Weddings Archives | Page 74 of 194

In Celebs

Princess Raiyah of Jordan holds first Royal Wedding amid pandemic

July 8, 2020 No Comments

Princess Raiyah of Jordan married British journalist Ned Donovan on Tuesday, July 7 in Engalnd, making this the first Royal Wedding to go ahead amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The couple had to change their wedding plans following the pandemic. Originally, they were set to marry in Jordan in April but went with England for safety reasons.

“Thank you all for your kind messages on our wedding! While it was originally planned for April in Jordan, the pandemic derailed those plans and it was safer for my husband’s family to hold it in the UK. God willing we look forward to celebrating in Jordan once the situation allows,” she wrote on Twitter.

Thank you all for your kind messages on our wedding!While it was originally planned for April in Jordan, the pandemic derailed those plans and it was safer for my husband’s family to hold it in the UK. God willing we look forward to celebrating in Jordan once the situation allows pic.twitter.com/moCMSOxZxp

— Raiyah bint Al-Hussein (@RaiyahHKJ) July 7, 2020

The pair were engaged on October 26, 2019.

Donovan is the grandson of author Roald Dahl, and a British writer based in London. He previously worked as a journalist for the Mail on Sunday and The Times.

The Princess is a decorated academic, with a Master’s degree in Japanese Studies from Edinburgh University and a Master’s degree in Japanese Literature from Columbia University. She is currently studying towards her Ph.D in pre-modern Japanese literature at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

She is the fourth child of the late King Hussein of Jordan and Queen Noor.

Princess Beatrice was set to marry fiancé Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in May, but has since postponed the wedding due to the ongoing pandemic.

Feature image: Twitter / Princess Raiyah

In News

Women in Rome stage protest against marriage restrictions

July 8, 2020 No Comments

A group of women in Rome took to the streets to protest againt the City’s lockdown restrictions that have resulted in their weddings being cancelled.

About 15 brides-to-be gathered to begin the protest at the Fontana di Trevi, then moved to the parliamentary buildings where they were joined by affected wedding industry members such as caterers and musicians.

This was not an ordinary protest, however, as the women wore their wedding dresses and carried white parasols to make a statement. They also carried placards that translate to ‘weddings without restrictions’, ‘you broke our marriages’ and ‘church doors closed to weddings’.

Frustrated by the postponement of their wedding plans, brides-to-be protest against social restrictions in #Rome

Vía @Reuters pic.twitter.com/mvAKGH7U1k

— Aroguden (@Aroguden) July 8, 2020

The protest is being called the ‘Flashmob of the singles and unmarried ones’. It was reportedly organised by Airb, an Italian wedding association, who claim that 90% of weddings in the city have been postponed to 2021 which has negatively impacted the industry.

“Everything was postponed to 2021. So we asked the government for help to reach 2021. About 500 thousand operators in the sector and, as a consequence, their families are at risk of unemployment,” said the president of Airb, Luciano Paulillo.

Marriage ceremonies and other non-essential activities are currently banned in the city for two months as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Civil ceremonies have recently been allowed to continue, but guests are limited to two and strict social distancing measures must be employed.

Brides protest in front of the Trevi Fountain that because of the corona restrictions, they had to cancel their (expensive) wedding this year. The event was sponsored by the ‘marriage industry’. #rome pic.twitter.com/TYs1Yhzdbh

— Ewout Kieckens (@ewoutkieckens) July 7, 2020

Feature image: Unsplash

In Celebs

David and Victoria Beckham celebrate 21 years of marriage

July 8, 2020 No Comments

David and Victoria Beckham celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary this past weekend. The pair, despite their massive fame, did what most others would do on an occasion like this and had a romantic dinner at a fancy restaurant.

Posh Spice gave fans an inside look into the date night on her Instagram page. She posted a picture of the two of them looking cozy and casual in a rustic restaurant, with a dessert laid out in front of them. Written on the plate in chocolate were the words “Happy Anniversary”.

