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    The bride’s ring used to be the sole focus of an engagement. These days, groom’s rings are claiming their place in the spotlight too. Don’t let her have all the fun, show your rocking ring to all who can see.

    Take a look at these stellar rings for inspiration:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-dlrWWJkJy/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B6_zEUaJA5h/

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

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BJXjtk-AOzo/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BFc0NwGw0p2/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/46naXVClfR/

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

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

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CAWRQSInmQ2/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CAVWqnDgK68/

    Image: Instagram/tungstenjewelercom

    Amid the coronavirus pandemic, designers have gotten especially creative. The new trend? Haute couture bridal face masks.

    These fashionable designs, created by Winnie Couture, encourage brides and grooms to stay safe and stylish on their big day. Winnie Couture describes them as “protective wedding masks that offer style and safety for engaged couples across the globe.

    “Each Haute Mask is handcrafted with the finest wedding attire fabrics and elements, 100% organic cotton lining, and a filter pocket for safe and comfortable wear.”

    Masks range from $239-$389, and come in four main variants.

    The L’amour mask. Credit: Winnie Couture
    The Grandiose mask. Credit: Winnie Couture
    The Nior Luxe mask. Credit: Winnie Couture
    The Nior Homme mask. Credit: Winnie Couture

    The masks are for a good cause as 100% of the proceeds from the collection will be donated to Direct Relief, a non-profit organization that is providing personal protective equipment and essential medical items to U.S. and international health workers responding to Coronavirus (COVID-19).

    “Our most selfless medical heroes are keeping us safe with limited access to protective face masks. In order to contribute to the alleviation of the situation, my team and I have been making hand-sewn cloth masks to donate to hospitals and senior communities,” said Winnie, CEO of Winnie Couture.

    Feature image: Winnie Couture

    Metal singer Marilyn Manson and burlesque performer Dita von Teese seemed a strange romantic pairing, but that’s exactly what drew them to each other.

    Both from middle America, the two had reinvented themselves into who they wanted to be. Born Heather Sweet from Michigan, Von Teese became one of the most famous burlesque performers in the world. Brian Warner of Canton, Ohio grew up to be the world-famous controversial and iconic rocker.

    After a five-year relationship, the pair tied the knot in a private ceremony at home in Los Angeles in November 2005, then exchanged vows again in a more lavish event at a friend’s castle in Ireland a week later. Their unconventional nuptials were even captured in an iconic spread for Vogue magazine.

    Their nuptials went on for several days, starting with a civil ceremony at Von Teese’s Los Angeles home. This location was chosen as many of the churches they approached were apprehensive of having Manson inside their venues, according to Vogue.

    Von Teese wore a simple white Moschino suit, designed by the label’s then-creative director, Rosella Jardini for the low-key event. It was Von Teese’s vision to look like “a forties bride going to the courthouse to get hitched before going off to the war” that inspired the design. Manson wore a Dior Homme jacket, a Galliano shirt, and Moschino creepers.

    Their formal ceremony was much more extravagent. Held at Ireland’s gothic-style Castle Gurteen,  the wedding was officiated by surrealist film director and comic book writer Alejandro Jodorowsky. Gottfried Helnwein, the owner of the castle, stood as Manson’s best man. The wedding was attended by about 60 guests, including Lisa Marie Presley and Princess Olga of Greece and Denmark.

    Credit: Instagram

    For the nuptials, Von Teese wore a striking royal purple silk tafetta gown designed by Vivienne Westwood that featured a custom corset for her a 17-inch waist. She accessorised with a tri-corned hat designed by Stephen Jones and custom Christian Louboutin shoes the designer had created just for her. John Galliano designed Manson’s black silk taffeta tuxedo for the big day.

    Credit: Pinterest

    Of course, the reception was as unconventional as the couple. The banquet table was lined with giant centerpieces of black and crimson rose and featured gold skull-shaped candles. The waitstaff all wore Moschino tailcoats and pipers, and serenaded guests.

    Credit: Pinterest

    In the days after the wedding, guests partook in skeet shooting, archery and falconry on the castle grounds.

    Unfortunately, the pair divorced a year later. During an interview with Khloe Kardashian on the Kocktails with Khloe show, she explained that getting married ruined their relationship.

    While they were not friends for a long time after their divorce, the pair are now amicable.

    Feature image: Pinterest

     

     

    Beloftebos, a wedding venue in the Western Cape who made headlines in January for refusing to host a same-sex wedding ceremony on religious grounds, are now claiming that they are being discriminated against by the SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).

