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In Wedding Gowns

Artist turns wedding dresses into colourful works of art

August 4, 2020 No Comments

White is traditional when it comes to a wedding day, but that doesn’t mean it’s required. This talented artist is elevating wedding gowns by turning them into colourful works of art for a truly unique, spectacular finish.

Artist Taylor Ann Linko got the inspiration to start this business through her own wedding dress. The bride wanted a unique gown to match her colourful personality, so she began painting the bottom of her dress using airbrushes.

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“White was banned from the closet due to the fact I would probably get paint on it. I was also banned from paint and any other form of art the week prior to the wedding, just to avoid any skin stains or mishaps. Heck, nice things were banned from my room/studio in the fear they would never make it out alive and unpainted,” Linko explains.

“I might be shy, I kinda hate being the center of attention, but that’s never stopped me from wearing my heart on my sleeve. Just so happens, my heart is filled with art. Painting, sculpting, sewing, drawing, makeup….and that tends to show though, from doodles on my arm to paint on my wedding dress.

“For my wedding, the same was certainly true. I painted, sculpted, crafted, just about everything I could. Made the flowers, colored my hair, painted a giant jenga game, DIY-ed the invitations, sculpted the centerpieces.”

For her dress, she decided to paint her gown purple, blue, red, orange and yellow. The first two colours represent her and her husband’s favourite colours, and yellow for her grandfather’s favourite colour. Orange is symbolic of friendship, which she chose because she was friends with her husband for a long time before it turned romantic. All together, the colours represented a sunset.

“The shock and awe of my dress helped me feel calm and confident. My colorful personality was shining through and everyone there loved it. I wasn’t trying to make some big statement it’s as simple as wanting to wear something I felt beautiful in. It’s the Artistic personal flare. For me, life is my canvas. I look for any and every opportunity to add that personal flair and artistic touch, I wasn’t about to hold back because it’s normal to wear white.”

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The images from her big day soon went viral. Since then, Linko has been inundated with requests, as hundreds have asked her to paint their wedding dresses. She now runs a full-time business creating these one-of-a-kind gowns. She also upcycles gowns to sell online.

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Feature image: Instagram / Taylor Ann Art

In Celebs

Signed, sealed, delivered: The Somhale love story

August 4, 2020 No Comments

Somizi Mhlongo and Mohale Motaung have gone down in history as having two of the most extravagent weddings South Africa has ever seen. This iconic couple has dominated gossip columns since they came together, and keep us constantly entertained.

They have also become beautiful examples of love, and have inspired many to be their true selves. Here’s how this iconic South African couple came to be.

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Idols judge Somizi met actor and businessman Mohale in 2017 at a book signing for Somizi’s book Dominoes: Unbreakable Spirit – The Somizi Mhlongo Story.

“I knew from the minute I saw him. He thought I was joking when I told him because he was at my book signing,” Mhlongo told Sowetan Live. “With everyone I was signing SM, but when he came I signed ‘thank you for your support, dear future husband’.

“He laughed it off and two months later, we met for dinner. We met at 8pm and the date ended at 3am. We went through eight bottles of champagne and we have never been apart since then. He slept at my house. I knew then that this is the man I’m going to marry,” Mhlongo says.

Their relationship has not been without its fair share of controversy. Initially, the 22-year age difference surprised fans.

Many also criticised Mohale of faking his love for Somizi for fame. When Mohale appeared on Somizi’s reality show Living the dream with Somizi, viewers said Mohale seemed disinterested and unaffectionate towards his partner. The couple also faced infidelity rumours when Mohale was allegedly caught with another man.

On March 10, 2018 Somizi popped the question to Mohale at Pont des Arts, the ‘lock bridge’ in Paris that overlooks the Eiffel Tower. Of course, Mohale said yes.

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The pair tied the knot in what many believe was the wedding of the decade in 2019, first with a traditional wedding in 2019 and then a white wedding in early 2020.

For their traditional wedding, the couple wore matching outfits and made multiple changes throughout the day. Their first look was designed by Gert Johan Coetzee, who was inspired by a North African theme.

A host of local celebrities were in attendance, including Bonang Matheba, Casper Nyovest, Kelly Khumalo, Lerato Kganyago, Pearl Thusi, Julius Malema, and Thando Thabethe.

