• Category

    Weddings

    Category
    In Advice

    The legality of Zoom weddings in SA

    No Comments

    Globally, the popularity of Zoom weddings is increasing by the day. With the coronavirus pandemic essentially ensuring that no physical ceremony can take place, couples have limited options and therefore opt for online nuptials. However, the question of legality never seems to be brought up.

    There are certain requirements for a legal and valid marriage in South Africa. Some of these include:

    1. You must ensure you are both legally allowed to marry, and must understand the legal consequences of marriage
    2. You have to present all the required documents (including ID documents of both partners, divorce orders from previous marriages or death certificates if applicable) to the officiant
    3. Your marriage officer must be authorised in terms of Act No. 25 of 1961
    4. Your marriage must be conducted in the presence of at least two witnesses
    5. The witnesses and the marriage officer must sign the marriage register after the solemnisation of the marriage, and you as the newly-weds should be given a handwritten marriage certificate

    If we consider the last two points, we might notice that these are more difficult to fulfil while self-isolating.

    When the nationwide lockdown began, Minister Aaron Motssoaledi of Home Affairs said that no marriage certificates would be issued during the lockdown. He said that those who want to get married should wait until the lockdown is over, and in fact even joked about it saying that “maybe the 21 days will also give you time to think whether you want to get married or not.”

    With marriage certificates not being issued, point number 5 is pretty much impossible to fufill with a Zoom wedding. Point number 4 may be equally difficult if you don’t live with at least two additional roommates (which most couples don’t).

    Point 4 talks about being in the presence of two witnesses. This does not specify that the witnesses have to be there physically, although it might make the most sense to assume that is what it means. If we stay on the safe side and assume the witnesses have be there physically, then you’re probably unable to fulfil point 4 too.

    In addition, it may be difficult to find an authorised officiant willing to perform your marriage, since marriage was so clearly warned against by the government when the lockdown started.

    As a result of these stumbling blocks, Zoom weddings may be a bit of a grey area in terms of legality. However, it’s safest (and most likely correct) to assume that Zoom weddings cannot be taken as legally valid in terms of the law.

    Either way though, a zoom wedding may still be worth it for symbolic reasons! It can be used to celebrate what your day would have been, or to simply bring everyone together as you planned to in the first place.

    Here are some zoom weddings for inspiration:

    Image: Twitter / @tarekjpeg

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Accessories

    Lashes for days and how to care for them

    No Comments

    False lashes can make the world of a difference to your make-up look, but not many people know how to take care of them. Here are a few tips and tricks to help get the best wear from your lashes and make them last longer.

    Trim them

    Not all eye shapes are the same size and you may find your strip lash doesn’t fit. This is completely normal to slightly trim the strip with a pair of scissors. Besides looking more natural, they will also be way more comfortable on the eye.

    Skip the mascara

    With lashes that great, you don’t need to apply a coat of mascara. We’re not saying you can’t, but it will definitely help your lashes last longer without the added layers of mascara to remove once you’re done using them.

    Use tweezers

    A pair of tweezers are always handy to help you apply your falsies. It will help to accurately place the lashes as close to your natural lash line as possible without messing up the rest of your makeup.

    Never sleep with them

    Always, and we repeat, always, remove your lashes before going to bed. Similarly to removing your makeup, fake lashes are no different so take them off with the rest of your face before bed. It also helps to clean your lashes from any lash glue or other makeup that may have gotten on it during your wear before putting them back in the box.

    Apply after eye shadow

    It is better to apply your false lashes at the end of your make-up look to avoid getting any fallout eye shadow onto them. This will ensure your lashes looking fresh and new once your make-up look is complete.

    Practice makes perfect

    The only way to become better at applying your falsies, is to do it on a regular basis. You’ll find the more often you use it, the quicker you’ll be, and since they’re reusable, as long as you take good care of them you wouldn’t need to buy some for months!

    We love:

    Pinky Goat Lashes from R149.00 (Clicks)

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-1Uv4rlEA1/

    Huda Beauty Lashes from R335.00 (Huda Beauty Website)

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B2PyfauAse6/

    Eylure Lashes from R85.00 (Dischem)

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-w5Ffdj-ZW/

    Ardell Lashes (Clicks)

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B87Si5eFwyk/

    By Yashna Balwanth

    Image: Unsplash

     

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Celebs

    Bizarre moments from famous royal weddings

    No Comments

    A wedding is said to be the happiest day of a person’s life. If that person is royal, however, there are a few extra complications.