    On Monday [May 18], the owners of the establishment claimed that they had filed papers with the Equality Court, opposing the fact that they have discriminated against LGBTI+ people, reports Times Live. This means they are arguing that their policy which states that they will not host same-sex weddings is not discriminatory.

    Michael Swain, executive director of Freedom of Religion South Africa said that Beloftebos are “asking the Equality Court to find that the SAHRC unfairly discriminated against them on grounds of conscience, religion and belief, and that the commission is biased and prejudiced in its treatment of them and their belief system”.

    The commission launched an application against the owners in March, following several complaints about the venue. The Comissioner, André Gaum, explained that the outcome they hope to achieve includes that the venue’s policy be declared discriminatory, and that they are forced to host same-sex marriages. He said that the policy is unconstitutional and amounts to unfair discrimination.

    According to Times Live, the owners claim that the ruling will have far-reaching consequences for them. “If the court decides against them, the owners of Beloftebos will be forced to participate in and celebrate events that violate their conscience, religion and belief — or alternatively be forced to close their venue and cease to offer their services,” said Swain.

    Picture: Unsplash

    There is finally time to whip your hair into shape during lockdown. Making simple changes to your hair care habits and being more conscious about the products we use will help in the journey to achieve vibrant colour, stronger hair and greater shine.

    1. Read the labels

    Let’s be honest, it’s no easy feat to decipher a product label. Instead, focus on what you don’t want in your product, or what you could be allergic to, and make sure it’s not present. Scan your formula for ingredients such as PPD, PPT and PTD – all colouring agents with similar chemical structures that could cause severe allergic reactions. Try to avoid sulphates and parabens in your hair care products as this could cause irritation and allergic reactions, so rather reach for ‘cleaner’ products – they’re also kinder to the Earth.

    Credit: Unsplash

    2. Choose colour wisely

    Healthy hair is associated with glossy, vibrant colour, which can more often than not only be achieved in a salon. When we can’t visit our favourite colourist, we need to make sure we prep our hair as best we can. Something to look forward to though, is the Koleston Perfect ME+ colour from Wella, which is free from harmful colour molecules, yet still able to provide you with brilliant colour and strong hair, thanks to PureBalance Technology. Make a stop at your closest Wella salon after lockdown to get salon ready locks.

    Credit: supplied

    3. Treat your tresses

    Like you give your skin an extra dose of TLC every now and then, remember to do the same for your hair. On days you plan to wash your hair at night, drench roots to ends in a mixture made of half a cup of honey and a quarter cup of olive oil. Heat the mixture, generously coat your hair and tie in to a bun. Once you are able to visit your nearest Wella salon, give their Element’s care system a try which is free of sulphates, parabens and artificial colourants!

    Credit: supplied

     4. Let your hair down

    If you generally keep your hair tied up or pinned back, you’ll know the stress it can cause on your scalp. To give your roots a rest, sleep with your hair loose and invest in a silk pillowcase to avoid unnecessary snagging and moisture loss overnight.

    Credit: Pexels

    To shop Elements online: https://bit.ly/2Ls2XYi

    To shop the sale: https://bit.ly/3epZ6s7

    To find a Wella salon: http://bit.ly/2lHp3wj

    Feature image: Unsplash

    Movie-lovers unite! If a specific movie has a special meaning for you and your partner, why not incorporate it into your big day? The challenge here is to not be overly cheesy with the design.

    It’s easy to over-theme a wedding cake, and then run the risk of hating it in the decades to come. Instead, its best to go subtle. Here are some ideas on how to incorporate your favourite franchise into your big day in a way that still looks timeless.

    Star Wars:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_V07vIhqIl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_w3WoMAvMb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_xIdSiA96r/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Harry Potter:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BuCX-3HHbLg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BoqrDMYgT6q/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B1b_GZ4nQ0M/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Disney:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B9pMMlJlxkD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2SVb4eHgZT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_3Ka-ujWjZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Lord of the Rings:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4JSayrlIDX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_d0UHznwLB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Feature image: Unsplash

    Basketball player Dennis Rodman has made many bizarre moves throughout his career. From his outlandish outfits to his close friendship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, nothing seems surprising for this iconic public figure.

    Another strange moment from Rodman’s life? The time he reportedly married himself in a dress.