According to Liquid Image Consulting, the creative team behind the wedding, the pair had a particular dress code for guests. “Dresscode: #Somhale wanted to showcase African Tradition and they personally selected a region from Africa for each guest detailing what they should wear and sent extensive dress code mood boards to ensure everyone stayed on theme!!” they wrote in an Instagram post.

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Not one to be outdone, Somizi made sure their second wedding was even more lavish than their traditional wedding of 2019. Their extravagant white wedding on Thursday, January 30 was attended by celebs like Minnie Dlamini-Jones, Casper Nyovest, Khanyi Mbau, DJ Zinhle, Shimza, Lerato Sengadi, Thando Thabethe, Ayanda Thabethe and Bonang Matheba. Guests were instructed to wear white and red-bottom shoes.

According to reports, Somizi had three outfit changes, each of which were accessorised with different Christian Louboutin red-bottom shoes. Celebrity designer Gert-Johan Coetzee was at the helm of at least one of these looks.

Their nuptials were captured in all their glory in a 4-part special on Showmax, which broke viewing records and became the most streamed show when it premiered in February.

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The pair had planned a third wedding in Italy this year, but had to cancel plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s clear that there is a lot of love in this couple. We can’t wait to see what they do next!

Feature image: Instagram / Mohale

In Advice

How to have a spectacular lunch wedding

August 4, 2020 No Comments

In light of the national night-time curfew from 10pm to 4am during lockdown, wedding celebrations are looking a bit different. Even though large gatherings are not permitted yet, couples may be legally married at the Magistrate’s Office and then usually have a small intimate celebration with their immediate families.

If you don’t want to worry about breaking curfew, have a lunch celebration. Spring is drawing near which means lovely outdoor weather, perfect for a day time feast. Here are our top tips on how to pull it off.

Decide on indoor or outdoor

For a daytime wedding, both outdoor and indoor venues will work. Decide which you prefer, taking into consideration the season and the climate, as well as factors like space and accessibility for your guests. If you live in a very windy city, an outdoor option might not work if the area is not protected from wind. However, if you’re planning a summer wedding in an area with good weather, an outdoor venue will be exquisite.

Have a fabulous drinks station

Even though we are still under an alcohol ban, there’s no excuse for skimping on the drinks station. As the season’s change, cater appropriate drinks. Fresh fruit juices and cold ice teas are vital on a hot summer’s day, while coffee and tea are a much-needed comfort during winter.

Replace the dancing

Since the wedding will happen during the afternoon, your guests likely won’t be strutting their dance moves while the sun is still out. Instead, have fun games to entertain guests, like croquet, giant Jenga, giant Scrabble, or ring toss. If games are not your vibe, add a fun element with karaoke, or provide tables with board and card games.

Consider the weather

Depending on the season and what part of the country you live in, the weather probably differs throughout the day. Even in summer, late afternoons can get chilly, especially for older guests. Provide blankets, just in case. Similarly, if it’s very hot and an outdoor wedding, provide fabric umbrellas or Chinese fans for guests to cool down with. Take into account whether or not it is likely to rain and make sure there is a cover, if so.

Images: Pinterest

Featured image: Unsplash

In News

Couple sneak wedding into iconic church, guests infected with COVID-19

August 4, 2020 No Comments

It seems that many still don’t think that breaking the rules has consequences. Not only can you get in legal trouble from breaking lockdown regulations, you also put your family and friends in danger, especially when having large gatherings.

A couple in San Francisco tried to sneakily have a wedding ceremony in the city’s iconic Saints Peter and Paul Church. Dozens of their loved ones including friends and family were present at the event. Now, several of those who were members of the wedding party have been infected with COVID-19.

Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the couple had intentions to marry early this year. However, when the outbreak and the resulting movement restrictions came into play, they rescheduled their wedding to July, according to The Denver Channel.

With the replanned, illegally held wedding, guests were instructed to make use of the church’s underground parking. The Chronicle reported that the bride’s father emailed guests three days before the wedding to explain safety guidelines they had put in place.

However, officials from the San Francisco City Attorney’s Office caught wind of the ongoings, and tried to stop the wedding. According to Business Insider, the officials told the couple and their guests that the wedding had to be held outside, as the city currently allows up to 12 people to gather in open spaces, without food or drink.

It was reported that thereafter, the couple took their ceremony to a nearby basketball court and had several guests tune in from a live stream. The bride, groom, and at least eight members of the wedding party later tested positive for COVID-19.