    The royal world has never been short of scandal and drama, even on wedding days. Here are a few wild moments from the years:

    Louis XVI didn’t attend his own wedding:

    Louis XVI was not happy that he had to marry Marie Antoinette, both of whom were in their mid-teens at the time.  So much so that he didn’t even show up to the wedding! Their wedding took place by proxy in Vienna, and Marie’s older brother Ferdinand had to stand in as the groom at the altar. The pair met for the first time weeks after their wedding when she arrived in Versailles.

    Their marriage was not an easy one. Seven years passed before they consummated the marriage, making them the laughing stock of the kingdom.

    Henry VIII created a new church so he could divorce his wife
    The Church of England was founded with a less-than-holy origin story. King Henry VIII wanted to end his marriage to Catherine of Aragon after their union failed to produce a son and he became interested in one of his wife’s ladies-in-waiting, Anne Boleyn. However, the Catholic Church does not allow divorce. King Henry VIII thus split from the church, built a new one and made himself the Supreme Head of the Church of England. 
    King Edward VIII abdicated the throne for love
    Britain’s Edward VIII became King in 1936 after his father died. However, he was already in love with an ‘unsuitable’ woman: Wallis Warfield Simpson. Simpson was already married, had previously been divorced and was -gasp- American.
    She got divorced but the royal family still could not accept her as an appropriate partner for the King. However, his love for Simpson proved too strong.  King Edward abdicated later that same year to be with Simpson, thus causing his descendants to lose their place in line for the throne too.
    The pair married in June 1937 but were shunned from the royal family for decades after.
    The Queen did not attend Prince Charles and Camilla’s wedding ceremony

    Prince Charles and Camilla’s relationship, which continued through his marriage to Princess Diana, was already a massive scandal on its own. Another huge scandal: his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, did not attend their wedding.

    The Queen insists that her absence was a sign of her prioritizing her role as Supreme Governor of the Church of England over any motherly duties. However, the Queen and Prince Phillip did not approve of Camilla when she first began dating their son, and many reports suggest that disdain continued over the years, adding fuel to the fire.

    Sarah Ferguson wasn’t invited to Will and Kate’s wedding
    Prince William did not extend an invitation for his highly anticipated wedding to his aunt, Sarah Ferguson.
    “It was so difficult because I wanted to be there with my girls and to be getting them dressed and to go as a family,” Ferguson told Oprah. “And also it was so hard because the last bride up that aisle was me.”
    Princess Stéphanie of Monaco married her bodyguard
    Princess Stéphanie of Monaco fell in love with Daniel Ducruet in 1988. Only problem? He was her bodyguard. The two carried on a relationship in secret, even having two children out of wedlock before marrying in 1995.
    However, the pair split a year later after Ducruet was caught on tape having an affair, causing yet another scandal for the family.
    Megan Markle only had one family member attend her wedding
    Megan Markle’s family has received much coverage ever since her relationship with Prince Harry became public. Many family members went out against her to speak to the press, and created great scandal.
    Markle’s father was meant to walk her down the aisle but days before the big day, he was caught staging paparazzi photoshoots to garner positive press about him. As a result, Markle had only one family member by her side for her big day: her mother. Doria Raglan stood proudly as she watched her daughter say ‘I do’.
    The Prince of Hanover’s dad skips his wedding

    Prince Ernst August married long term girlfriend, Russian designer Ekaterina Malysheva in 2017 without his father, Ernst August Sr., in attendance. In fact, the father did not approve of the nuptials at all.

    “The decision was not easy for me because it concerns my son,” August Sr. said to a German newspaper. “But I am constrained to preserve the interests of the House of Hanover and the property, including cultural property, which has been its property for centuries.”
    The Prince refused to return an estimated $100 million worth of property he’d been given a decade earlier, causing his father to anger and skip the wedding.
    Feature image: Instagram / The Royal Family
    by
    Continue Reading
    In Decor

    Beautiful barn wedding decor

    No Comments

    Rustic and romantic, barn venues have been trending for years in the wedding industry. The beauty of this venue is that you can really have fun with it.

    A barn gives enough of a blank canvas to truly allow your decor to stand out. That being said, you don’t have to do much to dress this space up from drab to fab. Some twinkling lights, drapery and floral installations goes a long way in adding to the environment.

    If you need help envisioning decor ideas, look no further. Here are a few spaces we are loving:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B9p3Q0ondmo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_EnyRvHG3g/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_c2AM8jsvA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_is2T6IL9P/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_ie1X6Hda8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B7G3urjq2ri/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_QY8vVHZbZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B77mjujqMa9/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_jWDmvqVM0/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Feature image: Unsplash

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Emotional

    Cancer patient (70) weds partner in hospital nuptials

    No Comments

    Everything seems quite uncertain right now. One thing remains stable through all of this, however, and that is love. Not even the uncertainty that cancer brings could stop this couple from celebrating their love and making it official.