    While promoting his memoir  “Bad As I Wanna Be” back in 1996, Rodman decided to experiment with cross-dressing. He arrived at a book signing in a horse-drawn carriage escorted by a bevy of tuxedo-clad women, while wearing a custom wedding dress made in France.

    At six feet, seven inches, the basketball player caused quite a scene in his wedding dress.

    The star then declared that he was bisexual and was marrying himself.

    While it was just a publicity stunt, there is no denying that it was effective. His book topped the New York Times bestseller list and remained on it for 20 weeks.

    What an iconic moment in celebrity history.

    Feature image: Pinterest

    The coronavirus pandemic has hit people hard the world over. As many struggle to make ends meet, others are spurred to action. This rickshaw driver decided to do what he could to help those in need.

    Akshay Kothawale from Pune, India, saved 200 000 rupees (R48 764) for his marriage. However, the nuptials were cancelled amid the pandemic. Instead of doing nothing, Kothawale decided to put that money to good use by feeding migrant labourers and those in distress in his area. Together with his friends, Kothawale feeds about 400 people per day.

    Not only that, Kothawale is also helping senior citizens and pregnant women by offering them free rides to clinics in his vehicle, and is also going around the city to create awareness on the virus and how to protect yourself from it.

    Kothawale explains that it was difficult to see so many people suffer, and wanted to lend a helping hand.

    “I saw several people on roads who could not even afford to have one meal and were struggling to survive. I and some of my friends then thought of doing something to help the daily wagers and needy people,” he said. “I decided to use my savings for the cause and some of my friends also chipped in,” said Kothawale.

    “Using my auto-rickshaw, we distribute one-time meal among people at Maldhakka Chowk near the railway station, Sangamwadi and Yerawada areas.”

    The group plan to continue this feeding scheme until May 31, as their funds are lessening.

    Feature image: Unsplash

     

    Project Runway judge, New York Times best-selling author Elaine Welteroth said ‘I do’ to musician Jonathan Singletary in a virtual block party wedding outside their New York apartment.

    Elaine and Jonathan met at the young age of 12 through church, but it was only in 2013 when the pair would be reunited as adults that a romance began to blossom. They became engaged in 2016. Their wedding date, May 10, 2020, was chosen for its special numerical order:  5-10-20.

    “There was so much symbolism in this sequence of numbers [5-10-20] that only come together once in a lifetime,” Elaine explains to Vogue. “Also, it fell on a Sunday—the day we met as kids and saw each other every week growing up. But it wasn’t just any Sunday, it would be Mother’s Day!”

    They were meant to marry at a church friend’s home close to the church in Northern California where they first met. However, with the coronavirus pandemic, those plans were cancelled. Instead, they threw a “virtual quarantine wedding” on their stoop in Brooklyn.

    Their friends and family all jumped in to make sure the new plan was a success. The stoop was decorated with a whimsical floral arch that framed the front door.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CATYhU5J4oB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    All 200 guests, even the ones attending via Zoom, were given a white dress code. The in-person guests followed social distancing protocols and were provided gloves and masks on-site in addition to white parasols, bubbles, seeds to plant flowers, and homemade brownies from Elaine’s mom’s family recipe in a gift bag.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CAQnvfKJT1J/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    The bride made her walk down the ‘aisle’ wearing a label-less dress she’s owned for years, and her mother’s wedding veil. She even did her own makeup in the backseat of a car.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CAQ-DTCpdsl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    The wedding was officiated via Zoom by Dr. Stanley Long, the founding pastor of South Bay Community Church, the couple’s home church in California.

    Then, the virtual block party began. Each guest had been sent a playlist to join in on the party. Their friend also DJ’ed live for the guests.

    Even though it wasn’t the wedding they had planned, it was still a special one because their loved ones were there and they could hold it on their original date.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CAQKhYdHl3-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Feature image: Instagram / Vogue

     

     

    If you’re not one for grand occasions, why not go for something more relaxed and intimate? Picnic-style weddings are perfect for boho brides and grooms.

    Lovers of the outdoors will rejoice in this wedding style that celebrates nature. Another bonus is that it’s relatively easy to plan. All you need is a beautiful outdoor space, some cosy blankets and pillows, and low boards to act as a table. Voila!

    Here are some inspo pics to help you plan your own big day:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-dXR3dp2OM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BllxwaQgQP8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-3btvjFeiH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_4bPR2jwS9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-96biQIJx5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-rJurPgIsg/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Feature image: Unsplash