• Category

    Weddings

    Category

    It seems like ages ago that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot in a glamorous affair at Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018. The royal couple celebrated their two-year wedding anniversary yesterday at home with son Archie.

    While it is not clear what the couple got up to to celebrate, royal biographer Omid Scobie claims that they had planned a quiet day at their Los Angeles home. They reportedly took the day off of work to spend time together as a family.

    “The day will simply be quality time with one another and as a family. They’re not going to be doing any work and made sure they have no meetings or calls in the diary,” Scobie told Hapaars Bazzar.

    “Like everyone else, they are in lockdown at the moment, so they will just be hanging out together at home,” says the source. “But it will still be a lovely day.”

    Scobie also shared some new behind-the-scene images from the 2018 royal wedding.

    The day off of work must be a welcomed one for the couple, who have been working from home on their various charity endeavours and the launch of their non-profit organisation, Archewell.

    To mark their first anniversary last year, Prince Harry surprised Megan with a bespoke conflict-free diamond eternity band designed by Lorraine Schwartz, which featured the birthstones for himself, Megan and son Archie on the underside of the ring.

    Feature image: Instagram / The Royal Family

    Home Affairs are considering registration of marriages to be allowed under Level 3 of the national lockdown.

    The department is currently dealing with a tremendous backlog in birth registrations which have accumulated during Level 5, according to News24.  They restarted these registrations on May 1.

    “The department had an estimated backlog of 81 650 [registrations] at the beginning of Level 4 lockdown,” its acting director-general, Jackie MacKay, told the committee.

    “Of the aforementioned backlog, the department registered 46 541 births which represent 57% of the above, estimated backlog.”

    MacKay added that 35 109 births are yet to be registered and that demand was high for re-issuing of birth certificates and temporary ID certificates.

    Finally, MacKay noted that a growing demand for all services provided by the department has led to a discussion about the identification of areas which are to be relaxed as we move through the levels of the national lockdown.

    As a result, Home Affairs proposed that the registration of marriages be allowed during Level 3. According to The Citizen, these registrations, if they should be allowed, will happen through appointments.

    While we are still unsure of when lockdown Level 3 will be put in place, Ramaphosa has hinted at the chance of it coming before the end of the month.

    Image: Pexels

    The coronavirus pandemic hs changed weddings as we know them. No longer may large crowds gather to celebrate their loved ones. Couples have had to get incredibly creative to allow their big days to continue. Here are a few ways they’ve adapted.

    1. Mask on:

    Now that face masks are recommended for wear whenever people step outside their doors, they’ve become a normal part of ones wardrobe. It has even featured in wedding attire. This designer has taken to making haute couture bridal masks. Many newlyweds have taken to posing with their masks, and some even kiss over them.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-Bf1fJKHto/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    2. Coming at you live (stream)

    With in-person weddings not allowed, engaged pairs determined to tie the knot have taken to livestreaming their big day. From Facebook to Zoom, technology has never brought us so close. If you’re planning a Zoom wedding of your own, here’s how to make it special.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B–EA2tqRsC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    3. Creativity is King:

    Right now, there are no rules. Drive-thru weddings have grown in popularity as a quick and easy way to tie the knot. We’ve seen a couple get engaged as their ordained minister officiated from a fourth storey apartment window. One couple had their dogs pose as bridesmaids for their at-home wedding, and another had cardboard cutouts as wedding guests. One particularly inventive couple even ‘got married’ on popular game Animal Crossing.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_OT4sxhB0t/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    4. Minimonies:

    Many couples have already placed deposits for wedding venues, thus decide to go ahead with their big day albeit it on a much tinier scale. Those still trying to have in-person weddings have taken to ‘minimonies’, an even smaller version of microweddings where couples get hitched with a small guest list of typically under 10. The rest of their guests tune in via livestream. In these uncertain times, minimonies are a great way to still say your I do’s safely.

    Feature image: Instagram/Duke Moose

     

    Do you and your partner share a sense of wanderlust? Or maybe you’re dreaming of a destination wedding but don’t have the funds to make it happen. Fear not. There are many fun and creative ways to bring the world to your wedding.

    Adding travel-themed elements to your big day is a great way to honour your love of travel. Using creative decor ideas, you can easily add that sense of wanderlust into your wedding.

    Here some ideas to make your guests feel like they’re part of an exciting adventure.

    Invitations:

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

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

    Escort cards and seating charts:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B9VuVJ8Kqco/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B6a8Iu4nJyt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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

    Decor:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bxclz0qoG91/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B0ZZPIMJ-jE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B1ZTPyDJZV_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Dessert:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-NmHYwJOC7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_ajF6YBZ5r/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Feature image: Unsplash

    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