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    In Destination

    KwaZulu-Natal venue offers ‘drive-in’ weddings

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    Coulpes have had to get extra creative in tying the knot amid the coronavirus pandemic. While weddings cannot go on as we know them, this South African wedding venue has created an excellent alternative.

    Collisheen Estate, one of the most sought-after private function facilities on the Dolphin Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, is now offering drive-in wedding packages.

    A representative of the state explained to Wedding ETC that the drive-in wedding concept started off as a joke, but they grew more serious about it as lockdown continued to affect the wedding industry.

    Currently, wedding ceremonies are not allowed during Level 3 lockdown. People may only marry at Home Affairs or with a marriage officer. However, Collisheen Estate hopes that their latest offering will provide a new alternative to allow couples to still say ‘I do’ while following safe social distancing.

    The estate is awaiting further announcements from the government on when they may legally open the service to the public amid the nationwide lockdown. However, they have already had lots of interest from couples still hoping to say ‘I do’ this year.

    “Sunset Oval Drive in weddings are a site to behold! The most magnificent sunsets turn this unconventional day into a magical fairytale,” writes the company on their website.

    “Our very experienced venue coordinators are here to help you coordinate your special day and liaise between you, the venue operations team and coordinate any service providers to ensure a perfect day. Our Executive head chef and team will prepare delicious canape’s for you and we will serve it directly to your guests’ cars. Collisheen Estate adheres strictly to all of the health and safety precautions and we assure you of our best attention at all times.”

    There are two drive-in wedding packages: a standard and all-inclusive option. The standard package includes canapes and venue hire. Couples may choose their own service providers who will be guided by the Collisheen team.

    The all-inclusive package includes venue hire, catering and refreshments, photography and videography, a wedding cake, a bridal salon and much more. This option allows couples to just arrive on their big day, taking away the stress of planning and managing a wedding.

    Visit Collisheen Estate’s website HERE.

    For more info on the standard package, click here: COLLISHEEN-DRIVE-IN-WEDDING-PACKAGE-2020

    For more info on the all-inclusive package, click here: COLLISHEEN-DRIVE-IN-WEDDING-PACKAGE-WITH-SERVICE-PROVIDERS-LAUNCH-SPECIAL-2020

    Feature image: Instagram / Collisheen Estate
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    In News

    Couple celebrate wedding at BLM protests in USA

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    Across the US, protests against racial injustice and police brutality have been widespread after the unlawful killing of George Floyd. In most cases, protesters prefer not to stand out to ensure that they are no easily identifiable. One Philadelphia couple, however, made a statement by celebrating their wedding at the protests on Saturday, June 6.

    Dr. Kerry Anne Perkins and Micheal Gordon got married at the Logen Hotel in Philadelphia. Immediately after, they made their way outside and were cheered on by thousands of protestors during a ‘Black Lives Matter’ (BLM) rally.

    According to E! News, this was not planned. The couple were taking some wedding shots outside the hotel when protestors passed by and they decided it was only right for them to join in.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CBGs4OdnF1-/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CBKfgbwn6az/

    Rev. Roxy Birchfield, the wedding planner, told E! News that,”They were supposed to get married at Legacy Castle and it was postponed.” Since the postponement, the pair decided on a micro-wedding on the lawn of the Logen Hotel instead.

    According to People, there was a special moment as they made their way out. The massive group of people made way for the couple as they walked to the middle of the street hand-in-hand and stopped for a kiss.

    “It ended up being a very powerful moment,” Kerry-Anne told ABC News. “Not only are we feeling the movement of the people … but I’m meeting my husband, on our wedding day, as a strong black man and a good representative of who we are as people, what our men are like, what our culture is like. It was just a very, very empowering moment for us considering all of this is happening at one moment in one time.”

    After the thrill of their celebrations this weekend, Perkins took to Instagram to talk about what happened.

    “Never in our wildest dreams did we think our love story would capture the hearts of so many people. ⁣⁣We are grateful to share our special day with such a pivotal moment in history, and we are honored to be a positive representation of Black Love and why Black Lives Matter,” she said alongside some digital drawings created by a variety of artists.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CBKTlShlaD3/

    ⁣Congrats to the happy couple!

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

    Image: Instagram / Screenshot from @luxorweddingfilms video

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    In Wedding Flowers & Bouquets

    Flowers with weird meanings

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    Tradition says that brides carry bouquets on their wedding day to ward of vengeful spirits trying to thwart the newlywed’s happiness.

    Today, however, brides aren’t as superstitious when it comes to their bouquets, and often choose any flowers they like. Flowers have their own unique language, and convey unsaid meanings. When picking your bridal bouquet, you might want to keep these blooms out of it.

