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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
From terrible tragedy, this couple found love. One of the most terrifying mass shootings in the US became a turning point for Austin Monfort and Chantal Melanson.
Austin Monfort and Chantal Melanson first met at a Las Vegas country bar in September 2017. Monfort made enough of an impression on Melanson that she invited him to hang out with her at the Route 91 Harvest music festival outside the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Vegas.
It was at this festival that gunman Stephen Paddock opened fire on 22 000 unsuspecting partygoers. The Las Vegas mass shooting has since become the deadliest of its kind in modern US history. 58 people were killed and more than 850 injured.
Monfort instinctively felt the need to protect Melanson when the gunfire began.
“I felt a sense of responsibility for Chantal,” he told People. “She was with me and not her friends. I felt like not only did I have to get myself out, but also her. Keeping her calm and getting her out kept me calm, and didn’t allow me to panic.” He helped guide her to safety, much to Melanson’s appreciation.
“I remember laying on the ground just looking into Austin’s eyes, trying to make sense of everything,” she said. “Next thing I knew, Austin was holding my hand and we were running through the entire grounds trying to make it to safety.”
“I felt safe with him — I didn’t want to leave his side,” Melanson said. “In many ways, he did save my life.”
This tragic, frightening night bonded the two together. They stayed in contact over the following months, eventually falling in love. They became engaged in March 2019, and have since married at a San Diego, California, courthouse.
Their traditional ceremony was planned for May 8 of this year in Vegas. However, amid the coronavirus pandemic, the pair have postponed their big nuptials.
These days, wedding photography is a tremendously creative business to be in. Couples want extravagant photoshoots, photographs edited to a T, and perfectly put together albums. Wedding photography has come a long way from its humble beginnings.
The story of wedding photography begins in the early 1840s, when photography had little to no commercial use. Of course, people did have the idea of saving their memories though.
During this time paper photographs, multiple photographs and wedding albums were non-existant. According to iQ photo, a wedding photography studio based in San Francisco, the only option available was a “daguerreotype portrait on a tiny copper sheet”. (A daguerreotype is a small metal sheet.)
Due to the size and weight of photography equipment at the time, couples were also restricted to a studio. There were no photoshoots in the forest or in the streets of a bustling city, you only had the one option. On top of that, many didn’t even have the option. Wedding photography was a practice of the wealthy.
In fact, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were one of the first couples to smile for the camera in 1854, 14 years after their actual wedding. This was one of the influences for couples to pose for wedding pictures, however they would not be captured in their wedding attire.
It wasn’t until the 1880s, when some advances (including roll film by Kodak) were made in the industry and photography become more accessible, that couples actually took photos on their wedding day. Still, photos on the day were limited since film was expensive. Couples managed to take a few snap shots with their nearest and dearest, as well as some images from throughout the day. It was at this point in time that the wedding album came to be.
In the early to mid 1900s, colour film was introduced. Thereafter, the colour film, in combination with the creation of portable cameras with flashes and a wedding boom which was a result of World War II, sparked the true beginning of the wedding industry.
For a while after this, it was the styles of wedding photography which grew and changed rather than the technology. It went from a traditional real-life or still-life style, to a more photojournalism style in which photographers aimed for a fly-on-the-wall vibe.
Once digital photography came to be, the industry changed drastically. Uninhibited by film (or lack thereof) photographers could go wild with their ideas. According to Dreamtime Images, digital cameras could allow deeper coverage of the event, which adds to the freedom of creativity in the field.
Now, people have out-of-this-world ideas for wedding photoshoots, with intricate details and in a combination of photography styles. In fact, one may call it art more than anything else. From candids and portraits to family shots and creative shots, you can get anything your heart desires.
Sebastian Cina and Jaclyn Hockenjos have had to postpone the day they’ve been planning for months, like many other couples across the world.
