafted cocktails are a must. Serve drinks in hollow coconuts, pineapples or watermelons and add some frozen fruit pieces like berries that can serve as ice.

    Image: Pixabay

    Fashion-forward grooms deserve to take centre stage on their wedding day. Those not afraid to take a risk should wow the crowds in a patterned suit.

    Grooms tend to stick to safe colours and accessories come wedding day. While a black suit is classic and debonair, it’s also a bit predictable. We love it when grooms go big and creative with their fashion, and a patterned suits is an excellent way to do it.

    Depending on your colour palette and pattern, this trend can bring big drama or subtle style. You could choose fabrics with a massive floral print or even glitter to have you shining all day. Another special option is to incorporate a cultural patterns and fabrics like Ndebele print into your groomswear.

    If you’re in need of some inspiration, look no further. Suit up in one of these fancy fits:

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    Feature image: Unsplash

    The South African government has gazetted new directives to help regulate gatherings amid the shift to Level 2. The new directives include changes to how weddings may continue during the pandemic.

    According to the new directives, released August 25, there are a host of safety regulations that vendors must follow as the wedding industry reopens. As such, the onus is largely on wedding planners and vendors to make sure guests follow protocol.

    Weddings are still limited to 50 people, and all hygienic conditions and physical distancing measures must be adhered to for the limitation of exposure to COVID-19.

    The person organising the wedding, exhibition or function and the owner or manager of the venue must ensure compliance with the requirement relating to physical distancing of at least one and a half metres and the wearing of a cloth face mask, a homemade item or another appropriate item that covers the nose and mouth, by all attendees.

    A person managing a venue for a wedding, exhibition or other function must:

    – set up screening stations at entrances to facilitate the screening of persons before entry

    – not allow access to a person who is not wearing a cloth mask, or homemade item that covers the nose and mouth or another appropriate item to cover the nose and mouth

    – ensure that every person wears a cloth face mask, a homemade item or another appropriate item that covers the nose and mouth at all times except when eating or drinking

    – ensure that every person sanitises before entry

    – sanitise microphones and podiums after use by every person.

    Read the new gazette here: Tourism-Gazette-weddings-events

    Feature image: Unsplash

    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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    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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    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