    Carnation
    Be careful when picking the colour of this flower. A white one says ‘you’re sweet and lovely’ and pink says ‘I’ll never forget you’, while two-tones carnations mean ‘I cannot be with you’. Steer clear of yellow ones entirely, as they signify disdain. Not the stuff of romance…
    Snapdragons
    Much like its name, this flower has a dark meaning. Snapdragons have three different meanings: strength, deviousness, and grace. In ancient times, people would send this flower to mistresses, and also to beg for forgiveness from a lover. With its deceptive connotation, you might want to avoid this bloom on your big day.
    Tansy
    Unless you’re trying to incite violence, you might want to stay away from this bloom. Tansies have historically symbolised formal declarations of war, and can even tell the recipient that they make the sender sick to their stomach. As such, this flower is associated with feelings of hatred and resistance.
    Buttercups

    Buttercup is a popular nickname among couples, but this flower has a meaning not that appropriate for loved ones. Buttercups are said to symbolise childishness because it is so closely associated with children, and thus gifting this flower insinuates you think the recipient is too.

    Cyclamen

    This flower is typically gifted to someone going through a process of separation or change where something in their life has ended. It is poisonous, and commonly seen at funerals. It connotes that all good things come to an end. A nice meaning, but not fitting for your big day.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    The cutest little 2” cyclamen! Softest pink blush, red and a couple bicolored. • • • #petalswest #cyclamen

    A post shared by Petals West (@petalswest) on

    Orange Lilies

    Lillies are much-loved by many but you might want to avoid the orange variation. This flower shade is said to symbolise hatred, pride and disdain.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Happy Sunday Funday! (Beautiful flowers thanks to @emjviola!)

    A post shared by ???? (@purse__onality) on

    Amaranthus

    This flower is also known as ‘love lies bleeding’, and in Victorian times represented hopeless love and heartbreak.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    Formas e cores! ⚡️⚡️? Arranjos diferentões! • Pra quem ainda não descobriu o universo infinito das formas das flores, e acha que o mundo é feito de rosas (que também são maravilhosas, mas não é só ⚡️?), aqui estão Amarantthus, essa inflorescência cabeludona, e Dianthus ou Green baal, esse pom-pom simetricamente esférico de aparência felpuda, paixão dos floristas, que muitas vezes o utilizam no lugar dos musgos, por sua beleza e durabilidade ( até um mês). • • • ?????? ARRASTE PARA VER OS DETALHES ⚡️?? Flores exóticas e arranjos improváveis, amamos e vamos apresentar muitos pra vocês! • • • • Nosso atendimento é via Whatz, só deixar dar um “Oi” nos Directs! Confira tudo nos nossos Stories e Destaques! • • • Foto @robertoamartini Design floral @_gabrielanora Assintente @barros.gu • • #galeriabotanica #designfloral #dianthus #amaranthus #flowers #flowersdesign #flowerslovers #flores

    A post shared by Galeria Botânica (@_galeriabotanica) on

    Also read: Bridal bouquet shapes

    Feature image: Unsplash
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    In Wedding Cakes

    Wow-worthy winter wedding cakes

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    If you’re planning a winter wedding, you’ll want every aspect of your day to fit the theme. From the decor all the way to your cake, your day can easily be transformed into a winter wonderland.

    White cakes are pretty fitting for a winter wedding, but your cake does not have to be boring. Get inventive with simple additions like texture, lace and pearl detailing and chocolate ‘icicles’ to bring life to your dessert.

    Here are some cakes that will fit your winter wonderland:

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    Feature image: Unsplash

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    In Advice

    Fun ways to incorporate fruit into your wedding day

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    Fruit isn’t just for eating! Apples, oranges, lemons and berries are full of benefits beyond what they do for your body.

    Using fruit on your wedding day is a super easy and simple way to incorporate colour and a feeling of freshness to your day. Another bonus: your venue will smell amazing!

    From seating charts to decor and even your bridal bouquet, here are a few ways to incorporate fruit into your big day.

    Seating chart:

    Source: Pinterest
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    Escort cards:

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    Table decor:

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    Bouquet:

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    Feature image: Unsplash

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    In Planning

    Advantages of having a winter wedding

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    Winter is upon us and the cold has crept in to our lives, causing most of us to stay indoors. What better way to stay warm than with a good dose of love and happiness?

    Many assume that winter weddings are not ideal. The rain may ruin your perfect pictures and make it inconvenient to travel to the venue and the cold may leave your guests feeling a bit fidgety. But there are ways around all of this!