The two were supposed to say ‘I do’ tomorrow, May 16 in New Jersey. Instead of grumbling about the misfortune, this power couple instead launched a fundraising campaign called #WithThisRingYoullBeFed and are inviting friends, family and supporters to make donations. The campaign is partnered with a local food bank and will feed families in need.
“We were devastated when we found out we had to postpone our wedding,” said Jaclyn, a first-grade teacher. “Then we thought about it and realized we could use it as a platform to help people in our community, and that’s exactly what we intend on doing.”
More than that, they have even encouraged other couples who postponed their weddings to start their own campaigns.
If you’ve spent most of your life with your nose buried in a book, a library is the perfect place to tie the knot. This way, you can honour your love of reading without making it a wedding theme that you may deem tacky in a few decades.
There are beautiful libraries across the globe that also double as wedding venues. Here are a few of our favourites.
Centre for the Book – Cape Town
The Centre for the Book in Cape Town city centre has a mission is to promote a culture of reading, writing and publishing in local languages. The library is dedicated to providing book publishing information and advice as well as advocating for, and promoting the culture of, reading, writing and publishing in South Africa.
The building has a stunning domes strium for the central reading room, and a hall that is perfect for receptions.
Credit: Instagram
George Peabody Library – Baltimore
Opened in 1878, this library is widely recognised as one of the most beautiful library spaces in the world. It was designed by Baltimore architect Edmund G. Lind, in collaboration with the Peabody Institute’s first provost, Dr. Nathaniel H. Morison.
Six tiers of stately cast-iron columns and ornate railings embellished with gold leaf encircle the Reading Room, creating an ambiance that is both enchanting and scholarly. Filled with over 300,000 volumes of books, the Library creates a stunning backdrop for ceremonies and receptions, providing each with a timeless and storied setting to create your personal memories.
The New York Public Library – New York
Founded in 1895, the New York Public Library is an historic institution and highly sought-after wedding venue. It was even featured in the Sex and the City movie as the place where Carrie got stood up on her wedding day.
The Library’s landmark Stephen A. Schwarzman Building is a quintessential New York City icon. Located in the heart of Manhattan, this magnificent Beaux-Arts building caters to intimate gatherings and lavish extravaganzas, lending a sense of grandeur and distinction to any occasion.
Credit: Instagram
Chawton House Library – Hampshire
This stunning restored Elizabethan library located just outside of London was once owned by Jane Austen’s brother. The famous author would often visit the location, and would refer to it as the ‘Great House’ in her letters.
Licensed for civil ceremonies, Chawton House is one of the most unique wedding venues in the UK. As you sweep up the imposing drive, Chawton House welcomes you into an era of elegance, grace and wit. Follow in Jane Austen’s footsteps by dining in the Oak Room, dancing in the Great Hall or strolling across the South Lawn to a classic marquee with your own Mr Darcy or Miss Bennet.
Credit: Instagram
The Signet Library – Edinburgh, Scotland
The Signet Library, situated in the very heart of Edinburgh, Scotland and just a stone’s throw from St Giles Cathedral, is the unique wedding venue of choice for brides and grooms who are searching for a magical combination of breathtaking setting, gorgeous design and details.
There are several rooms to accommodate nuptials of any scale. The Lower Library is perfect for a drinks and canapés reception. The Upper Library can accommodate 50-220 guests for any type of reception from a wedding breakfast to an evening affair.
Credit: Instagram
The Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, Missouri
What makes this venue truly unique is its giant display of books outside the library, which makes for the perfect backdrop for book-lovers.
The Central Library offers Kansas City’s smartest wedding venue that will make your day truly special. Simply choose from one of their unique space options that will wow and energise all of your guests. Ceremony rentals include the space, setup/teardown, furniture, bridal/groomsmen dressing rooms, and a rehearsal time.
Credit: Instagram
West Dean College – West Sussex
With award-winning gardens and a gorgeous backdrop, West Dean College and Gardens in West Sussex is the perfect venue for a wedding reception. The unique historic character and beautiful surroundings create a perfect venue set in the picturesque South Downs countryside.