    70-year-old Roy Wilson, a man with terminal bone cancer, wed his long term partner, Joy Hird, in a hospital wedding. The pair had not seen each other in almost a month. Wilson was admitted to the hospital on April 1 and visiting restrictions were in place as a result of the coronavirus.

    The couple were married by Rev Simon Airey, the chaplain at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital where Wilson was being taken care of.

    Being diagnosed with terminal cancer was a wake up call for Wilson. The frightening news made him realise that there is no time better than the present, and so the pair decided to tie the knot. However, much like many other stories these days, there was a small hiccup surrounding the issue of coronavirus.

    Wilson began showing symptoms of COVID-19, and was concerned that this would be the end of his upcoming wedding. After a negative test result on Friday, April 24, everyone was relieved and things were back on track for the ceremony on Monday, April 27.

    According to a post by The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital, the staff “pulled out all the stops to make the day as special as possible for the couple, creating handmade decorations and sourcing food.” They even ensured that a professional photographer was there on the day.

    Apparently, Rev Airey went out of his way to make sure the wedding could take place. Since the coronavirus pandemic has essentially halted all wedding ceremonies, it was difficult for him to provide a legal marriage. However, he managed to get special permission from the Archbishop of Canterbury.

    For all the efforts of the hospital staff, the newlyweds are tremendously grateful. “This has been a long time coming. It’s been a really special but emotional day. I’m absolutely exhausted but it’s been wonderful. We can’t thank the staff and chaplain enough for making this happen for us,” said Wilson.

    “What a day. It’s been absolutely lovely from start to finish, it’s certainly been a day to remember for us both. A big thank you to the wonderful hospital staff for all that they’ve done for us,” said Hird.

    Watch the sweet nuptials below:

    Image: Screenshot from video

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Bridal Shower

    Gracious grooms and their famous groomsmen

    No Comments

    A gracious groom knows that the attention is not only on him. He has to share it with his glowing bride, of course! However, would the groom be happy to share more of the spotlight with his famous groomsman?

    Yes, apparently. At least in the instances we’ve seen, grooms are quite happy to share their special day with their famous friends! If you’re struggling to believe it, then we’re here to ensure you’re convinced.

    Here are some of our favourite famous groomsmen:

    David and Brooklyn Beckham 

    The father-son pair are perfect for the role of groomsmen. Their fun and positive personalities surely brought a lightness to Victorica’s brother Christian Adams and his partner Emma Strafford’s wedding in 2017.

    Credit: Instagram

    Joe and Kevin Jonas 

    While all three brothers are famous (for the same thing), Nick ensured his brothers Joe and Kevin (and Frankie) were by his side on his big day when he married actress Priyanka Chopra. Their nuptials included a Christian ceremony and a Hindu ceremony.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BrGBYwKFqM0/

    Prince Harry and Prince William 

    Each brother played the role of groomsman when the other got married. The Duke of Cambridge provided the utmost support for Prince Harry on his royal wedding day in 2018. Harry took on the same role 7 years earlier, when Prince William wed Kate Middleton.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BsL2lLilzzU/

    Ed Westwick 

    Best known for his role as Chuck Bass, from the popular teen drama Gossip Girl, Ed Westwick looked dapper as he stood as a groomsman at his friends wedding in 2016.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BKlZxNZg3Nu/?utm_source=ig_embed

    Joe Manganiello 

    Magic Mike actor Joe Manganiello was the groomsman at a wedding in Malibu in June 2017.

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

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

    Derek Hough 

    Professional dancer popular for Dancing with the Stars (DWTS) was the best man for his friend, Mark Ballas who also appears on DWTS. He joined a fairly large group of groomsman at the 2016 wedding.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BN23szlggXd/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BNh_K97AMSF/

    Nsync 

    When Nysnc member Chris Kirkpatrick said his “I do’s” in 2013, his band members (Justin Timberlake, Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, and JC Chasez) stood by his side, despite the fact that the boyband was no longer going. The group looked happy as ever being by the grooms side.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BOiP0aYgo2T/

    Image: Instagram / Nick Jonas

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Celebs

    Joe Jonas plans anniversary surprise for Sophie Turner

    No Comments

    The coronavirus pandemic has messed with plans for people the world over, even celebrities aren’t exempt.

    Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner celebrate their one year anniversary of being married on May 1. Last year, the pair shocked everyone by tying the knot at a Las Vegas chapel after the Billboard Music Awards. The ceremony was officiated by an Elvis impersonator and livestreamed by DJ Diplo.

    They followed up that impromptu wedding with a star-studded, elaborate ceremony in the south of France a few months later.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BzetyV7BVll/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

    Initially, the pair had planned to go back to Las Vegas to honour their one-year anniversary. However, with the coronavirus pandemic, no one is doing much travelling at the moment.

    Speaking to James Corden on The Late Late Show, Jonas explained his new plan to bring Vegas to them.

    “So, if you can keep a secret, I would say I might try to recreate Vegas in our house. I have a DJ set up. We could do a night club.”

    Corden built on the idea, suggesting Jonas dress up as Elvis or even have the Elvis impersonator officiant join in on the celebration via Zoom call.

    Feature image: Instagram / Joe Jonas

     

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Advice

    Quiz: What’s the perfect colour scheme for you?

    No Comments

    Recently engaged? Congratulations! Now, the fun part begins. Planning a wedding is hard work, but getting to choose all the elements that make up your big day is an incredible experience. It can also be overwhelming. Don’t worry, we’re here to help.

    The colour scheme will determine the style, atmosphere, all the decor and even the bridal parties’ attire. You should choose a colour that reflects who you are and that makes you happy.

    Take this quiz to get to know yourself better and learn what colours will work for you:

    1. You’re at a party where you don’t know anyone. You:
    a) Introduce yourself to some strangers and end up making new friends
    b) Grab a seat and sip on a drink by yourself, until you see the friend who dragged you here
    c) Will never go to a party if you don’t know everyone who will be there!

    2. When planning an outfit, you:
    a) Go for the show-stoppers and like to experiment with looks
    b) Have a few favourite go-to items you always wear
    c) Always go with neutral tones, subtle and plain

    3. When you argue with your partner, you:
    a) Make sure they know exactly how you feel and why
    b) Usually stay level-headed and discuss things calmly
    c) Avoid conflict and end up apologising first

    4. Your ideal weekend activity is:
    a) Going out on the town to all the vibey spots
    b) Having a relaxed dinner with close friends
    c) Staying in, watching movies and eating treats

    5. You met your partner:
    a) By striking up a conversation at a party
    b) Through mutual friends
    c) A family member set you up with a blind date

    So, if you’ve chosen…

    Mostly a:

    You’re an obvious extrovert, and love expressing yourself. You might like strong, bright colours and choosing warm tones like yellow, orange or red will work well at your wedding.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B_DZWvcJJZ5/

    Mostly b:

    You are a confident, but relaxed person and don’t care too much for glamour. You might like cool, heavier colours like greens, blues and purples.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B0qq2E2oCta/

    Mostly c:

    If you are an introvert like the quiz suggests, you might be more reserved. A good colour scheme would be light colours, like peach, lilac, or pink to convey your calmness and tranquility.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Bulkv8phEZZ/

    Combination of a and b:

    If you are a little bit of an extrovert with a logical, level-headed side, we think you’ll absolutely love dark, sophisticated colours. This gives you room for self expression, but without all the brightness.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B9e9nliHv5i/

    Combination of b and c:

    If you’re an introvert but who likes to get out there, don’t let anyone hold you back. You’re not shy, but not loud either. An earthy, neutral colour scheme is what you want.  Go for whites, browns and greens.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-eCVVuH0KQ/

    Combination of a and c:

    If you’re one of those rare and wonderful creatures who seem quiet at first but actually get more expressive the more you’re comfortable, welcome. You might actually be a dark horse, and you might as well admit it. We recommend metallic colours like silver, gold or bronze for an edgy theme.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B4PpGs_B48l/

    Image: Unsplash

    by
    Continue Reading
    In Venues

    Alternative wedding venues for the eco-conscious

    No Comments

    If you’re living your best eco-friendly life, then a wedding venue that suits your lifestyle is a must. Although in South Africa it may be difficult to find a 100% self-sufficient, off the grid, carbon emission-free venue that also has a glam location, there are other options. Most of these options do require some flexibility, though. If you realistically want a sustainable wedding venue, you’re going to have to make it an outdoor affair.