On the day of their anniversary, the former footballer took to Instagram to celebrate his marriage to Victoria. He posted a video showing images of the pair through the years, with some snippets of Victoria performing with the Spice Girls.

“Well about 23 years ago I was sat in a room with Gary Neville and the spice girls were on the TV and I turned around to him and said ‘ohhhh I like that one in the little black catsuit’ ? who would have thought that all these years later we are celebrating 21 years of marriage and have 4 of the most beautiful and perfect kids.. Thank you & Happy Anniversary I Love You ♥️,” he wrote.

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Victoria did the same, posting another video with the caption: “Happy Anniversary @davidbeckham ❤️❤️❤️ I can’t believe it has been 21 years since we said ‘I do’. Four children, four dogs, so much laughter and I love you more each day. xxxxxx”

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The pair share 4 children, Brooklyn (21), Romeo (17), Cruz (15), and Harper Seven (8). The older three each posted sweet “happy anniversary” messages to their parents.

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David and Victoria met at a charity football match in Manchester in 1997. Just a year later on January 25, 1998, they announced their engagement.

A few months before they married, they welcomed their first child, Brooklyn. On July 4, 1999, the famed couple tied the knot at Luttrellstown Castle near Dublin. Posh wore a Vera Wang gown, paired with a gold crown designed by jeweller Slim Barrett.

Image: Instagram / Romeo Beckham

In Advice

Meet the wedding planner: Lisa Barnardt

July 8, 2020 No Comments

The wedding industry may have taken a backseat amid the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean planning has to stop. Wedding planner Lisa Barnardt of Nooitgedacht wine estate lets us in on how she is adapting to the times, as well as her top tips for weddings.

Barnardt works as the Nooitgedacht wine estate’s wedding planner, where she first began as an intern. She says that prior to lockdown, she was very busy planning weddings at the estate and making sure the couple’s day was perfect and everything they wanted was organised.

However, with weddings temporarily halted, she’s been keeping herself busy with researching ways to still offer great service.

“I’m working from home and actively busy researching what we can do to adapt to the new norm, such as having more intimate weddings as well as implementing social distancing such as splitting a wedding ceremony and invite family in the morning or afternoon and a small group of friends for an evening reception. I’m currently working with fellow industry professionals in making sure all our weddings will align with the protocols as outlined by the government.”

What are Barnardt’s top three tips when it comes to planning a wedding? “Firstly, the food! People won’t necessarily remember the decor at a wedding but everyone remembers the food. If you have an amazing menu and enough for everyone to eat, then you’re likely to have a successful wedding. The one thing you don’t want is your guests leaving early because they’re still hungry.

“Secondly, that personal touch. Every wedding is special, but what makes the occasion even more special is having a personal touch to everything – a special message for each guest on their seat, a photo booth, a personalised cocktail or having grandma’s famous cake for dessert.

“Thirdly, admin and organisation are key. As a planner, being organised takes the stress of organising the big day away from the couple so that they can enjoy their wedding day.”

Finally, Barnardt reveals what she is most looking forward post-lockdown.

“I’m most definitely going to take a long walk on the beach, visit a few local wine farms to indulge in some wine tasting, and of course I will be back at work doing what I love which is creating lasting memories.”

Feature image: supplied

In Accessories

Elegant veils to top off your look

July 8, 2020 No Comments

A veil is the perfect accessory to finish off your bridal look. No matter your aesthetic, there is a veil to match.

If you’re going for a more classic look, you’re in luck. Veils adorned with delicate lace, subtle pearl detail or embroidery will work well to complete your bridal dream. Remember to take in your specific gown’s look and cut when determining the length and fullness of your veil.

Here are some different veil styles that will appeal to a bride wanting to look elegant on your big day.

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Feature image: Pexels

In Beauty

Luscious lip looks we love

July 7, 2020 No Comments

We all know the makeup makes the look. Don’t hold back on the lips! From bold and bright to subtle and toned down, anything goes. Speak to a stylist about what works with your hair colour and skin tone to make sure your pout stands out.