Be wined and dined in the Old Library, Music Room or Old Dining Room or, for larger celebrations, all three rooms are interconnecting. Dinners can be arranged for 10-90 guests. Glittering chandeliers and walls graced with original artwork provide a warm and elegant space with sense of occasion.
Credit: Pinterest
The Last Bookstore, Los Angeles
California’s largest new and used book and record store was featured in Flavorwire’s list of The 20 Most Beautiful Bookstores In The World, so it must be something special. It features tunnels of books and tons of open space. This venue is perfect for intimate wedding ceremonies and receptions.
Wearing white may be tradition, but it’s not a rule. Over the decades, many celebrity brides have decided against the expected, instead donning colourful gowns that truly made a statement.
From blush pinks to marigold yellow and even vivid purple, these famous brides have laid a serious case for colourful wedding dresses. Here are some celebrity brides that didn’t wear white on their wedding days
Elizabeth Taylor:
Screen icon Elizabeth Taylor went for bold colour for many of her eight weddings. She wore emerald green for her 1959 wedding to Eddie Fisher, yellow for her 1964 wedding to Richard Burton and a rainbow gown to wed Burton again in 1975.
Not only did she wear a colour-tinted dress, actress Kiera Knightley chose a knee-length dress she already owned. She paired her pale-pink Chanel minidress with sunglasses and a cardigan for her big day, and has since reworn the dress on the red carpet.
Credit: Pinterest
Kaley Cuoco:
The Big Bang Theory actress Kaley Cuoco married former professional tennis player Ryan Sweeting in 2014 wearing a bright pink custom Vera Wang gown.
Credit: Pinterest
Mandy Moore:
Mandy Moore wed musician Taylor Goldsmith in a lacy, tiered pink gown by Rodarte that perfectly complimented her pink wedding colour scheme.
Credit: Pinterest
Julianne Moore:
Oscar-winning actress Julianne Moore went against tradition for her big day in 2003. Instead of white, she donned a lilac Prada dress featuring a deep v-neckline to marry director Bart Freundlich, who matched witha purple tie and striped shirt.
Credit: Pinterest
Sarah Jessica Parker:
The Sex and the City star went polar opposite tradition, opting for a black gown she purchased off-the-rack to say I do to Matthew Broderick back in 1997.
Credit: Pinterest
Kristen Bell:
Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard tied the knot at a courthouse back in 2013. For their big day, Bell wore a simple black dress.
Credit: Instagram / Kristen Bell
Anne Hathaway:
Anne Hathawy looked every inch of a princess on her big day. In 2012, she married actor and producer Adam Shulman in a custom-made pink Valentino gown that she accessorised with a beautiful Flapper-inspired headpiece.
Credit: Pinterest
Gwen Stefani:
‘Hollaback Girl’ Gwen Stefani had the best of both world’s for her wedding dress. When she married musician Gavin Rossdale in 2002, she did so in a pink dip-dyed gown by John Galliano for Christian Dior.
Credit: Pinterest
Dita von Teese:
Living up to their unconventional relationship, burlesque performer Dita von Teese donned a Victorian-inspired violet gown custom designed by Vivienne Westwood when she married metal performer Marilyn Manson.
Credit: Pinterest
Jessica Biel:
Jessic Biel wore a stunning cotton-candy pink couture Giambatista Valli gown to marry longtime love Justin Timberlake. The custom stapless dress featured layers of delicate tulle.
Credit: Pinterest
Amber Tamblyn:
Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants actress Amber Tamblyn went bright for her wedding dress. She opted for a marigold-yellow gown to say ‘I do’ to actor David Cross in a low-key ceremony back in 2012.
Credit: Instagram / Questlove
Shenae Grimes:
90210 actress Shenae Grimes went for black dress from Vera Wang’s Fall 2012 bridal line to marry musician Josh Beech in 2013.