This was not the first time this church had broken rules. In June, the San Francisco city attorney’s office issued a cease-and-desist letter to several churches, including Saints Peter and Paul Church, after they held indoor masses.

Infectious disease expert John Swartzberg at UC Berkeley told The Chronicle that instances like this “infuriated” him.

“This is the perfect example of why public health officials have been trying to convince people of the problems with getting together in crowds,” he said. “And I would be shocked if we didn’t see this consequence. This should be the poster child in why people should take responsibility.”

Image: Facebook / Saints Peter and Paul Church San Fransisco (Alexey Speranksy)

In uncategorized

Lovely lace wedding cakes for your big day

August 3, 2020 No Comments

Lace items are known for their elegance. Why not add some lace-inspired designs to your wedding cake, to bring an extra splash of intricate decor to your wedding day?

More than just being stunning and stylish, a lace-inspired wedding cake can be made sentimental too. If you have a special heirloom like the doilies your grandmother passed down to you, or the lace decoration on your mother’s wedding dress, the lace pattern on your cake can be made to reflect those patterns. This means you can add an extra special personal touch to your wedding cake!

Looking chic and sophisticated on your dessert table, a lace wedding cake can fit most wedding themes.

Here are some lavish lace cakes to inspire you:

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Image: Pexels

In Celebs

Adam Sandler writes sweet tribute to wife on 22nd anniversary

August 3, 2020 No Comments

Actors Adam and Jackie Sandler have been together for a whopping 22 years. To honour the day they met, Adam wrote a touching tribute to his wife.

Taking to Instagram, Adam posted two throwback images of the pair from their early days of dating.

“22 years ago today we locked eyes and fell deep. Look forward to the next 22, young lady. Love you my forever girl,” Sandler captioned the image.

View this post on Instagram

22 years ago today we locked eyes and fell deep. Look forward to the next 22, young lady. Love you my forever girl.

A post shared by Adam Sandler (@adamsandler) on Jul 31, 2020 at 9:33am PDT

Many of Adam’s costars congratulated the couple in the comments, including Salma Hayek, Brooklyn Decker and Drew Barrymore, all of whom have payed Adam’s on-screen loves in the past.

“You are the greatest couple and I love you both so much. And your girls !!!!,” wrote Drew Barrymore, who has acted alongside Adam in The Wedding Singer (1998) , 50 First Dates (2004) and Blended (2014).

“Congratulations. You are one lucky guy,” wrote Grown Ups co-star Salma Hayek. “She is absolutely an extraordinary woman May that beautiful love ❤️ of yours go on forever .”

“Love you two. You do it right. Congrats, kids!!,” added Brooklyn Decker, who played Sandler’s romantic interest in Just Go With It.

The pair met on set of the 1999 film Big Daddy, in which Adam starred and Jackie had a minor role as a waitress. They fell in love immediately, and have since acted alongside one another in a number of films including 50 First Dates, Just Go With It, Little Nicky, Grown Ups, and Grown Ups 2.

The couple became engaged in 2000 and married in 2003 at an oceanfront Malibu estate that belongs to American radio and television personality, television producer and film actor Dick Clark.

They have two daughters together: Sadie (14) and Sunny (11).

Feature image: Instagram / Adam Sandler

In Celebs

Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz celebrate a decade of marriage

August 3, 2020 No Comments

Songstress Alicia Keys and music producer Swizz Beats have reached an exciting milestone in their marriage. The couple recently celebrated their 10 year wedding anniversary, and took to social media to express their love and devotion for one another.

In an Instagram post, Keys called her husband her ‘dream come true’, and thanked him for all he has done for her over the years.

“My love, you are my dream come true!! You always make me smile. You make me laugh and think and grow and dream and reach and stretch and I am in awe of our love! 10 joiiiwwnnntttttttzzzzzzz!!!!It’s so fast bc it’s so much fun! and so true and real and genuine! I adore you!!! Here’s to so much more of the greatness we create together!!! Deeply appreciating and loving every moment.”

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She also posted a video of the pair dancing in celebration of their anniversary.

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Swizz Beats also took to Instagram to thank his spouse for her years of support.

“1 full decade of love & life wow? Never raised our voice at each other in 10yrs wow? Thank you for everything my love ?? you’re truly everything my Love? I wish us 100 more yes plus inshallah ?? Happy 10yr anniversary Queen Dean,” he wrote on Instagram.