Scour these gorgeous lip looks for inspiration:

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Image: Unsplash

In Weddings

Why wedding rings are worn on 4th finger of the left hand

July 7, 2020 No Comments

A proposal leads to a ring and the ring, without a second thought, gets put on the 4th finger of the left hand (or the ring finger). The practice is so long-standing that nobody ever gives it a second thought, it almost comes naturally.

Have you ever wondered why we wear wedding rings on this specific finger? Or has the thought simply never crossed your mind? Well fret not, you won’t have to be in the dark for much longer. Here’s why we do it.

The practice can be traced back to ancient times. Archeologists and researchers found evidence in hieroglyphics that suggests brides wore rings, according to Readers Digest. However, this evidence says nothing of which finger the ring was worn on. In other ancient cultures, including ancient Greeks and Romans, they wore wedding rings on the left ring fingers specifically.

At the time, these cultures believed that the vein in the fourth finger of the left hand (the ring finger) ran directly to one’s heart, according to Brides. As a result, the vein was named “vena amoris” which means “vein of love”.

Therefore, to represent a union that focused on love, a wedding ring was placed on the finger in which the vein of love ran through.

This very sweet reasoning behind the practice is, however, based on false beliefs. Modern science has shown that in fact, all fingers have veins connected to the heart.

In China, a theory developed about ring fingers. According to Mervis Diamond, each finger on the left hand represents either the past, present or future generations of your family. The thumb represents your parents, the index finger represents your siblings, the middle finger is you, the fourth finger is your life-partner and the pinkie is your future children.

The theory goes like this: Place your hands together and allow the middle fingers’ knuckles to touch, at the same time allowing your other fingers to touch. Then pull each finger apart individually. All the fingers, apart from the 4th fingers, will be able to pull apart. This represents the fact that you are not meant to stay with your parents, siblings, or children forever, but your life-partner will stick with you.

Try it out by following this video:

Some people credit the Anglican Church for the ring finger tradition. Insider reports that in around 1549, the Anglican Church’s Book of Common Prayer told members of the church to wear the ring on that finger, so that they would be separated from Catholics and other Christians, who wore wedding rings on the fourth finger of the right hand.

Today, the practice is still widely recognized. However, not everyone practices it in the same way. Some couples in Europe from countries including Austria, Denmark, and Germany, wear their rings on the right hand. Married couples in India wear the ring on the right hand too, as the left hand is considered unclean, according to Readers Digest.

Image: Unsplash

In News

Nigerian wedding industry deeply affected by COVID-19 pandemic

July 7, 2020 No Comments

The Nigerian wedding industry is massive. Couples typically spend big bucks to make sure their special day is perfect. However, the COVID-19 pandemic could cause a loss of millions, and leave small businesses with no way to support themselves.

Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy in terms of nominal GDP, and the wedding industry contributes greatly to this. Using statistics from 2017, a report from TNS Global suggests that the industry could be worth as much as $17 million.

“The Nigerian events industry is estimated to be among the most extravagant in the world. According to TNS Global, 17 million dollars was spent on parties in Lagos over a five months period in 2013. Statistics have it that an average Nigerian company or middle-class family spends over 15,000 dollars per event,” said Professor Okoli Fidelis Chukwuma.

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All boo’d up ❤! AhoufeBride @m0cha_17 Makeup: @stmmagicalcreations Hair: @c.c_hairways Dress: @ladybeellionaire Bouquet : @rentadress_nostress Photography : @lexisweddings Videographer: @grandepicfilms Planner: @stmmagicalcreations Decor: @alexeventss Cake: @elsies.bakehouse Cocktail and chops: @koksy_foods #ahoufebridal #BlackDadsMatter #buytheblock #blackwallstreet #blacklove #blackcommunity #blackings #blackqueens #blackinfluencers #blackculture #blackwealth #blackhealth #blackunity #blackmen #weddingday #bellanaijaweddings #melanin #bridalinspiration #NigerianWedding #protectourblackmen #raisingkings #blackfamily #blackmagic #blackexcellence #allblackeverythang #allblackeverything #usorelse #blacklivesmatter #weddingsonpoint #LuxuryWeddings

A post shared by Ahoufe Bridal ® (@ahoufebridal) on Jun 23, 2020 at 8:37pm PDT

According to Nairametrics, weddings can cost anywhere between half a million Naira (R22 263) to over 100 million Naira (R4 452 766) depending on the financial background of each couple. These events are typically massive, with hundreds of guests in attendance.