    Let’s not forget, according to folklore, rain on your wedding day is a sign of a good luck to come! Who wouldn’t want to ensure some of that on such a special day?

    Apart from the good luck you’ll receive at your winter wedding, there are some other advantages of celebrating your nuptials in the frosty season. Here’s why you should consider it:

    – Availability

    Since its extremely common to want a summer or spring wedding, venues, vendors, and everything else you’ll need for your wedding will be much more readily available in winter. You’ll get to take your pick and have everything be absolutely perfect on your big day.

    – Affordability

    Similar to the point above, you’ll get better rates for almost everything since you’re getting married outside of peak wedding season. Rates drop as demand drops, so you won’t break the bank with your winter wedding.

    – Guests who are not tired of weddings

    If you’re getting married in peak wedding season, it is guaranteed that your guests have been to at least one or two other weddings around the same time as yours. While we all love a good wedding, attending many, one after the other, week after week, gets tiring (and a bit repetitive – or boring even).

    A winter wedding almost ensures that this is not the case. Your guests are likely not invited to any other weddings at the time, which means they’ll celebrate yours with full force!

    – Romance-filled photo shoot 

    Look, we’re not saying a sunny forest photo shoot isn’t romantic. However, a kiss in the rain makes for one of the most perfect photos for your wedding album. Don’t miss the opportunity!

    – Fun with food 

    A winter menu is usually more diverse than a summer one. You don’t have to worry about spicy food that makes you uncomfortable in the heat, cold or creamy food that melts or gets soft in the heat, and the list goes on. You’ll have many more options for food in winter.

    – Comfort is key 

    No sweating in your dress or suit and no worries about melting makeup. Do we really need to say any more?

    Image: Unsplash

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    In Advice

    The perfect wedding cake based on your zodiac sign

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    Having trouble choosing your perfect wedding cake? Why not turn to the stars?

    Astrology helps many people across the world make big decisions on a daily basis. Whether or not you believe in it, it’s always interesting to see if your horoscope matches up with reality.

    These cakes have been perfectly designed to reflect your astrological sign.

    Aries (March 21–April 19)

    Aries individuals are trend-setters. Being the first sign in the zodiac, they love to lead the way and rarely go with the status quo.

    The bold and adventurous Aries deserves a cake to match. We suggest turning the concept of a wedding cake on its head, literally, by going for an upside down cake. Hang it from an ornate chandelier for even more lavishness.

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

    Taurus (April 20–May 20)

    This sign is all about the finer things in life. Taurus individuals are ruled by Venus, the enchanting planet that governs love, beauty, and money. As such, they’re all about luxury and perfection.

    A marble wedding cake is perfect to show off your luxe design aesthetic. This cake is put together and glamorous but not over-the-top, just like a Taurean.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B8KmAJtDU53/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Gemini (May 21–June 20)

    Gemini’s are notorious for having conflicting personality points. They are energetic, youthful and versatile yet quiet and contemplative.

    The best bet is to go for a cake that offers the best of both worlds. A two tier wedding cake that mixes edgy with classy will speak to your Gemini personality.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B5ZxQIjJDqV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Cancer (June 21–July 22)

    Cancers are highly emotional and passionate beings. They’re often hopeless romantics who just love love.

    Considering their love for all things romance, a Valentines Day cake seems especially fitting for Cancereans. Go for reds, pinks and whites, and throw in some heart details to really get the lovey-dovey feels going.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B8jDnvXBe-M/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Leo (July 23–August 22)

    Like their spirit animal, the lion, leo’s tend to see themselves as the king of the jungle. They are bold personalities who like to make a statement.

    With such an out-there personality, why bother with a traditional cake at all? we suggest an alternative like a cheese cake, a fruit cake or a cookie tower!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CAnJui2nj1A/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Virgo (August 23–September 22)

    Virgo’s are practical perfectionists. Logical and dependable, this Earth sign is known for taking a systematic approach to life. Their style tends to be modest, simple, and polished, just like they are.

    We suggest a simple wedding cake with detail that focuses on symmetry and clean lines.

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

    Libra (September 23–October 22)

    Libra’s are all about balance, much like their symbolic zodiac sign, the scale. They love symmetry and harmony. Like Taureans, Libra’s are also ruled by Venus, the planet that governs love, beauty, and money, and are thus big fans of luxury and beauty.

    A cake that uses simple design in a bold way is key for the Libra individual. Adding texture creates that extra oomph and provides a sense of grandeur.

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

    Scorpio (October 23–November 21)

    There is no sign more passionate than Scorpio. This water sign is the most closely linked to sex, seduction and pleasure. They are also detail oriented and mysterious.