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The pair met through a mutual friend at a young age, when Keys was 14 and Beatz 16. They continued to run into one another at various industry events, but only began dating years later when they collaborated on a music project.

They became engaged in Hawaii in 2010 and tied the knot later that year in Corsica on July 31.

They have two children together: sons Egypt (9) and Genesis (5). Swizz also has three children from previous relationships.

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Congrats to the happy couple!

Feature image: Instagram / Alicia Keys

In Weddings

Crazily creative cosplay weddings

August 3, 2020 No Comments

Fans of anime, Star Wars, Game of Thrones, and any other massively followed franchises are often quite enthusiastic. At times, they find ways to incorporate their love for these stories into their lives.

A tribute or two can be made at a wedding without it being an all-out theme. However, if you’d you like to make your day all about your (second) most loved passion, then maybe a cosplay wedding is for you.

You could make it for the entire day, or just for the photoshoot portion of your day if you’d like.

How ever you decide to incorporate your love for the story into you wedding day, we’re sure it’ll be fantastic! Here are some ideas to inspire you:

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Image: Pexels

In Planning

Our top 5 local wedding planners

August 3, 2020 No Comments

South Africa is home to some incredibly talented organisations whose aim it is to give couples the absolute best day of their lives. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite local wedding planners to help you get a head start.

Zavion Kotze Events Company

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Talent and passion are what drives this award-winning company. With world-class quality, Zavion Kotze caters to clients across the country seeking to create their perfect wedding. They most recently planned the extravagant reception of former Miss Universe, Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters, and American footballer Tim Tebow, so you know you’re in good hands!

Oh Happy Day

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Oh Happy Day is an award-winning wedding and event planning company, run by a dynamic set of creatives. Whether you’re looking for a wedding planner in KwaZulu-Natal or beyond, they travel throughout the country from their base in Durban to make your dream day a reality.

Precious Celebrations

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Precious the Planner is a luxury wedding planner & event designer. She has been internationally recognised for planning, designing, producing, and executing luxury celebrations. Her company, Precious Celebrations, is designed to offer clients personalised service through creativity and uniqueness based on individual taste and preference.

Wedding Concepts SA

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This premier wedding service handcrafts weddings of distinction for a select and limited group of clients from across the globe. From conceptualisation and supplier selection to briefing and organisation of the day, Wedding Concepts is a full-service Wedding Planning business.

Happinest

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With an entire team ready to help you achieve the wedding you’ve always wanted, Happinest puts their all into each and every event – no matter how big or small. Their bespoke wedding service offers full coordination, meaning couples can sit back and relax in the lead up to their big day.

Feature image: Pexels

In News

Lebanese beauty queen holds wedding amid lockdown

August 3, 2020 No Comments

Across the world, bans on social gatherings are still in place to curb the spread of coronavirus. However, recently many have broken rules for their own pleasure. A Lebanese beauty queen did the same and hosted her wedding on August 1.

The beauty queen and actress, Valerie Abou Charca, who happens to be Miss Lebanon 2015, married Lebanese businessman, Ziyad Ammar, in an open-space wedding venue in Bkerke. After the wedding ceremony, a wedding gala was held for family and friends of the newlyweds.

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This occurred despite the government-imposed lockdown, with strict regulations by the health and interior ministries.

Some Lebanese citizens took to social media to express how irresponsible Charca was for allowing her wedding plans to continue despite the upsurge in coronavirus cases and the strict lockdown in the country. They criticised the couple and said that they were socially irresponsible.

Others, however, sang her praise and said that her wedding was beautiful.

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Following the criticism, several ministries made statements about how some rescheduled weddings were allowed to go ahead with regulations in place, according to Arab News.

Health Minister Dr. Hamad Hassan, in a televised interview, said that he had made exceptions for seven specific weddings to continue despite the lockdown. However, if they had not followed procedural rules then the wedding would be reconsidered by the Interior Ministry.

“We have to adapt and live the joys and sorrows, but with certain procedures,” he said.

There has been no confirmation that Charca’s nuptials were one of the seven functions that were allowed. However, an official told Arab News that “Part of the regulations were that the party be held outdoors, social distancing be respected and the number of invitees must be limited in accordance to the venue’s seating and accommodation”.

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According to a member of Lebanese media, Yomna Sherry, the wedding was stopped by officials, however this has not been confirmed by any official or Charca herself.

Image: Instagram / Valerie Abou Chacra Magazine