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Dami & Izoyare #lavida20 ? Planner – @sculptorsevents. Photography- @ejikemanny #NigerianWedding #YorubaWedding

A post shared by NIGERIAN WEDDING (@nigerianwedding) on Jul 6, 2020 at 11:54am PDT

With the COVID-19 pandemic, however, this industry has essentially been halted. Large public gatherings are currently not allowed, forcing many couples to tie the knot online through video conferencing platforms.

Those who do continue with in-person weddings have minimised their big days considerably. CEO of event management firm Unik Ushering Agency, Aderonke Adebamibola told Naiametrics that business has slowed down as a result.

“Now, we even have to convince them to use one or two ushers for their events because they believe they don’t need ushers for 20 or 30 guests. Caterers cannot even cook a half bag of rice now because of the number of guests. This means that they are also paid less for their services, even if they expend the same energy and time” said Adebamibola to Nairametrics.

Nigeria has 29 286 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 11 828 recovered and 654 deaths.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the face of the wedding industry, and many will struggle to fit the new normal.

Feature image: Unsplash

In Celebs

The royal touch: Queen Letizia’s $8 million wedding dress

July 7, 2020 No Comments

When we think of royal weddings, very specific images come to mind. We think of Princess Diana’s extravagant gown with its never-ending train or Megan Markle’s classic bateau Givenchy dream. A dress less known but even more dramatic is that of Queen Letizia of Spain.

This royal, who was a successful news anchor before she became queen, has gone down in history for having the most expensive wedding dress in history. She walked down the aisle to marry then heir to the throne Prince Felipe on May 22, 2004, in a gown that cost an estimated $8 million (R135 881 600). The pair married in the Almudena Cathedral at the Royal Palace of Madrid, Spain, and became king and queen in 2014.

The off-white dress was designed by Royal couturier Manuel Pertegaz, and featured long sleeves, a unique structured open collar and a four and-a-half metre train. There were floral motifs embroidered onto the silk gown in silver and gold thread.

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She adorned her tresses with a lace veil and the Prussian Tiara, which had also been worn by her mother-in-law, Queen Sofia, on her wedding day in 1962.

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Feature images: Instagram / Queen Letizia

In Celebs

Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson celebrate sixth anniversary

July 7, 2020 No Comments

Jessica Simpson and her husband, former NFL player Eric Johnson, celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary on Sunday [July 5]. Simpson wrote a heartfelt message to her husband on Instagram in celebration of the occasion.

The singer posted a photo of the two of them holding a crystal butterfly, which was an anniversary gift from Johnson.

“Eric Johnson, my Husband, I love you. 6yrs ago today I married my perfect soulmate. Our unity was written in God’s sky of colliding stars. Together we manifest dreams, nurture desire, and hold space. Destined, it always has been and always will be, forevermore. Also, anyone who knows me at all knows that this crystal butterfly is my dream gift ?, wrote Simpson, adding the quote “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.”

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They met in May 2010 through friends. At the time Johnson’s divorce was not yet finalized however he had been separated from his wife at the time since October 2009.

By November 2010, they were engaged. According to E! News Johnson proposed on November 11, at 11:11am, with “Since I’ve Been Loving You” by Led Zeppelin playing in the background and rose petals scattered on the ground.

The pair got married in a glamorous $1.4 million wedding ceremony in July 5, 2014 that took place at the San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California.

They are now parents to three children, Maxwell Drew (8), Ace Knut (7), and Birdie Mae (1).

Image: Instagram / Jessica Simpson