    A garden

    If you or someone you know and love dearly has a gorgeous garden that can host a wedding, you’re sorted. Having a wedding in a garden gives you endless opportunities to create the setting of your dreams. Picture it: Strings and strings of solar powered fairy lights overhead, battery powered candles line the tables, in the distance, a bar serving guests drinks with paper straws, a solar-powered generator silently powering the entire event. There’s not a scrap of plastic in site and all your bins double into compost heaps. Even better? Have your wedding in the early afternoon so that you can take full advantage of all the warm and natural light. All is right with the world. Ps. we know the house which this garden belongs to may not be off the grid, but we forgive you. 

    A forest

    Yes this may seem a bit far fetched, but think of Bella and Edward’s wedding in Breaking Dawn, just without the werewolf-vampire drama. A wedding in a forest, surrounded by nature is an authentic way to celebrate your wedding. Everyone is so set on the popular trends but don’t you want to look back on your wedding day and be glad you went a different route? Add some authenticity to your day by opting for a wildly different venue. There are a number of forest wedding venues across South Africa, where you can say “I do” to the sweet sounds of song birds overhead. Some venues may include an indoor reception area so you can still have the best of both worlds.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    The forest knows of your love. It has heard your laughter, shared in your joy, felt your excitement and reveled in your love. It enjoys your moments together, just soaking it all in. It never forgets, only grows more lush and alive as love grows. The breathtaking nature scenes of Nikki and Sean’s love story captured by Art Photo. ° We love that our entire venue is surrounded by nature! ?? ° ° #overbergwedding #deuijlenes #oldbarnvenue #forestwedding #barnandforestwedding #nature #forestmagic #weddingstory #weddings2019 #realweddings #reallove #brideandgroom #weddinginspiration #beautifuldetails #foreverlove #weddingday #prettythings #awakenyoursoul #bestdaysofourlives #crazyadventures

    A post shared by Forest & Barn Wedding Venue (@deuijlenes) on

    A farm venue

    Yes technically this is a four-walled structure but not everyone wants an outdoor wedding. With a farm wedding venue, you get to enjoy the great outdoors and the great indoors. A classic, rustic mix is ensured with this style of venue. You get all the creature comforts of a traditional venue, with some wild Mother Nature thrown into the mix. Either your ceremony or reception area will be open-air with the other under a structured roof. A big body of water, manicured lawns and rose gardens make up the perfect farm venue feel.

    Image: Unsplash

     

    by
    Continue Reading
    In News

    Couple hosts Zoom wedding with 150 guests

    No Comments

    Weddings across the globe are being postponed or cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak. One American couple refused to let the COVID-19 pandemic get in the way of their nuptials.

    Meryl Epstein and Mike Simmons from New York have been self-isolating in the Florida Keys since March, according to Insider. 

    The couple who met through a dating app used another online platform to celebrate their wedding. The couple spoke to Insider and explained what their original wedding plans were and how these were foiled.

    Simmons said: “We’ve got lots of friends who are artists and performers, and the idea was to bring a bunch of those people together in our New York City wedding.

    “That kinda got switched around when everything in the world changed.”

    Epstein explained that the wedding was intended to be casual and non-traditional and that the couple were scouting rooftop venues in the Big Apple.

    “We were looking at more of that kind of loungy vibe, looking at different rooftops and things like that. We wanted it to be very New York and very intimate,” she said.

    “Obviously our plans had to shift with the current state of events right now, with COVID-19.”

    On a holiday to the Florida Keys the couple decided to rather extend their stay and self-isolate from there. The money that would have gone into the wedding has been used to finance their stay. The couple also settled on hosting a virtual wedding rather than cancelling or postponing their plans.

    Simmons explained: “It was a decision to kind of rethink how we were going to make this happen in 2020, and that’s when the idea started to come up that we can do it using technology.”

    The couple had also discussed the idea of eloping. They experienced the best of both worlds with their virtual wedding: a destination wedding with all their family and friends.

    Their virtual wedding also meant that their guest list could include 150 people, over 22 different time zones.

    The couple planned every detail as meticulously as possible. The virtual wedding, which was held over Zoom, included a dress code, speeches, live music and assigned “seating”. There was also a soundcheck, rehearsals and a “social distancing photo session” with a UK-based photographer over FaceTime beforehand.

    Epstein explained that planning a virtual wedding is just as stressful as the real deal.

    The couple made use of Zoom’s breakout rooms as their wedding tables. Each “table” was named after a different location in New York City. The couple had guests spend time together in smaller groups in assigned rooms after the ceremony. Guests were also given the chance to join in on the bride and groom’s room.

    A photographer went from each table(breakout room) taking photos and screenshots of the occasion. The couple requested that instead of gifts, their guests donate to a New York based non-profit, City Harvest, which is feeding New Yorkers in need.

    Image: Unsplash

    by
    Continue Reading