    We suggest taking a walk on the dark side with a black cake that exudes sophistication, mystery and romance.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Al8T1pJWN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Sagittarius (November 22–December 21)

    Sagittarius individuals are typically fun-loving and free spirited. They love to roam free and explore the various facets of the world and life.

    A bo-ho aesthetic works well for this sign. Think dried botanicals and macrame in unruly shapes and sizes.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_z0YIuABN7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Capricorn (December 22–January 19)

    Capricorns are the classy sign. They are typically very grounded and thoughtful, preferring the simpler things in life.

    We suggest a traditional cake with stunning floral detail that will appeal to your Capricorn senses.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B9aZSizhsvG/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Aquarius (January 20–February 18)

    Aquarians are represented by the water bearer, the mystical healer who bestows water, or life upon the land. They are graceful yet bold, and stand firm to their beliefs.

    Stick to the sign’s water theme with a wedding cake that subtly references the ocean. A blue marble effect with pearl detailing is sweet, unique and makes a gentle statement.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BxeWpoJloL3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Pisces (February 19–March 20)

    Pisces individuals are dreamers, often at odds with fantasy and reality. They tend to be empathetic, compassionate and sensitive.

    Pisces individuals deserve a whimsical cake to match their personalities. Go for unusual detail and lots of texture to create a dream come to life.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B87_I6THVbJ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Feature image: Pexels

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    In News

    Longest surviving British couple celebrate 80-year anniversary

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    Nancy and Eric Kingston from Somerset, South West England recently celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary. If this isn’t enough of a feat, they are also the longest surviving couple in Britain!

    The Kingston’s met in 1937 on a blind date arranged by Nancy’s brother. The chemistry was immediate and they soon fell in love. They married on June 1, 1940.

    Fast forward 80 years, and the couple now have five children, 11 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great grandchildren.
    The pair celebrated their momentous wedding anniversary earlier this week. Of course, with the coronavirus pandemic, most of their relatives were unable to visit and share in the moment. However, the couple still enjoyed their day. Locals passed by their home to say their well-wishes, and the Queen even sent them a letter!
    Speaking to Somerset Live, the pair said the long-lasting love is down to compromise.

    “It must have been a deep love to have lasted this long. It’s been a bit of give and take,” said Nancy. “We don’t do it like they do today – we hung on. It’s been a long time; a wonderful time. We’ve been very lucky.

    “We’re still going strong.”

    Feature image: Unsplash

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    In News

    Marriage proposal captured at US protests

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    Some might say that love is a revolutionary act. One North Carolina couple seem to believe so, as they made it official in the midst of the nationwide Black Lives Matter protests happening in the United States.

    Across America, images of protestors fighting for their rights have been captured, some as they face terrible brutality as they make a statement for equality.

    In between all of the anger, fear, and heartache shown at the protests, one photographer, Charles Crouch, caught a sweet, soft moment between a loving couple who were fighting for change side-by-side.

    He posted his images on Instagram alongside the caption: “Went downtown to the protest against police brutality. I was blessed to capture this proposal in the midst of what would become chaos.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CA1fFAaDJ3B/

    The man proposing, Xavier Young, spoke to E! News about this special moment. He told them that it had almost not happened as it was pictured.

    According to Young, the pair were considering whether they should participate in the protest at all, since his now fiancée, Marjorie Alston, is pregnant and he had obligations elsewhere.

    Despite these complications, the couple managed to make their way to the protest, before which Young packed a bag of essentials, including the ring!

    They made their way to Raleigh, where the protests were taking place, and when the opportunity struck he requested that Alston and one of their friends stop on a sidewalk so he could have a sip of water.

    The next thing Alston knew, Young was down on one knee. Luckily for them, a photographer was nearby!

    Crouch told E! News that he had brought his camera along to document the protest for the company he works for. “I just happened to be standing right there when he went down on his knee. I began taking pictures,” he said.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CA1alp1FOgT/

    The loved-up pair hope to wed in 2021. Congrats to the happy couple!

    Image: Instagram / Marjorie Alston (@sweet.mj_)

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    In Emotional

    Amazing photos of LGBT couples that will make you believe in love

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    June is Pride Month in the United States. This month has been set to recognsie and uplift the important history and contributions LGBTQI+ individuals have made in American history.

    To honour the LGBTQI+ community, we want to highlight the love they have for each other. Same-sex marriage is legal in South Africa, and Wedding ETC is a firm supporter of LGBT rights.

    LGBTQI+ love is real and it is valid. To prove it, here are some stunning images that will give you all the feels.

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    Feature image: Pexels

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